Coronado vs. Caribbean

[justdru]

So, we've definitely got our stay in the world narrowed down to either the Coronado or the Caribbean. Buzz2001's website has been more than helpful and the unofficial Caribbean one has as well.

So, we'd like some input on the battle between the two. I did a search but the latest topics were from 2006 so my apologies if there are newer ones I didn't find.

We'll both be in our early 20's during the trip, no kids, and celebrating my birthday as well as my girlfriend's first real vacation. She's never seen the ocean and barely been out of the state!

She loves to swim so we'll definitely be spending some time around the pool and she's a pretty picky eater. We're both 'meat and potatoes' kind of people! We do both like chinese, japanese, mexican, and variety, however. We're just not too fond of fancy stuff. There again, though, we're from a small town so neither of us have gotten to experience a lot. It might be good to do!

We'll very likely prove to be dusk til dawn park attendees most of the time although we may take some breaks during the day to come back and rest up before the evening.

We're not really afraid to walk long distances so that doesn't weigh into the factor a whole lot.

SO, with all that being said, let's hear it! What are the pros and cons for each aspect of the resort for a couple in their early 20's?

 

[justdru]

Oh, one of the biggest factors for us is going to be transportation. I want the least hassle possible at the beginning and end of the days! As I said, we don't necessarily care to 'hoof it' to a bus stop but we won't be happy waiting 45 minutes on one to come.

If either resort has a known problem with it please mention it! :sohappy:

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR is my family favorite! I don’t know if it will work for you but pick which resort theme you like best and which resort amenities meet your family's needs. Also, check out my CSR website below for updated info and pics.

Here is just some quick info on CSR.

CSR has newly renovated rooms and queen beds (only mod to offer them).

A terrific main pool area that includes a 123 ft slide (2nd largest at WDW), kiddie pool, arcade, playground, sand volleyball court, hot tub (largest on WDW property), a bar, and snack bar (very good food for CS).

Reliable transportation that is not shared with other resorts, 4 resort stops and quick rides to all the parks. CSR has the closest bus stops to the park entrances too (first stop at DHS and MK)!

Other amenities you may be looking for in a resort.

Only moderate to offer suites.

A spa, salon, tanning beds, a lap pool and fitness center (free to its guests).

Rix Lounge – a dance club voted most trendy bar in Orlando. Only resort on WDW property to have a dance club.

Full menu room service, expensive though.

Central air units, flat panel TV’s and WiFi available.

A business center with computer access.

 

[prspeppers]

My vote would be for CBR.

For starters, the resort is beautiful. The vibrant colors, landscaping, and architecture are all very pleasing to the eye.

Each 'island' has its own 'beach'. You could lounge out all day in the sand or take a nap on a hammock.

If the 'beach' isn't your thing, the main pool area was just renovated and is really nice. There is a nice little bar and plenty of space to chill. In addition to the main pool area there are 6 quiet pools to choose from. Each 'island' has its own.

Watercraft rental is available right in the main courtyard area. In addition there are plenty of walking paths/bike trails.

The proximity to Epcot is great. You can see Illuminations from the main pool area. Grab a drink at 9 and enjoy the show.

The food court is huge...and there is also a full service restaurant.

Theres always a bus stop close by...Each 'island' has its own.

Theres really only a couple drawbacks to this Resort. If you are staying in Trinidad South your going to be walking quite a distance to get to the main courtyard. I would request not to stay in that 'island' cluster if possible. Second....The buses take 10-15 minutes to stop at each 'island' and exit the resort. This adds time to any commute to the parks.

I've also stayed At CSR....while I think its a fantastic resort, CBR blows it out of the water.

 

[justdru]

Does CBR share bus routes with any other resorts?

 

[disneygirl1]

My vote is for CSR!!! Have stayed at both places and find the atmosphere, food and transportation to be much better at Coronado. The pool is awesome too!! I was just there in December and the rooms are being renovated as well. May I suggest that if you do choose CSR, request a room in either the Cabanas on Casitas. That way you will be closest to the buses and El Centro. Good luck deciding!

 

[prspeppers]

Does CBR share bus routes with any other resorts?

Nope. CBR has all of its own bus routes.

 

[amaley01]

My vote is for CSR
(request Cabanas which have been recently renovated :king

We wouldn't hesitate to return. Great amenities, the PepperMarket has a great variety of food, the bus service is not complicated and doesn't share with another resort.

Each has different cons. The CSR would be the conventionners, if you run into them at meal times :animwink:; and the CBR is associated with the guest taking part of the cruise (land&sea) and watch out for the inner resort bus that takes you to the main buildings ONLY (Jamaica buildings are quiet and it's the last bus stop before going to the park).

Really both are beautiful !!! ENJOY

 

[justdru]

Really both are beautiful !!! ENJOY

You're telling the truth there! This is the hardest part... deciding which one we want to call home for the week!

I'm leaning toward CSR.. she's leaning towards CBR because she likes the Nemo room. This could be a battle!

 

[elizs77]

With the renovations, I would say, hands down, CSR.

 

[mickey7879]

My vote is for Caribbean Beach. We stayed there on our honeymoon in 2000 and LOVED it! I loved having a pool for each of the buildings, nightly entertainment where you could sit and listen to the live music and see Epcot as well. Would be a very romantic time!

We stayed at Coronado Springs for our "conceptionmoon" in 2006 and although we did bring back a little "souvenir", we weren't too impressed with the resort at all. The pool seemed overrated and overall, just not anything like we were expecting.

I personally think you would like Caribbean Beach better after hearing what you two are like.

Good luck picking a resort!

 

[Mr Toad]

Some food for though. We liked CSR very much. It is a very beautiful resort (really out of the Southwest). But keep in mind there is also a large convention center there. If they are hosting many events, it can be crowded with business folks. The Pepper Market food court is really nice. Maya Grill was ok. Many different kind of foods, not just usual food court fare...but there is gratuity added. If ya really want to get away from it all, CBR might be for you.

 

[Mr Toad]

HEHE...go for a Pirate room...YYYAAAARRRR!!!

 

[KaliSplash]

I'd go CBR. There is the automatic gratuity added at CSR's food court.

Also, I just prefer the Carribean to the Southwest. Also, it's more centrally located.

 

[accord99cutie]

My vote is for CSR, my hubby and I went there twice just the two of us (22 yrs old at the time) in 2007, and then took our DD 4 this past trip in April. We love the layout, the grounds are gorgeous and DH has also stayed at CBR and says he will never stay there again, it can not compare to CSR in his eyes!

 

[justdru]

Also, I just prefer the Carribean to the Southwest. Also, it's more centrally located.

In general, I thought I did as well. I hate the look of the Ranchos buildings... there's nothing beautiful about cactus to me! However, the cabanas and casitas areas seem very appealing.

Arrrrgh!

 

[accord99cutie]

The cabanas section really are very very pretty, the beach area and the hammocks everywhere are so nice! I found CSR to be wayyy more centrally located than CBR. All the bus rides were 5-10 minutes except to MK which was about 15 minutes. looking at a map CBR looks very close to both Epcot and DHS but the routes that the buses go make what could be a short trip, much longer. CSR only has a total of 4 stops, and the route is actually stop 2 first and 1 last, so if you request Cabanas you will be either stop 4 or 1, which means last pick up, but last drop off. With only 4 stops even if u are last dropped off it is not a horribly long trip around the resort.

 

[justdru]

The cabanas section really are very very pretty, the beach area and the hammocks everywhere are so nice! I found CSR to be wayyy more centrally located than CBR. All the bus rides were 5-10 minutes except to MK which was about 15 minutes. looking at a map CBR looks very close to both Epcot and DHS but the routes that the buses go make what could be a short trip, much longer. CSR only has a total of 4 stops, and the route is actually stop 2 first and 1 last, so if you request Cabanas you will be either stop 4 or 1, which means last pick up, but last drop off. With only 4 stops even if u are last dropped off it is not a horribly long trip around the resort.

Yea, I can't imagine the buses at Caribbean being anywhere near as fast as the ones at Coronado. Caribbean has about the same amount of rooms but almost twice as many stops. In addition, if Coronado is packed out I would imagine most of them would be conventioneers. That means most of them in the morning wouldn't be utilizing the buses to get to the parks. However, at night, it could very well mean some very busy buses.

I'm figuring if the buses were to sit at each stop in Caribbean for even just 5 minutes.. from the first pick-up to the last pick-up that's 35 minutes time right there. Granted, coming back, it would be silly to sit on the bus for all that and not just get off and walk.

That sound about right?

 

[justdru]

Bump - Anyone else have any input? Still trying to decide :lol:

 

[mpeters]

ok here is my 2 cents:

I have stayed at both and while both are extremely nice my vote is for CBR and here is why:

Food Court for picky eaters
Newly renovated theme pool
More quiet pools
better resort shop
better transportation

Ask to stay in jamaica.
In the morning, you can walk to trinidad north (which is a quick walk) and you are the first to be picked up for whatever park you are going to for the day. When you return in the evenings, Jamaica is the first to be dropped off.