I have a newbie (first family trip to WDW and stay at CSR) question on room location.
My family (Husband, myself and two kids - 7 & 5) have booked a standard queen and are traveling with my parents who have a water view king (and they will want a good waterview ;). We would like to be fairly close to El Centro as we plan to grab some breakfast items there before hitting the park (at least I think we will), close to the Dig Site (assuming weather will be good for swimming in early December) and, perhaps most importantly, fairly close to a bus stop. Because we will have two kids and a double stroller, I am feeling like being near one of the first bus stop should be a priority.
Right now I have a Touring Plans request in for Casitas 5 but I would really appreciate hearing from others - especially those who traveled with small children. Who loved their room/location? Any buildings to avoid - either because of the wishlist above or need for renovations? Also, some of the recent reviews are making me very nervous…as I mentioned, we are traveling with my parents…I just don’t want anyone, myself included, to be disapointed.
We have stayed there twice. The resort is fine. The rooms were fine. It is a bit spread out. We stayed in the Ranchos and Cabanas. Thought Casitas was a really far from El Centro.
No matter where you are you will be walking if you want to get to anything - but most moderate resorts are that way. The last time we were there I was very disappointed in the MouseKeeping - but I think that is really hit or miss.
I have stayed there twice and really like the resort. BUT, we always have a rental car and use it daily. I like building 6B because it is close to the Dig Site and the parking lot. There is a bus stop there that we have used a few times and have never had trouble getting on. We only use the bus midday and late afternoon though, not in the morning when everyone is headed to the parks. This is in Ranchos section which many don’t like, but we do because it is very quiet and peaceful. It is nowhere near El Centro though, which may not work for you. We make a grocery store run and have a quick breakfast in the room. It is much cheaper and more convenient than going to the resort restaurants to eat, but I realize others want a more elaborate breakfast. Overall CSR is a very nice resort and the pool and slide is fantastic.
We stayed in the cabanas and while there’s walking regardless, we found this location to be a reasonable walk to El Centro and dig site pool. Bus stop was not far either. Our kids were 7 & 9 at the time.
We enjoyed our stay - the size of the resort helps it from feeling crowded (a nice break from the parks)