[JOANN]

Just made my reservations for May 2005. But I ran into a little problem.
My intentions were to book all 8 nights at the CSR. Well, I was told that I could only book 4 of the nights on my AAA, because the last 4 nights were not available. So, I asked if I could book the rest of the nights at regular rates. She told me that there were no rooms available at regular rates. Reservations then told me Riverside/PO, and CBR were available with the AAA discount. So, right now I have 4 nights and the CSR and 4 nights at Riverside. I realize that the 50th birthday party will be going on in May. Maybe that's the problem, or just a lot of conventions going on from May 8-11th. Of course could have got any of the Deluxe Resorts, but just do not want to spend that kind of money on a room you are just using for sleeping.
Now, I am waiting patiently for the AP rates to come out for May, and hopefully can get all my nights at the CSR. Thanks!!! JOANN

[skwak]

Joann,

I wouldn't change a thing. Seriously!!

We love splitting our trip between resorts. It's a chance to see and experience both. And they are both very nice. Disney will even move your stuff for free while you are out at the parks.

I say keep these as is.

[Dana]

Joann -
Congrats on your newest WDW trip. I love that first call to book. It always gets me excited. Take the four nights at each resort with the triple A discount. You will just have to transfer resorts. I am doing this next month and will be able to report back how it went if you want. I think the 50th anniversary may be bringing a few extra people to the parks in May, but cannot think of what else will be going on the first week in May. I believe all the traditional holidays etc are over and school is still in, so I am as baffled as you as to why it will be so busy. It may be just conventions at CSR. Look at it this way, it's like having a second WDW trip. You get to start a fresh one when you change resorts. It'll be a neat twist on the trip. I'll let you know how my switch goes.

[mickaholic4077]

I would say that it is the Flower and Garden festival as well as the 50th anniversary of DL party.

[mickey]

My guess is that since CSR is a convention hotel, there is most likely a big convention for those last 4 nights when you are planning your trip. Shouldn't effect park attendance, but it obvious will effect your hotel stay.

[dznygrl]

I bet Mickey's right. CSR conventions are very unpredictable...but then again, so are AAA rates! They seem to be very sporratic, just here and there. I think it's GREAT that you will get to spend your trip at 2 resorts, though!

BTW...when are you going? We are going in mid-May, just don't have the dates finalized yet.

[JOANN]

Sorry I have not thanked everyone for your reply's .... As far as no rooms available for our last four nights at the CSR, it could be a number of things. I realize the 50th Birthday party starts, and then you just never know about the conventions that are scheduled. Infact, DH and I said maybe it would be nice to stay at Riverside. Have not stayed their since 1997, which then it was Dixie Landings, and have to say we did like it.


dznygrl, we will be back at Disney on May 4-12th. JOANN

[livcammom]

It looks like you have stayed @ CSR many times. I have booked a stay there, me, DH, DD 5 & DS 2, from 2/5-2/12/05. Any advice staying here that you could give me? Any little insider secrets? I have purchased 4 day hopper passes, so we have 2 days to just hang, anything we should do thats fun?

[JOANN]

We have stayed there many times. That's why I'm just a little disappointed that I could not get all of our nights there.
I think you will love the Resort. It is a big resort, but just so pretty. The walk to the Pepper Market it just beautiful. Depending what building they put you in, it could be a little hike. But if you don't mind the walk, I thing you will enjoy the view of the resort.
The Rancho's are quite far from the main building. Of course, you don't have to worry about the bus stops, because there are 4 of them, and all pretty conveinent. I like the Cabana's, since you have an option to getting off at bus stop #1 or 4. We were also very close to the Quiet Pool, and not very far from the main pool. Which, is great. If you do go to the Main pool, and you've never been, make sure you are there by 10am. That's when all the waterfalls are turned on. Especially, keep focused on the Pyramid. I think your kids will like that, when it's turned on.
Our children are all grown now, but we still keep going to Disney, just because we love it there. Any more help or questions, please feel free to PM or e-mail me. I do not claim to know it all, but as far as the Resort goes we do know it quite well. Good luck and have a great vacation.!!!!!!! JOANN

[woohoo]

Im confused- why dont you see if there are any other resorts that have all those days available? Perhaps then you might see how many days of the trip would have AAA rates available?? I know that if we were to change our reservations at this point we would lose the AAA rooms. We just inquired about that- but our trip is at the end of this month so its kind of last min for us.

[livcammom]

Thanks so much joann!! I'll make sure I bring the kids to the pool @ 10:00!! Hope theres atleast 1 warm day I promised my daughter we would go swimming no matter what, even it we freeze. I want here to go down that slide, it looks awesome!! I think I read that it was heated, hope so!! I also heard that they have telescopes set up around the lake to look around, that sounds pretty cool

[DisneyTeacher]

I say keep your trip as is. Two resorts in one tirp shouldn't be a problem.

We changed resorts on our last trip and it was easy, we even moved our own bags. We started our trip at BCV, moved to Shades of Green then our last day decided we didn't want to go home at 6 pm so we booked a room at Pop Century. We stayed in 3 resorts and it didn't seem like it was a big deal. I think we are doing the same thing this summer, we are spending a week at WL, moving to BCV for a week, and then booking our last night at All Star Movies.

[JOANN]

Originally Posted by woohoo

Im confused- why dont you see if there are any other resorts that have all those days available? Perhaps then you might see how many days of the trip would have AAA rates available?? I know that if we were to change our reservations at this point we would lose the AAA rooms. We just inquired about that- but our trip is at the end of this month so its kind of last min for us.

It's because we like the CSR, and if I can get just 4 days there it's ok. I could have got all the days at the other moderates, but I choose not to. I'm hoping that some rooms will open up for availabity. I could have even got the Deluxe Resorts for all 8 nights, but even with the AAA, the rooms started at $299. Just a little to expensive for us. I just can't justify paying that much for a room. Of course, they are nice, but since we come down to Disney quite often. The moderate rooms are just fine for us.
Have a great trip!!!!! JOANN

[Storm59]

Originally Posted by livcammom

It looks like you have stayed @ CSR many times. I have booked a stay there, me, DH, DD 5 & DS 2, from 2/5-2/12/05. Any advice staying here that you could give me? Any little insider secrets? I have purchased 4 day hopper passes, so we have 2 days to just hang, anything we should do thats fun?

I loved CSR when we stayed there. I will definitely go back, after I meet my goal of staying in every one of the others *grin* For hanging days, there's quite a bit to do at the hotel itself. The pool is wonderful, you can rent boats or bikes, there's a nice trail that winds around for walking or jogging, ducks to feed. And you can go to DTD or the Boardwalk as well! Have fun! I know you'll love CSR!!

[livcammom]

storm59, is DTD very close to CSR? We have been to WDW twice (stayed @ Dixie Landing & CBR) & believe or not we have never been to DTD. My husband seems to think the only thing to do is shop (hates it!!) I'm trying to convince him to go this time since we will have the kids & I've read about Lego Land & some type of fountains they can play in.