Flummoxed...Contemporary or Yacht Club?

[queenofhartz]

Hi everyone! Thanks for taking a bit of time to give me your opinion...

I am making our reservation on Friday, but I can't decide between the Contemporary or the Yacht Club. We've never stayed at either. DH, DS (5 years old in June), and I will be going in October.

So, I''ll warn you...I have a tendency to overthink things. For those of you that want the quick short version, skip straight to the end...I summarized and asked my question in the last paragraph. For those that want to experience the babbling explination, read on....

Contemporary has the monorail running right through the resort, and DS would get a complete kick out of this. Additionally, DH liked the "decor" here the best (yes, my husband commented on the decor...he also helps me pick out clothes when we go shopping. he would k-i-l-l me for spilling that in a public forum, but I trust you guys. ) I like the idea of the MK View room. Also, DS will most likely want to spend the most time at MK, and since you can walk to MK, it seems pretty convenient. Pool looks a little boring maybe. What I don't like is that it is about $500-700 more than Yacht Club which would probably pay for our food, so I'm not sure if it's worth it??

Yacht Club is in a good central location. We'll have a car, so getting around hasn't been a problem in the past. The pool area looks really great. DS can't swim yet, but he's enrolled for lessons to start in a few weeks. DS and DH are water babies though, so I thought he might enjoy it. Really, the pool was the attraction here - DS could care less about theming at this point and DH and I weren't personally awestruck over a yacht club themed hotel...yep-it's the pool.

I guess after writing all of this, I feel like I'm really wanting to stay at the Contemporary. But, I'm just not sure about the $700 difference in price. I guilt myself over stuff like this....we can pay $500-$700 more to stay in the Contemporary, but it's a splurge. I try to think about how much time we'll spend in the room....DS still takes naps every day, so at least 2-3 hours each day for afternoon naps. I try to plan a resort day as well where we have breakfast at the resort, rent little water boats or play in the pool, stuff like that. But, ultimately, we wouldn't be going to Disney because of the Contemporary or the Yacht Club. See...overthinking.

So, Contemporary is about $500-$700 more than Yacht Club. In your opinion is Contemporary worth the extra cost here??

 

[Elissa14]

Hi. The Contemporary definitely offers the convenience of the monorail but we thought it was dirty and hated the counter service food there. I was expecting to love it and we did not. I've never stayed at the Yacht Club but will be staying at the Beach Club in Sept. I would suggest the Poly if you want a monorail resort. Just wanted to be honest.

 

[queenofhartz]

Hi. The Contemporary definitely offers the convenience of the monorail but we thought it was dirty and hated the counter service food there. I was expecting to love it and we did not. I've never stayed at the Yacht Club but will be staying at the Beach Club in Sept. I would suggest the Poly if you want a monorail resort. Just wanted to be honest.

Wow- thanks for the candid review. Cleanliness is definitely a priority here.

 

[Sue M]

The Contemporary sounds like to would be the most convenient for you, being on the Monorail with a little one. And being able to walk to MK. If you wanted to save some money, you could stay in the Garden Wing, which is sig. less then the tower, and still have the convenience of the location.

We haven't stayed there mainly because the theming doesn't do much for me. But may try it one day, just for location. And the rooms are nice. It's just the hotel theming- meh.

Even if you planned on driving- staying at YC, you can't drive to MK, you'd have to drive to TTC, then take the monorail or boat to MK. So it may be easier just to take Disney bus from YC.

We are staying at BC for the first time in Aug. It's the one area we haven't stayed in yet. If you don't like the theming of YC, what about BC?
The pool looks amazing. And I like the conv. of being able to walk to Epcot & DHS. Or boat to DHS.


Have you considered WL? We love it there. A boat takes you to MK, and you can drive to the other parks if you don't want to bus.

Have fun deciding. I always obsess about where I'm going to stay!

 

[queenofhartz]

The Contemporary sounds like to would be the most convenient for you, being on the Monorail with a little one. And being able to walk to MK. If you wanted to save some money, you could stay in the Garden Wing, which is sig. less then the tower, and still have the convenience of the location.

We haven't stayed there mainly because the theming doesn't do much for me. But may try it one day, just for location. And the rooms are nice. It's just the hotel theming- meh.

Even if you planned on driving- staying at YC, you can't drive to MK, you'd have to drive to TTC, then take the monorail or boat to MK. So it may be easier just to take Disney bus from YC.

We are staying at BC for the first time in Aug. It's the one area we haven't stayed in yet. If you don't like the theming of YC, what about BC?
The pool looks amazing. And I like the conv. of being able to walk to Epcot & DHS. Or boat to DHS.


Have you considered WL? We love it there. A boat takes you to MK, and you can drive to the other parks if you don't want to bus.

Have fun deciding. I always obsess about where I'm going to stay!

You know, I feel meh about the Contemporary theming as well. Unfortunately, the Garden Wing didn't come up as an option on the Disneyworld website, so I think it must be sold out. I would have definitely considered that. Love, love theming at AKL and WL. DH, DS, and I went to AKL and had a great time. I went to WL many years ago...the lobby alone took my breath away. DS and DH have not been to WL. WL was originally my first pick. I showed it to DH, and he said he thought the rooms looked small and he would rather go back to AKL. I don't know...the rooms are the same size as AKL I think. And, he didn't feel that AKL was small. Now you've got me thinking about WL again, and the price is significantly less....I can probably talk DH into it b/c of the price, and he would love it when we got there.

 

[MAGICX2]

You may want to give your self more than just two options. We tried to book several dates in Oct. at the Contemporary in the Main Tower and it came up unavailable for all dates.

 

[graceesmom]

I have stayed at the Beach Club twice and the Contemporary twice (once in a garden view room and once in an MK view room).

Since the YC and BC are incredibly similar in style and location and share the same pool, I'll give you my comparison.

Rooms
The rooms are comparable in comfort, with the Contemporary edging out in space.

Convenience
For us, CR wins hands down every time. We still spend more time at MK than any other resort, and if we're going to hop to a different park at night our first choice would be MK. It's so nice to be able to walk back for a nap from MK without waiting on any type of transportation.

For October, you do have the draw of the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. YC will be very convenient for going over for events there if you plan on taking part of that. However, we find that the monorail to Epcot from CR is also pretty convenient.

The distinction -- from CR, you have incredibly convenient access to MK and pretty convenient access to Epcot -- our two favorite parks. From YC/BC, you have really convenient access to Epcot and not very convenient access to MK. From YC, you'll either have to take the bus that shares with BC, the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin or drive to TTC and then take monorail or boat from there.

POOL
BC/YC pool is fantastic. I don't think anyone can contest this. Stormalong Bay is an experience in and of itself. However, it can be difficult to keep track of young children here b/c it is so spread out. My only complaint about the pool is that you feel every seem in the big slide. Ouch. On my first visit, at first, I thought it was just me, but then I heard lots of other people mention this. We stayed there again in March and it was the same. They do also have a small slide across the sidewalk for little ones.
The pool at the CR is rarely crowded and has a really fun slide. They have a nice play area for the children but no small slide if your child is afraid of the big one. My DD started going down the slide at the CR about 2 months before her 3rd b-day, but she is a water baby and loves everything water related.

Food

The lack of a full CS restaurant at BC/YC is a bit of an annoyance. The BC does have the marketplace, but that will not be super convenient from the YC. They have a limited menu and limited operating hours.

Overall, I prefer the CR, but I would not have any problem staying at the YC/BC again. In fact, I am booked at the YC for October, but only b/c the CR didn't have any availability for the bounceback offer we booked during our dates. If I can switch to CR before our trip, I plan to.


Regarding the MK view at CR. We did love our MK view. We splurged on it and I don't regret it. However, I could do without it next time. I could be just as happy in a garden wing room or a tower room with view of Bay Lake.

 

[Sue M]

You know, I feel meh about the Contemporary theming as well. Unfortunately, the Garden Wing didn't come up as an option on the Disneyworld website, so I think it must be sold out. I would have definitely considered that. Love, love theming at AKL and WL. DH, DS, and I went to AKL and had a great time. I went to WL many years ago...the lobby alone took my breath away. DS and DH have not been to WL. WL was originally my first pick. I showed it to DH, and he said he thought the rooms looked small and he would rather go back to AKL. I don't know...the rooms are the same size as AKL I think. And, he didn't feel that AKL was small. Now you've got me thinking about WL again, and the price is significantly less....I can probably talk DH into it b/c of the price, and he would love it when we got there.

Yes, the rooms are exactly the same size at WL & AKL. 344 sq ft

 

[queenofhartz]

You may want to give your self more than just two options. We tried to book several dates in Oct. at the Contemporary in the Main Tower and it came up unavailable for all dates.

Hi Magicx2! Don't know if you're still int'd in CR, but for the week of Oct 2-7, Contemporary Tower rooms are available now based on the Disneyworld.com online system. Just in case you wanted to check it out....

 

[queenofhartz]

I have stayed at the Beach Club twice and the Contemporary twice (once in a garden view room and once in an MK view room).

Since the YC and BC are incredibly similar in style and location and share the same pool, I'll give you my comparison.

Rooms
The rooms are comparable in comfort, with the Contemporary edging out in space.

Convenience
For us, CR wins hands down every time. We still spend more time at MK than any other resort, and if we're going to hop to a different park at night our first choice would be MK. It's so nice to be able to walk back for a nap from MK without waiting on any type of transportation.

For October, you do have the draw of the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. YC will be very convenient for going over for events there if you plan on taking part of that. However, we find that the monorail to Epcot from CR is also pretty convenient.

The distinction -- from CR, you have incredibly convenient access to MK and pretty convenient access to Epcot -- our two favorite resorts. From YC/BC, you have really convenient access to Epcot and not very convenient access to MK. From YC, you'll either have to take the bus that shares with BC, the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin or drive to TTC and then take monorail or boat from there.

POOL
BC/YC pool is fantastic. I don't think anyone can contest this. Stormalong Bay is an experience in and of itself. However, it can be difficult to keep track of young children here b/c it is so spread out. My only complaint about the pool is that you feel every seem in the big slide. Ouch. On my first visit, at first, I thought it was just me, but then I heard lots of other people mention this. We stayed there again in March and it was the same. They do also have a small slide across the sidewalk for little ones.
The pool at the CR is rarely crowded and has a really fun slide. They have a nice play area for the children but no small slide if your child is afraid of the big one. My DD started going down the slide at the CR about 2 months before her 3rd b-day, but she is a water baby and loves everything water related.

Food

The lack of a full CS restaurant at BC/YC is a bit of an annoyance. The BC does have the marketplace, but that will not be super convenient from the YC. They have a limited menu and limited operating hours.

Overall, I prefer the CR, but I would not have any problem staying at the YC/BC again. In fact, I am booked at the YC for October, but only b/c the CR didn't have any availability for the bounceback offer we booked during our dates. If I can switch to CR before our trip, I plan to.


Regarding the MK view at CR. We did love our MK view. We splurged on it and I don't regret it. However, I could do without it next time. I could be just as happy in a garden wing room or a tower room with view of Bay Lake.

Thanks so much gracesmom! This is a very helpful comparison of these two very different places. We could save about $200 if we did not get the MK view, which would be a $300-$500 difference...that's a little better. They had some bay lake view rooms available.

 

[canwegosoon]

I love YC and the pool there. My kids spend a good 2-3 hours there every day while on vacation. I love the nautical theme...but that's me. I do think with a car there will not be a big difference, but I do have to agree CR is far more easier to negotiate the transportation. You could save the car for HS and AK days. While you do not see anything on the disney website- I would call and ask...you never know. DId you also think about renting out DVC points?

 

[crazygoalie39]

If you're going to spend most of your time at MK and you get a MK view, it is definitely worth it. I love the YC/BC/BW area, but I would definitely stay at CR MK view over any of these. If you're going to spend a lot of time at Epcot or DHS and/or not getting a MK view, I would go with YC. Also, I would look into Poly or WL. Poly is just as expensive as CR, if not a little more, but I think the theming is a lot better, gorgeous grounds, and on the monorail. WL is also a great option because it has the same benefits as being at the 3 monorail resorts, except cheaper.

 

[Belle83]

Are you only looking at rates on the disney website? I've found pretty good deals through expedia and travelocity (but the downside is your room is non-refundable and you pay up front).

If you can get a garden room at the Contemporary, I would vote for that simply because of the location. I'm not sure if the Polynesian is similar in price to the Contemporary but that also would give you the location and monorail.

If you don't like Yacht Club theme, try Beach Club? The pool does look pretty awesome. With a 5 year old, though, I would pick a Magic Kingdom resort, if the price were only $200-300 over. Not $700 over, though (not me anyway). Now, I've never stayed at any of these resorts so take that for what it's worth.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have stayed at both...do not like CR at all, it is so old and just non Disney to me.

Love the YC because it is so quiet and close to Epcot, since the F&W is going on in Oct that might be the better location for you

 

[DSLRuser]

stayed at both, and the yacht/beach club wins hands down.

The contemp rooms seem very big, but the 1970's view of what is futuristic and modern is old and tired. The back area and pool area have no vibe. The cont pool has to be the worst pool in all of disney world.

i did like being able to walk back and forth from the MK, but beyond that, I have no other positives.

YC/BC has 5 resorts to enjow all within a walking distance. so many food and drink choices. The best pool in storm along bay. And being able to walk to epcot and the studios.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with the Contemporary because their rooms are among the biggest of the Deluxe Resorts, walkway to the Magic Kingdom, Resort Monorail access and should you be staying in the Tower all of those rooms come with a full balcony.

 

[lojikal1]

I have two young sons.... Contemporary hands down... they ooooh and aaaah over the monorail... they wear out easily... and they need some place where they can get burgers and chicken fingers... YC lacks the ability to handle those issues... With a small child, you have to find food when they want it... CR has that... With a small child, you have to go back to the room when they need it... CR makes that easy... don't get me wrong, I like theYC/BC/BW area but that is more a couples getaway spot IMO...

 

[hannahdrewmom]

I have to disagree with the comments about CR not being clean and looking dated. They have been redone and are beautiful! The rooms were airy and clean when we have gone and the location CAN NOT be beat. It has a cool "train" as my son liked to call it that runs through it and the counter service is among one of the better ones. It too was just redone in the past couple of years.

If you are planning a trip that has a lot of MK I'd definitely stick with CR. If food and wine and HS are the draw then YC.

The pool may be a draw... but it is just a pool. Most kids will be more than happy with the slide and pool at CR. At 5 I think he will enjoy that level of pool and it sounds like CR is your DH choice too. I do it and enjoy!

 

[J'aime Paris]

I don't know if your interested in a split stay, but that's what we did last summer.

5 nights at Universal hotel
2 nights at Contemporary Resort
3 nights at Yacht Club

It was the best of all combinations for us.....but not everyone enjoys switching rooms.

 

[Jacquaman]

We stay at the YC/BC and do not find getting to MK that diffiicult. But you will need 2 things.
1. A park hopper
2. A stroller and a child willing to sit in it.

Leave YC/BC thought the Epcot entrance and walk to the front of the park, out the gate, and up to the monorail. Ride to MK. Reverse process to return.

Depending on the child, you might want to consider if all the excitement might cause a nap override (when he shuns naps and wants to see it all) or might cause a nap over drive (where he get plain tuckered out and naps in the stroller). In October, the weather should allow you all to find a bench behind the tea cups and take rest. Or Mom and Dad can ride swap on Space or Thunder Mountain.....