"A free trip to the World? Sweet!" - AUGUST 2013 WDW AEP TR updated 10/19

[jenny105]

glad you got to see FW, we love it there, like you said it is huge, but very peaceful and relaxing thats for sure. but a car is good there, makes getting around a little easier.

I don't think I'd want to stay there without a car. I went to dinner at HDD once a few years back and had to take the internal shuttle. One shuttle too many for me!

Love it! Keep it coming! We went to Wilderness Lodge to eat at Artist's Point and I fell in love I'd love to stay there and Poly (cause that's the closest I'll get to Hawaii)!!! You pics are awesome, makes me excited to get back there!

I want to go to Artist's Point. I've heard it's very good and it's so pretty! Poly is my dream resort too!

I love your pictures of the Fort! If I ever wanted to do more of a relaxing trip, I'd totally stay in a cabin there.
And siiiiiigh. My gorgeous Lodge. Every time we went to another resort this last trip, Zach would list the reasons why WL was better haha.

Zach is right I haven't stayed at a Disney resort yet that tops WL!

I am so in love with the WL! No wonder it's your favorite! I WANT TO STAY THERE SO BAD!! One day...one day. Maybe for Christmas?

I am intrigued by the cabins but I don't know if I'd ever actually book one. They have such a different feel that it usually just seems like the whole vacation atmosphere would change! IDK! I would definitely want a car if I stayed in them.

I'd LOVE to stay there for Christmas. Start planning Kimmy!

I think the cabins would be very relaxing. I love how they're tucked away in the woods. I don't think I'd ever stay at FW without a car though. I wouldn't want to rely on the buses there because I feel like it would take twice as long with the internal shuttle plus the park shuttles.

What an interesting spin on a trip report! I love getting to see all these resorts (especially since none of them are ones i've been to)

Also that chair at the Boardwalk is indeed the creepiest chair, but man it's funny.

It is! When we were touring everyone took a seat and those chairs (there are two) remained vacant.

We stayed at WL in December 2010, and absolutely loved it!!! It was cold the week we were there and it was nice to come in a sit by the fire and warm up. I just hate it was too cold to swim.

Bummer you didn't get to swim but I'd love to see WL all done up for the holidays! I'm sure it was gorgeous!

What a wonderful trip report!

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

 

[kbarrett]

Artist's Point was amazing! I would go back there in a heartbeat! We overdid it last trip and did DDxDP so we really ate at a variety of places and very few were even close to as wonderful as Artist's Point! It was gorgeous, our waitress was wonderful from start to finish. We have four children and she even helped the kids put together their Mickey puzzle desserts! I had the Oak-smoked Venison Carpaccio which was amazing and I usually don't like venison, then the Grilled Hand-cut "C.A.B." Filet Mignon and it was WONDERFUL, and finally the Dark Valrhona and White Chocolate "Sculpture" yum! From the moment we walked in, to prying ourselves away it was fabulous! You should try to go on your next trip, you will not be disappointed!

 

[jenny105]

Artist's Point was amazing! I would go back there in a heartbeat! We overdid it last trip and did DDxDP so we really ate at a variety of places and very few were even close to as wonderful as Artist's Point! It was gorgeous, our waitress was wonderful from start to finish. We have four children and she even helped the kids put together their Mickey puzzle desserts! I had the Oak-smoked Venison Carpaccio which was amazing and I usually don't like venison, then the Grilled Hand-cut "C.A.B." Filet Mignon and it was WONDERFUL, and finally the Dark Valrhona and White Chocolate "Sculpture" yum! From the moment we walked in, to prying ourselves away it was fabulous! You should try to go on your next trip, you will not be disappointed!

Ok you definitely talked me into trying it next trip. No need to twist my arm! Kris and I usually split our dining choices - he ends up picking Biergarten and Ohana, places we've been to many times - and I end up picking new restaurants. Artist's Point is definitely on my list of places to try.

 

[jenny105]

After leaving Wilderness Lodge we headed over to the Contemporary. To be completely honest I wasnt that impressed with this resort. It felt dated and worn & I never really get that feeling from Disney resorts but I did here. The carpet in the lobby was filthy and the room itself seemed like it was falling apart literally! The wood paneling around the TV started to fall while we were touring a room and it almost clocked someone in the head. Thank goodness someone caught it before that happened. The throw pillows in the room we saw were also stained. I know no hotel is going to be immaculate but for the price people pay to stay here, I felt the upkeep could have been a little better. Plus I just get a cold feeling from it. It could have been any chain hotel, nothing special. If not for the monorail you wouldnt know you were in Disney. It definitely doesnt have that take-your-breath- away feel that a lot of the other deluxe resorts have. If someone asked me to rank the monorail resorts Contemporary would be last on the list. However, BLT is fabulous! The fact that its only a couple years old probably helps! Anyway on with the Contemporary tour.

The lobby

The Wave. Ive never eaten here but Ive heard good things.

Dock for the launch that will take you to Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge.

Shop in the lobby

Looking at the lobby from upstairs

Bathroom of a typical room at the Contemporary

Notice how the paneling around the TV is tilting forward. There is supposed to be a chain attached to it to hold it in place and there wasnt!

I have to admit the view is outstanding!

After we toured Contemporary we headed over to a room at Bay Lake Tower. We werent sure wed get to see it because they were having difficulty finding a room that was empty. We managed to see a 1 BR and then on our way out in the lobby we saw a family about to check-in. Im guessing this was their room!

BLTs pool area

The beds look just like the beds at Paradise Pier in Disneyland! Same décor.

I always feel like somebodys watching meeeeeee!

I always have a cameo from at least one member of our group.

That was our last site inspection for the day and after the bus dropped us off at Grand Floridian we were free for the night! The plan was to shower, head to MK, and then a late dinner at Chef Mickeys. Did everything go as planned? Stay tuned to find out!​

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

even a chain holding the paneling up sounds odd...if it is done right it should be secure without having to be held up with a chain...

you are right they need to update it better and not just rely on the monorail to bring people into the main buidling.

but if i was given a free night there i wouldnt turn it down.

 

[klacey1]

That's so disappointing about the Contemporary! I did walk through the conference area once and was totally unimpressed. I love it from the outside because it's such a Disney icon, but you're right, those prices are not worth it for rooms that are literally falling apart!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I adored the CR! I love the yellow throw pillows...one of them has Mickey on it! The rooms were all recently renovated and while I was there, they replaced the tvs on my floor. That might be why the paneling fell off while you were there. The other agent that was there with me said that after they replaced her tv, she noticed a huge scratch across the shelf in front of the tv. I guess that crew was not very careful! I also noticed a ton of dust/debris on the shelf in my room after the tv was replaced.

I did notice a few other things that needed some help, but it didn't bother me. I'm sure they will get things fixed soon.

 

[Dancegrl624]

That's so disappointing about the Contemporary! I did walk through the conference area once and was totally unimpressed. I love it from the outside because it's such a Disney icon, but you're right, those prices are not worth it for rooms that are literally falling apart!

The conference area is beautiful! The ballrooms are gorgeous and I can just picture weddings being held there.

The smell in the lobby is heavenly. I wish I could get my house to smell like that!

 

[jenny105]

even a chain holding the paneling up sounds odd...if it is done right it should be secure without having to be held up with a chain...

you are right they need to update it better and not just rely on the monorail to bring people into the main buidling.

but if i was given a free night there i wouldnt turn it down.

I definitely wouldn't turn down a free night but would I book this place on my own? Nope! I eventually want to stay at every resort in WDW but Contemporary is near the bottom of my list. I just didn't care for it.

That's so disappointing about the Contemporary! I did walk through the conference area once and was totally unimpressed. I love it from the outside because it's such a Disney icon, but you're right, those prices are not worth it for rooms that are literally falling apart!

I don't think it's themed as well as the other resorts. Our guides kept mentioning every resort tells a story and when we asked what the story was here, Tommy was just stumped. It could've been a Hilton or Marriott. There's nothing wrong with those chains but they're not Disney resorts! The only appealing thing to me is that the monorail runs through it.

I adored the CR! I love the yellow throw pillows...one of them has Mickey on it! The rooms were all recently renovated and while I was there, they replaced the tvs on my floor. That might be why the paneling fell off while you were there. The other agent that was there with me said that after they replaced her tv, she noticed a huge scratch across the shelf in front of the tv. I guess that crew was not very careful! I also noticed a ton of dust/debris on the shelf in my room after the tv was replaced.

I did notice a few other things that needed some help, but it didn't bother me. I'm sure they will get things fixed soon.

I'm glad you enjoyed it but I just didn't care for the resort. Sure you're within walking distance to the MK and the monorail runs right through it but other than that I don't think it's worth the price tag. If they were to put me up at the Contemporary for a conference or another AEP I wouldn't complain but it's just not a place I'd book on my own. BLT yes but not the Contemporary itself.

 

[Dancegrl624]

I definitely wouldn't turn down a free night but would I book this place on my own? Nope! I eventually want to stay at every resort in WDW but Contemporary is near the bottom of my list. I just didn't care for it. I don't think it's themed as well as the other resorts. Our guides kept mentioning every resort tells a story and when we asked what the story was here, Tommy was just stumped. It could've been a Hilton or Marriott. There's nothing wrong with those chains but they're not Disney resorts! The only appealing thing to me is that the monorail runs through it. I'm glad you enjoyed it but I just didn't care for the resort. Sure you're within walking distance to the MK and the monorail runs right through it but other than that I don't think it's worth the price tag. If they were to put me up at the Contemporary for a conference or another AEP I wouldn't complain but it's just not a place I'd book on my own. BLT yes but not the Contemporary itself.

Tommy did our resort tour too! He is the voice for the College of Disney Knowledge training modules!

Right now, the room I just stayed in goes for $507/night. I don't think I could ever pay that much per night for any resort. Crazy!

 

[jenny105]

Tommy did our resort tour too! He is the voice for the College of Disney Knowledge training modules!

Right now, the room I just stayed in goes for $507/night. I don't think I could ever pay that much per night for any resort. Crazy!

The whole first day I was sitting there saying 'I know his voice from somewhere.' At the dessert party it hit me and when I asked him, he confirmed. He's such a great tour guide! Did you meet Rita? She drove me nuts lol.

Exactly - the price is insane!

 

[yeheyprincex2]

Nice trip report first one I have completely read. Travel perks, nice

 

[jenny105]

Nice trip report first one I have completely read. Travel perks, nice

Absolutely. My job has its ups & downs but I can't complain about the perks!

 

[jenny105]

We arrived back and the hotel & since dinner was late tonight we stopped at Gasparilla Grill to get a little something to eat. We were planning to go to Magic Kingdom with two other girls from the group Patty and Kat. Lorraine got a kids meal and I got some soup. Patty and Kat got made to order salads and we were finished & their food still hadnt arrived. Lorraine and I went to the room to get changed and we were raring to go but Kat & Patty wanted to take showers first. They are very nice girls but they were slowing us down! I took some pictures of the room while we waited.

Excuse my mess! Another GF perk bathrobes!

Say hi Lorraine!

Bathroom was a little on the small side&

But the vanity area was huge!

Hello again!

Our balcony

Looking to the right

Looking straight ahead. If that wall on the left wasnt there wed have a view of Magic Kingdom!

Looking in from the balcony

Tink!

We headed out to meet Patty & Kat in the lobby. I snapped more pictures of the grounds on the way. GF is such a pretty resort!

The view that was blocked by the wall to our left.

I love palm trees so that explains why Im hugging one.

The GF Villas. I was hoping wed get a tour but there was still some construction going on.

Hello dream resort!

We found Kat & Patty in the lobby and headed up to the monorail. It was finally time to go to MK!

Patty, Kat, Lorraine, and me

Stay tuned for our night at Magic Kingdom and Chef Mickeys!​

 

[klacey1]

Wow, that's crazy the food took so long! Ah, I would not have enjoyed being slowed down like that! Traveling with others definitely had its ups and downs!

 

[homeschoolmomof4]

Loving your trip report!! I've stayed at CR a couple of times now for business meetings. It feels sterile and lacks the Disney charm of the other resorts. Last time we were there for a business meeting, I was honestly dreaming of Pop Century. The one thing that I really like about the Contemporary is its location. There's nothing like being able to walk back to your resort after a long day at MK!

 

[jenny105]

Wow, that's crazy the food took so long! Ah, I would not have enjoyed being slowed down like that! Traveling with others definitely had its ups and downs!

I have no idea why it took so long. It was just a couple of Caesar salads! I am not a patient person so I wasn't too happy.

Loving your trip report!! I've stayed at CR a couple of times now for business meetings. It feels sterile and lacks the Disney charm of the other resorts. Last time we were there for a business meeting, I was honestly dreaming of Pop Century. The one thing that I really like about the Contemporary is its location. There's nothing like being able to walk back to your resort after a long day at MK!

Glad you're enjoying the report! CR definitely has one of the best locations on property but the lack of theming there just turns me off. You're absolutely right - even the values have more charm than CR! IMO it's not worth the hefty price tag.

 

[jenny105]

We hopped on the monorail, proceeded through bag check, and then we were finally in Magic Kingdom! Notice the fall decorations - it was August!

We had a short list of rides we wanted to get done before dinner Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, Little Mermaid, and Space Mountain. It was my job to make sure we hit them all. It helped that our tour guides had given us fastpasses. First up was the Haunted Mansion. I think this is probably my favorite ride in MK. I just love the theming and the song is one of my favorites!

Next up was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Patty is nervous about roller coasters but I assured her there were no big drops & no loops. I dont think she ended up liking it but she made it through unscathed.

Then we headed over to New Fantasyland to ride the Little Mermaid ride. Im not a huge fan of Ariel (I think shes a brat. Oh youre a princess but youre too good to live underwater? Oh your Dad is so mean? Shut up) but I was excited because this was a new experience for me. As we walked over to the ride I snapped a few pictures.

The Seven Dwarves Mine Cart is really coming along. I cant wait to ride this next year!

Us with Dopey and Doc.

Beasts Castle

I enjoyed the Little Mermaid ride. Its your typical dark ride, nothing special, but its cute. The ride vehicles are similar to the clam shells on the Nemo ride. Kat sung through the whole thing she loves the Little Mermaid I guess! My favorite part was the Under the Sea section. Love that song!

Recently I read the story of the original Little Mermaid. Boy does that not have a happy ending! But of course Disney made it one.

After Little Mermaid we headed over to our last ride Space Mountain. Patty sat this one out & it was just me, Kat, and Lorraine. I loved it as usual! That ride is such a blast. Then we left the park and walked over the Chef Mickeys. If I had to hear one more complaint about the walk....yes, we couldve taken the monorail but we beat it to the resort! Its not like I asked you to walk to Epcot people! Anyway we checked it, got our picture taken with the plate, and went to the waiting area. I was really surprised we had to wait at all. I figured since we had a late reservation (9:05) it wouldnt be crowded but the place was packed!

The characters were upon us before we even had a chance to get our food!

A kiss from Donald. Hes my favorite!

For some reason I didnt make it into any of the pictures with Mickey, Goofy, or Minnie. Oh well Id meet them another day!

Overall I thought the food was ok at Chef Mickeys. Id never been there for dinner only breakfast and I think breakfast is better. Lorraine didnt like it at all. She said it reminded her of a cafeteria. Youre obviously paying for the character experience here and not the food but I can think of other places where Id rather spend $50! Good thing Disney provided us with $60 dining cards. That definitely helped!

When we left Chef Mickeys we found out the monorail was closed! We took a cab back to the Grand Floridian and Kat cracked me up when she said the cab driver drove like a maniac. I guess Im used to NYC cabs so that was nothing to me! We made it back to the resort safe & sound and called it a night.

Day 2 ending stick around for the rest!​

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

A kiss from Donald. Hes my favorite!

i knew you were good people but this just confirmed it.

 

[jenny105]

i knew you were good people but this just confirmed it.

Donald's the best!