A Simple Poll. CR Garden Wing or WL Standard View?

[Maukey]

Simply put, I've booked the WL for my family of 5 ( Myself, DW, DS14, DD9, and DS1) for Mar. 1 - 8. We booked the WL because it is our favorite themed resort, it's close to the MK, it gets some of the best praise of all the Disney resorts, and because our budget doesn't allow us to stay in a MK View Rm at the CR; my dream vacation .

When I booked I considered a GW Rm at the CR, but everything was booked, so following some hefty research, we decided on the WL. However, I recently found out that as the days get closer to our trip, there's a GOOOOD chance that some GW Rms will become available at the CR.

Now my question is should I pay the slight increase in price and get a GW Rm if it becomes available?

I know it's not my dream vacation with a MK View. But I LOVE the idea of the monorail with my one year old. And given the fact that 8 of our 9 meal reservations are at MK, EP, Poly, and the CR, I'm thinking the monorail might be huge for us. Also, although I know it's completely random and rare, there is always the possibility of a free upgrade to a MK or Bay Lake View in the Tower .

However, we do love the WL's theming much better. Plus, there's no construction going on at the WL.

Give me some advice Disney experts. What would you choose and why?

Thanks

 

[drewswife]

The boat to the MK for the WL is stroller friendly I find the WL much nicer setting wise the CR. Although if you are doing alot of Meals at the other Monorail hotels then maybe CR is better choice. Either way you can't go wrong

 

[Kae]

We love WL. but for 5 I would go with CR the rooms are larger.

Kae

 

[piglet&potatohead]

I am definitely not an expert and I havent' stayed at either of these resorts but I am thinking about it and would love to hear what the experts say.

I have stayed at the POLY with my then 14 month old and 5 yo. Having the monorail was great. On the days we went to the MK we were able to get to the park well before opening, get back to the resort fairly quickly for a midday nap, then head back to MK for dinner or to watch fireworks etc. We also had dinner at GF and Chef Mickey's. The ease of getting there by monorail was a big plus for us with a little one, as she was not fond of the bus rides.

Happy planning

 

[ElizabethB]

We've stayed at both. Go with CR garden wing. The rooms are much larger and more comfortable than at WL. What CR lacks in theming, it makes up for with the convenience of the monorail. The monorail makes it so easy to get to MK, to Epcot and to the other monorail resorts for dining and shopping. And, frankly, our boys loved that the monorail came right through the building.

We were in a garden wing first floor room. We had a pretty view (we purchased standard view) and bunnies and ducks went past the sliding glass door. The kids enjoyed going out on the patio, although we couldn't use it in the evening due to lots of gnats and biting bugs.

The pools are nice. There is a big slide, and the quiet pool is very prettily situated right next to the lake. Also, the arcade was great when we stayed there, although I'm not sure what's happened to it with the construction. There is a greater variety of water sports (including parasailing) at CR than at WL. And, parking is pretty easy and convenient.

Frankly, when you're tired from a long day at MK, nothing beats walking up the ramp to the resort monorail -- or even just taking the short walk back to the hotel. When you're imagining your vacation, it's fun to pick the most exotically themed resort. When you're living your vacation, convenience easily trumps everything else, IMO.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[simonkodousek]

I've stayed at the WL and the Polynesian, and what really got us to stay at the Polynesian was the monorail. It is so convenient to have it right there!

I vote for CR!

 

[spiceycat]

the CR - if your child has a melt down at the MK - then hey you can walk back - don't even have to ride the monrail.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I would have to say CR for these two reasons:

room size and transportation

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Forgive me OP, I do not want to hijack your thread, but I am having the exact "dilemma" as you (as if deciding between two deluxe resorts at WDW is a "dilemma!"). We are not a family of 5, but of 3, and have booked WL Woods View for the first time. CR Garden Wing is currently not available for our dates either, as I expect "standard view" is limited due to there only being one wing left. I, too, have been toying with switching should it come up. I understand you indecision. I will follow this thread and may just do whatever you do, LOL!

 

[of the seas]

I would say if you are not staying in the Cont. tower, then I voted for WL. It can be a long walk to the monrail and dining options from the wing.

 

[Maukey]

Forgive me OP, I do not want to hijack your thread, but I am having the exact "dilemma" as you (as if deciding between two deluxe resorts at WDW is a "dilemma!"). We are not a family of 5, but of 3, and have booked WL Woods View for the first time. CR Garden Wing is currently not available for our dates either, as I expect "standard view" is limited due to there only being one wing left. I, too, have been toying with switching should it come up. I understand you indecision. I will follow this thread and may just do whatever you do, LOL!

. Welcome to the club. Right now I'm keeping my reservation at WL, but if the CR becomes available I will probably make the switch! I definitley welcome you to join in my decision. Good luck and happy planning .

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

First off- I LOVE the WL and I'd normally recommend it over alomost anywhere else...but, if you've stayed there before- why not try something new- especially the Contemporary. I think the benefit of the monorail and the walk to MK are huge! Even if it's not your dream MK view room, it will at least get you a couple perks and the expereince of the resort.

I'd go for it, no questions!

 

[Maukey]

First off- I LOVE the WL and I'd normally recommend it over alomost anywhere else...but, if you've stayed there before- why not try something new- especially the Contemporary. I think the benefit of the monorail and the walk to MK are huge! Even if it's not your dream MK view room, it will at least get you a couple perks and the expereince of the resort.

I'd go for it, no questions!

I've never stayed at the WL. I apologize if I've led you to believe that I have. This is my first time staying on Disney property since 1989.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My vote was for the Contemporary Garden Wing. While the Wilderness Lodge is a very nice Resort to stay at, the Contemporary is a lot more convenient with the Monorail and having the walkway to and from the Magic Kingdom.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

I would choose WL. It is gorgeous, but also every room has a balcony. I do not believe the Garden WIng rooms have them. Traveling with kids that need to nap makes it awfully nice to have a separate place to go, IMHO.

 

[Maukey]

I would choose WL. It is gorgeous, but also every room has a balcony. I do not believe the Garden WIng rooms have them. Traveling with kids that need to nap makes it awfully nice to have a separate place to go, IMHO.

Thanks, I didn't know this. Definitely something I need to take into consideration.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I'd go for WL....we just stayed there in Dec. and it was so beautiful and relaxing. I have never stayed at the CR, but just don't really care for the theming, JMO. The boats at the WL are great...direct boat to the MK is wonderful and relaxing. When we had a dining ressie in a monorail resort, we just hopped on the boat to the CR and were there very quickly.

Have you considered the Poly??? Another beautiful Monorail resort, and no construction worries like at the CR....that would be my fear with a little one.

Either way, i'm sure you'll have a blast!

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

We booked the WL because it is our favorite themed resort, Now my question is should I pay the slight increase in price and get a GW Rm if it becomes available?

Sorry- misunderstood