Carribean Beach or Contemporary Resort

[blueman]

Hello, I will be going to Disney World in May and currently have reservations at the Carribean Beach Resort. I have stayed at CBR before and it was truly a "magical" experience. The theming of the resort is great! However, I was recently offered the opportunity to stay at the Contemporary Resort for the same price as CBR through Shades of Green. The thought of staying at a Deluxe Resort is very enticing, but I know very little about the Contemporary. From the outside, the hotel looks "sterile" and not as well themed as CBR or the other moderate hotels. I am worried that staying at the Contemporary will not have the same "magical" feeling.

Can anybody give me any advice on which resort to pick? Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. inkbounc

 

[disney4us2002]

It is themed futuristically and very colorfully. I'm thrilled to be staying there in June. If you're going to be at Magic Kingdom a lot, it's very convenient, less than a 10 minute walk. EPCOT, no problem hop on the monorail. There was a post in here last week that called for Contemporary lovers to share why it was their favorite resort. Try a search or go back a page or two and check out the replies!

Carla

 

[disney4us2002]

Blueman, I bumped the thread for you, check it out!

C-

 

[iloverags2]

I must be one of the only people out there who does not care for the Contemporary Resort. The rooms seemed a bit drab and small for a deluxe resort. The only plus I can think for it is the monorail, and convenience to MK. Otherwise, CBR is the way to go. Themeing is super, the stroll around the lake is peaceful, love those hammocks on the sand beach. And the food court is awesome. Just my two cents...

 

[eeyore0062]

Having stayed at both, I will cast my vote most decidedly for the Contemporary!

The rooms are anything but dull... very bright and whimsical! The energy in the main building is wonderful, and after all, it is Mickey's resort... you will find Mickey everywhere!!!

The convenience to everything, and everywhere just can't be beat! Love walking to the MK!

The white sand beach is nice, and the boat rentals are the best on property.

The pools are great...nice and big, and the slide is definitely better than the one at CBR.

Even if you are in the far North Wing, you will not be as far out from the tower as many rooms at CBR are.

Although we did enjoy our stay at CBR, I still feel that the Contemporary is a better choice...especially at the rate you were offered...DON'T PASS IT UP!!!!!!

 

[peedeejones]

My vote is also for the Contemporary and I have stayed at the Contemporary and Shades of Green(when it was the Disney Inn) and CBR. The Contemporary has so much to do: the marina on the huge lake has great watercraft. The views of the Magic Kingdom are great. The game room is the best on property. You get the water parade at night. but to me the best thing is being so close to the Magic Kingdom you can walk there! We have done this many times. I will say however that I preferred the old decor in the rooms as conpared to the brightly colored rooms now. The rooms when we stayed four years ago had a more sophisticated feel. I was a bit out off by the new decor during our stay last year.
Jennifer

 

[GeorgeG]

We stayed at the Contemporary for a number of years when it was one of only a few choices and always liked it. Since then, with one exception, we have stayed at the CBR and are very happy with not only the price (which isn't a factor in your case), but the atmosphere.

If the price was the same, I can't say for sure which we'd choose. They're both great, but have very different atmospheres.

Do you know what room category you will have? I'd have to say if you are offered a "tower" room (either view), consider the Contemporary. If you are getting a room in one of the "Garden Wings," it would be a real toss-up, probably with a slight favor to the CBR.

Either way you choose, you really can't go wrong. Hope you have a great time

 

[catklin1]

I've stayed in the North Wing and the Tower. I love the CR. It is so convenient. The rooms are very large with a day bed. There is a very nice food courtish type place on the first floor. I don't care all that much for the pool. It has a slide, but isn't too elaborate. Chef Mickeys is very good. The view of the fireworks is wonderful. Also, the electric pageant on the water is great. You can take a boat to eat at the WL and the Hoop-De-Do Revue. You can walk to the MK. The monorail isn't far from the wings either.

I can not imagine not liking it at the CR. I love the YC more, but for the price with SOG, you can't go wrong.

Either way have a great time.

Cathy

 

[Tluvs2talk]

I love the Caribbean Beach resort and have stayed there at least 5 times. If I were given the option to stay at a deluxe for the same price as a moderate I would pick the deluxe. My Hubby and I are all for trying a different Disney Resort and are working our way to staying at each one.

 

[goofygal531]

LOVED LOVED LOVED the Contemporary!!!

Would stay there again but I'm trying to cut back this year (since 9/11 I've been out of work, so only one salary in the family)

We stayed in the Tower and we're completely spoiled! The commute to MK is so close! We loved taking the monorail! Everything is right at your door step there. If I had a choice, I would pick there over any other resort. I has truly become one of our favorites.

We had a beautiful room and had not one complaint the entire trip. Everything was magical. Also loved having the "good" restaurants right there as well. We really enjoy the California Grill, Concorde Steakhouse (best hamburgers!) and Chef Mickey's.

I personally have come to believe that room location plays a major part in enjoying your vacation. We did laundry one evening and the laundry room is located in the South Wing. My DH said he'd never like to stay there and be so far away from the "action" as he calls it.

 

[Janet2k]

I stayed at both the CBR and the CR for the first time over the Christmas holidays. I really enjoyed both resorts and can see why you're having a hard time making up your mind regarding which one to stay in. Since you haven't stayed at the CR yet, I think you should give it a try. You'll probably never get the opportunity to stay at it for such a wonderful rate again. Take a chance. I have photos posted of both resorts here in my on-line photo albums: Janet2k's On-Line Photo Albums.

Here is a link to some webpages regarding the CR resort: Dreams Unlimited Travel's Contemporary Resort Information Webpages. If you look on the left-hand side of that webpage, you will find a link to streaming video of the resort.

By the way, welcome to the Dis!

 

[danacara]

I adore the CBR. It's very romantic at night.

 

[Disneylvr]

Although CBR is my very favorite Disney resort (of the ones that I have stayed in) if I was offered the Contemporary at the same price, even a room in the wings, I would definately jump on it. The rooms are the largest standard rooms on property I believe and the Contemporary is on the monorail!!!

 

[hellokitty]

you did not say if you have kids? the cont. has the biggest arcade in the area. It is really neat! and we loved feeding the ducks, too. The electrical parade comes by every night around 10 o'clock. The pool slide is actually longer than the one at the cbr. and there are two hot tubs that are larger in size than the cont. right in viewing range of the slide.

we have stayed at both this past yr. and i would pick theCR for it's monorail system it was great, and the walk to MK only took us 7 min. and we were in the south wing.

goodluck on your decision....
besides cr is a deluxe hotel so i would jump on it

 

[Bob NC]

Getting the Contemporary at this price is a ONE TIME DEAL. Take advantage of it!!!!

 

[drusba]

First, let me say that I am not one who finds the Contemporary design to be all that enticing. However, I would take it over any moderate at the same or similar price any day. You get to be within walking distance of MK, the room is huge in comparison to CBR (420 sg ft as compared to 340), and you have one of the best, if not the best restaurant on site, the California Grill (from which you have an excellent view of MK from the 14th floor).

 

[ubetiski]

CONTEMPORARY...definitely. I enjoyed CRB but for the same price I would jump at any monorail resort.

 

[GraceDVC]

We have stayed at both resorts and enjoyed each. Given the opportunity to stay at the Contemporary for the same price, I would definitely choose it. That monorail sound as it goes through the grand concourse lobby is magical, and the restaurants superior to the Caribbean Beach. Try the circular pool (without the slide) also; it is on the dock, and Goofy jetskis right by you. We were without children on our last visit and got the biggest kick out of the Goofy experience and also the Electical parade on the lagoon each evening. It is a great place.

 

[Kallison]

We've stayed at DXL, PO and Contemporary. The convenience alone of the monorail and not having to take the bus is worth it. Rolling out of bed, going to Chef Mickey's for breakfast and a less than 10 min. walk to the MK, can't beat it! The rooms are much larger and more comfy then the mods. Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[mitzelf3]

I have to vote for the Contemporary. First, let me stay that I have stayed at both (although the Contemporary was a long time ago), and I too loved the CBR. However, to get the same price at a deluxe, on the monorail, is too good to pass up. And the Contemporary has such history, it is the Original, and I think that it is a great, convenient place to stay.