Contemporary Garden Wing or Tower

[Shanti]

I would love to request a ground floor room so that we would have a patio, but I am worried about noise from the floor above us. Were you able to hear any noise from the room above you (people walking around etc.)?

No.

 

[Shanti]

My only major complaint is that the room feels dark and run down. I'm not sure how they compare to rooms in the tower, however. I think the entire resort as a whole is in need of a major renovation.

When did you stay? The resort rooms were renovated a few years ago, and our garden wing room was extremely clean, modern & not dark at all.

 

[bebec22]

When did you stay? The resort rooms were renovated a few years ago, and our garden wing room was extremely clean, modern & not dark at all.

April 2015 and Feb 2017. Same experience both times. When were they renovated? I never would have guessed they've had a recent renovation.

 

[Shanti]

April 2015 and Feb 2017. Same experience both times. When were they renovated? I never would have guessed they've had a recent renovation.

They were renovated 4 years ago. I was surprised by your description as our room was impeccably clean & had plenty of light. Maybe you just need a different style of resort, something summery like Beach Club.

 

[skuttle]

We stayed for the first time last in a tower theme park view over Thanksgiving. Totally worth it! Nothing like waking up to the sights and sounds of the MK also waking up in the morning, and watching the fireworks from our balcony wearing PJs and eating cupcakes from Contempo Cafe. The room was really large, which is much needed for our family of five. The walk to MK was a great perk, and having everything in one building was awesome. We never heard anything, and we were above Chef Mickeys. We also never had issues with the elevators. I wasn't sure I'd like the Contemporary because it's not really my style, but it was DH's dream to stay there so we did it and I have to stay I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. BUt I don't think I'd do a garden room.

 

[bebec22]

They were renovated 4 years ago. I was surprised by your description as our room was impeccably clean & had plenty of light. Maybe you just need a different style of resort, something summery like Beach Club.

I think it's a combination of the dark furnishings, carpeting and style that made it feel dark. Our rooms were definitely not clean though. With 2 little kids I wiped everything down and was amazed at the dirt that came off of things. I also think the overhang on the patio makes for a darker room. I totally agree that I would prefer a different style of resort but with a massive double stroller, you can't beat the walk to MK. My mom and I joked on our last trip that we needed a 3rd adult just for the stroller! Beach club is on my list for when the kids get a little older and we spend more time at HS and Epcot!

 

[Darklord77]

We only stayed in a Garden Wing room for one night. Walking to the Tower was not a problem. However, the halls in the Garden Wing do feel like a maze. We might have got use to it if we stayed a few days longer. We didn't really care if we stayed in Garden Wing or Tower. We just wanted the benefit of being able to walk to the MK. Plus we got upgraded to a corner suite with access to the concierge level so I really can't complain too much.

 

[frostymom]

I always wanted to stay in the contemporary but did not realize they have garden wing. That is where we are booked for August. I wish I knew, I would have grabbed a tower room. Now it is not available. I hope my boys like this Resort.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I always wanted to stay in the contemporary but did not realize they have garden wing. That is where we are booked for August. I wish I knew, I would have grabbed a tower room. Now it is not available. I hope my boys like this Resort.

I really like the Garden Wing. It was quiet, close to the pools, a real short walk to the monorail and bus, plus I didn't have to wait on elevators.

 

[wdwnut61]

We have stayed in the Tower twice before and loved it. In March we stayed in the GW for 10 days and loved that too!
Rooms are identical and the walk to the main building wasn't any longer than waiting for the elevator in the Towers. Location can't be beat.

 

[Eastern]

Garden wing is convenient but for wow/fun factor I would book tower.

 

[dmband]

For me the only real plus of tower is if you want to watch fireworks from your room.
Otherwise the cost difference isn't worth it to me. In particular if you end up on the bay side.
Garden rooms with the patio leading to grass is the best imo

 

[alliecat523]

We are in the GW now and it is very nice, and quiet. We face the pool but we can just barely hear the bass of the music. Easy to rest and nap.

While seeing the fireworks from a tower room would be nice, I just don't think it's worth the expense. Many folks stand on the walkway to BLT and/or in the open stairwells in the main building to watch the show.

Walkway to MK is great but getting to EPCOT is a hassle. We've ended up taking Uber after a long, hot morning. $13.80 in a taxi and Uber XL. $8.68 in regular Uber. Worth the money.

 

[Laundress]

in March we finally stayed in the Tower. Loved the convenience, and was more charming than I thought it would be. Going to find it hard to go back to anything else.

 

[glocon]

We just got back from a stay in a GW room and it was spectacular.
Not dark At All!
Our room was a first floor room with a patio right across from a gate that opened into the pool and it was Not Loud At All!
It was so clean and modern and elegant.
My only complaint was the sliding barn style door to the bathroom didn't give enough privacy as there was a space between the door when it was closed and the wall, and you could see through it.
We were very close to the tower though, and I can see if you were at the further reaches it would be a maze to walk thru to get to the tower.
But no doubt I would stay there again if I could.

 

[glocon]

One more thing that has nothing to do with the original post- we loved the breakfast buffet at The Wave- definitely recommend it.

 

[WestieCrazy]

We stayed at the Tower in April (right before Easter) - loved it. Our room was on the 10th floor and had a Bay Lake view. It was so nice to wake up to the pretty sunrise, and also watch the boats during the day. Our room was pretty close to the front of the hotel, so we saw MK - especially Space Mountain - every time we left or returned to the room. For us, the cost of a MK view wouldn't have been worth it.

It wasn't noisy - and this was a very busy time of year. I can't recall hearing the monorail. The evenings were pretty quiet, actually.