Contemporary or Polynesian???

[Jalva22]

Theming is the main difference to me. Thanks to the monorail, you can access the shops and restaurants at both places very easily. The only other meaningful difference I might see would be noise level. But for me, the differences are small enough that I make my choice between them almost entirely on the theming.

On the fireworks, the Poly also offers a very nice, straight on view of the fireworks. A little more distant, but it's beautiful. I agree it's nice to watch them from the comfort of your balcony, but it's also very nice to watch them from a tropically-themed beach.

 

[Selket]

Yes, I agree, once you stay Tower MK view...well, you're hooked. It's like Disney lovers crack... There is nothing second to it!

I agree with that!

I haven't stayed in the Poly but did the CR - the old North wing (now gone) and just this past Sept. stayed in the tower with an MK view with the new rooms and that was just beautiful.

I've been in the Poly a couple of times - it seems beautiful as well - almost more like a moderate to me with all the outside buildings. Of course the location is great.

The pool at the CR looks plain but now it is one of my favorites. It is huge - looks beautiful next to the lake - and is just very relaxing. I didn't find it as crazy with people as the other resorts.

The best thing is being able to walk to the MK and back.

I would go with the one where the theming appeals the most and that is totally personal. If you really want a view you'd have to prefer the MK Tower rooms. That is a spectacular view.

 

[cyndisun]

We stayed at both last August. The CR was a last minute add on. I probably would not have chosen that resort but it had availability. We were pleasantly surprised by it. We had a fabulous view of the lagoon and MK. The rooms were very nicely furnished (better than Poly) and pretty big for our family of three. Now we didn't stay for very long (2 nights I think) and we might have gotten tired of it on a longer trip. I didn't like the restaurants and quick service food that much. Those things are much better at Poly IMO. DS11 loved the pools at both. CR pool was much less crowded. Transportation at both was great. Walking to MK is definitely a plus for CR.

I'm probably not being much help. But overall, both resorts were fabulous. Either you pick will make a phenomenonal vacation.

Have fun.

 

[Cinderella]

I vote the Poly as it's my favourite resort. I would love to try the Contemporary though, as I love the restaurants there - but only if I could stay in the main building.

By the way - I don't agree with the poster who claims that those views of the MK are the best in WDW. What's good about seeing all that traffic?

I stayed in Concierge Lagoon view at the Poly, last time I stayed there and I had the perfect view of the castle.

 

[Laurabearz]

Just so you know... Magic Kingdom view is really Parking Lot view with the Magic Kindgom off in the distance

 

[MissionMouse]

Just so you know... Magic Kingdom view is really Parking Lot view with the Magic Kindgom off in the distance

One of the reasons people often make room rquest for rooms closest, along with highest floor level, to the MK...it reduces the parking lot view.

 

[Show Me the Magic!]

I have not stayed at either but we are booked for the CR this June and I strongly consider changing to the Poly so that we could get the Club level. Here is why I did not switch, the convenience of getting off the Monorail and going to an elevator and than straight to our room, no wondering around from building to building. Also, we are booked with a MK Tower room and the thought of watching wishes from our room is too much to think about not having Plus our kids were all about the Monorail going through the building and they did not want to change. So that is my humble opinion take it for what it is worth.

 

[mmmears]

I dont think you'll go wrong either way.

As for transportation, CR has the edge with the MK, but Poly has the edge with Epcot (and a close 2nd to MK since the boat is direct).

I think of the Poly as laid-back and relaxing. I think of the CR as more energetic and hustle-bustle.

I prefer the atmosphere/theming of the Poly since I like the tropical gardens so much. But this is just a personal thing, and some people prefer seeing the monorail go through their hotel!

 

[Laurabearz]

One of the reasons people often make room rquest for rooms closest, along with highest floor level, to the MK...it reduces the parking lot view.

And a small percentage of people get their requests met... The majority dont. Even in the top corner, MK is far away and the view still mostly is of the parking lot/bus lanes.

I just want to make sure people who book MK view understand what the view really is, and not some zoomed in /cropped picture that is so often presented as the Contemporary MK view.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I always say when you look outside at the Magic Kingdom and everything around it from the Contemporary you don't even notice the parking lot.

 

[Little_Sister]

I always say when you look outside at the Magic Kingdom and everything around it from the Contemporary you don't even notice the parking lot.

Agreed...the view is spectacular!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Agreed...the view is spectacular!!

 

[GSLand]

We stayed in both early Dec '08. When I wanted to extend our stay at the Poly no rooms were available so I chose 2 days at the Contemporary. It was our first stay at both resorts.
I have to say I was WOW'ed by the Contemporary. The room was large and comfortable, with "contemporary" decor. Great view of the lake from our balcony.
The Poly was great too - just as the many fans on this board have said.
I would probably not go back to the Poly. It just seemed a little too crowded. However I would like to stay at the Contemporary again.
So ... try them both.

 

[brergnat]

And a small percentage of people get their requests met... The majority dont. Even in the top corner, MK is far away and the view still mostly is of the parking lot/bus lanes.

I just want to make sure people who book MK view understand what the view really is, and not some zoomed in /cropped picture that is so often presented as the Contemporary MK view.

That's a good point, but I also want to argue that few people look DOWN when they are in a high rise building.

For example, on our last trip, we were at the Wilderness Lodge in a standard room, on the 6th floor (the "lowest" floor you *could* get in the CR tower on the MK side), but the highest you could get in the WL non-club level). Since we were "standard view", we were over the service area, with the garbage trucks, smoker, etc.

However, directly in FRONT of our view, we could clearly see the Contemporary, Seven Seas Lagoon, Monorail, MK Train Station, and a bit of the Castle. We could see every bit of the nightly fireworks from our room.

Ask me how many times I stepped out on my balcony and noticed the service area? Or really paid attention to it?

I can imagine if you are in the Contemporary Tower, MK view, on ANY floor from the 6-11th, you will NOT be looking down. At least, I wouldn't.

 

[Laurabearz]

Just so you know... Magic Kingdom view is really Parking Lot view with the Magic Kindgom off in the distance

That's a good point, but I also want to argue that few people look DOWN when they are in a high rise building.


I can imagine if you are in the Contemporary Tower, MK view, on ANY floor from the 6-11th, you will NOT be looking down. At least, I wouldn't.

The camera is not Pointed DOWN

Say what you will, the facts are clearly shown in the non zoomed in picture.

Is it still a cool view... sure

Is it nice to see fireworks from your room... sure

But the fact remains it's a parking lot view with the MK in the distance.

 

[frisco]

I love the Magic Kingdom but don't see the big deal about the MK view from the CR. How much time do you spend on your balcony? If I was that close to the Magic Kingdom, I'd just go.

I could see the top of the castle and the Main Street Railroad Station while lying in my bed at the WL. That was a pretty cool view to go to sleep to.

 

[WonderinAland]

Here is why I did not switch, the convenience of getting off the Monorail and going to an elevator and than straight to our room, no wondering around from building to building. Also, we are booked with a MK Tower room and the thought of watching wishes from our room is too much to think about not having Plus our kids were all about the Monorail going through the building and they did not want to change. So that is my humble opinion take it for what it is worth.

While I agree it's convenient, and it can be hard sometimes to find your building, part of the magic is the theming of the resort.

I enjoyed the decor of the CR, especially since I'd never go that modern in my home, and found that very relaxing. But with 2 young boys fascinated by the monorail - it was TOO close. They kept running out into the hall every 11 or so minutes to see it go by! That was not restful!

The Poly is gorgeous, and close enough to the monorail to ride the loop a few times a day, but it's not in the hall!

We also loved the beach and hammocks and pool and closeness to the TTC and.... We're going back in March!

can't wait...

 

[BlueSkies]

Staying in a tower room at the CR is undeniably a unique experience...

What other hotel anywhere has a monorail running through it...

My kids always loved standing out in the hallway and watching the monorail coming and going....Is is a sight to behold...

As far a convenience...being able to walk to and from the MK is sooo nice...

View...well I am a fan of the Bayview personally(and its a less expensive booking category)...its is beautiful..relaxing..we have always loved being able to watch the EWP late in the evening from our balcony...sitting out watching the sunrise in the AM is wonderful too...

And I agree during the day you definitely see the parking lot when viewing the MK but at night...the MK view is spectacular!! You really dont notice anything but the beauty of the castle all lit up and the fireworks are the icing on the cake...

What so nice is there is a viewing area on the 4th floor of the CR so you can have a Bayview or be in the garden wing and still enjoy the MK view...

Obviously I favor the CR... but either way they are both beautiful resorts..

 

[Little_Sister]

Yep, best parking lot view I've ever paid for!

 

[Cruella 66]

The above pictures are a classic example of perspective. We had tower MK view and I chose to admire the gorgeous view of MK, Bay Lake, the horizon. I don't even remember the parking lot. Glass half empty or half full???