Contemporary resort

[youngaussienurse]

Hi everyone! I'm new here. I am a 25 yo female registered nurse who lives in Australia. My twin sister and I are coming to Disney world for the first time in November (1st) is this a good time to come? Also we thought we might stay at the contemporary resort as we have read that it is convenient etc.. Can anyone tell me the distance from the contemporary to the different parks. Also is it a nice place to stay. We were also looking at the Polynesian. Which one is better? Thanks for your help!

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Well its walking Distance to MK and about 15 minutes or so to the others by car or bus. Poly is beautiful and across the lagoon to MK and same time as contemporary to the others.

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

I would do the Poly, the contemporary is a need of a major rehab! You guys will enjoy the poly much more!

 

[Suflay1]

Hi Young Aussie!
Welcome - you'll probably get lots of answers to your inquiry. The Contemporary and the Polynesian are both wonderful resorts, although very different in architecture and theming. I've stayed 3 times at Contemporary, and although I'm not all that fond of the decorating scheme, it is a luxury resort with lots of amenities. There are great restaurants and shopping there and you feel like you are in the center of the World when the monorail comes whizzing into the resort. You are close enough to the Magic Kingdom that you can walk to it in about 10 minutes, which is handy when the MK closes and the buses and monorails are crowded. You can also hop on a boat at the marina behind the Contemporary and in 10 minutes be at Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge for dining or exploring. The other parks are just a short bus ride away. Iv'e heard rumors that the Contemporary is going to be completely redone/redecorated in the next couple years.

The Polynesian is a beautiful resort, just like visiting Hawaii. Lots of lush vegetation, a trickling waterfall and tropical planting in the lobby, meandering paths through the palm trees, and a sandy beach where you can lay back in a hammock and watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. I've never stayed at the Poly, but would love to. Again, excellent dining choices and amenities. It depends on what you prefer. The Contemporary and Polynesian are next to each other on the monorail circuit, so you can hop off and explore the two resorts, then hop back on the monorail for a short trip to the Grand Floridan if you'd like to look around there, too. Then on to the Ticket & Transportation Center, where you can board another monorail or a ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom.

Are you renting a car? If you are staying at a Disney resort you can use the buses or monorail to get just about anywhere you need to go on Disney property. I know some people (ourselves included) who have driven to WDW and then parked the car and didn't drive it again until it was time to leave.

Early November is usually a good time to visit. The weather will still be warm, possibly quite warm, but not sweltering like it is during summer, and the nights should be quite pleasant. I did visit in November a couple years ago and it poured down rain almost every day and was quite humid, but I don't think that's normal. The Wine and Food Festival should still be going on at Epcot in early November, and that is quite an event.

We are heading to WDW next week (Wednesday, 19 January) and are really excited to be able to spend a week at Pop Century. I hope you have a wonderful visit when you go. It's never too early to start planning.
Have fun.

 

[eeyore0062]

You are coming at an EXCELLENT time! It is value season, so you will be able to stay at the Contemporary, or any other deluxe for less money than at other times of the year, you will be there when the crowds are relatively low, and you will be there to enjoy the FOOD and WINE FESTIVAL at Epcot!

We have stayed in everything from value to deluxe resorts. We have stayed at the Contemporary and found it very convenient. We also loved the large size of the rooms and the layout of the bathroom (best layout on property)! The 10 minute walk to MK is especially nice! To get to Epcot, hop on the monorail and get off at the next stop. Switch from that monorail to the one going to Epcot and you should be there within 20 minutes from door to door, unless it is very busy. You will need to take a bus to either Disney MGM or Animal Kingdom. The busses run about every 20 minutes and will also service the Polynesian after picking up at the Contemporary. The longest time to get to Disney MGM should be no longer than 40 minutes, if you just miss the bus, and to DAK, about 45 minutes, under the same circumstances. I NEVER remember having it take that long, though!

Another very convenient resort is the afore mentioned Polynesian. This is actually my favorite. We love the laid back tropical feel, the beach with the hammocks, the zero entry pool and the restaurants. We found it extremely convenient. If you take the monorail to MK, it will only be 2 stops away. You can walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center (beautiful walk) and catch the monorail from there to Epcot. The busses to Disney MGM and Epcot will be a bit more convenient, as they are the last stop before the parks.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[swilphil]

You can go to www.allearsnet.com and look at the pictures of both resorts. The Poly is considered a nicer resort and is a little more expensive. The Contemporary has the monorail going thru it, and you can walk to MK.

 

[Lewski709]

I would do the Poly, the contemporary is a need of a major rehab! You guys will enjoy the poly much more!

Just stayed at the Contemp Christmas week....it was terrific!!!!! Our room was just fine, clean and oh sooooooooo BIG! We loved everything about this resort. Our room faced the water and we could see fireworks and the water parade every evening. I am sure staying at the Poly would be fine too, but don't count out the COntemp as a great place!

 

[Lewski709]

You can go to www.allearsnet.com and look at the pictures of both resorts. The Poly is considered a nicer resort and is a little more expensive. The Contemporary has the monorail going thru it, and you can walk to MK.

The Poly has the monorail going thru it too.

 

[MommyBoo!]

The Poly has the monorail going thru it too.

The monorail goes to a platform attached to the Poly but not through the building like the CR.

W've stayed at both and prefer the CR over the Poly. We liked the rooms, amenities and the staff better, especially mousekeeping.

 

[dreamflight99]

W've stayed at both and prefer the CR over the Poly. We liked the rooms, amenities and the staff better, especially mousekeeping.

Us TOO! There's just "something" very special about this resort, which commands a special place in our hearts. The arcade is large, and FUN! It's open 24-7, and bus transportation is especially convenient. We preferred to walk to/from the MK, as you can entertain yourselves by reading all the BRICKS *(personalized by guests) set into the beautifully landscaped walkway!

There are also numerous shops and restaurants *(Calif Grill is our #1), and the views in the tower rooms (either side) are spectacular. Of course, we prefer to request the MK view, and have yet to be disappointed. It's never guaranteed, but is such a treat to receive. Rooms are large, and spacious. It's great on cool, rainy or windy days to be able to take the monorail right INSIDE the resort...and hop off to return to your room. We love the Poly too...but, Walt's FAV can not be beat for convenience and nostalgia. It's our favorite MK resort! You and your sister are sure to have a MAGICAL time, and enjoy your visit to WDW!!