Contemporary vs animal kingdom

[Kimberly Smith]

Hello! Planning a Disney vaca for later this year and I need help! There will be 9 of us going, 6 adults and 3 kids ages 12, 6 and 2. I've actually stayed at the Polynesian and grand Floridian before but never the contemporary. The last time we went it to was 8 of us and we stayed at a villa at animal kingdom. So with the number of us, we are looking for a villa again. We loved staying at animal kingdom but just would like to do somewhere different this time and would like to stay somewhere we could take advantage of the monorail. I absolutely LOVE the Polynesian but I don't think they have villas there?? I know they have the bungalows but they are way out of our price range! Grand Floridian is wonderful too, I just want to stay somewhere a little more kid friendly. Soooo, I guess my options are the contemporary or animal kingdom again. Those of you who have stayed at the contemporary, I would love to hear your reviews! Thanks so much!

 

[tbholc81]

We stayed in BLT in September as part of a spilt stay (the other half was at the Poly), it was me DW DD (4) and DS (1). Here are some things we thought were great:

-Proximity to MK was fantastic! Being able to walk back to the hotel after fireworks etc... without waiting in line for buses and other transportation made the decision to stay there worth it.
- Pool is really nice, and if you stay at BLT then you can access either BLT pool or the Contemporary.
- There is a boat to WL and the campgrounds, which we used to resort hop a little, there are some awesome dining options at WL and not taking a but to get around was great.
- Good food there, Contempo Cafe was good for quick service, lots of good shopping as well.
- Depending on the room you get you can view fireworks from your balcony. If you have a room facing the Lake there are a bunch of places from around the resort to watch fireworks.

Draw backs:
- Felt more like a normal hotel as far as theming went, especially the room, we didn't think it was anything special.
- Depending on where you are (what floor in BLT) it can be a long walk to get to food etc..
- The resort does get crowded with non-report guests bc of the dining options etc...
- The pool didn't have a really good kids area like the Poly of GF does.

We have never stayed at AKL, with our kids being young wee re waiting till they are older so we don't have to drag the stroller on and off a bus every time we go somewhere. Plus we really like the option of returning to the hotel in the afternoons to take a break, which is much easier at the monorail resorts.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The Polynesian has studio villas (sleep 5) and bungalows (sleep 8). So they don't have villas that sleep 9 people over age 3.

Grand Floridian is plenty kid-friendly, so I'm not sure what you mean about that.

 

[Babsy]

Hi! yes, you are right. The Polynesian only has studio villas and the bungalows. The bungalows would work for your group, but they are pricey.

The CR is a great option and we love BLT, but there are other options available such as the BCV or the BWV or even the villas at WL (depending upon the state of construction at the time you plan to go, of course). Another option would be two suites at AoA.

I wouldn't count the GFV out either. WE stay there with our DGD all the time and think that the GF is very kid friendly.

Just wanted to make sure that you are aware of all the options......

If you decide to go with the CR, be aware of the theming issue that many people have staying at this resort. It is very different from staying at the Poly or AKL theme wise. However, the proximity to the MK is wonderful!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Important note is that the 2BR dedicated villas at SSR, OKW, BCV and VWL only have sleep surfaces for 8, so OP would need a lock-off 2BR at any of those, or to bring bedding for the 9th.

The Treehouse Villas at SSR do sleep 9. Bungalows only sleep 8.

 

[Babsy]

Important note is that the 2BR dedicated villas at SSR, OKW, BCV and VWL only have sleep surfaces for 8, so OP would need a lock-off 2BR at any of those, or to bring bedding for the 9th.

The Treehouse Villas at SSR do sleep 9. Bungalows only sleep 8.

The 9th is a 2 year old, so it should be OK with a crib or PnP.