CR~are we crazy to pass it up?

[Disney-Kim]

it sounds like money is the guiding issue....so maybe stay at the CR to save money but do some activities at the WL...try to spend a little time there.

maybe have a breakfast or nice dinner there.
go rent boats there.
take boat to the FW area and maybe do the hayride or campfire dinner
maybe plan a fishing thing for your DH

just ways to use the extra money you will save...

but if WL is what you really really want...stay less nights so you can afford it...and hope for a better discount.

good luck

 

[Cameo]

Very tough decision. I feel for you. Through all the postings, I was going to say, "Stay at CR." But since you said your hubby would rather do WL, maybe you should make him happy. Is the $188 rate the SOG overflow rate at WL?

We stayed at CR last April through SOG (my DH is National Guard) and we have chosen not to go back this year. I personally did not like the condition of the hotel. It seemed old and dirty to me. The theming I could take or leave. On the other hand, the convenience of the monorail (with little ones) was incredible (albeit it was still quite a hike to get there from our room) and it was nice to walk to MK (although that was quite a hike too!!) Our kids thought it was awesome to be in the hotel with the monorail.

I'm glad we stayed there so we know how it was, but I wouldn't go back. All that said, $70 is an incredible rate and one that will likely never happen again. I guess the suggestions about staying at CR and spending lots of time at WL are good ones.

One more thought, we figure once SOG is completed, they will not have the good overflow rates for other hotels that they have now, so we wanted to take advantage of the best rates we could get now (we are splitting our stay between BC and Poly - places we could never afford without the SOG overflow rate.)

Ok, now that I confused you more than you were, good luck and above all, have fun!!

 

[Jynohn]

Cameo-

That's what I had heard too, that the CR, especially the North Garden Wing, was pretty rundown. When we first got our letter from SoG, we looked up the pictures on www.wdwig.com and our initial reaction was NO WAY would we stay there. Both of us laughed when we saw it. We REALLY hated it. I hope I don't offend anyone, but the rooms just looked way too out there, and the waiting areas reminded me of a hospital. Not the way I wanted to spend a vacation!

I had heard that some other people were offered POR instead, so I called SoG and asked them if we could go there, but was told no. I also asked for overflow rates but they told me they wouldn't be available for my dates until mid-October. The people at SoG must be getting pretty sick of all the phonecalls, because they used to be so friendly and pleasant, but every time I've called recently they've been very abrupt!

After I read all the raving reviews on this forum, I started getting to thinking that I really was foolish to pass up the CR. Now the problem with my DH though! Does anyone else have comments about the conditions/cleanliness at the CR? I guess I can live with the theming (or lack thereof), but I don't think I can live with grunginess!
Thanks again!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Nothing was rundown or dirty in our room. But I am sure you will find some who experienced that. Some do at EVERY resort though(even WL), it happens! Our mousekeeper was better at CR than WL though. It sounds like you want WL. Call in Mid Oct and get the overflow rate and enjoy. You could also do a split stay of 6 nights at each.

 

[beccasmom]

$70/night at the Contemporary is a fabulous rate! You will really love all the conveniences of staying there! The room decor is not to my taste, either, but it is a fantastic resort! I think you will enjoy it....and the savings!

 

[arizonacolbys]

My hubby is in the National Guard & we stayed at the Contemporary for the first time in March. The room decor isn't my first choice, but it is fun once you get there. Our room was always very clean. The monorail is awesome & so is being able to walk to the MK. After fireworks one night the line for the monorail was clear to the gate of the MK. We were back in our room after a 10 minute walk. It was great!

After we heard about SOG's delay we were very excited to book a room at the Contemporary in January. (We weren't able to make it back down before the original Dec date.) We are also looking forward to staying at the new SOG next December, but we know we'll never get such a great deal at a monorail resort.

We stayed at the WL last December & I have to admit it was my favorite resort so far, but for $70/night I'll happily stay at the Contemporary. If AP rates do come out you should be able to get a better rate for a January trip. Good luck in your decision - you'll have fun no matter where you stay.