Deluxe-Contemporary??? Extra $$$

[taben]

Been talking about going back the end of May 2010 and would love to stay at a DELUXE resort. Heck, who wouldn't. We have always stayed at a value and thought this would be a one timer...I know, dumb question, do they ever run specials for the Contemporary or just know to plan your trip when is it value season to get a lower price on a budget?

I don't know if it would be worth the EXTRA $$$ for the Contemporary this one time or really there's just not much more you would get with a standard room there that a value and moderate would offer. Granted, the monorail, and it is right next DW but what about the amenities in your room, the pool, the resort, etc.? I know this is a old hotel and I just can't see spending almost $400 a night for a standard room in the new tower. Not made of money here but want to splurge just once that's why I am thinking the Contemporary but the least expensive route I can go on a budget to stll get the deluxe experience.

What are your thoughts?

Now, we (just hubby and I-have no kids) have stayed at POP and loved it and know you get what you pay for but that worked for us since we aren't in the room that much anyway but though this would be the one time to maybe stay somewhere more upscale. I hear that the differenct between value and moderate is the theming of the pools, fridge in your room and maybe a restaurant and that's about it. I just thought with spending more money for a Deluxe, you would really have a nice place and the resort amenities would be so much more.

Please help me to clarify this.

Thank you

 

[oldbay]

The deals at the Contemporary at the same for all Disney hotels. For example, we stayed there this summer and were able to do the buy 4, get 3 free deal - which could have been used at any resort. This saved us 43% off the cost of the room. However, this would have been 43% off a moderate or value. I have only been at 3 hotels and think the Contemporary was wonderful. The staff was great and the hotel was very clean, just my opinion. I think the big advantage to this hotel is the monorail.

If you can get a code discount, room discount, etc... I would definitely recommend this hotel.

 

[oldbay]

Forgot to add, we stayed in the garden wing. I really liked this because you got a chance to get away from the chaos of the main building. I have never stayed in the rooms with views but do not think I would pay extra for that. The whole hotel is not large, so staying in the garden wing is an easy way to save some money.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I know, dumb question, do they ever run specials for the Contemporary or just know to plan your trip when is it value season to get a lower price on a budget?
There's no such thing as a dumb question, so please don't be afraid to ask them! That's what we're here for.

Just about any package deal also includes deluxe resorts. Sometimes there are discount codes that are specifically for one resort level or another. There are always a finite number of rooms that are included in any dicount offered and some resorts or room types can be excluded from a discount. The best thing to do would be to keep an eye on the Codes & Rates forum for any rumors or releases.

I don't know if it would be worth the EXTRA $$$ for the Contemporary this one time or really there's just not much more you would get with a standard room there that a value and moderate would offer. Granted, the monorail, and it is right next DW but what about the amenities in your room, the pool, the resort, etc.?

The rooms are larger, the views are generally better and transportation options are greater. Deluxe resorts have more dining options, including at least one TS restaurant. Their pools have more elaborate theming. Concierge level rooms are only available at the deluxes and CSR. Proximity to the parks means that it takes less time to travel from your resort to park which translates to more park time.


Now, we (just hubby and I-have no kids) have stayed at POP and loved it and know you get what you pay for but that worked for us since we aren't in the room that much anyway but though this would be the one time to maybe stay somewhere more upscale.

You might want to consider doing a split stay, which is spending part of your vacation at one resort and then switching to another for the remainder of your stay. You could start off at a value and then move to a deluxe for one or two nights just to indulge yourself. Disney will even take care of moving your luggage for you!

 

[peyjax]

Worth it? YES, if you have the extra $$$. It will be sticker shock if you are use to staying at POP.

The contemporary is so nice. To me the nicest part was the room. It is huge and very nicely decorated and the beds are super comfy. The ease to walk to Magic Kingdom or ride the monorail is so cool. No waiting in line for standing room only on a bus that makes crazy turns and you almost fall over. Don't get me wrong that has its own appeal in some funny way. At least to my five year old. LOL Pllus you still get that when going to DHS and AK. The busses do share with the POLY and GF. So not so great there.

We booked a garden wing but were upgraded to the tower. Once we were in the room I realized I would have been just as happy with the garden view because the room really helped make the resort. Loved the so many things about it. Did you choose this resort because of location to MK? Even after staying at a deluxe next to MK I still prefer the Epcot resort locations. (beach club, boardwalk) That is just a personal preferance as I like epcot a little more and love being able to take the boat to DHS.

If the price really scares you off, you are definatly far enough out to look at renting points from a DVC member. Great way to go with less sticker shock.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I guess I'm in the minority. I do not think Contemp is worth the extra $$. The only bonus we found was walking to MK. (We were in Garden Wing, so it was almost easier to just walk to MK as to walk to the monorail.) We weren't overly impressed with the hotel itself, just felt sort of stale. The CS was nothing to write home about (a windowless snack bar in the basement IIRC). I'm not a fan of Chef Mickey's anyway (too loud/crazy for me.)

I wouldn't have paid extra for it. (We were put there when Shades of Green was under renovation, so SoG rates.)

We very much enjoyed staying at WL, that was a much nicer hotel than CR. You're not on the monorail, but the whole atmosphere is nicer than CR.