Did I pick the right hotel?

[lovethemouse2]

Family of 3. We have a 6, almost 7 year old son. We've been 3 years in a row and this will be our 4th. We've stayed in Old Key West and Beach Club twice. We love Beach Club but coudln't afford it this year. We're going in May and visiting friends in the area and are only spending 2 nights at Disney this year. Therefore, I booked us a discount room at the Contemporary and was going to surprise my husband and son. But the sneaks opened my comfirmation letter and now the secret is out.

My hubby was a little disappointed (I'm really surprised). He said he likes something more resort-like and less hotel-like. He was thinking maybe CBR or CSR. Again I'm shocked because I can get these for about half what I'm paying for CR. My thinking is, since the trip is SO SHORT go for the transportation convenience at CR. However, if my family will be happy at a moderate, which it sounds like they WILL, then save some $$$ and pick one of these. But with Port Orleans closed do you think the moderates will be more crowded than usual?

My son votes for CR but will be happy with a tent on the other side of town. He'll like anything.

What do you guys think? If I go with a moderate, which one? My hubby has seen CBR and loves the look but CSR looks wonderful too. I haven't seen any of the moderates.

 

[robinb]

First of all ...

Welcome to the DIS!!!

Personally, I love the Contemporary. You can walk to the MK and ride the monorail to Epcot . But, if you're looking for a resort-like moderate, I would go to CBR. I think CBR is like OKW's little cousin. Both resorts have the same laid-back tropical feel. Plus, the pool and food court at CBR were just refurbed in December 2002.

 

[DisNance]

I agree with the CBR. It's my favorite moderate. It's very tropical and festive. A real laid back feeling. My kids loved the pool!! The rooms are good size too. Have a great time.

 

[susy]

Here is where I usually start my CSR rant and rave, BUT in your case I would choose CBR. I think the pool slide would be better for your son, since is is smaller than the one at CSR. The rooms are really nice and have lots of storage space. CBR definitely has that tropical resort (very laid bacK) feel. If this is your first stay at a mod, I think you will be pleasantly surprised and I won't be surprised if you return!

 

[MickeysMommy]

First of all I agree with wanting a resort like hotel EXCEPT you got a discount rate right? I am a little biased as we have only stayed and will only stay at CBR ~ we love it there and don't want to change a good thing ~ that being said, you are only able to be there for 2 days this trip. I say keep the reservations where you have them and the next time when you can make longer reservations stay at CBR or CSR. When you are only there for a short period of time you aren't going to be able to enjoy the resort really anyway...plus, I think your son (and hubby ) will love having the monorail right there...Good Luck!

 

[PamNC]

We have stayed at all of these resorts - CR, CBR and CSR. We were happy with them all. Although the Contemporary doesn't have the greatest theming, there is something truly magical about it, not to mention being on the monorail line. CBR and CSR are great moderates. I guess I'd say we liked CSR a little better. But, they are about the same. I hear CBR has been rehabbed.

How about this idea - if you stay at a moderate - can you add on a day? That would be a motivator.

You'll enjoy either of the three!

PamNC

 

[disney queen]

CBR. we have stayed at both moderates and preferred the CBR much much more. i like the idea mentioned that since you all would be staying at a moderate how about adding a day! woohoo!

 

[Ratpack]

Just to through something else into the mix, have you considered WL? It would have close to the same transportation simplicity and a great resort feel. Also, it is usually about mid way between CR and CBR or CSR in price. Just a thought.

 

[lovethemouse2]

I WISH I could add a day. Our schedule doesn't allow that option.

 

[Alice28]

I've only stayed at the WL and the Contemporary and haven't seen the CBR. But, I would argue that since you are only going to be there two nights, does it matter if the hotel is "resort-like" or not? We loved the Contemporary- for the monorail line, for being able to WALK to the MK (something that might come in handy with your son- you will most likely be visiting that park, right?) and it's just funky and has a fun feel to it. It is pretty "hotel-like" and yet in no way is like a standard Hilton or Marriott; it still has hidden Mickey's, great shops and restaurants and the Disney feel. If it were a longer vacation, I can see the point of wanting to stay somewhere more tropical-like, or more themey, but for just a couple days I think the Contemporary is a great choice. Good luck!

 

[palmtreegirl]

We just returned from the CR having stayed at the AKL,WL, Poly, POR and All-stars before that.

The CR was nice and all and the monrail was great but I really missed the feeling of 2 vacations in 1 I got staying at the AKL, WL, Poly and POR. At the CR I felt like I was in the middle of everything 24/7, where as at the others I mentioned I felt like I escaped the fast passed theme park atmosphere and came back to a whole new world-lol.

If you like being in the middle of it all 24/7 then go with the CR. But if you want a more relaxed, layed back atmosphere go with one of the other choices.

I agree with whoever suggested the WL. They have some great discount rates out for it and it's the best of both worlds. It's close, boat to MK and they have a boat that runs to the CR where you could monrail to Epcot. Plus once you're there it's so relaxing and you even get the Electrical water parade at night.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If I were only going for 2 days I'd stick with the Contemporary. It's only 2 days, you'll probably be hitting the parks hard the whole time, and wanting to be close to everything. The CR is so close to MK, and you've got the monorail right there.... you can see the fireworks, EWP, and you're close to all the yummy restaurants and character meals.

Save CBR or CSR for a time when you'll be swimming and spending some time at the resort.

 

[lovethemouse2]

Thanks to everyone for all your opinions. After reading all your posts, MUCH research and a call to my cousin who used to work at Disney I have decided to keep my ressie at CR and DEFINATELY visit CBR with the intention of staying there next time around. She knows us and feels we will love CR and especially my son.

Palmtreegirl mentioned "being in the action". Some people live in cities and go on vacation to relax. We live in the country and go on vacation to be entertained and be in the action. So being in the middle of the action 24/7 sounds great! One of the things we love about BCR is walking to so many places like Epcot, the Boardwalk, etc. You feel like you're in a little town. I think we will get that similar feel at CR. So I think CR will be great for us and if not...hey, it's only 2 nights. If we hate it we won't hate it for long. I know my husband, he's afraid of new things but will love it once we get there.

We go in a month. I will report back on how we liked it, for those who are interested.

PS. My cousin suggested the Poly because it would give the transportation I desire and the resort feel my hubby wants. Unless she can find a deal I don't know about we can't afford it, but for those who are in similar situations, it was a good suggeston.