Garden Wing at Contemporary Resort

[birdman]

If I can only get into the Garden Wing at the Contemp. Resort, does that partially defeat the convenience of staying in a resort that is directly on the Monorail (and paying the exhorbitant price). It appears that the Garden Wing is "next to the Tower". Just not sure of the walking distance. (I am sure it is not far, but I am going with a 5 year old, and only spending 2 nights in the hotel, i.e. 1 day at MK and 1 day at Hollywood Studios). I like the idea of staying right on the monorail so it would be easy for us to take a break in the middle of the day and go back to the hotel for a swim, rest, etc.

 

[Robo]

If I can only get into the Garden Wing at the Contemp. Resort, does that partially defeat the convenience of staying in a resort that is directly on the Monorail (and paying the exhorbitant price). It appears that the Garden Wing is "next to the Tower". Just not sure of the walking distance. (I am sure it is not far, but I am going with a 5 year old, and only spending 2 nights in the hotel, i.e. 1 day at MK and 1 day at Hollywood Studios). I like the idea of staying right on the monorail so it would be easy for us to take a break in the middle of the day and go back to the hotel for a swim, rest, etc.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is not reachable by monorail at all...
and MK is closer when coming FROM the Contemp. if you WALK, so monorail access may not be such a big value to your particular trip.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I have moved this thread into the "Resorts Forum" as it is more suited to that forum.

Thanks!

Knox

 

[slug]

If I can only get into the Garden Wing at the Contemp. Resort, does that partially defeat the convenience of staying in a resort that is directly on the Monorail (and paying the exhorbitant price). It appears that the Garden Wing is "next to the Tower". Just not sure of the walking distance. (I am sure it is not far, but I am going with a 5 year old, and only spending 2 nights in the hotel, i.e. 1 day at MK and 1 day at Hollywood Studios). I like the idea of staying right on the monorail so it would be easy for us to take a break in the middle of the day and go back to the hotel for a swim, rest, etc.

It is not a long walk from your room in the garden wing to the tower. It's a nice, short walk. A few minutes most.

I think one of the best benefits is the ability to get quickly from the MK to your hotel room for the midday break. It looks like you'll be able to do this on 1 of your 2 days.

 

[DizzDoll]

The garden wing is a short walk from the main building. Your little one will be enchanted with the ducks that wander around, as well as swim in the pool! There's also a "hidden Mickey" outside by the pool area that's a GREAT photo op. The mono BACK to the hotel is a short ride but be aware that the mono TO the MK makes the loop to the ticket & transportation center, the Poly, the Grand Floridian, THEN the MK, for a ride of approximately 20 minutes. The walk back to the hotel takes about 10, and your little one can look for lizards! Always a great treat for kids. Plus its fun to watch the monorails race overhead.

 

[birdman]

Thanx. I noticed after it was in the wrong thread, and tried to move it, but couldn't.

I am truthfully, very conflicted about what to do. I am currently booked into the Mariott Springhill Suites for a very attractive rate which gives us free hot breakfast, plus I have a car, and given the proximity of the hotel to the park, I plan on driving in to the park in the morning, and if we need to take a break, as I am sure we will, I can drive out, back to the hotel etc.

However, the temptation of being right on the Monorail and being able to hop off the train right in the hotel is very tempting and attractive. But, (again the but) it is tempered by (i) not actually being right in the main hotel, but having to walk to the Garden wing, and (ii) only going to MK one day. For the next day that I am planning on going to DS, could I take the monorail to the TTC and then take transport from there to DS, or could I take some type of Disney transport directly from the Contemp. to DS? If so, perhaps that is no better than just driving?

Can we actually walk from the Contemp right into MK? Is it far for a 5 year old?

I am plagued by indecision!

 

[spiceycat]

the garden wing is behind the tower

not a long walk at all.

here is the map
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1567343

for the shortcut to the mk - walking - it is even better.

because since you aren't in the tower - you don't have the discussion of monrail or go outside and walk???

 

[birdman]

Apparently, there is some space in the Contemp. just not in the main building. Only in the Garden Wing. Still paralyzed by indecision, but tempted to cancel my reservation in Springhill Suites where I would have to drive back and forth and just jump on the Contemp.
Thoughts?

 

[DizzDoll]

I'm a Contemporary chick - I've stayed both in the Tower and in the Garden Wing (2 times). I say go for it.

 

[spiceycat]

I would go with the CR.

the parking at the TTC (MK) is not a alot of fun.

you first have to get there - the lines can be long, then park, then ride the tram, then get on the monrail or ferry - before you even get to the MK.

from the CR you can walk over and be there in less time than you can from the parking lot to the monrail.

besides staying at a wdw resort you get EMH!!!

 

[birdman]

Booked it! I had called back, and they told me that the AAA rate for the Garden View room was no longer available. Rate went up for 2 nights by about $120. She then tried the Polynesian, which had availability, but also for about 130 more (and the Volcano pool is under refurbishment). I asked her to check one more time for the AAA rate at the Contemp and it was there, so I booked it! Thanx for all the input.
(Now I just need to cancel my other reservation off-site)

 

[LOVETHATPOLY]

You will love the location. It can't be beat. The wing is right next to the tower. You are right next to the MK. It is perfect. You can take a bus to the DS. Have fun!!

 

[sraiford]

We were booked in the Garden Wing in November and got upgraded to the
Tower 4th floor. It was magical. We love the CR

 

[birdman]

How did you get the upgrade? Did you ask nicely when you checked in?

While I was previously "paralyzed by indecision", now that I pulled the trigger and booked the room, and cancelled my reservation at the Mariott Springhill Suites (only 1.5 miles from WDW!! for the low low price of $134 . night, plus hot bkfst!!), I feel much better.

 

[think tink]

I actually prefer the wing to the tower, it seems alot quieter and less busy. Plus it is right there at the pool and the walkway to mk can't be beat. It is so nice after the fireworks to just walk right by all the long lines for the monorail + buses and go right to your hotel room. We were probley back in our room before most those people even got on their bus.

As for the hollywood studios, if you have a car the best thing to do would be drive there yourself. The parking lot is not very big and there are always shuttles to take you to the front. I find it much more convient with young children to be able to leave when I am ready, rather than wait on a bus.

ETA: Try to get a ressie for chef mickeys, your little one will love it. Especially the make your own sundae station !!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Staying at the Contemporary with a 5 year old no matter if it's in the Tower or South Garden Wing is still easier then any off site Hotel. Since the Magic Kingdom is one park your going to yes you can walk there and it's very easy to do and the Contemporary is the 1st stop on the Resort Monorail when leaving from there, so if your both tired no need to walk back if you don't want to. As for going to Disney's Hollywood Studios the buses to there are not that bad and just like on the Resort Monorail, the Contemporary is the 1st stop when returning by bus.

Incase you have not seen it, here is the link to the official Contemporary FAQ thread which has pictures of their rooms and information about the South Garden Wing. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1710920

 

[birdman]

CR Resort Fan 4 Life, thanx for the input and the advice. Even though we will only be there for a few days, I am now super excited about the decision to stay in the Contemp. Only too bad I couldn't get in the main tower to see the fireworks from the room. Are there spots on the grounds of the hotel (the pool?) where we could see the fireworks if my little guy is too tired to go back to the park that late.

By the way, I live in To. and supposed to be flying out to Ft. Lauderdale Monday morning and then driving right up to Orlando. Weather forecast for Sunday night / Monday is not looking good.

Oh yeah, GO HABS GO!!!!! (I am a transplanted Mtler, like most)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

You're welcome to answer your question the best place to view the fireworks is on the 4th floor observation deck. It's just past the Sundries shop where you see two doors, so it's very easy to find. If you want to sit right up front I say get there at least 20 - 25 minutes before Wishes is to begin.

 

[spiceycat]

the reason that the 4th floor is better - Disney plays the music there.

but any place that you can see the fireworks - and from most of the CR you can definitely see the fireworks. (okay if you are facing the lake or steam you can't)

forgot one thing around 10pm the EWP will arrive - it is loud - so if he has trouble sleeping through loud noise bring something so he won't be woken up.

here is information of it. - it will be very close to the wing.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours.htm#water

 

[klofan]

You'll be happy in the wing. I did, however, get upgraded for free to the tower. We didn't even ask, she just told us, your going to be on the 10th floor! But in your situation, I would ask.