Grand Floridian or Contemporary for Dec 2008?

[chitown_disneylovers]

My family has booked 5 rooms for December 2008 in the tower of the Contemporary Magic Kingdom view. I was looking at the price difference and it would only be $30.00 more per night to stay at the Grand Floridian Magic Kingdom view.

Which one would be better? The kids' ages will range from 2-9 when we go. We want to be on the monorail and have an MK view. I thought the Grand Floridian might be too "nice" with all those little kids running around so that is why we went with the Contemporary. Now I am not so sure since it doesn't look like they do much for Christmas time.

Anyone have any reasons why one would be better than the other?

Thanks!

 

[CrzyGmer789X2]

I personally think that CR is better with your kids' age range, because the monorail goes through the actual tower, and I'm sure your kids will be in awe when they see it (especially if it is their first time to WDW). I kinda know some things about GF, but nothing during Christmas time, except that they make a lifesize gingerbread house! Well, with whatever you pick, have a magical time!

 

[raven69david]

I think the kids will enjoy the Contemporary with the MK view more than they would the GF. The GF is nice for adults cuz they can appreciate the beauty of the resort, however the CR is more of a marvel for kids and they would remember that trip for quite possibly a lifetime due to viewing the MK right outside their window. Just my $0.02 cents.

 

[Pakey]

I would pick Contemporary and just stop by GF to see the gingerbread house. During December, the GF lobby is just so packed with non-guests who come to see the gingerbread house.

 

[BrianD]

You definitely will likely get a better view of the MK from the CR, plus your odds of getting 5 rooms connected, or at least very close to each other will be much better at the CR, just with how it is layed out compared to the GF.

On a side note, how would you feel about booking 6 rooms rather than 5? We're free next December and it's only one more room! I'm sure we would all get along great!

 

[lacrossemama]

I vote for the Contemporary as its more kid friendly!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The Magic Kingdom views at the Contemporary are a full view, where as the Grand Floridian Magic Kingdom views are obstructed views. Here is a photo from my families trip to WDW in August 2006 of the Magic Kingdom view from the Contemporary, in room 4840 so you can see how good it is.

 

[DisneyLover75]

The Magic Kingdom views at the Contemporary are a full view, where as the Grand Floridian Magic Kingdom views are obstructed views. Here is a photo from my families trip to WDW in August 2006 of the Magic Kingdom view from the Contemporary, in room 4840 so you can see how good it is.

Oh how heavenly! I'd sure love to stay there! I tried getting a room at contemporary for 11/30/08 through 12/06/08 and they didn't have anything except concierge level left. Can't afford it! I'm divorced with two little kids, and as much as I know I'd ADORE concierge level services, I can't do it.

 

[triplefigs]

If you want the best view of the MK, then pick CR. If you want the absolute best Christmasy feel and decorations, definitely go with the GF! We stayed at the GF during Christmas 2005, and it was heavenly. Last Sept we stayed in the CR Tower MK view and loved it. So in Feb we're doing a split stay to enjoy both.

My triplets were 5 at the GF and 6 at the CR and loved both resorts. The GF is very kid friendly, so don't worry about it being stuffy. The tree, live music, and gingerbread house were amazing.

If we go again at Christmas, I would pick the GF hands down, but we all are huge Christmas fanatics.

 

[Pooh_Girl]

My DH and I were actually planning on staying in the Grand with a MK view this December, but after looking on this forum, we decided to switch to the Contemporary MK view. The views of the park are phenomenal!!!! I say you can't go wrong with the Contemporary!!!

 

[Sammie]

I would say at Christmas the Grand Floridian, hands down.

Also there is major construction going on the North Side of the Contemporary which is the MK side. I prefer the views at the Grand Floridian as I don't like to see the parking lot in my view as you do at the Contemporary.

 

[uva185]

I stayed at the Contemporary a few years ago. Personally I thought it was awful. It is the oldest resort and I didn't like having a parking lot in my view. The GF is not too stuffy for kids and there are kids everywhere at that resort. There is even a small kids area in the main lobby lounge with a tv playing disney movies.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I stayed at the Contemporary a few years ago. Personally I thought it was awful. It is the oldest resort and I didn't like having a parking lot in my view. The GF is not too stuffy for kids and there are kids everywhere at that resort. There is even a small kids area in the main lobby lounge with a tv playing disney movies.

While that maybe you're opinion which you are entitled to have, I have to respectively disagree. Looking at you're signature the last time you stayed at the Contemporary was in March 2004, which was way before all the rooms were fully renovated. As for seeing the parking lot in you're view, I personally think the Magic Kingdom overshadows it.

 

[bavaria]

I would say at Christmas the Grand Floridian, hands down.

Also there is major construction going on the North Side of the Contemporary which is the MK side. I prefer the views at the Grand Floridian as I don't like to see the parking lot in my view as you do at the Contemporary.

Yet again, I agree.

The Contemporary is just like any three star hotel in any city (and in fact there are a few hotels with the same architecture in the US). Take away the view of the castle and it really isn't that special. Rooms are pleasant, but not that much different from your local Hilton/Hyatt/Sheraton/Westin/Marriott.

Particularly at Christmas, the GF has wonderful things to offer families. The grounds are beautiful, as are the holiday decorations.

While I personally do not really like the room decor, it is tasteful and has a hint of Disney in the decor.

Eveyone has their own personal preference; neither of these resorts are in my top choices, but I would definitely recommend the GF over the Contemporary.

 

[princessesrule4]

It is hard to beat the GF at Christmas time!