Grand Floridian or Contemporary?

[goldenskies]

We have just upgraded to the Contemporary Tower because we felt we would have easier access to all things WDW. Now I see for that price, it would be $14. per night more to move to the Grand Floridian! We needed the larger room, wanted the monorail, etc. which Grand Floridian also has. Should we move?

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome!

I think it depends on what theme of hotel you perfer. It's a personal choice.

We stayed in the wings at CR & really enjoyed our stay. It's very convenient. CR also has a boat that circles between CR/WL/FW all day, making it very convenient to access these areas.

 

[chrisp]

We're going for our 15th trip to WDW soon and it will be our 12th stay at the CR tower. We love the CR!

 

[goldenskies]

Wow this is surprising - I expected the overwhelming response would be to go to Grand Floridian, the guidebooks like GF but I would rather hear from those who have stayed at either or both! Thanks so much

 

[sprtnfan]

Well, I haven't stayed at Contemporary, though we are considering it for our next stay. I thought I'd vote for GF though since no one else was speaking up! We stayed at GF last year in a garden view room. The rooms are very large compared to other Disney resorts we've stayed at (AKL, BC, CS). The staff was very friendly, the pools were nice, though sometimes a bit crowded. The monorail access was wonderful and we used the boat too which was a nice alternative. The only downside to GF is how far the parking is. If you are not one to leave the resort though once you get there, it's no problem and you can always use valet.

 

[YankeeFan51]

We've stayed at both and I very much preferred the Grand Floridian. However, the kids really liked the Contemporary. The atmosphere is completely different at the two resorts--the Contemporary was fun and busy with a great arcade and a convenient walkway to the MK, big rooms with (ahem) colorful decor. It is a wonderful place with plenty of Disney magic. HOWEVER, the GF, IMHO is just breathtaking. It was the most relaxing (yes, relaxing--in Disneyworld!) vacation we have ever taken. The grounds and rooms are beautiful and the service was outstanding (we didn't find anything about this resort "stuffy" as I've sometimes read). We had a Lagoon View room in Conch Key that looked right out to the castle--it was truly magical. I would live there if I could.

I would happily stay at either again, but with that small a price difference, I'd take the GF in a minute.

 

[swilphil]

Another vote for the GF!!

 

[Eeyore2003]

The Contemporary is extremely convenient in all ways for families. We always had a lagoon view which we loved, but MK is also nice. For the extra money, what kind of view do you have at the Grand Floridian??? If it's equivelant then you have to think of which atmosphere you'd prefer.

 

[goldenskies]

You guys are great - with the Contemporary Tower, you know you are getting a good view on either side, with GF, it would be standard view which can be anything.

 

[Lexxiefern]

We haven't stayed at Contemporary yet, but the GF was beautiful! We had a garden view room and I would definately stay again! I don't think there are any bad views at GF - no parking lot views. We were in Sago Cay and had a nice view of the marina.

 

[PartyOf5]

Stayed at both. I would highly recommend the Grand Floridian. We stayed there this past August and the entire family absolutely loved everything about this resort. It kind of surprised me because we always thought it was "out of our league" as we are laid back, shorts and tee shirt kind of family. Well, we fit right in! The lobby is GEORGOUS! You can literally sit in the lobby and people watch for hours. We stayed in Big Pine Key which was located in between the two wonderful pools. We especially enjoyed the themed pool. There is nothing better than swimming and watching monorails wisk by!

We stayed at the Contemporary tower (MK side) and we will never stay there again. We were located on the loading dock side and we would hear trucks backing up (beep, beep, beep) throughout the night. We were not able to get a good night's sleep. I think if you stayed closer to the MK side you would be OK though.

Go with the Grand - you won't regret it!

 

[Kelly Nelly]

No brainer; Grand Floridian All the Way.

 

[s&k'smom]

Well I won't be much help! Depending on the age of the kids, if there teens definately CR (best arcade on property). I had a friend who got married a few years back and had a tower room, it was unbelievable. Now if it were me I have two little ones and we stayed at GF last year and absolutely loved it. The kids thought they had died and gone to heaven with the theme pooled area. We spend every afternoon there. Good luck with your "fun" dilemma!

 

[csamom]

I agree-what a fun dilemna! I have stayed at both resorts and would choose GF between the two every time. To me, it is just more beautiful and makes you feel more pampered. The contemporary is convenient for walking, but the GF's first stop on the monorail is the Magic Kingdom, and the first stop on the boat ride back is the GF so the location couldn't be beat for that park!

 

[ScottJoy]

I prefer the atmosphere of the Grand Floridian, but on the fifteenth floor of the Contemporary Resort, I love the California Grill restaurant and its view!

 

[St.LouisFan]

We stayed at the CR when the kids were small but went to the GF when it opened - it became our favorite resort. We went to the CR on our last trip and, although we enjoyed our stay, we really missed the atmosphere of the GF.

A CR perk - we used to walk to the MK in the morning and back to the CR at night. I assume you can still do this.

Counting the days!!!