Help in choosing a conference hotel

[ytsemaddy]

I'm going to be attending a conference at WDW in March, and while the conference itself is being held at Contemporary, I can also get discounted rooms at GF, Poly, Gran Destino, and CS. Last year I stayed at Poly and wasn't entirely impressed by the rooms, though the monorail access to Contempo was nice. I'm curious to see Gran Destino, but is there any easy way to get from there to Contempo? Two years ago I stayed at CBR (during the heavy construction) and it took me 45-1h to get to/from, which after a long day was a huge drag. Staying in the Contempo would obviously be most convenient, and I've never stayed there, but from what I've seen online the rooms look a little...hmm...uninspired. Right now I'm at a coin flip of convenience (Contempo) vs novelty (GD). Thoughts?

 

[OKW Lover]

From Gran Destino you could take a MK bus and then walk to the Contemporary. However, for convenience I'd stay at one of the monorail hotels. Since you've already tried the Poly then perhaps the GF?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you want to switch things up a little and you didn't like Poly, I would try GF. CR is a bit ho-hum, IMHO, but you can't beat the convenience. If you are interested in Gran Destino and are willing to uber/lyft/Minnie Van back and forth, it would be easier, but certainly not as convenient as staying on the monorail.

 

[kiford]

We stayed at CR in May - we're working our way through the Deluxe resorts (except Poly which we're not impressed by) and this was on our list. The rooms are very large and while I don't know that I'd call them uninspired, I thought the layout was a little wonky. We didn't like the bathroom layout at all. The elevators are slow. Seemed like we waited a long time every single time whether in the lobby or on our floor (11th floor). The din from the open interior is so loud you can hear it inside your room when you're near the door, although fortunately there is a little vestibule that insulates you a bit. Views (we had water view) were spectacular so sitting on the balcony was nice. Location was very convenient to MK but not really that convenient to anything else other than GF and Poly though even travelling on the monorail is time consuming because of security. For that reason, I'd suggest just staying at CR. Staying somewhere else will be a pain in the morning and evening to get to the CR although at least you could take transportation to MK and walk over rather than having to change buses somewhere else but the convenience of staying in the same hotel really can't be beat. And although we won't probably go back to CR it is still a nice hotel, just not really to our taste.

 

[CynBeth]

We loved the CR when we stayed there a number of years ago I would give it a chance.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We stayed at CR in May - we're working our way through the Deluxe resorts (except Poly which we're not impressed by) and this was on our list. The rooms are very large and while I don't know that I'd call them uninspired, I thought the layout was a little wonky. We didn't like the bathroom layout at all. The elevators are slow. Seemed like we waited a long time every single time whether in the lobby or on our floor (11th floor). The din from the open interior is so loud you can hear it inside your room when you're near the door, although fortunately there is a little vestibule that insulates you a bit. Views (we had water view) were spectacular so sitting on the balcony was nice. Location was very convenient to MK but not really that convenient to anything else other than GF and Poly though even travelling on the monorail is time consuming because of security. For that reason, I'd suggest just staying at CR. Staying somewhere else will be a pain in the morning and evening to get to the CR although at least you could take transportation to MK and walk over rather than having to change buses somewhere else but the convenience of staying in the same hotel really can't be beat. And although we won't probably go back to CR it is still a nice hotel, just not really to our taste.

This is precisely why we won't stay in the CR Tower anymore. The elevator situation and noise is quite frustrating. We just stayed in the CR garden wing in November for a short trip to go to MVMCP and it was far more convenient to simply walk out of the garden wing and onto the MK path or simply use the escalators to access the restaurants and monorail than to deal with the tower elevators. It was also incredibly quiet in the garden wing.

 

[starry_solo]

I would try GF. I've only done the BLT side of Contemporary so can't provide any advice on the hotel side.

 

[Unvoiced_Apollo]

I stayed at the CSR on my previous trip. The biggest issue I had is that there was more transportation to AK than anywhere else. Which makes sense since it counts being in the AK area, but when you see 4 buses in the span of 10 minutes (and no buses to other parks or Disney Springs) and no one getting on any after the first one, there might be a bit of frustration.

 

[Quellman]

Honestly, it depends on the type of conference. If you are going by yourself, then it matters less where you stay I guess. But if traveling with or meeting colleagues, you can't just pop back to your room and freshen up when you are at a different resort. For my work trips, I prefer to stay at the host hotel when possible.

You can easily catch any bus to Magic Kingdom and then monorail or walk to contemporary, or take your favorite for hire ride company.
Also keep in mind that the monorail line may have any sort of delay. So keep that in mind, especially if you want to travel during peak hours. Grand Floridian is the last stop before the Magic Kingdom, so it might be a tight squeeze if you have a lot to carry with you.

 

[babydoll65]

Stayed at the Gran Destino tower in September and was absolutely beautiful. Rooms are very spacious and the views are spectacular. We used Lyft exclusively our entire trip mainly because I'm not a fan of waiting for the buses.

 

[Beer Me]

Ignoring that its wdw, I will always stay at a conference hotel. The convenience trumps just about anything else. It’s extra sleep, access to a private bathroom or a power nap during the day.

I would check out other hotel lounges and restaurants in my free time.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

I know a lot of folks don't like the "plain" rooms at CR, but I loved them. And, in fact, when we arrived in our rooms at GF last year, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, we love the location of the GF and the lounge, however, I would happily stay at the CR again. The rooms are spacious, I liked the little love seat location, and for 2 of us, we had no issues with the bathroom layout or noticed the noise. Yes, the elevators ARE slow. But being at the conference hotel is so helpful like @Beer Me said.

 

[FSU Girl]

CR is one of my favorite hotels on property. Since you are doing the conference there I think you should stay there purely for convenience.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

Stayed at the Gran Destino tower in September and was absolutely beautiful. Rooms are very spacious and the views are spectacular. We used Lyft exclusively our entire trip mainly because I'm not a fan of waiting for the buses.

Ditto, we stayed in Sept. and never use the buses either. GDT is only 4.5 miles away from the Contemporary. It was about a $10.00 ride to CR from GDT.floats
Also, I agree with the OP, CR nor GF decor really floats my boat. GDT is brand new and actually contemporary.
Being that I'm in construction, CR, like Tomorrowland at MK looks a bit like yesterdayland to me. Ha

 

[hedberg1661]

I would stay at CR. If you can't get in there GF would be my second choice.

 

[buzznina]

I stayed at the CSR on my previous trip. The biggest issue I had is that there was more transportation to AK than anywhere else. Which makes sense since it counts being in the AK area, but when you see 4 buses in the span of 10 minutes (and no buses to other parks or Disney Springs) and no one getting on any after the first one, there might be a bit of frustration.

This is not unique to just CSR, unfortunately we have seen this at pretty much all the resorts we stay at. WDW bus dispatchers are not always the greatest. On the whole I think they do a really great job but yes, you will see 2-3 buses going to the same park once in awhile.

 

[Sue M]

I would stay at GF. It’s my fav resort. Beautiful grounds, good dining. Spacious rooms. Our last stay I could see the higher MK fireworks from my balcony. I had a courtyard pool view. It’s also very relaxing and laid back. And you’re on the monorail.
Another option you haven’t mentioned is WL. They have a boat to CR.

I wouldn’t stay at Coronado, it will be too difficult for transportation, and time.

 

[lovin'fl]

We recently dined at Toledo's in the Gran Destino and it is really lovely there. So fresh and new and beautiful. Toledo's was great too. But it will be more difficult getting to the Contemporary. We stayed at CR once when DH had a conference there (and stayed at Bay Lake Tower twice on our DVC points). The theme is a bit dull and the resort is noisy and BLT furnishings were cheapo and falling a apart (not sure if CR is same way). GF is nice but very busy and loaded with kids and strollers (as is Contemp and even Poly...thanks to monorail). But being able to monorail to CR for your conference is a plus. I guess I'd go GF if wanting to be convenient with monorail or Gran Destino if wanting something more adult and new and don;t mind busing to MK and walking over to CR.

 

[SteveH]

My first WDW Conference was at CR, with our family arrangements it made sense to stay at Fort Wilderness in a campground, the boat ride back and forth made it fun. My next was at Coronado and we stayed there as well. I'm not sure I'd want to be getting up extra early to head to the conference or returning to my resort at night. But part of the fun of both of those conferences, for me, was seeing old friends and collegues. So I guess I'd either stay at the CR or on the monorail loop, maybe Wilderness Lodge. I would not stay at FW again for a conference at CR though.

 

[Farro]

Haven't stayed at Gran Destino yet (geez, come on May) but Dhalia, Three Bridges and Toledo would be a big draw to get me to try it out in your situation. The pool looks great too. I mean, just Uber to CR, it's less than $10 and an 8 minute ride (ish).

I actually do want to stay at CR at some point, so that's also a draw for me. I've stayed at Poly a few times as a child and finally agian in 2017, no desire to go back. GF is nice, but not much to do there in my opinion.

Have fun whatever you decide!