Is CR Garden worth $759 more than Saratoga?

[fortheloveofamouse]

Just a simple ? for those of you in the know. As the day for final payment approaches LOL!!, I am having my usual worries. Reassure me... Please? TIA

 

[disneyjammin]

That's easy...NO WAY, we stayed at CR garden view and did not like it at all!!Won't be going back to CR.

 

[ElizabethB]

That's easy -- absolutely!! We stayed at CR in a garden wing room and loved it. We were on the first floor and had a small patio. Bunnies and ducks wandered by and we had a pretty view of a pond and some moss-covered trees. The convenience to MK can't be beat, we loved how easy it was to visit other hotels on the monorail or Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge by boat. There were lots of dining options within easy reach and even Epcot is easy to get to by monorail. There are lots of water sports options, the quiet pool is very pretty set, as it is, on the edge of the lake. The other pool, while not themed, is large and has a great slide. The rooms are large and comfortable. Parking is quite convenient.

We recently stayed at Saratoga Springs. We had a two-bedroom villa, which was nice. But it is really out of the way and close to nothing but DTD -- and it wasn't even that close to DTD. We drove everywhere when we stayed at SSR. Parking there was convenient, too. We're not in any rush to return to SSR -- and we'd go back to CR in a minute.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The location alone of the Contemporary makes it worth the extra cost, so I say go for it.

 

[bavaria]

They are two significantly different resorts. SSR has a quiet feel, with beautiful views of DTD, the water, and golf courses. It is close to DTD - close enough to walk. Or you can take the boat or bus or even drive. If you take Community Drive, it is close to Epcot. If you take the road past Fort Wilderness, it is close to the Magic Kingdom.

The rooms at SSR are new and in wonderful condition. They all have balconies or patio. Are you booking a studio? If so, you will have a fridge, microwave, coffee maker and small kitchen. (more with a one or two bedroom) You won't have the same ammenities at the Contemporary.

The 'feel' of the resorts is very different. If you are looking for quiet walks or a relaxing pace, SSR is the place to consider. If you are looking for a louder, more busy feel, then you may consider the Contemporary. (be aware that there is significant construction both inside and next to that hotel which will continue well into 2008 and beyond)

Artist's Pallette at SSR has a more extensive menu than the temporary counter service location at the Contemporary. Turf Club has indoor as well as outdoor seating, and a varied menu.

But frankly to me, the Contemporary is like any Hilton or Hyatt or Sheraton in any city except that it happens to be next to the Magic Kingdom; SSR is definitely a more unique property.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I forgot to mention the brand new renovated rooms at the Contemporary which look amazing. Plus all their rooms have a computer with free Internet service, which could be a major plus for some people.

 

[fortheloveofamouse]

You guys are no help at all!
If it was between a tower MK view and Saratoga, there would be no decision to make, CR would win hands down. I think the monorail would be wonderful, but is it $700+ wonderful. I love both of the room styles and would be happy at either, so I guess I just need to decide if upgraded transportation is worth the $ to me. Thanks for your help!

 

[Selket]

I've stayed at CR before it was renovated and never at SSR but I agree with others - they are very different resorts. If you love the MK (or have kids who love the MK) and you plan on spending a good bit of time there it is just wonderful to be able to walk over and monorail back. You are so close it just feels like you are staying in the MK - I loved watching the fireworks every night (we stepped outside to do it or from the hallway window) and the electric water parade. Frankly my kids are now disappointed (at least a little) with any other resort after staying here - LOL!

If the $700 savings looms larger though I'd take another resort. This is why we haven't gone back - our travel times are usually now at busy (expensive) times of the year and I'd rather save the money for something else - like more trips or a cruise, etc.

 

[spiceycat]

how much time are you planning on visiting the MK?

one day - then go with SSR

the majority of your trip will be at the MK - then go with CR

stayed at both. SSR is a lovey resort (just try not to be in G section - Carousel)

here is a map
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/Saratoga.htm

the CR is great - especially those nights when the MK closes (no EMH) and everyone has to leave at the same time. to be able to by pass the boats, buses, even monrail and walk back to your resort - well it is worth the extra price to do that - but only if your major time will spend at the MK.

that say if you have a 1-bedroom would stick with SSR.

 

[Airb330]

$700 is a lot of money, and I don't think it'd be worth it. Waiting on a bus for a few minutes longer versus a monorail isn't worth that kind of money. $700 can buy a lot of nice restaurant visits, or a nice chunk down for another trip IMO. SSR looks great. Garden Wing rooms are nice inside, but look drab outside and frankly the CR seems to be lacking in the pool department.

 

[CrazyFool]

Save the money, I'd take SSR any day over the Contemporary Garden Wing, even if the cost was the same!

The "great location" of the Contemporary Resort is only "great" if you plan on revolving your trip around MK. If you plan on visiting the other three parks and DTD, you would be better off at SSR.

 

[fla4fun]

I think you'll get a million different opinions to this question. Don't base your decision on what other people think - base it on what works best for your family. Do you mind taking buses to all the parks, or do you like having monorail access? Which parks will you be spending the most time in? Which theme appeals to you the most? Where are you planning most of your meals? Do you like having other resorts nearby, or do you like to be more removed and quiet? If you are considering a studio at SSR, will part of your party be sleeping on a sofa bed, or do you all prefer regular beds? Will a kitchenette/kitchen be important to you?

I've stayed at both, and I enjoy both, but for different reasons. You can have a great vacation at either one. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses. I prefer SSR when I'm taking a more relaxed trip, and CR when I want to be in the center of the action. I actually prefer the wing rooms to the tower rooms (the main structural difference between the two is no balcony in the wings). At SSR, I prefer to be in Congress Park, so I have easier access to DTD.

Consider what your family wants and needs to have a good vacation, and whether the difference in money could be worth giving some of that up. I could have switched to SSR or OKW for my January trip and saved a lot of money with an AP discount, but I decided to stick with my AAA discount at BWV due to the location and the fact that I had already made a lot of plans around where I was already booked. The savings weren't worth giving up the convenience of walking to Epcot and the Studios, or rearranging plans already set. Only you can make that decision.