Leaving tomorrow for Contemporary Resort/MK...need advice & have some questions

[Clover9990]

I am sooooo excited!! This is my first post here, so I hope I am putting this in the right spot. We have 4 day park-hopper passes for FL residents, and went to MK last month and used up 1 of our days, so we have 3 days left. My DH found out he had Wednesday (tomorrow) of this week off from work, so we decided to go back to the Magic Kingdom with our 2 kids (DD is 1.5 years and DS is 3) tomorrow. Half jokingly, I mentioned to my DH that we should try and stay at Shades of Green (he is National Guard) tomorrow night and also do a day at Disney on Thursday, since he has Thursday off, as well. He said to check the prices and go for it!

Long story short, I found out how much one night at Shades of Green was, and saw a pop-up window that they have been closed as of March 31, 2002 for renovations, so they are putting their guests up in the Contemporary instead! I got a $299 room for only $66- woohoo! It's in the North Garden Tower/Wing (whatever it's called).

Has anyone ever stayed here? I've been reading some reviews, and some don't sound too thrilled with the Contemporary. Is it a super long walk to the main tower to catch a monorail to MK? Can I also take the monorail from the Contemporary to EPCOT?

Even though the reviews I read weren't raving about the place, I am still soooo excited! This whole thing was done so impromptu, I think that adds to the excitement! My kids have never stayed in a hotel, either, so that will be an adventure for them! It'll be neat for DH and I, too..since we live about 2 hours from Disney, we always just drive there and drive back home at night. Plus, the mere fact that I got an almost $300 room for $66 is just awesome!

So tell me your opinions on this resort. Is it nice, or will we be disappointed? We're not really going to be using it for the resort aspect of it (meaning we probably won't use the beach there, the pool, etc)...we'll mostly just be using it to sleep there and not have to drive all the way home tomorrow night.

Also, do you think that this a a "do-able" itinerary? We plan to go to MK tomorrow, and possibly to EPCOT tomorrow night. Then, Thursday, we'll probably do MGM for a little while, and then MK the rest of the day.

Thanks so much for any advice you can give, and sorry so long!

 

[donna in Oz]

Welcome to the boards . . glad to have you!!

I think you'll enjoy your stay at the Contemporary (especially at that great rate!) You can actually walk to the MK; it may not be that much further than walking to the Monorail, depending on where your room is.

Yes, you can take the monorail to EPCOT. All you have to do is take the monorail to the TTC, then change monorails and head to EPCOT.

If you haven't seen Fantasmic, you might want to see MGM in the latter part of your day rather than the early part. It's really a spectacular show. By the same token, Illuminations in EPCOT is also a don't miss and your DS would probably really enjoy Tapestry of Dreams; sounds like you've made the right plans by being in EPCOT in the evening!

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to the DIS Clover9990, I'm very glad you found us. Although I've never stayed at the Contemporary I love the location and I know that $66/night is a terrific rate.

I'm going to move this over to our resorts board for you so you can get some more input on this subject.

Katholyn

 

[Neeter]

We loved being able to walk to the MK!! Also loved just hopping the monorail over to Epcot. We also enjoyed waking up extra early some days to see the monorails parked inside the CR. Kids loved that! The food court was also great, we met some really great CMs there.

Hope you enjoy your stay!

 

[LBYC-19]

We stayed in the North wing a few years back, and to answer your question about the walk--it's not bad at all. We requested ground level for the patio aspect...all we had to do was walk outside (to the pool area), up the stairs into the main building where as soon as you walk in the door there is an escalator that brings you up to the monorail.....the whole thing takes a few minutes, not long at all.

We loved the garden wings, they were so peaceful. Even though you aren't there for the resort aspect, enjoy your view (the electric water parade should be going by every night, it's fun to watch). Have a wonderful time!

 

[DisneyKidds]

Welcom to the DIS .

I'm sure you will love the CR, especially at $66 a night. While the CR is not one of our favorite resorts, there is a lot to like about it. Staying in any WDW resort is always a magical experience. I'd recommend walking to the MK - it is a short, easy walk and it is quicker than the monorail.

Your itinerary sounds good - just like we usually do. We don't spend a lot of time in Epcot (we have young kids), but it is great to go there for a few hours at night just to catch a ride or two, see Illuminations, and walk around WS. We often do 2 parks in one day. Since you don't need to see and do everything it is very workable.

Enjoy.