Newbie ... Help me decide

[aprilmommy0205]

We are planning a Disneyworld trip in April 2008. I just got some quotes. The difference between staying at a deluxe resort (Contemporary) and a moderate resort is about $1000 (6 nt/7 days).

I will be travelling with my husband and 2 children (ages 6 and 3). It will be our first trip to Disney as a family. I don't imagine that we'll be going back for several years after this trip, but I'm sure that can change.

Aside from the convenience of a deluxe resort, are there any other major benefits that I should factor into my decision? (The convenience aspect is huge, btw. I love the idea that the monorail runs right through the Contemporary.)

 

[jcpuppy.com]

rent a 1 bedroom villa and with kids I would suggest beach club..they will love the pools
I have not stayed at the contemp, but was interested in trying it. we had dinner there last time and I was not impressed inside at all. It was dirty, loud and not very appealing. Obviously, if you splurge and get a view of the MK then it may be well worth it, but with 2 younger kids, I think it is pointless and an overpaying.
If you must have a MK resort then do a 1 bedroom at Wilderness Lodge. You will have a washer/dryer, a way to shut a door between you and the kids and still have a cool way to get to MK

 

[Lilolvr]

Welcome to the boards!

Our family had a blast at CSR. My kids were a bit younger than yours and we love it! The playground was great because it was right by the main pool.

 

[abish19]

Congratulations on your trip! If I could convince my husband to spring for a deluxe, I would. I've stayed at the Contemporary (I was a teenager at the time) and it was incredibly convenient to just jump the monorail and go, at least to MK and Epcot. DH, DD (16 months at the time) and I stayed at POR, which was beautiful, but when you have strollers and bags it is a little inconvenient. Since you're not planning another trip for some time it might be worth paying the extra money. Good luck with your planning!

 

[hoosll]

Have you considered Wilderness Lodge?

It is a deluxe but since it is not on the monorail, it is slightly cheaper. There is great boat and bus service to MK.

I'm not sure just how important saving $$ is to you but I would save on accomodations if it means that you will spend more on character meals or Hoop de doo (you must do this!)

My advice to first-timers is always: You cannot do it all in one trip. If you feel that you must "get your money's worth" then be sure to divide your budget correctly - save on the nonessentials. With kids, character meals are worth the expense, also some other dining such as, Sci-Fi or 50's Prime Time.
Some kids are just hapy to have a swimming pool and are less interested in the parks.

Get a good guide book, so you know which rides are appropriate for your kids, be sure you understand the fastpass system - it will shorten your wait time. Let the kids set the pace when they are ready to rest, get back to resort for nap or bedtime - kids should not be dragged around. If you want them to stay up for fireworks, then give them a long nap.

 

[Aliceacc]

Last week I booked our trip for next August at the Contemporary.

Like you, it's the first time for my 3 kids (ages 5,8, and 10 by then.) The last time I stayed in the Contemporary was 1976; in fact I haven't been to Disney in 17 years.

I can't get past the idea of being able to WALK a tired child back to the hotel from the Magic Kingdom.I'm planning to monorail it, but I love the idea of options at crowded times. As the commercial says..."priceless!" I envision myself taking my youngest back for a nap just after lunch ( before the other 3 join us at the pool a few hours later), then all of us heading back at dinner time.

Honestly, my kids will love any hotel with a pool. But they're so excited to see the pictures of the monorail IN the hotel!


And don't forget to get your AAA discount. I saved $300 that way

 

[aprilmommy0205]

Boy, thanks for the speedy responses!

The monorail stop/closeness to MK is really the only reason I am considering the deluxe resort. Saving money is always an issue, but it isn't our primary concern. We want to do Disney the right way so if the deluxe resort helps us meet that goal, we are prepared. However, if the only real benefit of staying there is convenience, maybe we need to look at the other options.

I see recommendations for POR, CSR, and CBC. What about the Swan and Dolphin?

 

[aprilmommy0205]

I can't get past the idea of being able to WALK a tired child back to the hotel from the Magic Kingdom.I'm planning to monorail it, but I love the idea of options at crowded times. As the commercial says..."priceless!"

My thoughts exactly!

And don't forget to get your AAA discount. I saved $300 that way

My quote through Dreams Unlimited was substantially cheaper than AAA.

 

[JLKennedy]

Did you just ask for a AAA discount or book through AAA? I booked a 8 day 7 night package for WL, preferred room w/ woods view & bunk bed. 8 day parker hopper + tickets for 4 and deluxe dining and will only cost me $3800, noone else could come close to that rate. Disney's was like $4700 and travel agent, slightly less.

 

[Percemanator]

Hey everyone, I have been going to WDW for the last 16 years, and have been a "reader" of the DISboards for about 3 years. I don't know why it took so long to register (I am an idiot with the computer, maybe that's it) I don't get how to post a new question or thread so I am going to ask my question here.

I always stay at the WL and this year am staying again to celebrate my sister's 50th bday. We are staying concierge and my question is:
Do you tip the concierge as a group or individual?
(I always tip our bellman and parking valet, but am unsure of what to do with the concierge, as I have had at least 3 different people contact me)
Also, what is an acceptable tip ? I usually tip 20-25% in restaurants and bellman/valet.

Thanks for the help!

I leave in 21 days, yeah!

 

[Buzz2001]

Check out my CSR website below for pics and info if a mod is what you decide on.

 

[Poly Pal]

With children the ages of yours, the "convenience" will really make your vacation! The ability to roll on and roll off the monorail with children sleeping in their strollers is HUGE. To test the value you would place on convenience, put both your kids in strollers. Now pick them up (better if they are sleeping), fold the strollers while you are holding the child, then climb a few stairs and stand for 20 minutes to simulate your bus ride back to anything but a monorail resort. TRUST ME ON THIS!

Have a great trip wherever you stay

 

[cara loves the poly]

With children the ages of yours, the "convenience" will really make your vacation! The ability to roll on and roll off the monorail with children sleeping in their strollers is HUGE. To test the value you would place on convenience, put both your kids in strollers. Now pick them up (better if they are sleeping), fold the strollers while you are holding the child, then climb a few stairs and stand for 20 minutes to simulate your bus ride back to anything but a monorail resort. TRUST ME ON THIS!

Have a great trip wherever you stay

LOL!

 

[phyllis1966]

aprilmommy0205,

Congratulations on your first trip to WDW!

I agree with the others who have recommended the monorail resorts for the convenience, especially with little ones. The GF is our favorite, but we stayed at the CR once and it was a fun, lively place. We've never tried the Poly, but we've visited many times and it's beautiful. Because of the convenience, we almost always are able to go back to our room to freshen up before dinner (or hopping to another park). You can easily go back to your room for naps, or to get ready for a nice swim. At night, when all of you are tired, it's a relatively quick trip, by monorail or boat (from the MK), back to your resort.

Have a great time, whatever you choose!

 

[VandyFan10]

Have you considered Wilderness Lodge?

It is a deluxe but since it is not on the monorail, it is slightly cheaper. There is great boat and bus service to MK.

.

I AGREE.. ..I've stayed at the Wilderness and it is absolutely WONDERFUL!!!!!! Prob one of my most favorite resorts! You take a boat the MK, which is really easy, and buses everywhere else. I LOVED staying there!!!!

 

[aprilmommy0205]

aprilmommy0205,

Congratulations on your first trip to WDW!

My husband and I have been to WDW before, but our children have not. I guess the last time I was there was about 12 years ago. I have only been to MK so this trip is going to be just as exciting for me as it will be the kids.

After tossing around many ideas, I think we've decided on the Contemporary. We want the monorail stop in the building, and it is so much more affordable than the GF or Poly.

 

[Disneymoon678]

aprilmommy, I will give you my take on it...

If I could afford to stay at a deluxe on the monorail loop (GF, Poly, CR) I totally would. If it's not going to "dent" your pocketbook terribly, I'd say do it. Worth is something variable from person to person, but I think it sounds "worth it" to you and your circumstance.

That said, I've stayed at all 3 categories of Disney resorts and I feel like as long as I'm on WDW property, the vacation was "done right", especially at a mod or deluxe.

I think the Contemporary is a really good choice, and definitely check out Chef Mickey's while you're there. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Poly Pal]

I think choosing the least expensive room at a monorail resort is a good compromise! cara may laugh at me, but honestly, having to pick up a sleeping child, fold a stroller to get on a bus or boat (WL) then hold / carry the child, unfold the stroller when you get to your destination, put the child in the stroller, UGH! I've seen it! The "Happiest Place on Earth" fast becomes the "crankiest place on earth."

Now, imagine the OP has spent a wonderful day in the parks. They stay to see the fireworks and wait for the massive post show crowds to thin out. Both the 6 year old and 3 year old are zonked in their strollers (yes, bring an umbrella stroller for a 6 year old, too!). Then mom and dad roll those strollers onto the monorail, off the monrail and all the way to their room at the Contemporary. They lift the still sleeping kids into their beds, tuck them in and schedule a wake-up call from Mickey for the next morning. Ahhh....now that is a vacation!

 

[aprilmommy0205]

I think choosing the least expensive room at a monorail resort is a good compromise!

That's basically what I want to do; hubby thinks we should choose a room with a view. I don't plan to be in my room long enough to substantiate the extra money for the view.

(yes, bring an umbrella stroller for a 6 year old, too!).

Both my kids are very tall so the umbrella stroller doesn't really fit my 2 year old now. I was planning to bring our double stroller since that is a little more comfortable for both of them. (And gives me a nice big basket for storage!)

BTW, both kids will have their birthdays on this trip. When I make the advance dinner arrangements for their birthday dinners, should I let them know what we're celebrating? Will they do anything extra-special?

 

[momtobrynncess]

You can probably guess how much we love it there by how many times we have stayed there. And I agree with the others, if price is not your primary concern, do go for it! The atmosphere there is lively, everything is centrally located. If you stay in the tower, you can just go to the lobby to get whatever you need. You will not find that in a moderate. And speaking from experience, the five minute walk or monorail ride back to your resort with a tired little one is literally priceless!! If you want to really do Disney right, do the Contemporary!!!