Not sure I made the right choice........

[luckywife]

Family and I (DH, DS 9 and DS 18 months) are going to WDW May 29th-June 5th. We had originally planned on staying at AKL but changed our minds about that since we wanted to be closer to MK. We finally decided on WL and made reservations for a woods view. After some thought we changed our minds *again* and decided to try CR. I made those reservations last night and have a garden wing room for our stay. I know this isn't in the main tower and have been wondering what these rooms are like. We have never stayed at this resort before but have heard a lot of good things about it. I really like the idea of being so close to MK, especially with our 18 month old since I know that's where we'll spend most of our time. Anyone who has stayed in the garden wing, are these rooms "better" than the rooms at WL? Just some general tips and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[TLinden16]

I stayed in a Garden Wing room at the Contemporary several years ago, and we enjoyed our stay there. We stayed in the North Wing (the wing closer to the Magic Kingdom). We had a great view of the lake. It's an easy walk to the Magic Kingdom from the North Wing (and much quicker than taking the monorail around the entire loop). We always walked to the Magic Kingdom, and took the monorail back (although it really didn't save much time from walking).

Our room was very nice. Although we didn't have a balcony, our room did have sliding doors that we could open and look out at the lake. There was a three foot high rail in front of the sliding doors. The rooms were very big, and the bathroom was very nice.

It's theme may seem a bit sterile and dull to most, but there are a lot of great dining and activity options right in the resort or just a monorail ride away.

Have a great stay!

Karen

 

[ValerieK]

This isn't about the CR, but I wanted to tell you that we stayed at WL when our DD was 7 mos old. It was nice riding the boat to and from MK to WL. Our DD and DS (then 8) loved the boat ride and WL. We haven't stayed at the CR, but wanted to give you the other side.

Good luck making your decision. I am sure you will have a wonderful time no matter were you stay.

 

[luckywife]

Thanks so much for the input. VERY much appreciated!

 

[WoodysRoundup]

I don't have onfo. for you about the garden wing rooms. I have, however, stayed in the tower well over 12 times throughout the years. I think you made a good choice with a smaill child. Although the CR may not have the level of grand theming as some of the newer resorts, it is still a fantastic place to stay. The rooms are VERY large and brightly decorated. DD will love Chef Mickey's. Seeing the castle right from the grounds is magical. I would say...keep those reservations! You'll be glad you did!

 

[goodferry]

From what I have read, the rooms at the CR are the largest at WDW. I have also read, however, that some of the rooms are a little run down because of so many people staying there while SOG was closed for renovations.

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed both at the WL & CR, wing. I really loved both our stays. They are both wonderful resorts. Each has it's own "theming" that either appeal or does not appeal to each person.

We were in the north wing, 2nd floor, about 1/2 way down. We could see the fireworks from our window. There is nothing like curling up in your jammies to watch your own private show!! The rooms in the CR are large. What I especially liked was the bathroom set up. You had nice double sinks, large mirror & tub/shower in the main bath. Off the bath, was a seperate room with the toilet, plus shelf, mirror & plugs. I'm an early riser, so I could completely dress & blow dry my hair w/out waking anyone. The north wing is also closer to the bus stop. (The south is closer to the pools.)

There is a boat that goes WL/CR/FW. So which ever one you stay at, visit the other. Have dinner at Whispering Caynons or Chef Mickeys. And be sure to have dinner at one of the best values of WDW, Trails End at FW. It's a buffet and takes no PS's, so get there early! Last Sept, dh, dd & I ate dinner for only $41 inc tip!

You'll have a wonderful stay, which ever you choose!!

 

[PamNC]

We've stayed in both WL and CR garden wing. Given that you want convenience to the MK...CR would definitely be my pick. We thought the boats were major slow from WL!! The rooms are small and dark at WL too. However, I'll have to say the theming at WL is better than CR. But, in my opinion, the CR is quite magical in a nostalgic sort of way. If I had to pick, I'd definitely pick CR. We stayed in the North Wing with a great view of Bay Lake. I think the tower would be fun - but I'd have to be high up because I'm thinking it would get noisy down on the bottom floors.

Have fun!

PamNC

 

[javaj]

I don't have any tips for you, but I just wanted to say that we're going to be there around the same time (5/29-6/6), we're also staying at the Contemporary standard wing, and we have also considered WL (and AKL and SOG and moderates and values and.....). I'm pretty sure now that we'll stick with CR, but it is hard to decide, isn't it???

Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[Parrothd]

You'll like the Contemporary. It's location to the Magic Kingdom (walking distance) is excellent. Also, the rooms at the Contemporary are the second largest on Disney property. Only the Polynesian offers larger standard rooms (but, they're really close in size).

There's no comparison to staying on the monorail circuit either (IMO).