Questions about Contemporary Garden Wing

[Daisy Dog]

We are interested in staying in the Garden Wing this fall. We love the idea of the monorail and great location next to MK! We haven't been there before, and are wondering about the layout and grounds. Is the Garden Wing very far from the main hotel? Does the Garden Wing have a separate pool? How about distance to monorail? Just wondering about overall convenience of location. Thanks for any tips!

 

[DisneyHardin]

The Garden Wing isn't far from the tower and it shares the pool (actually the pool is probably closer to the wing than the tower). We stayed in the garden wing a couple years ago and the room, etc was gorgeous, but we really felt like we should have upgraded to a tower room. For example, we didn't buy refillable mugs that trip because filling them meant going out of the garden wing, around the sidewalk, in the tower, up the escalator several floors to get to the Contempo Cafe where they could be filled. We won't stay at The Contemporary again unless we can afford a tower room.

 

[rachellm]

It's not too far. Certainly nothing like the distances at the mods/values.
Our garden wing room was closer to the pool than the tower rooms and a short walk to the main hotel.

We rarely used the monorail (only on our Epcot day) since it's much faster and easier to walk to the MK.

 

[kddisney502]

We stayed in the garden wing last Jan. The distance from the garden wing is close; simliar to other deluxe resorts. Our room was very close to the pool, maybe a little too close when the pool music was playing during an afternoon nap. But the place was very quiet at night. The laundry services are in the garden wing, if that's important to you.

My husband has a mobility issue, so we used the monorail for trips to the MK as well as EP. The monorail is longer than walking to MK, but you're in air conditioned and seated comfort (with one transfer). We also loved the convience of going to the Poly or GF for dinner via the monorail. We spent most of our time in MK and EP, so now that I think of it we only only used the buses for two days (one at DHS and one at AK).

 

[WsPrincess]

It's not too far. Certainly nothing like the distances at the mods/values.
Our garden wing room was closer to the pool than the tower rooms and a short walk to the main hotel.

We rarely used the monorail (only on our Epcot day) since it's much faster and easier to walk to the MK.

This exactly. We have done a Tower Room and the Garden Wing and we actually like the GW location. No waiting for an elevator and you can refill your mugs at the pool area. We loved it

 

[olive]

We have only stayed in the Tower, but would definitely stay in the GW on a future visit. We have stayed at the Polynesian for at least part of most trips, so we are used to going to a different building for snacks or whatnot. (Admittedly, during those Florida downpours it would be nice not to go outside!). Same pool, same everything, just a few more minutes of walking from the bus stop or to go down and outside from the monorail. When we stayed at the CR, I think we also only walked to and from MK, and used monorail for Epcot, buses for the rest. For us being quieter isn't a negative. Some people report feeling away from the action. Having experienced the Tower, which is lovely, I don't think we would miss it. The rooms are the same, after all. And we do love those CR rooms!

 

[WsPrincess]

We have only stayed in the Tower, but would definitely stay in the GW on a future visit. We have stayed at the Polynesian for at least part of most trips, so we are used to going to a different building for snacks or whatnot. (Admittedly, during those Florida downpours it would be nice not to go outside!). Same pool, same everything, just a few more minutes of walking from the bus stop or to go down and outside from the monorail. When we stayed at the CR, I think we also only walked to and from MK, and used monorail for Epcot, buses for the rest. For us being quieter isn't a negative. Some people report feeling away from the action. Having experienced the Tower, which is lovely, I don't think we would miss it. The rooms are the same, after all. And we do love those CR rooms!

And the walkway between the Tower and the Garden Wing is covered so no worries about getting wet!!

 

[raven69david]

I would definitely not pass up a chance to stay at CR. It's a beautiful hotel, however the Garden Wing is one of the oldest buildings that has been refurbished throughout the years. The rooms are up to date, but the whole wing itself looks dated. Having said that, the rooms more than make up for it with all the refurbished amenities such as the flat screen TV and the larger rooms which include a sleeper sofa.

As stated,the walkway from the main building to the wing is covered, however it's definitely a long walk, especially after a long day at the parks. Going back and forth to the cafe for drinks or food is especially far when going back and forth.

Regarding the monorail, even though it's next to MK, it travels from CR to the TTC, stops at Poly, stops at GF and then finally stops at MK. It may be faster to walk to MK, however by the time you get there you want to take a break as it's definitely a hike to the entrance. It's best to use the monorail when leaving MK as it's the first stop. In addition, since so many people visit CR to just view it and/or to attend a dining ADR, the line to get on the monorail is usually pretty long, especially in the morning.

We've stayed there twice and do not plan on any future trips to CR unless we get a great rate on a tower room w/MK view. In either case, it's a great hotel and just knowing you stayed there will forever bring back memories of your trip.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

Is there balconies in the garden wing??? I think we are going to stay there in 2013!

 

[NJRRK]

First floor rooms have a patio but the 2nd and third do not have balconies, except in the deluxe rooms. The have sliding glass doors with a railing, same as the second floor rooms in the older portion of the Polynesian.

 

[Daisy Dog]

Thanks Everyone! How far of a walk is it to MK?

 

[Stupid_Judy]

It's not too far. Certainly nothing like the distances at the mods/values.
Our garden wing room was closer to the pool than the tower rooms and a short walk to the main hotel.

We rarely used the monorail (only on our Epcot day) since it's much faster and easier to walk to the MK.

Ditto!

Thanks Everyone! How far of a walk is it to MK?

Not far at all - from the GW about 10 min. A little quicker from some Tower rooms or from BLT.

 

[serene56]

Thanks Everyone! How far of a walk is it to MK?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GOOmTbqzy8

 

[Daisy Dog]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GOOmTbqzy8

Great video! Thanks!

 

[fairestoneofall]

we stayed GW in December. we paid for a Garden View, which is most definitely worth it. we had a gorgeous view of Bay Lake and could see the Electric Water Pageant from our patio. we did request a first floor room so we'd have the patio. i definitely recommend doing that.

we were in one of the furthest rooms from the main building. yes, it was far, but not too far when you consider some of the other resorts. we had a six-month old and i never felt like it was too far. also, we walked to MK--it was so much faster. we usually walked back from MK as well, although we did take the monorail back a few times.

we loved it. my advice would be to spring for Garden View and request a first floor room.