What else is there?

[gabylin]

I agree with Dancing Bear.... the boat ride to Wilderness Lodge was fun but my favorite thing about the CR when I stayed was getting to see the electrical water pageant parade from my window!!
A1A1- Good luck on your planning,cut your trip short if you have too- 3 days in Disney is better than 0 right!!! As said by other posters there is alot to do other than the Theme Parks, go to the Library and get a book on Florida it will tell you about tons of things to do right in the Orlando Area! Good Luck again

 

[mat2672]

I think after reading all of these posts, the original point was right on the money. The majority of people who talk about the CR do seem to always refer to the conveniences of the monorail, walking to magic kingdom, good views of the magic kingdom and the fireworks, but you dont see too many people ever speak about the atmosphere of the hotel itself. I dont stay at the hotels all day myself but I do want a good atmosphere for when im there and for me that outweighs the conveniences that CR gives you. Ill take the astonishing beauty of wilderness lodge over the conveniences of CR any day. Ive visited CR and have been tempted to stay there in the past, but no matter how much I tried to find something to convince me to stay there, I never can. It just seems too bland. It seems like an outdated resort that still charges very modern and expensive prices. Just my opinion.

 

[A1A1]

I am so moved that so many people on this board are so caring. Thank you all so much. You have given me some great ideas. I want to print this thread, so I can make a list of things to do that are free or lower cost than the parks. I also don't like to stand really close to sweating people while I'm sweating in ride lines. So it might be time to find some fun free things to do.

While we many need to find a lot of free things to do at the resort, and some have mentioned the difference in ambiance between CR and some other resorts, I may not have an option. If I want to carry out this vacation, CR seems the best bet. I will call on the rates for WL, which I am sure dd and I would love. We could probably spend several days in the pool there.

Again, thanks! I was very distraught, but am now feeling a little better.

 

[A1A1]

Just called to check the rate for WL, and it is $65 per night more than the rate for Contemporary Wing room for military. Since I am pinching pennies in the biggest way, this is not possible right now. I will look forward to another opportunity to stay at WL. This will be my first experience at CR, so I'll look for the good in it, and hopefully have some fun. The representative on the phone said she had a great time there, that the rooms were big, and there was a nice playground right outside where our room is located that will be good for dd.

 

[DancingBear]

Some more park alternatives:

Wilderness Lodge--they used to offer two tours, one of which was the smokehouse tour that included some foodtasting. Also I think you can get a brochure and go on a hidden mickey hunt.

While at Downtown Disney, take the boat to Old Key West resort and back.

Torch lighting ceremony at Poly.

Piano player at PO-Riverside, and boat from PO-Riverside to Downtown Disney.

I seem to recall something about CMs singing at AKL.

Visit AllStar Movies just to see the giant disney figures.

 

[DancingBear]

Go to:

www.disneypix.com

Click on "Resorts" and then "Contemporary" for some great pictures.

The "October 2001" collection has a lot of North Garden Wing exteriors, and the playground. "May 2001" has a great overhead shot of the whole North Wing from the tower. "In-Room 2001-2" is interior shots of a North Wing room.

 

[Yachtman]

A1A1-I am married to the lovely Cindala who I am sure will be able to offer some economic Disney advice. Not only is she beautiful but she is a genius at stretching our dollars. She will post soon.

 

[A1A1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Yachtman and Dancing Bear, and the soon to post beautiful and thrifty wife of Yachtman!

Dancing Bear- with your list above, I have much less guilt about fewer days of park passes! I think I will stop calling this "the ultimate, penny-pinching, budget, hope-we-can-live-through-it, pb&j on stale bread" vacation, but will now call it the "WDW free or almost free exploration adventure"!!! That sounds like a lot more fun. We will have a blast, seeking out all things free. I'll have to let everyone know what else we found to add to your list.

 

[cindala]

A1A1,
First of all, I really think you will like the CR! We stayed there twice in the garden wings, and loved the large airy rooms. They have redone the pool since our stay with a slide, and fountains, which I'm sure your DD will love. I am assuming you received the SOG overflow rate, and probably cannot beat the price you are getting at any other value or moderate resort. However, have you checked any of the codes over at www.mousesavers.com ? It's always worth a look see.

Also, you mentioned that your trip is for three weeks, but how long will you be on Disney property? Most of the time, the adults are more concerned with the kids being in the parks, when the kids would rather be at the pool! I definitely wouldn't worry about not going to the parks every day! Don't purchase a LOS pass, get a hopper with some options so that you can go to the water parks on the days you don't go to MK,AK,MGM, or Epcot. Alternate a day at a park, a day at the pool or water park.

DancingBear put together a great list of things to do that don't cost anything. Personally, we love to go visit the other resorts! We check out the pools, gift shops, and the scenery. There are also many places to grab a bite that are inexpensive. At the Poly, there is Captain Hooks, and at the GF, there is Gasparilla Grill.

Even though WL is out of your reach for this trip, go visit the resort! It is beautiful! And Roaring Forks is a great place to grab a meal; chicken fingers, burgers, fries, etc. The YC/BC is also a great resort to visit. Beaches and Cream is another great burger place, with delicious ice cream too! Keep in mind, that kids often aren't as hungry, and can often eat off of your plate, but most all Disney restaurants offer reasonable children's menus.
If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to try and help!

 

[manning]

A band plays in the lobby of the GF in the evening

There is free entertainment at the Board Walk on the board walk in the evening. For about $5.00, you can get a foot long fat hot dog here. You can also see the aerial firework portion of Illumination on the bridge going from EPCOT to the Boardwalk.


View the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is a good food court there called Mara.

There is a Bob Evans outside of Main gate. Decent quality and good prices. We go there to get away from Disney eating.

For ten dollars you can get a Disney mug good for unlimited refills (soda, coffee and tea) at the CR for length of stay.

Bring a small cooler and get some lunch meat for sandwiches in the room one day.

A little budgeting here and there and a couple of good meals out, you will be surprised what you can do. And I bet you will remember it for a long time. ( in a good way)