WL or Contemporary with Toddler?

[beachwarmer]

I need some help deciding which hotel to stay in for three nights prior to our Disney Magic Cruise Dec 17. I like the location of the Contemporary and the transportation options but really like the theme of the WL. We have not stayed in either before. We will be trying to do as much as we can before the cruise as when we arrive back for four nights after the cruise it will be Christmas Eve and super busy in the parks. Our little one is two turning three on Christmas Day so Magic Kingdom will be the major park.

I appreciate everyone's advice and opinions.

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed at both. WL, in my opinion is much better for small children.

* Has kiddie pool. CR has none nor zero entry.
*wonderful, quiet playground right on the beach. CR has a playground, but in not in a shady area.
*Resort is smaller and you can stay inside if it is raining. If you're in the wings, you have to go outside to get to the food court, etc.
*You can just push your stroller right onto the boat to get to MK. CR you have to take 2 elevators to the monorail platform. Cource you can walk to MK, but after walking around all day, who really wants to.

I love both resorts and they are wonderful picks. I just think WL is better for young children.

 

[Chicago526]

I've stayed at both, but not with a todler.

I'd say WL, especially if your little one likes boats, which is how you get to MK from WL. You do have to fold the stroller, but sometimes you have to do that anyway on the monorail if it's full.

I also like the theming better at WL, and of course the kiddie pool (though its usually too cold to swim in late December anyway).

 

[ktink]

I did alot of research before booking at WL and we have a tot and she is so excited about the boat ride to MK. I was afraid they wouldn't like it as much as they did POP but they have seen alot of pictures (allearsnet) and think they will like it and they like the idea of having a water slide. We had initially booked CSR but since we could afford a deluxe this year we went for it. With WC and all it just seems to be a wonderful family environment.

 

[Skroops]

If the main concern is the transportation, the boat ride to the MK is really great! I haven't stayed at the WL yet, but we just returned from FWC's and we shared the boat with the WL. It was a very easy ride, and our toddler enjoyed it. The WL is so beautiful, I can't wait to stay there soon. Goodluck

 

[rcraw45425]

I have stayed at and love both, but only stayed with a toddler/stroller at CR. We had no problems. The WL is great for kids, like a big Lincoln Log hotel. Their pool is quite kids friendly too. The slide for it actually puts the kids out in a shallow part, plus you can get life jackets from the towel attendents too! The rooms are smaller than at the CR and you don't have a daybed. That's the only drawback I can think of. Restaurant options are good at both.

 

[beachwarmer]

Thanks for the advice. I think we will give WL a try. We loved the AKL but it is just to far from the MK for such a short visit. I was just worried about the transportation for WL but from the comments it seem to not be an issue.

 

[cinmell]

The CR is very convenient when travelling with a toddler. We were able to walk back and forth to the MK (which is where we spent a lot of our time) so we didn't have to worry about the stroller with buses/boats/crowded monorail. It was great being able to walk back to the hotel for a break in the afternoon to rest or swim then head back to MK if we wanted. Our daughter loved the water fountains in the pool and the shooting water around the pool. She also enjoyed the playground and watching the boats in the water and the monorail zip by.

 

[PrincessDadx2]

Thanks for the advice. I think we will give WL a try. We loved the AKL but it is just to far from the MK for such a short visit. I was just worried about the transportation for WL but from the comments it seem to not be an issue.

The bus from AKL will get to the Magic Kingdom in the same time the boat from WL does, so I would not let that be a final deciding factor. You will need to fold your stroller on the bus.