WL or Contemporary?

[lfeikert]

I'm probably planning this way to far in advance, but I'm so excited that I can't help myself. I know I can't make any ressies yet or anything, but I'm obsessed with this (I'm sure you all understand!).

We will be going to WDW as a family for the first time in June 2007. We've picked a date that far in advance because we think the kids will be good ages then and we can start saving to have enough money to do it right.

I'm the only one who has ever been to WDW. Our family consists of me, DH, DD (6 at time of trip), and DS (3 at time of trip). I'm thinking that MK will be our focus (although I plan on visiting all parks) so I'm seriously leaning toward one of the monorail resorts. Right now I'm thinking of either WL or CR. I'd love any suggestions or advice. Also, I'd like any advice about the different types of rooms at WL. I've seen pictures of the bunk beds and junior suites and wonder what people's opinions were.

Thanks so much for feeding my obsession!!

 

[limabeanmom2003]

We stayed at WL this past September for the first time. By the way, it is not on the monorail. But, there is a boat that takes you from WL to MK. The ride takes about 10 minutes or so. We loved WL. We had a woods view room. The rooms are not extremely big, but there was certainly enough room for the 3 of us. The pool is lovely and the courtyard rooms offer great views of it. I have never wanted to stay at CR because I just don't like the look of it. The room decor is a little too futuristic for me. I might consider staying in a tower room facing MK because the view is surely maginificent. Pretty pricey, though!

 

[eeyore0062]

Too bad the WL can't have the same size rooms as the Contemporary and be on the monorail... then I would go for WL, because overall it is a beautiful resort with a great lobby, pool, restaurants, etc.

The drawbacks for me at the WL are transporation, room size and the fact that the rooms have such a dark decor.

For me, room size, color decor and transportation will win out everytime!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I vote for the WL, but it's really what you are looking for. You couldn't have picked two more different resorts (except they are both near the MK).


The contemporary feels like a big city when you are inside. The colors are bright (particularly in the rooms), the hotel has the monorail going through it, plus a 24 hour arcade, plenty of busy shops (the best resort shops, IMHO), and a big, colorful mural that goes all the way up the wall. If you have a fear of heights, the tower will dizzy you, as the hallways go all the way up to nearly the top of the A frame inside. The views are incredible from the tower, which is one of the best reasons to stay at CR. There is a playground and pool area.

The WL has much more going on in terms of theming. It's is beautifully designed (much more eye-pleasing, again--just MHO) with high ceiling'd lobby, a stream that runs through the lobby, and accents which imply "comfort" all around you (fireplaces and trees for one). It's like someone's trying to make you feel like you are in a comfortable but elegant lodge far, far away from a city (much diff than CR). It feels rather remote when you stay at WL (AKL feels the same way to me) so it's fun to cross the lake on the MK boat and suddenly be at the theme park. WL is above all relaxing. The pool area is heavily themed (waterfalls, a big geyser that goes off every half hour, wildflowers and pine trees about). The rooms are much smaller than at CR and the decor is darker (not a problem for me). I loved the place.

At CR of course you have the monorail, which is a plus over WL, which uses primarily bus transportation (except for the MK boat).

Have fun deciding!

 

[lfeikert]

Thanks so far for the advice! Right now I'm leaning toward WL because of the atmosphere. DH has this fear that he's not going to get to relax at all on a WDW vacation so I think he'd like WL better than CR. Do any of you have any idea how much cheaper WL is than CR? If I went with CR, I'd definitely want a tower room and I'd love to have a view of the castle so we could watch the fireworks. It seems like, from the pictures I've found online, that most WL rooms have a decent view whether it's pool or woods. Is that right?

As I'm thinking about WL, I'm wondering if I shouldn't also consider AKL. My kids would love to see the animals all the time, but I think that transportation would be an issue. Thoughts?

 

[Kimberle]

Hi, WL & CR are my 2 fav resorts. You can't go wrong with either!

If the pool is important to you, WL is much better for small children who can't swim. The CR pool is lovely, but it is abt 3.5' with no shallow end, zero entry or kiddie pool. My kindergartener could not quite touch the bottom so I had to constantly hold her in the pool. WL has a wonderful kiddie pool. During our stay, my dd was usually the only kid in the pool.

Yes, the tower is better, but the wings are not bad. I've stayed in both. We could see the fireworks from our North wing room. I would prefer the tower, but if $$ was tight, I'd have no hesitation staying in the wings.