WL or CR?

[AtlAmanda]

I'm taking the kids to WDW for a quick visit over the 4th of July. Since it is just me with a 5 yo and 3 yo, I'm looking for super easy. I have a reservation at CR but I'm trying to decide whether I should do that or WL. The CR is probably a lot easier with the monorail, but WL is cheaper and there is the boat option.

Thoughts? How long does the boat take?

I'm aiming to be at rope drop in the mornings, so I want to be sure I can get there with plenty of time.

 

[ntsammy5]

The boat is about 15 minutesand the kids will love it! I love both of these resorts but would choose WL because, well bcause I like the decor better, but that's just me!

 

[Kimberle]

Are you planning on swiming? CR had no kiddie pool nor zero entry. It's hard for little non-swimming kids. WL has a nice kiddie pool. Plus, they have a nice playground right on the beach. CR's playground is in the sun.

For little ones, I prefer WL. (I love CR too, for older kids.)

 

[AtlAmanda]

No, I'm not planning on swimming. I don't feel confident that I can keep a close enough eye on both of the kids by myself.

 

[bytheblood]

I would pick WL in a heartbeat over CR, even if it was not less expensive. Good luck still getting a room.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would keep your reservation at the Contemporary because of these reasons. You can walk to the Magic Kingdom in 5 minutes so if you leave early enough you will make it for the rope drop, when leaving the Magic Kingdom the Contemporary is the next stop on the Resort Monorail, so I think that's a huge bonus since your kids will be 3 and 5 years old.

 

[J and R's mom]

This would make a really good poll question.

I'd choose CR....even though WL is one of my favorite resorts.

I imagine that with a 3yo and 5yo in tow you'll spend most of your time at MK. The CR will make it much easier to get to and from that park given the monorail and the walking path (although it'd probably be a good idea to bring along at least an umbrella stroller for the walking path).

Since it will be crowded and hot over the holiday weekend it makes it even more imperative to be closer to the park. That way you can just walk back if the lines get too long for the monorail.

I personally don't like the boat ride from WL to MK. I think it takes too long since you have to stop at Fort Wilderness (sometimes coming and going). I, too, have a 5yo and 3yo and waiting around for the boat (especially with the crowds and heat) and then hoping to get seats (especially if the little ones are tired) can be VERY trying on the nerves of all of those involved.

Plus, they'll think it's really cool that the monorail cuts right through their resort.

I'd save the WL (because it's a really fun place for kids...and adults) for a trip where you're not tending to them on your own.

P.S. Catch the boat that runs from the CR to the WL one afternoon if you have some time and let the kids get a look at the WL to see if they'd be interested in staying there in the future (or vise-versa if you choose the WL over the CR).

 

[Ktharee]

This would make a really good poll question.

I'd choose CR....even though WL is one of my favorite resorts.

I imagine that with a 3yo and 5yo in tow you'll spend most of your time at MK. The CR will make it much easier to get to and from that park given the monorail and the walking path (although it'd probably be a good idea to bring along at least an umbrella stroller for the walking path).

Since it will be crowded and hot over the holiday weekend it makes it even more imperative to be closer to the park. That way you can just walk back if the lines get too long for the monorail.

I personally don't like the boat ride from WL to MK. I think it takes too long since you have to stop at Fort Wilderness (sometimes coming and going). I, too, have a 5yo and 3yo and waiting around for the boat (especially with the crowds and heat) and then hoping to get seats (especially if the little ones are tired) can be VERY trying on the nerves of all of those involved.

Plus, they'll think it's really cool that the monorail cuts right through their resort.

I'd save the WL (because it's a really fun place for kids...and adults) for a trip where you're not tending to them on your own.

P.S. Catch the boat that runs from the CR to the WL one afternoon if you have some time and let the kids get a look at the WL to see if they'd be interested in staying there in the future (or vise-versa if you choose the WL over the CR).

Just an FYI I heard from a few other posters, the WL has direct boat access to the MK now. No stops! Good luck choosing, I'm having the same dilemma!

 

[RabbitFood]

CR if you're staying in the tower.
WL if you're planning to hang around the resort some.
CR if you need to make a quick return to the resort for a midday snooze.
WL if you're looking to save some $$.

I'm no help, am I? My fave is CR, but WL is good, too. CR's rooms are bigger and I like the bathroom layout better--someone can use the potty while someone else is brushing teeth, etc. However, given the ages of your kids, they might prefer the decor of WL--CR is pretty grown up.

 

[letthewookiewin]

I would change to the WL. I am biased however. I had a MK view room at the Poly and I changed to the WL for our upcoming trip b/c our family just loves the WL so much. My DS's loved the boat ride to the MK more than the monorail.

 

[kidgamesafetydotcom]

WL by far. It's probably one of the best experiences I've had at Disney while staying on property. Stay at the WL and ask to be a flag family one morning - you get to go to the roof and raise the flag. It's an amazing opportunity to get some great shots from an incredible view.

 

[AtlAmanda]

Our plan is to do MK and EP. We have a room in the garden wing at CR. I'll have an umbrella stroller for DD (3).

I checked and I can get a room at WL. It is $300 cheaper to do that, and I do like the decor better at WL, but we will be going back to the hotel every day for nap time.