WL vs. Contemporary

[Beaker74]

We are spending our honeymoon at WDW, May 10 - May 20 on the Dream Makers Gold Package. We originally booked at CBR but recently changed our reservations to WL. Now after researching all the resorts here on the boards, we are seriously considering changing to CR because of the transportation, views, and conveinience. Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[QJ411]

Hi and CONGRATS!!!

There is NO place like WL, there is NO place like WL!!!

That's just my humble opinion...we had out Honeymoon at WL and we loved it. The views were great and the transportations were excellent. And the theme of the resort is magnificent...THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE WL...hee hee :happy1: :happy1:


Hope this helps...ENJOY and CONGRATS!!!

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed at both.

transportation, views, and conveinience
Exactly what are your issues? If you'll explain, maybe I can help.

Both resorts have excellent transportation, views, and convenience. There is a small boat that circles WL/FW.CR all day, so it is very easy to stay at one & "play" at another. Last month during our stay, we went over to CR for dinner several times.

Both resorts are beautiful. Stay at whichever has the "theming" you desire.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I have stayed at both as you can see below...as you can also see, I only stayed at CR once...I was NOT impressed. I might get alot of flack for this from CR fans, but I found the rooms and their "modern" decor yucky!
CR is also a convention resort, so there are LOTS of business people there that really don't care you are on vacation and will butt in line to get breakfast before their day of meetings. The ONLY reason I like the CR was the room size was much bigger..but this is not a reason for me to go again..it is my mommy and me trip that we take, so there is just me and my DD(5)

The WL is the most creative (IMHO) resort on the property. I feel like I am really in the Pacific NW at a lodge in the woods. The architecture is amazing and no detail is too small. Romantic walks around the lodge and falls are perfect for a honeymoon.

Transportation, contray to some, has NEVER been a problem for me in the WL...I did have major problems at CR when the monorail broke down and I had a 90 minute trip to get back from Epcot ( which got me a major refund from Transportation)

Like Kim, I usually eat at the California Grill during the fireworks and the food is really excellant! That should be a PS for you one night!

So, my vote is WL!! ALL THE WAY!!!!! But whatever you choose, you make your own Magic..and God Bless you and your marriage!

 

[dw123]

The WL is beautiful - better decor than the Contemporary, and when you are at the hotel you definitely feel as if you're totally away from the parks - which is probably not a bad thing for a honeymoon!

The advantage of the Contemporary to me though is that you feel as if you are always in the parks. My family went this spring - definitely not a honeymoon - and stayed in the tower overlooking the MK. It was fantastic! Space Mountain is right next to the Contemporary's North Garden Wing parking lot - the park is that close. We watched Cinderella's castle change colors all night (very beautiful), saw the Electrical Water Parade from the balcony and fireworks too. Couldn't be beat! In the morning we'd watch the monorail and boats - very relaxing and pleasant.

Didn't run into any conventioners (though we didn't venture out for breakfast - had it in the room), and enjoyed the hotel immensely!

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I vote for WL. I've never stayed at the CR, so I haven't experienced the great views. But I have visited it a few times and seen inside the rooms and YIKES, I think it has the ugliest decor I have ever seen. WL, on the other hand is really beautiful. The rooms are not the most fantastic, but they are still fine. The lobby, the grounds, and the overall theming are just fantastic. I would say, look at lots of pictures of the CR
.on the various sites, and if the decor doesn't scare you then you will probably really enjoy it for the convenience factor.

 

[Beaker74]

Thanks for the input so far, any more would be great!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I vote for WL they have a beautful honeymoon suite, or just a courtyard view with king size bed would be great. The Pacific Northwest Theme is carried throughout the resort, (The Artist Point resturant is very romantic)

(I think the CR looks like a giant toaster)

Which ever you choose it will be magical.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEDDING

PIXIE DUST

 

[QJ411]

(I think the CR looks like a giant toaster)

That's what it was! I knew it looked familiar! LOL




PS. I STILL VOTE WL!!!!

 

[shafke]

I would vote WL also... It was a very relaxing trip for us, even the day DS was sick...

 

[LadyAurora]

I also vote for the WL, since you will be on your honeymoon. Do you want to spend your honeymoon in a busy transportation hub, or in the peaceful Northwest-styled serenity of the WL? IMO, the Contemporary is like a huge train station.

 

[PrincessAurora]

The theming, the friendly cast members, Artist Point, the wonderful pool, the boats, the wooded walks, the hidden mickeys, the woods, the views (5032 - otter pond, castle view where we stayed was GREAT!).

Transportation was not bad. Never waited longer than 5-10 minutes for a bus or a boat. The store is great. The watermice are fun, the merchantile is great.

I LOVE THE LODGE. By comparision, the Contemporary is a big, modern, shiny toaster. If you like that, great but it reminds me of any other convention hotel in the world. The Lodge is something special. You won't regret it. This is my second home now.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Another nod for the WL here. We have stayed in both. We stay at the WL all the time.................and have only stayed at the CR once. Why? For us it all comes down to theming, atmosphere, and comfort....................all the things that woulod help to make a honeymoon extra special.

The theming of the WL is incredible. While you are only a boatride away from the MK, you feel like you are miles away in the wilderness. We have stayed at almost all of the WDW resorts and we find the WL to be the most relaxing of all the resorts...........again another bonus for a honeymoon. Transportation? The boat ride to the MK is convenient and a lot of fun. Yes, it does take longer than the walk to the MK (the best way to get to the MK form the CR), but the ride is an event of its own. You are also a short boat ride away from the CR and the transportation options that provides. Convenience? As stated, you are a short boat ride from the CR so you can still have that convenience. Views? WL has got them. Perhaps not the MK views you MIGHT get at the CR, but still very nice. The other thing about the WL is all the nooks, crannies, and comfortable places to sit and relax. Find a cozy corner, sit in front of a fireplace, stroll the lovely grounds................so many things that just multiply the atmosphere.

As for the CR.....................if you do decide to make the switch make sure that you stay in the Tower. The Garden Wings lack the special feel, and the views, that the Tower has. When we stayed at the CR we did enjoy the location. What we didn't enjoy as much was the theming and decor. Yes, it may be a personal judgement, but the colors are stark and vibrant. The theme is retro-contemporary. The feel can be cold........but on purpose. Unlike the WL, there are no comfortable places to sit in a comfy chair and take a rest on while you relax and just soak in the atmosphere. IMHO, our 3 yo DD summed up the CR when she asked us upon arrival............"Is this the airport?" The CR can be a neat experience, don't get me wrong, but I just think the WL is a better one.

You really can't go wrong with either one...................good luck deciding.