Would Not Go Back To.....

[chrismiss56]

Hi to all!!

Just got back from 4 days at the Contemporary and have to tell you I will not be going back. We really like the Epcot Resort Area and could not get in this time using AP rates, so when offered the CR, thought why not?

At check in was upgraded to a garden view. Asked the CM to suggest a location and he put us in a room "with a great view". Well this room turned out to be the furthest corner of the South Wing!! It was a several minute trip each time we wanted to return to the Main Bldg through winding hallways that if you didn't watch the numbers you could easily get lost!!

CM's were nice but did not go out of their way to add to the Disney Magic. They were just there - no pixie dust

The food court (if that is what you call it) had nothing but greasy not fresh looking offerings. Walked in there once and was assaulted with the smell of old grease.

The room and hallways are very outdated. The room is very large compared to other properties. Fridge did not work well and maintenance was not very helpful. The place really needs an overhaul. Plus we were up on the second floor and no balcony. Why would they build a hotel - give the room a sliding door but no balcony

The monorail is a great idea except going to MK takes longer than if you walked. Walking was not an option because of the all day rains we had while down there (first time in 25 years). Tried taking the bus to MGM and had to wait 30 minutes for a bus. While at the bus stop there would be buses driving through without stopping. UGH Ended up driving most of the time because it was faster.

This is our personal opinion - we love the location of the Epcot Resort Area - you can walk or take the boat to 2 of the parks. We never have had to wait 30 minutes for a bus. Felt like something to eat and you have the whole Boardwalk to choose from.

Back to the Epcot Resort Area for us.

Have a magical Disney Day!!

 

[lulu71]

I love the Epcot resort area too. We stayed at the GF a few years ago, and while it was nice, it just wasn't the same. I think that once people "fall in love" with a resort or area, it's hard for another resort to compare. If you discovered "the magic" at one place, it's where you'll always find it, IMO. (Geez, that sounded so corny, LOL!)

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Hey thank you so much for the trip report! I know some people love this resort but it never visually appealed to me. After reading your review I can definitely say that Im glad we did not decide to spend time there during our last few trips.

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

I love the Epcot resort area too. We stayed at the GF a few years ago, and while it was nice, it just wasn't the same. I think that once people "fall in love" with a resort or area, it's hard for another resort to compare. If you discovered "the magic" at one place, it's where you'll always find it, IMO. (Geez, that sounded so corny, LOL!)

I dont think thats cheesy at all! In fact it makes perfect sense! The CBR is my favorite even out of all the deluxes and most people I bet would find that scandalous! Lol but thats where the magic is for me! You should do advertising for Disney! That was a really good point!

 

[YCFAN]

Another vote for the Epcot Resort area. I just love having all the options that surround you.

 

[PamNC]

We stayed there in 1999, and it was our first deluxe stay. So, we liked it a lot. It's nostalgic, and our room was very nice - we were upgraded to a Jr. Suite, without even asking. Lots of pixie dust. BUT, then it happened. We stayed at the Beach Club and fell in love with the Epcot Resort area. So, I know what you mean. we stayed there several times, and then tried GF. Believe it or not, we left the GF after one night, not because we didn't like it really, but because we missed the BC, Stormalong Bay and the Epcot area. So, we transferred over to BC. Then, last year, we tried the Polynesian. It became our new favorite. Love the MK area!!! Now, we flip flop between the two areas....Poly, BC, YC, S/D....rotate!!!

PamNC

 

[TJA]

I must say that we had a fabulous stay at CR last year and we hope to return there someday. We were lucky enough to get in the north wing with a bay view. We were just a minute away from the tower and also the walkway to MK. We watched the EWP each night from our room. But, each time we go to WDW, we find ourselves wandering over to Epcot International Gateway and strolling to the boardwalk. We just love it over there. So we decided to stay at BC in a couple of months! I can't wait to stay over in that area. It seems like a whole different trip from staying in the MK area. I'm not sure if I'll have a "favorite," but I'll be curious to find out!

 

[happybratpack]

I have to say I'm a little worried. I changed the first night of our next stay to be a surprise for my SO - I wanted Poly but all I could get with the AP rate for something reasonable was CR garden wing. He's mentioned several times he wants to stay there at least once so I thought this would be a good test. (after that we're moving to CBR & then WL) I hope it works out and we're not disappointed, I know it's only one night but I would like the surprise to be worth it for him. I think I'm going to order something for the room too maybe.

Anyway, thanks for your review!

 

[dznyntnh]

CR was the first wdw I stayed in as a kid (I do not count Fort Wilderness ). And as a kid, I loved it, but for some reason now, it doesn't hold the same magic for me. I would only stay there if I was guaranteed the tower and it's just too expensive.

Until last year, I had never considered the Epcot area. I had always moved between POR and WL, as I love those two resorts and their locations. But there was a great deal for the Dolphin, so I tried it and I fell in love . The convenience of the area, the abundance of things to do and see and the Dolphin was a wonderful hotel to stay at. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back now.

 

[MinnieM3]

I'm so sorry you had a bad time at CR. We have only stayed in the Tower and I think the experience is quite different!

We used to stay in Epcot area, but didn't like it! Go figure!

 

[BostonRob]

Another vote for the Epcot Resort area. I just love having all the options that surround you.

Yup. I always thought the MK resorts were the only way to go. Then I stayed at the Swan and realized it was the perfect location. I'm staying at the Wl this time because it will be a short trip with our young daughter and the proximity to the MK just makes sense. But my first choice would always be Epcot area.

 

[sarahg311@hotmail.co]

Never ever in a million years would I stay at CBR....the building we stayed at was old and pretty dirty. We asked mousekeeping three times to wash the crusty smear of poop off of the toilet seat and they never came. I finally did it myself. To me CBR is a glorified Howard Johnson. The main pool had hair floating in it and tons of mildea and nasty old bandaids everywhere! It was digusting no offense to those who love it! I think CBR has potential though just needs a little work IMHO.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Another vote for the Epcot Resort area. I just love having all the options that surround you.

I need to learn more about the Epcot Resort Area specifically transportation. Is there a monorail there? (I feel so stupid asking that question.)

Can someone please direct me somewhere so I am not so ignorant to Epcot. TIA

 

[cmonroe]

I have to say I'm a little worried. I changed the first night of our next stay to be a surprise for my SO - I wanted Poly but all I could get with the AP rate for something reasonable was CR garden wing. He's mentioned several times he wants to stay there at least once so I thought this would be a good test. (after that we're moving to CBR & then WL) I hope it works out and we're not disappointed, I know it's only one night but I would like the surprise to be worth it for him. I think I'm going to order something for the room too maybe.

Anyway, thanks for your review!

Happy,

Make sure you request the North wing! Bay lake view or MK view are great, and it's closer to main area of the resort (cafeteria area, arcade, etc.) and closer to MK. North wing view does overlook the parking lot, but you can see the castle and wishes at night.

chrismiss56,

Sorry you were checked into the south wing. That stinks. I've stayed at the CR my whole life and the south wing only when there was nothing else available.

It's true, a lot of people don't like the CR. It's definitely one of those resorts you either really like or don't like. For me, it has tremendous nostalgic value as I've stayed there since I was a child. Believe it or not, it does make a difference.

For most people(not always true) to feel the magic at the CR, they need to stay in the tower. Almost guaranteed magic if in the tower facing the MK. It is breathtaking. But the tower is big bucks and a lot of people can't afford it, including me.

We're staying at another resort next time we go after a lifetime at CR. It will probably be a little strange, but as others have said. They feel the magic at other resorts. I'm hoping this will happen for us as well.

The CR does need some updating (hallway carpets in the wings, etc.) but the rooms are great and for those of us who love it, there is a tremendous amount of magic when staying there.

Please wish me some magic on our next stay and hope you find the magic again on yours.

 

[cmonroe]

I need to learn more about the Epcot Resort Area specifically transportation. Is there a monorail there? (I feel so stupid asking that question.)

Can someone please direct me somewhere so I am not so ignorant to Epcot. TIA

Cindy's Mom,

The monorail access to the Epcot area is only to Epcot itself. Many resorts like the boardwalk, swan and dolphin have boat access to MGM, but for the rest it is mostly busses. Anyone else have anything to add?

 

[lauran cameron]

I know this is a tad off topic but every time I hear someone talk about the contemporary resort, I can't help but think of the GIANT TOSTER image that my boyfriend has imbelished in my head. *snickers*

 

[Leota]

We keep finding ourselves drawn back to the Epcot area also. I still want to try a couple nights at the Contemporary, tho. The idea of walking in & out of MK is really appealing....


As far as Epcot area resorts transportation, what we really enjoy, is strolling in & out of Epcot & now, MGM. You can take the Friendship boats to both Parks, but we enjoy the walk as often as the boatride. We also find ourselves walking thru Epcot to grab the monorail to take over to MK as often as we use the bus.
Buses take you to the other Parks.

The real key to the Epcot area, tho, is the convienence for eating well & having entertainment at your door at night with Boardwalk. There are just so many great choices for food & fun in walking distance, that it's hard to beat. It's a lovely area.

 

[Bill3]

Everything is relative. We lucked out and got a great rate at CR several years ago we were in the Tower and had the Greatest view imaginable. The room was in need of rehab but we didn't care. There was considerable noise from Chef Mickeys but we loved it.
We have stayed at nearly every WDW resort and I would go back to any of them, I mean what is the alternative? All-Star whatever is better than March in Michigan.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I know this is a tad off topic but every time I hear someone talk about the contemporary resort, I can't help but think of the GIANT TOSTER image that my boyfriend has imbelished in my head. *snickers*

I love the toaster remark!! We've stayed in the CR many times but not since the AKL opened. Your toaster remark brought back a memory that I haven't though of in over 20 years. CR was supposed to look futuristic when it was built. I remember as a kid telling my Mom that I thought it looked like a big toaster and my Dad, with a very serious look on his face saying "Well, in the future, all buildings will look like giant toasters". Both my parents just laughed, probably because the at the look of disbelief on my face.

 

[Hnymoon@Dixie]

to see if we liked it enough to stay. While we were there we got hungry & went to the food court downstairs. I ordered a burger & the roll had a huge mold spot on it! It covered almost half of the burger roll! The chef wasn't very apologenic, but I did get a refund. I thought the food service area was dirtier than I would normally expect. We'll go again to visit, but I wouldn't book a room there!