Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[DJFan88]

$250 price a night difference between the garden wing and a main tower room. Save the dough, or does it really make that much of a difference to be in the tower? This trip will just be me and my husband and we have no limitations. We’ve stayed at most the resorts but not this one, it is his request for this one just based on the fact that it is the original resort.

 

[JM_97]

$250 price a night difference between the garden wing and a main tower room. Save the dough, or does it really make that much of a difference to be in the tower? This trip will just be me and my husband and we have no limitations. We’ve stayed at most the resorts but not this one, it is his request for this one just based on the fact that it is the original resort.

If you're debating between the Garden Wing and the Tower, I'd go with the Tower. A big part of staying at the Contemporary is being in the tower in the middle of everything. It's classic.

Now Tower vs BLT is a different debate since BLT is a DVC timeshare. But if I was between Garden and Tower, I would splurge for the Tower. If you want to save $ and still be in the Tower, Lake View is almost always cheaper than Theme Park View.

 

[jemtx]

It’s a big chunk of money, but I agree with PP above.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

$250 price a night difference between the garden wing and a main tower room. Save the dough, or does it really make that much of a difference to be in the tower? This trip will just be me and my husband and we have no limitations. We’ve stayed at most the resorts but not this one, it is his request for this one just based on the fact that it is the original resort.

If this is a maybe once ever knock CR off the list trip, then Tower. All due respect to the Garden Wing (and don’t get me wrong, there are a many devout fans) but it’s just not the same. $250/night isn’t small change and I don’t mean to spend you money for you, but if within the budget I’d lean Tower.

 

[focusondisney]

I agree with @GADisneyDad14, it’s 2 different experiences. Of you’re wanting to see the theme park from your balcony, or watch the monorail glide past the hall, Tower it is. I do love the garden wing too tho. We find it a quiet area, with pretty water or garden views. I like that we can use the escalators to food court & monorail & don’t have to use the elevators, which can be crowded. Just walk thru the lobby & out the other door to the bus or MK walkway. BUT, there are no theme park views, so you’re not going to look out your window & see the castle or fireworks. Garden wing has all showers, tower has tubs & shower only rooms. I guess it depends what kind of experience you’re looking for.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

@DJFan88 It's your first time at CR, make it magical and stay inside the iconic A frame! How many nights is your trip? You could consider shaving off one night of the trip to make up the difference or maybe staying elsewhere on arrival night.

 

[sky13]

$250 price a night difference between the garden wing and a main tower room. Save the dough, or does it really make that much of a difference to be in the tower? This trip will just be me and my husband and we have no limitations. We’ve stayed at most the resorts but not this one, it is his request for this one just based on the fact that it is the original resort.

I had a theme park view room in the tower for a couple of nights last month and it was one of the most magical stays I've had - I would just sit on the sofa and gaze out at the castle from my room, at dawn, in the day, at dusk, at night... Plus fireworks from the room (with music from the TV) was fantastic. And I'd just sit at the balcony looking at the monorail going from GF to MK to Contemporary, or even watch out for the MK train going along the outside of MK.

I usually never bother about the view from the hotel room, but I'm really glad I splurged out for a couple of nights theme park view because I just got so captivated by the view for this room. Definitely a highlight of that trip.

Depending on how many nights is your stay - you could perhaps split stay? Spend a couple of nights in the tower and then a few nights in the garden wing (or elsewhere)?

 

[jemtx]

I had a theme park view room in the tower for a couple of nights last month and it was one of the most magical stays I've had - I would just sit on the sofa and gaze out at the castle from my room, at dawn, in the day, at dusk, at night... Plus fireworks from the room (with music from the TV) was fantastic. And I'd just sit at the balcony looking at the monorail going from GF to MK to Contemporary, or even watch out for the MK train going along the outside of MK.

I usually never bother about the view from the hotel room, but I'm really glad I splurged out for a couple of nights theme park view because I just got so captivated by the view for this room. Definitely a highlight of that trip.

Depending on how many nights is your stay - you could perhaps split stay? Spend a couple of nights in the tower and then a few nights in the garden wing (or elsewhere)?

Not one for upgrading for view usually either. (Room location is another story) but I have to agree that the TPV at CR is something magical and I always gladly spring for.

 

[DJFan88]

I had a theme park view room in the tower for a couple of nights last month and it was one of the most magical stays I've had - I would just sit on the sofa and gaze out at the castle from my room, at dawn, in the day, at dusk, at night... Plus fireworks from the room (with music from the TV) was fantastic. And I'd just sit at the balcony looking at the monorail going from GF to MK to Contemporary, or even watch out for the MK train going along the outside of MK.

I usually never bother about the view from the hotel room, but I'm really glad I splurged out for a couple of nights theme park view because I just got so captivated by the view for this room. Definitely a highlight of that trip.

Depending on how many nights is your stay - you could perhaps split stay? Spend a couple of nights in the tower and then a few nights in the garden wing (or elsewhere)?

Thanks all for the input. Money is not really an issue, but is if you know what I mean. I was just wondering about it, as I also don’t spend foolishly. We usually do split our stay staying value or moderate first, then followed by the deluxe, often CL.
We’ve stayed at all resorts other than the monorail and DVC only room resorts, so whether this will be a one and done remains to be seen as we do come quite regularly. I tend to lean toward boardwalk area and repeat those a lot, but my husband wants contemporary for the 2nd part of our stay.
Sounds like he would rather inside based on all your accounts and we’ll do that. On any subsequent stays there, should we like it (and I’m guessing we will as I have eaten there several times and the location is great) , I can assess.
Thanks everyone!

 

[mn51]

$250 price a night difference between the garden wing and a main tower room. Save the dough, or does it really make that much of a difference to be in the tower? This trip will just be me and my husband and we have no limitations. We’ve stayed at most the resorts but not this one, it is his request for this one just based on the fact that it is the original resort.

We debated this as well but decided to stay at the Garden Wing. We were glad we did. It's very peaceful. I did not put in a request but we got the first floor with a patio. Enjoyed it more than we thought we would. The tower was a short walk away when we wanted the hustle and bustle (which really wasn't often). That's a really good price difference. Ours wasn't as much but we had also received the dining promo card. Have a great trip!

 

[DJFan88]

We debated this as well but decided to stay at the Garden Wing. We were glad we did. It's very peaceful. I did not put in a request but we got the first floor with a patio. Enjoyed it more than we thought we would. The tower was a short walk away when we wanted the hustle and bustle (which really wasn't often). That's a really good price difference. Ours wasn't as much but we had also received the dining promo card. Have a great trip!

Sitting out at a patio does sound good!

 

[JM_97]

Not one for upgrading for view usually either. (Room location is another story) but I have to agree that the TPV at CR is something magical and I always gladly spring for.

I want to do TPV once to experience it but honestly we are still out and about (most nights) when fireworks are going off so we wouldn't be able to take advantage of it like others would. I also love the lake view because it's so peaceful. You would have no idea you are right next to MK (or in Disney World).

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I might be in the minority - but I actually prefer the garden wing rooms.

More relaxing - and quieter!

 

[pmas]

Here now after arriving late last night. Garden Wing is perfect for us and it's about a 30 second walk into the lobby. Entire hotel is fabulous, but glad we didn't spend the extra on the main tower. Not necessary for us.

Thanks to everyone on this thread which I've found so useful for our once-in-a-lifetime 'big' trip.

 

[trishadono]

Dd view from 3rd floor GW.

I agree with above poster, I enjoy the GW and loved my stay in May. However dd prefers her TPV but for a late arrival and V&A night it was better to start there. They are now in theTower Cl. I have posted some pix on CL thread if interested.
Oh they are on their honeymoon and request for 1st floor did not come through.

 

[Bethpremier]

Happy to delete this post but can anyone direct me to where I can find a monthly activity schedule for CR?

 

[trishadono]

Happy to delete this post but can anyone direct me to where I can find a monthly activity schedule for CR?

Try asking @mrsap she gets them for gf.

 

[mrsap]

Happy to delete this post but can anyone direct me to where I can find a monthly activity schedule for CR?

All resort recreation calendars can be found on the Monthly Thread HERE. Enjoy!

 

[LMO429]

We went with garden view for a couple of reasons. We frequent the parks/resort often, 2 we have a car and like the idea of the parking lot being right there. 3 no wait for elevators 4. quiet I think if you go often I would save the money and go with a garden view room. We have little kids and being out on the balcony freaks us out lol its not relaxing on a balcony with a 2 year old lol

 

[NickDubs34]

Hi all, this may be a dumb question and placed in the wrong spot but trying here.

Staying at Contemporary for the first time for a few nights here in a couple of weeks. I get in late on a Friday afternoon and there's a Christmas party that night. I decided not to attend but want to watch the fireworks from my balcony (I have TPV). My question is, when they do the Christmas party, do they pipe the music in to your room for those fireworks shows too? Or is it only for HEA?