Contemporary TPV seems great! But if you don't mind me asking how did you justify the cost. I would have no problem paying upward $400 per night.... If it is worth it. It seems no one really answers the is it worth question
You need to decide between the GF and the CR. Both are wonderful, but in totally different ways, so it depends completely upon which is more important to YOU.
We love both and have stayed at both. Here are the advantages unique to each resort, as I see it:
CR, TPV room:
AMAZING view!
No words to describe it! The view is what it is all about. You enter the room and the entire opposite wall is window overlooking the entire MK area. You see the MK, the Castle, the GF, the Poly, the entire monorail loop, the boats going to and fro, just everything! At night the fireworks are you have children that go to bed early, sitting out on this balcony with your beverage of choice is fun and relaxing.
BEST transportation!
The only other resort that can be argued to have as good transportation is the Poly. The transportation options at the CR are simply the VERY BEST IN WDW!!! First, you can WALK to the MK. In itself, that can be priceless, especially with little ones and/or if the monorail is on limited schedule.
Also, it has the monorail to the MK and to Epcot (change of monorail line at TTC). It has the monorail access to both the poly and the GF. Also, you can walk to the MK and take a boat to the Poly or the GF. You have a boat dock at the CR that has boat transportation to both Fort Wilderness (Hoop Dee Doo Revue dinner show) and the Wilderness Lodge. Lots of dining and activities that make this boat ride fun and worthwhile!
Also, you can walk to the MK bus terminal for direct bus access to ALL other resorts in WDW. No other resort gives you direct access to the other resorts! This is great if you have dining reservations at another resort or just want to visit.
Great dining at the resort!
Chef Mickey's is at your resort just downstairs! This is nearly an attraction in its own right. Here, you get to meet with Mickey during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We have a meal here every trip. Also, the California Grille upstairs has good food and lovely views for a more upscale dining experience. The Contempt Cafe is really good quick service and the Wave has many healthy choices. Of course, you are also only a quick monorail ride away from the dining at the Poly and GF or a quick boat ride to the WL or FW.
Large spacious rooms, comfortable beds!
CR rooms are all equally large with a large daybed and two queens or a king bed. The beds are very comfortable. I like the layout. Personally, I like that the toilet is in its own separate room and the sinks and tub are together in the 'outside' bathroom area. (The sinks are a small issue - flat bottoms! What were they thinking?)
Rooms are all in the main building (unless you book the garden wing). This means that everything is under one roof - even the monorail. That is convenient, comfortable (no going outside in inclement weather), and Cool! It is fun to watch the monorail glide through the Grand Concourse!
Pool:
The pool is plain, but has a good slide. The views over Bay Lake are relaxing and the pool is never crowded.
GF, outer building:
Beautiful theming! Let's face it - the theming at the GF is top notch all the way! From the lobby to the grounds to the decor in the lavish, large and comfortable rooms, everything is immaculate and beautiful! Details are perfect, everything is simply gorgeous! It is pretty, bright and elegant here. You feel like you have arrived, but without any stuffiness. It is an amazing experience that is well worth the cost to say here. No buildings are far from the main building with transportation, dining and transportation options. Every building has its own unique conveniences regarding location and almost all views are great with only a few that have a building or small obstruction (such as a tree) in the way. walking around the grounds here is almost an attraction in itself, it is so pretty.
The rooms!
Rooms here are among the largest on Property. They are beautiful and perfectly appointed. All but a few have balconies. They come with either two queens or a king and a daybed. Bathrooms have the toilet and tub in one room and two sinks outside. Views are generally lovely, of the grounds, the lagoon, the MK, the monorail or the Poly.
Staying in the main building is possible, but is CL level and quite pricey.
Transportation:
The GF has monorail access to the MK, Epcot, the CR and the Poly. It also offers a boat ride to the Poly and the MK. Otherwise it is bus service to the other theme parks. If you wish to visit other resorts you need to go to a theme park and transfer to the bus to that resort from there. the GF has a lovely bus stop with lots of benches for sitting while waiting for your bus to arrive.
The Lobby!
An attraction in its own right, the GF lobby is nothing short of spectacular. With musical entertainment, and lots of places to sit comfortably you can enjoy time spent just relaxing under its wonderful stained glass dome. Shopping and dining options are varied, excellent and plentiful here. You have the Cafe, Narcoosee's, 1900 park Fare, and Gasparilla's (quick service).
Pools:
the two pools at the GF are beautiful. One is situated in the courtyard and the other is located on the beach near the DVC building. Both are fun and have zero entry. there is a great splash play area for children.
Watching MK fireworks:
From your room, if you have a TPV room. If you do not have TPV, you can watch the fireworks from the boat dock, in front of Gasparilla's or on the walkway to the poly.
I'm not sure if that answers the "Is it worth the price?" question, but these are the reasons why we think that these two resorts are worth the exorbitant costs.
Good luck choosing! Both of these resorts are magical!
