I currently have a trip book at the Contemporary in the Garden Wing. However, I'm thinking of changing to a Beach Club Villa Studio. What do you think?
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Contemporary Garden Wing or Beach Club Studio
- Thread starter StoneCutter589
- Start date
epcotisbest
Well-Known Member
It is just not that simple. There are lots of considerations to take into account before making a decision like that, but in order to keep it simple, I will narrow it down a little.
Contemporary is walking distance to MK. If you plan to spend more time at MK, Contemporary makes more sense.
Beach Club is easy walking distance to Epcot International Gateway. If you plan to spend more time at Epcot, or evenings at Epcot, Beach Club make way more sense.
Third, if resort and pool time are important to you, Beach Club wins by a mile. Stormalong Bay is fantastic.
Lots of other variables like access to monorail from Contemporary, and much more, but for us, those would be the main deciding factor.
And, I'd take Beach Club over Contemporary regardless of my plans regarding parks, but that's just me.
That's the thing...I've stayed at Beach Club before and loved it, but I'm thinking about trying something new.
Skibum1970
Well-Known Member
I've stayed at the Garden Wing a few times and really loved it. My only real complaint was that it can actually be a long walk, depending on which room you're in. Still, here are my thoughts overall:
1. Proximity to MK: It's our favorite park and we enjoy walking to it from the Contemporary. Obviously, this hotel is not exactly centrally located and so proximity to other parks is lost. AK is a 15 minute drive or more in a car. EPCOT/Studios can be as much as ten minutes by car. To leave the resort (ex. Going to UNI), you are furthest in and it takes time to leave.
2. Food Courts: Generally good. I have some food allergies which makes it difficult to find anything to eat but I get by okay.
3. Grounds: Pretty but, admittedly, not overly themed. I love the view of Bay Lake. I kind of wished that there was more a walking path around the resort but it was still fine.
4. Transportation: Walk to MK, monorail to EPCOT, buses otherwise. I used a rental car the last time and that really helped for EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Studios. Buses are okay but car felt much faster. Our room was at the farthest point away from the main building and it felt like a bit of a walk, although not as bad as PO Riverside (which I also love).
5. Ambiance: Contemporary has a definite feel. The theme carries through from the lobby into the rooms. We really enjoy it but it isn't elaborate as some (ex. Wilderness Lodge). The Electric Water Pageant is a great touch as well.
6. Overall: Peaceful and relaxing. It conveys a throwback Disney feel while also feeling modern. The Wing is further out but probably is even more peaceful than the main building. Probably our favorite overall with Wilderness Lodge being a close second.
1. Proximity to MK: It's our favorite park and we enjoy walking to it from the Contemporary. Obviously, this hotel is not exactly centrally located and so proximity to other parks is lost. AK is a 15 minute drive or more in a car. EPCOT/Studios can be as much as ten minutes by car. To leave the resort (ex. Going to UNI), you are furthest in and it takes time to leave.
2. Food Courts: Generally good. I have some food allergies which makes it difficult to find anything to eat but I get by okay.
3. Grounds: Pretty but, admittedly, not overly themed. I love the view of Bay Lake. I kind of wished that there was more a walking path around the resort but it was still fine.
4. Transportation: Walk to MK, monorail to EPCOT, buses otherwise. I used a rental car the last time and that really helped for EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Studios. Buses are okay but car felt much faster. Our room was at the farthest point away from the main building and it felt like a bit of a walk, although not as bad as PO Riverside (which I also love).
5. Ambiance: Contemporary has a definite feel. The theme carries through from the lobby into the rooms. We really enjoy it but it isn't elaborate as some (ex. Wilderness Lodge). The Electric Water Pageant is a great touch as well.
6. Overall: Peaceful and relaxing. It conveys a throwback Disney feel while also feeling modern. The Wing is further out but probably is even more peaceful than the main building. Probably our favorite overall with Wilderness Lodge being a close second.
epcotisbest
Well-Known Member
In that case, go for Contemporary. We like trying different resorts. If you stick with a favorite or two, you may never know which one might become your new favorite.
CaptainAmerica
Premium Member
How many people in your group? What ages?
You'll like the garden wing, but it is a bit of a hike to the main building, especially if the put you out at the end by the water...
correcaminos
Well-Known Member
I agree, if this is new, then I would go for it. I love trying new places at Disney
epcotisbest
Well-Known Member
We too enjoy staying at different places. It is fun to try a new place. We are working our way around to all of them.I agree, if this is new, then I would go for it. I love trying new places at Disney
HouCuseChickie
Well-Known Member
We've stayed in the Garden Wing and really enjoyed it. One of the times we stayed there, we were in a stretch of rooms along the water and didn't think the walk was bad at all. It's certainly better than the distances you cover with some of the GF buildings and Poly longhouses. Beyond that, assuming Touring Plans lists the correct square footage, the Contemporary room is bigger. Avg 395 sq ft to avg 365 sq ft. I also love that you get the same room as you do in the tower, but for a significant price difference. We try and request something on the first floor so we get a patio too.
Tk0021
Active Member
Depends who is in your party. I have never stayed at the beach club, but my parents love it. They stayed there a few years ago on two different trips and they still talk about how great they thought it was. I have stayed in the garden wing all the way at the end by the water. I didn’t mind the walk to the main building. We were on the bottom floor which was nice. With two little girls that love MK the walking distance is great. It felt like we were in a inclusive resort.
Thanks everyone.
I went with the Beach Club. I’ve been there before and it feels like a home away from home at this point.
I watched some videos on the Comtempoary, and it seems a little cold to me. I’d still like to try it, I guess. There’s always next time.
I went with the Beach Club. I’ve been there before and it feels like a home away from home at this point.
I watched some videos on the Comtempoary, and it seems a little cold to me. I’d still like to try it, I guess. There’s always next time.
Skibum1970
Well-Known Member
I griped a little about the walk but it wasn't bad at all. It feels longer when you first get there as opposed to once you know where your room is located.
With early reports showing the Contemporary being excluded from free dining, I think I made the right decision.
laben594
Active Member
Hard to say.
In my personal opinion it’s a little disappointing to go into contemporary and see the monorail go through the main building, only to be swept off to the side in a Garden wing. However, I will say when we stayed in the garden wing it was the nicest room we have stayed in on property to date.
Beach club theming is Amazing. You really feel immersed while not so much at contemporary. Beach club also has an amazing pool and you can literally walk to Hollywood studios and Epcot.
I choose: beach club
Good luck and keep us posted what you decide
In my personal opinion it’s a little disappointing to go into contemporary and see the monorail go through the main building, only to be swept off to the side in a Garden wing. However, I will say when we stayed in the garden wing it was the nicest room we have stayed in on property to date.
Beach club theming is Amazing. You really feel immersed while not so much at contemporary. Beach club also has an amazing pool and you can literally walk to Hollywood studios and Epcot.
I choose: beach club
Good luck and keep us posted what you decide
DarthVader
Sith Lord
Location to MK is hard to beat and you can walk to the MK at this point.
With the security changes, can you still work to MK from the contemporary though? That's the question.
With the security changes, can you still work to MK from the contemporary though? That's the question.
Disney4family
Well-Known Member
DarthVader
Sith Lord
Thanks, I was wondering what they what they would do.
Dutch Inn '76
Well-Known Member
I can't think of a single reason to stay in the Garden wing - and the Contemporary is my favorite resort at WDW. Either stay in the tower, or stay somewhere else.