Contemporary: Garden Wing Standard View

[sarabeth10772]

We are planning on going to Disney in March. We have a party of 7. Trying to decide if we should spend the extra $700.00 to get the 2 bedroom lake view at Bay Lake Tower or just save the money and get ajoining rooms at the Contemporary in the Garden Wing with standard view. We have stayed at both places and had park view, however we are paying for my husbands brother and wife so we are trying not over spend. Has anybody stayed in the Garden Wing at the Contemporary? Are the rooms similar to the rooms in the tower at the Contemporary?

 

[bethymouse]

Rooms are similar, but very different experience. Some people call the garden wing "contemporary's step child."
I would go for the 2 bedroom lake view at BLT! It's newer and you get all the benefits of a monorail resort and the Contemporary!

 

[GoofGoof]

Here's my 2 cents (full disclosure - I am an owner at BLT and love it):

I stayed in the garden wing many moons ago so i am sure a lot has changed. The 2 bedroom at BLT is quite a bit larger than 2 studios at the contemporary. I did a quick web search and the studios are 436 square feet (872 for 2) vs 1,152 square feet for the 2 bedroom at BLT. In addition you get the full kitchen and living room area plus 3 full bathrooms (1 with the whirlpool tub) instead of 2 with the studios and you get 2 balconies at BLT. The garden wing rooms have no balcony. If you are on the 1st floor I think it's a patio and the upper floors have a sliding door but no actual balcony. In addition BLT guests have use of the BLT facilities and the CR facilities but CR guests cannot use the pool or lounge at BLT. The two negatives to BLT (besides the $700) 1) no daily maid service - make your own bed 2)the 2 bedroom will have 1 room with 2 queen beds (if it's a dedicated 2BR) and the master with a king so 3 total beds where you could get 2 studios with 2 queen beds each (4 total beds). You said you have 7 people so I am assuming 4 adults and 3 kids. At BLT one of the kids would have to sleep on a pull out couch or the pull out chair.

If you go with BLT and get a lake view room request an even number room. Those are on the side facing the magic kingdom but on the ends instead of the middle of the building which are the MK view rooms. If you get lucky the rooms on the north side of the building (furthest from CR) have views of both the MK and the lake. If you get a high floor the views are better than the MK view rooms on the lower floors. Those on the South side have views of CR, lake and possibly the MK if you look directly right from your balcony.

One final thing to consider is renting points from a DVC owner. It is usually much cheaper than renting direct from Disney. In march you would need 386 points for a 2 bedroom if you rent them for between $10 and $13 a point it would cost $3,860 to $5,018 vs a rack rate from Disney of $1,220 per night or 9,607.50 after 12.5% tax. Just an option.

 

[luv]

If you're going to spend all that money for a room at the Contemporary, you might as well pony up another $700 and get a good view.

I actually prefer the lake view to Theme Park. You can see the EWP at night and it is just a much more peaceful view, especially in the early morning or at night.. Looking at the top of Space Mtn gets old after about six seconds.

However, I never stayed in BLT and don't know how great (or not) the views are. They can't be all that different. Staying the contemporary tower will put you closer to the monorail, fwiw (not much, lol.)

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We stayed in the Garden Wing last summer and really enjoyed it. It was quiet, the room was huge (well, at least compared to WL), the walk to the tower was a breeze, and everything was super convenient. After staying there, the only way I'd spring for the tower is if an MK facing room is in the budget. Not sure about BLT though- no experience with that.

Also, the title of your post notes a standard view room. From my experiences, these are nearly impossible to book. From what I've been told, there aren't many and they book up almost instantly for conventions and weddings. So, we wound up paying a little bit more for a garden view room in the garden wing. We were almost in the same boat again for this upcoming trip, but decided to try out Yacht Club instead.

If you're interested, I can post some pictures from our room. Just let me know

 

[sarabeth10772]

We stayed in the Garden Wing last summer and really enjoyed it. It was quiet, the room was huge (well, at least compared to WL), the walk to the tower was a breeze, and everything was super convenient. After staying there, the only way I'd spring for the tower is if an MK facing room is in the budget. Not sure about BLT though- no experience with that.

Also, the title of your post notes a standard view room. From my experiences, these are nearly impossible to book. From what I've been told, there aren't many and they book up almost instantly for conventions and weddings. So, we wound up paying a little bit more for a garden view room in the garden wing. We were almost in the same boat again for this upcoming trip, but decided to try out Yacht Club instead.

If you're interested, I can post some pictures from our room. Just let me know

Yes! I would love to see some pictures of your room!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Yes! I would love to see some pictures of your room!

In no particular order. The sizing is a bit off, but you should be able to click on any picture to see a larger view.











Dis








mo






Consider it a modern take on a fireplace

 

[Freshee61]

I would opt for the two rooms at garden wing with out a doubt. Each parties have their own privacy at the end of the day and enough beds. And more importantly SAVE The 700 for your shopping drinks etc!
I love the contempory both tower and garden view. Love the contemporary!

 

[GoofGoof]

In no particular order. The sizing is a bit off, but you should be able to click on any picture to see a larger view.











Dis








mo






Consider it a modern take on a fireplace

Definitely looks a lot different than it did in the 80s except for the patio. That looks like I remember it.

 

[MaryJaneP]

I have stayed several times in the Garden Wing. I have not stayed at BLT. I love the Garden Wing rooms. Peaceful and not as far from tower as some say. EWP at night was great (both BLT and Garden). Tower at night for Wishes (Ditto, 4th floor balcony) or even from the boat dock (also ditto, some items partially obstructed view, but we heard it). Close to pools. I don't know if BLT has 2 bathrooms in the suite, but you would have this in 2 rooms in Garden. I do like the kitchen mentioned as part of BLT though.

 

[GoofGoof]

I don't know if BLT has 2 bathrooms in the suite, but you would have this in 2 rooms in Garden. I do like the kitchen mentioned as part of BLT though.

BLT 2 BR villa has 3 full bathrooms. One in each bedroom and 1 in the front foyer near the kitchen. The master bath is huge with a whirlpool tub double sink and separate shower. The foyer bathroom is kinda small with only a pedestal sink but has a tub and shower too.

 

[sarabeth10772]

Thanks for the great information and pictures! Think we finally have decided!! THANKS!