My "Two Cents"
Okay, so last summer (June 4-15 2007) we stayed in the Garden Wing of the Contemporary. Mind you, we have always stayed in the Contemporary, deeming it "our home away from home" (i, myself, have stayed there about 20 plus times). Anyhow, the rooms were really, really cool but NOT functional at all.
The following is a short list of annoying features that irritated us:
1. Although there are double sinks in the bathroom, there is NO counter. My family and I had to pile our toiletries in the sink. Also, the sink is one of those new flat sinks, so liquids don't drain well. For instance, if you pour out some of your coffee and wash your mug, you essentially also have to wash down the remaining liquid that did not go down the sink. Although we don't spend countless hours in the room (we stay there for the closeness to the MK) we do like to get up and get out in a hurry (or in due time). With the bathroom being difficult to use because of the lack of counter space, it was annoying shaving, blow drying hair, etc. Plus, all of our toiletries were getting soaked due to the dual use of having the sink also be a countertop.
2. Also, there is little-to-no space for storage of suitcases. We were tripping over all of our luggage the entire trip. There are a few drawers built into the wall that help. But the once huge closet (perfect for suitcases) was turned into a mini bar with a fridge, with two small 'closets' on either side (a family of four's luggage would not fit in them).
3. Moreover, they took away the room table, and instead put in counters that are attached to the wall. Which, if you wanted to have a quick eat in the room, you are either sitting with food in your lap, or eating facing a wall.
4. They have a lot of counters built into the walls, which do provide for ample counter space in the room. However, the downfall is that all those built-in's and counters take away from space within the room. Thus, the room has become smaller and more enclosed.
5. The only seat (besides the couch/flip over bed) is the computer chair. Yes, computer chair you would see in any given office or home. Nothing special, nothing too welcoming to sit in after a long day in the parks. Thus, if you wanted to sit, you would have to do so on the couch or on the bed. Maybe I'm silly, but when in a room, I don't always like sitting in a bed, but sometimes prefer the back to a comfy chair. Plus, I really don't want to see a typical computer chair in a Deluxe hotel room. I know that I'm being picky, but I'm on vacation and want to leave the office and the office feel for when I'm done with my trip. (Note, there is a desktop computer in the room as well).
Additionally, last year I was talking to a few cast members about the new rooms. They were really excited to hear first hand how they new rooms were, until we explained to them that although they are very cool and 'hip', they are not functional. The colors are fantastic and "contemporary" and the flat screens are great, but there is NO room for a family of four or five. Also, all of the rooms do have a desktop computer for your use, which is either cool if you are into having one in the room, or a nuisance if you want the space (and to look at day-in and day-out). Oh, and the lighting behind/around the TV is really neat and makes a good night light for little ones.
Needless to say, our family has now decided to make the Poly or Grand Floridian our new place to stay.
Again, I cannot stress enough that although the rooms were cool, they were not functional for a family.
Good luck, and if you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to ask me
