Rebooked Resort...kinda sad

[HouCuseChickie]

I was really hoping the room discounts of the summer would be repeated for September, but sadly...it did not turn out as I would have liked. After much consideration, I have cancelled our reservation at the Contemporary and rebooked us into Wilderness Lodge. I know...boo hoo. Still, I don't have the fondest room and transportation memories from our last stay at WL so I'm kind of bummed out.

Ultimately, the kids will be thrilled that I got a bunk bed room and this is DH s favorite resort, so theyll be happy. I just need help getting psyched. I love the common areas, but hopefully all of the WL fans on here can help me get more excited about this as a whole.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Sorry you are moving away from the Contemporary. We looked at what the discounts would do for us too, maybe upgrade to a Deluxe resort but running the numbers there wasn't the savings we had hoped for too. So we settled for the free dining plan. Still booked at POFQ where we love it.

 

[WLBound]

And WL fans such as yourself would be great "woo-hooers" for people like me. I don't even know what special requests I want to put in for this room. Last time at WL I just wanted a standard room in a quiet area... No clue what to ask for with woods view bunk bed.

We had a really nice room on the side over by the Villas. Our room looked out on the quiet pool and trees between the two buildings. I know at least one of the rooms near us had the bunk beds because I saw them from the hall when they had their door open. It was very peaceful over there because we didn't pick up any of the noise from the lobby or Whispering Canyon.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Sorry you are moving away from the Contemporary. We looked at what the discounts would do for us too, maybe upgrade to a Deluxe resort but running the numbers there wasn't the savings we had hoped for too. So we settled for the free dining plan. Still booked at POFQ where we love it.

My parents stayed there back when it was Dixie Landings and really enjoyed it. Our #s running was kind of the opposite...resort discount ended up being the better path based on our dining habits. I guess it could always be worse...like no discounts Plus, I'm sure we'll both have great trips

We had a really nice room on the side over by the Villas. Our room looked out on the quiet pool and trees between the two buildings. I know at least one of the rooms near us had the bunk beds because I saw them from the hall when they had their door open. It was very peaceful over there because we didn't pick up any of the noise from the lobby or Whispering Canyon.

That sounds very nice! We stayed in the area over the lobby on our last visit. We didn't have much in the way of noise from WCC and it was kind of neat walking out to the lobby view each time we left our room; however, it did feel less peaceful always being right on top of the lobby. Maybe that's part of what was missing last time... peace. Hmmmm.....

 

[Disneykidder]

Maybe when you arrive at WL, tell them that the last time you were there you didn't care for the room selection. I'm sure they will accommodate you. WL isn't much of a trade down, in my opinion. It is a lovely resort. We had reservations for BLT and WL for our upcoming trip but the kiddies chose BLT and AKL instead. We want to stay there next summer. The theme is great, restaurant is cool and the totem pole is so neat!! (I want it in my backyard!!)

You will have a blast!!

 

[JIMINYCR]

I guess it could always be worse...like no discounts Plus, I'm sure we'll both have great trips

It will definitely add more to the trip. We would have had a great trip even if it hadn't have come through. This makes it soooo much more enjoyable. I just had to adjust my time table each day to include sit down meals instead of the faster QS that we had previously arranged. Added the Hoop de Doo that we were not going to do originally.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Maybe when you arrive at WL, tell them that the last time you were there you didn't care for the room selection. I'm sure they will accommodate you. WL isn't much of a trade down, in my opinion. It is a lovely resort. We had reservations for BLT and WL for our upcoming trip but the kiddies chose BLT and AKL instead. We want to stay there next summer. The theme is great, restaurant is cool and the totem pole is so neat!! (I want it in my backyard!!)

You will have a blast!!

Thanks!!! One of our big issues was feeling cramped, but things have changed quite a bit for us since our last trip to WL... so, I'm hoping that will help (i.e. less stuff, no monster stroller, etc.). I don't know if it's so much of a feeling of trading down...just more of a trading away from my fave. I do agree that it's a very attractive resort...even felt sad that we didn't make it over last trip to get pics of the grounds. I also like the totem

 

[Maryssa*]

Woo-hoo #1: THE POOL. And hot tub!
Woo-hoo #2: The awesome soundtrack playing down by the buses
Woo-hoo #3: The walk up/down the dock at night to/from the boats
Woo-hoo: #4: Peaceful balcony!

 

[WLBound]

Woo-hoo #1: THE POOL. And hot tub!
Woo-hoo #2: The awesome soundtrack playing down by the buses
Woo-hoo #3: The walk up/down the dock at night to/from the boats
Woo-hoo: #4: Peaceful balcony!

All good Woo-hoo's. I would add the Fire Rock Geyser to the list, too.

 

[luv]

The rooms at WL are smaller than CR. When I had to go to CR, I'd remind myself how nice having more space would be. I still didn't like the hotel, though, lol. All the positive talk was no help at all. If you don't like something, you just don't.

Maybe if you think about how horrible it will be, that will help. When you get there, it will be like, "Oh, well, this isn't as bad as I kept thinking it would be."

WL has the geyser. It has a wonderful lobby. If you happen to wake up in the middle of the night and want to leave the room so you dont disturb others, the lobby is really peaceful at night. The fast food place is decent. WCC will be easy to reach. Very decent gift shop (but not better then Contemporary, really."

EWP...but they have that at CR, too.

If you want, you can walk to Ft. Wilderness. It's a nice walk through the woods.

It's so hard for me to help because I keep thinking, "How could anyone like the Contemporary?!"

 

[HouCuseChickie]

The rooms at WL are smaller than CR. When I had to go to CR, I'd remind myself how nice having more space would be. I still didn't like the hotel, though, lol. All the positive talk was no help at all. If you don't like something, you just don't.

Maybe if you think about how horrible it will be, that will help. When you get there, it will be like, "Oh, well, this isn't as bad as I kept thinking it would be."

WL has the geyser. It has a wonderful lobby. If you happen to wake up in the middle of the night and want to leave the room so you dont disturb others, the lobby is really peaceful at night. The fast food place is decent. WCC will be easy to reach. Very decent gift shop (but not better then Contemporary, really."

EWP...but they have that at CR, too.

If you want, you can walk to Ft. Wilderness. It's a nice walk through the woods.

It's so hard for me to help because I keep thinking, "How could anyone like the Contemporary?!"

I remember checking into the Contemporary in 2011 (prev. stay had been at WL) - and I swear, we did laps around the room -just frolicking in our extra space. Yeah- we're strange I blame some of it on all of our stuff though. 2010 was a winter trip and we had temps all over the place...so I had to pack all over the place + there was the stroller. Nov 2012 at YC wasn't much better stuff wise- and really, 37 sq feet shouldn't make a huge difference- but it did help. Still, this 2013 trip will be Sept- and it will be warm- so I can pack like I did in Aug 2011 and likely have more space - not to mention that we should be stroller free.

I was also kind of fond of what I'm guessing is supposed to be a faux fireplace at the Contemporary...



Or maybe it's the 5-legged goat? I mean- who doesn't love this goat!!!?!?!??!?


You are right though...WL has much nicer common areas. Plus, we should have some pool time and I much prefer the WL pool as well as Trout Pass. Roaring Fork vs. Contempo...each have pros and cons. WCC not on the list this time, but I am debating about dropping 'Ohana dinner for Artist Point. And of course, boat rides are nice... although I'm hoping boat hours are better during warmer months considering some of the bus drama we had last time at WL . I think that's part of what helped CR shine...we had 0 bus issues, easy time w/monorail to Epcot, and a simple walk for MK.

The one other big issue was bedding...I had seen something a while back about WL refurbs...and bedding appeared to be one of the refurb items. Which was good b/c I found the bedding to be scratchy...but the bunk bed rooms appeared to have the same bedding as our last visit. I may have to just contact mousekeeping for some help in this area if it still appears to be an issue.

Ouch- I'm sounding like a whiner

Still...as much as I adore CR...this has to be my all time favorite resort view...
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/houcusechickie/5266170666/]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/houcusechickie/5266170666/[/url]

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Woo-hoo #1: THE POOL. And hot tub!
Woo-hoo #2: The awesome soundtrack playing down by the buses
Woo-hoo #3: The walk up/down the dock at night to/from the boats
Woo-hoo: #4: Peaceful balcony!

Funny, I was thinking back on this earlier today and some of the WL soundtrack started playing on my ipod...a sign maybe?

 

[Unomas]

First world problems.

 

[danpam1024]

I was really hoping the room discounts of the summer would be repeated for September, but sadly...it did not turn out as I would have liked. After much consideration, I have cancelled our reservation at the Contemporary and rebooked us into Wilderness Lodge. I know...boo hoo. Still, I don't have the fondest room and transportation memories from our last stay at WL so I'm kind of bummed out.

Ultimately, the kids will be thrilled that I got a bunk bed room and this is DH s favorite resort, so theyll be happy. I just need help getting psyched. I love the common areas, but hopefully all of the WL fans on here can help me get more excited about this as a whole.

I know what you mean- it really kinda sucks when things don't pan out the way you have been planning for (for months). But all said, you will still have an AMAZING vacation! It IS a beautiful resort (aesthetically more pleasing than the Contemporary).

 

[HouCuseChickie]

First world problems.

True, although that could be said of pretty much anything on here. Just gotta always remember that we're very fortunate to be in such a position to have such "problems."

I know what you mean- it really kinda sucks when things don't pan out the way you have been planning for (for months). But all said, you will still have an AMAZING vacation! It IS a beautiful resort (aesthetically more pleasing than the Contemporary).

I know everyone says to book like there won't be a discount too. When I booked things were a tad different. Things came up and I needed to think more about the discount levels. Like you've noted...WL is a beautiful resort and be great for an amazing vacay. Wouldn't it be funny if I came out of this as a bigger WL fan? It could happen. I mean, the kids are older and have now done this several times... I.e. I'm no longer seeking perfection...just enjoyment.

 

[DaGoof00]

August 15 - Sept. 28th: Save up to 30% at select Walt Disney World Resorts... not sure what your dates are, but I just saw that come up.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

August 15 - Sept. 28th: Save up to 30% at select Walt Disney World Resorts... not sure what your dates are, but I just saw that come up.

Thanks! That's actually what started this. I was hoping it would be the 30% discount offered over the summer, but I guess with free dining also on the table...some of the deluxe room discounts we lower. Oh well, not much I can do. thanks again

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Not that it makes a huge deal (I think), but I just got off the phone with Disney and I think I'm living in bizarro world. The first girl (who was clueless) told me that the garden view, deluxe, and bay lake view rooms at the Contemporary were not eligible for a discount. The second woman said they were, but a 20% discount as listed on Mousesavers...which I really thought was too low, hence my switch to WL. Well, I called today for my dad just to make sure all of those other rooms did in fact get a 20% discount and the girl I got today said it must be a misprint b/c garden wing and bay lake view actually qualify for a 30% discount!!! Of course there were no rooms left in the garden wing with the discount, but I had her run the prices for me on a Bay Lake view and unless my math is off- they most definitely are 30%. It's still close to a $400 difference so I'll be sticking with WL...but talk about crazy!

Thank you for letting me vent!