Where should we stay? contemporary or wilderness lodge?

[s&k'smom]

Wow what a nice debate this thread is. But a touch choice. You really can't go wrong with either, I have to agree WL is wonderful it really does feel like going to a National Park Lodge, however the CR really is signature Disney. But as I'm one for convenience I would go with CR.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Comtemporary.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We've stayed at both. We actually stayed at WL for our girls' first trip (2 and 4 at that time)...while the Lodge is pretty, we would have been much better off with the convenience of the Contemporary. We stayed at the Contemporary 8 months later and it's probably our best trip with the kids to date. There is some bias as the Contemporary is my fave, but the location, substantially larger room size, and monorail were made it a major win. And while this is sometimes luck of the draw, the bust service at the Contemporary seems to be much better in our experiences.

So, I'd say Contemporary.

 

[acishere]

Removing price from the equation, here is how they break down:
Contemporary
- Monorail resort
- Walking Distance to MK
- Modern and well appointed rooms
- California Grill is excellent.
- Depending on where your room is you may have a long walk however
- Bigger room than WL, sofa can sleep extra person
- No theme, which some people do not care for

Wilderness Lodge
- Boat access to MK, slow, but beautiful
- Amazing theme throughout the resort, transports you another place
- Rooms are smaller than CR. They have a good mix of rustic and luxury.
- Superior pool to CR
- Whispering Canyon was a very good breakfast

So, it depends on what kind of atmosphere you prefer and how important being close to the MK and having the monorail on site is to you. But price being a factor will give WL and edge and that $ can be moved to other things like visiting CR and having dinner at California Grill.

 

[Marijil]

First of all, understand that you really can't go wrong with this choice...we have stayed both places and they among the best disney has to offer...despite the proximity issues, i would choose WL with the little ones and go to CR when they get to be teens...

 

[luv]

If your husband is active military, you should look into Shades of Green! That's where I'd go!

Contemporary will be nice if you plan to spend a lot of time in the MK. That monorail is nice. As hotels go, though, I'd rather stay at WL, but it's just a personal preference.

 

[GoofGoof]

My husband and I are trying to decide where to stay for our upcoming Disney vacation. We have 2 little ones (aged 3 and 2) and want a very Disney experience. We also want to easily get to and from the parks. I do know contemporary is on he monorail and we has the boats. Any thoughts, suggestions?

You are probably going to spend a bunch of time at MK and the walk back to CR can't be beat. We have stayed twice at BLT with 2 kids under 6 and it's really convenient when 1 or both fall asleep in the stroller to be able to walk back to the hotel. Kids love the monorail too when they are awake. WL has amazing theming and would be my pick of the 2 resorts if I was going for an adults only trip, but with kids you can't beat CR.

Either way, Chef Mickeys at CR is pretty good for little kids since they have all of the classic characters (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald) and the food is decent for a buffet. I would recommend it if you are looking for an idea for breakfast or dinner one day.