Wilderness Lodge vs Contemporary Resort dilemma

[Sparkle81]

So, it turns out that the pool will be closed at WL for the duration of our trip. Kinda sucks when we've had the trip booked for months, and we're travelling with a pool loving 3 year old

I've spoken to our TA (and we're still trying to negotiate with the travel company), and we could switch hotels and move to Contemporary, but it'll cost us around $1000 extra to do it. Now, I should say that we could stretch to that if we had to and the hotel is actually on my husband's bucket list of places he's always wanted to stay. However, it does take a lot of justifying paying so much extra At the same time, I'm worried that if we stick with WL, the construction will be an issue and obviously, we'd be very limited with the pool option (I'd imagine that quiet pool will be overrun, and the effort of getting over to the FW or CR pools with a toddler probably wouldn't be worth it). Also kinda begrudge paying what we've paid based on all of the facilities available, but then we'll have ended up paying the same with less facilities.

So basically, I'm stuck! Any input or suggestions would be gratefully received

 

[zurgandfriend]

I have stayed at both resorts multiple times and love them both. A thousand dollars is a big hit but if you can afford it and if your 3 year old is that much of a pool-lover than I say go for the Contemporary. The pools are very nice and they renovated the kiddies’ pool a few years ago, the 3 year old will love it. Your DH will get his wish of staying there plus you get the added ease of being on the monorail, or being within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom. With a small child that can be a godsend.

 

[kbmum]

When is your trip? Right now through the end of the summer, there is no monorail service until 8:30 a.m. for MK and 9 a.m. for Epcot at the monorail resorts due to work being done on the beams. The end date could easily bleed into September. If you like being at MK or Epcot for rope drop, you'll have to leave a bit earlier in the morning to take a bus.

 

[Sparkle81]

When is your trip? Right now through the end of the summer, there is no monorail service until 8:30 a.m. for MK and 9 a.m. for Epcot at the monorail resorts due to work being done on the beams. The end date could easily bleed into September. If you like being at MK or Epcot for rope drop, you'll have to leave a bit earlier in the morning to take a bus.

It's the beginning of November, so I guess the monorail service will be back up and running by normal by then?

 

[Kuzcotopia]

Another consideration for you is that the WL guests will be allowed to use the Contemporary pool. Not sure how many guests will do that, but if it's many. . . then you may have a very crowded pool.

 

[75disney]

I have stayed at both resorts and I like WL but love CR. The rooms are bigger, the restaurants are great, and the walk to/ from MK is very convenient. Plus it would be a hassle to drag a 3 year old over to CR for the pool. If you can swing the price dif, switch. You will be happy that you did (and it sounds like your hubby will be too).

 

[MaryJaneP]

Is MK proximity a requirement? If yes, CR garden wing even if additional $ is needed, seems to be best choice. FW or Poly (even with construction) should also be given consideration. If deluxe is okay and no MK proximity needed, then EPCOT area resorts would also be in play. Finally, even though you may get conflicting reviews, swan and dolphin could save some $ and may meet your needs.

 

[Sparkle81]

Is MK proximity a requirement? If yes, CR garden wing even if additional $ is needed, seems to be best choice. FW or Poly (even with construction) should also be given consideration. If deluxe is okay and no MK proximity needed, then EPCOT area resorts would also be in play. Finally, even though you may get conflicting reviews, swan and dolphin could save some $ and may meet your needs.

Proximity to MK is important this time, as we'll be spending the bulk of our time there with our 3 year old. Thanks for your advice- I'm taking it all on board!

 

[aw14]

We had a final list of BWI, WL and CR. We originally selected BWI but shortly switched to CR for reasons already listed in this thread. If you can spring for the extra $1000, go for it.

 

[10MinuteMisconduct]

We are in the same predicament, our reservation is in the beginning of October. We are changing our reservation to the Contemporary based on the fact that it can be walked to the MK as well as the fact that it is on the monorail.

 

[Sparkle81]

Well, it was a decision taken out of our hands in the end. When we went through the process of trying to switch, the difference was actually $2000 in the end- way out of our price range We have decided that we're going to save extra hard and do the Contemporary on our trip in 2 years time, though!
We've ended up moving to Beach Club and, whilst it's not an MK resort which we originally preferred, we're happy to be so close to Epcot and DHS and have the opportunity to stay at such a beautiful resort. The pool looks amazing, too!

 

[durangojim]

Well, it was a decision taken out of our hands in the end. When we went through the process of trying to switch, the difference was actually $2000 in the end- way out of our price range We have decided that we're going to save extra hard and do the Contemporary on our trip in 2 years time, though!
We've ended up moving to Beach Club and, whilst it's not an MK resort which we originally preferred, we're happy to be so close to Epcot and DHS and have the opportunity to stay at such a beautiful resort. The pool looks amazing, too!

I think you may find that you like BC more than WL or CR. We do. The pool is awesome and there is nothing cooler than being able to walk to Epcot, especially during food and wine. Also, where else can you literally be in a pool 5 minutes before Illuminations starts, throw on a tshirt and walk to a place where you can see the show completely? Have a great time.

 

[Sparkle81]

I think you may find that you like BC more than WL or CR. We do. The pool is awesome and there is nothing cooler than being able to walk to Epcot, especially during food and wine. Also, where else can you literally be in a pool 5 minutes before Illuminations starts, throw on a tshirt and walk to a place where you can see the show completely? Have a great time.

Thanks!
I've never even considered BC as an option before because it's always been way out of our price range, so I'm still a bit amazed to be honest! The location is so awesome

 

[durangojim]

Thanks!
I've never even considered BC as an option before because it's always been way out of our price range, so I'm still a bit amazed to be honest! The location is so awesome

Don't be afraid to get a stroller at the International Gateway and let your little one sleep while you and your husband enjoy World Showcase at night. It is one of the coolest things (IMO) to be able to walk into and out of WS from your hotel in the evening after dark. Really romantic.

 

[seahawk7]

Plus the boat ride to HS can be really relaxing. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[Sparkle81]

Don't be afraid to get a stroller at the International Gateway and let your little one sleep while you and your husband enjoy World Showcase at night. It is one of the coolest things (IMO) to be able to walk into and out of WS from your hotel in the evening after dark. Really romantic.

That sounds incredible. You're actually making me want to go this second

 

[Sparkle81]

Plus the boat ride to HS can be really relaxing. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Thank you so much!

 

[tigger1968]

I continue to be amazed at the room rates for CR. I have managed to stay there twice many years ago and loved it, but the rates are so high now that we don't even consider it anymore.

 

[jcldtrek]

Wilderness Lodge is a great place and the rooms are beautiful. Contemporary's biggest draw is the fact its a monorail resort and you pay the extra for it. Lodge has bus or boat service and didn't have any issues when we stayed there. Well worth the price. Don't get me wrong, I like visiting the Contemporary for Chef Mickeys but the appeal to stay there just isn't there for me. Their lobby is unappealing and resembles a reg Hotel lobby. Another draw would def be the view from the rooms but again your paying for it.

 

[tem325]

I have not stayed at WL, but have stayed at BLT/C twice. I would stay on the monorail route every time I visited if I could afford a deluxe resort for every visit.