Trip to WDW Planned July 19-24, 2009

emnbensdad · Post by **emnbensdad** » Apr Wed 22, 2009 9:26 am

We've planned our trip to WDW for 7/19-7/24. We're staying at the Contemporary Resort - Garden Wing. We'll be spending a couple of days at Epcot since our kids have never been. I know . . . we're bad parents for keeping them away . . . they'll live.

Anyone stayed in a Garden Wing room? How's the space compared to atrium rooms?

We're also throwing in a water park day, probably Blizzard Beach. Is there a better park for a 9 and 5 year old?

Post by **Len90** » Apr Wed 22, 2009 3:31 pm

First off congrats on the trip. We have only stayed at the Contemporary once and it had to be around 2000 when we were there. We were in the wing that was knocked down to build the new Bay Lake Tower and I couldn't be happier to know that the wing was demolished. The room was spacious, but it just did not give me that full disney hotel feeling when you are in the room and are walking in the hallways. Looks like we will miss each other by about eight days as we unfortunately come back on the 11th.

As far as the water parks go, I can't really give an opinion on them since we never go. From what I have heard though, BB is the better option for the two kids.

boilerbabe · Post by **boilerbabe** » Apr Wed 22, 2009 10:09 pm

CONGRATS on your trip!!! I'm no help with the Contemporary, the last time we stayed there, I was 3 and that was in 1980! I hope you enjoy your stay!!!

The only water we've been to was Typhoon Lagoon, I loved that fact that they have a small spot that you can snorkle.

DisBeamer · Post by **DisBeamer** » Apr Wed 22, 2009 10:46 pm

Congrats on the trip.

I've never stayed in the wing rooms, but from what I've heard, the remaining wing rooms were reno'd to look exactly like the rooms in the tower. This makes me jealous of your trip, 'cause the Contemporary tower room we had was my favorite of any Disney hotel room we've stayed in.

Space-wise, I'm not sure, but at least decor-wise they should be similar. As I recall, only the first floor rooms have patios (the second and third floor don't have balconies) so if that's important to you, make sure to ask for a first floor room.

I personally prefer Typhoon Lagoon, but I'm neither 9 nor 5, so my opinion probably doesn't count there. I agree with Len; I understand BB rates higher with kids.

emnbensdad · Post by **emnbensdad** » May Sat 02, 2009 9:40 am

First floor room patio . . . just saying that has brought images to mind about waking up and having a quiet breakfast on the patio. These next two months can't come fast enough. We just had some neighbors return from a weeklong stay and they are excited to tell us about the trip knowing of our love for all things related to WDW!

sherabby · Post by **sherabby** » May Sat 02, 2009 3:47 pm

Typhoon Lagon. The wave pool is so much better! Might need a lifevest on the 5 year old though. Those waves can knock me down at times!
We are going in 49 days but staying at the CBR. I cannot wait to go back home again!

emnbensdad · Post by **emnbensdad** » May Mon 04, 2009 8:59 am

We'll just miss you, sherabby. How long are you staying?

I'm getting mixed reviews on both water parks. I've asked the kids their opinion and they are also mixed. The older wants BB and the younger wants TL. We'll just have to make the choice for them. I'm leaning towards BB. I think they'll be happy just being there. I know I will.

sherabby · Post by **sherabby** » May Tue 05, 2009 6:10 am

emnbensdad wrote:We'll just miss you, sherabby. How long are you staying?

I'm getting mixed reviews on both water parks. I've asked the kids their opinion and they are also mixed. The older wants BB and the younger wants TL. We'll just have to make the choice for them. I'm leaning towards BB. I think they'll be happy just being there. I know I will.

Both water parks are fun but nothing beats the wave pool at TL. We are going June 21st to June 28th on the buy 4 get 3 free deal. We are staying at CBR and this will be our longest stay so far. Thanks to that great deal!
We are also on the dining plan and everything is in place! I'm getting so excited that it is almost here and so worried about getting everything ready!

Mr.ToadWildRider · Post by **Mr.ToadWildRider** » May Mon 11, 2009 7:54 am

Can't comment on Contemporary but as far as the waterparks go I'd look into height restrictions on stuff for your 5 year old. I personally prefer Typhoon over BB in general but it's close. The reasons I like BB though are the race slides and I'm not sure a 5 year old can go on the toboggan slides and i'm almost positive they can't for Downhill Double Dipper. With that being said; BB has an area that will appeal more to the 9 year old in the ski patrol training area although I think this attraction may be too mature for the 5 year old (it's actually a rather physically demanding area for a child requiring a good deal of upper body strength w/ zip lines and overhead cargo nets etc. and the tot section of BB may be too kiddie.

BB has a very long family raft ride, and I know a lot of people who think it's the best but I'll take gangplank family raft @ TL anyday for it's theming and the actual uniqueness of the slide itself. BB's family raft ride is just like a raft ride anywhere, just longer.

Additionally, TL has the Shark Reef (I'm not sure if there's an age/height requirement here though) where you can snorkel. It's a really cool experience, in particular for people who haven't gone snorkeling in the ocean before. And TL's wavepool is way better.

(Plus: If you don't mind taking turns w/ the 5 year old I still think the new watercoaster at TL is the best slide at either waterpark!)

emnbensdad · Post by **emnbensdad** » Jul Sat 11, 2009 9:13 pm

Down to one week now. Be there next Sunday. Finalizing plans as we speak. We have a neighbor who is also going with her kids and staying at the CR. We haven't told our kids they are going and she hasn't told her kids they are going. Only a few more days to keep it a secret.

emnbensdad · Post by **emnbensdad** » Jul Thu 16, 2009 8:35 pm

Okay . . . Hopefully WDW will get all of the accidents over with before we get there.

Hope everyone is okay from today's bus accident.

99Soulz · Post by **99Soulz** » Jul Fri 17, 2009 9:53 am

Only 2 more days for you!!! Have a great trip!!!