Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Tim! It’s nice to see you back here again, and I’m so happy to hear you’re planning a December visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.
I think you’re asking about the
Garden Wing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which is an outer building on the resort’s grounds. My family stayed in a Garden Wing room last year, and I had mixed feelings about it. You’re right – the room rates tend to be lower for Garden Wing rooms, which make them a great budget option. We attended
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party while staying there, and I cannot overstate how amazing it was to WALK back to our room when the party ended at midnight. My kids were asleep in bed within 20 minutes of walking out of Magic Kingdom Park, and that’s something magical.
Depending on where your room is in the Garden Wing, you’re looking at around a 5-10 minute walk past the main building of
Disney’s Contemporary Resort to your room (and it feels longer when you’re tired). I didn’t think this was a huge deal, but it did get a little tiresome walking back and forth. Having said that, the Garden Wing is conveniently located next to the
pool and beach area, and it’s possible to get some great Bay Lake views.
The two biggest drawbacks to the Garden Wing for my family were: these rooms don’t have balconies, and, because they’re not in the main Tower building, they lack the things that make Disney’s Contemporary Resort so special. When staying in a Main Tower room, t’s so cool to walk out of your room and see the monorail glide right through the hotel, and to see the Mary Blair mural, hear all the fun at
Chef Mickey’s, and see all the
Disney details. Given the flexibility, and depending on the difference in room rates, I would splurge and go for a Main Tower room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
I hope that helps, Tim!
December is a merry and magical time to visit Walt Disney World Resort, and I hope you have so much festive fun. As you continue to plan and dream, please come back and see us with more questions, and be sure to read the
Disney Parks Blog for all the latest news and tips for planning your visit.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn