The castle, Hollywood Tower Hotel, Spaceship Earth, The Tree of Life, the Monorail, Muppets 3-D Marquee….okay maybe not so much that one, but Disney has spectacular views all over the property. And you don’t have to be inside the parks to enjoy these views. Sometimes, its an overhead shot from the Skyliner, a picture inside Wilderness Lodge lobby, or maybe the gingerbread house during Christmas at the Grand Floridian. But there are certain views we enjoy more than others and that’s why we’re here today…
Welcome to Believe Vacations’ Weekly Post where today, we are going to talk to you about Theme Park Views. For this article, we are going to be sharing some tips and expectations that come when you book a room that gives you a view of the Magic Kingdom. Meet Kristi Abshire. At the time of this article, she has only been a #Believer for a few months but her wealth of Disney knowledge and experiences goes back a while. She has had the pleasure of staying at resorts that offered these views and she was kind enough to share her stories with us.
What was your theme park view?
In 2017, we stayed on the 5th floor of the Contemporary Resort. In 2019,we were there for New Years and we were on the 4th floor. It always seems higher because you really are up in the air for a true view of the theme park. When you walk on the balcony of these rooms, they true are Disney Heaven.
Is the view truly worth it?
You can see everything. I have stayed at so many resorts but the view at the Contemporary is the absolute best. It is the closest, you can hear the music from Magic Kingdom and of course you can see Cinderella’s Castle. During our New Year’s stay, the music was loud enough to hear, there were balcony parties and parties underneath you and it was simply magical. For some resorts, you can catch the Water Pageant on the lagoon, you can watch the boats going out and coming in. It can be very peaceful during the day.
What are the rooms like?
These are the largest per square foot rooms at WDW. We had 4 adults and a couple of kids rotating through and everyone had plenty of room. The bathrooms may have a double vanity with a closed off shower and toilet which is a tremendous plus. The pull-out couches give us plenty of sleeping space in addition to the traditional beds and there is plenty of room for storing luggage, clothes, strollers if you have them and merchandise of course.
Is it really within walking distance to the parks?
What I love about these rooms is that you can get to everything on the resort very quickly. That includes getting to the bus stops when you need to go to other parks. But being able to walk downstairs, find yourself instantly on the path to Magic Kingdom, it really adds a level of convenience you will always want for future vacations.
Would a theme park view work for:
A family who likes to go, go, go! – We were that type of family before and in that time, we would stay at value and moderate resorts. Why spend a ton of money if you’re not taking advantage of all the amenities? But, with older kids, they can go by themselves and because of the proximity of the resorts, we thought it was really safe. If not the whole trip, I definitely recommend at least one night of your vacation.
A family with little kids who need naps – Absolutely because it’s so easy to get back. And if you have little kids, odds are you’ll be spending more time at Magic Kingdom then the other parks. Take advantage of the monorail and the boats and if you have a stroller, let the kids fall asleep as you walk back.
A family trying to go on a budget – Again, maybe just try it for one night. You really won’t regret it. But if you’re still not sure, book a dinner at California Grill or Chef Mickey’s so you can experience a Theme Park View. If you like what you see and can imagine you and your family going to bed and waking up to a similar sight on your next trip, then book it next time.
A family who enjoys the fireworks – Yes. Especially if you are there during a holiday or special event where they may have fireworks twice in one night. I would recommend you taking in the first showing in parks. Then, take your time getting back to your room and watching the second showing from the balcony. If they don’t show them twice in a night, watch it in the parks one night and then catch them from your balcony any other time you happen to be in your room at that time.
Ultimately, why should a family book a theme park view?
You don’t know what you’re missing unless you try it once. When you resort hop, walk around, check out the pools and the gift shops. You may be surprised that you’re not just paying for one room; you truly are paying for a resort.
