Contemporary Lovers (Where are you)

[dg39]

I see so many posts on the Animal Kingdom, Poly, etc. but I never see any on the Contemporary Resort. It is our Favorate resort. Where is everyone who agrees with me. Yes the theming is not so Disney, but the magic is truly there. The monorail, gift shops, Chef Mickey etc. I love them all. Where are all the CR fans.

[eeyore0062]

We stayed at the Contemporary this past January, and so far, it is our favorite...even better than WL, to us!!! We were in a wing room, with a great view of Bay Lake. We could lie in bed and watch the Electrical Water Pageant. We loved the convenience, and the bright whimsical colors in the rooms. The rooms and baths were so huge!!! We call it Mickey's resort, because of all of the Mickey elements you can find there! And who doesn't think that the monorail running through the middle isn't the coolest thing? We like the energy of this resort. Although, due to budget concerns, and a wish to stay in different resorts until we have stayed in all of them, we won't be there this October, we will still visit and would stay there again in a minute!!!

[beattyfamily]

Can't beat the location and the views!

We love the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian. With 2 little DD's you just can't beat the location.

At the Contemporary, you can walk to MK.

Contemporary is definitely kid friendly too!

It's got my vote. We're staying there this October for the second time but the first time in the Tower. Can't wait!:D

[GraceDVC]

Our hearts are, and will always be, for the Contemporary. As prices increased, the cost for a 7 to 10-night stay got too high for us, so we joined the Disney Vacation Club in 1995 to be able to "switch" to the Contemporary when we longed to be there.

The Contemporary was the site of our very first WDW trip in 1980, before EPCOT was built, and we visited every other year for the next three WDW visits to the Contemporary. We visited two years ago, through the Disney Vacation Club option, on my husband's birthday and stayed ten nights. Love the smaller circular pool where we lounge each afternoon and watch Goofy waterski by and toot the boat's horn. Love the view of the Grand Concourse lobby below each time we exit our room. And, finally, love the "swishing sound" as the monorail enters and exits the lobby. It is a magical place for us.

[DVC-Don]

We love the Contemporary. So far, it is the only Disney resort we have stayed in twice. The views from the Tower and the location are great.

[las3888]

I love the Contemporary! No hotel brings you back to the original 'Disney Magic' other than the Contemporary! For those who went there as kids and are now grown-up, you know what I mean!

I can't really name a favorite Disney hotel; sometimes we want to stay in the Boardwalk area, sometimes on the monorail. I enjoy both the Poly and GF, but I do also love the CR and think the wing rooms offer some of the best deals for deluxe resorts.

We are trying the WL for the first time, just to try something different (and couldn't get a discounted room at CR), I think it will be nice, but I know I will miss the monorail soaring through the resort. :(

[WilmaBud]

I LOVE the Contemporary! I first stayed there in 1975, when I was 12. I still get goosebumps when I walk into the lobby. I know people say it doesn't have theming, but to me, the monorail going through it is all the theming it needs. I usually stay in the Tower, and the view of the castle is incredible. I also love the water pageant on Bay Lake. The feeling of being in the thick of things can't be beat. Last time we went, we stayed at the Yacht Club (and the Polynesian, which I didn't care for at all). We loved the Yacht Club, too. So next time, we'll be deciding between the Contemporary and the Yacht Club. It's a tough decision. Regardless, I would recommend the Contemporary to anyone.

[dg39]

I knew there were CONTEMPORARY RESORT Lovers out there. I agree with everything you all said. It is my favorite resort of them all. Granted we only stay at the CR, but years and years ago when I was a kid and also when I was first married we stayed at several hotels on hotel plaza. They are all very nice, face it, it's Disney, but to us nothing beats the CR. Having drinks on the balcony at night and watching the water parade is so relaxing. Coffee on the balcony in the early morning watching the water is a wonderful start of the day. The action in the lobby, the great shops, the restaurants and the wonderful CMs all are part of my vacation that I wait for all year. The monorail is a ride with magic in itself. I can't wait to go.

[erica_mutterer]

This has been my favorite since my first trip in 1975. stayed there last nov...just can't beet dinner to go on the balcony of a bay side view tower room while watching illuminations off in the distance at Epcot followed by the electrical water padgent on the bay. With the monerale and boat options for transportation it is just the best!!!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I love the Contemporary, too! :) I stayed there for the first time a couple months ago! The resort is great!!! :)

[mkymouse4ever]

We love the CR! But I'm trying to keep the cr a secret. When we joined these boards, no one ever said anything about it. But the word is leaking out! They always do say something about the non-themeing but I think it is themed enough. The rooms are wild!

[4merlurkerchris]

We also really enjoy the Contemporary. We stayed on the 14th floor concierge last year and it was wonderful. The concierge cast members were some of the best we have encountered at Disney! We enjoy the great shops, restaurants and game room. Walking to the Magic Kingdom is a great option!
Chris

[wdw4us2]

There's nothing like the Contemporary!

After 25 years of riding the monorail through there and wondering what it would be like to stay there, I finally got to stay there (tower) in December of 1997! It was fun watching our kids stare at the monorail as it went by, and watch the EWP from the balcony. While it doesn't have the theming of some of the newer resorts, it is a Disney Original and still great! :)

Lisa

[Mercy]

I'm so happy to read this thread! We have never stayed at the CR, but I would love to. I used to feel kind of guilty for liking the CR because people said it was dated and had no theming. But I think it has plenty of magic and theming, with the monorail going through, and it being an original resort to name a couple reasons.

Eeyore0062 called it "Mickey's Resort" and I agree!! I am hoping to stay there on our next trip. It just looks FUN, and that's what DW is all about....FUN!!!

[LoriZH]

Our favorite! not to mention the breath taking view of the castle at night changing colors and the fireworks from your bed!

We are going back in May and my kids had the choice of any resort, hands down they wanted the Contemporary!

I remember riding through this resort when I was younger and I always longed to stay there and after I did, well, let's just say we're hooked!

LOVE IT, BIG THUMBS UP!

[lvs_eeyore]

We will be checking into the Contemporary tomorrow morning!!! I can't wait. My eight year old son has been dreaming upon dreaming about staying there. We are making this a reality tomorrow. He has no idea we are even going to Disney! Just reading what you all have written has made me even more happy about my decision. We couldnt afford the tower so we are staying in a garden wing room garden view.

I can't wait to see the look on my son's face when he realizes we are checking in at the Contemporary!

[Sue aka ILoveMickey]

I remember riding the monorail to get to the Magic Kingdom (when it was the only Disney park) on a one day visit. As we went through the CR, I saw people going in and out of their rooms in the tower and thinking, "Wow they must be really rich!"
Twenty years later I went with my own family and we stayed in a tower room over looking Bay Lake! We weren't rich, but felt this would be our one and only vacation to WDW, and we wanted to do it right. Well the next year we returned, to stay in the same room. We love the CR! On our third WDW vacation we stayed at WL. It is also a beautiful resort, but the transportation at the CR can't be beat. Now we are planning our next vacation and although it would be nice to try a new resort (hubby likes the boardwalk area) we still are being swayed toward the CR. So thanks for helping to sway us alittle more!

[CDavid]

My first stay in the Contemporary was in the summer of 1981...and it has been my favorite ever since. WDW has many great resorts, but none so special as the Contemporary Resort.

:)

[las3888]

After reading through these posts, I was so inspired, I picked up the phone to see if I could change my ressie from WL to CR, but discount wasn't there...I am going to keep checking for those new codes...It really is a magical resort, isn't it???

[suevee]

Hoping to become a new Contemp lover!!! Staying in Feb 2003 for the first time!!! Can not wait!!

[ContempoSMT]

Just Look at my Name on the Dis and it will show you that the COntemporary is my favorite. Nohting is better than having the view of the Magic Kingdom from your room and the monorail right below to jumpstart your day. The arcade is unreal and the lookout tower looks amazing. Chef Mickey is the coolest breakfast place making it the best hotel in Walt Disney World.

[ASFCurly]

I love the contemporary, I loved it from the minute I saw it in my first planning video, stayed in it in my first trip in June and love it still.

[RaiseAStar]

The Contemporary is a sentimental favorite of mine also. I can vividly remember riding the monorail through the Contemporary as a child, listening to the narration about the huge mural, and just being so awestruck by the fact we were going THROUGH the middle of a hotel. I, too, dreamed of staying there, and finally did so as an adult when we took our daughter to WDW for her 3rd birthday. The stay was every bit as magical as I imagined it would be all those years ago. We stayed in the tower in a MK view room and it's an absolutely priceless memory. Sentimental memories aside, the Contemporary is a wonderful resort---it's got a prime location, great views, wonderful restaurants, spacious rooms, definitely one of our favorites!

[rip109]

Hey there are 6 Contemporary fans in my house. Unfortunately with the SOG taking over the wings, it is totally booked when we are going to be there in July. Everyone would love to go back there, but certainly cannot afford a Tower room unfortunatley. We love the location, restaurants, game room, atmosphere, elevators, Water Pagent, food court. Hey guess we love it all!

[mousehut101]

Hey DG39!!! Im a CR fan...AT THE CR Tower Now!!!!
:-)

We love the place...and we noticed so do other New Yorkers and Jersians....the place is full of them wich kind of gets annoying since we go 1k miles away from the hussle and bussle and just meet up with the same type of people down here! hehe, just kidding... but we love the CR and the convenience that comes with it. any questions just ask...we are here till easter.

edward

[epcotfan]

I'm here! I'm here! *waves hand excitedly* :bounce:

I've always loved the Contemporary since I was a child. I finally got to stay there in July of 2000 for my 28th Birthday. It was wonderful. We had a room facing the monorail, Space Mountain, and the Castle. We were on the third floor of the North Wing and were right beside the elevator. Only two minutes to run to the Food & Fun center to replenish our refillable mugs!

I also had a birthday package waiting in my room from the resort. It was such a thoughtful gesture and truly added magic to my vacation. It including a beautiful helium balloon, a donald duck beanie (my favorite character) a cute autographed picture of the characters (in a Contemporary frame) and an autograph book. Also upon check-in the registration cast member wished me a happy birthday.

I adore the spacious pool area with its fountains. The slide is delightful! ;) The sandy beach nearby is also a plus.

The proximity to the Magic Kingdom is terrific. I love being able to leisurely stroll back to my room after a parade instead of crowding onto the monorail.

The restaurant variety is wonderful. Lots of choices between the California Grill, Chef Mickey's for buffet selections, The Food and Fun Center for Fast food and take-away items and the Concourse Steakhouse for all day fare. I enjoy the Concourse Steakhouse for breakfast dining.

Oh I could go on and on. :jester:

Right now I'm working on a website about my stay at the Contemporary. I'll post the address once I'm done. :D

[dg39]

Hey MouseHut, have a great great time. Sit an extra 5 minutes on the Balcony for me. I wish I was there now. Won't be til July(ugh, what a long wait). Hope the weather is fine and you all are enjoying yourself at the greatest place on earth.

[jamsmom]

Do you think an 11 year old boy would like it?

[PlutoPal]

I am a big Contempo fan! It's my favorite resort!

[Janet2k]

I really enjoyed my CR stay over the holidays. It is a great resort. I will definitely be a guest over there again in the near future.

Hey, Disney, can you tone down the CR's vivid room colors a bit?!

[FINFAN]

We have only stayed at ASMU and the CONTEMPORARY last July, and we loved being on-site...and REALLY loved CR! If $ were no object I would stay all the time.
jamsmom...an 11 yr old would definitely enjoy it...the arcade is the best we've seen in a long time, and he would also enjoy renting a Watermouse w/you. You just can't beat the monorail going thru the hotel. My kids would try and guess the next color one to enter/exit the tower while grabbing breakfast or taking a break.
I WANT TO GO BACK!:)

[Christi 2002]

Ok now I am getting excited. We are staying at the Contemporary in June (first time) and I kept hearing negative things about it. So I am excited to hear good thing about this place. Thank You!
Christi

[DVCJman]

Having wanted to go to Disney World since I was younger, I finally got that opportunity to go in 1991. Only place I would even consider staying was in the Contemporary Tower. I had always wanted to stay there and be in the middle of it all. I had always wanted to see the monorail come in and out of the hotel. My nephew, who was 7 at the time, got a package deal with airfare to WDW. We were not to arrive in Orlando until late afternoon, but a nice quirk in an airline scheduling situation got us to Orlando by 9:30 am. Got the rental car and zipped over to the Contemporary. My hopes had been for a room overlooking the lake. So here it was 11 AM and we were checking in with the thought that no room would be ready. Lady at the desk says that they have a non-smoking room over looking the lake on the seventh floor that was ready right then...WE TOOK IT and it was magic since then. I have stayed at the Contemporary Tower after that and then joined DVC also. But my favorite resort to go to and visit is the Contemporary...plan to stay again real soon..

[travelgoddess]

We LOVE the CR. We were there last October. Our room faced
MK, it was our best vacation ever. We loved watching the
Electric Water Pagent, and taking the boat over to FW and WL.
Our room was very large, as was the bathroom. The Concourse
Steakhouse is our new favorite restaurant at Disney. The pool
was terrific. We had no complaints.

[Pluto]

The Contemporary is our favorite resort! We have stayed at both the towers and the wings. This past year we stayed in the wings on the bottom floor and that is the way to go! We loved being greeted every morning by the ducks, sitting there people watching, the large arcade, the snack bar, and please I love the gift shops! The pool may not have a them, but I love it. It is a pool with a large water slide, who could ask for anything more. I was a little blown away from the decor but DD who was 10 at the time said it reminded her of Alice in Wonderland and I guess it does.:pinkbounc

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Okay, now that I've read all the replies in this thread, it really makes me want to switch my reservations for the Grand Floridian to the Contemporary Tower! We'll have to see what kind of rates come out on Monday for the CR & GF (if GF says "no discount availability" then I guess it is just meant to be!).

[DiznEeyore]

This thread made me think of how much my dh and I enjoyed our week at the CR in 2000. Our ds has always wanted to stay there, so today I caved and switched our Nov. ressies from a studio at VWL to a CR Tower room. :D

This will be a first for all 3 of us, as dh & I had a (great) Garden room in 2000. Thanks for the "push"! :D

[4merlurkerchris]

Now I want to go back!!!
Chris

[UncleScrooge338]

I've only been to WDW once (alas) but it was in the CR on the 12th floor. I LOVED it! :) At first I was disappointed to not get a MK view, but now I'd fight for a lagoon view. It was great to look out over the lagoon instead of a parking lot and the best was watching the Water Pageant each evening!

Howard

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by UncleScrooge338
I've only been to WDW once (alas) but it was in the CR on the 12th floor. I LOVED it! :) At first I was disappointed to not get a MK view, but now I'd fight for a lagoon view. It was great to look out over the lagoon instead of a parking lot and the best was watching the Water Pageant each evening!

Howard

We stayed on the 12th floor as well, but on the MK Side. I'd love to try the Bay side sometime, but I don't think I want to give up the MK view! Other than watching the water pageant, what else did you like about the bay view? I was able to see an 8th floor tower room a couple of years ago (friends of mine were staying at the Contemporary), and they had the bay view. If recall correctly, I was able to see Epcot, the Dolphin, Tower of Terror, and Downtown Disney.

Thanks! :)

[UncleScrooge338]

After a day and evening in the parks the bay view was just so relaxing. We enjoyed watching the boats come and go, and it was just a great way to unwind. We live inland and so I guess having a "home on the lake" was new!

[UncleScrooge338]

After a day and evening in the parks the bay view was just so relaxing. We enjoyed watching the boats come and go, and it was just a great way to unwind. We live inland and so I guess having a "home on the lake" was new!

Howard

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Howard, that does sound like a nice way to relax! :)

[disney4us2002]

bumping for new Contemporary consideree!

ºOº

Carla

[Linda L.]

Okay, Contemp lovers, I got it. I had been trying to get the CR with a code for the end of August. Last week when the DC codes came out, all that was available for my week was the tower rooms, at $250 a nt. With the new code I got a garden wing room for $183 a nt. It's not the $149 I was hoping for, but it's alot more affordable than $250, and I finally get to try this resort. So, what's the difference between a standard room and a garden wing. Please tell.
Thanks!:)