The ALL NEW Disney's Contemporary Resort FAQ with PICTURES! (APR 2009)

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

yes it was a bay lake view. I have 2 more ? since we do not have club level is there any place to see the fireworks form the hotel? Aslo what is the best time to get a reservation at the california grill to view the fireworks? is there any chance to get suprised with a room upgrade in check in?
thanks so much for all your help.

The one public location where anyone can watch the fireworks is from the 4th floor observation deck. As for the California Grill my family and I have not been there, so I don't think it's right for me to suggest a good time to make an ADR to watch the fireworks from up there. Finally when it comes to a room upgrade the best thing to change your reservation if there is a specific view or room type that you would like. The chances of getting one at check-in are very low and even though you might read of some people on here getting them, your not reading about all the other non Disboards members who never got upgrades and had a chance to post that.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The only thing is that we are going to be at Epcot Future World that morning, we are too lazy to walk all the back to the gateway.

We are talking about getting to Typhoon lagoon from Epcot for those you missed the earlier post.

Have you thought about taking one of buses from Epcot to any WDW Resort and then from there waiting for the Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon bus since they both share that same route. If your not planning on walking to World Showcase and since you will already be in Future World it's not a long walk from there to the Epcot bus station. Plus I think it would be faster then taking the Monorail to the TTC and then going back to the Contemporary and getting the bus from there.

 

[Chapter 11]

Just got back from a week's stay at the Contemporary. This thread was very useful in our planning, so thanks for all the great information. This was our first time staying at the CR (we've always stayed in the Epcot area on previous visits), and we would definitely stay at the CR again. Staying at a monorail hotel was great -- you don't know what you're missing until you do. Plus, the ability to stroll to the MK was just too darn convenient.

We stayed in the Garden Wing, Garden View, and requested a room nearer to the Tower. We got room 5211, which was directly across from the laundry room (which was very nice for the one time we did laundry, as I could just pop back and forth between my room and the laundry facility, rather than waiting there). I will say that although we were hoping for an upgrade to the Tower, we had no complaints about the Garden Wing, and by the end of our stay, we were actually glad we didn't get upgraded. Obviously, there are plusses to staying in the Tower, but there are plusses to staying in the Garden Wing too -- easy access to the pool and marina (about a 2 minute walk), no waiting for elevators, very quiet, and all the same amenities. Also, we drove down, and the separate (and very close) parking area for the Garden Wing was a major benefit when we needed the car (which wasn't that often).

Room was lovely. The beds were very comfortable, and the daybed was much nicer than a pull-out couch. AC worked fine (a necessity given the mid-90s temps we experienced during our stay). The pull out desk was very useful as well for the mornings when we ordered room service. Mousekeeping was wonderful -- we followed the advice elsewhere on this thread of leaving a couple of dollars tip every morning before we left, and would leave a note with it if we needed anything special (usually, extra bath towels). All requests were fulfilled (to the point where we usually had way more towels than we needed). Also, in terms of extra hangers, you have but to ask -- they gave us all the extra hangers we wanted.

Appreciated the tip about storing luggage in the toilet area -- plenty of room in there for all the bags. Loved the bathroom, although the one quibble there was the lack of counter space for toilitries. However, given that the sinks are huge and flat, we simply co-opted one sink as auxilliary counter space -- worked great (and really -- how often do you need two sinks?)

We didn't eat at the Contempo or the Wave or Chef Mickey's, but we did eat at the California Grill. Can't say enough good things about that restaurant -- simply wonderful. We had a 6:00 p.m. reservation there our last night, but we really wanted a table by the window so we could watch the fireworks. So we told them we were willing to wait, and sat in the lounge area and had a drink while we waited, while the kids checked out the observation platforms. About 50 minutes later, we were ushered to a fantastic table and had a nice, leisurely dinner, capped off by dessert and fireworks. The kids raved about the food (as did we).

The pool area was very nice, and we appreciated the various activities they have going on there during the afternoon, as it kept the kids entertained so the adults could enjoy a little down time. One tip -- pack everything you can think of in your bag if you go in the afternoon (baseball cap, non-resort beach towel, Ipod, 700 page book, sunglasses, SPF 50 sunblock, pool toys, etc.). They sometimes play a game called "What's in your beach bag?", and you can win some neat prizes if you have the most stuff (we fell one item short -- forgot to bring an Ipod). The also do Disney trivia games (remember -- Jane's (from Tarzan) last name is Porter, the python in Honey I Shrunk the Kids is named Gigabyte, and Lilo wanted a pet lobster before she found Stitch), pool volleyball and there's always the slide.

All in all, a magical trip.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Chapter 11,
Thanks for posting that wonderfull and detailed trip report. It's also great to read that you enjoyed the Contemporary and that the information on this thread was able to help you.

 

[of the seas]

We'll be there 3 weeks from today! Can't wait! CL Atrium.

We decided to add on to our Boardwalk stay since Disney came out with such great discounts. Since this will be our last trip to Disney(apparently there is a whole other world out there that dh wants to explore) and this is the only monorail resort we have not stayed at, we're gonna try it out.

I like the fact that everything is under 1 roof. When we stayed at the WL last year, we were in the main building and I loved hearing everyone downstairs having fun in the Whispering Canyon and such.(not that it was loud or anything) So if I hear any noise from Chef Mickey's, that's great to me!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We'll be there 3 weeks from today! Can't wait! CL Atrium.

We decided to add on to our Boardwalk stay since Disney came out with such great discounts. Since this will be our last trip to Disney(apparently there is a whole other world out there that dh wants to explore) and this is the only monorail resort we have not stayed at, we're gonna try it out.

I like the fact that everything is under 1 roof. When we stayed at the WL last year, we were in the main building and I loved hearing everyone downstairs having fun in the Whispering Canyon and such.(not that it was loud or anything) So if I hear any noise from Chef Mickey's, that's great to me!

Have a great time and be sure to post your trip report when you get back home.

 

[disgrajak]

Thanks so much for the great info on this thread. We just got back from a great week at the CR. We had a MK room on the 6th floor (odd number that I can't remember-so saw castle from bed) and I really can't say enough about the view. It was really, really worth it. I'll miss it.

We requested a microwave (great tip I picked up from this thread!!) and were lucky enough to get one. (We also had groceries delivered from Wegoshop which worked out great.) The sinks are annoying as some have said---we ended up "using" one and using the other as storage space for makeup and whatever. My only true complaint would be the shower--you had the choice of taking a shower in a mist, or just a direct dribble of water. Mousekeeping dropped off some "complimentary" items like a couple of toothbrushes, mouthwash and some gel burn salve. I don't know if everyone gets this stuff or not, but if you get burned or need a toothbrush I'm sure you can request those items.

Contempo Cafe was ok. I thought the food was better at two of the other resorts we stayed at (Poly and French Quarter--fab food when we were there!), but it was edible. Chef Mickey's was terrific.

Strangely, we never had to wait for a bus--my family thinks I have magical powers--so my review of the transportation is. The convenience of having the monorail in your building goes without saying. It was fantastic to leave MK and be back in your room so quickly.

Overall, I have to say I loved it. I picked the hotel because I though my son would really enjoy the novelty of the monorail going through the hotel, but my whole family ended up really enjoying it. I also love the Poly (and FQ actually), but I have to say that the convenience of staying in the tower and being steps away from food/shopping/monorail might beat it. I would stay again for sure!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks so much for the great info on this thread. We just got back from a great week at the CR. We had a MK room on the 6th floor (odd number that I can't remember-so saw castle from bed) and I really can't say enough about the view. It was really, really worth it. I'll miss it.

We requested a microwave (great tip I picked up from this thread!!) and were lucky enough to get one. (We also had groceries delivered from Wegoshop which worked out great.) The sinks are annoying as some have said---we ended up "using" one and using the other as storage space for makeup and whatever. My only true complaint would be the shower--you had the choice of taking a shower in a mist, or just a direct dribble of water. Mousekeeping dropped off some "complimentary" items like a couple of toothbrushes, mouthwash and some gel burn salve. I don't know if everyone gets this stuff or not, but if you get burned or need a toothbrush I'm sure you can request those items.

Contempo Cafe was ok. I thought the food was better at two of the other resorts we stayed at (Poly and French Quarter--fab food when we were there!), but it was edible. Chef Mickey's was terrific.

Strangely, we never had to wait for a bus--my family thinks I have magical powers--so my review of the transportation is. The convenience of having the monorail in your building goes without saying. It was fantastic to leave MK and be back in your room so quickly.

Overall, I have to say I loved it. I picked the hotel because I though my son would really enjoy the novelty of the monorail going through the hotel, but my whole family ended up really enjoying it. I also love the Poly (and FQ actually), but I have to say that the convenience of staying in the tower and being steps away from food/shopping/monorail might beat it. I would stay again for sure!

Thanks for posting your review and it's great you all enjoyed staying there.

 

[4rkdz]

Like Chapter 11, we also stayed at CR last week. We had a Tower MK view room (4745). We loved our stay. The view was terrific. We watched the MK fireworks from our balcony 5 out of our 7 nights while listening to the music on ch20 of our tv. I was pleasantly surprised that we had plenty of room for the 5 (mom, dad, 8,7,7) of us and our luggage. We lived out of 1 suitcase for the 2 7 yr olds but otherwise had enough drawer space. We got a gardengrocer delivery for breakfast items and had enough room for a couple half gallons of milk on the door and room for bottles of water inside. Gardengrocer did not have a delivery charge for a second delivery of water and gatorade. I agree that the bathroom sinks are pretty but not very practical. The room decor was very nice and housekeeping was good. Our main complaint was the bus system or lack thereof as we waited 40 minutes in 95 degree heat one day returning from Animal Kingdom. On 2 other occasions we waited 20 minutes for a monorail so Disney needs to work on the transportation. The Contempo Cafe was great for counter service meals. We ate breakfast and lunch there a couple times. We did Chef MIckey's for breakfast on our final day but I was not impressed. We like Crystal Palace and Garden Grill better. They are still doing construction around the pool but it does not limit any access or activity. We loved our stay.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

It's great to read all these Contemporary reviews today because it seems like a lot of Disboards members were just there, so 4rkdz thanks for posting your review.

 

[dvczerfs]

Like Chapter 11, we also stayed at CR last week. We had a Tower MK view room (4745). We loved our stay. The view was terrific. We watched the MK fireworks from our balcony 5 out of our 7 nights while listening to the music on ch20 of our tv. I was pleasantly surprised that we had plenty of room for the 5 (mom, dad, 8,7,7) of us and our luggage. We lived out of 1 suitcase for the 2 7 yr olds but otherwise had enough drawer space. We got a gardengrocer delivery for breakfast items and had enough room for a couple half gallons of milk on the door and room for bottles of water inside. Gardengrocer did not have a delivery charge for a second delivery of water and gatorade. I agree that the bathroom sinks are pretty but not very practical. The room decor was very nice and housekeeping was good. Our main complaint was the bus system or lack thereof as we waited 40 minutes in 95 degree heat one day returning from Animal Kingdom. On 2 other occasions we waited 20 minutes for a monorail so Disney needs to work on the transportation. The Contempo Cafe was great for counter service meals. We ate breakfast and lunch there a couple times. We did Chef MIckey's for breakfast on our final day but I was not impressed. We like Crystal Palace and Garden Grill better. They are still doing construction around the pool but it does not limit any access or activity. We loved our stay.

hay, we were in 4732 last week!! we just got home sat. we only took the bus to studios and we didnt have to wait. we always stay at okw and it seems you wait there forever for an animal bus also. tuesday night, the monorail was packed and i think it was friday night the elevators were packed and had to wait forever. other than that, we had a great time. i taped the fireworks one night and i think my dw and i have watched them 4 times since we got home! it was amazing how far off the ground you are on the 11th floor, it didnt look that far when looking up. glad you had a great time!!

 

[of the seas]

Wow! So many people just got back! I'm glad to hear everyone had fun and loved the CR!

 

[angboys3]

Have you thought about taking one of buses from Epcot to any WDW Resort and then from there waiting for the Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon bus since they both share that same route. If your not planning on walking to World Showcase and since you will already be in Future World it's not a long walk from there to the Epcot bus station. Plus I think it would be faster then taking the Monorail to the TTC and then going back to the Contemporary and getting the bus from there.

Yeah, that's what I have been leaning towards it looks like Port Orleans French Quarter, Old Key West would be the closest ones so I guess whichever bus comes first.

 

[disneysuncat]

After changing resorts and dates at least 30 times, we are finally doing a split stay. 6 nights All Star Music, 6 nights Contemporary! (or, as my daughter said "half & half!") For the Contemporary we've got the garden wing standard view, which I am sure will be fine. Oh, we also have free dining on both. Our dates are 11/28-12/4 ASMu, and then 12/4-12/10 Contemporary!

 

[WDWKOOK]

After changing resorts and dates at least 30 times, we are finally doing a split stay. 6 nights All Star Music, 6 nights Contemporary! (or, as my daughter said "half & half!") For the Contemporary we've got the garden wing standard view, which I am sure will be fine. Oh, we also have free dining on both. Our dates are 11/28-12/4 ASMu, and then 12/4-12/10 Contemporary!

I think you'll love your stay at the CR.

We're doing a split stay for 12 nts., too, but in Aug. You're going at a GREAT time: no crowds, cool weather, no hurricanes/TS, in-between holidays, but when everything is decorated for Christmas. We went once in the first week of December when our DD wasn't yet in school and that was my favorite time of the year.

Don't forget your TR, disneysuncat!

 

[3"Mouse"keteers]

We leave on Saturday headed for CR and I'm so excited!!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We leave on Saturday headed for CR and I'm so excited!!!!

Have a great time.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

After changing resorts and dates at least 30 times, we are finally doing a split stay. 6 nights All Star Music, 6 nights Contemporary! (or, as my daughter said "half & half!") For the Contemporary we've got the garden wing standard view, which I am sure will be fine. Oh, we also have free dining on both. Our dates are 11/28-12/4 ASMu, and then 12/4-12/10 Contemporary!

I thought free dining was ending on October 3rd, so how were you able to get it?

 

[RooRach0906]

I have really slow internet, are there any pictures on this thread of a standard room in the garden wing?? Or just a room with a Kings size bed?? What page its on?? Thanks
One More Thing ~ Happy to report as of today our Sept trip to CR is PAID IN FULL!!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have really slow internet, are there any pictures on this thread of a standard room in the garden wing?? Or just a room with a Kings size bed?? What page its on?? Thanks
One More Thing ~ Happy to report as of today our Sept trip to CR is PAID IN FULL!!!!

Did you try looking at the Contemporary Photo thread? If not here is a link to it.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1747476