The ALL NEW Disney's Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower FAQ with PICs! (July 2011)

[pas130]

pas - castle dance Is it just me or are we all on the "pas do not change" bandwagon

I need all the help I can get

castle dance

 

[Lulu'sMom]

UGH! I hear you, KOOK!
Some of these CMs!!!!! (where's the smilie beating his head with a hammer?)

YOu have to call to book the 14th Tower Club, RPC deluxe rooms and the specialty suites. These can NOT be booked online. It's a no-brainer, as one never sees the Presidential suites or like the Nantucket suite from the BC online. You have to call.

Now....I'm really confused about what to do, what to do.
I'm just going to enjoy the holidays this week and continue baking cakes and pies today! Can't change Disney! LOL

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

YOu have to call to book the 14th Tower Club, RPC deluxe rooms and the specialty suites. These can NOT be booked online. It's a no-brainer, as one never sees the Presidential suites or like the Nantucket suite from the BC online. You have to call.

A couple of years ago I remember seeing some of the 14th floor Tower Club Suites available online or maybe it was one of their Standard Rooms up there. Now maybe that came on by mistake because we know how crazy the WDW website can be, however I am just stating what I remember seeing.

 

[contemporarymom]

A couple of years ago I remember seeing some of the 14th floor Tower Club Suites available online or maybe it was one of their Standard Rooms up there. Now maybe that came on by mistake because we know how crazy the WDW website can be, however I am just stating what I remember seeing.

We have NEVER been able to book a Tower Club suite online. The Tower Club doesn't even appear as an option on the site.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We have NEVER been able to book a Tower Club suite online. The Tower Club doesn't even appear as an option on the site.

Well that was a one time thing when I saw the 14th floor available online and it was a couple of years ago, so I can't say why that happened.

 

[Mary T in PA]

You're welcome. I told her that it used to always be bookable and she said she couldn't book it for July. Her "helpful" theory was that, "Maybe they've combined the two club levels now." Huh?. She didn't even know that you couldn't book the Tower Club online and that you had to call, like for the RPC Deluxe rooms.




My guess, which I shared with the CM and she agreed, is that they have tentatively pulled the 14th floor rooms out of the CR inventory for at least next July, if not longer (I didn't inquire about another month). They must think that they will actually start the renovations and don't want people thinking they can book the Tower Club, and then have them disappointed when they have to bump them.

Glad you haven't switched yet, pas. You know how I love the CR (and I even loved your BLT booking - remember that booking?)

This is how I learned of the elusive 14th FL - our first holiday trip was after a summer trip a few years ago. I called in August to get club level and it was booked solid, not even BL view was available.. so the CM put me on hold for a bit. He came back and said he could book a suite for me, it's a bit pricier but I will get more room and guaranteed MK view and it's a floor higher, so I booked it. Best decision I ever made because it's the best MK view around- large balconies and lots of room. And any time I have booked the Tower club, it has been over the phone. I will be checking in this Saturday on the Tower club as everyone knows, and will keep you updated on what the CMs tell me. I will have to work off my iphone, but I do have a Trent charger so I will do my best to update everyone on what's going up at CR.

Mary

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I will be checking in this Saturday on the Tower club as everyone knows, and will keep you updated on what the CMs tell me.

I hope you have a great time and thank you in advance to whatever updates you can find out.

 

[Mary T in PA]

If I would have to ship something back to me, do I need to have it already boxed? Or would they provide a box? I just wondered how Disney resorts handle shipping?

I usually try to be good about my purchases but this would be my last resort option, aka Mary's Panic Solution.

 

[WDWKOOK]

This is how I learned of the elusive 14th FL - our first holiday trip was after a summer trip a few years ago. I called in August to get club level and it was booked solid, not even BL view was available.. so the CM put me on hold for a bit. He came back and said he could book a suite for me, it's a bit pricier but I will get more room and guaranteed MK view and it's a floor higher, so I booked it. Best decision I ever made because it's the best MK view around- large balconies and lots of room. And any time I have booked the Tower club, it has been over the phone. I will be checking in this Saturday on the Tower club as everyone knows, and will keep you updated on what the CMs tell me. I will have to work off my iphone, but I do have a Trent charger so I will do my best to update everyone on what's going up at CR.

Mary

It's funny (as in odd) to me that the Tower Club level gets little if any publicity. They don't even list the suites in the WDW "room types and pricing" section nor do they appear in the online booking page. Only the "Jr. Suite - BLV and King are listed and "Tower Club" isn't even listed. I wonder why they've always been so "secretive" about that floor. I've always read that it's never crowded up there, though there are a lot fewer rooms than the Atrium Club.

I would love to hear any "gossip" you can get from a CM about why the 14th floor can't be cooked for July - just "requested" and what the real long-term plans are for that floor. Disney must have been really certain they would have renovated that floor by now, or they wouldn't have added that description of the Jr. BLV/King Suite to their room description page. I would love to book that room for our anniversary instead of RPC - it has in-room cardio equipment

If I would have to ship something back to me, do I need to have it already boxed? Or would they provide a box? I just wondered how Disney resorts handle shipping?

I usually try to be good about my purchases but this would be my last resort option, aka Mary's Panic Solution.

I'm sorry that I can't answer your question, but I would hope that since you're staying on the Tower Club level, the concierge would be able to either answer your question (you could e-mail them) or they could provide a box for you - or is this all wishful thinking on my part?

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Let's throw some more into the mix for the 14th floor......

well, according to the CM in GS, that I just got off the phone, they are taking the standard rooms and somewhat converting them into the
"junior suites". Same size rooms as they are bigger than the other CR rooms but they will be as noted by KOOK.

Junior Suite – Bay Lake View

View of Bay Lake
Additional adult charge of $25 per adult per night for more than 2 adults, except in Suites and rooms with King beds.

Online booking is not available; call for reservations

1 queen-size bed
1 queen-size sleeper sofa
100% cotton linens
Non-allergenic wrapped mattresses
In-room cardio fitness equipment
Bamboo flooring
Access to dedicated health-focused concierge
Access to in-room yoga sessions and spa treatments
Custom food and beverage menu
Private dining featuring fresh and organic foods
Vanity area with 2 sinks
Private balcony with chairs
Large bathroom
Large flat-screen TV with Disney
Blu-ray player
Robes
Newspaper delivery
Coffeemaker
Hairdryer
High-speed Internet access (additional fee)
Iron, ironing board
Pack 'n Play playard
Refrigerator
Microwave oven
Sink
Safe
Voice mail
Data port
Wheelchair-accessible room available

Now, there will still be the KING available as well as the ADA (as stated right above available. So there will be FIVE of these JUNIOR SUITES available.
As for views, from what I remember, there is a KING MK, KING ADA MK, QUEEN MK, and TWO QUEENS BL.

The 14th floor is going to be an ALL-SUITE floor and only bookable by phone.
Now, I was able to get a suite for mid-May. what does that tell you?
CM couldn't tell me if it was a rehabbed suite. Go figure.

Oh well, no telling when this wellness thing is going to happen.

Happy Thanksgiving!
I need to go work on the dressing and stock! LOL

 

[Mary T in PA]

Let's throw some more into the mix for the 14th floor......

well, according to the CM in GS, that I just got off the phone, they are taking the standard rooms and somewhat converting them into the
"junior suites". Same size rooms as they are bigger than the other CR rooms but they will be as noted by KOOK.



Now, there will still be the KING available as well as the ADA (as stated right above available. So there will be FIVE of these JUNIOR SUITES available.
As for views, from what I remember, there is a KING MK, KING ADA MK, QUEEN MK, and TWO QUEENS BL.

The 14th floor is going to be an ALL-SUITE floor and only bookable by phone.
Now, I was able to get a suite for mid-May. what does that tell you?
CM couldn't tell me if it was a rehabbed suite. Go figure.

Oh well, no telling when this wellness thing is going to happen.

Happy Thanksgiving!
I need to go work on the dressing and stock! LOL

This is sounding more like the Tonga building at the Poly - it is exclusively suites. We have stayed there and I do like it alot. But most of those rooms are not able to be booked online. And each time we have stayed there, it has been booked solid.

I am still not a fan of the health and wellness concept. I believe the suites could be redone in such a way to update and give the entire floor a more contemporary feeling.

 

[WDWKOOK]

A very HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING!! Don't forget to count your blessings (and the time you have left until your next trip to WDW)​

 

[Mary T in PA]

Hi, I'm here. I had a chat with the CMs here shortly after checkin. The refurb was pushed back to 2012. They are completely gutting the entire 14th floor. What it will then become is a total suites only floor with several types of suites, from a jr suite up to presidential suite. No definite start date has been given, but it will impact the 12th floor. CM said while the 14th fl will be down several months, the 12th shouldn't be down more than a month or so. The health & wellness concept is still a go.
I suspect that folks having trouble booking CL level next yr, especially the summer, is running into the refurb dates. I'm not sure if the CM was allowed to give out the potential dates, nor did I press the issue.

The CM did say that if I book a suite in 2012, the reservation could get cancelled because of the refurb. To be honest, I don't think I want to stay here the way it currently is. Jmo.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi, I'm here. I had a chat with the CMs here shortly after checkin. The refurb was pushed back to 2012. They are completely gutting the entire 14th floor. What it will then become is a total suites only floor with several types of suites, from a jr suite up to presidential suite. No definite start date has been given, but it will impact the 12th floor. CM said while the 14th fl will be down several months, the 12th shouldn't be down more than a month or so. The health & wellness concept is still a go.
I suspect that folks having trouble booking CL level next yr, especially the summer, is running into the refurb dates. I'm not sure if the CM was allowed to give out the potential dates, nor did I press the issue.

Thank you for that update.

 

[pas130]

Hi, I'm here. I had a chat with the CMs here shortly after checkin. The refurb was pushed back to 2012. They are completely gutting the entire 14th floor. What it will then become is a total suites only floor with several types of suites, from a jr suite up to presidential suite. No definite start date has been given, but it will impact the 12th floor. CM said while the 14th fl will be down several months, the 12th shouldn't be down more than a month or so. The health & wellness concept is still a go.
I suspect that folks having trouble booking CL level next yr, especially the summer, is running into the refurb dates. I'm not sure if the CM was allowed to give out the potential dates, nor did I press the issue.

The CM did say that if I book a suite in 2012, the reservation could get cancelled because of the refurb. To be honest, I don't think I want to stay here the way it currently is. Jmo.

Thank you for the update. I hope they don't cancel my reservation, it's for 12th floor not 14th, but the kids really are looking forward to CR CL

 

[WDWKOOK]

You showed them by pre-emptively canceling your own reservation, pas




Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner

The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner @ Contemporary Resort
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Reception 6:30 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm
Meet at the main podium. Dress code is casual evening attire.
$92 per person (tax and gratuity included)

December's Discovery Dinner is hosted by Ben McLean III from Uncle Matt's Organic Citrus. Uncle Matt's grows all of their produce organically, with no additives, preservatives, pesticides and fertilizers. Their premium quality organic citrus juices and produce are grown in Florida on a family-owned farm. Ben is an advocate for organic foods, working with top agricultural scientists to prove how sustainable agriculture can save the environment.

Reception in The Wave...of American Flavors Lounge
Beef Bruschetta with Locally Sourced Deep Creek Ranch N.Y. Strip Loin
Vegetarian Flatbread with King Family Farm Winter Roasted Root Vegetables
Jansz Brut Non Vintage, Tasmania

Dinner in The Wave...of American Flavors Private Dining Room
Appetizer
Lobster Ravioli with Locally Sourced Sunburst Tangerine Buerre Blanc
Molly Dooker “The Violinist” Verdelho 2010

Salad
Roasted Beet Salad with Uncle Matt’s Orlando Tangelo and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Purple Haze Goat Cheese, and Toasted Walnuts
Pacific Rim “Organic” Riesling 2009

Entrée
Tamarind-rubbed Grilled Lamb Loin with Barley and Sun-dried Tomato Risotto, Locally Sourced King Family Farm Winter Vegetables
Molly Dooker “Two Left Feet” Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot blend

Dessert
Trio of Organic Citrus Flavors featuring:
Orange Infused Brioche Bread Pudding
Sunburst Tangerine Ice Cream
Limoncello Panna Cotta with Orlando Tangelos
Pacific Rim "White Flowers" Sparkling Riesling

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner

The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner @ Contemporary Resort
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Reception 6:30 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm
Meet at the main podium. Dress code is casual evening attire.
$92 per person (tax and gratuity included)

December's Discovery Dinner is hosted by Ben McLean III from Uncle Matt's Organic Citrus. Uncle Matt's grows all of their produce organically, with no additives, preservatives, pesticides and fertilizers. Their premium quality organic citrus juices and produce are grown in Florida on a family-owned farm. Ben is an advocate for organic foods, working with top agricultural scientists to prove how sustainable agriculture can save the environment.

Reception in The Wave...of American Flavors Lounge
Beef Bruschetta with Locally Sourced Deep Creek Ranch N.Y. Strip Loin
Vegetarian Flatbread with King Family Farm Winter Roasted Root Vegetables
Jansz Brut Non Vintage, Tasmania

Dinner in The Wave...of American Flavors Private Dining Room
Appetizer
Lobster Ravioli with Locally Sourced Sunburst Tangerine Buerre Blanc
Molly Dooker “The Violinist” Verdelho 2010

Salad
Roasted Beet Salad with Uncle Matt’s Orlando Tangelo and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Purple Haze Goat Cheese, and Toasted Walnuts
Pacific Rim “Organic” Riesling 2009

Entrée
Tamarind-rubbed Grilled Lamb Loin with Barley and Sun-dried Tomato Risotto, Locally Sourced King Family Farm Winter Vegetables
Molly Dooker “Two Left Feet” Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot blend

Dessert
Trio of Organic Citrus Flavors featuring:
Orange Infused Brioche Bread Pudding
Sunburst Tangerine Ice Cream
Limoncello Panna Cotta with Orlando Tangelos
Pacific Rim "White Flowers" Sparkling Riesling

Thanks for posting that information.

 

[pas130]

You showed them by pre-emptively canceling your own reservation, pas

This is true....I can't blame the boards either, I RC in my sleep I think No rhyme or reason to my madness. I had this reservation for weeks I think

 

[sjs314]

This is true....I can't blame the boards either, I RC in my sleep I think No rhyme or reason to my madness. I had this reservation for weeks I think

pas - too funny! It is truely a disease but I do the same and have been known to race to turn on the computer before even heading to the bathroom when I wake up.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Disney Parks Blog has a few pictures up of the Christmas tree that was once displayed in the Grand Canyon Concourse. Enjoy!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/12/vintage-walt-disney-world-the-trees-of-christmas-past/