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

[pas130]

Sounds like a great trip you have planned for DS11 Birthday!

Thanks Sheila...then it hit me if they are working on the 14th floor......

Yeah, booked BWI

yeah, I'd hate for you to be disappointed!

I can't believe CR, Poly & GF ALL have construction in January...ugh

So sorry, couldn't resist. 'Staying put' is not in dear pas130's normal vernacular, even on these

Yea....true....

 

[WDWKOOK]

Transportation changes on the way...

In an interview with Attractions Magazine, Walt Disney World Vice President for Transportation Samuel Lau revealed plans for the future of transportation at the resort.

The resort recently added 28 new buses to its fleet, bringing the total number to 319. After recent testing with a 60-foot articulated bus, there are also plans to purchase a few more of the longer buses to increase capacity. Of course, the larger buses require more space to pull up. A third bus loop will be added at the Magic Kingdom, which will probably take about a year to build.

In addition, more cameras will be added to the buses to supplement the existing camera facing the driver's compartment and front door. The new cameras will capture images outside the bus, allowing Disney to see what happens if a bus gets into an accident or if there's some other incident. The settlement last week of the lawsuit related to the death of a boy who rode his bicycle off of a sidewalk and into the side of a bus points up the possible use of information from these cameras.

Monorails will see a major change, as Disney is working on a new computer-controlled monorail system that will monitor and drive trains in real time, adjusting speeds, keeping safe distance, and enhance efficiency when transferring trains from one beam to another. Monorail drivers will continue to be on the trains, but would be responsible for enabling movement and making spiels to guests. They would no longer actively drive the trains. Despite this, guests would still not be allowed in the cockpit. The automated system would allow the central computer to handle trains to provide gaps during beam transfers that would not cause a complete stoppage of all trains on the beam.

Road work is also underway to increase capacity and improve traffic flow. A new lane has been added to Buena Vista Drive, along with a turn late onto Victory Way to allow traffic to flow more freely to the new Disney's Art of Animation Resort. The left turn lane from Osceola Parkway onto Sherberth Road near Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is being extended, and a new turn lane was extended at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom's bus loops.


From: http://www.mouseplanet.com/10110/Wal...date#transport

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

WDWKOOK, Thanks for the transportation update!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK, Thanks for the transportation update!

You're welcome, BLTtinkerbell, (love the screen name).

 

[WDWKOOK]

$399 Premium Annual Passes for DVC Members!

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Sep 12, 2012 | Updated: Sep 12, 2012

Members of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) timeshare program will be the recipients of a great new perk beginning October 1. On a video posted on the DVC website this morning, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Claire Bilby, announced a new discount available from October 1 to December 31, 2012. For just $399, DVC members can purchase a Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass. The normal price of these passes is $699, so that's a savings of $300 (DVC members normally pay $559 for a Premium Annual Pass, so it's still a substantial savings). A Premium Annual Pass allows access to all four theme parks, plus both water parks, Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and free parking.

Passes aren't activated until they have been used for the first time, so take advantage of this deal while it's being offered even if your current annual pass hasn't expired. For DVC members to renew a regular annual pass, it is $385, so for $14 more, you would get the extra benefits a premium annual pass offers over a regular annual pass. DVC members have until December 31, 2013 to activate these passes.

After October 1, DVC members will also get 10% off merchandise at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa, Disney's Vero Beach Resort, and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

You're welcome, BLTtinkerbell, (love the screen name).

Thanks! Love your screen name too!

 

[pixarmom]

One more question for the CR experts!

Let's say it's late afternoon before MNSSHP (and we're not staying CL for this trip.) Our kids are taking a break after swimming in our Tower - Bay Lake View room and my husband and I want to grab a glass of wine and sit on the balcony for a few minutes. (OK, this may all be in my head, but please stick with me!) I see that Outer Rim does not open until 4:30pm. Anywhere else we can grab a couple glasses of wine to take up to the room around 4pm? Is the bar at the Wave open? Does the pool bar serve wine or is it just mixed drinks?

 

[WDWKOOK]

One more question for the CR experts!

Let's say it's late afternoon before MNSSHP (and we're not staying CL for this trip.) Our kids are taking a break after swimming in our Tower - Bay Lake View room and my husband and I want to grab a glass of wine and sit on the balcony for a few minutes. (OK, this may all be in my head, but please stick with me!) I see that Outer Rim does not open until 4:30pm. Anywhere else we can grab a couple glasses of wine to take up to the room around 4pm? Is the bar at the Wave open? Does the pool bar serve wine or is it just mixed drinks?

Since the Outer Rim doesn't open until 4:30:

You have a couple of options - Fantasia Market sells wine in individual bottles that you could just store in your fridge/room:

They also have chilled adult beverages:

Or you could go over to the Sand Bar, but I'm not sure if they have wine (but, they mention having a full bar):

 

[pixarmom]

KOOK, thank you!! I think we'll stop by Fantasia - looks like it's perfect. And you couldn't have known it, but I was also wondering where we could get some milk to store in our fridge - and you answered that one with your photos!

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK, thank you!! I think we'll stop by Fantasia - looks like it's perfect. And you couldn't have known it, but I was also wondering where we could get some milk to store in our fridge - and you answered that one with your photos!

You're welcome - glad I could help. It was nice to put some of the 200 photos I took last month of CR and BLT to use.

 

[brsirak]

Hello all...this is my first time posting on this thread.

We are leaving for a 5 night trip this Friday staying at The Contemporary for the first time!!!!!

A few questions for you experts...

1) The "daybed"...is it really just a couch or does it open up larger...I understand it is not a sleeper sofa...but can I (a 5'8" mom) plan on sleeping on it...or do I need to put a child on it????

2) And, any tips for my mom an EVC user at the hotel...we have never used the EVC and like I siad above never stayed at The Contemporary!

TIA,
Bridget

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello all...this is my first time posting on this thread.

We are leaving for a 5 night trip this Friday staying at The Contemporary for the first time!!!!!

A few questions for you experts...

1) The "daybed"...is it really just a couch or does it open up larger...I understand it is not a sleeper sofa...but can I (a 5'8" mom) plan on sleeping on it...or do I need to put a child on it????

2) And, any tips for my mom an EVC user at the hotel...we have never used the EVC and like I siad above never stayed at The Contemporary!

TIA,
Bridget

to the CR thread, brsirak!

I've never used the daybed, but I usually only read about children using it. I think it's about the size of a twin bed, but perhaps narrower

I've also never used an ECV so I can't give you any tips about that. I know there is a DISabilities thread. Maybe they would have more information for you there.

Have a great trip this week!

 

[Finally08]

Hi everyone, I'll be checking into the Contemporary next Thursday 9/27 and need to mail a package to myself there. Basically I have to ship a giant wedding dress that I am afraid would be ruined in a checked suitcase on the plane.
What address and special instructions should I know to get it there? I think I am going to send it out via FedEx on Friday this week - that should be enough time to reach the hotel by Thursday, right?
I am so nervous about sending it off, but I know this is the safest way.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone, I'll be checking into the Contemporary next Thursday 9/27 and need to mail a package to myself there. Basically I have to ship a giant wedding dress that I am afraid would be ruined in a checked suitcase on the plane.
What address and special instructions should I know to get it there? I think I am going to send it out via FedEx on Friday this week - that should be enough time to reach the hotel by Thursday, right?
I am so nervous about sending it off, but I know this is the safest way.

I've never personally done it, but any of the courier companies, like FedEx/UPS (NOT USPS) will deliver directly to the CR. Since it's a convention resort, there will probably be a pick-up fee, which I think is around $10.

You'll need to include the following on the package address label:

The full name of the person the reservation is listed under

The confirmation number and check-in date

C/O: Disney's Contemporary Resort

4600 North World Drive

Lake Buena Vista FL, 32830



Don't forget to pick your dress up after checking in! I'd mail it about a week prior to arrival so that you can spend a little less $ by paying for ground shipping rather than next day or overnight.

Have a great trip and stay at the CR! BTW, if you're staying club level, for peace of mind, you can confirm what I just posted with the IPO.

 

[Finally08]

I've never personally done it, but any of the courier companies, like FedEx/UPS (NOT USPS) will deliver directly to the CR. Since it's a convention resort, there will probably be a pick-up fee, which I think is around $10.

You'll need to include the following on the package address label:

The full name of the person the reservation is listed under

The confirmation number and check-in date

C/O: Disney's Contemporary Resort

4600 North World Drive

Lake Buena Vista FL, 32830



Don't forget to pick your dress up after checking in! I'd mail it about a week prior to arrival so that you can spend a little less $ by paying for ground shipping rather than next day or overnight.

Have a great trip and stay at the CR! BTW, if you're staying club level, for peace of mind, you can confirm what I just posted with the IPO.

Thanks - I'm not staying club level. But can I ask, why is there a charge to have packages sent there? I've had packages sent to Pop several times (nothing this important!) and also AKL, and there was no charge?

 

[twodogs]

Just FYI for BLT lovers: I was able to get 20% off rack rate for late April/early May on BLT studios, 1 bedroom villas and 2 bedroom villas when I called WDW today (room only reservation). They did not have TPV for the 2 bedroom, but I was able to book a 2 bedroom lake view at 20% off! So excited, and had to share in case this helps anyone else!

 

[closetmickey]

Just FYI for BLT lovers: I was able to get 20% off rack rate for late April/early May on BLT studios, 1 bedroom villas and 2 bedroom villas when I called WDW today (room only reservation). They did not have TPV for the 2 bedroom, but I was able to book a 2 bedroom lake view at 20% off! So excited, and had to share in case this helps anyone else!

Exciting for you! Which discount did they use?

 

[twodogs]

Oops so excited I forgot to post that! AAA discount!

 

[pixarmom]

OK, returning for more CR dining advice! Park hours have changed for October, so we let go of our Wave breakfast ADR and will just have to get donuts/milk/fruit for the room that morning.

Our next challenge is our departure day - I've been trying to get that Chef Mickey's ADR for the morning of Tuesday, October 9 and it's just not happening. Now, I sound kind of silly because I made a back-up ADR for our January trip, so we'll get there soon. But we're staying at CR in October, so CM would be perfect then. And we're staying at Poly in January, so Kona would be convenient. I'll absolutely give up my Kona breakfast in January so that our youngest can get to Chef Mickey's. But I can save the January Kona ADR if I we get in Chef Mickey's standby, as a previous poster mentioned. Is the best strategy just to hop down to CM's at 7am and see if they can fit us in before Magical Express comes to get us around 9:30am?

 

[Qmom]

OK, returning for more CR dining advice! Park hours have changed for October, so we let go of our Wave breakfast ADR and will just have to get donuts/milk/fruit for the room that morning.

Our next challenge is our departure day - I've been trying to get that Chef Mickey's ADR for the morning of Tuesday, October 9 and it's just not happening. Now, I sound kind of silly because I made a back-up ADR for our January trip, so we'll get there soon. But we're staying at CR in October, so CM would be perfect then. And we're staying at Poly in January, so Kona would be convenient. I'll absolutely give up my Kona breakfast in January so that our youngest can get to Chef Mickey's. But I can save the January Kona ADR if I we get in Chef Mickey's standby, as a previous poster mentioned. Is the best strategy just to hop down to CM's at 7am and see if they can fit us in before Magical Express comes to get us around 9:30am?

That's how we did it. Good luck!