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

[dgundry]

It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk or monorail. It usually becomes a matter of convenience vs crowds. For instance, if you were leaving MK after Wishes, being able to walk could save you 30 mins (or more) in monorail crowd backup. But otherwise, we generally found it easier to take the monorail. Many people will tell you the opposite, that they always just walk.

Thanks!

 

[doodlemama]

Help! Checking in Friday and I thought they had moved blt check in to blt itself. Called cr for something else and cm told me to check in at cr. what is the correct thing to do? Thx!

 

[mickeyplanner]

Help! Checking in Friday and I thought they had moved blt check in to blt itself. Called cr for something else and cm told me to check in at cr. what is the correct thing to do? Thx!

When we went in September, we were directed to check in at CR since we arrived before check-in. Once we did that they told us to go to BLT directly once our room was ready to finalize our check-in. Everyone is very helpful at both resorts, don't stress about being correct or not. Relax and have a wonderful trip. If you are taking ME they will automatically drop you off at CR. Make it easier on yourself and check-in there if you are taking ME.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Got back last night from our quick 2 nt trip to CR. We had originally booked a BLV as well as a Wishes Dessert Party at the MK, but when a Atrium CL std room came available we upgraded and canceled our dessert party. BEST DECISION!!!

It was our first visit to CR and we honestly only booked it because my DS9 really wanted to stay there. We had recently been to YC and WL and really didn't know how much we would like the CR and its compactness. But we loved it, everything was so convenient and the CL staff was extremely friendly. Having a BLV and being able to use the CL for MK views was PERFECT!

DH and I still like the "feel" of YC more, but were very happy at the CR and the kids have casted their vote for Feb and we will be returning to CR once again CL isn't avail for our Feb dates, but I still think we will have a great time and just bring our own drinks and snacks and use the observation deck for MK viewing.

I had read on the boards somewhere that the design of the sinks leads to losing the vanity and shelf area for toiletries. We just kept our stuff on the shelf underneath, which wasn't as convenient but worked out fine. I really do like the room decor and the modern feel. Not to mention the spaciousness of the room!

CR turned out to be a winner for our family Thanks to everyone for all the tips and info!

Thanks, Melissa! I told you you'd love CR

 

[WDWKOOK]

The Wave... of American Flavors at Disney's Contemporary Resort will host its December Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner on Thursday, December 20, 2012. Reception is at 6:30 p.m.; dinner is at 7 p.m. Local farmers will be represented by Uncle Matt's Organic from Clermont, Florida. Uncle Matt's produces six varieties of premium, not from concentrate, organic juices and a full line of seasonal organic citrus products, which will be featured in the evening's menu. Also on hand will be Jerry McVey, area manager for Central Florida Transatlantic Fine Wines. For more information and to make reservations, visit www.disneyurl.com/TheWaveDecember. The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Friday December 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. Have the following information ready: Tables in Wonderland ticket number; first and last name of everyone in your party (maximum 8); home address; phone number; credit card number; billing address; personal email address; special dietary needs (if any). Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email. The event is limited to 46 guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland card to gain entrance into the event. Price is $110 per person (includes tax and gratuity).


BTW: The price for Tables in Wonderland has increased by $25.

 

[babyberger]

Thanks, Melissa! I told you you'd love CR

The kids LOVED the monorail going through it, they never got bored of it! And being able to watch Wishes from the CL and the EWP and Illuminations from the balcony was the icing on the cake for them! It really was our best resort stay so far!

The Wave... of American Flavors at Disney's Contemporary Resort will host its December Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner on Thursday, December 20, 2012. Reception is at 6:30 p.m.; dinner is at 7 p.m. Local farmers will be represented by Uncle Matt's Organic from Clermont, Florida. Uncle Matt's produces six varieties of premium, not from concentrate, organic juices and a full line of seasonal organic citrus products, which will be featured in the evening's menu. Also on hand will be Jerry McVey, area manager for Central Florida Transatlantic Fine Wines. For more information and to make reservations, visit www.disneyurl.com/TheWaveDecember. The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Friday December 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. Have the following information ready: Tables in Wonderland ticket number; first and last name of everyone in your party (maximum 8); home address; phone number; credit card number; billing address; personal email address; special dietary needs (if any). Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email. The event is limited to 46 guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland card to gain entrance into the event. Price is $110 per person (includes tax and gratuity).

BTW: The price for Tables in Wonderland has increased by $25.

I saw the price increase the other day, so glad we bought ours in September!

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[WDWKOOK]

 

[CynBeth]

Thanks, Happy Hanukkah to you too!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks, Happy Hanukkah to you too!

Actually, I'm not Jewish, but I wanted to make sure to recognize all our wonderful CR/BLT posters (and lurkers) who celebrate Hanukkah

 

[babyberger]

Thank you! Although Hanukkah would be better if I was still at CR

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[WDWKOOK]

Thank you! Although Hanukkah would be better if I was still at CR

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Everything is better at WDW (and when you can walk to the MK)

 

[WDWKOOK]

Beginning this week, radio-frequency (RF) technology is bringing two significant changes to Walt Disney World:

-- Starting December 11, new payment devices that give you the ability to "touch to pay" using RF-enabled Key to the World cards (or to swipe credit cards) will be available at the following locations: Epcot, Art of Animation Resort, BoardWalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort and the Yacht & Beach Resort (except for laundry, valet and arcade locations in resorts). At this time, only guests staying at the aforementioned Walt Disney World Resort hotels can use "touch to pay," which is simply holding your card to the device's touch point to make payment. These devices also allow entry of a PIN (Personal Identification Number) via a PIN pad for "touch to pay" transactions. If you're staying at one of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels listed above, you will have the opportunity to set up a PIN during check-in. You also will have the opportunity to set up a PIN through the Online Check-In Service. A PIN is required for purchases of $50 or more (except for locations with a tip line; a PIN is required for all purchases at these locations). Guests with RF-enabled Key to the World cards will be able to make purchases using this method wherever a new payment device is available.

-- As of December 12, main entrance turnstiles at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom are being converted to allow entry with RF-enabled Key to the World cards. This enhancement will give resort guests the ability to "touch to enter" the park -- that is, a person can simply hold the card to the new turnstile touch point, place a finger on the pad and enter the theme park. The turnstiles will eventually be able to accommodate RF-enabled ticket media as well.

From the latest AllEars newsletter.

 

[mickeyplanner]

Beginning this week, radio-frequency (RF) technology is bringing two significant changes to Walt Disney World:

-- Starting December 11, new payment devices that give you the ability to "touch to pay" using RF-enabled Key to the World cards (or to swipe credit cards) will be available at the following locations: Epcot, Art of Animation Resort, BoardWalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort and the Yacht & Beach Resort (except for laundry, valet and arcade locations in resorts). At this time, only guests staying at the aforementioned Walt Disney World Resort hotels can use "touch to pay," which is simply holding your card to the device's touch point to make payment. These devices also allow entry of a PIN (Personal Identification Number) via a PIN pad for "touch to pay" transactions. If you're staying at one of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels listed above, you will have the opportunity to set up a PIN during check-in. You also will have the opportunity to set up a PIN through the Online Check-In Service. A PIN is required for purchases of $50 or more (except for locations with a tip line; a PIN is required for all purchases at these locations). Guests with RF-enabled Key to the World cards will be able to make purchases using this method wherever a new payment device is available.

-- As of December 12, main entrance turnstiles at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom are being converted to allow entry with RF-enabled Key to the World cards. This enhancement will give resort guests the ability to "touch to enter" the park -- that is, a person can simply hold the card to the new turnstile touch point, place a finger on the pad and enter the theme park. The turnstiles will eventually be able to accommodate RF-enabled ticket media as well.

From the latest AllEars newsletter.

Thanks for the information. I wonder how they will handle AP with rooms at BLT?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the information. I wonder how they will handle AP with rooms at BLT?

Not sure, but we've never had our APs on our KTTW card when staying at BLT or any resort, only charging and room key. I'm guessing this is in the Beta-testing stage so only a few resorts are participating at this time and DVC may not be included right now

 

[Missyrose]

Not sure, but we've never had our APs on our KTTW card when staying at BLT or any resort, only charging and room key. I'm guessing this is in the Beta-testing stage so only a few resorts are participating at this time and DVC may not be included right now

According to this thread over on the Theme Parks and Strategies board, it looks like once the full next-Gen Fastpass+ system is rolled out, they will have a way to convert paper APs to the RFID KTTW cards for the first time.

 

[babyberger]

It looks like a TPV with an AP disc just opened up for our dates. We loved our BLV room in Dec and not sure if we should upgrade to the TPV for Feb. I read that the TPV side can be have a lot of noise, anyone experience this? I am really torn, suggestions please? The price difference is about $35/nt if that makes a difference.

 

[Missyrose]

It looks like a TPV with an AP disc just opened up for our dates. We loved our BLV room in Dec and not sure if we should upgrade to the TPV for Feb. I read that the TPV side can be have a lot of noise, anyone experience this? I am really torn, suggestions please? The price difference is about $35/nt if that makes a difference.

For just $35 per night, I would TOTALLY do TPV. We didn't have any problem with noise. I personally thought it was awesome to be able to hear the MK train from our balcony.

Fireworks weren't very loud with the door closed, but there's nothing better than watching Wishes from your resort room. It's the definition of magical!

 

[babyberger]

For just $35 per night, I would TOTALLY do TPV. We didn't have any problem with noise. I personally thought it was awesome to be able to hear the MK train from our balcony.

Fireworks weren't very loud with the door closed, but there's nothing better than watching Wishes from your resort room. It's the definition of magical!

Thank you!!!! On the phone now

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[::danielle::]

Hi Everyone! I am new to this thread. I'm planning a trip to WDW in December 2013. At this time I am planning to rent DVC points to stay at BLT in a 1-bedroom. I could use some advice/opinions/insight.

I've noticed in the past few years, a 35% discount was offered to Visa holders, AP holders, FL residents and eventually the GP. The discounts were release as early as September and always encompassed the dates that I intend to go.

I am curious to know if anyone has ever booked a 1-bedroom at BLT using the standard reservation system then switched it to the discounted rate when the rates were released in the fall. I would prefer this option over renting DVC points. I've searched and searched but I have not found an example of when someone has actually been able to do this!

I apologize if this has been addressed elsewhere in this thread!

 

[psac]

Thank you!!!! On the phone now

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I hope you got it, for that difference it wouldn't even be a question!!

Hi Everyone! I am new to this thread. I'm planning a trip to WDW in December 2013. At this time I am planning to rent DVC points to stay at BLT in a 1-bedroom. I could use some advice/opinions/insight.

I've noticed in the past few years, a 35% discount was offered to Visa holders, AP holders, FL residents and eventually the GP. The discounts were release as early as September and always encompassed the dates that I intend to go.

I am curious to know if anyone has ever booked a 1-bedroom at BLT using the standard reservation system then switched it to the discounted rate when the rates were released in the fall. I would prefer this option over renting DVC points. I've searched and searched but I have not found an example of when someone has actually been able to do this!

I apologize if this has been addressed elsewhere in this thread!

As long as it is a regular cash booking, it should be like any other location -- if they offer the discounts for your dates, you would be able to call and have them applied.