Hi, very pleased to have found this thread. We are travelling from the UK for our first trip to WDW, staying at the CR for 14 nights
. We chose it for the location & because the rooms have the extra daybed (my DS12 needs his own bed!). But have been a bit concerned about the amount we have spent after reading recent trip adviser reviews, so I will be avidly watching this thread for TRs & views of those who have recently stayed there. The pics in the first few threads were really useful. Thanks
Ah yes, TripAdvisor, my nemesis. Like a bad accident, I can't look away either. When you read theirs or AllEars' reviews, you tend to focus on the negative and so do the reviewers. For example, I think one of the most amazing features of the CR is the walkway to the MK and the fact that a monorail runs through it! I've actually read reviews that some feel the walk is too far or hot or the monorail opening means birds can get in so they'll never eat at Contempo Cafe again. I don't know how many people have mentioned "a lack of theming" at the CR, which couldn't be further from the truth. I just think they don't like the decor or styling, and that's fine, there's something for every taste at WDW. But, it doesn't mean
you won't like it or find it perfectly themed.
As far as room cleanliness, that unfortunately is mostly dependent on the housekeeper. The only consistency I've found is by having the exact same excellent housekeeper each stay - no disappointment there. Otherwise, it can really vary.
If there's anything in particular you're worried about, let us know and we'll try and help you
I'm very excited because I just upgraded my August trip from WL to a CR TPV room. It's always been a dream if mine since I was a kid to stay there and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to book it with my room discount PIN.
My question is, should I put any specific request on my reservation for room location (ie higher vs lower floors) that you would recommend?
I'm torn, do I congratulate you or frown? Just kidding (but, I do love both resorts) - that is quite the upgrade! What a fantastic view you're going to have.
As others have posted, you could request high floor and/or a room away from Chef Mickey's. Some like an odd-numbered room because as you sit in bed, you face toward the MK.
Don't be concerned panda. The convenience of the CR alone (easy walking distance to MK, being on monorail line, being able to view Wishes nightly from multiple areas in the hotel, etc.) will be worth the extra money you are spending. Of course, one must ask oneself whether ANY room at WDW is worth $500-$600, or more, per night. But that is beside the point.
My family and I have stayed at the CR for the past four years in a row and are going back for a fifth year in a row in April.
We had originally booked a stay at the BoardWalk Inn but started to miss the old CR even before the trip, took a family vote, and decided to change back to the CR!
No hotel is perfect - for the many thousands of Pounds you'll be spending for a fortnight stay at a Deluxe Disney Resort it's likely there would be something to gripe about at any of them. My biggest complaint about the CR is that its age sometimes causes issues with the guts of the hotel (electrical outlets in the room not working, broken sliding glass balcony door handles, etc.). However, its location and charm more than make up for those things in my opinion, which is why MANY people have such a deep affection for the old gal.
Don't drive yourself crazy reading Trip Adviser reviews - again, you can find negative reviews about ANY hotel. You are going to have a great time.
Been there, done that with both CR and WL
Thank you! I just called and added the requests to my reservation.
you're welcome
Is the entire club/concierge level closed for refurb? If so, I wonder if that's the reason the place was sold out months ago. First time staying here so don't know if its typical for the place to sell out.
From the first page:
Jan. 6, 2013 - Late Summer 2013: 14th floor Suites Refurbishment. This includes a hard and soft goods refurbishment and a renovation to the concierge lounge.
Jan. 27 March 22, 2013: 12th floor Atrium, Club level concierge lounge soft goods replacement and refurbishment will occur.
Thanks, Kook, for the advice on the "check in, check out" thingy. I am SO looking forward to this stay at the Contemporary!
It's where we stayed on our very first visit about 24 years ago, and I can't wait to get back. There's just something special about your first one!
How different (read: better) the CR looks now. Did you scan or digitize any of those photos?
I think CR books pretty fast with or without CL being available. I know our Dec trip was hard to get the room and dates we wanted and I just kept checking to move it, which is actually what I did with my upcoming trip as well. I would imagine with both CL's being closed that doesn't help room availability but I don't think it is the main reason.
True. Conventions block entire floors sometimes, so that can fill it up fast.
I thought both CL were closed. I keep trying to book the atrium even during slow times and it is not available. Now I know why
The 14th floor is closed and the 12th floor lounge/Atrium Club will re-open 3/22:
Jan. 6, 2013 - Late Summer 2013: 14th floor Suites Refurbishment. This includes a hard and soft goods refurbishment and a renovation to the concierge lounge.
Jan. 27 March 22, 2013: 12th floor Atrium, Club level concierge lounge soft goods replacement and refurbishment will occur.
We're only 9 days from leaving and had I known a stay at CR would give DH this type of excitement (he's obsessed looking at pics and 'visualizing himself there'), I would've done it sooner. We all feel like kid in a candy store.
That's so cute.
. I don't know to where the lounge is being re-located or if only a part of the lounge will be closed.
(JK!)
