(CLOSED) Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT and BAY LAKE TOWER INFORMATION THREAD

[familygoboston]

So glad some of you are enjoying the postings! We had been having a great time - till last night. DD seems to have caught the noro virus. Ugh, but at least we have the two baths here!
We are finding BLT very well sound proofed. Not only do we not hear anything from other rooms, but with all the doors closed we barely hear from room to room. Lucky for us DH and DD 2 were able to sleep through the tummy trouble and are off to EPCOT. I'm staying with DD1 till she feels better, mostly she just needs sleep and to avoid spreading this in the park.
Someone asked about noise between units and here are my thoughts. We are in a 1 BR and the studio next to us ( which could be connected to make a 2 BR) is connected by a door in the entrance vestibule. Unless someone were standing by the closet or sleeping on the floor there I cannot see how one could hear between the rooms. Also the ventilation system is placed strategically in this vestibule, which creates white noise between the two spaces.
Otherwise, the only sound we hear very faintly, from above or below might be the vacuume assist toilets flushing. Bit again, barely notice it, and I am such a light sleeper!
BTW-OT, but we ate at BOG last night- it's amazing! The food is very good ( promise it's not DDs problem- we all had the same dish!) the main ballroom is incredible! "Snow" falling out the window; beast parades through as " your host" and the receives visitors ( for pics) on the room where you order your meals at lunchtime. The West wing was interesting with ripped drapes and the " rose" but request the ball room if you can- so much lovelier. They bring a lighted dessert cart around- very cool. The lunch line was terrifyingly long!
That's it for now! Hoping for good health vibes!

 

[Gryhndmom]

Contempoexperts: Does Atrium Level make sense if we're planning on getting the Premium Dining plan? Would we not be better off simply reserving a Tower MK view room, non-Atrium Level if we don't care about the free Kahlua in the evenings? Or is getting breakfast at the CR simply craziness whereas the Lounge may be a relative respite? I just picture the lounge potentially overrun and nothing but canteloupe rinds left if good heavens one should sleep in past 6:45am. Thank you for your help. PS first post!

We are here at CR right now on the Atrium floor. Breakfast offerings have been oatmeal, assorted cold cereals, bagels, pastries, fruit, milk, coffee, juice. There seems to be ample food when we have been at the lounge around 7ish. No lunch and snacks are small yogurt covered pretzels, chips, goldfish, nuts and assorted beverages. Happy hour as I call it has beer ,wine, cheese and last night small crab cakes and a shrimp offering along with spring rolls. All these items were more or less bite size so I would say not enough to make a meal. This is the time we have seen food disappear fast. Dessert and cordials are offered at 8 p.m. and also go quickly. All that being said I have see them replinish the food items. Cold drinks like soda and juice are always available. Two drawbacks for me are...no bottled water available after hours in the refrig and I am allergic to seafood so I could only eat spring rolls last night.

All in all I would say breakfast can be done on atrium level and some kind of modest dining plan for all other meals.

 

[honeymo78]

Contempoexperts: Does Atrium Level make sense if we're planning on getting the Premium Dining plan? Would we not be better off simply reserving a Tower MK view room, non-Atrium Level if we don't care about the free Kahlua in the evenings? Or is getting breakfast at the CR simply craziness whereas the Lounge may be a relative respite? I just picture the lounge potentially overrun and nothing but canteloupe rinds left if good heavens one should sleep in past 6:45am. Thank you for your help. PS first post!

If you are on the premium plan you'll get 3 meals a day and no matter where you eat you'll only spend one credit. Unless you are arriving early and leaving late, you'll end up with extra credits if you use the lounge for breakfast. We have never done CL on premium or platinum. There is just plenty of meals and snacks on the plan that paying extra for CL isn't worth it. You'll get the pre planning service with the package so all you'd miss are snacks/drinks. Our premium planner once gave us CL access at CR back when there was no place to refill mugs during construction. We only used the lounge to get drinks. We just weren't hungry between our regular meals.

 

[tommylicious]

Thank you for the replies re: Atrium with Dining Plan. Last question: Do you feel like you get better/more consistent/more frequent Mousekeeping on the CL versus the rest of the tower, and, food aside, do you like having the option of going over to the lounge just to hang out as a change of scenery from the room esp. to "air out" the little one? How crowded is the lounge generally? Thank you.

 

[NJRRK]

Thank you for the replies re: Atrium with Dining Plan. Last question: Do you feel like you get better/more consistent/more frequent Mousekeeping on the CL versus the rest of the tower, and, food aside, do you like having the option of going over to the lounge just to hang out as a change of scenery from the room esp. to "air out" the little one? How crowded is the lounge generally? Thank you.

Except at Breakfast, we never found the lounge to be crowded. In fact one evening DW, DM, DF, DS, DD and I sat around the table and played a couple of games of pinochle. It was nice to have a table big enough for all of us to sit around.

 

[HokieKT]

In a studio at BLT, what's the best place for the pack and play? I will have the couch pulled out too. Will it need to be by the entry door or will it fit at the foot of the pullout couch?

 

[tommylicious]

Gryhndmom do you feel like you're getting better Mousekeeping and all around service on the Atrium floor vs rest of the tower?

 

[Gryhndmom]

Gryhndmom do you feel like you're getting better Mousekeeping and all around service on the Atrium floor vs rest of the tower?

Totally feel like we have much better service. The lounge would be a great place to take a break from the rest of the group...there is a TV that can entertain little ones and tables for playing games. There hasn't been a request that they haven't jumped on right away. I would say being club level is like flying first class on an airplane...you are paying extra money to be pampered and your request met . One example this week is I had a package sent to the hotel and asked the club level concierge if it had arrived...it had and she personally went downstairs to get it AND put it in the room.

I also like having the park view...great to sit on the balcony and watch the fireworks a night

 

[AirGoofy]

In a studio at BLT, what's the best place for the pack and play? I will have the couch pulled out too. Will it need to be by the entry door or will it fit at the foot of the pullout couch?

Mine are too old, but there is not much room at the foot of the fold out couch. There is an oval table there, big enough for two people, with two chairs. You may be able to move those closer to the entry door and put the pack n play there. There is some space between the door entry and wall, where the connecting door to a 1 BR would be. The BLT studio is smallest of them all, but there are some nifty space saving innovations there. Good luck.

 

[disneynanacat]

Mine are too old, but there is not much room at the foot of the fold out couch. There is an oval table there, big enough for two people, with two chairs. You may be able to move those closer to the entry door and put the pack n play there. There is some space between the door entry and wall, where the connecting door to a 1 BR would be. The BLT studio is smallest of them all, but there are some nifty space saving innovations there. Good luck.

I'm a little worried about 2 people on the double fold out sofa and thinking about bringing the 9yo a small sized air mattress. I just want everyone to sleep well. Thought about a 1BR but that wouldn't have been any better and don't need a kitchen.

Where in Kentucky are you?

 

[babyberger]

I am going to break this up in to a few posts, as I havent been able to find time to comment lately.

Checked in yesterday at CR ...what a fiasco outside when I asked the valet where the Atrium level checkin was and they said go to the front desk inside. No sign...nothing... so I asked two employees and they said let me check. Really ??? Shouldn't all employees know where the atrium and tower level guests checkin ? FINALLY the one and only employee who works Atrium escorted us up to the 12th floor apologizing profusely. We got a room right at the end of the 12th... GREAT view of MK. We have found the atrium level concierge wonderful and very helpful. Room refurb looks nice smells like new carpet...carpet looks like a dark green. Will try and post pics after our half marathon on Sunday. Looks like they are working a couple floors down on refurb.

I am sorry you had such a hard time at check in. When we stayed CL in Feb, we had a CM at our car before we even got out waiting to take us up to the 12th floor. You should not have had to go through that I cannot wait to see your pics!!!

Contempoexperts: Does Atrium Level make sense if we're planning on getting the Premium Dining plan? Would we not be better off simply reserving a Tower MK view room, non-Atrium Level if we don't care about the free Kahlua in the evenings? Or is getting breakfast at the CR simply craziness whereas the Lounge may be a relative respite? I just picture the lounge potentially overrun and nothing but canteloupe rinds left if good heavens one should sleep in past 6:45am. Thank you for your help. PS first post!

My crew sleeps in and we never had a problem getting fresh food, it was always being replaced. With that said however, I do not think I would do CL if I had the premium dining plan, unless you know you are eating at a signature every day.

So glad some of you are enjoying the postings! We had been having a great time - till last night. DD seems to have caught the noro virus. Ugh, but at least we have the two baths here!
We are finding BLT very well sound proofed. Not only do we not hear anything from other rooms, but with all the doors closed we barely hear from room to room. Lucky for us DH and DD 2 were able to sleep through the tummy trouble and are off to EPCOT. I'm staying with DD1 till she feels better, mostly she just needs sleep and to avoid spreading this in the park.
Someone asked about noise between units and here are my thoughts. We are in a 1 BR and the studio next to us ( which could be connected to make a 2 BR) is connected by a door in the entrance vestibule. Unless someone were standing by the closet or sleeping on the floor there I cannot see how one could hear between the rooms. Also the ventilation system is placed strategically in this vestibule, which creates white noise between the two spaces.
Otherwise, the only sound we hear very faintly, from above or below might be the vacuume assist toilets flushing. Bit again, barely notice it, and I am such a light sleeper!
BTW-OT, but we ate at BOG last night- it's amazing! The food is very good ( promise it's not DDs problem- we all had the same dish!) the main ballroom is incredible! "Snow" falling out the window; beast parades through as " your host" and the receives visitors ( for pics) on the room where you order your meals at lunchtime. The West wing was interesting with ripped drapes and the " rose" but request the ball room if you can- so much lovelier. They bring a lighted dessert cart around- very cool. The lunch line was terrifyingly long!
That's it for now! Hoping for good health vibes!

OH NO, I am sorry DD is sick My DS had it last week and it was quick moving. I hope she is feeling better quickly. BoG sounds wonderful, we tried to go for lunch when we were there in Feb, but they were having "magical issues"

Thank you for the replies re: Atrium with Dining Plan. Last question: Do you feel like you get better/more consistent/more frequent Mousekeeping on the CL versus the rest of the tower, and, food aside, do you like having the option of going over to the lounge just to hang out as a change of scenery from the room esp. to "air out" the little one? How crowded is the lounge generally? Thank you.

Having stayed CL in Dec and then non-CL in Feb, I can honestly say our mousekeeping was not affected at all. I actually think we had a better mousekeeper non-CL. I think it just depends on who is working your floor at the time. We did enjoy having the CL to spread out, we brought up dinner from Contempo Cafe one night and enjoyed having tables and chairs instead of sitting on the beds in our room.

Except at Breakfast, we never found the lounge to be crowded. In fact one evening DW, DM, DF, DS, DD and I sat around the table and played a couple of games of pinochle. It was nice to have a table big enough for all of us to sit around.

Mornings were always more busy than evening for us. We too found it very quiet in the evening and enjoyed our dinner and watching Wishes.

Totally feel like we have much better service. The lounge would be a great place to take a break from the rest of the group...there is a TV that can entertain little ones and tables for playing games. There hasn't been a request that they haven't jumped on right away. I would say being club level is like flying first class on an airplane...you are paying extra money to be pampered and your request met . One example this week is I had a package sent to the hotel and asked the club level concierge if it had arrived...it had and she personally went downstairs to get it AND put it in the room.

I also like having the park view...great to sit on the balcony and watch the fireworks a night

I have to say we thoroughly loved or TPV in Feb! With CL being closed we knew we had to switch from BLV, and we are so happy we did!!!! I am happy the CL staff is being so wonderful, they were to us as well when we were there

 

[babyberger]

You're very sweet. Dh and I are fortunate to also have two older children ages 16 and soon to be 15 who are very helpful. I'm really looking forward to April, we all need a break

My posts are backwards, so you will see below I am in a similar (though not as severe situation) but we also have a 20 yr old DS and he has been AMAZING and makes the days possible sometimes

LOVE hearing you got your request!! We'll be there in 55 days and my one concern/hope is that we get our room request.
We have a dedicated 2 bedroom but I did standard view this time. Last trip we had lake view and loved it but it was really high and my two youngest are autistic and crafty. One of them figured out (3 yrs old) how to get the high up safetly latch open and was out on the 10th floor balacony!!!!

This time I requested a lower room (but not first floor) with no view of any water. They will do anything to get to a pool or anything that looks like it can be a place to swim. Huge danger. Obviously they are always supervised but it still worries me if I turn my back for a minute they could run to water. They are now 4 and 2 1/2. our 2 1/2 year old is completely non verbal and very little receptive language. Our 4 yr old has major receptive and expressive delays. Neither of them have any concept of danger. They are both very sweet and well behaved but sadly do not understand many things which can lead to major frustration and tears all around. Trying my best to avoid some of these situations. Sorry I've rambled so. Just so glad your request was met.

Lastly, you are dodging another major snow storm here (so jealous). Looks like 16 inches where I will be this weekend at my daughters dance competition in Andover

Have a great vacation!!!

First, I have to comment on "Andover"...I grew up in Westford with cousins in Andover

Next, as I said above I have DS20. Then I have DS9 on the Autism spectrum and DD7 who is not on the spectrum, but has blessed us with ADHD, ODD (opposition defiance disorder) and anxiety disorder. I can honestly say autism is easier to deal with My DD more so than my DS does not understand danger....even at 7 is an issue, climbing, running into traffic, etc. When we started cruising DH refused to get a balcony for the fear they would climb. As they got older we did get a balcony and explained over and over and over the rules, of never going outside without an adult, and if they did the balcony would be off limits the rest of the cruise. They learned eventually but it still scares me to death I have to say that finally at 7 and 9 they were able to sit on the CR balcony and watch Wishes and my heart was not in my throat.

I hope you have a wonderful time! We honestly love that WDW is so Autism friendly, the GAC (guest assistance card) changed our lives for sure! We had gotten down how to do Disney with DS just about as perfectly as you can with an autistic child, then in December we learned that he is severely allergic to wheat. So our Feb trip was all about preventing meltdowns and keeping him gluten free

Delayed but quick post for now -- and I will get pics uploaded by the weekend hopefully. Its just been a crazy week trying to get everyone readjusted back to work/school so haven't had time yet to upload them.

We stayed CR TPV and LOVED our room and the view. Watching Wishes from the balcony was incredible and falling asleep/waking up to the Castle view was so worth the added expense!! We stayed on the 9th floor and when we came off the elevator our room was right there smack in the middle which we were concerned about how much noise we were going to hear from people coming off the elevators and walking to their rooms and Chef Mickeys being to the right and the gift shops to the left, esp. with DD being such a light sleeper, but we heard NOTHING. Not even the monorail when it came through.

Loved Nadia at Chef Mickeys, but honestly the rest of the staff at the resort was not that great. The guy doing our check-in that kept staring at my breasts the entire time and made barely any eye contact because of it -- which was pretty disrespectful and rude), the person that took my order for DH's surprise birthday cake almost blew the surprise by putting it down for 8:30 p.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. and I felt like the cake was rushed to get done and delivered. But the cake came out nice, DH was totally surprised and rather than try and rush out to make our reservations at Kona Cafe...which we were a bit disappointed over, DD loved the idea of having cake for breakfast so we just went with the flow.

Pirates/Pals Cruise was pretty cute. You walk to the conference room and check-in where they give you a bandana to either wear on your head or somewhere on your body so they know you're part of the cruise and they assign you a boat = either "Capt Hook" or "Mr. Smee". There's a couple of statues around the hallway to take pics with, and then two pirates come out and interact for a couple of minutes before you go inside the room where there's a buffet of treats from bags of popcorn/chips, ice cream, chocolate coins, drinks, etc. Then Hook and Mr. Smee come out for 'meet and greet', then they leave and the two pirates come back and escort us to the boats where they interact with us until Wishes starts -- then back to the dock where Peter Pan is waiting. The view from the water watching Wishes was beautiful and there's no better place to see it IMO, even from our TPV room.

I LOVE all your pictures!!!! I am sorry you had such a disappointing experience at check in and with most of the staff. It seems that you didn't let any of it ruin your vacation though! We too were on the 9th floor in early Feb and absolutely loved it!

This is seriously the best resort thread ever. Every time I'm thinking "I wonder if they have this in the villa....", I just flip to the lists and photos of stuff. Seriously amazing.

But how am I going to pass the time until September if everything is so dang easy to locate?

KOOK is AMAZING Everything you could want to know she has covered!! I agree it is the BEST resort thread ever

We have a room booked in July for our baby's first birthday, in the Tower with a lake view. What is a quieter floor or area to request? We generally like to be away from pools and on the highest floor possible- I hate hearing people tramping around above me, I always get the family that needs to practice for a jumping jack marathon it seems. I am so excited for this trip, I can't wait!

The highest floor without being CL is 11. I had requested it this time around but because there was construction we were on 9. We didn't have a problem with noise at all! We were on 12 in Dec and 9 in Feb, and never once heard anyone above, below or next to us! Once in a blue with the door open you heard a screaming child in the concourse, but nothing that disrupted us in the room.

 

[honeymo78]

I'm a little worried about 2 people on the double fold out sofa and thinking about bringing the 9yo a small sized air mattress. I just want everyone to sleep well. Thought about a 1BR but that wouldn't have been any better and don't need a kitchen.

Where in Kentucky are you?

Even without using the kitchen, the 1 bedroom still might be better. Instead of a double sized sofa bed, you'll get a queen sleeper, plus the chair opens into a twin sized bed. And laundry facilities right there are great even for me and I hate doing laundry.

 

[disneynanacat]

Even without using the kitchen, the 1 bedroom still might be better. Instead of a double sized sofa bed, you'll get a queen sleeper, plus the chair opens into a twin sized bed. And laundry facilities right there are great even for me and I hate doing laundry.

I didn't realize the chair opened too. Oh well, too late now but will know next time. Thanks!

 

[Annie78]

I will be in a Lake View studio with my 3 yo and am trying to figure out location requests.
I see references to trying to get on the 5th floor for skybridge access - is needing to take the elevator that much of a hassle? It will be just me and DS and a stroller, so stairs are out.
Are there any other location requests you recommend with a little kid and stroller involved? I have seen some mentions of the EWP being noisy, but we're not too sensitive to noise.
Also, assuming my room doesn't have a view of Wishes, is the skybridge my best best for a viewing location? Would going over to the Contemporary be better? (We are renting points, so my understanding is that we can't use the Top of the World lounge.)

 

[AirGoofy]

I'm a little worried about 2 people on the double fold out sofa and thinking about bringing the 9yo a small sized air mattress. I just want everyone to sleep well. Thought about a 1BR but that wouldn't have been any better and don't need a kitchen.

Where in Kentucky are you?

Owensboro. There is a KYDVC thread over in DVC Mousecellanous if you want to stop by. There isn't a whole lot of posting in that one though. We haven't stayed at CR, so not sure how there room set up goes. For BLT studio, you can't get 5 in there without a child under 3. The 1 BRs at DVC Resorts are amazing. It is not just two adjacent rooms, but one room with a King bed, and the other room with fold out queen couch, and some have the sleeper chair. We do not use the kitchen much either, but having the extra space and washer/dryer in the room is a luxury. Plus, BLT has an extra bathroom in the 1 BRs and above. The debate for us is one trip a year in a 1 BR or two trips in a studio.

 

[WDWKOOK]

(TIW members receive a 20% discount)





Tables in Wonderland
The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner
At Disneys Contemporary Resort
Thursday, March 21, 2013
6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Meet at The Wave& of American Flavors Main Podium
Dress Code - Casual Evening Attire
$110 per person, includes tax and gratuity


The Wave&of American Flavors has an exciting evening planned for the March Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner. This months Discovery Dinner will be celebrating our Central Florida Strawberry Season. Our Farmer/Chef dinner will feature Lott Farms located just west of Plant City, Florida. Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land and purchased and built their family farm of 50 acres in 1983. They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren since that date. Mikes great strawberries are sold under the Classic label through C&D Produce Distributors.


The Wave& of American Flavors welcomes Stephanie Putnam as the wine representative. Stephanie Putnam is the Director of Winemaking at Raymond Vineyards, where she oversees all aspects of winemaking for this iconic Napa Valley winery. Before joining the Boisset Family Estates team, Stephanie spent eight years as winemaker at Far Niente Winery, where she contemporized their house style. Prior to that, she was part of the team at Hess Collection, where she began as a cellar worker and rapidly progressed to winemaker. While there she also worked with the winery's South American partners. Throughout her tenure at these highly acclaimed Napa Valley estates, Stephanie has focused on producing high quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Her wines have won acclaim, including recognition in the Wine Spectator's Top 100, Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 and being named The Wine News Cabernet of the Year.


Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge
Edible Black Sesame Cone with Ahi Tuna Tataki, Wasabi-Strawberry Aioli
Sparkling Wine Spritzer with Wild Caught Shrimp
Pesto Cone with Caprese Salad, Teardrop Tomatoes, Micro Basil, House-made Mozzarella and 8 year Balsamic
JCB #69 Rose Cremant de Bourgogne


Dinner in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Private Dining Room


Appetizer
Duck Egg Benedict with Wild Boar Bacon and Jalapeno-Strawberry Salsa
Raymond Reserve Collection Merlot, Napa


Salad
Triple Brie, Saturn Farms Salad Greens, Heirloom Tomatoes, Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette
Raymond Reserve Collection Chardonnay, Napa


Entrée
Beef Tenderloin, Strawberry Gastrique, Vidalia Onion and Potato Purée, Miniature Vegetables
Raymond Sommelier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon


Cheese Course
Cabot White Cheddar, Pecorino Romano, and Laura Chanel Goat Cheese
Raymond Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa


Dessert
Florida Strawberry Trio:
Lavender Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Ice Cream, Balsamic Strawberry Reduction, Strawberry Crouton
Strawberry Consommé with Gelée
Neige Premier Apple Ice Wine


For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TheWaveMarch for self-booking and instant confirmation. The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Tuesday February 26, 2013 at 10:00am.


Please have the following information ready:
Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number
First and Last Name of everyone in your party (maximum is Party of 8)
Home address
Phone number

 

[fflmaster]

Subscribing ... Great thread with a ton of information

 

[letsgoreds]

Looking at a BLT reservation (renting points) where we would have one room for the first four nights, and switch (2br dedicated to 2br lockoff) for the last night. How much of an inconvenience is this and what would bell services do with our refrigerated items? Is there a place where they can be stored in a refrigerator if our new room is not ready at check-out?

What are the chances of getting a wait list approved (for the one night) between now and the second week of December?

Thanks!

 

[toniosmom]

Looking at a BLT reservation (renting points) where we would have one room for the first four nights, and switch (2br dedicated to 2br lockoff) for the last night. How much of an inconvenience is this and what would bell services do with our refrigerated items? Is there a place where they can be stored in a refrigerator if our new room is not ready at check-out?

What are the chances of getting a wait list approved (for the one night) between now and the second week of December?

Thanks!

I had that exact same situation -- we were in a 1BR for the first 4 days and had a studio for the last night. Our waitlist for the 1BR for the last night came through within a couple of weeks, so now we don't have to move. Note: that last night is the Saturday night of the week before Easter, spring break week and we still got our waitlist, so you never know. A little advice -- if it doesn't come through on your waitlist, then ask when you check in. Perhaps they can work it out for you. Can't hurt.