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

[MAGIC...itis!]

We're doing CR/CL followed by YC/CL.

Hi Gwynne. What a great split! Sounds like fun.

I am looking for room suggestions for the Contemporary. I am planning on either park view or lagoon. Like everyone else I would hope to get a "quiet" room, "good" (eye of the beholder I know) view, etc. Thanks.

Vincent405, I've never had a room I didn't like at Contemporary Resort, either in the Garden Wing or the Tower. Every room is a winner in my opinion. So plan a room you can comfortably afford because rates at this resort do vary quite a bit. With a year to plan, you'll have so much fun deciding on all the details. Enjoy!

 

[inky dinky doo]

Crazy question, but can anyone point me to a map/drawing/pictures of the route from the garden wing to the convention center? From what I've seen, I'm having a hard time figuring out where the Convention Center is located.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Crazy question, but can anyone point me to a map/drawing/pictures of the route from the garden wing to the convention center? From what I've seen, I'm having a hard time figuring out where the Convention Center is located.

Not crazy! On this map you can see there is a path from the GW (just to the north of "South Parking") to the Convention Center. There is also a set of steps outside where you can enter the Tower across/north from the pool. The steps lead up right to the Convention area/CA Grill check-in:

 

[inky dinky doo]

Wow! I thought it might be further than that, but on the map, it looks pretty close. Thanks!

 

[Georgi Zhukov]

If you are in the tower, all views are basically the same. The only difference is the higher the floor the further you can see. On the Bay Lake side you'll see the lake and surrounding areas on the Theme Park side you'll see the MK, GF, TTC, Poly and Seven Seas Lagoon.

I've never been bothered by the sound of CM, but others have so I suggest asking for a high floor away from CM.

We've stayed on high and low floors and on either end of the tower (Theme Park View) over the years and I agree the view outside isn't that much different - it's all good.

With respect to noise levels, I've noticed a significant improvement over the past 5 years in CM noise. In 2008 we had a higher level floor on the CM end and the noise was really bad. It wasn't the crowd noise but the volume of the music and canned character voices during the "Celebrate" show that happened at least on the hour - perhaps more frequently. The music and voices blared right through our room door pretty late into the evening. Not sure if it was from people complaining or from a slew of cast member hearing loss workers' comp claims but the volume is now much lower. So much so that we don't care anymore if we are on the CM end or not. As an aside, being on the CM end is fantastic for people watching.

We did notice vibrations from the monorail when staying on the 4th floor, which is right above the monorail track, that has caused us to always request a high level floor when making our reservation. Other than that though, I would say you can't really go wrong.

 

[WDWKOOK]

From DIS Updates:

Disney to enforce age restrictions for unaccompanied minors

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Mar 16, 2013 | Updated: Mar 16, 2013 - 10:28:32 PM

The U.S. Disney theme parks are putting a new age restriction into place. Beginning March 23, children under the age of 14 will not be able to enter the parks unless someone aged 14 or older accompanies them. There was previously no documented age policy, but no specific incident prompted the change. Suzi Brown, Disneyland spokeswoman said, "We regularly review all of our policies, and we identified an opportunity to provide a consistent age of admission and address a question we occasionally get from parents. The question is just if we have a minimum age."

The age of 14 was chosen after guest surveys were taken, as well as surveys from child welfare organizations. Brown said, "If a cast member who is working at the front gates sees a guest who appears to be younger than 14 without someone who appears to be older than that, they will engage in a conversation with the guest." As guests of that age don't normally have ID, the cast member will decide if the parent or guardian needs to come accompany the child into the park.

 

[AirGoofy]

From DIS Updates:

Disney to enforce age restrictions for unaccompanied minors

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Mar 16, 2013 | Updated: Mar 16, 2013 - 10:28:32 PM

The U.S. Disney theme parks are putting a new age restriction into place. Beginning March 23, children under the age of 14 will not be able to enter the parks unless someone aged 14 or older accompanies them. There was previously no documented age policy, but no specific incident prompted the change. Suzi Brown, Disneyland spokeswoman said, "We regularly review all of our policies, and we identified an opportunity to provide a consistent age of admission and address a question we occasionally get from parents. The question is just if we have a minimum age."

The age of 14 was chosen after guest surveys were taken, as well as surveys from child welfare organizations. Brown said, "If a cast member who is working at the front gates sees a guest who appears to be younger than 14 without someone who appears to be older than that, they will engage in a conversation with the guest." As guests of that age don't normally have ID, the cast member will decide if the parent or guardian needs to come accompany the child into the park.

But they will be charged adult dining prices at age 10.

 

[Annie78]

Hello again CR gurus! I have a question about breakfast timing. I'd like to eat at the Wave before walking over to MK for RD (no EMH, 9am opening). It looks like they open at 7:30 - that should be more than enough time for a non-rushed breakfast before walking over, right? When should I plan to leave the CR to make it to RD in time to see the show? We don't care about jockeying for position for ETWB, just want to see the show.
And where exactly IS the Wave? I'll be coming over from BLT.

 

[montrealdisneylovers]

Hello again CR gurus! I have a question about breakfast timing. I'd like to eat at the Wave before walking over to MK for RD (no EMH, 9am opening). It looks like they open at 7:30 - that should be more than enough time for a non-rushed breakfast before walking over, right? When should I plan to leave the CR to make it to RD in time to see the show? We don't care about jockeying for position for ETWB, just want to see the show.
And where exactly IS the Wave? I'll be coming over from BLT.

Not sure what show you are talking about but we made it from BLT to the front gates in 10 minutes this past December. If you leave at 8:45 should be ample time depending on how fast you walk.

The Wave is located to the left, just past the lobby check in desk at the Contemporary.

 

[267]

I'm staying in tower MK view in August and have requested a higher floor. I'm going with 17,16,2 and infant should I request a room away CM could anyone else suggest any other requests we should ask for? Thanks in advance!

 

[Waddler]

Hi everyone! I've booked a BLT theme park view for next month. We're so excited! I've really enjoyed following this thread, and I have one question (sorry if it's already been asked!):

I've heard that construction on the MK bus depot is starting soon. Can anyone offer speculation on how this might affect our view? From photos, it looks like the proposed expansion will be almost out of sight, but it's kind of hard to tell. (And while we're at it, does the GF or Mine Train construction draw your attention?)

I'm obviously not going to make any reservation changes at this point or get upset... I'm just curious. For my group, sitting on the balcony, drinking wine, and watching bulldozers may actually be fun.

 

[jdcthree]

Hello again CR gurus! I have a question about breakfast timing. I'd like to eat at the Wave before walking over to MK for RD (no EMH, 9am opening). It looks like they open at 7:30 - that should be more than enough time for a non-rushed breakfast before walking over, right? When should I plan to leave the CR to make it to RD in time to see the show? We don't care about jockeying for position for ETWB, just want to see the show.
And where exactly IS the Wave? I'll be coming over from BLT.

If you want to make sure you see the welcome show I would leave by 8:30. Sometimes it can take a few minutes to get through the bag check early in the morning.

 

[*Michele*]

Excellent thread! Thanks so much to WDWKOOK and all that have contributed!!

We'll be staying at the Contemporary in June. Our first time in a hotel in a few years (We love FW!!) and our first deluxe! (Thank you Military discount!) So very excited! 11th floor, Bay Lake View.

 

[AirGoofy]

Hello again CR gurus! I have a question about breakfast timing. I'd like to eat at the Wave before walking over to MK for RD (no EMH, 9am opening). It looks like they open at 7:30 - that should be more than enough time for a non-rushed breakfast before walking over, right? When should I plan to leave the CR to make it to RD in time to see the show? We don't care about jockeying for position for ETWB, just want to see the show.
And where exactly IS the Wave? I'll be coming over from BLT.

It is a 15 minute walk at best, and that is walking slowly. The only problem with waiting until the last minute is that you will be at the end of the herd gathered there.

Hi everyone! I've booked a BLT theme park view for next month. We're so excited! I've really enjoyed following this thread, and I have one question (sorry if it's already been asked!):

I've heard that construction on the MK bus depot is starting soon. Can anyone offer speculation on how this might affect our view? From photos, it looks like the proposed expansion will be almost out of sight, but it's kind of hard to tell. (And while we're at it, does the GF or Mine Train construction draw your attention?)

I'm obviously not going to make any reservation changes at this point or get upset... I'm just curious. For my group, sitting on the balcony, drinking wine, and watching bulldozers may actually be fun.

It shouldn't. The MK depot is behind the road. Assuming they had to use a 5 story crane, then it would still be behind the depot. I think the majority of the MK views don't have the bus depot in the line of sight.

 

[VbChristy]

Is it best to stay at CR when DS is 4 months old or a toddler??? More than likely return trips will not be at a monorail resort. I see the advantage of staying here when DS is older so you are not risking waking up during bus trips if he's sleeping? But with a baby he will be sleeping so much more... Obviously we could go at 4 months this fall, and then maybe again... But that is less likely... Also for the 4 month trip we would be CL which I think would have some advantages as well. Decisions decisions, what to do.

 

[closetmickey]

I'm all of a sudden confused- no surprise!- are all of the contemporarty rooms (tower and garden wing) being refurbished with the "egg" pillows and such, or just concierge? Thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

But they will be charged adult dining prices at age 10.

And to think I thought the Jungle Cruise Captain was the perfect sitter for our kid. Guess we'll just have to go with her - no we won't - she's 14 now!

I'm staying in tower MK view in August and have requested a higher floor. I'm going with 17,16,2 and infant should I request a room away CM could anyone else suggest any other requests we should ask for? Thanks in advance!

to the DIS and the CR thread! Some like to request an odd numbered room so that they will face toward MK when sitting in bed.

Hi everyone! I've booked a BLT theme park view for next month. We're so excited! I've really enjoyed following this thread, and I have one question (sorry if it's already been asked!):

I've heard that construction on the MK bus depot is starting soon. Can anyone offer speculation on how this might affect our view? From photos, it looks like the proposed expansion will be almost out of sight, but it's kind of hard to tell. (And while we're at it, does the GF or Mine Train construction draw your attention?)

I'm obviously not going to make any reservation changes at this point or get upset... I'm just curious. For my group, sitting on the balcony, drinking wine, and watching bulldozers may actually be fun.

The bolded would make a great tag

Here is the bus depot schematic from the Disney Parks Blog:

I was unable to find a start date as plans were just filed with the water district in January.

Excellent thread! Thanks so much to WDWKOOK and all that have contributed!!

We'll be staying at the Contemporary in June. Our first time in a hotel in a few years (We love FW!!) and our first deluxe! (Thank you Military discount!) So very excited! 11th floor, Bay Lake View.

and I'm glad you like YOUR thread. Isn't the 40% off wonderful? I've really gotten used to it and wouldn't know what to do without it. You mentioned the 11th floor - is that your request? The Bay Lake View is our favorite - you're going to love it!

Is it best to stay at CR when DS is 4 months old or a toddler??? More than likely return trips will not be at a monorail resort. I see the advantage of staying here when DS is older so you are not risking waking up during bus trips if he's sleeping? But with a baby he will be sleeping so much more... Obviously we could go at 4 months this fall, and then maybe again... But that is less likely... Also for the 4 month trip we would be CL which I think would have some advantages as well. Decisions decisions, what to do.

The main factor I would take into consideration with a baby is the fact that you'll be schlepping a stroller everywhere. I think that CR/BLT is the most stroller friendly resort, unless of course you plan on spending most of your time at Epcot, then an Epcot resort or even the Poly, where you can walk to the TTC, is more convenient.

When DS is older, but still napping, he might still be using a stroller, and I would still encourage staying at the CR/BLT, unless you know he won't be using a stroller at all. If he will be walking, he will get tired easily and you'll need to be prepared for some breakdowns and/or having to carry him back to the CR. Of course, you could take the monorail, but often it's much quicker to just walk, but it's not so much fun with a tired toddler who isn't in a stroller.

I'm all of a sudden confused- no surprise!- are all of the contemporarty rooms (tower and garden wing) being refurbished with the "egg" pillows and such, or just concierge? Thanks!

Yeah, we're never confused here on the DIS. Yes, ALL of the rooms and suites are getting a soft rehab. Disney Resorts usually start rehabs from the top down and usually CL is at the top, so is rehabbed first. In the case of the Poly, even though they are longhouses, they started (and just completed) the Hawaii (CL) longhouse rehab first.

 

[RunningWithScissors]

to the DIS and the CR thread! Some like to request an odd numbered room so that they will face toward MK when sitting in bed.

I am confused. Looking at the diagram on the DVC thread for BLT it appears that the EVEN numbered rooms face the MK. We have theme park view in 3 days and requested a XX20 room.

EDIT to add: perhaps the original poster was referring to the Contemporary and not BLT?

 

[closetmickey]

Yeah, we're never confused here on the DIS. Yes, ALL of the rooms and suites are getting a soft rehab. Disney Resorts usually start rehabs from the top down and usually CL is at the top, so is rehabbed first. In the case of the Poly, even though they are longhouses, they started (and just completed) the Hawaii (CL) longhouse rehab first.

Thanks, WDWKOOK! We are staying in the garden wing 8/21-8/25. Do we have a completion date for the refurbs? Thanks again for all your time!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am confused. Looking at the diagram on the DVC thread for BLT it appears that the EVEN numbered rooms face the MK. We have theme park view in 3 days and requested a XX20 room.

EDIT to add: perhaps the original poster was referring to the Contemporary and not BLT?

Yes, the poster I was responding to mentioned having booked a Tower MKV. Acronyms, etc... can get confusing sometimes as Tower refers to the CR Tower (as opposed to the Garden Wing) and not BLT which is Bay Lake Tower.

It's almost time for your trip!!!