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

[mickeynut1]

Well, I'm off to the CR this Saturday.Of course, I had to check the CR thread one last time before we leave - thanks again to all who contribute. We're very bummed California Grill will be closed - it's our favorite restaurant in WDW, let alone the CR - but we'll make do.

This is easier said than done, but this may be our last trip to WDW for a while. For the amount of money we've been spending on these Disney vacations, I figure I could take the family to many places around the world. I've been thinking I should take the kids to REAL Europe for some culture instead of strolling around the World Showcase . BTW, I said the same thing last year and was overruled by the wife and kids soooo it's very possible we'll be back in 2014. But in case this is it for a while, I'm going to make sure I enjoy every second of my stay at the CR!

Since I've gotten so much info from the Disboards over the years, I thought I'd try to repay my debt by offering this time to gather any CR info/take any photos that anyone may be looking for. So, if you can think of anything you need while I'm down in (hopefully) sunny FL, please let me know. Cheers!

Have a great trip .

mickeynut1: I'm sure the CM got nervous when he saw I was calling with a 'resort reservation change'. Little did he know I was just adding a night. I've not actually changed this reservation - this may be a personal record.

Congrats on not changing this reservation . Too funny about the CM......he probably didn't know what to do when you weren't calling to change resorts .

 

[princessap]

Well, I'm off to the CR this Saturday.Of course, I had to check the CR thread one last time before we leave - thanks again to all who contribute. We're very bummed California Grill will be closed - it's our favorite restaurant in WDW, let alone the CR - but we'll make do.

This is easier said than done, but this may be our last trip to WDW for a while. For the amount of money we've been spending on these Disney vacations, I figure I could take the family to many places around the world. I've been thinking I should take the kids to REAL Europe for some culture instead of strolling around the World Showcase . BTW, I said the same thing last year and was overruled by the wife and kids soooo it's very possible we'll be back in 2014. But in case this is it for a while, I'm going to make sure I enjoy every second of my stay at the CR!

Since I've gotten so much info from the Disboards over the years, I thought I'd try to repay my debt by offering this time to gather any CR info/take any photos that anyone may be looking for. So, if you can think of anything you need while I'm down in (hopefully) sunny FL, please let me know. Cheers!

Have a great trip. I cannot wait to stay at the cr for our next trip. I must admit that my husband feels like you and that we should start going other places. We have only stayed onsite once and we have only done MK and AK so I want one stay where we do every park and splurge for TPV too. I was telling a friend of mine how he wants to go to other places and she made a good point. She said "with young kids where else are you going to go besides Florida? Would you feel comfortable going to the Caribbean with young kids?" And the answer was no. Maybe when they are older but right now our youngest is 9 months so I wouldn't feel comfortable just yet. And if we are going to be in Florida it should be disney right? Lol

 

[Koh1977]

Have a great trip. I cannot wait to stay at the cr for our next trip. I must admit that my husband feels like you and that we should start going other places. We have only stayed onsite once and we have only done MK and AK so I want one stay where we do every park and splurge for TPV too. I was telling a friend of mine how he wants to go to other places and she made a good point. She said "with young kids where else are you going to go besides Florida? Would you feel comfortable going to the Caribbean with young kids?" And the answer was no. Maybe when they are older but right now our youngest is 9 months so I wouldn't feel comfortable just yet. And if we are going to be in Florida it should be disney right? Lol

I like your logic. DH has forbidden another Disney trip next year. Maybe a cabin in Colorado or something instead. The kids will be 7 (almost 8) and 3 then, so it should be ok, but I'm planning another Disney trip before the oldest turns 10 and becomes a Disney adult!! And I would love to do a Christmas trip and hit the MVMCP...we'll see...

 

[cmbpanda]

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to people on this thread. We have just returned home to the UK from our very first Disney holiday. We stayed at CR for 14 nights & had a TPV room (odd number, so we could see the fireworks from the bed!). It was a fantastic resort for us. My children's favourite meals of the whole 2 weeks were Chef Mickey & The Wave and we really liked the contempo cafe.

I haven't looked here for a while, so I expect someone has already posted that they have finished all the re-carpeting etc. in the tower building. They have just started on the garden wing, where the laundry is and the laundry was closed on Wednesday. They are sending CR guests to use the laundry at BLT. I don't know how long it will take, but anyone going in the next few days might want to bear that in mind.

Also, my kids loved the new carpets. They used the strange large flowers as stepping stones!

The info from this thread really helped us to plan and enjoy our stay at CR

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to people on this thread. We have just returned home to the UK from our very first Disney holiday. We stayed at CR for 14 nights & had a TPV room (odd number, so we could see the fireworks from the bed!). It was a fantastic resort for us. My children's favourite meals of the whole 2 weeks were Chef Mickey & The Wave and we really liked the contempo cafe.

I haven't looked here for a while, so I expect someone has already posted that they have finished all the re-carpeting etc. in the tower building. They have just started on the garden wing, where the laundry is and the laundry was closed on Wednesday. They are sending CR guests to use the laundry at BLT. I don't know how long it will take, but anyone going in the next few days might want to bear that in mind.

Also, my kids loved the new carpets. They used the strange large flowers as stepping stones!

The info from this thread really helped us to plan and enjoy our stay at CR

Glad you enjoyed your stay!!! Time to start planning the next one!!

We're leaving in less than a week!! Can't wait!!

Thank you for the updates!! I really wish they had a laundry room IN the Tower!! Such a pain to head over to the Garden. . I wonder if there are more or less machines at the BLT compared to the Garden wing....hmmmm
I just hope ALL the machines are working properly!

Thanks again for the info!!

 

[cmbpanda]

Glad you enjoyed your stay!!! Time to start planning the next one!!

We're leaving in less than a week!! Can't wait!!

Thank you for the updates!! I really wish they had a laundry room IN the Tower!! Such a pain to head over to the Garden. . I wonder if there are more or less machines at the BLT compared to the Garden wing....hmmmm
I just hope ALL the machines are working properly!

Thanks again for the info!!

"Time to start planning the next one!!" Rotfl x 10! We did enjoy it, but we also want to come back to the US to visit the Grand Canyon & some of the National parks & my DS would love to go to Africa to do a safari. As it will take 2 to 3 years to save for each of these I think it will be several years before we are able to consider a return trip, but we're really pleased we did everything we wanted to, so, may be one day we might be back. In the meantime we will live on the memories and the photos!

Re. The laundry. There were 3 washers and 6 driers at BLT and they were all working on Wednesday. Enjoy your stay

 

[Georgi Zhukov]

I would imagine you're both excited and slightly sad that this might be your last trip to WDW for a while. You're not the first (nor last) who compares the money spent there to what it might cost elsewhere. I guess there are just some things about WDW that you can't put a price on, like the special memories and unexpected 'pixie dust' and anticipation of going to someplace familiar, predictable and loved. Yes, there are more exotic locales and less expensive vacations, but in the end, your family chose WDW again this year, so there just may be a Bounceback in your future. Does 'real' Europe have Duffy Bear, rides, meals, shops and personnel from 11 countries all within walking distance? I think not

Thank you for offering to to get info. or photos. We love CG, too (see, there's another reason you need to go back next year) and we'd love for it to be open when we're there in July/August. Maybe a CM would have a better re-opening estimate than 'late summer'? I'm sure we'd all love some photos of the freshened rooms. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

LOL. Don't forget about Stacey. I doubt they have a "Must Do Europe" show over there!

Thanks Kook - I agree with everything you said. It will definitely be a bittersweet trip for us this time, but we're definitely Disney junkies in this family so there's a good chance we'll "fall off the wagon" and be back soon. And no problem on your requests - anything for you! Will post the pics and any intel gathered on the CG upon my return.

Thanks SJS! Much appreciated!

Have a great trip .

Thanks Mickeynut! Right back at you.

Have a great trip. I cannot wait to stay at the cr for our next trip. I must admit that my husband feels like you and that we should start going other places. We have only stayed onsite once and we have only done MK and AK so I want one stay where we do every park and splurge for TPV too. I was telling a friend of mine how he wants to go to other places and she made a good point. She said "with young kids where else are you going to go besides Florida? Would you feel comfortable going to the Caribbean with young kids?" And the answer was no. Maybe when they are older but right now our youngest is 9 months so I wouldn't feel comfortable just yet. And if we are going to be in Florida it should be disney right? Lol

Thanks Princess! I must say your logic is impeccable - can't argue with anything you say. My boys are 12 and 9 now. Getting big but my wife thinks they are too young to appreciate something like a European vacation. She may be right. She's also nervous to bring them along for an overseas trip, especially to a place where we don't speak the language.

 

[Georgi Zhukov]

"Time to start planning the next one!!" Rotfl x 10! We did enjoy it, but we also want to come back to the US to visit the Grand Canyon & some of the National parks & my DS would love to go to Africa to do a safari. As it will take 2 to 3 years to save for each of these I think it will be several years before we are able to consider a return trip, but we're really pleased we did everything we wanted to, so, may be one day we might be back. In the meantime we will live on the memories and the photos!

Glad you enjoyed the CR Panda - you're now officially "one of us." LOL. It must have been incredible staying there for 14 days. You must really have started to feel like the CR was your home after that many days. BTW, we DID do a non-Disney trip to the Grand Canyon in 2011. I must say the Grand Canyon was as spectacular as I always imagined so a Grand Canyon/National Parks trip would be a great choice.

 

[princessap]

[QUOTE



Thanks Princess! I must say your logic is impeccable - can't argue with anything you say. My boys are 12 and 9 now. Getting big but my wife thinks they are too young to appreciate something like a European vacation. She may be right. She's also nervous to bring them along for an overseas trip, especially to a place where we don't speak the language.[/QUOTE]

Lol. i get slack from my mil all the time. she says "when are u going to stop just going to Florida?" I dont understand it at all. our girls love it there and we have amazing memories from our days there. Cant wait to make more next year!

 

[Koh1977]

So I read on a photographer's website that they are not allowed on any of the resort properties except for Boardwalk. Is this true? I've seen pictures of other family pics at places like POR, POFQ, and even CR online that were on non Disney PhotoPass photographers' sites...I'm confused...who would I contact to check this out??

 

[babyberger]

Mega multi-quote

Were we there at the same time in Feb? DH and I were there to kill ourselves at the Princess Half Marathon 21-26 Feb.

Now those mean 'ole run disney people have added a 10K to the full marathon week at the end of Jan....hmmmm...do I just make a res at CR or BLT and then just let DH scream when he gets the credit card bill?

Nope, we were there Feb 6-10. No running for us. I decided to make the res now just because there was really only one week that worked for us and I wanted to be sure to get a 1BR LV. I did however put it on a cc that has no interest right now

The day got away from me and I haven't called back - will try tomorrow - thanks for asking and for your sweet comment.

Your DS sounds like my DD who is WDW resort spoiled - but I guess there are worse things.

I could never pay rack - another spoiled resort booker here. But, I do understand those who book to hold the room and apply something later. You're not going during some Marathon weekend or a holiday in Feb? If not, I would think you'll be able to snag at least a FLR discount for BLT - my appendages are crossed for you.

I dont think I am booked over anything Feb 1-8 I need to go double check that it is not when the 10K is. But I do know better than to book over President's Day wknd. I booked a lot at rack rate last year and then was able to apply discounts. I am hoping to be able to do the same next year.

I'll certainly post photos when I go! Can't wait to see what the refurb is going to look like.

Cant wait to see your pics!

I was able to add a night so we now have 11 nights Atrium Club/BLV booked for July-August. DH mentions almost daily that he is really looking forward to our CL stay so that makes me more excited. DD and I stayed CR/CL without him in 2010 while he was deployed, so while he's stayed many times at the CR, this will be his first CL stay there. I think the fact they stock Sam Adams is a big CL selling point

I booked last month, but as is often the case, I haven't heard anything from the IPO yet so I thought I'd ask if there's a new policy. The CM said that they contact 90 days out. They should also still contact guests 180+10 days out if they book that soon, but I booked with less time out than that so presumably they'll contact me at 90 days instead. I know I can contact them, but it's always exciting to get that email from them.

The CM also noticed that my "Far from Chef Mickey's" request had been put in as just "Chef Mickey's". This is why I always confirm my room requests with the IPO since mistakes can happen. He thought maybe it was a dining request. It's all straightened out, thanks to him

UH OH, I can just imagine you being over CM Glad you got that straightened out. I had away from CM noted both times and when we stayed CL I double checked as we were checking in and sure enough they had us right over CM and quickly changed the room before anything was printed. Maybe you will be in the same room we were in, second to last room, but I cant remember the room # for the life of me

Well, I'm off to the CR this Saturday.Of course, I had to check the CR thread one last time before we leave - thanks again to all who contribute. We're very bummed California Grill will be closed - it's our favorite restaurant in WDW, let alone the CR - but we'll make do.

This is easier said than done, but this may be our last trip to WDW for a while. For the amount of money we've been spending on these Disney vacations, I figure I could take the family to many places around the world. I've been thinking I should take the kids to REAL Europe for some culture instead of strolling around the World Showcase . BTW, I said the same thing last year and was overruled by the wife and kids soooo it's very possible we'll be back in 2014. But in case this is it for a while, I'm going to make sure I enjoy every second of my stay at the CR!

Since I've gotten so much info from the Disboards over the years, I thought I'd try to repay my debt by offering this time to gather any CR info/take any photos that anyone may be looking for. So, if you can think of anything you need while I'm down in (hopefully) sunny FL, please let me know. Cheers!

Have a great trip We took a couple years off WDW and cruised instead. But now we are finding ourselves back at WDW

Have a great trip. I cannot wait to stay at the cr for our next trip. I must admit that my husband feels like you and that we should start going other places. We have only stayed onsite once and we have only done MK and AK so I want one stay where we do every park and splurge for TPV too. I was telling a friend of mine how he wants to go to other places and she made a good point. She said "with young kids where else are you going to go besides Florida? Would you feel comfortable going to the Caribbean with young kids?" And the answer was no. Maybe when they are older but right now our youngest is 9 months so I wouldn't feel comfortable just yet. And if we are going to be in Florida it should be disney right? Lol

Hey, I live in FL and still vacation in FL My DH looked at me like I had 3 heads when I said I wanted to spend a whole week in WDW since we only live 3 hours away and usually do long weekend trips. But there is just something magical about WDW We will travel the world when the kids are older and can appreciate it.

I like your logic. DH has forbidden another Disney trip next year. Maybe a cabin in Colorado or something instead. The kids will be 7 (almost 8) and 3 then, so it should be ok, but I'm planning another Disney trip before the oldest turns 10 and becomes a Disney adult!! And I would love to do a Christmas trip and hit the MVMCP...we'll see...

I LOVE WDW in Dec We went resort hopping to see all the decorations and had such a good time! It was a nice break from the parks and honestly so magical.

 

[psac]

So I read on a photographer's website that they are not allowed on any of the resort properties except for Boardwalk. Is this true? I've seen pictures of other family pics at places like POR, POFQ, and even CR online that were on non Disney PhotoPass photographers' sites...I'm confused...who would I contact to check this out??

My guess (total guess) is that you can't take "professional" photographs with the intent to publish or sell without consent or permission or something like that. Certainly for personal use anything is allowed!

 

[mickeynut1]

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to people on this thread. We have just returned home to the UK from our very first Disney holiday. We stayed at CR for 14 nights & had a TPV room (odd number, so we could see the fireworks from the bed!). It was a fantastic resort for us. My children's favourite meals of the whole 2 weeks were Chef Mickey & The Wave and we really liked the contempo cafe.

Glad you had a great stay and enjoyed the CR . How nice that you were able to enjoy Disney for 14 nights......I hope you are able to return again soon.

We're leaving in less than a week!! Can't wait!!

Have a great trip .

It will definitely be a bittersweet trip for us this time, but we're definitely Disney junkies in this family so there's a good chance we'll "fall off the wagon" and be back soon.

Going other places is always nice, but there's just something about Disney that keeps us going back. I hope you get to see other parts of the world like you want to, but I also hope there are more Disney trips in your future as well .

Lol. i get slack from my mil all the time. she says "when are u going to stop just going to Florida?"

We get the same thing from family and friends. There are some people who just don't get it .

But there is just something magical about WDW

I agree .

 

[bluechic03]

Yahoooooo one week until BLT! I was wondering if anyone has stayed there if you like the beds....are they firm/soft? I like the beds at CR but this is our first time at BLT and I have a bad back...hoping they are comfy!!!!

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

Yahoooooo one week until BLT! I was wondering if anyone has stayed there if you like the beds....are they firm/soft? I like the beds at CR but this is our first time at BLT and I have a bad back...hoping they are comfy!!!!

Yes!! The beds are comfy cozy!!! I honestly can't remember if they're soft or firm (I sleep on a soft bed at home tho).....but I can tell you I sleep like a baby when I'm there!!!


Enjoy your stay!! We will be at the CR in FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Yahoooooo one week until BLT!

Have a great trip .

Yes!! The beds are comfy cozy!!! I honestly can't remember if they're soft or firm (I sleep on a soft bed at home tho).....but I can tell you I sleep like a baby when I'm there!!!


Enjoy your stay!! We will be at the CR in FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!

How are the beds at the CR? We haven't experienced a bad night's sleep at any of the resorts we've stayed at, but the beds at the Poly and GF were especially comfy .....I hope the CR is similar.

Congrats on your trip coming up in 5 days .

 

[WDWKOOK]

Will return later to multi-quote, but for now...





Free entry to Blizzard Beach on 2 days in May!

On May 9 and May 16, Annual Passholders will get complimentary admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park after 2:00 pm. Complimentary refreshments and giveaways will take place at Lottawatta Lodge.

No reservations are needed, just show your Annual Pass at the gate.

From the DIS.

 

[babyberger]

Will return later to multi-quote, but for now...

Free entry to Blizzard Beach on 2 days in May!

On May 9 and May 16, Annual Passholders will get complimentary admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park after 2:00 pm. Complimentary refreshments and giveaways will take place at Lottawatta Lodge.

No reservations are needed, just show your Annual Pass at the gate.

From the DIS.

I saw this the other day....hmmmm....maybe a quick weekend trip after all

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK Congrates on adding a night!!! WOW glad you rechecked your room request that could have been a real problem.

Thank you, Sheila. When we stay CL, I always have the IPO confirm my request, just in case. And, I find that if you do have any room issues, they are much easier to resolve when you're staying CL because you can actually call the concierge directly and speak to someone just a few steps away or easily walk over to their desk.

Do you have all your ADRs made?

Congrats on not changing this reservation . Too funny about the CM......he probably didn't know what to do when you weren't calling to change resorts .

I even asked DH today if he was sure he wanted CR the entire stay or if he wanted a split and both he and DD want CR for 11 days, so it doesn't look like I'm changing a thing

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to people on this thread. We have just returned home to the UK from our very first Disney holiday. We stayed at CR for 14 nights & had a TPV room (odd number, so we could see the fireworks from the bed!). It was a fantastic resort for us. My children's favourite meals of the whole 2 weeks were Chef Mickey & The Wave and we really liked the contempo cafe.

I haven't looked here for a while, so I expect someone has already posted that they have finished all the re-carpeting etc. in the tower building. They have just started on the garden wing, where the laundry is and the laundry was closed on Wednesday. They are sending CR guests to use the laundry at BLT. I don't know how long it will take, but anyone going in the next few days might want to bear that in mind.

Also, my kids loved the new carpets. They used the strange large flowers as stepping stones!

The info from this thread really helped us to plan and enjoy our stay at CR

Great information on the laundry and welcome home! I'm glad you've found the thread useful in your planning and I hope you'll stick around to help answer questions since you're now a seasoned CR guest

LOL. Don't forget about Stacey. I doubt they have a "Must Do Europe" show over there!

Thanks Kook - I agree with everything you said. It will definitely be a bittersweet trip for us this time, but we're definitely Disney junkies in this family so there's a good chance we'll "fall off the wagon" and be back soon. And no problem on your requests - anything for you! Will post the pics and any intel gathered on the CG upon my return.
[/B]

I hope you and your family arrived safely and are having a great time! Thanks for posting some photos and HUMINT when you get back

Yahoooooo one week until BLT! I was wondering if anyone has stayed there if you like the beds....are they firm/soft? I like the beds at CR but this is our first time at BLT and I have a bad back...hoping they are comfy!!!!

There is something about the beds at CR and BLT that we just love. They are the coziest beds, we think, at WDW. We sleep on a Tempurpedic and love it and the CR and BLT beds have always felt great to us.

Yes!! The beds are comfy cozy!!! I honestly can't remember if they're soft or firm (I sleep on a soft bed at home tho).....but I can tell you I sleep like a baby when I'm there!!!


Enjoy your stay!! We will be at the CR in FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!

Are you all packed yet? I bet you're getting really excited! Where will you have your arrival day first big meal? Do you have a family tradition?

I saw this the other day....hmmmm....maybe a quick weekend trip after all

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

YES! Your must! Now that your DS is feeling much better, thanks to your great GF cooking, you need to celebrate!

 

[mickeynut1]

I even asked DH today if he was sure he wanted CR the entire stay or if he wanted a split and both he and DD want CR for 11 days, so it doesn't look like I'm changing a thing

I think that's a good choice.......you are going to have a great time .