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

[Deb & Bill]

This may sound silly but is there enough room in a closet (not in the master bedroom) to store a folded up jogging stroller?

I think it depends on what side of the C you are located. We were inside the C and our "closet" with the washer and dryer was plenty big for a stroller to be stored. We kept our luggage in there along with our big wheeled cooler that we hauled in the car.

The master bedroom closet was tiny.

 

[1mama2three]

Do you mean garden wing room? We are considering this for our next trip in 2014.

Yes, that's what I meant...garden wing/garden view at CR. Thanks for catching that.

 

[CoolPool]

Ok I've started to get a little concerned with the "waiting for elevators" references in the tower. How bad is it really? I do have a child that does not enjoy elevators but I can usually jolly him along. Would like some recent honest experiences, please. I am so looking forward to CR but I'm starting to second guess due to the elevators. If it makes any difference at all, we are staying Atrium level but I do not know if those floors have separate elevators. Thanks so much...looking for reassurance.

 

[Wendy31]

Ok I've started to get a little concerned with the "waiting for elevators" references in the tower. How bad is it really? I do have a child that does not enjoy elevators but I can usually jolly him along. Would like some recent honest experiences, please. I am so looking forward to CR but I'm starting to second guess due to the elevators. If it makes any difference at all, we are staying Atrium level but I do not know if those floors have separate elevators. Thanks so much...looking for reassurance.

We stayed at the Contemporary last year for the first time, & I was worried about this as well. And it wasn't a problem at all!

Out of our 10 days, there was only 1 time we had to wait. We waited on our floor w/ some people who were there for a convention for about 10 minutes for an elevator - it was about 6ish. That night, there were a lot of "extra" people there for a convention.

And there was one time when we were trying to go up to our room, & there was a huge crowd of people in the lobby. So we had to wait for a 3rd elevator. It was about 7ish.

I had been worried about after the fireworks, when everyone was trying to get back to their rooms at the same time, but it wasn't a problem at all.

We were actually pleasantly surprised by the elevator service. Granted, it's a bigger resort, so the elevators took longer getting from the top floor down to the bottom. When we stayed at the WL, the elevators were faster, but it's a smaller resort.

There aren't separate elevators for the Atrium level (I don't think) - you just slide your room card to access the Atrium level, if I remember correctly.

Anyway, we loved the Contemporary & are staying there again this year!

 

[Pjimmeyer]

We stayed at the Contemporary last year for the first time, & I was worried about this as well. And it wasn't a problem at all!

Out of our 10 days, there was only 1 time we had to wait. We waited on our floor w/ some people who were there for a convention for about 10 minutes for an elevator - it was about 6ish. That night, there were a lot of "extra" people there for a convention.

And there was one time when we were trying to go up to our room, & there was a huge crowd of people in the lobby. So we had to wait for a 3rd elevator. It was about 7ish.

I had been worried about after the fireworks, when everyone was trying to get back to their rooms at the same time, but it wasn't a problem at all.

We were actually pleasantly surprised by the elevator service. Granted, it's a bigger resort, so the elevators took longer getting from the top floor down to the bottom. When we stayed at the WL, the elevators were faster, but it's a smaller resort.

There aren't separate elevators for the Atrium level (I don't think) - you just slide your room card to access the Atrium level, if I remember correctly.

Anyway, we loved the Contemporary & are staying there again this year!

We haven't been since December 2010, but we have stayed in the CR tower from 7th through 12th floor 6 or 7 times in the past 10 years and have had very similar experiences as what Wendy31 describes. No real issues while we have visited.

 

[buzzrelly]

We just got back and I seriously don't understand all the grumbling about the CR elevators. The waiting times were no worse than any other elevators I've been on. However, I will say that we were on the 10th floor and there were more than a few times that we pushed the button to go down and it would light up but then the light would go off. I don't understand it, but we learned to really keep an eye on the lights and make sure they stayed lit.

 

[princessap]

Yes, that's what I meant...garden wing/garden view at CR. Thanks for catching that.

No problem
We are thinking of booking here too for next trip. we loved the poly but want to try a new resort and the walking to mk is a huge perk!!

We are thinking of booking garden wing and then if any discounts upgrading to the tower.

when are u going??

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone, we leave for four nights in a Bay Lake Tower one-bedroom tomorrow! Let me know if anyone has any questions or needs anything tracked down while I'm there.

Have a great vacation, Missy! Those BLT villas are fantastic.

Has anyone stayed in a garden view room recently? My DW and I will be staying at CR in a garden view room Aug 1-8, and I'm a little worried. There are several poor reviews in trip advisor from recent visitors regarding cleanliness of the rooms.

UGH, those Tripadvisor reviews can get your head spinning. I read them, too and have worried about negative reviews. One thing I find that helps "ground me" after reading them, is I also read reviews for resorts I've stayed at that I know I love and would keep returning to. This gives me a better perspective on the reviews and reminds me not to take every review as seriously.

Some housekeepers are better than others and some resorts are in better shape. The GW is currently undergoing the same soft rehab that the Tower had, so that will done before your visit and should make you feel better. I think you'll really like the GW and CR.

I haven't stayed in the GW recently, but hopefully someone else will post and allay your fears. Always remember, too that if something in your room isn't right, try to bring it to the attention of management. Look the room over before your unpack (at any resort) and if it's not acceptable, walk (don't call the call center) back to the front desk and discuss switching rooms or fixing the problem.

This may sound silly but is there enough room in a closet (not in the master bedroom) to store a folded up jogging stroller?

As was already posted, there is tons of room to leave the stroller intact and out of the way in the one bedroom. In front of this closet, which is right next to the entry door, is a bit of an alcove where the connecting door is and a wall (with the laundry behind it) and it would be perfect for a stroller (we stored our suitcases there). But, if you want it in the entry closet, here is what it looks like:

LOL!!!! DH doesn't even like driving to Fort Lauderdale for dinner But a fall weekend trip just to get our Disney fix may be needed.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Yep, having to get on 95 either here in NoVA or Boca is no fun with all the traffic. A Fall trip sounds perfect!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you so much for these links! I bookmarked the twitter page, it will be fun to follow through the summer and into the fall.

You're welcome

I tried to switch our reservation this month from the Poly to CR, but all that was available was TPV CL and it would be about $400 more to switch. Looks like we will have to wait for October to stay here.

...Or maybe you could keep calling for a BLV CL room

I think it depends on what side of the C you are located. We were inside the C and our "closet" with the washer and dryer was plenty big for a stroller to be stored. We kept our luggage in there along with our big wheeled cooler that we hauled in the car.

The master bedroom closet was tiny.

Yep, The MBR closet has that safe in the middle of the floor which takes away room:

Ok I've started to get a little concerned with the "waiting for elevators" references in the tower. How bad is it really? I do have a child that does not enjoy elevators but I can usually jolly him along. Would like some recent honest experiences, please. I am so looking forward to CR but I'm starting to second guess due to the elevators. If it makes any difference at all, we are staying Atrium level but I do not know if those floors have separate elevators. Thanks so much...looking for reassurance.

They've been working on them for a while now so I suspect they aren't having as many issues anymore. When we last stayed there (2010) they were having problems going to the 12th floor. There was one elevator that we knew not to take because the CL key wouldn't work in it. Even the Bellman had to use a different elevator. I suspect this has finally been fixed and other than that problem, we didn't encounter any other issues. Don't let the elevators worry you - you're going to have a wonderful time and you won't give them a second thought when you're there. It's an amazing resort, but no resort is perfect, but CR/BLT come close!

 

[MET270]

We stayed at CR in a garden view room at the end of January for 5 nights. I loved the room & the view and I didn't have any issue with the room not being cleaned. It was always cleaned (& vacuumed) by the time we returned to the room. I know the kids tracked sand in from the beach a couple of times, and it was always gone by the next day. We REALLY enjoyed our stay there!

That makes me feel better, thank you!

 

[MET270]

Have a great vacation, Missy! Those BLT villas are fantastic.

UGH, those Tripadvisor reviews can get your head spinning. I read them, too and have worried about negative reviews. One thing I find that helps "ground me" after reading them, is I also read reviews for resorts I've stayed at that I know I love and would keep returning to. This gives me a better perspective on the reviews and reminds me not to take every review as seriously.

Some housekeepers are better than others and some resorts are in better shape. The GW is currently undergoing the same soft rehab that the Tower had, so that will done before your visit and should make you feel better. I think you'll really like the GW and CR.

I haven't stayed in the GW recently, but hopefully someone else will post and allay your fears. Always remember, too that if something in your room isn't right, try to bring it to the attention of management. Look the room over before your unpack (at any resort) and if it's not acceptable, walk (don't call the call center) back to the front desk and discuss switching rooms or fixing the problem.

As was already posted, there is tons of room to leave the stroller intact and out of the way in the one bedroom. In front of this closet, which is right next to the entry door, is a bit of an alcove where the connecting door is and a wall (with the laundry behind it) and it would be perfect for a stroller (we stored our suitcases there). But, if you want it in the entry closet, here is what it looks like:

http://s621.photobucket.com/user/WDWKOOK/media/CRandBLT 8-2012/IMG_2203-2.jpg.html

Yep, having to get on 95 either here in NoVA or Boca is no fun with all the traffic. A Fall trip sounds perfect!

That is a great idea, I loved AKL so I just read all the negative comments about it and it made me feel confident that CR will be great!

 

[CoolPool]

That is a great idea, I loved AKL so I just read all the negative comments about it and it made me feel confident that CR will be great!

Thanks to all who reassured the elevators will be fine. And I agree about AKL, I never would have stayed there if I believed the reviews that suggested it was closer to Tallahassee than the MK.

 

[WDWKOOK]

That is a great idea, I loved AKL so I just read all the negative comments about it and it made me feel confident that CR will be great!

Thanks to all who reassured the elevators will be fine. And I agree about AKL, I never would have stayed there if I believed the reviews that suggested it was closer to Tallahassee than the MK.

You're welcome and it always helps me to look at reviews of resorts I know I will return to determine whether I share their complaints. If you see a consistent complaint that isn't related to something subjective like lighting or coloring or theming, but is a consistent complaint about cleanliness, like mold issues, worn bedding, broken/inoperable or worn items, structural issues... then I would have second thoughts. Posting to the resort information threads should give you a better idea of the pros and cons, too.

 

[lmhall2000]

It is finally decided! Our second stay at CR (last was 8 years ago!) is confirmed with free dining! Saves us $2000! I think we have standard view, a miracle bc none had popped up in the last 2 months of looking...we switched 8 times and CR came through with the best deal! Thanks Disney!!

I have 4 months to get to my goal weight! Losing over 100 pounds! Now I am completely motivated! Dh is losing, too! woo hoo!!!

 

[princessap]

Congrats on booking CR!! Cant wait till 2014 discounts are released to do the same. Debating std view tower or garden wing with hopes to maybe upgrade to tpv if budget allows!

 

[lmhall2000]

Congrats on booking CR!! Cant wait till 2014 discounts are released to do the same. Debating std view tower or garden wing with hopes to maybe upgrade to tpv if budget allows!

That is tough! Being in the tower is a really neat experience, CR seems to offer better discounts and many rooms are in the tower, hope you get a super deal to make the decision easy!

 

[princessap]

That is tough! Being in the tower is a really neat experience, CR seems to offer better discounts and many rooms are in the tower, hope you get a super deal to make the decision easy!

thanks. We stayed for the first time onsite this year at the poly and loved it!! I am tempted to stay there again to be honest but I have always wanted to stay CR. it is MY dream resort but not sure it will be for our girls. I always said i would only do it if i did tpv but rethinking that now to save some money. My dh doesnt want garden wing at all except for the price lol.

 

[lmhall2000]

thanks. We stayed for the first time onsite this year at the poly and loved it!! I am tempted to stay there again to be honest but I have always wanted to stay CR. it is MY dream resort but not sure it will be for our girls. I always said i would only do it if i did tpv but rethinking that now to save some money. My dh doesnt want garden wing at all except for the price lol.

We have stayed at both and thought nothing would beat Poly but CR did! We just felt immersed in Disney...the monorail going through it and walking to MK was awesome!

 

[EveClark]

Hi Everyone!
I'm in the process of reading thru all of the posts (great job Kook!) but I've only made it about half way, so if this has been posted already, I apologize...

I just booked my Room Only Reservation for Sept 15-21, 2014... I wanted to make sure that we could get a GW Standard View room since the other rooms aren't in our budget...
They were only able to reserve the first 2 nights of our trip. They said that they hadn't released the rest of the dates yet.
I booked those 2 nights so I could have at least those and then hopefully add the other nights (4 more) as they open up.

Is this normal? I've only booked full package vacations in the past so I'm new to the Room Only set up. I've also never booked this far in advance so waiting for rooms to open up is new for me too.

This will be our first time staying at the Contemporary and we're very excited!!!
I just want to make sure I'm doing all of this right to make sure I have the best chance possible to get those Standard View rooms... I'd hate to have to cancel and go to another hotel after being able to get the first 2 nights
I don't think a split stay would work for us with DS6 and DD2... This will be our first vacation as a family of 4 (and our first time at WDW with a toddler - DS was 4 on his first trip) so I'm trying to keep things as easy as possible!

When I called today they said to call back in about 2 weeks to see if the rooms had opened up for the rest of my dates... Should I wait that long or should I keep calling back every few days?
I'd appreciate any advice or tips you may have!
TIA!!!

 

[dansdad]

Hi Everyone!
I'm in the process of reading thru all of the posts (great job Kook!) but I've only made it about half way, so if this has been posted already, I apologize...

I just booked my Room Only Reservation for Sept 15-21, 2014... I wanted to make sure that we could get a GW Standard View room since the other rooms aren't in our budget...
They were only able to reserve the first 2 nights of our trip. They said that they hadn't released the rest of the dates yet.
I booked those 2 nights so I could have at least those and then hopefully add the other nights (4 more) as they open up.

Is this normal? I've only booked full package vacations in the past so I'm new to the Room Only set up. I've also never booked this far in advance so waiting for rooms to open up is new for me too.

This will be our first time staying at the Contemporary and we're very excited!!!
I just want to make sure I'm doing all of this right to make sure I have the best chance possible to get those Standard View rooms... I'd hate to have to cancel and go to another hotel after being able to get the first 2 nights
I don't think a split stay would work for us with DS6 and DD2... This will be our first vacation as a family of 4 (and our first time at WDW with a toddler - DS was 4 on his first trip) so I'm trying to keep things as easy as possible!

When I called today they said to call back in about 2 weeks to see if the rooms had opened up for the rest of my dates... Should I wait that long or should I keep calling back every few days?
I'd appreciate any advice or tips you may have!
TIA!!!

You can only book 499 days out. So tomorrow you will be able to book the 17th, the next day the 18th and so on.