Suite at Contemporary

[Rileygirl]

Looking for some help regarding the suites at the contemporary.

I have a good friend who is planing a trip in November, and wants to stay at the contemporary, they have 4 children under the age of 8.

I think they are considering a suite, and I wanted to ask the experts about this.

First off, do suites ever get discounted? Say if a promotion was offered during the time frame that they were going, could a discount be applied? Any body ever heard of anyone getting a discount? I suspect not.

Second, because they have very young children, if they opted for booking two connecting rooms, would they be guarenteed to get them? Im thinking that it would be more likely for them to get a discount on 2 connecting rooms then a suite, (if a discount comes out for the fall)

Also, I read that the suites at the contemporary are on the 14th floor, and they have been recently refurbished and updated? Can anyone confirm this? I looked at some of the pictures on the internet of the 1 bedroom suite, and it is looking pretty tired and old.

Any information will be muchly appreciated.

TYIA

 

[baler31]

I have never seen a discount available for any of the deluxe resort suites. I have tried AP, general public and PIN discounts.

They do not guarantee connecting rooms, one parent may be required to occupy one and the other another if connecting rooms are not available. I am sure they try very diligently for this not to happen and I have not had anyone that I personally know have difficulties.

I know the suites were slated for a refurb but last I heard they were not complete, maybe someone with more concrete info will come along. There are some deluxe rooms in the garden wing that have a sofa bed and enough space for a roll away not sure of max occupancy on those. If any of the children are under 3 they will technically fit in one regular room. 4 in two queens, 1 on daybed and one in pack and play.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Looking for some help regarding the suites at the contemporary.

I have a good friend who is planing a trip in November, and wants to stay at the contemporary, they have 4 children under the age of 8.

I think they are considering a suite, and I wanted to ask the experts about this.

First off, do suites ever get discounted? Say if a promotion was offered during the time frame that they were going, could a discount be applied? Any body ever heard of anyone getting a discount? I suspect not.

Second, because they have very young children, if they opted for booking two connecting rooms, would they be guarenteed to get them? Im thinking that it would be more likely for them to get a discount on 2 connecting rooms then a suite, (if a discount comes out for the fall)

Also, I read that the suites at the contemporary are on the 14th floor, and they have been recently refurbished and updated? Can anyone confirm this? I looked at some of the pictures on the internet of the 1 bedroom suite, and it is looking pretty tired and old.

Any information will be muchly appreciated.

TYIA

Have they considered a two bedroom villa at Bay Lake Tower (at the Contemporary)? It will have a king sized bed, queen sleeper sofa, two queen beds (if dedicated) and a twin sized sleeper chair.

 

[Rileygirl]

Deb

I am a DVC owner, so yes, I thought about the villas. They have booked concierge, and I think that will work for them, as they have 18 month old twins. The lounge will prove to be very handy for them I think.

The kitchen in DVC would also be handy, but I think they are looking for the simplist option. I still have to figure out what will work best. Not sure how much cost is a factor.

I did think the 14th floor had a total makeover in the last year, but all the pictures show some outdated stuff. I want to also recommend them looking at 2 rooms at the poly concierge, another potential fit.

Just looking for the pros and cons out there. Please weigh in if you have an opinion....

Thank you Baeler for your info on the suites. I really suspected there are no discounts, but I am of the opinion it never hurts to ask the experts!

 

[TwinkleKS]

We have three children ... when we stayed in November the twins celebrated their 4th birthdays and the little guy is two. We stayed at the CR with connecting rooms and had my parents staying in a room right next to us. We booked over 180 days out and had no problems.

 

[baler31]

Deb

I am a DVC owner, so yes, I thought about the villas. They have booked concierge, and I think that will work for them, as they have 18 month old twins. The lounge will prove to be very handy for them I think.

The kitchen in DVC would also be handy, but I think they are looking for the simplist option. I still have to figure out what will work best. Not sure how much cost is a factor.

I did think the 14th floor had a total makeover in the last year, but all the pictures show some outdated stuff. I want to also recommend them looking at 2 rooms at the poly concierge, another potential fit.

Just looking for the pros and cons out there. Please weigh in if you have an opinion....

Thank you Baeler for your info on the suites. I really suspected there are no discounts, but I am of the opinion it never hurts to ask the experts!

Don't know the time frame but Poly is getting ready to undergo construction for DVC sometime next year I believe and with children that young I would want the ability to walk to MK. We prefer the concierge set up at CR to Poly as it is easier with young children having everything on the same floor and under one roof. The 12th floor has been redone and is nice. No difference in concierge offerings from 12th to 14th. Two rooms with a discount may be their best option budget wise.

We are not DVC types, we like the club level offerings and it works for our family. As I mentioned with one under 3 they will technically fit in one room at Poly/CR/GF. The Garden Wing deluxe rooms at CR are very large and I believe have 2 queens and a sofa bed. No concierge though and you would be in the Garden Wing but much more budget friendly.

 

[rcraw45425]

We booked atrium Club at CR a fw years back with a discount (like 40%, I was amazed). Upon arrival they had bumped us up to tower club one bedroom suite. It consisted of one regular type room with a huge living/dining room with sofa sleeper and chairs, entertainment console, three balconies with tables and loungers, dining table for six or eight, kitchenette with fridge and microwave. The foyer had another full bath off of it with huge walk in shower. There was also a lock out for I'm assuming another sleeping room, turning it into a two bedroom.

 

[Rileygirl]

Thanks Guys

Your info is very helpful.

I am going to price out the DVC option, because I go back and forth, would a kitchen in your own room be more convienient for a family of very small children? Or the concierge lounge?

I will list them the pros and cons, and also, I think it will be based on available discounts if any come out.

I think your points are well taken about the Poly. I do love the theming of the poly over the Contemp, and the pool is better- but, they have 3 days at the MK - and I just think the convienience of being able to walk there or back is a huge plus.

rcraw45425: that is an amazing upgrade, you lucky dog! and a 40% discount to boot? wow! I hope at best that a 30% will come down the pipes for my friends.

Thanks again for the info

~A

 

[rcraw45425]

Thanks Guys

Your info is very helpful.

I am going to price out the DVC option, because I go back and forth, would a kitchen in your own room be more convienient for a family of very small children? Or the concierge lounge?

I will list them the pros and cons, and also, I think it will be based on available discounts if any come out.

I think your points are well taken about the Poly. I do love the theming of the poly over the Contemp, and the pool is better- but, they have 3 days at the MK - and I just think the convienience of being able to walk there or back is a huge plus.

rcraw45425: that is an amazing upgrade, you lucky dog! and a 40% discount to boot? wow! I hope at best that a 30% will come down the pipes for my friends.

Thanks again for the info

~A

It really was amazing just to get the 40% discount, it was a mailed PIN code flyer for rooms and there was just a little thing at the bottom regarding club level. I think I was paying <$300 a night. The rate on the suite that was posted on the door was well over $1K a night Naturally my girls were spoiled from then on, it was over Memorial Day weekend, I think we stayed around four nights. I will say this, in all of our CR stays that's the only upgrade we have received there.

We have been going since our girls were toddlers. I have never felt the need for a kitchen. I've used microwaves in offsite resorts and have made oatmeal with the coffee maker. The lounges at WDW resorts are designed now more for snacking, breakfast is usually sweet rolls (used to be doughnuts), fruit and cold cereals. The midday snack was like some mixed nuts and goldfish crackers. No more individual water bottles, you have to pour it into a cup from larger glass bottles. NO more dinner type offerings, it's usually warm and cold appetizers like cheese cubes and snack type things. IN contrast, when we stayed at Royal Pacific at Universal they had almost full meals and encouraged you to make a meal of it. All rooms come with mini fridge and coffee maker, although it's now the pod type I believe. With that many small children, I'd also recommend DVC or two connecting wing rooms with dining. DDP for kids those ages is reasonable and it would mean not having to worry with "cooking". You'd still have your mini fridge for juice boxes and could have a grocery delivery if needed. Another option would be a "Cabin" at Ft. Wilderness, the kids might enjoy the frontier theme and you'd have a kitchen. Downside would be one bathroom

ETA. just saw the question about guaranteed connecting. I booked two rooms at AKL for our January trip as we took a friend of my teens. I was told since the girls were under 18 it was guaranteed. Arrived an the desk clerk was surprised to find that the rooms were connecting. We dragged all of our luggage up to them to find that they connected, to the rooms on the other sides. Room coordinator was great, we had to move to the over side of the resort but we did get connecting rooms.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thanks Guys

Your info is very helpful.

I am going to price out the DVC option, because I go back and forth, would a kitchen in your own room be more convienient for a family of very small children? Or the concierge lounge?

I will list them the pros and cons, and also, I think it will be based on available discounts if any come out.

I think your points are well taken about the Poly. I do love the theming of the poly over the Contemp, and the pool is better- but, they have 3 days at the MK - and I just think the convienience of being able to walk there or back is a huge plus.

rcraw45425: that is an amazing upgrade, you lucky dog! and a 40% discount to boot? wow! I hope at best that a 30% will come down the pipes for my friends.

Thanks again for the info

~A

With children that young I would choose the 2 bedroom villa over the club level rooms or suite option. The full kitchen and washer/dryer are invaluable! Plus the extra square footage and privacy.

 

[jimandami]

With children that young I would choose the 2 bedroom villa over the club level rooms or suite option. The full kitchen and washer/dryer are invaluable! Plus the extra square footage and privacy.

This! If they rented points, I would think it would be cheaper too! We stayed in a 2 bedroom with 4 adults and 3 children and it was fantastic. 3 bathrooms was such a bonus!

 

[Rileygirl]

Strangly, I forgot about the washer and dryer feature in the villa. A big plus for sure.

I know, I think that the villa might be the best possible option for room type, and the walking distance to the MK is a huge positive factor. But, I do want them to peak at the poly, because some of the resort ammenities might be a factor for them - the poly pool, the sandy beach for little ones to play in, fireworks viewing from the beach at the poly.... If they are going to do concierge instead of villa, I just want them to also look at this resort.

Thanks for the info on the connecting rooms. I feel pretty sure the room assigner will make it happen given the ages of the kids, and I do want to present them with this option as well.

What may also be a factor is will the villa's get the rack rate discount if one comes out for the fall? If not, but concierge does, then maybe price should be a major player.

Has anyone in the past snagged a DVC Villa Rack Room rate discount before? I think they do come out, but maybe not for all room types.

I just want to lay out the pros and cons to the two different room types and also a little on the 2 different resorts, so they can make an informed decision on what is going to work best for them. This is their first trip to Disney, and I dont want to overwhelm them with info. If its the Villas that they want, and discounts don't come out for them, then I may bring up the topic for renting points instead.

As always, I really appreciate everyones opinions. It helps me to help my friends (poor things said to me, I hear you know a little about disney and we want to go.........didnt realize the beast they unleashed )

 

[jimandami]

I do know that villas get RO discounts at times, but usually only at OKW or SSR (although others may be occurred from time to time). I would think they would want to look into DVC point rental if they go the villa route.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I do know that villas get RO discounts at times, but usually only at OKW or SSR (although others may be occurred from time to time). I would think they would want to look into DVC point rental if they go the villa route.

Except November could be hard to get with F&W ending, with Jersey Week, with Thanksgiving, etc.

 

[Rileygirl]

They are actually going inbetween Jersey Week and Thanksgiving it looks like. So I am hoping for a room discount somewhere. Food and Wine is over by then

(but in all honesty, I forgot about THAT too!)

I got sucked into Tikimans site when trying to give them links to pages where they could check into details about the two different resorts. Tikiman has some 'details' on the new DVC property that is apparently going in the Poly.

I want some points so I can get the grand villas that are out in the lagoon! (if they ever come into existence!) Probably way too many points a night though... assuming that this rumour has some substance to it......

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The 14th floor is currently undergoing a rehab. The most recent info I have seen regarding an end date is fuzzy: "Late summer 2013."

I recently stayed on the 12th floor. It just had what they called a 'soft goods' rehab: new bedding, curtains, etc. The lounge also had some small changes. Maybe new carpeting, and slightly changed décor. If I had not known about it, I might not have noticed. But then.... WDW is always like that...I'm frequently thinking, "I think they made a little change here, but I can't quite say what's different."

If two of the kids are under age three- they might be able to get away with one room. Disney does not count kids under three. Most CR rooms have an extra 'couch/bed.' Two very small kids could easily sleep together (one at each end.) Closet space could be an issue. With 2 rooms, even if they are not connecting, the 12th floor is club level access only. It's fairly secure.

For us, we would MUCH rather stay club level than DVC. Every time I've priced it out, two CL rooms were less $ than one BLT/CR suite, esp with discounts. Plus, the 12th floor is highly preferable to BLT or the 14th floor. BLT rooms are less convenient. The 14th floor has no view of the lobby/atrium.

Further, we prefer 'Bay Lake View/tower Standard view" over MK view rooms at CR. The BL side gets am sun/pm shade; making the balcony much more useful.

The difference between DVC and CL is much about quality of service. With DVC, guests have to do their own cooking/cleaning/buying groceries. You are able to do it yourself, but you have to do it yourself. And that's just one example of the little 'problems' you need to solve. All take time away from the vacation. I plan my week so I don't need to do laundry. I want my time in WDW to be a vacation from domestic chores!

Club level is that solution! I know this sounds odd- but CL= extra service= extra vacation time (plus vacation insurance). And Time=money. (especially at the price point we are discussing!) CL guests rarely wait to access resort staff. Many times we've stayed non-CL. When we are non CL...well- sometimes checking in and getting questions (tickets/ADR's) answered means not just one line- but TWO. On CL, one person answers almost ALL my check-in/dining/ticket questions. I have seriously handed them some doozies!

It depends how you like to vacation. I am sure there are folks who enjoy domestic chores like laundry and cooking. We much prefer to have a beautiful buffet of breakfast food waiting for me than to prep it myself. I love that I an push a button and get a REAL latte, in a REAL coffee cup. No line. No trek to the food court. No nasty refillable mug! No dining credits. We just help ourselves to whatever snacks we desire. If the kids want more fruit, they have it.

I also LOVE that CL has so many healthy offerings. Sure, they do serve Fruit Loops and fried pastries, but they also have yogurt, skim milk, fresh carrots, oatmeal, hummus, melon, bananas, and water.

Oh, and adults get beer and wine! Guests can also request bottled water!


That said- to get the food offerings- guests do need to be in the lounge while they are offered (or stow stuff in your tiny fridge). It's not hard, but it has altered the way we tour a little.

 

[Rileygirl]

Thanks Mickeyluv'r

Your post was very helpful. I am not sure what type of vacation is going to be their preference, and info like this will help them make the best possible decision.

I will list these items, and also the pro items that others have listed regarding the dvc, and they can figure out what works for them.

thanks again!