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

[CupcakeKelly]

Yippee! Would you like to be added to the Log-orail, too?

I would love to! I love seeing my name on these lists, it never gets old

 

[Deb & Bill]

Can someone PLEASE tell me which rooms have the best views of the fireworks? My husband told me he wants to stay where he did when he was a kid but he doesn't know which room it was. ALSO, can I get this room if I go with a DVC rental? Thank you!

You cannot book any rooms at the Contemporary Resort on DVC points. You can book Bay Lake Tower villas on DVC points.

 

[Jonathan Swift]

Any tips on garden view rooms? Should we ask for patio or close to transportation?

 

[closetmickey]

I would like to hear others' opinions on this as well. I have garden view booked and requested ground floor, close to main building, in that order.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Kook, I may have changed my resort.

Nope, I definitely did.

But, given how familiar you are with my "affliction", I am sure you put me on the Logorail with that special erasable pen.

 

[Iwanabatdisney]

When the second bedroom has two queen beds, that is a dedicated two bedroom villa. It cannot be split up into a one bedroom and studio. The two bedroom with a queen bed and double sleeper sofa in the second bedroom would be a lockoff two bedroom. It can be locked between the one bedroom portion and the studio and sold separately.

You need a dedicated two bedroom villa. If you booked this through Disney Reservation Center, call them and ask to put dedicated on your reservation. You may or may not get it. If you booked on points, your reservation should say dedicated or lockoff already. I would make the request now otherwise it might not be available when you arrive.

Thanks for the fantastic advice! I called and asked to have "dedicated" added to our room reservation. We are not DVC, nor are we renting points. I'll also take your advice and call a couple of weeks before we arrive to see how the availability is. Thanks for responding to my question.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Kook,

The water wasn't out. People were asking for it. They had a dispenser of filtered water sitting in the lounge.

It will not fit in the closet. The laundry room MIGHT fit it with the door open, but only in rooms on the inner curve (odd numbered rooms) as even rooms have a tiny laundry closet. It might fit in the alcove right when you walk in the room, by the first bathroom.

Glad you mentioned the distinction between the inner and outer facing one bedroom villas. We were in an outer villa and I knew there wasn't a laundry room, just a closet with stackable W/D. I had no idea the inner villas have a laundry room so thanks for posting this information.

Does anyone know if the boats between MK and the resorts stop running during the Electric Water Pageant (not sure if name is right)?

Also just a general question. If you have bought Disney Gift Cards can you apply them when you check in and place them on your room key/MagicBand to pay for tips and whatnot?

Yes, they do stop running if they are near the EWP. In fact, if you time it just right, you can have a fantastic view of the EWP while the boats stop for a few minutes.

I don't see why you couldn't apply the GC to your account upon arrival, but I've never done it so hopefully someone else will know for sure. I know DISers who buy them at Target with a 5% discount then buy tickets, even APs, at the Disney Store with them.

I would love to! I love seeing my name on these lists, it never gets old

Any tips on garden view rooms? Should we ask for patio or close to transportation?

I wouldn't bother with "close to transportation" because the difference between the closest and furthest GW room to the Tower is maybe a couple of minutes.

Some like a high floor for a better view and to have no one above them. Some prefer a patio for easier access to the outdoors for their kids or so they can sit outside. We loved facing Bay Lake. The view is amazing and if you book a Garden View room, you can request this, but it can't be guaranteed. But, if you only request to be "facing Bay Lake," your odds will improve.

Kook, I may have changed my resort.

Nope, I definitely did.

But, given how familiar you are with my "affliction", I am sure you put me on the Logorail with that special erasable pen.

Where are you now? No problem and I use the same special erasing quill for you, pas130 and me (more on that later)

 

[dansdad]

Also just a general question. If you have bought Disney Gift Cards can you apply them when you check in and place them on your room key/MagicBand to pay for tips and whatnot?

I don't know the reasoning behind it, but I do know that you won't be able to apply Gift Cards to your room when you check in. What we have done is every 2-3 days go to the front desk and apply them to any charges we have made up to that point. I've tried multiple times to have them applied at check in and have always been told they can't do it. I have also seen many others here on the DIS state the same thing.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Glad you mentioned the distinction between the inner and outer facing one bedroom villas. We were in an outer villa and I knew there wasn't a laundry room, just a closet with stackable W/D. I had no idea the inner villas have a laundry room so thanks for posting this information.


Yes, they do stop running if they are near the EWP. In fact, if you time it just right, you can have a fantastic view of the EWP while the boats stop for a few minutes.

I don't see why you couldn't apply the GC to your account upon arrival, but I've never done it so hopefully someone else will know for sure. I know DISers who buy them at Target with a 5% discount then buy tickets, even APs, at the Disney Store with them.





I wouldn't bother with "close to transportation" because the difference between the closest and furthest GW room to the Tower is maybe a couple of minutes.

Some like a high floor for a better view and to have no one above them. Some prefer a patio for easier access to the outdoors for their kids or so they can sit outside. We loved facing Bay Lake. The view is amazing and if you book a Garden View room, you can request this, but it can't be guaranteed. But, if you only request to be "facing Bay Lake," your odds will improve.


Where are you now? No problem and I use the same special erasing quill for you, pas130 and me (more on that later)

AOA!

This is supposed to be a cheap, churn and burn, quickie trip...booking at CR does NOT qualify as cheap.

Switched to AOA LM room. PIF! BFF and I won't be in room hardly at all anyway, so it's all good, and The Little Mermaid is one of my faves!

And whats going on with you?????

 

[pas130]

AOA!

This is supposed to be a cheap, churn and burn, quickie trip...booking at CR does NOT qualify as cheap.

Switched to AOA LM room. PIF! BFF and I won't be in room hardly at all anyway, so it's all good, and The Little Mermaid is one of my faves!

And whats going on with you?????

 

[WDWKOOK]

I don't know the reasoning behind it, but I do know that you won't be able to apply Gift Cards to your room when you check in. What we have done is every 2-3 days go to the front desk and apply them to any charges we have made up to that point. I've tried multiple times to have them applied at check in and have always been told they can't do it. I have also seen many others here on the DIS state the same thing.

Thank you for posting about the gift cards and how to apply them

AOA!

This is supposed to be a cheap, churn and burn, quickie trip...booking at CR does NOT qualify as cheap.

Switched to AOA LM room. PIF! BFF and I won't be in room hardly at all anyway, so it's all good, and The Little Mermaid is one of my faves!

And whats going on with you?????

Cute change and I think you and BFF will have a great time no matter where you stay! You'll be in a practically new room and steps away from an Elvis cupcake so what's there not to love?

Removed myself from the Log-orail after canceling three room-only reservations. DH's work commitments expanded which won't allow for more than a week of leave at a time. Ironically, he has accrued so much leave that he has two weeks 'use or lose' so we're looking at two separate vacations instead of one, where we can drive to in one day. So instead of WDW this summer, we'll be staying again in a beautiful cabin in the Pigeon Forge, TN area and a favorite resort of ours here in VA.

Sorry to be off topic

It's all good as you so famously say

 

[gwynne]

Thank you for posting about the gift cards and how to apply them


Cute change and I think you and BFF will have a great time no matter where you stay! You'll be in a practically new room and steps away from an Elvis cupcake so what's there not to love?

Removed myself from the Log-orail after canceling three room-only reservations. DH's work commitments expanded which won't allow for more than a week of leave at a time. Ironically, he has accrued so much leave that he has two weeks 'use or lose' so we're looking at two separate vacations instead of one, where we can drive to in one day. So instead of WDW this summer, we'll be staying again in a beautiful cabin in the Pigeon Forge, TN area and a favorite resort of ours here in VA.

Sorry to be off topic



It's all good as you so famously say

Kook, I am so sorry you all had to change your vacation. I know you'll have a great time in TN, but please know I hope you'll be back "home" soon!
This is one difficult year for govt employees, very frustrating. Trying to plan anything is challenging.
Sending hugs your way!

 

[ThisIsJason]

Yes, they do stop running if they are near the EWP. In fact, if you time it just right, you can have a fantastic view of the EWP while the boats stop for a few minutes.

I don't see why you couldn't apply the GC to your account upon arrival, but I've never done it so hopefully someone else will know for sure. I know DISers who buy them at Target with a 5% discount then buy tickets, even APs, at the Disney Store with them.

That is what I thought. Thanks. Going from Hoop-Dee-Doo back to MK the boat took a while to get to the docks to pick us up. I could have sworn the driver said it was because of EWP.

Next time we go we plan on getting a few gift cards from Target.

I don't know the reasoning behind it, but I do know that you won't be able to apply Gift Cards to your room when you check in. What we have done is every 2-3 days go to the front desk and apply them to any charges we have made up to that point. I've tried multiple times to have them applied at check in and have always been told they can't do it. I have also seen many others here on the DIS state the same thing.

If thats they way it has to be done, so be it. Last May when I got that last day charge bill . Anything will help to save a few bucks.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Kook, I am so sorry you all had to change your vacation. I know you'll have a great time in TN, but please know I hope you'll be back "home" soon!
This is one difficult year for govt employees, very frustrating. Trying to plan anything is challenging.
Sending hugs your way!

Thanks so much, I knew you would understand completely and you made me feel much better

That is what I thought. Thanks. Going from Hoop-Dee-Doo back to MK the boat took a while to get to the docks to pick us up. I could have sworn the driver said it was because of EWP.

Next time we go we plan on getting a few gift cards from Target.



If thats they way it has to be done, so be it. Last May when I got that last day charge bill . Anything will help to save a few bucks.

You're welcome and I'm glad dansdad chimed in so you can use up those GCs

 

[psac]

Thanks so much, I knew you would understand completely and you made me feel much better


You're welcome and I'm glad dansdad chimed in so you can use up those GCs

Sorry you had to cancel, Kook. Maybe next year you can make it up with a 4-way split stay. Enjoy the local vacations though!!! I imagine that cabin has the WL feel that you love.

Regarding the poster's question on the gift cards, just be sure to add the last of them before your last night when the run the bill on the credit card. I think they can reverse, but it gets much more difficult.

Also for the 1-bedroom inner and outer ring difference at BLT, as said, the inner ring has a small laundry room that was great for storing luggage, laundry bags before doing the laundry, extra closet space for hanging clothes, etc. However, the outer ring rooms have a much bigger living room instead. I don't know the sqft difference, but it's noticeable in pictures. We definitely thought the living room was big enough, and not a problem at all, but for a big family with a lot of people sleeping in that living room it might make a difference.

 

[michashell]

If I understand what's going on with GFV - presales and sales are happening now/shortly, with it opening late October 2013 - is there a possibility the people who already have resis at BLT might want to move to GFV? Is that even possible if you are using points?

I am not a DVC member, so I apologize if my question sounds ridiculous. I also have a very limited knowledge of the DVC.

We have a cash reservation for BLT 1 bedroom lake view booked for 12/5 - 12/12 at rack rate. Unfortunately, that is also during Pop Warner. From what I've read on the boards, that week is usually blacked out for any discounts. I'm having a hard time swallowing paying rack rate, but my husband keeps reminding me that it's for a special occassion (my 40th birthday). And we really, really want to stay at BLT! If we could move our dates by a day or two, that would help with the prospect of being able to apply a discount. Again, I'm just guessing here.

Thanks so much!

 

[AirGoofy]

Removed myself from the Log-orail after canceling three room-only reservations. DH's work commitments expanded which won't allow for more than a week of leave at a time. Ironically, he has accrued so much leave that he has two weeks 'use or lose' so we're looking at two separate vacations instead of one, where we can drive to in one day. So instead of WDW this summer, we'll be staying again in a beautiful cabin in the Pigeon Forge, TN area and a favorite resort of ours here in VA.

Not off topic and sorry you'll have to miss your trip. We stayed in Gatlinburg a few years back and did have a nice vacation. While it is not Disney, they have some fun stuff to do on vacation.

If I understand what's going on with GFV - presales and sales are happening now/shortly, with it opening late October 2013 - is there a possibility the people who already have resis at BLT might want to move to GFV? Is that even possible if you are using points?

I am not a DVC member, so I apologize if my question sounds ridiculous. I also have a very limited knowledge of the DVC.!

That is a good question. I think sales start tomorrow for members and in June for non-members, although I wasn't that focused on the date as I don't plan on purchasing there. I'm sure there are a good number of members who would absolutely love to be the first ones to own and stay there. How many of those are going in October and have BLT reservations - that lowers the number. One of the DVC rules is that I can book at my "home" resort at 11 months, and then the other DVC resorts at 7 months. Home resort being defined as the resort you purchase points at. So, I'm guessing that DVC will limit those who can book at the VGF to those who are purchasing points there for some time duration. Also, there are many DVC folks who will do split stays, or who just might purchase points to add on a day or two at the VGF, and then not cancel their original reservation.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DisGin]

Thanks for the info on the room setups.

So when you say inner ring vs. outer ring does that mean I should book a certain view or just request an even or odd numbered room? I think we'd go with the smaller living room if it gives us the possibility of setting up a pack n play in the laundry room. I just have no idea how to get my kids to sleep in the same room without waking each other up. That would make this entire thing a lot easier.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If I understand what's going on with GFV - presales and sales are happening now/shortly, with it opening late October 2013 - is there a possibility the people who already have resis at BLT might want to move to GFV? Is that even possible if you are using points?

I am not a DVC member, so I apologize if my question sounds ridiculous. I also have a very limited knowledge of the DVC.

We have a cash reservation for BLT 1 bedroom lake view booked for 12/5 - 12/12 at rack rate. Unfortunately, that is also during Pop Warner. From what I've read on the boards, that week is usually blacked out for any discounts. I'm having a hard time swallowing paying rack rate, but my husband keeps reminding me that it's for a special occassion (my 40th birthday). And we really, really want to stay at BLT! If we could move our dates by a day or two, that would help with the prospect of being able to apply a discount. Again, I'm just guessing here.

Thanks so much!

DVC points reservations will remain available for points stays until 60 days out when they might be available for cash. So if any member cancels BLT for GFV, they would need to do that at least 31 days out to avoid points in holding. Plus availability on points at GFV depends on the villas that have been declared into inventory (certain number of points need to be sold to have any availability for stays on points). I'm going to also guess that a lot of waitlists might be filled with any points cancellations. Those dates are extremely popular with DVC members.

Thanks for the info on the room setups.

So when you say inner ring vs. outer ring does that mean I should book a certain view or just request an even or odd numbered room? I think we'd go with the smaller living room if it gives us the possibility of setting up a pack n play in the laundry room. I just have no idea how to get my kids to sleep in the same room without waking each other up. That would make this entire thing a lot easier.

Inner ring is lake view (odd number villas). Outer ring is standard and Theme Park View (for the most part, some are lake view) and are even number villas.

 

[Lorelei528]

Hi
I'm kind of in the minority, but I've always thought the CR has AMAZING theming. To me the whole thing is iconic and the combination having the disney monorail going straight through is as much WDW as Cinderella's Castle. Also, the large scale mural in the concourse by the same person responsible for the IASW theming is wonderful and a great connection to the park. Add in a very visible Chef Mickey's in the concourse and I think any more would actually be overkill for theming. Just my two cents
As far as noise goes the only time we have noticed any noise is when our room is directly over Chef Mickey's, and even then it doesn't bother us.

Yes!!! This!!

Howdy! My DH and I are staying at BLT for the first time Dec 5-15, 2013. We are excited to stay at our home resort as we celebrate 35 years of marriage! We have a 1 bedroom MKV. WooHoo!!

Happy Anniversary!! We also have a 1br MKV that same time! We check in on Nov. 30th until Dec. 7th, we overlap a bit!

I've never understood why some say CR lacks theming as if that's a bad thing. Theming to me is the same as a person putting on a costume to try to be something it's not. Don't get me wrong. I like theming the way it transports to to another place the way AKL does so well. But CR doesn't need theming. It is pure Disney. Not themed Disney. Disney.
My first trip to Disney I was just a kid. 1973. There was only MK, CR and maybe the Poly. We stayed in a garden wing room. It was all so amazing of course and that CR building with the monorail running thru it. Omg. Nowhere else in the world like it as far as i was concerned. I still at 55 years old cant think of MK without pairing it with CR. CR is as much Disney as MK to me.

Yes, yes, my first trip too....1977, stayed in CR. I was 9. I thought it was the most fantastic thing EVER. "Daddy, the monorail goes THROUGH the hotel?!!?" LOL. It's not Disney theming per se as the newer resorts have been built, but back then, that whole futuristic thing in design and styling was HUGE! My parents loved all that. That's why my Dad chose CR and not the Poly.
We bought into DVC at BLT mostly in tribute to my dad. This way, everytime we stay there, I feel it is because of him.

Hi all! Added one more night to our trip (thanks to not having enough points to book flights on our planned departure date) and booked a BLT theme park view room! We are staying BLT 11/30 and then moving over to AKV 12/1/-12/6. My castle obsessed DD3 is going to lose her little mind!

We check in same day as you!! Also, MK View!! LOL....We are ALSO moving onto AKV/Jambo House but not until the 7th! Great minds think alike!

(bolding mine)
This is exactly the way we feel about the Contemporary!
It just feels so Disney to me - more than any of the other deluxe resorts.
When I'm in the Contemporary, I feel like I'm standing in a piece of authentic Disney history - even though it's the "Contemporary". LOL!
Yes, it's a busy, bustling resort, but I kind of like the "busy-ness" of it.
And, while I don't decorate our home in contemporary or modern lines, I've found at hotels, I like modern & contemporary - it feels "cleaner" to me.
Our room was on the 5th floor, right above Chef Mickey's, & I think I only remembering hearing the noise from Chef Mickey's once. And I love that I can walk out of my room or go to the quick-service & see Mickey & Minnie!
Plus, the monorail runs through!
The Contemporary is just quintessentially Disney to me. There is no "theme" because the theme is pure Disney.

Yes, yes...ALL this!!!