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

[Greysword]

Aren't you just a little breath of sweetened up ridicule. I think you might just be one of those crazy people at Disney sometimes looking into others rooms.

Sorry, wasn't trying to ridicule anyone. I love the picture! As a Floridian in exile in Portland, OR, I miss the weather back home. The clouds are even better!

As for the rooms...

I made sure to always close the curtains when it started getting dark. I could see people in their rooms (not that I could make out faces), so I knew they could see me. And I always kept the bathroom/tub door closed, just in case!

See... creepy, huh? In its first year of operation, DVC members staying on the inner circle at BLT had some strange stories that wouldn't rate the wholesome G rating by the MPAA

better safe to keep things closed and avert the eyes .

Our KTTW cards showed our names and then stated "DVC Room Only". The check-in CM did point out to me, though, that for whatever reason, one of our cards only stated "Room Only" not "DVC Room Only", so she said to be sure to show the "DVC Room Only" one.



I thought they would ask to see a DVC member card, so I really wasn't expecting it, and I was very upfront with them about the fact that I wasn't a member (but staying on points, not a cash reservation). I don't know if they were just sprinkling pixie dust on us because we were so unassuming or if the "DVC" on the card is really all they want to see. Then again, it's also probably dependent on each individual CM, too. If I stayed there again, I wouldn't assume that we'd get up there a second time. Just happy we got to experience it.

Always good to be upfront, and I'm still glad you got to go up. As Deb mentioned, sometimes they do check for the DVC member card. It all depends on the CM and the policy du jour.

It seems they aren't sure exactly how to handle it at times. They would like visitors at the TotW Lounge, so they can get more sales (things are not as rosy, financially speaking, at the TotWL it seems), but they also are trying to keep the "exclusivity" promised at resort opening. For a period, any DVC member at WDW staying on points were allowed up (which is fine as long as it helps keep the lounge from closing.

 

[WDWKOOK]

When you get back....grab your eraser....same dates but BLT 2 Br BLV

I'm back

I grabbed my magical erasing RC quill and accidentally erased your entry. But, I have this feeling that when I go through the RC thread, I'll see that you're probably not even at BLT anymore - or are you

Does the pool at CR get a lot of shade from the tower or is it blazing hot out there in the sun??? It looks like it is pretty exposed. What are your experiences? Thanks!

DH hates the sun, yet has always loved CR's pool deck. There are quite a few areas that are shaded by trees, particularly the ones closest to the Tower and near the hot tub/slide area.

Info posted on Disney Parks Blog about the California Grill's expanded beverage program:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...erage-program-at-disneys-contemporary-resort/

Thank you

Thanks! I have a daughter who has had multiple brain and spinal surgeries and we are going to try to save her some steps every way we can. She has a wheelchair she can use , but hates to use it unless she absolultely has to .

to the thread!

The only way to access the monorail is by taking the escalator or elevator. There are photos of both on the first page. Both are on the 4th floor which is where the bridge from BLT takes you. You might want to request a villa that is "close to the Sky Bridge." The Sky Bridge is on the 5th floor of BLT.

Just wanted to provide a mini report on our stay at BLT. We stayed 5 nights at the Swan followed by 4 nights at BLT (1 BR standard view). I had rented points 11 months ago through a DIS member on the rent/trade sub-forum.

We checked in around noon not expecting the room to be ready (I debated doing online check-in, but decided against it). I told the CM at the front desk that my only request was not to be on the first floor (I had read about the lack of sheer curtains and I really didn't want the first floor for that reason). Much to our surprise, our room was ready!!

First of all, I love the décor and the artwork totally up my alley. I was really impressed even walking down the hallways. Then we entered the room. It was even nicer than I imagined. Absolutely loved it! It was clean, spacious, and just beautiful.

I had asked the CM who had walked us in about the observation deck at CR and that I had heard (read here on this thread) that only part of it was opened right now. She confirmed that but said that we could watch fireworks from TOTWL as long as we were staying on points (even if not DVC members). The check-in CM overheard that and said we would need to check just to make sure, BUT, our cards do say DVC on them, so she felt pretty confident that they would allow us up. I still wasn't counting on it. After we returned from HDDR and a quick tour of WL, we headed to the desk to see about TOTWL. I explained that we weren't members and no worries if we couldn't access it, but she looked at my card and said it was okay because DVC was on my card. Woo hoo!!! So excited!! I didn't go into the lounge at all since it was so close to Wishes time (sent DH in to get drinks), but it was awesome watching the fireworks from up there. So grateful we got to experience it.

We were in room 7335 (south/inner C) and this was the view from our balcony (which was gorgeous to me and more than I expected to get):

I really, really loved everything about this resort, however, I dont think I can pull off paying for 9 nights there (which is how long we stay) unless we stayed in a studio and I think it will just be too small for our family of 4. I dont want to do a split-stay next time I want to settle in. We normally stay in the Epcot resorts area (which I love just a little more than the MK resorts area) and will try to rent points at BWV next trip Im not stoked about the look/décor, though.

Anyhow, for anyone on the fence about BLT, its wonderful. We all loved it so much!

I'm glad you posted about your trip - thank you and welcome home.

Ahh, I see you got the much sought after cloud view room Glad you enjoyed it, since the inner rooms can be a bit weird sometimes, since you generally are able to look into the rooms on the opposite side. Crazy people stay at Disney, sometimes.

I'm also glad you were able to see Wishes from the Top of the World! It is a great way to see the fireworks.

Sometimes?

Hi KOOK .....hope you had a great vacation. I'm sorry you weren't able to get Atrium Club, but congrats on getting WL CL . Six weeks will go by quick and you will be relaxing at the lodge before you know it .

Thank you! Atrium just wasn't meant to be this time. DH was deployed when DD and I tried CR CL, so we were trying to get it more for DH than DD and me so he could experience it, too.

Doing a split stay in January '14. January 3-12 at CSR and January 13-18 in a CR BL view tower room. My parents think we are staying in the Garden Wing.. I love secrets

Even though it's a secret, would you like to be added to our Log-orail?

I am looking to rent points for BLT in October, 2014. It's difficult to find DVC BLT owners interested in renting points so I may have to go with another resort owner and try to get reservations 7 months out. We'll need a 2 bedroom villa with no view preference.

Has anyone here had experience booking at the 7 month mark? Your input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you! Atrium just wasn't meant to be this time. DH was deployed when DD and I tried CR CL, so we were trying to get it more for DH than DD and me so he could experience it, too.

CR CL will hopefully be there next time for DH to try, but I know you will enjoy the OFC this trip .

 

[Janed]

October for DVC is getting harder all the time with all the events at WDW. So you really need to book something before seven months out. May is much easier than October.


Thanks for that info, although it wasn't what I was hoping for! We're looking for a time that is warm enough for the pool (went in January and the temps were in the 40s!) and away from the busiest crowds. Any other suggestions would be great. Thank you.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...For a period, any DVC member at WDW staying on points were allowed up (which is fine as long as it helps keep the lounge from closing.

Actually, through the end of this year, any DVC member staying at any resort on the property, either through DVC or Disney Reservation Center, can access the TOTWL, except for a few select dates like NYE.

 

[bluejasmine]

Does anyone have a room suggestion for a BLV or are they all basically the same?

Does CL have BLV?

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[trishadono]

Does anyone have a room suggestion for a BLV or are they all basically the same?

Does CL have BLV?

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013

CR's Atruim club has 2 bookable categories.

STD is the BLV and the other is MKV.

The view pretty much the same. Some people prefer higher floors or closer to BLT end.

 

[trishadono]

How did I get a 2bdrm LV villa for 12/24-1/1??? Well I booked as a back up in case I can't get into GF villa . We usually get the 1 bdrm for Thanksgiving but dd will be in college this year and wants to come home for it. Since ds gets 2 full weeks for winter holiday this year I am thinking of a December visit.

Got lucky last year and got a 2bdrm and WOW we loved it. It would be hard to go back to 1 bdrm now.

MIL and FIL live in Florida and since illness means can't come up for summer this year and are missing graduation's thought this might cheer them up.

Going to try to get GF first then this is back up, but a really really awesome backuo

 

[bluejasmine]

Woohoo!! Paid off our trip today with a total of 75 Disney gift cards (bought at Target with Red Debit card and pharmacy rewards) and I saved $375 on our trip!

What a great feeling... Hey we are going to be at the Contemporary!!!

Pls add us to the list for Sept 7 Holiday Inn DTD and Sept 8-15 for Contemporary Tower Room Bay Lake View! Oh and remove me off the BWI list for those dates..lol

 

[trishadono]

Ok please add me to the log - o rail.

Now we are 12/19-12/24 at BLT MKV 2 bdrm villa!!

DH,DW,DD18,DS16 and MIL,FIL .

Ignore previous post , I changed from after to before Christmas .

 

[emcclay]

Even though it's a secret, would you like to be added to our Log-orail?

Thanks!! Yes, please add me to the Log-orail! My parents don't visit these boards.

 

[Kimi313]

Please add me on to the guest list, we will be staying in the tower mk view Aug 10-16. Our party includes me, DH, DD, and her boyfriend.

I also have a question, we have stayed at CR but that has been some years back and after looking at your pictures it looks like the daybed isn't as long as it use to be. My question is can anyone tell me if it is the same size as BC daybeds? DD's boyfriend has slept on theirs and he was fine.

 

[4under4]

We're staying at CR Aug 26-29. I would like to go to The Wave for breakfast each day, but I don't necessarily want to lock in an ADR time (not sure which parks we'll be doing). Will it be a problem to walk up for breakfast?

TIA

 

[babyberger]

Please add me on to the guest list, we will be staying in the tower mk view Aug 10-16. Our party includes me, DH, DD, and her boyfriend.

I also have a question, we have stayed at CR but that has been some years back and after looking at your pictures it looks like the daybed isn't as long as it use to be. My question is can anyone tell me if it is the same size as BC daybeds? DD's boyfriend has slept on theirs and he was fine.

We actually felt that the day beds at the CR were bigger and more comfortable than those at YC (which I am guessing would be similar to BC).

We're staying at CR Aug 26-29. I would like to go to The Wave for breakfast each day, but I don't necessarily want to lock in an ADR time (not sure which parks we'll be doing). Will it be a problem to walk up for breakfast?

TIA

We had no problem walking up the two times we went last trip. Did not have to wait either time.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Pixie Dust Maven]

Hi there, We are planning our son's HS graduation trip for next year and he has no idea that we are going to be booking the CR tower room. Just waiting for the 2014 packages to come out. Not sure if we want to include CL or not. Instead of booking CL we may book a fireworks cruise instead. But then again CL is also a nice treat that will last the whole trip. May be worth it for us. Such decisions but really great ones.

I viewed the map on the first page and I am assuming that the self parking is under the #9 on the map. If anyone can verify this it would be greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[bluejasmine]

I remember the self parking really being out there but since we don't plan on really driving we are ok with that.. I think we will drive to DTD since the service the bus service seems slow for this destination from any resort plus we will drive to POR where I have a surprise carriage ride booked for our anniversary!

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[Pixie Dust Maven]

I remember the self parking really being out there but since we don't plan on really driving we are ok with that.. I think we will drive to DTD since the service the bus service seems slow for this destination from any resort plus we will drive to POR where I have a surprise carriage ride booked for our anniversary!

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013

We really don't mind the self parking not being so close either. This will be our first time driving since 1999. I have to agree, the bus service to DTD from any resort is very slow so we will most likely drive as well.

Oh the carriage ride sounds wonderful and happy anniversary.

NOW my DH just said what about the deluxe room at the CR instead of the tower room. He said that if we book the deluxe we can stay an extra night instead of booking the tower room. More time at Disney, ah yeah.

 

[bluejasmine]

Oh yea go with deluxe room more time at Disney!!n

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[WDWKOOK]

Does anyone have a room suggestion for a BLV or are they all basically the same?

Does CL have BLV?

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013

We always book BLV and my CR requests are:
~Away from Chef Mickeys (which would be closer to BLT)
~High floor (if we're not staying CL)
~Odd room (beds face away from BLT and toward GW/WL/Epcot) or sometimes "no connecting door." I limit myself to no more than 3 requests.

CR's Atruim club has 2 bookable categories.

STD is the BLV and the other is MKV.

The view pretty much the same. Some people prefer higher floors or closer to BLT end.

All BLVs are unobstructed and all have a balcony so you're right that there really isn't that much difference one room to the next.

How did I get a 2bdrm LV villa for 12/24-1/1??? Well I booked as a back up in case I can't get into GF villa . We usually get the 1 bdrm for Thanksgiving but dd will be in college this year and wants to come home for it. Since ds gets 2 full weeks for winter holiday this year I am thinking of a December visit.

Got lucky last year and got a 2bdrm and WOW we loved it. It would be hard to go back to 1 bdrm now.

MIL and FIL live in Florida and since illness means can't come up for summer this year and are missing graduation's thought this might cheer them up.

Going to try to get GF first then this is back up, but a really really awesome backuo

Yes, awesome back-up! It's a win-win!

Woohoo!! Paid off our trip today with a total of 75 Disney gift cards (bought at Target with Red Debit card and pharmacy rewards) and I saved $375 on our trip!

What a great feeling... Hey we are going to be at the Contemporary!!!

Pls add us to the list for Sept 7 Holiday Inn DTD and Sept 8-15 for Contemporary Tower Room Bay Lake View! Oh and remove me off the BWI list for those dates..lol

I've moved you over to CR. Great job on the Target savings!

Ok please add me to the log - o rail.

Now we are 12/19-12/24 at BLT MKV 2 bdrm villa!!

DH,DW,DD18,DS16 and MIL,FIL .

Ignore previous post , I changed from after to before Christmas .

No problem and what a great villa!

Thanks!! Yes, please add me to the Log-orail! My parents don't visit these boards.

Your secret is safe with us

Please add me on to the guest list, we will be staying in the tower mk view Aug 10-16. Our party includes me, DH, DD, and her boyfriend.

I also have a question, we have stayed at CR but that has been some years back and after looking at your pictures it looks like the daybed isn't as long as it use to be. My question is can anyone tell me if it is the same size as BC daybeds? DD's boyfriend has slept on theirs and he was fine.

You've been added.

All of the WDW Resort daybed mattresses are the size of a twin bed, I believe. Only the fabric covering was changed during the spring rehab.

We're staying at CR Aug 26-29. I would like to go to The Wave for breakfast each day, but I don't necessarily want to lock in an ADR time (not sure which parks we'll be doing). Will it be a problem to walk up for breakfast?

TIA

Like babyberger, we've never seen it crowded at breakfast. We have always had an ADR, but when we've been there, it was usually only about half full at most around mid-morning. You shouldn't have any problem without an ADR unless there's a large convention group in there.

Hi there, We are planning our son's HS graduation trip for next year and he has no idea that we are going to be booking the CR tower room. Just waiting for the 2014 packages to come out. Not sure if we want to include CL or not. Instead of booking CL we may book a fireworks cruise instead. But then again CL is also a nice treat that will last the whole trip. May be worth it for us. Such decisions but really great ones.

I viewed the map on the first page and I am assuming that the self parking is under the #9 on the map. If anyone can verify this it would be greatly appreciated. TIA

What a wonderful surprise for your son! I would definitely make it an extra special memory by adding CL instead of taking the cruise.

The self-parking lot is not under the #9, but just to the left of it. The #9 is the bus stop area and below it is the valet parking area. The self-parking lot is right in front of BLT (beneath #14 and "RED") and to the left of the #9:

It's very close to both BLT and CR. In fact, whenever we take the walkway to the MK, we usually walk right past our car which is usually near/under the monorail track overhead. From the lobby of CR, it's no more than a 5 minute walk. I have a link to a video walking in real time from the CR lobby to the MK on the first page.

Oh yea go with deluxe room more time at Disney!!

This

 

[GinCar]

Add me to the roll call. We will be in the garden wing, Aug.7-12.

I wish I would have booked tower, but I was looking at the "whole" budget. We are combining business with pleasure, POP for the first 4 nights, DD7's b-day at the Contemporary for the last 5 nights.

It will be great to get back to the Contemporary. I love this resort!