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

[Pixie Dust Maven]

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

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

I agree but now we are thinking of CL and after seeing the fabulous pictures, it's hard to resist. Oh these decisions are making me crazy. A good crazy but crazy!!

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.


This

Oh Thanks so much. I love all the information that you have provided on the first page. Its makes things so much more easier to find.

We are strongly considering staying CL. We were going to book the deluxe room for an extra night in Disney but the CL pictures are winning us over. Yes, you are right, this will be a real special surprise for our DS. We want to make this trip a special one for him. I am a big mess just thinking that he will be graduating HS next year. The time just flew way too fast.

I am editing my post as our DS overheard us discussing the CR and he said that he wants to stay at the YC. There goes the surprise. Oh well at least I found out now before I had gotten my hopes up of surprising him. Oh I guess we were just talking too loud. Well that was short lived now wasn't it. Anyway, thanks so much for the info.

 

[lovedisney50]

I just discovered this wonderful thread. We were very lucky & were able to book a 2bd theme park room at baylake. We were able to book with pts at 7 months for Nov 10-17. We have never stayed here. We have twin grandchilden who will be 2 1/2. We figured this would be great for there age.

 

[glvsav37]

I'm in need of some help from a Contemporary ninja!!!

We have a pool cabana rented and I want to surprise my wife with a pool side massage. The front page of this thread and other sites say they are available, but everytime I call the CMs tell me it is not offered. I've called about 4 times now and no luck.

Normally I would forget it, but my SIL claims she just booked one for her husband when they go, but she cant remember who she called and spoke to...grrrr!

As I noted, I've seen it mentioned on the front page here as well as on some unofficial Dis and Contemporary sites when researching the pool cabanas

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Oh Thanks so much. I love all the information that you have provided on the first page. Its makes things so much more easier to find.

We are strongly considering staying CL. We were going to book the deluxe room for an extra night in Disney but the CL pictures are winning us over. Yes, you are right, this will be a real special surprise for our DS. We want to make this trip a special one for him. I am a big mess just thinking that he will be graduating HS next year. The time just flew way too fast.

I am editing my post as our DS overheard us discussing the CR and he said that he wants to stay at the YC. There goes the surprise. Oh well at least I found out now before I had gotten my hopes up of surprising him. Oh I guess we were just talking too loud. Well that was short lived now wasn't it. Anyway, thanks so much for the info.

Oh, no! Sorry your surprise is no longer a surprise, but good to know now he'd rather be at the YC. I'm all too familiar with resort changing so I understand if you feel like you have to change to the Regatta Club. You'll have boiled eggs there

I just discovered this wonderful thread. We were very lucky & were able to book a 2bd theme park room at baylake. We were able to book with pts at 7 months for Nov 10-17. We have never stayed here. We have twin grandchilden who will be 2 1/2. We figured this would be great for there age.

Welcome and it sounds like the perfect family vacation

I'm in need of some help from a Contemporary ninja!!!

We have a pool cabana rented and I want to surprise my wife with a pool side massage. The front page of this thread and other sites say they are available, but everytime I call the CMs tell me it is not offered. I've called about 4 times now and no luck.

Normally I would forget it, but my SIL claims she just booked one for her husband when they go, but she cant remember who she called and spoke to...grrrr!

As I noted, I've seen it mentioned on the front page here as well as on some unofficial Dis and Contemporary sites when researching the pool cabanas

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Welcome! I'm not sure who you were calling, perhaps the WDW Recreation number for booking a cabana? Here is the number you should call. I'm assuming the rate would be the same as an in-room massage which is:

(CR/Olympiad Gym) In-Room Swedish Massage. Swedish massages are also offered in Guest rooms.

50 min / $185
80 min / $250

Call (407) WDW-SPAS or (407) 939-7727 as far in advance as possible to schedule a session.

 

[Happyjen27]

I am happy to post more photos.

johnsonet: thank you for posting those pictures. Thanks to you, I had to endure the S L O W Disney website to price out a CL. Still out of reach though $$. Ahhh well, a girl can dream. We'll just stick to our GW for now.

Getting SUPER excited for my trip, 5 months to go. All ADRs are made, and my basic plan is laid out. And by basic plan, I know which park on which day, where we will be eating, the most delicious snacks in the area and the order in which we will be enjoying our attractions. I LOVE planning Disney.

KOOK, are you going to recap your vacation for us?

 

[glvsav37]

Thanks Kook. I've tried all those numbers. I called the spa directly a few times hoping to get a more knowledgeable CM with no luck. I also called WDW recreation and they were the most help, but only directing me to the Contemporary front desk. When I called them, all they did was send me back to the spa. Grrrrrr!

 

[auprincess]

I am happy to say that I think my husband and I have finally come to a decision for our next trip and plan to stay at CR! It seems like I have been waiting forever! We are a family of 5 (me, DH, and our 3DDs who will be 8, 5, & 3 on our trip). We plan on just doing the garden wing - do you think we will be disappointed? Seems like tower rooms are spoken of a lot, but they aren't in the budget. Thanks

 

[Senor_Jorge]

I think we wrapped everything up, except changes to dining as opportunities come up, yesterday! Dec. 6-15, CR with a Bay Lake view.

In Feb. and March we were looking at other options on the monorail so that we could try something new. Looking at the GF and Poly, it always came down to building selection and availability. In the end we kept coming back to our recent Disney home based on convenience which is HUGE to us.

I own my own IT service and consulting company, and my wife manages a department at an environmental consulting company . Neither of us has much time and few off hours where we aren't required to be available. It may sound trivial, but riding the elevator down to catch the monorail is a big deal for us! The short detour to Contempo Cafe is another little convenience that just WORKS for us. Coming home after a late night, grabbing a burger to take to the room or a salad for medicinal reasons is a convenience we didn't want to give up!

Reading the questions and answers in this thread has helped us a LOT. Whether we knew the answer or not, the questions sometimes led to other questions we asked ourselves, which led to looking at tweaks and changes for this trip. Thank You All!

In the spirit of giving back....in the future I will consider slipping our stay a day or two in either direction if it means making our ADRs on a weekend. Purely by chance our window opened on a Sunday this year. It was GREAT to wake up early, get them booked, and go back to bed! I was concerned that there would be increased volume on a weekend and that online systems might not be able to handle it based on problems I've read about. Other than my wife getting logged out once, we got it done quickly, and were back in bed in less than an hour...which includes discussion when we had to make adjustments due to availability.

 

[mickeynut1]

I am happy to say that I think my husband and I have finally come to a decision for our next trip and plan to stay at CR! It seems like I have been waiting forever! We are a family of 5 (me, DH, and our 3DDs who will be 8, 5, & 3 on our trip). We plan on just doing the garden wing - do you think we will be disappointed? Seems like tower rooms are spoken of a lot, but they aren't in the budget. Thanks

Congrats on making a decision . We are staying at the CR for the first time in December and I'm excited to try it.

I think we wrapped everything up, except changes to dining as opportunities come up, yesterday! Dec. 6-15, CR with a Bay Lake view.

Glad you were able to make a final decision on your resort and are going back "home" . After going back and forth for months, we finally decided to go with the CR for a few nights in December. We've stayed at both the Poly and GF and thought it was time to try the CR.

 

[aschweic355]

We stayed at BLT one bedroom theme park view June 8-15. DW, and three DD (16, 13, 8) fit well, plenty of room. Best part is ease of access to everywhere via monorail and boat. We had car also for easy access to other places. Will stay again. Two thumbs up. Top of world lounge great way to end day.

 

[BCV23]

Excellent review and photos, johnsonet. Have to try the Atrium Club. mickeynut1, your trip sounds wonderful.

 

[DisneyMomChristine]

I apologize if this has been asked/addressed before, but can someone please tell me if there is an observation deck on top of CR for guests to go up on? Or is it a part of the restaurant? If so, are only the diners allowed out there?
On the Disney Planning DVD, the woman is on top of the resort, just not sure if guests are allowed up there as well. Would certainly make for a very cool experience (and photo op)!

 

[mickeynut1]

We stayed at BLT one bedroom theme park view June 8-15. DW, and three DD (16, 13, 8) fit well, plenty of room. Best part is ease of access to everywhere via monorail and boat. We had car also for easy access to other places. Will stay again. Two thumbs up. Top of world lounge great way to end day.

Glad you had a nice trip .

mickeynut1, your trip sounds wonderful.

Thanks . I'm looking forward to trying the CR.

I apologize if this has been asked/addressed before, but can someone please tell me if there is an observation deck on top of CR for guests to go up on? Or is it a part of the restaurant? If so, are only the diners allowed out there?
On the Disney Planning DVD, the woman is on top of the resort, just not sure if guests are allowed up there as well. Would certainly make for a very cool experience (and photo op)!

There is an area on the 4th floor concourse where guests can watch the fireworks (open to anyone), but I'm thinking you are asking about the observation deck for guests of the California Grill. If you dine at CG, you are allowed out on the observation deck to watch Wishes. If your dinner is over prior to Wishes starting, you can come back and show your dinner receipt and you will be allowed up to the observation deck for viewing .

 

[DisneyMomChristine]

Thanks! From the 4th floor, can you see the castle?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks Kook. I've tried all those numbers. I called the spa directly a few times hoping to get a more knowledgeable CM with no luck. I also called WDW recreation and they were the most help, but only directing me to the Contemporary front desk. When I called them, all they did was send me back to the spa. Grrrrrr!

UGH! Can you muster up the courage to call one more time? This is the direct number for the Olympiad Health Club at the Contemporary: 407-824-3410. They offer massages there and you can book directly with them so they might be able help you.

I am happy to say that I think my husband and I have finally come to a decision for our next trip and plan to stay at CR! It seems like I have been waiting forever! We are a family of 5 (me, DH, and our 3DDs who will be 8, 5, & 3 on our trip). We plan on just doing the garden wing - do you think we will be disappointed? Seems like tower rooms are spoken of a lot, but they aren't in the budget. Thanks

Yippee! You'll be just steps away from the Tower so you won't be disappointed. The rooms are identical, except that there aren't any balconies.

I think we wrapped everything up, except changes to dining as opportunities come up, yesterday! Dec. 6-15, CR with a Bay Lake view.

In Feb. and March we were looking at other options on the monorail so that we could try something new. Looking at the GF and Poly, it always came down to building selection and availability. In the end we kept coming back to our recent Disney home based on convenience which is HUGE to us.

I own my own IT service and consulting company, and my wife manages a department at an environmental consulting company . Neither of us has much time and few off hours where we aren't required to be available. It may sound trivial, but riding the elevator down to catch the monorail is a big deal for us! The short detour to Contempo Cafe is another little convenience that just WORKS for us. Coming home after a late night, grabbing a burger to take to the room or a salad for medicinal reasons is a convenience we didn't want to give up!

Reading the questions and answers in this thread has helped us a LOT. Whether we knew the answer or not, the questions sometimes led to other questions we asked ourselves, which led to looking at tweaks and changes for this trip. Thank You All!

In the spirit of giving back....in the future I will consider slipping our stay a day or two in either direction if it means making our ADRs on a weekend. Purely by chance our window opened on a Sunday this year. It was GREAT to wake up early, get them booked, and go back to bed! I was concerned that there would be increased volume on a weekend and that online systems might not be able to handle it based on problems I've read about. Other than my wife getting logged out once, we got it done quickly, and were back in bed in less than an hour...which includes discussion when we had to make adjustments due to availability.

Congratulations on booking and I'll add you to the Log-orail. Love your medicinal salad comment. My DD sees them that way, especially when its suggested she eat one on vacation.

We are staying at the CR for the first time in December and I'm excited to try it.

Are you officially booked now? Let me know your dates and I'll put you in the log.

We stayed at BLT one bedroom theme park view June 8-15. DW, and three DD (16, 13, 8) fit well, plenty of room. Best part is ease of access to everywhere via monorail and boat. We had car also for easy access to other places. Will stay again. Two thumbs up. Top of world lounge great way to end day.

...And the wonderful walkway! Hope you get to book a return stay soon.

Thanks! From the 4th floor, can you see the castle?

Absolutely! You can almost reach out and touch it.



4th floor Observation Deck. Taken from near entrance to CR's 4th floor Concourse and Skybridge to BLT:


Looking to the right from furthest end of deck:



Looking straight out from furthest end:

 

[DisneyMomChristine]

WDWKOOK - thank you for posting those pictures! I am SO SO SO excited for our 2014 stay!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK - thank you for posting those pictures! I am SO SO SO excited for our 2014 stay!

You're welcome and let us know if you have any other questions

 

[bluejasmine]

Cant wait to check out that 4th floor observation deck in Sept, hoping to watch Hallowishes from there..

 

[mickeynut1]

Are you officially booked now? Let me know your dates and I'll put you in the log.

Not yet, but I will definitely let you know as soon as I do so I can be put in the log .

 

[aschweic355]

I apologize if this has been asked/addressed before, but can someone please tell me if there is an observation deck on top of CR for guests to go up on? Or is it a part of the restaurant? If so, are only the diners allowed out there?
On the Disney Planning DVD, the woman is on top of the resort, just not sure if guests are allowed up there as well. Would certainly make for a very cool experience (and photo op)!

When we were at BLT a couple weeks back, there was some sort of construction going on on top of the contemporary. Is that going to be an observation lounge similar to top of the world?