Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[tiger4me2]

Does the wave accept the dining plan? does it have a dress code?

Casual dress and yes on dining plan. If you have an AP you get a 10% if paying out of pocket. Great food and nice place to eat, quiet ..

 

[diddldonna]

Casual dress and yes on dining plan. If you have an AP you get a 10% if paying out of pocket. Great food and nice place to eat, quiet ..

Thank you, am thinking of booking for breakfast

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi,

Can someone who has been recently comment about how the monorail refurb has impacted the service on the resort line? We generally stay at BLT and looking to book for next month and was questioning if the money is worth it to stay on a monorail resort this time. We'll likely still stay there as we really enjoy the ability to walk over the MK.

When we last stayed in April, we had no issues at all with the monorail due to the beam closure, but that could have been due to our timing. Just as some never have elevator issues, and we did. Only the Express beam is affected, between the TTC and Magic Kingdom, and it's only closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 11:30am and 6pm. This closure was predicted to only be through the end of this month, but an exact end date wasn't given.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their information. We got back yesterday and had a wonderful time. We got the theme park view on the 6th floor. We loved watching the fireworks from our bed and balcony. Had a great time and would not hesitate to do it again.

That's great. I hope you get to book another trip soon!

We arrived home from our stay at the Contemporary Resort on August 1st.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience...quite a huge step up from All Star Music...but not all was ideal.

Pros:

We had no issues with the elevators at all. We were able to get to the food, shops, monorail, or pool quickly and easily via the elevator. It was wonderful to stay in the tower and to not have to walk far to get where we wanted to be.

California Grill: The food was delicious. DD and I shared the Oak fired beef and DH had the Bison. Hands down, watching the fireworks from CG's balcony was worth every penny we spent to eat there. We got to see Hollywood's fireworks right before MK's started! Even though the waitstaff was snooty and rude, I would still eat there in order to view the fireworks from the balcony.

Our room was on the 11th floor, and we were not bothered by any noise. The Bay Lake view was breathtaking. We really enjoyed the Electrical Water Pageant...charming.

The room was spacious and clean. The beds were extremely comfortable...(this statement comes from someone who sleeps on a tempurpedic every night at home.)

The Contempo Café offered many excellent menu choices, and we had no problem finding a seat.

Cons:

The monorail was a sh*t show. It was down the day we had an ADR at Cinderella's Castle. We were forced to walk and arrived a huge sweaty mess at the castle. We were dressed up and wanted to look our best for photos...I needed another shower upon arrival.

We boarded a broken down monorail and had to walk back to CR after several miles of walking in MK.

We couldn't trust the monorail at all, and we constantly had to stress out about how we were getting around.

I paid beaucoup bucks to stay at a monorail resort for it to be an epic fail.

California Grill: Waitress was pissed that DD and I shared our meal and got fresh with me. She behaved like we were being cheap...even though I explained that my appetite is small after dieting for a year. Even though they knew it was our 22nd anniversary and we requested a table where we could view the fireworks, we were put in a small back room with the Bay Lake view...the same one I looked at all week from our room.

Our chambermaid interrupted our afternoon break daily in spite of being told that we nap in the afternoon. We were forced to go without housekeeping a few times. When we called the front desk for toilet paper, they never sent any up. We went without toilet paper for 24 hours and had to use the tissue box.

Our chambermaid never made the towel characters...not even on the day of our arrival. DD was very disappointed because she was accustomed to this on every other WDW vacation.

There were no yellow pillows with Mickey's face and no replacement item or alternative to them. The room was definitely lacking in any sign that we were in a WDW resort except for the Mickey embossed on the shower curtain. This lack of a Disney theme really bothered her.

Both pools were too shallow. I had to float in the middle of the "quiet" circular pool to get any depth. There were no lifeguards at the "quiet" pool, so people ignored all of the posted rules. They ate cheeseburgers sitting in the pool; kids played catch with tennis balls over our heads; complete mayhem went on that should have been going on at the main pool. We only swam 3 times as a result. This was a BIG disappointment after having an amazing experience at Stormalong Bay at BC 4 years ago.

Next trip to WDW:

We will not be returning to the Contemporary Resort. With all of its advantages and amenities, the lack of Disney theming and lackluster pools will keep us from returning.

Thank you for posting about your trip and your pro/cons.

I'm sorry your stay wasn't exactly magical. I do have to say that when you use the front desk button on the phone in your room, your call is routed to a Central Call Center. You are not actually calling the front desk. This is in no way an excuse because the Call Center CM should have contacted Housekeeping and had them bring you some more toilet paper. In the future, and this is for ANY WDW resort, call Housekeeping for something like that and they will bring it right up.

Also, they have stopped the towel animals all over WDW resorts. So you wouldn't have gotten any no matter where you stayed.

I wonder if those "vintage" towel animals might start appearing on eBay soon

10 Days!

Now to ask a really important question! When staying at CR...where is the best place to unwind at the end of the day with a cocktail? Outer Rim or the bar at The Wave?

We're usually Epcot Resort people...and love Ale and Compass at YC....also Bellvue at BWI. We're not fans of Martha's Vineyard at BC...too big and impersonal.
We also aren't big fans of Mizner's if that helps...

We've tried both and it depends on what you're in the mood for.

Outer Rim is a great people watching spot and you can watch the EWP from there. But, in the evening, it can get crowded with people who aren't ordering drinks (away from the bar area). You can bring food over from CC, but they don't serve any food.

The Wave is much quieter and intimate and you can order some entrees and apps. which is nice. But, seating is limited and mostly at the bar area. They don't have booths like A&C.

7 days
18 hours
10 minutes...

Yup, that's how long before we check into the CR

Even less now!!

I don't have an answer, but I LOVE the question! Beach Club def needs a better lounge. I'm s fan of territory at WL and Victoria Falls at AKL. Can't wait to hear some answers.

We love the AP menu and decor at TL, too. I've not tried VF so that's intriguing since it's probably heavily themed like TL since the same architect was involved?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you, am thinking of booking for breakfast

The breakfast buffet is wonderful, I have photos in the DINING chapter. They also accept TiW (20% off).

 

[wunkmom]

Congratulations to DS and you and DH! The walkway to the MK will make it so easy for DS and his ECV. So this is a 2016 trip, not 2015?

Thanks! We're very excited! Yes, a 2016 trip.

 

[mickeynut1]

I am at WDW right now, staying at CR. We ate last night at The Wave and the food and service was terrific.

Hope you're having a good time and enjoying the CR .

The breakfast buffet is wonderful, I have photos in the DINING chapter. They also accept TiW (20% off).

I have read a lot of great reviews about breakfast. It's definitely on our list to try .

 

[WDWKOOK]

 

[msmith1026]

18 days until we check in. I'm so excited, but also in that weird planning stage of feeling like it's still too far out to pack, and i don't want to tweak our plans any more so I'm just counting down the days until i can do something!

 

[maryandtyson]

We love the AP menu and decor at TL, too. I've not tried VF so that's intriguing since it's probably heavily themed like TL since the same architect was involved?[/QUOTE]


Victoria Falls is pretty spectacular, compared to TL. Much more thought went into it. You should take some time to check it out! Just like everything at AKL, it is unique and a world apart!

 

[FoodieFriend]

yay! i finally read thru all the posts on this forum & ready to jump in! we'll be staying at BLT on DVC points from Sept 24-Oct 6. it's our first stay ever at BLT as my "home resort". we're in a 1BDRM standard view. i'm using the great thread showing the different rooms & views, so thanks to all for posting info & pics!! can't wait to experience the EF&WF and MNSSHP for the 1st time also. WOOOHOOO!!

I think my only question is about the fridge/freezer in our kitchen. does it have an ice maker & does it use filtered water to make the ice? since we're from Hawaii where the tap water is naturally filtered, we're particular about water taste & quality. hope someone out there has an answer! thank you!

 

[Gryhndmom]

yay! i finally read thru all the posts on this forum & ready to jump in! we'll be staying at BLT on DVC points from Sept 24-Oct 6. it's our first stay ever at BLT as my "home resort". we're in a 1BDRM standard view. i'm using the great thread showing the different rooms & views, so thanks to all for posting info & pics!! can't wait to experience the EF&WF and MNSSHP for the 1st time also. WOOOHOOO!!

I think my only question is about the fridge/freezer in our kitchen. does it have an ice maker & does it use filtered water to make the ice? since we're from Hawaii where the tap water is naturally filtered, we're particular about water taste & quality. hope someone out there has an answer! thank you!

There is an ice maker in the full sized refrigerator freezer but don't believe it is "filtered" beyond what is required by local ordinances. I find the Disney water has a smell to it but don't really notice it tasting bad if we use ice. Hope that helps ! And Hawaii....sigh...LOVE my yearly visits !

 

[mommyrosa2]

All packed and ready to go (a first for me ).

Only 2 more sleeps for us

 

[mickeynut1]

View attachment 114351

Thanks for the heads up, KOOK

18 days until we check in. I'm so excited, but also in that weird planning stage of feeling like it's still too far out to pack, and i don't want to tweak our plans any more so I'm just counting down the days until i can do something!

It's never too early to start packing .

yay! i finally read thru all the posts on this forum & ready to jump in! we'll be staying at BLT on DVC points from Sept 24-Oct 6. it's our first stay ever at BLT as my "home resort". we're in a 1BDRM standard view. i'm using the great thread showing the different rooms & views, so thanks to all for posting info & pics!! can't wait to experience the EF&WF and MNSSHP for the 1st time also. WOOOHOOO!!

Welcome to the CR/BLT thread .

Glad you're getting all the information you need. This thread is great as it has a lot of knowledgeable posters who are always willing to help! I hope you have a great trip and enjoy BLT .

All packed and ready to go (a first for me ).

Only 2 more sleeps for us

 

[chrispeto]

13 days until we check in. I'm so excited

 

[mommyrosa2]

In 15 more minutes, I will "officially" be on vacation .

Pretty much all packed, oldest DD just dropped our furbaby off to the Vet for boarding (we always feel a little weepy but she said he was happy which is a great thing).

Not sure how anyone's going to sleep tonight but we better since we have to be out of the house by 4:30a for our early morning flight!

If anyone has any questions while we're there, let me know and I'll be happy to try and answer!!

 

[Cluelyss]

In 15 more minutes, I will "officially" be on vacation .

Pretty much all packed, oldest DD just dropped our furbaby off to the Vet for boarding (we always feel a little weepy but she said he was happy which is a great thing).

Not sure how anyone's going to sleep tonight but we better since we have to be out of the house by 4:30a for our early morning flight!

If anyone has any questions while we're there, let me know and I'll be happy to try and answer!!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

13 days until we check in. I'm so excited

In 15 more minutes, I will "officially" be on vacation .

Pretty much all packed, oldest DD just dropped our furbaby off to the Vet for boarding (we always feel a little weepy but she said he was happy which is a great thing).

Not sure how anyone's going to sleep tonight but we better since we have to be out of the house by 4:30a for our early morning flight!

If anyone has any questions while we're there, let me know and I'll be happy to try and answer!!

Have a great trip!

 

[CJK]

Hi all! Its been a while since I posted on this thread. Even now, I'm not staying here, but I'm helping a friend plan their trip. I hope to be posting about my own trip very soon!

I have a couple questions.

1. I see on this month's recreation guide something about 'changing of the guard' at 4:30pm. What exactly is this?

2. Do they still offer free beer tastings in the Wave restaurant at 3pm on Saturdays?

Thanks!

 

[BlueSkies]

In 15 more minutes, I will "officially" be on vacation .

Pretty much all packed, oldest DD just dropped our furbaby off to the Vet for boarding (we always feel a little weepy but she said he was happy which is a great thing).

Not sure how anyone's going to sleep tonight but we better since we have to be out of the house by 4:30a for our early morning flight!

If anyone has any questions while we're there, let me know and I'll be happy to try and answer!!

Have a great trip!! Would enjoy hearing your thoughts and comparisons between the CR and Poly...

 

[mommyrosa2]

We arrived at MCO this morning a few minutes earlier than expected and only waited about 15 min. before we started boarding ME. CR was the last stop this time around BUT it still only took us a total of 45 min. to get here...great start so far, so I thought!

Upon arrival, we were greeted outside by a CM who escorted us to the elevator and well, she didn't hit the 12th floor button as we expected, instead, she took us to the 14th floor and told us that we've been upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite . Room still isn't ready but no complaints here...honestly, could we get any luckier??? I'll be sure to take some pics when we get in.