A little resort advice for family staying at Contemporary with Sensory child

[Abharmagic]

Hello. Planning our third trip to WDW for DS 5th birthday. He has very mild PDD type issues (only thing keeping him from diagnosis is that he is social and seeks out social contact with peers and adults)-- he is kid with sensory issues and diagnosis of Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS. He NEEDS routine, basically an out of sync child who has trouble coping when life is not somewhat predictable.

That said we have done 2 WDW trips with him and he loves it there. He is a huge Buzz Lightyear fan. The past two visits we have stayed off site at Mariott Vacation Club Resorts. Both times with 2 bedrooms/baths, a kitchen, washer & dryer. This set-up has worked well for us. Due to DS's sensory issues he can be a *bit* of a vomiter when overwhelmed (Fantasmic did it to him) and it's nice to know I can run a load of laundry right in our room when I have to.

But, staying offsite has its disadvantages with him too. When he is done he is DONE needs to go now! Back to the room to chill out. So, the car ride back to the resort can be a little long for him.

We have looked at staying at DVC properties b/c they are on-site and have the amenities we/he are used to. But they are EXPENSIVE- 3 times as much as we paid for the Mariott. And- there's only one DVC property on the monorail line BLT and that one is astronomical.

So, we have resigned ourselves to the fact that we will not stay in a villa- and stay in a room on property but on the monorail. My kids and DH and I like Epcot and the MK the best and will spend 90% of our touring time in these two parks. I am really leaning towards the Contemporary.

Why the Contemporary? In my mind I think it will be best to stay IN the building with our transportation. Walk out of room- take elevator down to monorail- get on monorail- be dropped off at park of choice. BUT I am also apprehensive about the Contemproary, can anyone help.

I have concerns about the noise. My kids and I aren't overly sensitive to noise- but if it's really loud and disruptive in the tower rooms as far as noise level- it may end up being a problem. I read in The UG to request rooms on the 9th floor or higher. I was going to try and get a room on the highest floor above the 9th floor available, and on the opposite side of the building from Chef Mickey's and as far from the elevator (ding) as possible. Is it impossible to get a relatively quiet room in the Contemporary, or am I dreaming.

I know room availability is 99% luck of the draw- who's coming who's going on any particular day and what kind of room you have in your budget. Well, our budget basically can pay for a standard bay view or MK view tower room- no suite, concierge, or BLT DVC for our budget.

Anyone stay at the contemporary and have a relatively quiet room/stay. I want feedback.

Also is there any way to request a room for a special needs child. I have his diagnosis, along with being able to obtain a Dr. note specifying his special needs and any accomodations he requires. HELP!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have had over 100 nights in the Contemporary, all of it in the Tower. The rooms are very soundproof. We have never noticed any noise from the restaurants, whether at the end away from the restaurants, in the middle or near the restaurants. And had never noticed any "dings" from the elevators.

Much of this soundproofing is due to the very unusual method of contstruction for the Contemporary. The rooms were actually built nearby, truccked over to the building, and slid into place. Therefore the room walls are all concrete construction and not just framing. The original intent was to make redecorating easier, but nobody considered (pre-construction) either the effect of humidity or building settlement, so once the building was done it became impossible to remove the modules.

And, by the way, a diagnoses is useless and a doctor's note is unnecessary. If there are special needs you have to be able to explain what the needs are and Disney will see what can be done to meet these needs.

 

[Abharmagic]

Thanks for all the info. I have no doubt in my ability to explain Andrew's abilities and disabilities, so I will not worry about it except to request what I already have in mind then: Tower room, end opposite Chef Mickey's and as far from elevator as possible. I am glad to hear the Contemporary will be a good fit for my family.

 

[preschoolmom]

We stayed in the Contemporary, we were upgraded to a tower Bay lake view room - and it was perfectly quiet. When our room door was closed, we didn't hear ANYTHING. Not the monorail, elevators, or even any other guests.

Have a magical trip!

 

[annetteb421]

My son has CP but he also has sensory issues. He HATES the fireworks, so we always request an "inside room", but if your son can handle it, we head for the arcade @ firework time because you can't hear them in there. We love the Boardwalk because you can get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios without using transportation (just your feet). That way you don't have to worry about sensory issues on the buses. Although we don't stay there, this would also apply to the Yacht and Beach Club resorts.

 

[Abharmagic]

(X- posted with Resort board) Thanks for all the input everyone.

I am just going to request it and hope for the best.

I have thought about the Garden Wing, but really the convenience of being in the same building outweighs the noise outside of my room as long as the noise level inside of my room is not booming. So, if the Tower is relatively quiet inside the room- that will be OK I think.

I realize some of this will be reliant upon some external factors and the planets aligning correctly for us during our stay (ie. you may be able to request a room and maybe even get it-- but you can't control who your neighbors will be-- that's just part of staying at a hotel). Kids running in halls, screaming in halls, noisy neighbors up all night- all that is a possibility that I understand.

I have thought and looked extensively at the Beach Club Resort and even the BCV. The access to Epcot's World Showcase and DHS by boat is appealing- but I have two MK fans and really want the convenience of being on the monorail.

I think I am gonna go for it and see what happens. We all love WDW so how bad could it be

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Hello. Planning our third trip to WDW for DS 5th birthday. He has very mild PDD type issues (only thing keeping him from diagnosis is that he is social and seeks out social contact with peers and adults)-- he is kid with sensory issues and diagnosis of Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS. He NEEDS routine, basically an out of sync child who has trouble coping when life is not somewhat predictable.

That said we have done 2 WDW trips with him and he loves it there. He is a huge Buzz Lightyear fan. The past two visits we have stayed off site at Mariott Vacation Club Resorts. Both times with 2 bedrooms/baths, a kitchen, washer & dryer. This set-up has worked well for us. Due to DS's sensory issues he can be a *bit* of a vomiter when overwhelmed (Fantasmic did it to him) and it's nice to know I can run a load of laundry right in our room when I have to.

But, staying offsite has its disadvantages with him too. When he is done he is DONE needs to go now! Back to the room to chill out. So, the car ride back to the resort can be a little long for him.

We have looked at staying at DVC properties b/c they are on-site and have the amenities we/he are used to. But they are EXPENSIVE- 3 times as much as we paid for the Mariott. And- there's only one DVC property on the monorail line BLT and that one is astronomical.

So, we have resigned ourselves to the fact that we will not stay in a villa- and stay in a room on property but on the monorail. My kids and DH and I like Epcot and the MK the best and will spend 90% of our touring time in these two parks. I am really leaning towards the Contemporary.

Why the Contemporary? In my mind I think it will be best to stay IN the building with our transportation. Walk out of room- take elevator down to monorail- get on monorail- be dropped off at park of choice. BUT I am also apprehensive about the Contemproary, can anyone help.

I have concerns about the noise. My kids and I aren't overly sensitive to noise- but if it's really loud and disruptive in the tower rooms as far as noise level- it may end up being a problem. I read in The UG to request rooms on the 9th floor or higher. I was going to try and get a room on the highest floor above the 9th floor available, and on the opposite side of the building from Chef Mickey's and as far from the elevator (ding) as possible. Is it impossible to get a relatively quiet room in the Contemporary, or am I dreaming.

I know room availability is 99% luck of the draw- who's coming who's going on any particular day and what kind of room you have in your budget. Well, our budget basically can pay for a standard bay view or MK view tower room- no suite, concierge, or BLT DVC for our budget.

Anyone stay at the contemporary and have a relatively quiet room/stay. I want feedback.

Also is there any way to request a room for a special needs child. I have his diagnosis, along with being able to obtain a Dr. note specifying his special needs and any accomodations he requires. HELP!

My daughter has autism and we stay at the Contemporary when we can afford. We stay in the Garden wing that is quiet. Tell them to put on your reservation that you have an autistic child and what you need, Disney is very good with that for a disability. The best is the walk back from the MK. Short. Good luck.

One thing I do at Disney and other public places is put a label on my daughter that says Autism Speach Impared, if alone call <cell> or 911. This has made a huge difference in peoples tolerance of her.

 

[livndisney]

I just wanted to mention that the Monorail from the CONT only goes to MK or the TTC. It doesn't drop you at the "park of your choice". To get to the Studios or AK you will still need to take a bus. And to get to Epcot will mean changing to another Monorail at the TTC. You can also walk to MK.

I see you are also considering the Beach Club. The boats will take you to the Studios and to Epcot. You can also walk to both. (May make it easier to get back to the resort at meltdown if you don't have to wait on transport).

Another thought-there can be a good bit of activity on the shopping level at CONT (usually visable from railing out side door) will that be a concern for your son? (The monorail coming and going and people milling around in open areas.)

 

[Abharmagic]

I just wanted to mention that the Monorail from the CONT only goes to MK or the TTC. It doesn't drop you at the "park of your choice". To get to the Studios or AK you will still need to take a bus. And to get to Epcot will mean changing to another Monorail at the TTC. You can also walk to MK.

I see you are also considering the Beach Club. The boats will take you to the Studios and to Epcot. You can also walk to both. (May make it easier to get back to the resort at meltdown if you don't have to wait on transport).

Yes- I realize that- by taking us to the park of our choice I mean MK and Epcot-- my family's two favorite parks. To be honest with you we don't go to AK at all- been once, spent a day there- not interested. And I do realize we have to change monorails at the TTC to go to EPCOT- it's still more convenient (IMO than driving and/or riding Disney busses).

The Beach Club just doesn't have the convenience to the MK which is what we desire. Yes, it's nice to walk and/or take a boat to Epcot or DHS but really we'll spend (at most) one day and one evening at DHS. In reality 80 to 90% of our time will be spent at either the MK or Epcot.

 

[livndisney]

Yes- I realize that- by taking us to the park of our choice I mean MK and Epcot-- my family's two favorite parks. To be honest with you we don't go to AK at all- been once, spent a day there- not interested. And I do realize we have to change monorails at the TTC to go to EPCOT- it's still more convenient (IMO than driving and/or riding Disney busses).

The Beach Club just doesn't have the convenience to the MK which is what we desire. Yes, it's nice to walk and/or take a boat to Epcot or DHS but really we'll spend (at most) one day and one evening at DHS. In reality 80 to 90% of our time will be spent at either the MK or Epcot.

I can't tell you the number of times I have heard people asking were to get the Monorail to Pop, POFQ, AK or one of the other resorts. I even heard a woman INSIST she had ridden the Monorail from AK just that morning LOL.

I missed your signature of 20 trip before becoming a mommy.

 

[Abharmagic]

No problem- I am a compulsive planner just planning out the details. I appreciate any and all input.

 

[bookwormde]

A studio at BLT is only a little more than a room at the contemporary (465 vs 455 LV and 510 vs 500 MKV) and should be quieter, I agree a 1br is pricy (A big part of why I bought resale into DVC). typcially DVC resorts have 5% more discount also so at many times they are less$. If you are getting a good discount I would spend the extra $50 to upgrade to a 1br, you can save that much in food costs since you have a full kitchen.

http://www.mousesavers.com/roomrates2010.html

bookwormde

 

[Abharmagic]

I would love love love a BLT 1 bedroom. Does a studio have a washer and dryer?

 

[bookwormde]

There is no w/d in the studios

bookwormde

 

[Abharmagic]

Darn, well then I might as well save the (little bit of) money and go for a regular room I guess. The washer/dryer would make it all worthwhile for me.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

All DVC has a free laundry room for the people staying in the studios. It is not as easy as in room but still I can do laundry.

 

[RumpleMom]

Have you thought about having one member of your family purchase an annual pass? Annual passholders sometimes get really great discounts on rooms, for example 40% off a DVC villa stay.

Look at the amount of money you will be spending at the Contemporary. Could you swing putting that amount towards a resale DVC contract?

Will you be visiting WDW in the future rather than going other places?

Used to stay at the All-Stars and mods and realized DVC was right for us. We have saved so much time getting ready each morning because we now eat breakfast in every morning. We all start the day in a more pleasant mood because we can go at a slower pace.

 

[Abharmagic]

Have you thought about having one member of your family purchase an annual pass? Annual passholders sometimes get really great discounts on rooms, for example 40% off a DVC villa stay.

Look at the amount of money you will be spending at the Contemporary. Could you swing putting that amount towards a resale DVC contract?

Will you be visiting WDW in the future rather than going other places?

Used to stay at the All-Stars and mods and realized DVC was right for us. We have saved so much time getting ready each morning because we now eat breakfast in every morning. We all start the day in a more pleasant mood because we can go at a slower pace.

Rumplemom-- Nothing would please me more than having DH agree to a DVC contract and/or an AP. But, while he enjoys WDW he is not a die hard fanatic like me. This will probably be our last trip for a few years DH is a skier and after my dream WDW 2011 trip we will go on a ski vacation, and then Italy-- may not be back to WDW again until 2014 or even later-- scary to think that my kids will be 11 and 8 then-- ahhh They may even prefer/want to go to Universal at that age. I'm going to try and soak it all in on this next trip.

 

[Dancind]

You might consider renting from a DVC member. Then you could have the 1 BR villa as long as you have plenty of lead time.

 

[thej]

I completely understand where you are coming from. DS (now 8) has Aspergers, and has some sensory issues. Hated fireworks for many years, both the fire and the noise. He gets into overload with crowds and needs to take a break. But he loves vestibular input... there's no roller coaster too wild for him We held off a long time in taking him to WDW because we were not sure if he would be able to enjoy it.

In the end we decided the contemporary was the best choice for us because of its proximity to MK and Epcot via monorail. Easy exit if needed! We had a great stay in Jan of 2009. Had booked a Garden wing room because of price and they are supposed to be much quieter. We had requested a quiet room because of a S/N child and they were very receptive to this. We got "upgraded" to a 4th floor lake view room. I was a bit worried about the noise level, because tho it was on the opposite end from CM it was on the same level as the monorail. It turned out to be pretty darn quiet. With the door closed you could faintly hear the woosh of the monorail, and a bit of the beat from CM, but if you turned the A/C up it was pretty well covered. Fireworks were very distant noise from the room with the door closed. From the Wave restaurant you can't even hear them.


Amazingly, DS got over his fear of fireworks at MK. We saw them from the monorail one night, and then the next day he was willing to stay in the park for them. I think the music & "show" helped him get through it. On our most recent trip, he asked why we couldn't stay for the fireworks every night!

If you have any specific questions... just let us know, we'd be happy to try to answer!