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

[babyberger]

I know this is only speculation, but when the Sept-Dec RO discount thread was started, it showed which resorts were included under each discount and CR TPV and CL were only falling under 5%, with others falling under 20% and 30% (although it didn't specify which room types went with which discount, other than TPV and CL...it only stated "certain rooms"). The thread has since been modified and no longer shows this information, so it's anybody's guess which room types will reflect which discounts. Before this thread came out, I decided to go with CR CL BLV, but now may rethink that if the discount is only 5%. My DH really wants to try the CR and I was so looking forward to trying CL or at least getting a TPV, so now to decide whether to just book what I want and take the little bit of savings I can get, or change room types (should tower BLV be offered with a higher discount) and save a little more .

I just looked back at my CR CL BLV reservation from last December 1-3, it looks like we had a 20% discount, which I think was all the CR was getting during the Fall Season. Now when we went in Feb, Value Season, we got had a 37% discount, but we did not stay CL, just TPV. So it just goes to show, that you never know exactly what is going to be offered at which discount.

 

[princessap]

Thanks for the replies. Makes me wish we were going in february again as we got 35% off the poly then! was hoping for the same at the CR.

are winter discounts usually better than fall ones??

 

[Missyrose]

Thanks for the replies. Makes me wish we were going in february again as we got 35% off the poly then! was hoping for the same at the CR.

are winter discounts usually better than fall ones??

Yes. Between the food and Wine Festival and the Halloween/Christmas parties, the fall has become a much more popular time to visit. So Disney doesn't need to work as hard to fill their resort rooms (especially the resorts close to MK and Epcot).

 

[mickeynut1]

I just looked back at my CR CL BLV reservation from last December 1-3, it looks like we had a 20% discount, which I think was all the CR was getting during the Fall Season. Now when we went in Feb, Value Season, we got had a 37% discount, but we did not stay CL, just TPV. So it just goes to show, that you never know exactly what is going to be offered at which discount.

You are so right . I've priced out the different room categories with varying discounts so I can (hopefully) make a decision when it comes time to book, although I think that no matter which resort/room type I choose, I will constantly be second guessing it .

Thanks for the replies. Makes me wish we were going in february again as we got 35% off the poly then! was hoping for the same at the CR.

If the predictions for the discounts are correct, the Poly is only 20%....it's not a lot, but I guess it is something (and it's better than 5%). With that said, I really wasn't counting on any discount as our Poly stay is 12/22-12/24, so any kind of discount for those 2 nights is a bonus for us .

 

[mcarr1635]

My family is staying at Bay Lake Tower January 25 to Jan 30, 2014. Anyone else going to be there that week?

 

[Cobern]

My family is staying at Bay Lake Tower January 25 to Jan 30, 2014. Anyone else going to be there that week?

We are! 23-30!! We have a 2 bedroom reserved. Do you have any kids? My dd wants kids to play with there but all the ones we met on our last trip would not talk to her when she walked up and said hello

 

[wdhinn89]

I have read that someone saw several pallets of fridges at the Poly and they had a new one in their room. Hopefully the deluxe hotels are getting theirs first. We pay enough.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Not much DISing for this KOOK who will be heading down to WDW this week. I'll be sure to post some random Disney thoughts and photos soon, but I might fall behind here, so hold down the fort for me!

We're booked at CR with TPV, and if we can't get one of the three villas above, preferably with the military discount, we'll keep the CR rooms and be thrilled.

If I book well in advance, I've always been able to get a Lake View BLT one-bedroom, CR (with and w/o CL), etc... with the military 40% off. As inventories dwindle though, only Studios are available, so act fast and you'll get just what you want.

Are ap discounts offered very often at BLT?

Yes, I've seen them when the AP rates have been released.

Yeah, Mrs. Psac took the pic, and she got pics with Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and even one with a duck who didn't have any pants on!! Very scandalous.

Overall we liked Chef Mickey's. Very expensive for what you get, but good character interaction with the big ones -- you're obviously not just paying for the food. We really liked the food itself, but $75 for two adults is a bit harsh! (We may have been caught in holiday pricing.). Good thing we weren't there when the glass broke!

Have you tried Tusker House? It's Mr. KOOK's favorite lunch (I like it, too) and during lunch they have characters. I believe it's less than CM and the food and service is excellent. I highly recommend it for a great meal and some nice one on one with a duck with no pants. You'll get lots of nice photos there and the ones they take before your meal (with the aforementioned duck sans pants) are included for free and printed out for you before you leave.

My family is staying at Bay Lake Tower January 25 to Jan 30, 2014. Anyone else going to be there that week?

I'll add you to the Log-orail!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are! 23-30!! We have a 2 bedroom reserved. Do you have any kids? My dd wants kids to play with there but all the ones we met on our last trip would not talk to her when she walked up and said hello

I'll add you to the Log-orail, too

 

[trishadono]

I have read that someone saw several pallets of fridges at the Poly and they had a new one in their room. Hopefully the deluxe hotels are getting theirs first. We pay enough.

Wow, love your picture monorail thingy.(what's it called?)

All my fav resorts

 

[mickeynut1]

Not much DISing for this KOOK who will be heading down to WDW this week. I'll be sure to post some random Disney thoughts and photos soon, but I might fall behind here, so hold down the fort for me!

Safe travels. Have a great trip .

 

[TMEF23]

We are getting ready for our upcoming trip! We told my boys at our 30 day mark and every morning they wake up and say "I go to Disneyworld. I ride trains." We also spend many mornings checking out the pictures on this thread, so thank you for all of the wonderful information.

Beach- My boys are really excited about the beach. Are there beach toys for sale at the resort or should I bring some from home? We are driving down, so I should be able to find some room in the car if needed.

Pools- Since they are 2, they don't know how to swim yet. We use puddle jumpers in the pool at home. Can we use those in the pool or do we have to use the life jackets Disney has?

Massage- My husband is interested in getting a massage. Are they any good? Despite my many times to Disneyworld, I have never used any of the massage services.

Laundry- Do the washers take regular detergent or HE? We are about 5 weeks into potty training, so I expect I am going to need to use the washer at some point. Trying to figure out if we should bring our own or use what is there. We currently wash everything in fragrance free detergent due to my DH's allergies. Do they sell fragrance free detergent?

Thanks!

 

[poohgirl6]

We are getting ready for our upcoming trip! We told my boys at our 30 day mark and every morning they wake up and say "I go to Disneyworld. I ride trains." We also spend many mornings checking out the pictures on this thread, so thank you for all of the wonderful information.

Beach- My boys are really excited about the beach. Are there beach toys for sale at the resort or should I bring some from home? We are driving down, so I should be able to find some room in the car if needed.

Pools- Since they are 2, they don't know how to swim yet. We use puddle jumpers in the pool at home. Can we use those in the pool or do we have to use the life jackets Disney has?

Massage- My husband is interested in getting a massage. Are they any good? Despite my many times to Disneyworld, I have never used any of the massage services.

Laundry- Do the washers take regular detergent or HE? We are about 5 weeks into potty training, so I expect I am going to need to use the washer at some point. Trying to figure out if we should bring our own or use what is there. We currently wash everything in fragrance free detergent due to my DH's allergies. Do they sell fragrance free detergent?

Thanks!

I know you must be getting excited! And with 2 yr old twins....how fun

I can only help you with your laundry question. Unless they have changed something since last Sept, the washers are the regular top loaders, not HE. There are pics of the laundry room located on the first page of this thread Laundry facilities are located in the garden wing and you can only use your KTTW card to pay (no money). I logged some time in there last year, and am sure to again this Sept. It's pretty roomy, several machines, has a TV and newspaper to read when I was there. I was the only one in there and no other machines in use that Friday morning.

 

[dmaz]

Wonder if the washers will eventually accept the magic bands. That would make laundry day so much easier to not have to even worry about a card or money.

 

[Cobern]

We are getting ready for our upcoming trip! We told my boys at our 30 day mark and every morning they wake up and say "I go to Disneyworld. I ride trains." We also spend many mornings checking out the pictures on this thread, so thank you for all of the wonderful information.

Beach- My boys are really excited about the beach. Are there beach toys for sale at the resort or should I bring some from home? We are driving down, so I should be able to find some room in the car if needed.

Pools- Since they are 2, they don't know how to swim yet. We use puddle jumpers in the pool at home. Can we use those in the pool or do we have to use the life jackets Disney has?

Massage- My husband is interested in getting a massage. Are they any good? Despite my many times to Disneyworld, I have never used any of the massage services.

Laundry- Do the washers take regular detergent or HE? We are about 5 weeks into potty training, so I expect I am going to need to use the washer at some point. Trying to figure out if we should bring our own or use what is there. We currently wash everything in fragrance free detergent due to my DH's allergies. Do they sell fragrance free detergent?

Thanks!

Ok I can only help with a few of these.

Beach - I would bring my own or get some at Walmart/target. I know they are getting hard to find right now because "summer" is over for the stores. I saw a picture if some sold at the resorts before but I fear that they are getting rid of them right now due to new fall merchandise being phased in.

Pools - in may our daughter (2) wore that floaty thing that goes up each arm and across their chest and clips in the back (hers is pink with a crab face on it). Our son (1) was in those baby floated that are inflatable and have a detachable canopy. We had no issues using either at POR and I am assuming all pools follow similar guidelines. We also saw other kids in similar things at the pools and we were never questioned once by a lifeguard about it.

Massage - I read a review from a lady who had a massage at the GF spa. She ranked it as one of her top 3 experiences for massages. I will see if I can find her link and post it here for you. Her husband got one too.

Laundry - I would buy the all free and clear pacs to bring with me (I don't think tide makes them yet)

 

[Cobern]

http://www.disneytravelrecord.com/2013/07/review-senses-spa-at-disneys-grand.html


Here is one review if the spa at GF

 

[wdhinn89]

Wow, love your picture monorail thingy.(what's it called?)

All my fav resorts

It is from tinypic.com

 

[babyberger]

Laundry- Do the washers take regular detergent or HE? We are about 5 weeks into potty training, so I expect I am going to need to use the washer at some point. Trying to figure out if we should bring our own or use what is there. We currently wash everything in fragrance free detergent due to my DH's allergies. Do they sell fragrance free detergent?

Thanks!

Laundry - I would buy the all free and clear pacs to bring with me (I don't think tide makes them yet)

When I was there I definitely did not see any fragrance free detergent, which is all I use as well. Like Cobern suggested, I picked up a package of the All Free & Clear pods and take those with the Bounce Free dryer sheets and use them when whenever we travel.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks! I went in and it let me order the Magic Bands.

We are not on a package with tickets, but on a TA rate that is treated as a package. We have AP's for our tickets.

Me too!! When are you going? We don't have APs yet. I've got to pick up my TA comp ticket, so I can't schedule any FP+ for myself only DH and DD who I bought 10 day PH for with the intention of bridging to APs.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We are pretty sold on CR. We have booked 8 nights in a garden wing room for August 2014.

We have an amazing rate at 40% off ($201/night) as we have been able to take advantage of the military discount again.

So, yeah, $201/night on the monorail is amazing!!! But, I am feeling that urge to move to the tower,in a TPV room and maybe even Atrium Club.

Our last two stays have been CL (YC and WL) and we do love it, but wanted to be a bit more frugal on this trip...

I'm thinking this out....GW has no balconies....but....eh, not worried about that so much in August...it's too hot to go on the balcony. If I booked Atrium Club, it would be BLV.

The walk to the main building doesn't bother me, and I think it's probably a lot more quiet in the GW....and they are the exact.same.room.

It's $1750 difference to move to Atrium club, which I know is just RIDICULOUS but still cheaper than what we normally spend...because we usually do 10 nights and we are only doing 8 this time (10 nights has gotten a weeee bit too long for this family)...

Or....I could just add another night GW....

Ahhhhhhh, I'm all over the place....WWYD??? Take the savings and run?? Book CL? Book TPV???

Help!