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

[sjs314]

KOOK I make my ADRs on 5/7

 

[WDWKOOK]

I think that's a good choice.......you are going to have a great time .

I have to ask...have you made or come closer to making your reservation?

KOOK I make my ADRs on 5/7

OK, but shouldn't you be making them in 9 days? Isn't it 180+10?

 

[mickeynut1]

I have to ask...have you made or come closer to making your reservation?

I'm getting close . I sat down today and crunched numbers as far as paying OOP for meals, getting the DDP, or getting APs and buying the TiW card. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to book a package with tickets/DDP or book room only and pay OOP with or without the AP/TiW card. I think I've decided to go the room only route, but I'm going to give it some more thought and hopefully make a concrete decision soon .

 

[babyberger]

I'm getting close . I sat down today and crunched numbers as far as paying OOP for meals, getting the DDP, or getting APs and buying the TiW card. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to book a package with tickets/DDP or book room only and pay OOP with or without the AP/TiW card. I think I've decided to go the room only route, but I'm going to give it some more thought and hopefully make a concrete decision soon .

I am a FL res so my numbers are skewed, but I did run an excel spreadsheet on meals with the DP vs. OOP w/ TiW, and it was close but we decided the TiW won and we definitely got our money's worth this year. We liked the flexibility of the TiW and not feeling like we had to maximize every meal.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm getting close . I sat down today and crunched numbers as far as paying OOP for meals, getting the DDP, or getting APs and buying the TiW card. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to book a package with tickets/DDP or book room only and pay OOP with or without the AP/TiW card. I think I've decided to go the room only route, but I'm going to give it some more thought and hopefully make a concrete decision soon .

I am a FL res so my numbers are skewed, but I did run an excel spreadsheet on meals with the DP vs. OOP w/ TiW, and it was close but we decided the TiW won and we definitely got our money's worth this year. We liked the flexibility of the TiW and not feeling like we had to maximize every meal.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

ITA with Melissa. When I've run the numbers, APs with TIW win every time. Of course, if you can't squeeze at least one more trip in in a year or if you're not visiting at least once for 14 days (that is the break-even mark for us with the APs at the military rate) then skip APs, and buy a package with tickets, but I would still skip the DDP.

When I've run the numbers on the DDP, for us, we're better off paying OOP, even if we didn't have TIW. The DDP includes dessert, which you pay for and tip on which we often don't want right after our big meal. If you do the DxDP, that includes two desserts per day and three TS meals, all of which you'll have to factor in the amount of all those tips per day, which are no longer included in the DxDP. My calculations for us showed that getting the DDP really just gives us one snack free per day. This is hardly worth the restrictions of the DDP and the fact that we may not want snacks and desserts, which we've already paid for with the DDP and feel 'obligated' to order. For us, 20% off our TS meals (including drinks) and generally one QS meal without a discount per day, in combination with CL, works best for us. But, your mileage may vary

 

[Happyjen27]

Thank you KOOK and all of you CR experts. I've read every single page of this thread, and I'm so grateful for all your knowledge.

Last week I made a decision (note I did not say final decision) and I've booked for CR for December 2013.

My first ever WDW trip was Dec 2012 and we stayed at the Poly. Originally I wanted CR but was lured away with promises of walking distance to TTC. The Poly was *fine* but not quite my sweet spot, so I will keep my quest alive. I was almost lured away by WL this time, but I'm holding steady with CR.

This thread is the #1 reason why I'm going with CR. Of the whole trip, one of the favorite activities for my twins was campfires and watching movies outside. I hunted and looked and could not find that CR offered these things, until I read the first few pages of this awesome thread, and saw pictures of those 2 events. I decided immediately.

I'm booked GW/GV right now, until discounts come out. At that time I'll decide whether to stay with GW or upgrade to Tower-TPV.

Is it generally true that when AP discounts come out, they eventually come out for general public? If we do 2 trips within a year, AP would be beneficial financially, but if there are AP exclusive discounts that might tip us over the edge to make sure 2 trips happen in a year.

With AP, does the year go from the time of purchase in 2013 to the time of purchase in 2014, or is it by calendar year, meaning from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of any given year?

Thank you again!

So, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for the next 7 months!

 

[Koh1977]

Thank you KOOK and all of you CR experts. I've read every single page of this thread, and I'm so grateful for all your knowledge.

Last week I made a decision (note I did not say final decision) and I've booked for CR for December 2013.

My first ever WDW trip was Dec 2012 and we stayed at the Poly. Originally I wanted CR but was lured away with promises of walking distance to TTC. The Poly was *fine* but not quite my sweet spot, so I will keep my quest alive. I was almost lured away by WL this time, but I'm holding steady with CR.

This thread is the #1 reason why I'm going with CR. Of the whole trip, one of the favorite activities for my twins was campfires and watching movies outside. I hunted and looked and could not find that CR offered these things, until I read the first few pages of this awesome thread, and saw pictures of those 2 events. I decided immediately.

I'm booked GW/GV right now, until discounts come out. At that time I'll decide whether to stay with GW or upgrade to Tower-TPV.

Is it generally true that when AP discounts come out, they eventually come out for general public? If we do 2 trips within a year, AP would be beneficial financially, but if there are AP exclusive discounts that might tip us over the edge to make sure 2 trips happen in a year.

With AP, does the year go from the time of purchase in 2013 to the time of purchase in 2014, or is it by calendar year, meaning from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of any given year?

Thank you again!

So, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for the next 7 months!

Welcome!! And the AP year is a year from purchase.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[mickeynut1]

I am a FL res so my numbers are skewed, but I did run an excel spreadsheet on meals with the DP vs. OOP w/ TiW, and it was close but we decided the TiW won and we definitely got our money's worth this year. We liked the flexibility of the TiW and not feeling like we had to maximize every meal.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

ITA with Melissa. When I've run the numbers, APs with TIW win every time. Of course, if you can't squeeze at least one more trip in in a year or if you're not visiting at least once for 14 days (that is the break-even mark for us with the APs at the military rate) then skip APs, and buy a package with tickets, but I would still skip the DDP.

When I've run the numbers on the DDP, for us, we're better off paying OOP, even if we didn't have TIW. The DDP includes dessert, which you pay for and tip on which we often don't want right after our big meal. If you do the DxDP, that includes two desserts per day and three TS meals, all of which you'll have to factor in the amount of all those tips per day, which are no longer included in the DxDP. My calculations for us showed that getting the DDP really just gives us one snack free per day. This is hardly worth the restrictions of the DDP and the fact that we may not want snacks and desserts, which we've already paid for with the DDP and feel 'obligated' to order. For us, 20% off our TS meals (including drinks) and generally one QS meal without a discount per day, in combination with CL, works best for us. But, your mileage may vary

Thank you both for your input .

After doing the math, the TiW card comes out to be the bigger savings for us, with paying OOP and the DDP coming out to be about the same. I am really leaning toward CL so that, combined with the TiW card, will be a good combination I think .

 

[psac]

Thank you both for your input .

After doing the math, the TiW card comes out to be the bigger savings for us, with paying OOP and the DDP coming out to be about the same. I am really leaning toward CL so that, combined with the TiW card, will be a good combination I think .

Also a fan of the TIW card, especially if you do a lot of signatures or like having a few adult beverages with your meals, since the discount applies to those as well. I think especially staying deluxe, the room only or AP discounts work out better than any free dining, and the TIW is better than paying for the plans. If you take more than one trip per year, the AP is definitely the way to go. Even the AP discount on souvenirs makes a nice little difference in spending.

 

[mickeynut1]

Also a fan of the TIW card, especially if you do a lot of signatures or like having a few adult beverages with your meals, since the discount applies to those as well. I think especially staying deluxe, the room only or AP discounts work out better than any free dining, and the TIW is better than paying for the plans. If you take more than one trip per year, the AP is definitely the way to go. Even the AP discount on souvenirs makes a nice little difference in spending.

Thanks for your input . We never ate at any signature restaurants until our December 2010 trip (tried Artist Point and Yachtsman Steakhouse....loved them both), but once we tried them, we really enjoyed them and are looking forward to trying others on future trips. As much as we love the DDP/DlxDDP, I'm thinking that isn't a good idea for us this time around, especially since I'm giving a lot of consideration to APs and buying the TiW card. We will most likely take at least one trip in 2014, so the APs would be our best bet, although putting out money for 4 adult APs will be a big expense . But in the long run I think it would be worth it.

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

Hey all!!! Getting some packing done today!!

Can someone please refresh my memory since we haven't stayed at the CR for a few years.....

Is there still a make-up mirror on the side wall next to the sinks (ugh those sinks what they were thinking I will NEVER know)? Instead of using one of the sinks as a counter I am going to try using a foldable make-up bag and I'm trying to think if there's a place I can hang it up near the sinks. THX!!!

 

[Happyjen27]

Speaking of sinks, are my 42 and 44 inch kids going to be able to reach the faucets conveniently to wash their hands? Does Disney have step stools they can put in the room for us?

And, I hate to be that person, but.....

I have a question about the coffee maker in the rooms.

(I say I hate to be that person because last year when I was addicted to the Poly thread, that thread was just lousy with constant questions about the coffee makers )

Is the coffee that is stocked in the rooms complimentary or do we have to pay for what we use? Last year we had DDP so DH just got it from Capn Cooks, but this year, we're paying OOP, and likely making coffee in our room.

Also, can I get hot water for tea from that same machine?

Thank you CR fans!!

 

[OHIOVACATIONER]

We rented points for a DVC member at BLT. Do we get free internet with that?

 

[dansdad]

We rented points for a DVC member at BLT. Do we get free internet with that?

Yup.

 

[Adlergray]

Hi y'all
I just booked our first BLT stay for sept this week and have a couple questions.
(we booked through Disney, didn't rent points)

1. How long is the walk from BLT to the Monorail?
2. Is coffee ect replaced daily like normal rooms. ( I would assume so but I have seen the price list for DVC members and know the have to pay to get more so I was just checking.)
3. I'm I right that you can't get in to TOW unless you rent points?
4. Can you still get room service from CR?
TIA

 

[sotoalf]

Hi y'all
I just booked our first BLT stay for sept this week and have a couple questions.
(we booked through Disney, didn't rent points)

1. How long is the walk from BLT to the Monorail?
2. Is coffee ect replaced daily like normal rooms. ( I would assume so but I have seen the price list for DVC members and know the have to pay to get more so I was just checking.)
3. I'm I right that you can't get in to TOW unless you rent points?
4. Can you still get room service from CR?
TIA

1. Not long. An elevated corridor connects BLT with the Grand Canyon Concourse.

 

[harleyquinn]

So I read on a photographer's website that they are not allowed on any of the resort properties except for Boardwalk. Is this true? I've seen pictures of other family pics at places like POR, POFQ, and even CR online that were on non Disney PhotoPass photographers' sites...I'm confused...who would I contact to check this out??

I know for a fact that Randy Chapman can do photography at any of the Disney hotels. (I'm a Disney Travel Agent and my agency has a relationship with him).

I don't know if he has special permission, but I know he can do it.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you KOOK and all of you CR experts. I've read every single page of this thread, and I'm so grateful for all your knowledge.

Last week I made a decision (note I did not say final decision) and I've booked for CR for December 2013.

My first ever WDW trip was Dec 2012 and we stayed at the Poly. Originally I wanted CR but was lured away with promises of walking distance to TTC. The Poly was *fine* but not quite my sweet spot, so I will keep my quest alive. I was almost lured away by WL this time, but I'm holding steady with CR.

This thread is the #1 reason why I'm going with CR. Of the whole trip, one of the favorite activities for my twins was campfires and watching movies outside. I hunted and looked and could not find that CR offered these things, until I read the first few pages of this awesome thread, and saw pictures of those 2 events. I decided immediately.

I'm booked GW/GV right now, until discounts come out. At that time I'll decide whether to stay with GW or upgrade to Tower-TPV.

Is it generally true that when AP discounts come out, they eventually come out for general public? If we do 2 trips within a year, AP would be beneficial financially, but if there are AP exclusive discounts that might tip us over the edge to make sure 2 trips happen in a year.

With AP, does the year go from the time of purchase in 2013 to the time of purchase in 2014, or is it by calendar year, meaning from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of any given year?

Thank you again!

So, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for the next 7 months!

I'm so impressed that you've read through the entire thread. I'm so glad you found this thread helpful in your planning and thank you for your kind comments. The AP rates are usually more in line with FL Resident rates, whereas the general public offers are generally more in line with Visa Card offers. If you purchase an AP voucher, such as the military AP, the clock won't start until you activate it.

Happy planning and let us know if you have any other questions

Also a fan of the TIW card, especially if you do a lot of signatures or like having a few adult beverages with your meals, since the discount applies to those as well. I think especially staying deluxe, the room only or AP discounts work out better than any free dining, and the TIW is better than paying for the plans. If you take more than one trip per year, the AP is definitely the way to go. Even the AP discount on souvenirs makes a nice little difference in spending.

...And if you don't, the AP is a great way to start

Hey all!!! Getting some packing done today!!

Can someone please refresh my memory since we haven't stayed at the CR for a few years.....

Is there still a make-up mirror on the side wall next to the sinks (ugh those sinks what they were thinking I will NEVER know)? Instead of using one of the sinks as a counter I am going to try using a foldable make-up bag and I'm trying to think if there's a place I can hang it up near the sinks. THX!!!

Yes, the mirror is still there and could you hang your bag on the ladder-style towel rack?

Speaking of sinks, are my 42 and 44 inch kids going to be able to reach the faucets conveniently to wash their hands? Does Disney have step stools they can put in the room for us?

And, I hate to be that person, but.....

I have a question about the coffee maker in the rooms.

(I say I hate to be that person because last year when I was addicted to the Poly thread, that thread was just lousy with constant questions about the coffee makers )

Is the coffee that is stocked in the rooms complimentary or do we have to pay for what we use? Last year we had DDP so DH just got it from Capn Cooks, but this year, we're paying OOP, and likely making coffee in our room.

Also, can I get hot water for tea from that same machine?

Thank you CR fans!!

LOL about the coffee. No problem asking here, but there isn't Kona at CR. They replenish the coffee daily and just leave out the coffee pod to make hot water for the tea which they supply.

I believe it was on the WL thread that someone posted that they had stepping stools for kids to reach the sinks. Just ask housekeeping or at check in.

We rented points for a DVC member at BLT. Do we get free internet with that?

Yup.

Yes, WiFi is now free at all resorts and parks.

Hi y'all
I just booked our first BLT stay for sept this week and have a couple questions.
(we booked through Disney, didn't rent points)

1. How long is the walk from BLT to the Monorail?
2. Is coffee ect replaced daily like normal rooms. ( I would assume so but I have seen the price list for DVC members and know the have to pay to get more so I was just checking.)
3. I'm I right that you can't get in to TOW unless you rent points?
4. Can you still get room service from CR?
TIA

1. About 5-10 minutes depending on where you are at BLT.

2. Yes, daily.

3. Correct.

4. Yes.

Congratulations on booking! You're going to love BLT!

 

[cheesemouse]

When are you going? David's couldn't reserve a two BR for us at BLT even at the 11 month window. He didn't have enough points for us-Boo!

This is the exact problem that I'm running into with trying to rent points. Tried David's and another one. And I only want a 1BR, for 3 nights. Not that many points really.

Were you ever successful with renting or did you do a cash reservation? We did a cash res. before but with a substantial discount (45%). No way I can stomach paying full rack rate in spring break season.

They said to check back at the 7 month booking window but I feel like that's just lip service. I highly doubt there will be any availability at the 7 month mark. Thoughts?

 

[Bolebrothers]

Hi y'all
I just booked our first BLT stay for sept this week and have a couple questions.
(we booked through Disney, didn't rent points)

1. How long is the walk from BLT to the Monorail?
2. Is coffee ect replaced daily like normal rooms. ( I would assume so but I have seen the price list for DVC members and know the have to pay to get more so I was just checking.)
3. I'm I right that you can't get in to TOW unless you rent points?
4. Can you still get room service from CR?
TIA

1) The connecting "gangway" is on the 5th floor, from any room no more than 3-4 minutes to the CR and the monorail.
2)Yes when booked direct, housekeeping is daily and they will refill, if not call housekeeping and they will bring you some.
3) You have to be a DVC member as they ask for your member card if you want to go up there. At least they did in February, so even if renting points I am not sure you could enjoy the TOW. There are a lot of discussions over this on DIS.
4) Yes, you most certainly can, a menu will be in the room.

And enjoy your stay it is our favorite place, we have tried a few other DVC resorts but nothing compares, so very happy we bought at BLT.