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

[TMEF23]

Thank you for all the replies! I will add laundry detergent to my list of things to purchase! I will also bring our puddle jumpers and some beach toys.

I can't believe how quickly this trip will be here!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thank you for all the replies! I will add laundry detergent to my list of things to purchase! I will also bring our puddle jumpers and some beach toys.

I can't believe how quickly this trip will be here!

For the pool, noodles are good, but not tubes or rafts. With little ones, you don't want any pool toys with covers over them because the life guards can't watch the kids in the pool.

As for the beach, you cannot go into the lake, but you can play in the sand. You don't want the brain eating amoeba. I thought I heard that there was just a death in Arkansas last week from this.

 

[AllieKG]

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!

I know how you feel! We booked Boardwalk Inn with the military discount a few days ago. But I've always wanted to try the Contemporary! So...I splurged and made the switch! Our Disney vacation is how we're spending our first week back in the U.S. after two years in Korea....two LONG years in Korea was all I needed to justify the splurge! We NEED a vacation since DH's job didn't allow us to travel in Asia like we had hoped. The GW and BLV were both available for our dates and I chose BLV. Might as well go big or go home! The GW is great (and I am super grateful for the military discount and will take whatever is available) but I really wanted the balcony and the view since it was available! I am so excited! The weather will be cool enough to enjoy our balcony during our stay.

Add me to the log-o-rail! Feb 23-March 2

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can't multi-quote now, sorry, but the Korea post just caught my eye as we spent two years there as well

In a rush - heading out - hold down the fort for me!


WL here we come!​

 

[Happyjen27]

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!

I'm no KOOK, but I'll give this one a shot. You are at a crossroads between being frugal and splurging to vacation in the way you've become accustomed in the past.

So, what will you regret more? The money you would spend on the BLV CL or the not having CL (and living each day as a commoner, LOL. I only say that because I'm doing GW next trip)?

For some people, CL is crucial to them enjoying the entire experience, and the vacation just won't meet their expectations. If you are one of these people, then you'll actually be wasting money because you're spending a pretty penny on this GW room, and it will be a disappointment. A disappointing vacation just leads to another vacation done "right". So, you'll end up paying for this vacation AND the next one soon to follow, making this more affordable vacation a waste of money.

For some people, they will be just fine without CL, and will be able to complete some house project or pay off their car with the money and feel quite happy they got a vacation and reached their financial goals.

I suppose your task is to find out which of these types you are, and you will have your answer.

 

[wdhinn89]

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!

Personally, I think CL is nice but not worth the $1,750. I know we will never eat or drink enough of their offerings to even come close to the price and I don't think the offerings are all that great, at least for my picky bunch.

I would compromise between the two (CL and GW) and stay in the tower. We love the BLV because we love to look at the water. There is always something going on and it is so pretty. Or you could stay in a TPV for a little more money if you prefer looking at the castle. At night it is beautiful. In the day, not so much. I think the huge parking lot distracts. I also like the convenience of the tower to the food court and shops. The walk from the GW is not bad unless it is raining out or you are extremely tired with hurting feet at the end of the day, then it is like, UGH I wish I could just take the elevator upstairs. Also when my kids were teens/tweens, I would let them go down together to get food or refill their drinks and I knew it was just down the elevator.

Which ever you pick, I am sure you will have a great time. It is Disney

 

[babyberger]

Okay Candace let me give you some thoughts on your CR dilemma.

When the kids begged us to stay at CR, I mentioned to DH that we could save some money and stay in the GW. He looked at me like I had three heads and said why on earth would we stay at the CR and not stay in the tower He felt that the whole point of staying at the CR is to be in the tower.

So as you know our two trips were what you are contemplating, BLV CL and TPV no CL. For my kids having a view of the MK trumps all else, they said they missed the snack room but absolutely loved being able to see the MK at all times in the room. I know it will be hot when you go, and the balcony is not a big deal, but just picture the girl's faces pushed up against the sliding glass door every morning and every night watching the park wake up and shut down. DH even felt having the TPV was magical, and DH is not a Disney lover For us, the decision not to do CL again is easy because of Steven's food allergies. But we honestly felt that by planning and having soda, water, juice boxes, and snacks in the room, we honestly did not miss CL that much. Yes, I missed the convenience of grabbing a quick breakfast while everyone was getting ready, but for us the TPV was worth much more.

Of course I have not stayed in the GW, so I cannot compare, but we did have a wonderful trip over to the GW for laundry The first thing I noticed was the hallways, they were dark and just "normal hotel hallways" not much different than WL actually. But that stood out because in the tower, there is not enclosed hallways, it is a row of rooms on one side and then the openness of the tower on the other and just so bright and inviting. My kids loved looking over the railing to see what was going on in the concourse. I know this is a small thing, but it was something that helped to add to the uniqueness of the tower. When we stayed BLV CL, the kids would literally sit out in front of the door and just watch the monorail come through.

I know you will have a fabulous time no matter what you chose, but I think CL or non CL, you will really LOVE being in the tower. It will be a new experience to add to your memories

 

[mickeynut1]

WL here we come!

Safe travels.....have a great trip .

 

[Mousemommy1]

Oy!

Thanks for your input guys. I have a lot to think about. Moving to the tower in a TPV room would be an additional $990 over the 8 nights, so not as big of a sting as upgrading to CL.

I'd like to think that not staying CL would not ruin our experience....we were strictly into values and moderates prior to our CL stays and were perfectly happy in those!

But, it is hard giving up something that you have become used to....decisions, decisions....

 

[darthtatty]

ignored

 

[trishadono]

When the kids begged us to stay at CR, I mentioned to DH that we could save some money and stay in the GW. He looked at me like I had three heads and said why on earth would we stay at the CR and not stay in the tower He felt that the whole point of staying at the CR is to be in the tower.

So as you know our two trips were what you are contemplating, BLV CL and TPV no CL. For my kids having a view of the MK trumps all else, they said they missed the snack room but absolutely loved being able to see the MK at all times in the room. I know it will be hot when you go, and the balcony is not a big deal, but just picture the girl's faces pushed up against the sliding glass door every morning and every night watching the park wake up and shut down. DH even felt having the TPV was magical, and DH is not a Disney lover For us, the decision not to do CL again is easy because of Steven's food allergies. But we honestly felt that by planning and having soda, water, juice boxes, and snacks in the room, we honestly did not miss CL that much. Yes, I missed the convenience of grabbing a quick breakfast while everyone was getting ready, but for us the TPV was worth much more.

Of course I have not stayed in the GW, so I cannot compare, but we did have a wonderful trip over to the GW for laundry The first thing I noticed was the hallways, they were dark and just "normal hotel hallways" not much different than WL actually. But that stood out because in the tower, there is not enclosed hallways, it is a row of rooms on one side and then the openness of the tower on the other and just so bright and inviting. My kids loved looking over the railing to see what was going on in the concourse. I know this is a small thing, but it was something that helped to add to the uniqueness of the tower. When we stayed BLV CL, the kids would literally sit out in front of the door and just watch the monorail come through.

HAHA you said it perfectly! My first tower stay I would look over rail and watch what was going on in the concourse then yank open the door, dash through room and out to balcony to hear the sound of the train etc! Drove ds crazy!

 

[jdcthree]

Oy!

Thanks for your input guys. I have a lot to think about. Moving to the tower in a TPV room would be an additional $990 over the 8 nights, so not as big of a sting as upgrading to CL.

I'd like to think that not staying CL would not ruin our experience....we were strictly into values and moderates prior to our CL stays and were perfectly happy in those!

But, it is hard giving up something that you have become used to....decisions, decisions....

If it makes you feel any better, our first stay was not CL, our 2nd and 3rd stays were, and our 4th and 5th stays weren't. I did miss it just a little on stay 4, but by stay 5 I didn't miss it at all. The extra expense just seems like such a waste to me. I know some people don't mind spending the extra money and they really enjoy CL, but I doubt we'll ever do it again.

 

[mcarr1635]

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

Hi

 

[Cobern]

Hi dde0a
We have a two-bedroom reserved also. We will be there from January 25 through January 30. My granddaughter who is 13 going to be 14 in February will be there. And my five-year-old grandson will be there also. How old is your dd?
Where from Ohio (Akron area). Where do you live? dde0a

My DD will be 3.5. We live in south Florida (lake okeechobee).

 

[mcarr1635]

[QUOTE


I'll add you to the Log-orail![/QUOTE]

Help??
What is a Log-orail?

 

[mariamouse]

Personally, I think CL is nice but not worth the $1,750. I know we will never eat or drink enough of their offerings to even come close to the price and I don't think the offerings are all that great, at least for my picky bunch.

I would compromise between the two (CL and GW) and stay in the tower. We love the BLV because we love to look at the water. There is always something going on and it is so pretty. Or you could stay in a TPV for a little more money if you prefer looking at the castle. At night it is beautiful. In the day, not so much. I think the huge parking lot distracts. I also like the convenience of the tower to the food court and shops. The walk from the GW is not bad unless it is raining out or you are extremely tired with hurting feet at the end of the day, then it is like, UGH I wish I could just take the elevator upstairs. Also when my kids were teens/tweens, I would let them go down together to get food or refill their drinks and I knew it was just down the elevator.

Which ever you pick, I am sure you will have a great time. It is Disney

Okay Candace let me give you some thoughts on your CR dilemma.

When the kids begged us to stay at CR, I mentioned to DH that we could save some money and stay in the GW. He looked at me like I had three heads and said why on earth would we stay at the CR and not stay in the tower He felt that the whole point of staying at the CR is to be in the tower.

So as you know our two trips were what you are contemplating, BLV CL and TPV no CL. For my kids having a view of the MK trumps all else, they said they missed the snack room but absolutely loved being able to see the MK at all times in the room. I know it will be hot when you go, and the balcony is not a big deal, but just picture the girl's faces pushed up against the sliding glass door every morning and every night watching the park wake up and shut down. DH even felt having the TPV was magical, and DH is not a Disney lover For us, the decision not to do CL again is easy because of Steven's food allergies. But we honestly felt that by planning and having soda, water, juice boxes, and snacks in the room, we honestly did not miss CL that much. Yes, I missed the convenience of grabbing a quick breakfast while everyone was getting ready, but for us the TPV was worth much more.

Of course I have not stayed in the GW, so I cannot compare, but we did have a wonderful trip over to the GW for laundry The first thing I noticed was the hallways, they were dark and just "normal hotel hallways" not much different than WL actually. But that stood out because in the tower, there is not enclosed hallways, it is a row of rooms on one side and then the openness of the tower on the other and just so bright and inviting. My kids loved looking over the railing to see what was going on in the concourse. I know this is a small thing, but it was something that helped to add to the uniqueness of the tower. When we stayed BLV CL, the kids would literally sit out in front of the door and just watch the monorail come through.

I know you will have a fabulous time no matter what you chose, but I think CL or non CL, you will really LOVE being in the tower. It will be a new experience to add to your memories

100% agree. We stayed in the North Wing (pre-BLT) and, while we had a great time, decided that we would not return to the CR again unless it is in the tower. It just felt more "magical" in the tower to us and the CR grounds leave much to be desired in comparison to the GF, Poly and WL.

Unless you have money to burn, I would not bother with CL. I would just stick with that amazing view from the tower and being immersed in that lively atmosphere.

 

[mcarr1635]

Personally, I think CL is nice but not worth the $1,750. I know we will never eat or drink enough of their offerings to even come close to the price and I don't think the offerings are all that great, at least for my picky bunch.

I would compromise between the two (CL and GW) and stay in the tower. We love the BLV because we love to look at the water. There is always something going on and it is so pretty. Or you could stay in a TPV for a little more money if you prefer looking at the castle. At night it is beautiful. In the day, not so much. I think the huge parking lot distracts. I also like the convenience of the tower to the food court and shops. The walk from the GW is not bad unless it is :debwalk:raining out or you are extremely tired with hurting feet at the end of the day, then it is like, UGH I wish I could just take the elevator upstairs. Also when my kids were teens/tweens, I would let them go down together to get food or refill their drinks and I knew it was just down the elevator.

Which ever you pick, I am sure you will have a great time. It is Disney

I am new to these abbreviations. I think GW stands for Garden Wing at the Contemporary, but what does CL stand for?

 

[mariamouse]

I am new to these abbreviations. I think GW stands for Garden Wing at the Contemporary, but what does CL stand for?

Club Level

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I am new to these abbreviations. I think GW stands for Garden Wing at the Contemporary, but what does CL stand for?

"Club Level" or "Concierge Level" with the added amenities and special guest lounge.

 

[wdhinn89]

"Club Level" or "Concierge Level" with the added amenities and special guest lounge.

and BLV= Bay Lake View, TPV= Theme Park View & BLT= Bay Lake Tower