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

[mamatobbg]

Thanks WDWKOOK!!

My Mom will be staying in her own room, so we'll be fine for maximum capacity. I'll have to think about what I want to do. It will be about a thousand dollars difference, which could go a long way towards paying for other things. I think I have to decide whether a grand is worth getting to stay in the same building as all the action or if a 5-10 minute walk is ok.

We loved the Poly and it was easily a 10 minute walk to the monorail and we didn't mind. However, the thought of staying in the tower with the monorails, shops, restaurants right THERE.

Ugh, I'll have to do some considering!

 

[mickeynut1]

I'll be checking in at the CR one month from today!

I am sure you will love it! It was a treat to stay at this CL.

Thanks....I'm thinking we will too .

 

[LuvMySoldier07]

THANK YOU so much for posting your photos. The room is beautiful! Could I post them to the first page?

I'm so glad that you didn't hear anything from CA Grill and it sounds like the staff were just great. Love your story about the wine - that was so thoughtful.

So there is only one closet and not two? Are there drawers in the closet where the safe is? The shower is strange. You would think if you were rehabbing all the rooms, you would put in a shelf and maybe take out the bidet like they did to the Presidential Suite at WL.

Were you greeted downstairs when you arrived and escorted up? The lounge looks amazing and I know you didn't use it much, but did they have oatmeal and/or boiled eggs at breakfast? Did you see any snacks or apps?

You've made me even more excited about our June stay. Thanks again!

Sure, you can post the pictures on the first page!
There is only one closet in the foyer. That is where the safe is and there are no drawers. There are three large drawers under the TV. I thought the shower was a little strange with no place to put our things. Its a nice sized shower so I am not sure why they didn't think to put up any shelves.
There were a few cast members walking around by the bus so I asked where we check in for club level and she asked our name and took us upstairs.
There was definitely oatmeal and a nice selection of toppings. I don't eat oatmeal but they said it was "steel cut" ( not sure if that the proper term) and supposedly its very good. I saw boiled eggs one morning but don't remember seeing them throughout the week.
The daily snacks were chips, yogurt pretzels, gummy bears, goldfish, and nuts. They always had bananas and apples out as well. There were sodas and apple juice boxes in the fridge throughout the day.
We were in the lounge one evening at five for a glass of wine and they had a selection of cheeses and vegetables. There were also two hot appetizers out. We had a dinner reservation at Narcoossee's that evening so I did not eat anything in the lounge.
I have a few pictures of the breakfast offerings I am trying to post but am having some difficulty. I will try to get them up ASAP

 

[YCFAN]

My younger son and I rented a cabana in 2012. We had the one closest to the Sand Bar snack place. It was very nice and the attendant bent over backwards to make our experience a magical one. It was my son's birthday and she brought balloons and a brownie with a candle. When she found out that he doesn't eat chocolate she made it her mission to get him something he liked. She really did go all out.

We had a fruit basket, sodas, water, tv, towels and of course the best thing......shade!!!!

I'd probably do it again.

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

I did my online check in and wasn't sure what to request for room selections? It's our first time staying at BLT. I selected the option for near the walkway bridge. Any other suggestions?

Totally a matter of your presence and room size. I've now stayed on both sides of the Tower in a 2br and I really think I liked the even numbered (outer edge) villas a bit better. The view from the odd number is lovely but I think I'm swayed by the use of space in the outer villas. And liked those views as well. I would call and request even number and you might have a view of the lake/contemporary/boat dock,etc

 

[Irishlisa]

Totally a matter of your presence and room size. I've now stayed on both sides of the Tower in a 2br and I really think I liked the even numbered (outer edge) villas a bit better. The view from the odd number is lovely but I think I'm swayed by the use of space in the outer villas. And liked those views as well. I would call and request even number and you might have a view of the lake/contemporary/boat dock,etc

We have a GV, park view. I'll call and see what they say. Thanks for the info

 

[oneprincessjo]

Joining in! BLT is my home resort for DVC. About to dive into this thread but just wanted to let you know I'm here

 

[vikkii19]

I need help with a room request for our upcoming trip at BLT. We have a TPV studio booked, but my problem is I'm terrified of heights. I'm hoping for nothing higher than the 8th floor.

Are there even TPV studio's that low?? If I request low floor will that work.
I know these are only requests and if they aren't met, it won't be the end of the world, I just won't go out on the balcony.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Sure, you can post the pictures on the first page!
There is only one closet in the foyer. That is where the safe is and there are no drawers. There are three large drawers under the TV. I thought the shower was a little strange with no place to put our things. Its a nice sized shower so I am not sure why they didn't think to put up any shelves.
There were a few cast members walking around by the bus so I asked where we check in for club level and she asked our name and took us upstairs.
There was definitely oatmeal and a nice selection of toppings. I don't eat oatmeal but they said it was "steel cut" ( not sure if that the proper term) and supposedly its very good. I saw boiled eggs one morning but don't remember seeing them throughout the week.
The daily snacks were chips, yogurt pretzels, gummy bears, goldfish, and nuts. They always had bananas and apples out as well. There were sodas and apple juice boxes in the fridge throughout the day.
We were in the lounge one evening at five for a glass of wine and they had a selection of cheeses and vegetables. There were also two hot appetizers out. We had a dinner reservation at Narcoossee's that evening so I did not eat anything in the lounge.
I have a few pictures of the breakfast offerings I am trying to post but am having some difficulty. I will try to get them up ASAP

Thanks so much. It sounds like you had a wonderful vacation and I hope DH got some much-deserved R&R.

My younger son and I rented a cabana in 2012. We had the one closest to the Sand Bar snack place. It was very nice and the attendant bent over backwards to make our experience a magical one. It was my son's birthday and she brought balloons and a brownie with a candle. When she found out that he doesn't eat chocolate she made it her mission to get him something he liked. She really did go all out.

We had a fruit basket, sodas, water, tv, towels and of course the best thing......shade!!!!

I'd probably do it again.

Thanks for posting your experience and it sounds wonderful...and tempting.

Joining in! BLT is my home resort for DVC. About to dive into this thread but just wanted to let you know I'm here

Great to have you with us and let us know if you have any questions

I need help with a room request for our upcoming trip at BLT. We have a TPV studio booked, but my problem is I'm terrified of heights. I'm hoping for nothing higher than the 8th floor.

Are there even TPV studio's that low?? If I request low floor will that work.
I know these are only requests and if they aren't met, it won't be the end of the world, I just won't go out on the balcony.

There is a great BLT villa type/number map HERE. It looks like the lowest MKV Studio would be the 5th floor.

 

[SRUAlmn]

There is a great BLT villa type/number map HERE. It looks like the lowest MKV Studio would be the 5th floor.

I asked before, but I'm not sure it was answered. The bridge comes across on the fifth floor of BLT, right? Is that the floor that would also be even with the monorail, then? We also don't want to be super high, but were unsure as to whether the monorail would completely obstruct your view if you were in the fifth or sixth floor. Thanks!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Room 4911- view from entrance

Thank you so much for sharing!! They really did do a fantastic job renovating.

We had dinner at California Grill last week. Loved seeing the renovated restaurant. I like it. Food was great, service pretty good too.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Mice Age has several vintage photos posted of the Contemporary Resort. Several are of the old Grand Canyon Concourse with the faux "trees". When I stayed at the resort as a young child, the tress always fascinated me.

http://micechat.com/43183-1970s-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

[WDWKOOK]

Walt Disney World Resorts to Enforce Pool Hours

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Sep 22, 2013 | Updated: Sep 22, 2013 - 8:43:15 PM

New rules will be in force for the pools at the Walt Disney World resorts beginning this November. Not all the pools are fenced in, so even when they are officially closed, guests are still able to swim, though there are no lifeguards overnight. Fences will be added around any pools that don't currently have them, so guests will only have access when there are lifeguards on duty. The pools will be closed from 11:00pm to 7:00am.​

 

[disneynanacat]

Walt Disney World Resorts to Enforce Pool Hours

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Sep 22, 2013 | Updated: Sep 22, 2013 - 8:43:15 PM

New rules will be in force for the pools at the Walt Disney World resorts beginning this November. Not all the pools are fenced in, so even when they are officially closed, guests are still able to swim, though there are no lifeguards overnight. Fences will be added around any pools that don't currently have them, so guests will only have access when there are lifeguards on duty. The pools will be closed from 11:00pm to 7:00am.

Darn! No midnight skinny dipping? Trip ruined. Lol j/k

 

[klwdisney]

How often do they do the soft goods refurb at the Contemporary? Judging from pictures, it looks like yearly?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Mice Age has several vintage photos posted of the Contemporary Resort. Several are of the old Grand Canyon Concourse with the faux "trees". When I stayed at the resort as a young child, the tress always fascinated me.

http://micechat.com/43183-1970s-walt-disney-world-resort/

Thank you for posting the link for everyone. I just love vintage WDW Resort photos. Boy, the arcade sure had a lot of air hockey tables.

Darn! No midnight skinny dipping? Trip ruined. Lol j/k

Well, you may have to skinny dip in broad daylight.

How often do they do the soft goods refurb at the Contemporary? Judging from pictures, it looks like yearly?

Usually, the non-DVC resorts are on a 6-8 year rehab schedule.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I asked before, but I'm not sure it was answered. The bridge comes across on the fifth floor of BLT, right? Is that the floor that would also be even with the monorail, then? We also don't want to be super high, but were unsure as to whether the monorail would completely obstruct your view if you were in the fifth or sixth floor. Thanks!

Yes, that's right. The 5th floor of BLT has the bridge that leads to the 4th floor of CR. Once on the 4th floor, you must take the escalator or elevator if you have a wheelchair or stroller, to the monorail. The monorail track doesn't obstruct your BLT view since it's not directly in front nor that close and it's rather narrow.

 

[emcclay]

Unfortunately, my parents and I will not be staying at CR in January. When I went to book our vacation through The Hub, there was only Atrium CL left! We opted for two weeks at BC instead.

 

[burg]

Suites discount

Just wanted to share that apparently suites are available at a discount for early-mid December. We will be staying at the Bay Lake View VP Suite for 10 nights at this time of December and I was able to secure a 5% discount for the entire stay. May not be as interesting as the 30% for regular rooms, but makes for a nice saving nonetheless.

Happy to share thoughts and pictures of the updated suite after our stay, in case that's of interest!

Cheers,

 

[YCFAN]

Suites discount Just wanted to share that apparently suites are available at a discount for early-mid December. We will be staying at the Bay Lake View VP Suite for 10 nights at this time of December and I was able to secure a 5% discount for the entire stay. May not be as interesting as the 30% for regular rooms, but makes for a nice saving nonetheless. Happy to share thoughts and pictures of the updated suite after our stay, in case that's of interest! Cheers,

Thank you very much for posting this and yes, I would be very interested!!