Contemporary Refurbishment From The Futuristic 1970's

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

I really have a special spot for the Contemporary resort. For some reason it always reminds me most of Disney. Just the look of that A-frame resort and the monorail going through it. So cool. However When I was there in 2000 (and a stop by in 2003) I couldn't help but notice the lame 70's esk decore of the hotel. It's like they've tried to make it look futuristic from a 1970's point of view. I also agree with someone's post recently complaining that it has a really cold feel.

I think that they could make this resort spectacular again (as I assume it was when it first opened). They just need a serious cosmetic refurbishment. Does anyone know about any possible refurbishment for the Contemporary? Also does anyone else have any comments about this resort's decore?

Andy

 

[sotoalf]

Implicitly acknowledging that the resort's theme dated it very quickly, Disney has refurbished the CR quite often over the years. When the convention center was added in 1990 it got one; the second major one in recent years took place in 1997-1997, which added the multi-color bedspreads, muted purple and greens in the lobby, etc.

I'm not sure about extensive refurbishments to the structure itself. That hotel is solid concrete - not very adaptable. We just have to remember that the CR was always intended to be the one "normal" hotel in the Disney family: the one most like a Marriott, Hilton, or Radisson, hence the name.

I've never had a problem with it. However, many guests get disappointed if they've stayed elsewhere on property.

 

[RoLaren]

According to a front desk CM I spoke to before we left, there is extensive refurb planned for CR starting with all the rooms in the south wing and the tower. Then he said they're going to "totally refurb" the lobby. I took him to mean the main floor area around food and fun center but he didn't specify if he meant the Grand Canyon Concourse.

As to the North Wing, he said that there is a lot of weight to the rumors that in the next 4-5 years it will go and a DVC will be put there.

That's the latest I heard when in WDW last week.

 

[Kallison]

I loved it as is, I thought it had kind of kitschy, Jetson feel to it. The rooms are huge and the bathrooms are heaven. They can't compare to the BC bathrooms which are basically the same size as the moderates. I really feel like I"m deluxe when I"m there.

 

[Gaiusrex]

I love it as is. I feel like I'm staying in Tomorrowland. Some people seem to forget they're going to a place dedicated to CARTOONS!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just want to add I love it also, same as the OP it awed me the first time I saw it and still does today. Staying there was really fun from the Guard at the shack who made the little "Star Trek" gesture as we came through after welcoming us home (maybe they're starting already for the future DVC area?) to watching the Electric Water Pageant while sitting in the Quiet Pool or the fireworks from the Concourse deck with the monorails going right over your head. Maybe staying there is better than passing through as most reports I've read seem positive. It's ok if people don't like it; hopefully keep the rates will stay lower for those of us who do!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

This resort also very much reminds me of Disney. A very interesting look (for the time) at futuristic and it really says something about the time period in which it was developed.

I've never stayed there, though, and don't have any plans to in the near future. This is a resort that we really love visiting for either meals or just walking around.

 

[Tikiman]

I visit the Contemporary every time I stay in WDW and I never felt it seemed old or 70’s but than again I hear stuff like that about the Polynesian (my favorite resort) and it sounds like much of what is seen today is not what was there in 1971. I am sure most would be surprised how often things have been changed at most of the resorts.

I can remember the first time I traveled through the Contemporary in the monorail and wanted to stay there. Now when I visit my memory of the place seems like it is all the same but I am sure most of what I am looking at (other than the main structure and layout) has changed since it opened. I am not sure what people who want it changed are asking for. Should it be torn down? It seems to be modern enough inside to not feel old and be a nice place to stay.

I guess you could gut the place and make it like a futuristic ride and update every last thing inside but than you loose all the things most people love about it and what makes it what it is. Do you think if you were Disney you would spend that kind of money to upgrade it all and make a very small percentage of people who dislike the look or think it is old want to stay there? If I were Disney I would build other resorts with themes that the others do like…….oh I guess they did that. So why do we have to complain about resorts we don’t like if there are other resorts we can all stay at?

Just my 2 cents for the day.

Have a good holidays everyone.

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

Yes, it is dated, and '70's looking, but I have a special place in my heart for CR. When I was a kid and went to Disney for the first time in 1972, it was so cool to ride the monorail right through the building!!

It was always one of the highlights of our trip to look at the A frame and go through it.

Then of course DH and I spent our honeymoon there, the rooms were fabulous, and still today are roomier than others.

 

[WishesMom]

We love the Contemporary. I have our next trip booked for the Wilderness Lodge and hubby and the kids are almost disappointed. I want to try diffent resorts, but they could go back there every time

 

[nygrl]

we were at the cr at the end of october we were on the 12th floor and the cm there told us that they are doing a 5 year renovation. she said she saw one of the new rooms already and it is amazing. i also heard they are getting rid of the wings all together and builiding another tower. that i heard from a friend who is an electrician for disney so i am not 100% sure of that but i am sure about the new rooms. i cant wait to see them

 

[Goofy4]

For a single visit, I very much would love the Contemporary to look like it did in the 70's!

The hallway drop-ceiling fluorescents do nothing for me. The orangish carpet, with the orange/yellow filters on the "globe" bulbs along each level of the interior was very, shall I say, "cool".

4 or so years ago they did add a nice soft green tone to the vertical exterior frame.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

I have never stayed at CR, but I remember riding the monorail through the grand concourse as a child and wishing that I could stay in one of the tower rooms someday. Well, my parents always liked the Polynesian, so we always stayed there when we went on family vacations (no compaints from me). I still want to stay in the tower someday, but those wings - they look so blah! I think Disney needs to spruce those up on the outside if they are going to keep them.

Also, I know that there are a lot of different themed resorts available for Disney guests to choose from, but for those of us who want to stay in a MK resort, we only have a few to choose from. I would like to see Disney add another resort on Bay Lake.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

The nostalgia is part of the reason why they'll also never drastically change rides like IASW and PoC. I don't forsee them ever drastically changing or updating the 'futuristic' style of the Contemporary.

 

[ZIPBAGS]

Just got back from 5 nights at the CR. Stayed in a tower room facing the MK. While the place does seem dated in some respects. The room seemed updated and was big with a nice size bathroom. We usually stay at the WL. But, my kids wanted to try this hotel and they enjoyed. Nice to have the monorail stop right at your hotel.

Sad to be home.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Originally posted by ZIPBAGS
Just got back from 5 nights at the CR. Stayed in a tower room facing the MK. While the place does seem dated in some respects. The room seemed updated and was big with a nice size bathroom. We usually stay at the WL. But, my kids wanted to try this hotel and they enjoyed. Nice to have the monorail stop right at your hotel.

Sad to be home.

HEY!!!

I looked for a father alone with daughters...we too were upgraded to Tower/Mk....what floor?

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Originally posted by nygrl
we were at the cr at the end of october we were on the 12th floor and the cm there told us that they are doing a 5 year renovation. she said she saw one of the new rooms already and it is amazing. i also heard they are getting rid of the wings all together and builiding another tower. that i heard from a friend who is an electrician for disney so i am not 100% sure of that but i am sure about the new rooms. i cant wait to see them

as a contractor, I can pretty much assure you that they will not be tearing down the wings and building a tower...the cost would not be worth what they would get for their return. Think about it..there isn't even enough room

 

[RoLaren]

I hope you're right, DisneyDMBnut, because there are so many other hotels for people to choose if they don't like CR, I hope that they leave it the way that it is structurally. New carpet and paint and all...sure, go for it! But the buildings themselves feel like home at WDW to my family and we hope they don't change them.

p.s. Happy Holidays to you too Tikiman!

 

[cmonroe]

Originally posted by RoLaren
According to a front desk CM I spoke to before we left, there is extensive refurb planned for CR starting with all the rooms in the south wing and the tower. Then he said they're going to "totally refurb" the lobby. I took him to mean the main floor area around food and fun center but he didn't specify if he meant the Grand Canyon Concourse.

As to the North Wing, he said that there is a lot of weight to the rumors that in the next 4-5 years it will go and a DVC will be put there.

That's the latest I heard when in WDW last week.

That kind of stinks. I love staying in the North Wing.

 

[Kimberle]

I love the CR just the way it is! Some new carpet, paint, & decorating now & then is fine. Just to keep it "fresh". But no major changes, please. The only thing I would "add" is it's own theme music piped into the lobby & pool area. I would also add a kiddie pool for the tots. (They had one & filled it in.)

I hope they leave the wings. Our first family vacation was in the north wing. I will always have fond memories......

This is Walt's resort. I hope it remains just as it is.