Contemporary Resort opinions wanted

[Brae's Mom]

Hello. I am in the early planning stages of our 4th trip to the World. I am planning on going for the first two weeks of December 2008. I know it's a long way away. But planning is making it easier to handle.

Anyway, I want a monrail resort. I have always wanted to stay at the Poly, but with all of the bad reports it seems to be getting I am thinking of switching to the contemporary instead. I was wondering if anyone had any current pictures or suggestions for rooms/views and such. I've never even been inside this hotel, not even to Chef Mickey's (I know the horror). It will my myself, my DH and our DD who will be almost 9 at the time and we will be celebrating her birthday early.

Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Muhlenberg]

Here is a link where you can find photos of the resort.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photos/contemporary/index.htm

I really like the MK view in the tower. You have a view of the Castle and you can watch Wishes from the balcony. All the rooms on the MK side of the tower basically have the same view, and it's wonderful.

 

[racinjunkie]

We loved the CR, the short walk to the monorail was just awesome! We had a tower room with MK view but I'd stay there again even without that view, and even in a wing. If you're able to do a tower room then the difference between CR and Poly is the indoor walk to the monorail. But then I haven't stayed at the Poly.

 

[Anthony1971]

who dares say something bad about the POLY??????

I have stayed at both I prefer the POLY CR has some nice points but overall it does not compare.....Poly is a resort and has nice walkways and gardens CR is a Hotel.
True fact the POLY is the only resort on Disney property to still have employess from Day one still working there and it also has the lowest turnover rate..
If you like a relaxed resort feel were you can stand on the beach and watch wishes then POLY
if you like a hotel with modern colors and you need to stand on the balcony (if you pay for it) to see wishes then CR

 

[purpliequeen]

I just wanted to let you know that we're also planning to stay in one of the monorail resorts soemtime during the first two weeks of Dec 2008, so no, you're not alone in the early planning. We were also looking at the benefits of staying at the Contemp vs the Poly and GF. So thank you for starting this thread, definitely subscribing! We have never stayed at a monorail resort. One thing about the Contemp is that they will have finished renovating by Dec 2008. We also like how all the rooms and restaurants are in one main building vs the other two resorts. We're looking in to concierge. Here's a link that may be helpful with pics: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_contm.htm

 

[jennib5426]

We stayed at CR for the first time last year in a remodeled Garden Wing room with a view of the pool. We were right next to the pool and about a 30 second walk to the main tower. The rooms were very nice and we thought they had a great pool with a nice big slide. The pool was never crowded maybe because there were a lot of conventions there.
I am not sure I would pay for the tower, I was just as happy to stay in the garden wing for a lot less.
Plus we had a car so it was nice to park right outside the room.

There is a lot of construction going on at CR for the next few years, you may want to check into that before you decide.
They are moving gift shops, restaurants and the arcade around.

 

[Mkrop]

Here are some of our pictures from a MK Tower Room at CR. We really enjoyed it there, the walk to MK, the monorail.

I am sorry the pics are all different sizes, I dont have time to play with them.

 

[DisneyDotty]

We've stayed at both the CR and Poly, and we prefer the CR--Tower. Here's why:

1. Exhausted after a long day at the park? Your room is just a monorail and escalator/elevator ride away. Or if you're not too tired, escape the crowd and walk back to your room from MK--about ten minutes.
2. The CR bathroom is really two rooms--so more people can be getting ready at the same time with different ah...activities.
3. Watching Wishes from the balcony. Heaven on earth.
4. Energy and excitement of concourse level--Chef Mickeys, shopping, etc--is palpable.
5. Kids loved the pool area with the sand pits next to it. Don't know why.
6. Food court is just a quick elevator ride down from room.

The Poly was nice--we had an MK view in the Tahiti building. It's just so spread out, we ended up using the TTC more than the Poly monorail stop. And walking to the food court to get coffee in the morning was more work than it was worth. However, the one thing the Poly does have going for it is TONGA TOAST at Kona. Most excellent.
And the bathroom layout wasn't as convenient for our family of 4 as was CR's.
We just love the CR. Can't explain it, really. But we'll always go back to it.
Whichever you choose, you're sure to have a great trip! Happy planning!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I always stay at the Contemporary on the Atrium Club Level in the Tower and it has become our favorite Resort, in fact I had always wanted to stay there from the 1st time we went threw it on the Express Monorail way back in July 1996. However because we could not get the Atrium Club Level for this December we are trying out the Club Level building at the Polynesian and I am sure we are going to have a great time there, plus it gives us a chance to stay somewhere new for a change. However since my family and I have only stayed at the Contemporary and have been to the Polynesian for dinner at Ohana and to look around, I would suggest the Contemporary because it's not fair for me to comment about staying at the Polynesian.

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

There is a lot of construction going on at CR for the next few years, you may want to check into that before you decide.
They are moving gift shops, restaurants and the arcade around.

Moving gift shops, restaurants and arcade? We arrive second week of December 2007, it's our FIRST CHRISTMAS TRIP/VISIT, will this construction be going on around that time frame? I hope not

 

[Girldreamer02@gmail.]

I've never stayed at either of them, but your not alone in the early planning my fiance and I are staying at the AKL Dec 22nd-30th and everything (I mean everything) is booked down to the tee. Plane tickets, lodging, resturaunts (we're on the meal plan) Everything you can think of...all we have to do is pack and go in 154 days! Have fun!

 

[honeymo78]

The gift shops and the arcades are done. The construction you will encounter is the first floor renovation of the old food and fun center in a new restaurant. There may also be some lobby/check in area renovation going on (not sure of the exact time frame on that one). Also there will likely be outdorr construction where the North Wing was.

Honestly, with the exception of the restuarant construction which will probably be walled off, I doubt they'll be doing much lobby work while the Christmas decorations are up.

As much as I might enjoy staying at the Poly because of the theming, I doubt it will ever happen because my biggest pet peeve about some of the deluxe resorts is having to go outside to get to the main building. WL used to be our resort of choice b/c of this until we fell in love with CR MK view. Someday (fingers crossed) I'd like to convince DH to do a quick holiday stay of 2 nights in the main building at GF since that is the only way I'll stay there.

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

The gift shops and the arcades are done. The construction you will encounter is the first floor renovation of the old food and fun center in a new restaurant. There may also be some lobby/check in area renovation going on (not sure of the exact time frame on that one). Also there will likely be outdorr construction where the North Wing was.

Honestly, with the exception of the restuarant construction which will probably be walled off, I doubt they'll be doing much lobby work while the Christmas decorations are up.

As much as I might enjoy staying at the Poly because of the theming, I doubt it will ever happen because my biggest pet peeve about some of the deluxe resorts is having to go outside to get to the main building. WL used to be our resort of choice b/c of this until we fell in love with CR MK view. Someday (fingers crossed) I'd like to convince DH to do a quick holiday stay of 2 nights in the main building at GF since that is the only way I'll stay there.

Thanks Will the food court be closed ?

 

[racinjunkie]

As much as I might enjoy staying at the Poly because of the theming, I doubt it will ever happen because my biggest pet peeve about some of the deluxe resorts is having to go outside to get to the main building.

US TOO!! I thought we were the only ones! I'm hoping we fall in love with AKL when we go in two weeks so that can become our home resort.

 

[dvc at last !]

DVC NEEDS CRV !

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks Will the food court be closed ?

The Food & Fun Center is set to close on July 30th, however like honeymo78 said the construction on the inside won't be that bad and where the North Garden Wing use to be, what is going on there has 100% no effect on anyone staying in the Tower and South Garden Wing. So when you compare what is happeining at the Contemporary to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the construction at the Contemporary is nothing.

I would also like to say even though the Food & Fun Center will be closing, there is going to be a temporary counter service location on the 4th floor. However chances are they won't be selling hot food, although there is a 2nd counter service location located outside by the pool which is called the Contemporary Sand Bar. Their menu is smaller then what the Food & Fun Center was, however they got you're basic items on there. So here is their menu from Allearsnet.

Contemporary Sand Bar
Poolside

Menu: March 2007

Chicken Bacon Melt - with chips $7.99
Double Bacon Cheeseburger - with chips $7.39
Cheeseburger Basket - with chips $5.89
Hot Dog Basket - with chips $5.79
Chef's Salad - $7.49

Deli Sub $5.89
Turkey Sub $5.89
Tuna Salad Sandwich $3.29
French Fries $1.99
Cheese Fries $2.29

Nachos and Cheese $3.09
Chips $2.39
Jumbo Cookie $1.89
Brownies $2.39

Fountain Drinks - Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Fanta Orange $2.09

Smoothies - Mango Madness or Raspberry Delight - $3.59

Ice Cream Bar Novelties $2.39

Bottled Water $2.00

Nestea $2.02

Contemporary Coolers

Pina CoLAVA - Bacardi Razz Rum blended with Pina Colada Mix and Raspberry Puree $7.25

Orange Creamsicle - Skyy Orange Vodka, Monin Candied Orange blended with Ice Cream $7.25

Captain's Mai Tai - Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Amaretto, Rose's Lime Juice, Grenadine and Pineapple Juice topped with a float of Myers's Original Dark Rum $7.00

Long Island Iced Tea - Bacardi Rum, Skyy Vodka, Bombay Gin, Triple Sec and Sweet-and-Sour with a splash of Coco-Cola $7.00

Poolside Lemonade - Bacardi O Rum, Bacardi RAZZ Rum, Sweet-and-Sour, Sprite and a splash of of Grenadine $7.00

Served in a souvenir cup for additional $2.00

 

[Girldreamer02]

I know this thread is about the Contemp. but I was wondering if anyone has stayed @ AKL? We stayed @ CSR last dec and I really liked it, but I am excited at the prospect of seeing some animals. Anyone been there or have any experiences?

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

The Food & Fun Center is set to close on July 30th, however like honeymo78 said the construction on the inside won't be that bad and where the North Garden Wing use to be, what is going on there has 100% no effect on anyone staying in the Tower and South Garden Wing. So when you compare what is happeining at the Contemporary to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the construction at the Contemporary is nothing.

I would also like to say even though the Food & Fun Center will be closing, there is going to be a temporary counter service location on the 4th floor. However chances are they won't be selling hot food, although there is a 2nd counter service location located outside by the pool which is called the Contemporary Sand Bar. Their menu is smaller then what the Food & Fun Center was, however they got you're basic items on there. So here is their menu from Allearsnet.

No Food & Fun Center , we like to have breakfast at a food court and sit down for lunch and dinner. This will be our first December/Christmas trip for a very short stay so, quick easy food/service (no muffins for the little ones, hot breakfast is a must) in the morning is important to us since we'll be spending most of our trip in the parks. I guess we may have to switch resorts

Thanks a bunch for the information

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

No Food & Fun Center , we like to have breakfast at a food court and sit down for lunch and dinner. This will be our first December/Christmas trip for a very short stay so, quick easy food/service (no muffins for the little ones, hot breakfast is a must) in the morning is important to us since we'll be spending most of our trip in the parks. I guess we may have to switch resorts

Thanks a bunch for the information

I would not switch Resorts right away because no one knows what the temporary location will be selling in terms of food. Chances are it will be just like when the Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge cs locations were closed so that means cold food, however we will not know until it opens. I will be staying at the Contemporary in a few weeks and I will do my best to post what kind of foods they are selling. I will also try to take as many pictures I can with my camera phone of the temporary location, e-mail them to myself and post them on here.

Also remember what I said about the Contemporary Sand Bar. They will still be open, so you can get the standard items that you did that the Food & Fun Center for lunch and dinner. So breakfast items will be the only major differences.

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

I would not switch Resorts right away because no one knows what the temporary location will be selling in terms of food. Chances are it will be just like when the Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge cs locations were closed so that means cold food, however we will not know until it opens. I will be staying at the Contemporary in a few weeks and I will do my best to post what kind of foods they are selling. I will also try to take as many pictures I can with my camera phone of the temporary location, e-mail them to myself and post them on here.

Also remember what I said about the Contemporary Sand Bar. They will still be open, so you can get the standard items that you did that the Food & Fun Center for lunch and dinner. So breakfast items will be the only major differences.

Thanks a bunch, I'll hold my reservations until we have more information. Have a safe trip