Contemporary....Worth the $$$?

[bellebud]

i must be the only one, but I loved the pool at cr when we stayed there last october. My dd7yo and ds5yo also loved the pool. They loved the few areas where the steps go in, and played for a long time in the fountains in the middle of the pool. And the slide, imo, might be old-school looking, but the ride it gives is the same as the other deluxes (GF, Poly, WL). Those slides are nothing to write home about, and the pools are all small (except the GF quiet pool, which is one of my favs). And I don't know if it was the layout of the pool at CR, but it never felt as crowded as the other pools (maybe just because it's bigger). And I liked the open-ness of the pool deck area. It never felt as elbow-to-elbow crowded as all the other deluxe pool areas always feel.

We stayed Tower MK view (and got a surprise upgrade to conceirge level)... and the view was SO incredible! I've also read how peaceful and quiet the garden rooms can be, but I wouldn't book them myself, knowing that view was in the tower. Sometimes it's all in what you're expecting... if someone books a garden view and looks at it like a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle, they may love it.

I would definitley stay there again.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I had a chance to visit the CR twice while staying at the Polynesian and while it isn't my first choice of where to stay at Disney (the Poly has that honor), it runs a close second. The whole vibe of the place seems very upbeat and interesting and you feel like you're at the center of The World. The kids and I loved visiting the CR during our trip last week to go to Chef Mickey's and to play games in the arcade (they give the CR arcade HUGE ). Being able to walk to the MK is a huge benefit. But at the end of the day, we all love the Poly more simply for the atmosphere. But that's us.

If it's your dream to stay at the CR, by all means go! I know the $$$ is worth it for me to stay somewhere I've always wanted to stay.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

- Conventions can "take over" the lower level of the tower bilding

I have always said when it comes to people staying there conventions they are mostly always going to be in meetings, so what's the big deal if you see them walking around? I should also mention other Resorts like Corondao Springs, Grand Floridian and the Yacht Club all have convention centers and must host a number of conventions each year, so why should this stereotype of people on conventions always have a negative impact on the Contemporary? I personally think it's because the Resorts I mentioned have better themes, so because of the Contemporary theme people like to mention how the guests on conventions can take up the whole place in a negative way.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

i must be the only one, but I loved the pool at cr when we stayed there last october.

My family and I also like the Contemporary pool and we don't see anything wrong with it the way others do. Personally the theme of a pool is not that important to us, so maybe that's why.

 

[Caitsmama]

And the slide, imo, might be old-school looking, but the ride it gives is the same as the other deluxes (GF, Poly, WL). Those slides are nothing to write home about, and the pools are all small (except the GF quiet pool, which is one of my favs).
.

Well, the BC/YC pool is actually WDW's biggest i believe.. it is huge.. so, you can't say that all the other pools are smaller, and the slide there is beautiful too..
I just think they should invest a lil money into the theme/atmosphere of the CR pool area, to make it up to par with the others.. After all - it should be "contemporary" for todays standards, not 20 years ago standards..

That being said, i think the idea of the monorail going thru is pure fun.. and very convienient.

DukeBombay -- i am just going to warn you, you may get a lil' heat from the "pool hopping" topic.. As it is somewhat considered a "no-no". Just a heads up.

Does anyone have pics of the inside of the main building that they could share? I have never been in it at all, and would love to see some shots!

 

[honeymo78]

I believe Duke is DVC and pool hopping is a DVC member perk.

 

[Caitsmama]

ahhhhh.. thanks!! Good to know! Not that i really care either way.. LOL But, i have just seen the threads here.. LOL

 

[Cool-Beans]

and as an opposing view, the CR is our least favorite of the disney resorts...

Ditto.

 

[LilGMom]

I believe Duke is DVC and pool hopping is a DVC member perk.

Just an FYI - Pool hopping is allowed for DVC members staying on points and even there there are certains pools that are off limits.

 

[bellebud]

Well, the BC/YC pool is actually WDW's biggest i believe.. it is huge.. so, you can't say that all the other pools are smaller, and the slide there is beautiful too..

I love SAB too... I wasn't including it in my post (that's why I said WL, GF and Poly). I just took the "theme" of the CR pool to be consistant w/ the tower theme, which is... ummm... kind of plain and open. It's not a theme I'd pick for my house or something, but whichever disney resort i'm at (and i have a goal to stay at them all ) I try to just soak in the theme and enjoy it for what it is. And I've had such BAD experiences w/ over crowding and pool hoppers at the other deluxes (SAB, BW, Poly, WL) the CR pool was a refreshing change. Maybe no one wants to pool hop there?

btw, I also thought the same thing about the post w/ the pool hopping, till I went back and saw DVC. My first thought was "tsk, tsk, bad disney guest!"

 

[ilvdisney1234]

It is so worth the money. If you're on a limited income like me, stay in the garden wing instead of the tower and request a room close to the main building. Even if you get stuck in the farthest room in the garden wing it wont be more than a 5 minute walk to the main building and pool. The Contemporary is so convenient in every way and the rooms are beautiful and I agree that the beds and pillows are very comfortable!! The pool is nice and they have a quiet pool for adults, you can rent boats, they have a great arcade and awesome shops and snackbars. Everything about the Contemporary is GREAT!!
I always stay at the Contemporary now as I've stayed other places but do not find them convenient - you're always too far away from something like the snackbar or the bus stop or the pool or the boats, etc. Everything at the Contemporary is close by.

 

[Jennasis]

ABSOLUTELY worth the money and hands down our favorite hotel. We've stayed at BC (concierge level), WL, Swan, CBR, POFQ, FW, and the CR is far away the superior resort. We loved AKL when we went for dinner last time so we may try that if we ever get the chance. At CR we stayed on the 9th floor in a MK view room. It was to DIE for! I actually cried when we checked in that first morning, ran upstairs to our room, flung open the balcony door and was greeted by the sound of the Main Street Railroad whistel. It was so amazing. We didn't even have a refurbbed room and we loved the loud color scheme. In fact we bought the old comforter from Mousesurplus and have it on our guest bed.

I loved the Grand Canyon Concourse, watching the monorail, Chef Mickey's, the Concrouse Steakhouse (delish!) and the Outer Rim lounge at sumset was beautiful. The marina was amazing as well, and we have beautiful photos of us strolling along the dock at sunset. Watching Wishes from your balcony..what a view!

The pool, admittedly needs a refurb. There is a LOT of concrete out there. I liked the size and openness of it, but the landscaping needs some work. I imagine we'll be seeing a big refurb there as the new tower nears completion.

If I could stay anywhere on property again it would be CR in a MK tower room.

 

[lrychlik]

OK You people have made me feel better about my recent decision to stay at the CR in January.

We will be at WDW from Jan 12 - Jan19. As DVC members we always stay at BW Villas. Unfortunately the first two nites were not available and we had to book at SSR. I did some research and found that for a few dollars more it was better to stay at the CR on a MYW Package with AAA discount for the weekend and get 0% for six months with my Disney Visa. The fact that it is Marathon weekend also helped in deciding to stay at a resort closer to the MK.

January is my DS birthday, he will be six and he is really looking forward to watching the monorail go through the hotel. I am hoping that he gets the opportunity to ride in the front, it would make his entire year!! Any suggestions on making getting him in the front would be greatly appreciated.

We booked a room with a theme park view which is exciting to my DD (8) to watch the fireworks our first night there.

This trip was just recently planned, we weren't positive we wanted to go this year, but my DS kept asking. After finding availability that week, I logged on
and found an unbelievable airfare of $120 R/T!! And now I am staying at the CR for two nights, this trip just keeps getting better!!

 

[LoriZH]

Okay usually I would answer with a big fat YES! But...now it's not a big but(t) but it did bother us our last stay.

The resort imo is gorgeous and we LOVE it there, however, they were slacking a bit on housekeeping (nothing that couldn't be resolved) but the bus situation really bummed me out for a deluxe resort they were sharing buses with either WL or Poly & GF and the DTD, TL, BB & AK buses were running about every 40 minutes, then sharing with other resorts, kind of bummed us out because we weren't expecting it, we were told every 20 minutes is the norm. Anyway, we had a magical stay, we LOVE the resort, but have booked GF for next year unless CR spiffies up their bus service then we'll stay back there. I honestly believe you'll have a Magical Vacation there because to me it screams Disney, just plan on the buses taking a long time (with the exception of MGM they are shared with Poly & GF so they are running every 10 minutes) or go to the TTC to catch your AK bus it's quicker.

I must say, I am seriously jealous of your upcoming trip, because waiting for a bus in Disney World is WAY better than being home

Oh some tips on the monorail (and yes your 6 year old is going to LOVE seeing the monorail running through his resort along with the fabulous fireworks from the balcony). When you reach the platform, go directly to the CM and ask if there is no one in front can you ride up there. Usually there are people there from the MK already going back to their resort so they seem to get first crack at it. So I would suggest you asking at the MK when people disembark. Now as far as room choices, if you like it really quiet, then ask for a room at the other end of Chef Mickey's (not that it disturbed us one bit, we loved it) and an odd number room, those are the rooms that beds face the castle ) Again, have fun and your son is going to LOVE the excitement!

 

[skifast22]

I'm in a similar boat as you, but say if it's always been your dream, then give it a shot. I usually don't like to spend alot of money on the hotel when I go on vacation. I'm more of a Days Inn or value resort person. But, this year i said why not. I reserved a tower MK view last Novemeber, and have been putting money aside each month for the trip (which is now only 23 days away ) Although it is alot of money, I've never been as excited for a disney trip as I have been for this one. I even found the Disboards due to my excitement One thing to keep in mind, if your going in September, theres a chance you may be able to get free dining if it's offered again. Perhaps you could use that to justify spending a little (well ok, alot) more on the hotel. It's not a guarentee though. Even though I'm there during free dining this year, I was told that offer wasn't available with my room

I'd just like to say that I'm now back from my vacation, and I absolutly loved this resort! I was extremly excited about staying here, but once i got there it exceeded every one of my expectations. I did have a tower MK view room, and the actual view is so much better than any picture can show you. On a typical vacation, I spend very little time at the hotel. This trip I actually enjoyed being there. To me, the hotel itself was an attraction. People say there is no "mickey" theming. Every day when I got back from a park, I saw Mickey himself talking to guest at chef mickey's, and also Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and goofy. How can you get more Mickey than seeing the mouse himself And i loved the pools. i did see the infamous ducks, but the pool itself was very clean, as was the pool deck. Much cleaner than swimming in the ocean I loved the fact i could be swimming in the middle of the day, and see the back side of the resort and the monorails entering/exiting. The slide was also fantastic. My first trip down I wasn't expecting much, but it's actually very fast and alot of fun. The CR is hands down my favorite resort, and I can not wait to stay there again.

 

[Desnik]

I'd just like to say that I'm now back from my vacation, and I absolutly loved this resort! I was extremly excited about staying here, but once i got there it exceeded every one of my expectations. I did have a tower MK view room, and the actual view is so much better than any picture can show you. On a typical vacation, I spend very little time at the hotel. This trip I actually enjoyed being there. To me, the hotel itself was an attraction. People say there is no "mickey" theming. Every day when I got back from a park, I saw Mickey himself talking to guest at chef mickey's, and also Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and goofy. How can you get more Mickey than seeing the mouse himself And i loved the pools. i did see the infamous ducks, but the pool itself was very clean, as was the pool deck. Much cleaner than swimming in the ocean I loved the fact i could be swimming in the middle of the day, and see the back side of the resort and the monorails entering/exiting. The slide was also fantastic. My first trip down I wasn't expecting much, but it's actually very fast and alot of fun. The CR is hands down my favorite resort, and I can not wait to stay there again.

Thanks so much for posting this report!!! We can't wait to be there next week in a MK view tower room!!! Glad you had a good time!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'd just like to say that I'm now back from my vacation, and I absolutly loved this resort! I was extremly excited about staying here, but once i got there it exceeded every one of my expectations. I did have a tower MK view room, and the actual view is so much better than any picture can show you. On a typical vacation, I spend very little time at the hotel. This trip I actually enjoyed being there. To me, the hotel itself was an attraction. People say there is no "mickey" theming. Every day when I got back from a park, I saw Mickey himself talking to guest at chef mickey's, and also Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and goofy. How can you get more Mickey than seeing the mouse himself And i loved the pools. i did see the infamous ducks, but the pool itself was very clean, as was the pool deck. Much cleaner than swimming in the ocean I loved the fact i could be swimming in the middle of the day, and see the back side of the resort and the monorails entering/exiting. The slide was also fantastic. My first trip down I wasn't expecting much, but it's actually very fast and alot of fun. The CR is hands down my favorite resort, and I can not wait to stay there again.

Thanks for that great review.

 

[StrollPatrolMom]

I dunno...just me personally...I get the location factor, but as a hotel this place just does not do it for me...

I about fell over when I priced it out as an option...

I'd rather stay at the Poly and swim to MK

 

[MissionMouse]

I have always said when it comes to people staying there conventions they are mostly always going to be in meetings, so what's the big deal if you see them walking around? I should also mention other Resorts like Corondao Springs, Grand Floridian and the Yacht Club all have convention centers and must host a number of conventions each year, so why should this stereotype of people on conventions always have a negative impact on the Contemporary? I personally think it's because the Resorts I mentioned have better themes, so because of the Contemporary theme people like to mention how the guests on conventions can take up the whole place in a negative way.

I provided the both sides of the resort, but you should realize that some adults want to entirely break away from work and anything associated to work. So while the conventions have meeting rooms they do spill out into the hallways and other areas as allowed. They normally have other events where they gather after hours too. The behavior of the group is normally defined by its organization and management. So you should keep in mind some people do not mind this while others may be upset to have this Corporate America environment spilling over into their hard earned vacation. I personally do not care, but on the other hand I avoid resorts conducting major construction projects considering the abundance of resort choices.

 

[MickeyNicki]

IMHO, no it is not worth it. I have always wanted to stay there and we did in May 05...got a great rate of $137 per night. The resort was blah to us and other than the monorail and proximity to MK it was just eh. Would not stay there again...I would rather pay a bit more and be happier with my resort.