Convention Help at CR

[Lord Fantasius]

O.k., I'm just way too excited...our industry is having their annual summit at the Contemporary Resort next February and I was just approved to attend!

Admittedly, still not guaranteed until I see the tickets in my hand, but will be hard not to dream of four days, three nights of expense-paid Disney!! The only problem is my wife cannot attend with me as we are expecting around that time period and she won't be able to fly then. But then again, she's not much of a Disney-type person so she let's me have my fun when I can.

So has anybody here attended a convention at the CR? It's really going to be hard to concentrate on the meetings, but will be dutiful as long as they don't run long...anyways, down to the earth-type of questions:

1) Do they consign convention guests to certain buildings/floors/rooms?

2) Is it possible to upgrade from a convention rate? Admittedly, the conference rate is only about 10% off the lowest rack rate and about the same as a AAA discount, but I wouldn't mind paying for an upgrade if they don't laugh me out of the hotel.

3) Do they provide any discounts for visiting the parks? Last year when we had our convention in Orlando (but not at Disney), some people commented that during earlier conventions on Disney property (mid-90's) they either received discounted tickets to attend MK or EPCOT in the evenings during seminar days (I think it was $10 to visit after 6:00pm); or free passes to something or other. Anybody have any knowledge of this?

4) Does one lose "the magic" while staying at Disney for a working convention? In my previous visits, I always avoided the convention areas of the hotels like the plague since I really didn't want to spoil my "escape." Now that I'm one of them I probably won't wear my badge outside the hall or talk business within earshot of other guests, but any other ways I can still enjoy my day?

5) Lastly, the big question - any fathers here travel alone with a 2-yr daughter for any length of stay at Disney? I don't think I would have much of a problem if I didn't have the seminars to attend, but I've read about the nanny service but not sure it would be worth it for a 2-yr old. I'm trying to talk some relatives into meeting me down there so they could watch her during the day and I could meet them at the parks when I'm free, but so far it's not looking good.

Thanks for any help or thoughts you might have...

 

[tjmouse]

Well, coming from someone who attended a convention there last September, I can tell you, it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to actually go to the convention! We were at the B&Y Club, but at the CR? That close to MK? I couldn't be held responsible for my actions.

As far as upgrading, you'd probably have to pay full price, no discount. I am sure they block rooms for the convention, so you'll probably be in a wing rather than the tower since the tower costs more.

They offered us "after 2:00" tickets at a discounted price. I think this has to be arranged through the conference sponsors so if they take that initiative, you might get those.

The 2 yo is a tough one. I would say yes to the nanny idea, but paying for the ones that come to your room is so expensive. Do you know anyone else who is going to the conference? Perhaps you could find another guy who is taking the family and maybe his wife would be willing to take your daughter for you? I know I would be willing to do it for one of my coworkers, but if you are the only one going from your company, that won't work. What about a neice or a teenage cousin? Maybe they would like a trip to Disney? Sorry, that's all the ideas I have.