Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[mickeynut1]

I returned this week after a wonderful 10 nights with DD at Poly/GF. We made several stops at CR, including meals at The Wave, Contempo Cafe and even CA Grill, which I didn't think I'd ever be eating at again! (Never say never at WDW)

Glad you enjoyed it

Glad you had a great time at the Poly/GF, as well as your visits to the CR .

I always enjoy your pics .

Your question segues nicely to my explaining how we ended up at CA Grill when I thought we'd never dine there again…

We had an ADR for one of our favorite Epcot restaurants, Tokyo Dining. We were staying at GF so we could only take the monorail to Epcot. Due to the lightning and heavy rains, we couldn't walk to the TTC. We arrived at the GF monorail station with over an hour until our ADR. Normally that's plenty of time to get there and check-in from the monorail resorts. Well, the monorail took about 20 mins to arrive and it was completely full so we had to wait for the next one, which took another 20 mins. By this time I knew we wouldn't make it to Epcot in time and the lightning was really bad and it wasn't even safe to be outside. We got on the second monorail that arrived and I made the decision to try and cancel TD. I told DD we'd get off at CR and eat there instead. I called to cancel from the very crowded monorail and the CM was very understanding and canceled without penalty which was greatly appreciated.

I knew that you could go up to CA Grill without an ADR if there was seating available in the bar area, but we had never done that before. I asked at the CAG check-in line and they told us to go up and have a seat in the bar area or wait for a seat. We got up to the 15th floor and the bar area was completely full. Next to the bar area is the sushi bar area where no one at all was seated. I assumed this was the bar area, too and proceeded to sit down. DD got very nervous because she felt we weren't in the right area, and as it turns out, her teenage instinct of always feeling a bit out of place was spot on! About 5 minutes later, the nicest manager, Bill, came by with water. I explained I thought this was the bar area and he immediately made us feel welcome and explained that the sushi bar is for guests with reservations, but he would be happy to have us seated there and a server would be with us shortly. He epitomized the phrase "the guest is always right." He made us feel welcome and appreciated as guests, even though we were seated in the wrong area, then he kindly asked for my last name since we weren't checked-in or had an ADR

Dale, our server, came by and also saved the day. My DD who was hanging her head in shame because mom dragged her to the "wrong" seating area, was smiling after Dale arrived and put us all at ease. Dale was one of the best servers we've had at CA Grill. We've eaten many times over the years and many years ago the servers were more like Dale. Over the past couple of years, they've not been as friendly and adept. It turned out that Dale has been working there 20 years and it showed. He was easy-going, warm and friendly. We will definitely return to CAG. This experience negated all our other negative experiences and, we'll be sure to ask for Dale next time.

Glad you decided to try CG again and had a great experience this time . CG is always on my list for ADRs, but I have yet to follow through on booking it. With that said, after your review, I may just add it to the list next time and keep it .

 

[WDWKOOK]

We have had more bad experiences at CG than good, unfortunately. But the couple of times we had the good ones, Dale was our server! He is wonderful, and I agree that this is the type of CM Disney really needs to cultivate.

Your experience with CG sounds very similar to ours.

Always a bit gun shy to try CG. One day soon. our last few trips have been a more relaxed dress code.

I wouldn't worry about that - Disney should, but you shouldn't. The "dress code" is so lax at the TS and Signature Dining locations. As usual, we saw guests in suits, ties and dresses right next to guests in denim shorts, t-shirts and flip flops and everything in between. Even saw a woman at CG in blue jeans that were ripped/scored from thigh to ankle and there was even a family all dressed in pirate attire!

I was actually surprised this visit how many people we saw at the 3 Signature Dining locations we ate at who were dressed the exact same way you'd go to the parks - shorts, sneakers/flip flops and an untucked t-shirt. We think the DDP has led to more people eating at these locations and Disney has had to relax their standards to accommodate the increase. I wouldn't let what you're wearing (or not wearing) keep you from trying anything at WDW, expect maybe V&A

Thank you Kook! That is perfect!

You're welcome.

I was WL fan until we stayed at Contemporary last week and now my new favourite resort CR. After last week vacation my kids have already put in their request to stay at CR again next time, my son thinks we should there on every trip to WDW

Your DS has good taste. While the theming at WL is amazing, the rooms aren't in comparison with CR's. Hope you get to book your next stay at CR soon!

Glad you had a great time at the Poly/GF, as well as your visits to the CR .

I always enjoy your pics .

Glad you decided to try CG again and had a great experience this time . CG is always on my list for ADRs, but I have yet to follow through on booking it. With that said, after your review, I may just add it to the list next time and keep it .

We really love the large Poly rooms and we had an amazing view and the exact room I requested, so no complaints there. But, the resort is VERY crowded feeling, pretty much everywhere, all the time. GF never felt crowded like Poly does. After only being able to take the monorail to MK or boat when it was running, we really missed the option of walking. This truly sets CR/BLT apart and makes a big difference to us.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We used to love the monorail, but it's gotten really unreliable and super crowded over the last couple of years. Lines during peak hours, morning and evening, were very long from all the resorts. We often had to wait for a second monorail to arrive before we could get on (from all the monorail resorts and MK). Some monorail cars were taken out of commission due to AC problems and at least one car at the MK was left empty so that it would arrive at CR and guests could board there. I've never seen them do that before.

We noticed that most of the guests were getting off at the MK and then the TTC where they would board trams so our assumption was that the vast majority of these guests weren't monorail resort guests or possibly even onsite guests. It would be much better if there were some monorails that didn't stop at the TTC and would be great if all the monorail resorts had an Epcot bus option. I think many are confused and just get on any monorail since they all stop at the TTC and they prefer it over the ferry.

This was the line one evening that went down to the escalator area:

 

[Diaz]

Are luggage carts available for guest to use? Besides suitcases, we will also be bringing groceries to our villa. If we must use Bell Services, will our belongings be brought up promptly? What is the suggested tip for maybe two luggage carts full of stuff? Thank you.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Are luggage carts available for guest to use? Besides suitcases, we will also be bringing groceries to our villa. If we must use Bell Services, will our belongings be brought up promptly? What is the suggested tip for maybe two luggage carts full of stuff? Thank you.

Guests can't use the luggage carts. You can either schlep your belongings yourself or use Bell Services. The customary tip is $1 - $2 per bag. Are you driving or using DME? Are your groceries being delivered?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here are the rest of the CR photos I took last week:










Contempo Cafe changed their ordering policy about a week before we dined there. All kiosks have been removed and you now place your order at the cash register. This made for enormous lines, made worse by there only being one cashier the evening we dined. I finally found a manager, (he may have been hiding) and asked him if he could get another cashier, it was that bad. By the time he got one we had finally ordered. Then we sat down and waited for our meal. The entire process was at least 30 minutes. I can't even imagine what breakfast would be like.

The electronic menu board has also been discontinued. Guests either stand at the entrance where there are greeters with menus or they head to the cash register and make their decisions there. This made purchasing anything at all much worse since so many would get to the register and not know what they even wanted to order. The kiosks were a much better method, but they have now all been removed, at least from all Deluxe resort locations. DD wondered why they didn't have an entirely self-service option where you place your own order at the kiosk and pay using your MB or KTTW Card or you have the option of using a cashier.

The salads have changed, too. Gone are the salads with quinoa and other goodies. This was supposed to be the "Contempo Vegetable Salad - with feta, kalamata olives, chickpeas, fried tofu, quinoa, lemon vinaigrette, and a warm pita wedge $8.49." All the items were missing except a few tomatoes, a spoonful of chick peas, the pita and a few chunks of feta.




Boston Cream Cupcake and Flourless Chocolate Cake:



Caprese Flatbread:

 

[mickeynut1]

We really love the large Poly rooms and we had an amazing view and the exact room I requested, so no complaints there. But, the resort is VERY crowded feeling, pretty much everywhere, all the time. GF never felt crowded like Poly does. After only being able to take the monorail to MK or boat when it was running, we really missed the option of walking. This truly sets CR/BLT apart and makes a big difference to us.

I hear you about the Poly rooms......very large and spacious for sure! We are hoping to get back to Disney next summer for another Poly stay (possibly a split with the CR), but with all the changes, I'm worried that the resort will no longer have the same appeal that we're used to .

This was the line one evening that went down to the escalator area:
View attachment 122021

That's a lot of people waiting! .

 

[mickeynut1]

Here are the rest of the CR photos I took last week

Awesome pics, KOOK

 

[diddldonna]

Thank you for sharing the Photos

Sad to see the Kiosks have gone as I liked this idea and was looking forward to using them, oh well xx

 

[Diaz]

Guests can't use the luggage carts. You can either schlep your belongings yourself or use Bell Services. The customary tip is $1 - $2 per bag. Are you driving or using DME? Are your groceries being delivered?

Thank you for the prompt reply. We are driving. I will be doing my own grocery shopping. Do you have a recommendation on a close and easy to get to (not always the same thing) grocery store?

 

[hill6]

Not good changes at Contempo Cafe. I think we will skip for breakfast when we go.

 

[Cluelyss]

Not good changes at Contempo Cafe. I think we will skip for breakfast when we go.

I was quite surprised by this new process when we were there over the weekend. Luckily we were eating at an off time - I can only imagine what a disaster this is during peak periods. I wonder why the change?

Also, as others have reported, no yellow Mickey pillows in our room - and we didn't have the Mickey shower curtain, either. Didn't bother us one bit though, still love CR and the convenience can't be beat....especially with all the monorail issues. It was down both times we walked out of MK, so we just walked

I was sad to see that they've moved to the larger toiletries - much harder to bring a few home when they aren't refilling daily!!

 

[MrsSkellington]

What a bummer about the kiosks. I was hoping for a quick option for breakfast. Oh well. We're in the GW anyway, so we can either eat in our room or grab something in the parks.

Do you think that the monorail backup was due to the work being done? Just wondering if it will be better by the end of October, or if we should keep our rental car. The 2 year old will likely not do well with waiting that long

 

[Cluelyss]

What a bummer about the kiosks. I was hoping for a quick option for breakfast. Oh well. We're in the GW anyway, so we can either eat in our room or grab something in the parks.

Do you think that the monorail backup was due to the work being done? Just wondering if it will be better by the end of October, or if we should keep our rental car. The 2 year old will likely not do well with waiting that long

Monorail issues were not due to work, as there were definitely periods of time it was working...just not when we needed it! Lol! It is running in a modified schedule, though, and I'm not sure how long that's expected to continue. Most sites that track ride refurbs have been keeping the operating schedule updated, so I'd check on that closer to your trip. It's primarily reduced morning hours

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Does anyone know if the Mini Market sells tea bags, it looks like it does, but not 100% sure...
Many thanks
Kev

 

[Scott MC]

Thanks for your review, Scott. I'm sorry you didn't care for the CR, but glad you tried it....now you know it's not a resort for you. We like trying different resorts and while we have enjoyed all of them so far, we do have a few that are absolute favorites that would be chosen over others. Hope your BC stay was magical .

Our BC stay could not have been more magical! Thanks!

Hi Scott...
Sorry to hear that you weren't wowed by CR and totally understand the feeling of just wanting out - that was us at the Poly and I highly doubt we'll ever return there either.

Interestingly, despite the construction, we kinda fell for the Polynesian. We are torn in fact as next summer will be our 10th anniversary, and we want to spend it at WDW. I'm aching to try the Poly, but whereas it's a big anniversary, I hate to try something new this time. I might feel more comfy on the YC/BC side of things where I KNOW we'll be happy.

It seems a lot got in the way of you being able to like CR. You weren't feeling it for CR and you know you love BC so you were a good sport to try it out, but sticking with a favorite has its advantages. Thanks for posting about your stay.

In hindsight, the CR stay really wasn't that bad. It just didn't blow us away like other resorts have in the past. I think if we were to ever stay again, we'd spring for tower with a MK view...and probably only for a night or 2. We're fans of "Bonus Nights" (2 at most) at non Epcot resorts...followed by 6 nights at a tried & true BC/YC/BWI. I am glad we stuck it out this time though. It's record-breaking heat where I am today (North of Boston), and I miss CR air-conditioning!
P.S. So glad you were so pleasantly surprised by GF. After the 3 Epcot resorts...GF is our favorite. They've pampered us both times we've stayed!

 

[MrsSkellington]

Do we know if there will be trick-or-treating at the resort this year? I saw that they did it last year.

 

[psac]

We used to love the monorail, but it's gotten really unreliable and super crowded over the last couple of years. Lines during peak hours, morning and evening, were very long from all the resorts. We often had to wait for a second monorail to arrive before we could get on (from all the monorail resorts and MK). Some monorail cars were taken out of commission due to AC problems and at least one car at the MK was left empty so that it would arrive at CR and guests could board there. I've never seen them do that before.

We noticed that most of the guests were getting off at the MK and then the TTC where they would board trams so our assumption was that the vast majority of these guests weren't monorail resort guests or possibly even onsite guests. It would be much better if there were some monorails that didn't stop at the TTC and would be great if all the monorail resorts had an Epcot bus option. I think many are confused and just get on any monorail since they all stop at the TTC and they prefer it over the ferry.

This was the line one evening that went down to the escalator area:
View attachment 122021

We had no monorail problems at all during our BLT stay during the Fourth of July. I wonder if your stay was even more peak than our time? Or if they had some monorails out of service when you were there, and they had all the cars running when we were there because of the holiday? Does not sound fun at all.

I'm glad Cali Grill worked well for you this trip! We liked our meal there during our trip as well, just still not as much as the other sigs we went to that trip (YS, Narcoos, Citricos). The Tuna Four Ways was definitely the best (and biggest!) appetizer of the trip for me.

Maybe also the weather worked both ways. Just like you couldn't get to Tokyo Dining, maybe they had no shows for their ADRs, which helped make them more accommodating

 

[mickeynut1]

Our BC stay could not have been more magical! Thanks!

Glad you had a magical time at the BC. It's always fun trying new resorts, but it's also nice staying at the tried and true .

 

[hill6]

I was quite surprised by this new process when we were there over the weekend. Luckily we were eating at an off time - I can only imagine what a disaster this is during peak periods. I wonder why the change?

Also, as others have reported, no yellow Mickey pillows in our room - and we didn't have the Mickey shower curtain, either. Didn't bother us one bit though, still love CR and the convenience can't be beat....especially with all the monorail issues. It was down both times we walked out of MK, so we just walked

I was sad to see that they've moved to the larger toiletries - much harder to bring a few home when they aren't refilling daily!!

We stayed at a hotel in Key West earlier this year with large bottles of stuff and a sign that it would cost you $20 if you took it. I took some empty 3 oz travel bottles full of hand lotion home. Left the big bottle though.