Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[GADisneyDad14]

The Sand Bar is not closed.

 

[Dave006]

I heard that the Sand Bar is closed. Is there a place near the pool to get drinks and snacks?

Disney reports it closed tonight since it closed at 8 PM. The calendar at the link below shows it will be open tomorrow at 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/sand-bar/

Dave

 

[jemtx]

Any word on the previously mentioned pool repair project at CR? I remember the pool was scheduled to be closed early January to April. Any word if that’s still the case? Anyone know how involved the repair is? Any chance it could reopen earlier than anticipated? Was thinking of a March trip, but wouldn’t want to go when the pool was closed? (Btw, how is March for swimming?)

 

[ApolloFX]

Hey everyone, I have a 9 day trip coming up. Is the tower worth $2000 more for the whole trip vs the garden wing?

 

[Dave006]

Contemporary feature pool and whirlpools refurbishment schedule:

From January 9, 2023 through early April 2023, the feature pool and whirlpool spas will be closed for refurbishment. The water play area and Bay Lake Pool will remain open for your enjoyment. You may see and hear construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but you should not hear noise from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Source: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/contemporary-resort/

No further details have been shared on the extent of the refurbishment.

(Btw, how is March for swimming?)

March can vary widely as to weather in Central Florida but the pools are heated to about 81 -84 degrees. It can be quite windy, cool or just perfect.

Dave

 

[Dave006]

Hey everyone, I have a 9 day trip coming up. Is the tower worth $2000 more for the whole trip vs the garden wing?

Well it is basically the same room but with a different view with no balcony. First floor rooms have a Patio but 2nd and 3rd floor Garden Wing rooms only have a railing right at the sliding door that only opens partially.

We can't decide for you but I might suggest what you think of ways to enjoy that $2000 if you are only going to sleep in the room and spend the bulk of your trip enjoying the parks.

Example: Do you get up early to enjoy a balcony option or enjoy sitting on the balcony in the evening to relax and enjoy the resort views (TPV / Bay Lake) in the Tower. Is that worth slightly more then $200 per night?

Dave

 

[ApolloFX]

Well it is basically the same room but with a different view with no balcony. First floor rooms have a Patio but 2nd and 3rd floor Garden Wing rooms only have a railing right at the sliding door that only opens partially.

We can't decide for you but I might suggest what you think of ways to enjoy that $2000 if you are only going to sleep in the room and spend the bulk of your trip enjoying the parks.

Example: Do you get up early to enjoy a balcony option or enjoy sitting on the balcony in the evening to relax and enjoy the resort views (TPV / Bay Lake) in the Tower. Is that worth slightly more then $200 per night?

Dave

I appreciate the input. I would say that a little longer walk and different view is worth the $$$ in the pocket to spend in the parks. I think I’ll stick with the garden wing, I’m still thrilled to be at the contemporary. I’ll try to request a ground floor but it’s not a deal breaker for me. Thanks!

 

[flyswatter]

Hey everyone, I have a 9 day trip coming up. Is the tower worth $2000 more for the whole trip vs the garden wing?

$2000 is a massive number and not worth spending on a room. Spend it on more park time or restaurants. Unless you’re going to spend massive amount of time in the room it’s sometimes better to walk over waiting on elevators

 

[ApolloFX]

$2000 is a massive number and not worth spending on a room. Spend it on more park time or restaurants. Unless you’re going to spend massive amount of time in the room it’s sometimes better to walk over waiting on elevators

Good tip, didn’t even think of the walk being preferable to waiting for elevators at peak times. Thanks!

 

[ApolloFX]

One other question, does anyone know the status of refurbishment in the garden wing?

 

[jemtx]

I believe it’s all done.

 

[JodyLynC]

I am here now in the Garden Wing and not noticing any construction. The rooms are actually quite nice. I am in 5116, which is near a side entrance facing the pool. We are also able to see the lake from our room. Our first night here about 10:10pm, we heard some loud music. We looked out our sliding glass door and saw the water pageant!!

 

[jemtx]

Totally random, but I thought I’d mention that today I noticed the Disney site finally updated pics of what some of the suites and some of the garden view rooms like the deluxe and hospitality suite look like with the refurbs. I like what they’ve done with the deluxe garden view.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Totally random, but I thought I’d mention that today I noticed the Disney site finally updated pics of what some of the suites and some of the garden view rooms like the deluxe and hospitality suite look like with the refurbs. I like what they’ve done with the deluxe garden view.

And interestingly enough the elusive "Standard Room - Club Level" category which are the few 2Q regular rooms on the Tower Club/14th Floor now shows up online. Used to have to call to get get those.

 

[Avery&Todd]

Question from a CR newbie!! We're booked in early December for a Room Type: Main Tower - Lake View and I'm wondering if there is a room type floor map for CR, which may possible show which rooms are king vs. 2 Q?

Its just DH and I so we'd love a king and I know the room type mentions it could be either and we've never stayed in the main resort tower before and it seems some of the room links in the beginning of this thread are broken...

Thanks!

 

[mickey916]

Question from a CR newbie!! We're booked in early December for a Room Type: Main Tower - Lake View and I'm wondering if there is a room type floor map for CR, which may possible show which rooms are king vs. 2 Q?

Its just DH and I so we'd love a king and I know the room type mentions it could be either and we've never stayed in the main resort tower before and it seems some of the room links in the beginning of this thread are broken...

Thanks!

If you go to TouringPlans and play around with their room finder, it appears that there aren't any king beds in the Main Tower - Lake view...but I may be wrong.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Question from a CR newbie!! We're booked in early December for a Room Type: Main Tower - Lake View and I'm wondering if there is a room type floor map for CR, which may possible show which rooms are king vs. 2 Q?

Its just DH and I so we'd love a king and I know the room type mentions it could be either and we've never stayed in the main resort tower before and it seems some of the room links in the beginning of this thread are broken...

Thanks!

Yeah, I was going to suggest TouringPlans too: https://touringplans.com/hotel_maps/disneys-contemporary-resort But as PP notes it's inconclusive. I don't view TP's bed type data as 100% fact... directionally accurate yes, 100% reliable, no - it was probably right originally but over the years/renovations that level of detail loses its accuracy unless Disney gives them better info.

I don't think we have a good handle on just how many King rooms are in the tower. I would have said there are at least some (and may be in accessible rooms), but very, very few, but I don't know that for a fact.

If King is important if I were you I'd put in a request for a King bed and leave it at that, but go in knowing the chances are you'll get 2Qs.

There are a couple of categories you can book that would guarantee a King.... Garden Wing - King and Standard Room-King-Club Level, for example, if you'd like to look into other options.

HTH!

 

[Avery&Todd]

Yeah, I was going to suggest TouringPlans too: https://touringplans.com/hotel_maps/disneys-contemporary-resort But as PP notes it's inconclusive. I don't view TP's bed type data as 100% fact... directionally accurate yes, 100% reliable, no - it was probably right originally but over the years/renovations that level of detail loses its accuracy unless Disney gives them better info.

I don't think we have a good handle on just how many King rooms are in the tower. I would have said there are at least some (and may be in accessible rooms), but very, very few, but I don't know that for a fact.

If King is important if I were you I'd put in a request for a King bed and leave it at that, but go in knowing the chances are you'll get 2Qs.

There are a couple of categories you can book that would guarantee a King.... Garden Wing - King and Standard Room-King-Club Level, for example, if you'd like to look into other options.

HTH!

If you go to TouringPlans and play around with their room finder, it appears that there aren't any king beds in the Main Tower - Lake view...but I may be wrong.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Touring Plans and have gotten some great room requests through them and we're doing a cash stay at CR and got an email from TP saying to not to forget to submit a room request for them...so when I searched for a "king" in the tower I got nothing and just saw 2Qs only...

so I did submit a room request and added a comment that a King would be nice but we're 100% fine with 2Qs..that just means I have a bed ALL TO MYSELF!!



and its only 3 nights so I'll totally be fine! and I mean, heck I'll be at the Contemporary so it'll be great!

Thanks for the responses!

 

[mrsap]

Disney Eats Unveils New Foodie Guide to Can’t Miss Gingerbread Displays 2022

This year is very exciting for Disney’s Contemporary Resort because its display is back! This is the 11th year the Contemporary Bakery team has created a masterpiece so how appropriate that it will open on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. The 50th Anniversary Themed Castle Display is a Mary Blair-inspired castle designed by Walt Disney Imagineers and will feature a brand-new 50th anniversary overlay… and 11 hidden 5-legged goats! Don’t forget to check out the limited-edition pins, mugs, and holiday ornaments to remember the season. There are also plenty of treats you can get, including:

• 50th Anniversary Gingerbread Castle Brick (New)
• Family Tradition Cookie Box featuring a Coconut Macaroon from Chef Jeff’s family, a Sugar Cookie from Chef Kelly’s family, a Butterball from Chef Amber’s family, and a Kitchen Sink Cookie representing all the Cast in the Bakery coming together to bring this display back! (New)
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
• Linzer Cookie
• Gluten-friendly 5-Legged Goat Sugar Cookie (New)
• Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Bar (New)
• Hot Cocoa Bombs (New)
• Frozen drinks with optional alcohol floaters:
  • Frozen Coquito with a rum floater
  • Frozen Hot Chocolate with peppermint schnapps
  • Frozen Apple Cider with a fireball floater

In addition, several spots across Resorts will feature a new Gingerbread Martini with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Rumchata Cream Liqueur, and gingerbread spice featuring a rim of gingerbread, freshly baked in the Resort Bakery. It’s the perfect blend of sugar, spice, and everything nice! You can find this delicious holiday beverage at Grand Floridian Café, Cítricos, and Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Boma: Flavors of Africa and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Chef Mickey’s and Outer Rim at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and dinner at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Disney Eats Unveils New Foodie Guide to Can’t Miss Gingerbread Displays 2022

This year is very exciting for Disney’s Contemporary Resort because its display is back! This is the 11th year the Contemporary Bakery team has created a masterpiece so how appropriate that it will open on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. The 50th Anniversary Themed Castle Display is a Mary Blair-inspired castle designed by Walt Disney Imagineers and will feature a brand-new 50th anniversary overlay… and 11 hidden 5-legged goats! Don’t forget to check out the limited-edition pins, mugs, and holiday ornaments to remember the season. There are also plenty of treats you can get, including:

• 50th Anniversary Gingerbread Castle Brick (New)
• Family Tradition Cookie Box featuring a Coconut Macaroon from Chef Jeff’s family, a Sugar Cookie from Chef Kelly’s family, a Butterball from Chef Amber’s family, and a Kitchen Sink Cookie representing all the Cast in the Bakery coming together to bring this display back! (New)
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
• Linzer Cookie
• Gluten-friendly 5-Legged Goat Sugar Cookie (New)
• Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Bar (New)
• Hot Cocoa Bombs (New)
• Frozen drinks with optional alcohol floaters:
  • Frozen Coquito with a rum floater
  • Frozen Hot Chocolate with peppermint schnapps
  • Frozen Apple Cider with a fireball floater

In addition, several spots across Resorts will feature a new Gingerbread Martini with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Rumchata Cream Liqueur, and gingerbread spice featuring a rim of gingerbread, freshly baked in the Resort Bakery. It’s the perfect blend of sugar, spice, and everything nice! You can find this delicious holiday beverage at Grand Floridian Café, Cítricos, and Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Boma: Flavors of Africa and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Chef Mickey’s and Outer Rim at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and dinner at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Yaya! We'll be there next week!