Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[brockash]

We have stayed at BLT twice and LOVE it. We are planning an early Dec 2014 trip and may be staying at CR this time. I am wondering what all you CR experts thoughts are regarding the Tower rooms vs. GW. I know there is a price difference but besides that. The GW rooms seem like a lot of extra walking not just back and forth from the park but to the main bldg. But it seems it would be so nice and quiet. Can anyone share thoughts? Thanks!

We stayed in the GW a couple years ago and yes, we thought it was kinda a hassle and a longish walk from the main building/4th floor etc. Part of this depends on where exactly your room is, our was further back and on the 2nd floor. We had a baby with us, so we almost always had the stroller and had to use the elevator (very small and seemed very slow). While it was still nice to be "at the CR," you def. are not staying in the CR and there's a big difference...at least to us. We've stayed at BLT the last couple years and that didn't seem as bad to us and this year we'll be staying in the tower.

 

[wendow]

We stayed in the GW a couple years ago and yes, we thought it was kinda a hassle and a longish walk from the main building/4th floor etc. Part of this depends on where exactly your room is, our was further back and on the 2nd floor. We had a baby with us, so we almost always had the stroller and had to use the elevator (very small and seemed very slow). While it was still nice to be "at the CR," you def. are not staying in the CR and there's a big difference...at least to us. We've stayed at BLT the last couple years and that didn't seem as bad to us and this year we'll be staying in the tower.

That is exactly my concern. We will still be using two strollers so if we don't get a ground floor room, that will be such a pain. And I can't imagine no balcony. Dh & I like to sit out there once the kids go to sleep.

We are trying to rent points for BLT but the time period we are going is a popular time for DVC and it's not looking too good for being able to get a room.

 

[Gryhndmom]

That is exactly my concern. We will still be using two strollers so if we don't get a ground floor room, that will be such a pain. And I can't imagine no balcony. Dh & I like to sit out there once the kids go to sleep.

We are trying to rent points for BLT but the time period we are going is a popular time for DVC and it's not looking too good for being able to get a room.

Best of luck trying to rent points ! DH and I bit the bullet and bought DVC at BLT since wine and food has become soooo popular. Love being able to book so far out (think it is 10 or 11 months).

 

[brockash]

That is exactly my concern. We will still be using two strollers so if we don't get a ground floor room, that will be such a pain. And I can't imagine no balcony. Dh & I like to sit out there once the kids go to sleep.

We are trying to rent points for BLT but the time period we are going is a popular time for DVC and it's not looking too good for being able to get a room.

Double

 

[brockash]

That is exactly my concern. We will still be using two strollers so if we don't get a ground floor room, that will be such a pain. And I can't imagine no balcony. Dh & I like to sit out there once the kids go to sleep.

We are trying to rent points for BLT but the time period we are going is a popular time for DVC and it's not looking too good for being able to get a room.

Yes, I forgot about the balcony, but my mom was really disappointed to not have a balcony. We had asked for ground level as close to the main bldg as possible but didn't get it. We had never stayed there before, so at checkin I just took what they gave us, but if we had to do it over again, I would have requested it again at checkin and offered to wait for what we wanted etc. Good luck!

 

[wendow]

Best of luck trying to rent points ! DH and I bit the bullet and bought DVC at BLT since wine and food has become soooo popular. Love being able to book so far out (think it is 10 or 11 months).

We have always been able to rent at even 5 or 6 mos out for 7 or 8 nights at BLT BUT that was in September when crowds are low. We are looking at beginning of Dec which seems to be a very popular time for DVC owners. Congrats on being owners at BLT. It's a dream of mine for sure

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for your response. I dug up some photos from the old thread. Looks great, I can see the photos with the cheese wheels as Mickey Ears! Too bad they didn't replace those bathroom sinks...those drove me nuts last time!

We're confirmed for Atrium Club - TPV -Aug 24 - 31; kids still think we're going to BC; we'll see how long I can keep the charade up!

I'll add your dates to the Log, but don't let the kids see

Budget minded question.......
Do they have ketchup, mayo, mustard packs available at some of the eateries
for no charge or do I need to order/pack those kind of items as well?

I only recall seeing the pumps for mustard, mayo and catsup at the Contempo Cafe:

Photo courtesy of Disney Food Blog

We have stayed at BLT twice and LOVE it. We are planning an early Dec 2014 trip and may be staying at CR this time. I am wondering what all you CR experts thoughts are regarding the Tower rooms vs. GW. I know there is a price difference but besides that. The GW rooms seem like a lot of extra walking not just back and forth from the park but to the main bldg. But it seems it would be so nice and quiet. Can anyone share thoughts? Thanks!

If you've stayed at BLT and you're asking the question, then you probably have already thought about the main differences between BLT and the GW: BLT rooms all have balconies and are much higher up and offer more commanding views. BLT and the Tower are very similar in that all the Tower rooms have balconies and commanding views. The Tower rooms are identical to the GW rooms, but the location is magical. Opening your door and looking down at the monorail and 4th floor concourse is amazing. It's open, airy and bright, and you can even see the MK and Castle as you walk out of your room through the north side's windows.

The GW feels darker and more enclosed than the Tower with many hallways. The GW rooms that front Bay Lake have amazing views and are just steps from the beach. But, you can't book those rooms since they are considered Garden View rooms and there isn't a Water View category, you can only request them.

I saw on another site that the monorail maintenance is expected to go another 2-3 weeks, so right while we're there. Anyone heard anything different?

Also, in the transportation post on this thread, it says the Epcot beam starts working at 8am. Is this different for AM EMH mornings? Otherwise, how should we plan to get there?? We won't have a car.

This is what the Disney website is still posting:

As part of our continuing efforts to exceed the expectations of our Guests, Resort Monorail and Express Monorail service will be temporarily unavailable from January 21, 2014 through March 2014. Please check back here for the latest updates and information about when regular service will continue.

For Epcot EMH the monorail begins running about 1 hour prior to park opening.

 

[wendow]

If you've stayed at BLT and you're asking the question, then you probably have already thought about the main differences between BLT and the GW: BLT rooms all have balconies and are much higher up and offer more commanding views. BLT and the Tower are very similar in that all the Tower rooms have balconies and commanding views. The Tower rooms are identical to the GW rooms, but the location is magical. Opening your door and looking down at the monorail and 4th floor concourse is amazing. It's open, airy and bright, and you can even see the MK and Castle as you walk out of your room through the north side's windows.

The GW feels darker and more enclosed than the Tower with many hallways. The GW rooms that front Bay Lake have amazing views and are just steps from the beach. But, you can't book those rooms since they are considered Garden View rooms and there isn't a Water View category, you can only request them.

Thanks! i am thinking that while staying in the GW is quieter, staying in the tower seems completely magical! Especially for two little boys who adore the monorail!

 

[buzzrelly]

Hi all! Thinking about renting DVC points for April 2015 and I have a couple of questions. First, the person I am renting from has about enough points to rent a studio for a week. I think I'm fine with the from being a little smaller and having a pull out sleeper, but I would like to be in an upper floor with a balcony. Is this possible in a studio? We have only ever stayed in the tower with a MKV...definitely don't want to downgrade, but saving some money by renting the points would be nice.

Second, his home resort is AKL so he wouldn't be able to book BLT until September, correct? What are the odds that we'd even get into BLT at that point? My plan B would be BCV, but I'd be sad to give up the CR. Thanks!

 

[buzzrelly]

Hi all! Thinking about renting DVC points for April 2015 and I have a couple of questions. First, the person I am renting from has about enough points to rent a studio for a week. I think I'm fine with the room being a little smaller and having a pull out sleeper, but I would like to be in an upper floor with a balcony. Is this possible in a studio? We have only ever stayed in the tower with a MKV...definitely don't want to downgrade, but saving some money by renting the points would be nice. Second, his home resort is AKL so he wouldn't be able to book BLT until September, correct? What are the odds that we'd even get into BLT at that point? My plan B would be BCV, but I'd be sad to give up the CR. Thanks!

Edited for spelling

 

[wendow]

Hi all! Thinking about renting DVC points for April 2015 and I have a couple of questions. First, the person I am renting from has about enough points to rent a studio for a week. I think I'm fine with the from being a little smaller and having a pull out sleeper, but I would like to be in an upper floor with a balcony. Is this possible in a studio? We have only ever stayed in the tower with a MKV...definitely don't want to downgrade, but saving some money by renting the points would be nice.

Second, his home resort is AKL so he wouldn't be able to book BLT until September, correct? What are the odds that we'd even get into BLT at that point? My plan B would be BCV, but I'd be sad to give up the CR. Thanks!

It's definitely possible to have an upper floor with a balcony in a studio (all have balconies). It's getting a studio at 7mos out that may be challenging. Those book up the fastest by DVC members who own at BLT. A 1-br lake view is what is most plentiful at BLT so you would be more apt to get that. Though April may be a hard time no matter what.

 

[DLBDS]

Haven't read last pages but wanted to let everyone know, that will be arriving the next few days, that the monorail is back to its regular operating schedule. I'm here now. 10th floor MK View. We're like.... Wow!

 

[wendow]

I'm here now. 10th floor MK View. We're like.... Wow!

I bet you are!! Enjoy! I've never had a MK view. On my Disney 'bucket list'

 

[cmac609]

Hi, I have a few questions about the differences between the 12th and 14th floor club levels.

Is the food/drinks the same?
How many MK rooms are on the 14th floor? Looking at the diagram it looks like one BV and 1-2 MK view?
Any other privileges staying on 14th floor.

Thanks

 

[SRUAlmn]

I just wanted to post an update because I know I posted previously about BLT being excluded from all the discounts.

Yesterday my mom got a PIN code in the mail. She was soooo excited so we called and all the allocations for BLT had been booked They transferred her to another CM and after 6 Disney songs on hold the CM came back and said he was going to be her new best friend! We were able to get a PIN applied! I can't even explain the tears we shared! This has been my mom's dream to be able to have a MK view room and now it's really real!! (and we can actually afford it) I hope that CM knows how much he touched our hearts!

 

[cantoine]

I am so happy to have found this thread. My DH decided that he was going to take me to Disney for our 6th wedding anniversary and NOT be cheap. What started out as a trip for 4 days to OKW has turned in to a split stay for 7 nights June 8-15: 3 nights at YC and 4 nights at BLT 1 bedroom lake view. We are traveling with 6; 3 adults 2 children 1 infant. I have a few questions, is there a a place at the resort to view the fireworks? I want to surprise our son who always talks about his dream of staying at the place with the train, so my plan is to wake up early at YC run over to BLT do a pre check in (sure my room will not be ready) park my car there, run back to YC get the kids ready, check out of YC, get our bags to bellhop, go to HS for the day. Then take the kids to BLT for the big surprise. Can anyone tell me if this is possible to do? Also any information on pirates and pals would be appreciated.

 

[pemberley]

Please add me to the Logorail! We just booked a 1 bedroom lake view at BLT 11/17/14-11/22/14. This will be our first BLT stay! Can't wait!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Haven't read last pages but wanted to let everyone know, that will be arriving the next few days, that the monorail is back to its regular operating schedule. I'm here now. 10th floor MK View. We're like.... Wow!

Thank you for letting everyone know the good news. Are you going to book a BB?

Hi, I have a few questions about the differences between the 12th and 14th floor club levels.

Is the food/drinks the same?
How many MK rooms are on the 14th floor? Looking at the diagram it looks like one BV and 1-2 MK view?
Any other privileges staying on 14th floor.

Thanks

I assume you are asking about Standard rooms and not suites? There are 5 Standard (non-suite) Tower Club rooms and 11 suites: Two are MKV Kings and one is a MKV Queen and the other Queen is a HA/MKV. The BLV room is a queen.

I think the Tower Club section on the first page will answer your questions:

The Tower Club has a total of sixteen rooms: Five Standard rooms and eleven suites comprised of One and Two Bedroom Suites, a Vice Presidential Suite and a Presidential Suite. When booking a Standard Tower Club room - Queen ("CY"), there is no guarantee of a Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake View, but your preference can be noted. However, when booking a King room ("CW") both rooms are MKV/TPV. When booking a suite, you will be assigned either a Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom View.

The lounge on the 12th floor (Atrium Club) is bigger and has more seating then the 14th floor Tower Club. Three Standard rooms were used to build the 12th floor lounge. There are three balconies on the MK side for Club Level guests to watch the fireworks.

In the 14th floor rooms the refrigerators will often be stocked with cans of Coke, Diet Coke, water and apple juice. The refrigerators in the rooms on the 12th floor are not stocked prior to arrival.

The 14th floor room and lounge balconies are bigger than the 12th floor balconies.

Both floors serve the exact same food for breakfast, afternoon snacks, 5 PM hors d'oeuvres and 8 PM deserts & cordials. The 12th floor Atrium Club rooms are marginally less expensive then the 14th floor Tower Club rooms and suites.

I just wanted to post an update because I know I posted previously about BLT being excluded from all the discounts.

Yesterday my mom got a PIN code in the mail. She was soooo excited so we called and all the allocations for BLT had been booked They transferred her to another CM and after 6 Disney songs on hold the CM came back and said he was going to be her new best friend! We were able to get a PIN applied! I can't even explain the tears we shared! This has been my mom's dream to be able to have a MK view room and now it's really real!! (and we can actually afford it) I hope that CM knows how much he touched our hearts!

This is great news! You knew I was concerned about your BLT at rack rate so I'm so happy for you and Mom that you were able to apply a discount. Never give up!

I am so happy to have found this thread. My DH decided that he was going to take me to Disney for our 6th wedding anniversary and NOT be cheap. What started out as a trip for 4 days to OKW has turned in to a split stay for 7 nights June 8-15: 3 nights at YC and 4 nights at BLT 1 bedroom lake view. We are traveling with 6; 3 adults 2 children 1 infant. I have a few questions, is there a a place at the resort to view the fireworks? I want to surprise our son who always talks about his dream of staying at the place with the train, so my plan is to wake up early at YC run over to BLT do a pre check in (sure my room will not be ready) park my car there, run back to YC get the kids ready, check out of YC, get our bags to bellhop, go to HS for the day. Then take the kids to BLT for the big surprise. Can anyone tell me if this is possible to do? Also any information on pirates and pals would be appreciated.

Your BLT check-in day wore me out, but it's a good worn out. Keep in mind that your bags might not get to BLT for at least several hours. Could you bring them with you when you check-in and store them at BLT? You never know, your room might be ready early, but that's less likely with DVC.

If you are a DVC owner, you can view Wishes from the Top of the World Lounge. Otherwise, here are the CR locations and P&P info. from the RECREATION section of the thread:

THE PIRATES AND PALS FIREWORKS VOYAGE sets sail from the dock at the Contemporary. You'll enjoy an amazing view of Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant. The event starts about 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to the start of Wishes.





THE WISHES NIGHTLY MAGIC KINGDOM FIREWORKS last about 12 minutes. Preferred CR/BLT viewing locations:

~Magic Kingdom/Theme Park View Tower rooms/balconies.

~BLT Magic Kingdom/Theme Park View rooms/balconies and some Bay Lake View rooms on the north side.

~The beach.

~California Grill restaurant and observation deck (exclusively for guests with same-day reservations only).

~Fourth floor observation deck.

Please add me to the Logorail! We just booked a 1 bedroom lake view at BLT 11/17/14-11/22/14. This will be our first BLT stay! Can't wait!!

Yippee! I'd be happy to add you and you're going to love BLT. We stayed in a one bedroom LV and it was so nice having all that room AND two bathrooms

 

[5Hfan]

Are there fridges/microwaves in any of the Contemporary rooms?

 

[psac]

Are there fridges/microwaves in any of the Contemporary rooms?

Mini-fridges yes, but microwaves only at Bay Lake Tower.