Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[Jennasis]

The pool at KIDANI I believe is exclusively for guests staying at KIDANI as well.

The BLT pool is small and could never handle the crowds that sharing would bring. As a soon-to-be owner.at BLT, I am happy it's that way.

 

[LvsTnk]

The pool at KIDANI I believe is exclusively for guests staying at KIDANI as well.

The BLT pool is small and could never handle the crowds that sharing would bring. As a soon-to-be owner.at BLT, I am happy it's that way.

No Kidani Village and Jambo House share the pools as well. Although DVC members are not allowed to pool hop to those pools.

I own at BLT as well since before it was finished being built and this past stay was my first time there unfortunately it was a disappointment. It's a great location for MK for sure but both bathroom doors were broken we had to have someone fix the TV. Housekeeping never came for our full cleaning mid stay and when we called they apologized that it hadn't been done 2 days prior brought some towels and apparently that was supposed to be the end of it. I called the following morning to make sure they were coming the gal got snippy and said she wasn't sure and hung up. Rather bizarre glad I didn't make a big deal about the bathroom doors.
I found the reports about the rooms being worn for it's age and somewhat dirty to be spot on.

 

[Jennasis]

No Kidani Village and Jambo House share the pools as well. Although DVC members are not allowed to pool hop to those pools.

I own at BLT as well since before it was finished being built and this past stay was my first time there unfortunately it was a disappointment. It's a great location for MK for sure but both bathroom doors were broken we had to have someone fix the TV. Housekeeping never came for our full cleaning mid stay and when we called they apologized that it hadn't been done 2 days prior brought some towels and apparently that was supposed to be the end of it. I called the following morning to make sure they were coming the gal got snippy and said she wasn't sure and hung up. Rather bizarre glad I didn't make a big deal about the bathroom doors.
I found the reports about the rooms being worn for it's age and somewhat dirty to be spot on.

Odd (the pool exclusivety) then.

Sorry your room was less-than. Ours was wonderful on our last trip. Our room at BWV, though, was sub par. We bought BLT for the location (CR is our favorite resort) and for the length of the contract.

 

[LvsTnk]

Odd (the pool exclusivety) then.

Sorry your room was less-than. Ours was wonderful on our last trip. Our room at BWV, though, was sub par. We bought BLT for the location (CR is our favorite resort) and for the length of the contract.

Always pick what you love for sure. I couldn't help myself had to walk every time we went to MK! I haven't stayed in a BWV since the year it opened wow that's a long time ago. I don't let the little things bother me (even tho it was rather uncomfortable having whoever passed be able to see into the bathroom) was just a report, my vac time is spent vacationing I prob should have followed up with housekeeping after snippy girl hung up on me. I will hopefully get an email for a review.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Actually, my favorite resort has always been and probably always will be the CR for sentimental reasons going back to childhood. I stayed there once as a child and again more recently in the Garden Wing (free upgrade from POR!). This will probably be my one and only time staying in the tower but only because of the cost (split it with DM). I would stay there every time if I could! My second favorite (and much more affordable) resort is the WL. We all love the atmosphere there and it's my DD's favorite... because it was her first?? Her first WDW visit (and my first visit back as an adult) was perfect... full of pixie dust and magical experiences. We stayed at the WL then.

I have a big soft spot for WL, too

Add me to the 2014 list!!! Staying BLT theme park view Sept 30-Oct 7! Can't wait!!!!!!

Yippee!

We are staying for the first time at the CR and I have two questions about the pool area at the CR. We too are renting a cabana for the day and I have searched endlessly for info about the cabanas and can only find that there are four available around the bullseye pool. Since my kids will likely be spending all their time on the slide, I'd like to be able to supervise from the comfort of my cabana. When I called to book, they assured me there was a cabana by the main pool (yes, I know they are often wrong over the phone), so I am checking with the experts... anyone know for sure if there is one? I suspect not, but am wishfully thinking...

Welcome to the thread and for the first time to the CR! I have some photos of the feature pool cabana and info. HERE. There were originally four cabanas surrounding the Bullseye/Bay Lake pool. Several years ago they took two of the cabanas and placed them at the feature pool. So don't worry, they are there

Is this true, even if on checks in online ahead of time? Summer of 12 we stayed CL at BWI and were just told by a couple of College Program kids at the Bell Desk to schlep our bags up to the Club Level and we'd be checked in there. The cast member who buzzed us in was appalled and rolled her eyes about the College Program, but then told us our packet was waiting at the downstairs check in since we had already checked in online. There was not a dedicated downstairs check in for CL, which is why the College Program kids sent us upstairs in the first place. Now online check in was still pretty new then, but in our previous experience staying CL at the BC, we were greeted by a CL cast member the minute we stepped off the Magical Express.

We also stayed CL at BWI in April of '12 and after the bellman took our luggage (we drove), we were greeted by a CL Runner who escorted us upstairs. I also did Online Check-In, too and all our materials (except our itinerary) were waiting for us up on the 4th floor of the Innkeeper's Club.

We were once over-looked at YC though. We also arrived by car and the bellman took our luggage and no one greeted us. We wandered around the lobby and asked where to check-in and we were told to just go to the check-in desk. I knew this wasn't right and it wasn't until I explained that we were staying CL that suddenly a CL Runner appeared, apologized, and escorted up to the 5th floor. My guess is the gate guard didn't notify CL of our arrival.

I don't have any experience with ME arrivals so I can't comment on how well that works with CL. I assume there is a CM who has the list of CL guests who checks to see if any are on the bus so they can be escorted upstairs.

 

[erikamacelroy]

So I'm hoping this is the right place to ask this question. I'm staying BLT but I'm wondering if there is a place to use our refillable mugs to get seltzer water? I just saw a picture of the bar down at the BLT pool and it did not have a dispenser for it. Do you think the actual bartender would refill the mug with seltzer water? Anyone have experience with this?

 

[WDWKOOK]

So I'm hoping this is the right place to ask this question. I'm staying BLT but I'm wondering if there is a place to use our refillable mugs to get seltzer water? I just saw a picture of the bar down at the BLT pool and it did not have a dispenser for it. Do you think the actual bartender would refill the mug with seltzer water? Anyone have experience with this?

Due to food handling rules/restrictions, refillable mugs can only be refilled at refillable mug locations and can't cross over into food prep/handling areas. Sometimes, CMs have been known to put a beverage into a cup and hand it to the guest who has a refillable mug, but I've only heard of this happening at the Sand Bar at CR and it's not a common practice.

 

[AaronInWI]

After four previous stays in the Contemporary tower (Lake View - love the Lake View), we will be staying at BLT for the first time at the end of August. Using a AAA room only rate, it was cheaper to stay in a studio room here than a room in the Contemporary tower. We had considered renting points, but the thought of coughing up 1700+ non-refundable dollars, almost a year before the trip, scared me away. I'm hoping we don't end up with buyer's remorse over moving away from the CR. The CR tower room is larger, we love the view on the CR tower Lake side (we turned down an upgrade to the MK view on our last trip), and honestly we take comfort in the familiarity of it. But, we've wanted to stay at BLT since it was announced, so we're giving it a try. I have a feeling if we like the amenities enough, we'll be saving up for a 1-bedroom for our next trip.

 

[erikamacelroy]

Due to food handling rules/restrictions, refillable mugs can only be refilled at refillable mug locations and can't cross over into food prep/handling areas. Sometimes, CMs have been known to put a beverage into a cup and hand it to the guest who has a refillable mug, but I've only heard of this happening at the Sand Bar at CR and it's not a common practice.

Good to know! Thanks for the reply!

 

[shellypaige]

If staying at BLT with rented DVC points can we book a bounceback offer are are we ineligible?

 

[brockash]

If staying at BLT with rented DVC points can we book a bounceback offer are are we ineligible?

You can still book a bounceback. We've done it a few times while staying on points. Just be sure to book it before you check-out.

 

[shellypaige]

You can still book a bounceback. We've done it a few times while staying on points. Just be sure to book it before you check-out.

Thanks!

 

[Mom2darlingboys]

Just got back, and yes there are only 2 cabanas by the bullseye pool and there are def cabanas by the main pool.

Not sure the exact reasoning why the BLT pool is exclusively for people staying at BLT except size. I was staying at BLT and didn't use that pool once we liked setting up at the bullseye pool (warmer) and going back and forth to the main pool.

This is awesome news! Thanks so much -- hope we can snag one!

And in terms of pool sharing, wouldn't the same be true the other way around? Wouldn't the CR pools be equally overrun by the folks at BLT? I get the numbers aren't exactly balanced.

 

[Mom2darlingboys]

Welcome to the thread and for the first time to the CR! I have some photos of the feature pool cabana and info. HERE. There were originally four cabanas surrounding the Bullseye/Bay Lake pool. Several years ago they took two of the cabanas and placed them at the feature pool. So don't worry, they are there
.

Thanks! We are looking forward to our stay. Thought of another question... do you know if the little Sea Raycer boats are still available for rent? They recently disappeared from POR and my kids loved those!

 

[adrianna_sarah]

We also stayed CL at BWI in April of '12 and after the bellman took our luggage (we drove), we were greeted by a CL Runner who escorted us upstairs. I also did Online Check-In, too and all our materials (except our itinerary) were waiting for us up on the 4th floor of the Innkeeper's Club.

We were once over-looked at YC though. We also arrived by car and the bellman took our luggage and no one greeted us. We wandered around the lobby and asked where to check-in and we were told to just go to the check-in desk. I knew this wasn't right and it wasn't until I explained that we were staying CL that suddenly a CL Runner appeared, apologized, and escorted up to the 5th floor. My guess is the gate guard didn't notify CL of our arrival.

I don't have any experience with ME arrivals so I can't comment on how well that works with CL. I assume there is a CM who has the list of CL guests who checks to see if any are on the bus so they can be escorted upstairs.[/QUOTE]

Thanks WDWKOOK. That aligns with our expectations. With the BWI stay, I didn't want to be "that guest" who insists on her gold star treatment, but I guess that is what we pay extra for. I was happy just to get there and get my bags unpacked so that I could get down to vacation. My husband was pretty ticked, though. He does most of the bag schlepping. We will be driving for this trip, and maybe things will go more smoothly.

 

[mrocco90]

Hi! Ill be staying at contemporary next month for the first time and I'm very excited! Last year we stayed at BWV and the bathrooms had no locks. It work out very well with my 2 year old who loved to run in there and shut the door but couldn't lock it. Now I'm curious do the bathrooms at contemporary have locks? TIA!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Have gotten behind on the DIS due to spring break

This is awesome news! Thanks so much -- hope we can snag one!

And in terms of pool sharing, wouldn't the same be true the other way around? Wouldn't the CR pools be equally overrun by the folks at BLT? I get the numbers aren't exactly balanced.

When we stayed at BLT, I never felt any interest in going over to CR just for the pool. You can't really tell who is staying where (unless you see guests coming over on the boat from FW, which I've seen at both CR and WL), but I've never felt the CR pool was overly crowded, at least in August/December when we've usually stayed there.

Thanks! We are looking forward to our stay. Thought of another question... do you know if the little Sea Raycer boats are still available for rent? They recently disappeared from POR and my kids loved those!

All of the MK Resorts still have the same water recreation, including Sea Raycers. Don't forget to show your AP or DVC card, if you have them, to receive a nice discount.

Thanks WDWKOOK. That aligns with our expectations. With the BWI stay, I didn't want to be "that guest" who insists on her gold star treatment, but I guess that is what we pay extra for. I was happy just to get there and get my bags unpacked so that I could get down to vacation. My husband was pretty ticked, though. He does most of the bag schlepping. We will be driving for this trip, and maybe things will go more smoothly.

Personally, I don't consider it "gold star treatment," at least not at WDW. Disney Resorts are sort of known for not being quite up to the same level of service/amenities as their counterparts at similar price-points. You have paid for the service/amenity, so you should receive it, and if you don't, you should say something or at least have DH say something. To help ensure you're greeted, you can even mention to the gate guard when you handover your ID that you're CL guests.

Hi! Ill be staying at contemporary next month for the first time and I'm very excited! Last year we stayed at BWV and the bathrooms had no locks. It work out very well with my 2 year old who loved to run in there and shut the door but couldn't lock it. Now I'm curious do the bathrooms at contemporary have locks? TIA!!

The BLT bathrooms do have locks, though I don't think your 2-year-old could figure them out:

I don't recall ever noticing that the CR pocket doors for the commode and the sink/bath area have locks.

 

[Jbausch]

I am planning on staying at BLT during Thanksgiving 2015. I am hoping to book a lake view (the park view is a little too expensive for me. Single Mom on a budget!)
My son LOVES the monorail. Acording to him that is the only reason to go to WDW! Which is the main reason we are booking BLT. He is already excited! When I told him we would be able to see the lake from our room he said the only thing he cared about seeing from the room is the monorail.
I can't afford the park view but after looking at pictures of BLT I got to thinking which room would be the best to see the monorail? Would a standard view be good for us? (Good Grief don't tell me for once the cheaper room would be best!)

 

[jesster]

Hi! We are checking in on April 27th - woohoo!!! Does anyone know if you can buy dated merchandise at the Fantasia market? I'm specifically looking for the 2014 snow globe.

TIA!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am planning on staying at BLT during Thanksgiving 2015. I am hoping to book a lake view (the park view is a little too expensive for me. Single Mom on a budget!)
My son LOVES the monorail. Acording to him that is the only reason to go to WDW! Which is the main reason we are booking BLT. He is already excited! When I told him we would be able to see the lake from our room he said the only thing he cared about seeing from the room is the monorail.
I can't afford the park view but after looking at pictures of BLT I got to thinking which room would be the best to see the monorail? Would a standard view be good for us? (Good Grief don't tell me for once the cheaper room would be best!)

We had a great view of Bay Lake AND the monorail from our LV room that faced CR and the marina. My photos of our one bedroom view is in the BLT section of the thread and is hyperlinked in post 1.

Hi! We are checking in on April 27th - woohoo!!! Does anyone know if you can buy dated merchandise at the Fantasia market? I'm specifically looking for the 2014 snow globe.

TIA!

Dated merchandise would be most prevalent at Bay View Gifts. They should have everything you need there