Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[WDWKOOK]

I called the Disney Recreation line to ask about the cabanas and got some updated info (take it as just the word of one CM,) so I updated post #475 with what I was told

Thank you. I will update my cabana section with any new information you posted. While Craig's photos are amazing, I think the information on his site is about 5 years old.

Hi! We are Poly transplants and are staying for the first time in a 1BR standard view at BLT. I have tried to find advice on what location to request, but I am overwhelmed with so many pages of info. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks so much!!

Welcome and aloha! There is an index in POST 1 which includes hyperlinks to the BLT sections of the thread, but I don't really have any view recommendations there. I do refer BLT guests to work2play's wonderful BLT villa location thread HERE for the best advice. She has created a chart of all the villa numbers and views.

 

[YCFAN]

The Express Monorail goes to the (TTC) Transportation and Ticket Center then on to the MK and back to the TTC. The Resort Monorail goes from the TTC, to the Poly, the GF then stops at the MK, CR and back to the TTC.

Ugh. I was hoping that my niece's first approach to the MK would be via monorail, but if it doesn't operate until 9:30 then I guess we're walking the first day.

 

[mom2jcg]

Welcome and aloha! There is an index in POST 1 which includes hyperlinks to the BLT sections of the thread, but I don't really have any view recommendations there. I do refer BLT guests to work2play's wonderful BLT villa location thread HERE for the best advice. She has created a chart of all the villa numbers and views.

Thank you! That is awesome! I now have my top 3 room choices. That was exactly what I was looking for... Pics of the views from the rooms. This thread has great info. I'm trying to read it all so I can be educated

 

[stone0990]

We are trying to decide between a one bedroom BLT MK View or Standard View Atrium Club Level?? It is myself, DH, DS (12), DS (10), and DD (8)

Pros and Cons of each would be MUCH appreciated! (We have never had the privilege of staying at the Contemporary before!!

TIA!!!

 

[maxsmom]

Ok, I have few questions. Where is the Fantasia Market and the coffee place? Do you have to wear your Magic bands to get in the pool? Hoping not to b/c who wants to wear them already in the hot summer?! and then have to have them in the pool. I was hoping to just take one w/ us. We have only been here to eat at Chef Mickey's. If there's anything else we should know fill free to share! Thanks!

 

[lovesdumbo]

We are trying to decide between a one bedroom BLT MK View or Standard View Atrium Club Level?? It is myself, DH, DS (12), DS (10), and DD (8)

Pros and Cons of each would be MUCH appreciated! (We have never had the privilege of staying at the Contemporary before!!

TIA!!!

I haven't stayed CL at CR since 2006. I enjoyed CL service there. It nice to be able to grab a quick breakfast in the lounge before hitting the parks or a snack in the afternoon. Standard view would be lake view. You could watch The water parade from your room. You could watch Wishes from the lounge.

With CR room you would have 2 queen beds and twin daybed. I didn't care for the bathroom at CR. sinks are very shallow and little surface to put you stuff on.

My family of 5 is trying MKV 1BR at BLT this summer. I know I will love having washer/dryer so we can pack light. I will go grocery shopping so we will have breakfast & snacks in the room. We will likely cook a few meals too. Now that the kids are getting older it's expensive for the 5 of us to eat out.

1BR will have king bed, queen sleep sofa and twin sleep chair AND 2 bathrooms!

I stayed in a studio at BLT in Dec with my youngest. We loved the resort. Walking over to CR for monorail or quick service was fast and easy and our room was on the other end of hall fron CR. We had a rental car and found parking easy too.

We bought DVC in Nov 2012. Last summer was first family trip in a DVC unit. We really liked having a living room and space to spread out and relax.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are trying to decide between a one bedroom BLT MK View or Standard View Atrium Club Level?? It is myself, DH, DS (12), DS (10), and DD (8)

Pros and Cons of each would be MUCH appreciated! (We have never had the privilege of staying at the Contemporary before!!

TIA!!!

We've stayed in both, though our BLT villa was a LV. We loved the villa because it is huge - it's almost 3X larger than a STD CR room. With 3 children, 2 bathrooms would be great for you and you and DH would have your own master bedroom and bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. We never used the kitchen, but it is large and has everything you'd need. The W/D was so nice to have - what a timesaver on vacation. We usually stay CL and thought we might miss it, but we didn't. However, we were doing a split stay with WL-CL after BLT. But, I didn't miss CR-CL at all when we stayed at BLT. The floor to ceiling windows gave us amazing views of the monorail, Bay Lake, CR and the marina area. We loved it, but we also love WL-CL so we often stay there for our trips or do a short 3-day split before WL.

Let us know what you decide.

Ok, I have few questions. Where is the Fantasia Market and the coffee place? Do you have to wear your Magic bands to get in the pool? Hoping not to b/c who wants to wear them already in the hot summer?! and then have to have them in the pool. I was hoping to just take one w/ us. We have only been here to eat at Chef Mickey's. If there's anything else we should know fill free to share! Thanks!

Fantasia Market is located on the 4th floor near the Observation Deck at then end closest to MK and is next door to the arcade.

Contempo Grounds is located on the ground floor near the check-in desk and Bell Services area in the front of the resort.

BLT guests who use the BLT pool must use a MB or KTTW card to gain entry, but not at CR.

 

[bama belle]

We are trying to decide between a one bedroom BLT MK View or Standard View Atrium Club Level?? It is myself, DH, DS (12), DS (10), and DD (8) Pros and Cons of each would be MUCH appreciated! (We have never had the privilege of staying at the Contemporary before!! TIA!!!

I agree with what WDWKOOK said completely!! We just returned from staying in a LV 1 br at BLT and it was awesome!! We had two adults and two children and there was so much room for everyone. The extra bathroom alone is worth it! And having the w/d was great too. I've stayed CL also (at BC) and did not miss it this trip. We just had some grocery items delivered and brought our own too. My kids LOVED the BLT pool and slide and one night, while I was babysitting all 5 of the kids, we went to the Community Hall and they all had a blast! It was nice also that the kids had their own tv area to hang out. I am a huge fan of BLT now and would not hesitate to stay there again!

 

[stone0990]

We've stayed in both, though our BLT villa was a LV. We loved the villa because it is huge - it's almost 3X larger than a STD CR room. With 3 children, 2 bathrooms would be great for you and you and DH would have your own master bedroom and bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. We never used the kitchen, but it is large and has everything you'd need. The W/D was so nice to have - what a timesaver on vacation. We usually stay CL and thought we might miss it, but we didn't. However, we were doing a split stay with WL-CL after BLT. But, I didn't miss CR-CL at all when we stayed at BLT. The floor to ceiling windows gave us amazing views of the monorail, Bay Lake, CR and the marina area. We loved it, but we also love WL-CL so we often stay there for our trips or do a short 3-day split before WL.

Let us know what you decide.


Fantasia Market is located on the 4th floor near the Observation Deck at then end closest to MK and is next door to the arcade.

Contempo Grounds is located on the ground floor near the check-in desk and Bell Services area in the front of the resort.

BLT guests who use the BLT pool must use a MB or KTTW card to gain entry, but not at CR.

Thank you!! For BLT LV, do you have a room request? I know the boys would LOVE to see the monorail, and I would love to have a view of Bay Lake! Is there an area to watch the fireworks? Thanks for all the suggestions! We are definitely leaning toward BLT!

 

[johnsonet]

Did you book plenty of 7DMT FPs? Can't wait to try it out in a couple of weeks.

Yes ma'am!

This will be our first stay at a Deluxe Resort. Staying at the Contemporary in the Garden wing from 11/13-11/20. So excited to be staying in a "monorail" resort for the first time. Have stayed at Art of Animation, Port Orleans Riverside, and All Star Movies in the past so this feels like an exciting upgrade for my family. My wife and 3 kids are thrilled.

I'm thrilled FOR you You're in for a treat. The MK resorts area is so magical

This new schedule starts the day we arrive, in one week. I'll post if I find out more information while there.


Beginning 6/22/14: The monorail will have a different operating schedule than normal as an automation upgrade takes place.* An automated monorail will allow for faster switching times, more frequent dispatching of trains, and accurate arrival information. Additional buses and watercraft will be available during this time. This schedule will be in place for a few months, but no specific end date has been set. The schedule will be:

Epcot - 9:00am-11:00pm

Resort monorail - 9:30am-11:30pm

Express monorail - 8:30am-midnight.
Outside of these hours, alternate watercraft and bus transportation is available.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/transportation/monorail.htm#schedule

A test is taking place for arrivals 6/16-6/28 that will allow guests to bypass check-in and go directly to their hotel room. This will include guests at the Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Pop Century, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas - Jambo House and Kidani Village.

Before their arrival, guests will receive a text message or email letting them know the room assignment and they can then use their MagicBands to unlock the hotel room door. For guests to be eligible for the test, they must be using My Disney Experience and have their profile completed, as well as have received their MagicBands in the mail, have done Online Check-In, set up an account PIN number and paid their balance in full. Once Online Check-In is complete, the MagicBands are active and can be used for park tickets, FastPasses, dining plan credits, etc.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/reso...disney-updates+(Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com)

Wow - lots of new stuff going on. I hope it won't adversely affect your trip. Or are you staying at WL? I need to check your ticker
Glad I'll have the benefit of your experience for my August trip.

We are trying to decide between a one bedroom BLT MK View or Standard View Atrium Club Level?? It is myself, DH, DS (12), DS (10), and DD (8)

Pros and Cons of each would be MUCH appreciated! (We have never had the privilege of staying at the Contemporary before!!

TIA!!!

That's a hard one. I've stayed in a 2-bedroom BLT MK view (with 5 ppl total) and stayed one night in CL MK view last summer (2 ppl total). Both were utterly fabulous.
With 3 children, I guess the extra space of the villa would win out. CL sure is nice, though... And you'd get the MK views from the lounge
Good luck with your decision.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you!! For BLT LV, do you have a room request? I know the boys would LOVE to see the monorail, and I would love to have a view of Bay Lake! Is there an area to watch the fireworks? Thanks for all the suggestions! We are definitely leaning toward BLT!

My villa photos are in the BLT section of the thread. My request was for an "outer villa, high floor, facing the marina." We weren't very high, but all my other requests were met. The monorail and CR were to the right and marina/Bay Lake to the left. The location actually ended up perfect because we were steps from the stairs and only one flight down to the Sky Bridge to CR. We were able to skip the elevator and only use the staircase.

Wow - lots of new stuff going on. I hope it won't adversely affect your trip. Or are you staying at WL? I need to check your ticker
Glad I'll have the benefit of your experience for my August trip.

We are doing a split of 3 nights YC-CL and 8 nights WL-CL.

 

[johnsonet]

We are doing a split of 3 nights YC-CL and 8 nights WL-CL.

nice!

 

[mamatobbg]

Hi all! We are planning a stay at the contemporary resort in late Jan./early Feb. After much deliberation, we plan to book a garden wing room. Any thoughts on the best location in this section? I'm thinking closest to the main building with monorails.

We've stayed at the Poly and I'm thinking that the garden wing to main building will be a similar walk? (We stayed next to the volcano pool at the Poly.)

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hi! I'm looking into switching over here from WL as a result of the pool construction.

I'm going to have a million questions, but to start - about the Contempo Cafe. My husband is blind and I see their is touch screen ordering. Are there people available to take orders for someone who can't use this service (if I'm not with him?).

Also, can adults order anything off the kids' menu, such as chicken nuggets?

Thanks

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Are you able to request a Garden Wing room close to the main building? How far is the walk to the main building?

We would be checking in the 14th and staying til the 20th...any idea if the Christmas decorations/tree would be up by then?

Thank you!

 

[patty57]

Hi! I'm looking into switching over here from WL as a result of the pool construction.

Are you switching over, or still deciding?

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Are you switching over, or still deciding?

I don't know yet. I'm worried about my husband who is blind - I need to have these questions answered first. Also there is no availability under BB for the 14th-20th so we would have to wait for RO. I'm pretty frustrated.

 

[mom2jcg]

I don't know yet. I'm worried about my husband who is blind - I need to have these questions answered first. Also there is no availability under BB for the 14th-20th so we would have to wait for RO. I'm pretty frustrated.

I wish I knew the answer about ordering for you but I've never been there myself. We are staying for the first time because of construction on the pool at the Poly. (I think you and I discussed longhouse requests on that thread!)
I did google photos and it looks like the touch screens are lined up against a wall away from the serving line. SURELY they can help your husband somehow though. Maybe someone else who's actually been there can provide some insight. I'm so sorry you're frustrated! Good luck!

 

[Clare Voince]

Hi! I'm looking into switching over here from WL as a result of the pool construction.

I'm going to have a million questions, but to start - about the Contempo Cafe. My husband is blind and I see their is touch screen ordering. Are there people available to take orders for someone who can't use this service (if I'm not with him?).

Also, can adults order anything off the kids' menu, such as chicken nuggets?

Thanks

Adults can order anything, if you're paying out of pocket. I'm not sure if the DDP has restrictions, as I never use it.

There are people at the Contempo cafe, although I never attempted to place an order with them, I don't see why you couldn't. after you walk past the touch screen kiosks, there is a counter where there are some grab and go items, and the people who serve the food are behind that counter. I'm sure he could walk up and order directly with them, or he could always ask the people working the check out for assistance.

 

[MamaBear58]

Due to the pool closure at WL, looks like we will instead stay at CR 11/15-11/22. It's DH (who hasn't been to WDW since 1987 where he stayed at POR), me (who hasn't been to WDW since 1990 and has never stayed onsite), and our kids, DS7 and DD4, who have never been to WDW. After much research we booked WL Courtyard View in Feb and were very excited. Kids have seen pictures of Lodge, wanted to be a flag family, and were excited about the bunk beds (although with 2 queens and a daybed, which I assume is a twin, we do still have 3 beds at CR). I wanted to rent surrey bikes to ride to and around FW. But it was not meant to be.

We will still be at Disney so even thought it is costing us more money and not what we had our hearts set on, I'm trying to be optomistic. First world problems, right?

So all you CR lovers, point out the advantages to our staying at CR-Tower-Bay View so we can all get excited again. So far I have:

1) can walk to MK, where we have 2 days scheduled, including CRT breakfast, BOG dinner and MVMCP; we also have Wishes Dessert party a 3rd night
2) easier transportation...in addition to skipping boat ride to get to all the MK activities, we skip the boat ride to monorail to get to Ohana breakfast and EPCOT
3) bigger room will be appreciated, especially because we will rent a stroller

Thanks!!