Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[Clare Voince]

Told my DS tonight that we will be able to see the fireworks from our hotel room and he was super excited! But he did say to me that he hopes we can hear the music b/c he really likes that part. Is there a tv channel or something where they simulcast the soundtrack while you watch wishes? I do agree...it's missing something big without the music!

I seem to recall reading somewhere that it's piped in on Channel 42, but I've been unable to find where I read that.

 

[brettcw23]

Told my DS tonight that we will be able to see the fireworks from our hotel room and he was super excited! But he did say to me that he hopes we can hear the music b/c he really likes that part. Is there a tv channel or something where they simulcast the soundtrack while you watch wishes? I do agree...it's missing something big without the music!

I seem to recall reading somewhere that it's piped in on Channel 42, but I've been unable to find where I read that.

I can't recall, but perhaps you could watch from the walkway between the Contemporary and BLT and hear the music. I want to say that you CAN hear it but I may just be subliminally hearing the music in my head.

 

[mom2travel]

Checked in @CR yesterday morning. Our room wasn't ready, so we headed out to the parks. Never got a text, but decided to stop at CR on our way to MK from DHS. We were in our room for maybe 5 minutes, and just as one of the girls said "hey look, we have a balcony" and went outside, the water pageant started. What a fun way to start our stay here

 

[brettcw23]

Checked in @CR yesterday morning. Our room wasn't ready, so we headed out to the parks. Never got a text, but decided to stop at CR on our way to MK from DHS. We were in our room for maybe 5 minutes, and just as one of the girls said "hey look, we have a balcony" and went outside, the water pageant started. What a fun way to start our stay here

Very cool! Although the lack of text is concerning.

When we were at BLT, we heard this music from our room and then realized that is was the water pageant. Although not super exciting, it's a cool thing to see.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Very cool! Although the lack of text is concerning.

When we were at BLT, we heard this music from our room and then realized that is was the water pageant. Although not super exciting, it's a cool thing to see.

That concerned me too! They said they were only in their room 5 mins when they heard the EWP music, which means they didn't get in their room until like 9???

 

[johnsonet]

Told my DS tonight that we will be able to see the fireworks from our hotel room and he was super excited! But he did say to me that he hopes we can hear the music b/c he really likes that part. Is there a tv channel or something where they simulcast the soundtrack while you watch wishes? I do agree...it's missing something big without the music!

Last summer it was Channel 1-something. (Can't see the second number in my photo but you should easily be able to find it once you're there )

Checked in @CR yesterday morning. Our room wasn't ready, so we headed out to the parks. Never got a text, but decided to stop at CR on our way to MK from DHS. We were in our room for maybe 5 minutes, and just as one of the girls said "hey look, we have a balcony" and went outside, the water pageant started. What a fun way to start our stay here

Sounds great. Have fun!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Checking in on Friday for one night Tower-BL view after we spend 2 at CSR (business class) and 3 at DVB Resort! My parent's haven't stayed at CR since their Disneymoon in 1981 so I'm excited to share the tower experience with them as I have only stayed for one night a few years ago! I think it will be perfect since we are going to Epcot on Friday night and MK on Saturday before their flight…

How long do you allow to get to Epcot from CR via monorail. We have a dinner reservation at 5:20pm Garden Grill…thanks!

 

[kittyx3]

Hi WDWKook,

Thank you so much for having such and amazing thread over here. I think I would be a bit lost without it.

We have transplanted from WL to BTL because of the concern we had over the construction. Sad, but this just gives us a reason to come back sooner than expected. We will want to come back and try the WL!! Not to say we aren't thrilled or excited about our move to the BTL. (also very grateful to Jante for finding the space for us) I do have a few questions and when you have a moment and happen to know the answers, any help would be appreciated.

1. The WL had these lovely pails that could be purchased through room service. Do you know if BTL offers the same or a similar thing?

2. With the monorail schedule, has it been confirmed that boats have been added for early morning dinings at other resorts?

3. Any special tips, hints ideas for us? We gathered and were prepared to do many of your WL ones. I just wondered if you had any for the BTL?

4. Is there a cost for packages if you have a parcel sent to the hotel? I don't remember seeing any costs to hold packages at the WL, but I am seeing a few things for BTL. This might change a few of our shipping plans if this is the case.

5. Is the walk to MK fairly easy and direct? Or is there a secret squirrel path you need to follow?

Thank you so much in advance. It really has been a pleasure reading all of your info and I am always grateful for it.

 

[UrsulaTheSeaWitch]

Hi,

I have a question for anyone who was recently there.
Does anyone happen to know the price of the Contemporary Monorail playset sold in Fantasia? I see such a range in prices for them on ebay, I'm wondering what the actual cost is to buy it new at the store.

Thanks

 

[brettcw23]

That concerned me too! They said they were only in their room 5 mins when they heard the EWP music, which means they didn't get in their room until like 9???

The check-in text hit a sore spot for me due to personal experience. I know what the check-in times are, but we usually arrive around 1PM ET, which isn't light years ahead of the 4PM time. They normally will note that you've arrived and try and get you into a room as soon as humanly possible.

Once time, it was less than 45 minutes after we arrived. We left BLT and headed over to MK and short while later my DW got a text.

Completely different situation this past trip. It was HOURS and we never actually got a text. I think our room was ready for quite some time but the front desk was never made aware.

Hopefully our Next trip in November will go smoother.

 

[brettcw23]

4. Is there a cost for packages if you have a parcel sent to the hotel? I don't remember seeing any costs to hold packages at the WL, but I am seeing a few things for BTL. This might change a few of our shipping plans if this is the case.

5. Is the walk to MK fairly easy and direct? Or is there a secret squirrel path you need to follow?

We ship food to our resorts. We were at BLT 2 years ago and there was no cost.

The walk over to MK is very straight forward and is an easy walk. My DDs were 8 and 5. The time it takes to walk over is about equal to the monorail, but it eliminates having to wait for the monorail to arrive or deal with full trains. I don't think we took the monorail over to the MK at all.

Hope this helps!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Hi,

I have a question for anyone who was recently there.
Does anyone happen to know the price of the Contemporary Monorail playset sold in Fantasia? I see such a range in prices for them on ebay, I'm wondering what the actual cost is to buy it new at the store.

Thanks

I didn't buy ours at Disney (too big) but I did buy it directly from the Disney Store, where it was $49.95. I'd get from there before eBay.
http://www.disneystore.com/disneys-...norail-play-set-accessory/mp/1254561/1000268/

 

[jlaalja]

Hi WDWKook, Thank you so much for having such and amazing thread over here. I think I would be a bit lost without it. We have transplanted from WL to BTL because of the concern we had over the construction. Sad, but this just gives us a reason to come back sooner than expected. We will want to come back and try the WL!! Not to say we aren't thrilled or excited about our move to the BTL. (also very grateful to Jante for finding the space for us) I do have a few questions and when you have a moment and happen to know the answers, any help would be appreciated. 1. The WL had these lovely pails that could be purchased through room service. Do you know if BTL offers the same or a similar thing? 2. With the monorail schedule, has it been confirmed that boats have been added for early morning dinings at other resorts? 3. Any special tips, hints ideas for us? We gathered and were prepared to do many of your WL ones. I just wondered if you had any for the BTL? 4. Is there a cost for packages if you have a parcel sent to the hotel? I don't remember seeing any costs to hold packages at the WL, but I am seeing a few things for BTL. This might change a few of our shipping plans if this is the case. 5. Is the walk to MK fairly easy and direct? Or is there a secret squirrel path you need to follow? Thank you so much in advance. It really has been a pleasure reading all of your info and I am always grateful for it.

We had a package sent in Apr when staying at BLT. It went to the convention center at the Contemporary and there was a $5 fee. We had not encountered this at other resorts when picking up packages.

 

[maxsmom]

Ok, so where is the best place to watch. We will be in the tower, but on Bay Lake side. And is the fireworks viewing spot for California Grill any better. We will be having dinner there one night. Thanks.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Good morning!

I'm posting without multi-quoting…again. I will go back later, way back, to gather all the posters' dates who asked to be added to the Log-orail.

I have all the photos (for 3 threads) uploaded to Photobucket. Instead of doing another TR, I'm going to post separate thoughts, updates and photos to each of my threads. Some of this may be a repeat of what I posted while on vacation, but I want to have everything in one post, if possible, for those who may have missed those posts. I will, in the near future, replace and add new photos and news updates to the first two pages of the thread. I'll post when I've made any updates/revisions.

 

[mom2travel]

That concerned me too! They said they were only in their room 5 mins when they heard the EWP music, which means they didn't get in their room until like 9???

Hey there! We didn't get to our room until about 10pm but that's because we were out in the parks & didn't bother coming back any sooner.
Though I have no idea when our room was actually ready since I never got the text... FWIW, we arrived @CR about 10am-ish. We took the bus from MK to DHS around 3:30 and decided not to bother checking back at CR at that point. Our bags from ME were in our room when we did get in, but the basket I ordered from Disney Florist wasn't, so I had to call in the morning down to the front desk - someone brought it up within a few minutes.

We're enjoying staying in the Tower (previously only stayed in wing). I forgot how much I love the size of the CR rooms! It's been about 5 years since I last stayed here :

 

[SRUAlmn]

The check-in text hit a sore spot for me due to personal experience. I know what the check-in times are, but we usually arrive around 1PM ET, which isn't light years ahead of the 4PM time. They normally will note that you've arrived and try and get you into a room as soon as humanly possible.

Once time, it was less than 45 minutes after we arrived. We left BLT and headed over to MK and short while later my DW got a text.

Completely different situation this past trip. It was HOURS and we never actually got a text. I think our room was ready for quite some time but the front desk was never made aware.

Hopefully our Next trip in November will go smoother.

That makes me nervous as we arrive at BLT in a few days! My mom and sister will be arrive on ME sometime around noon and we'll be driving and will prob arrive between 1-2. Hopefully this was just a random situation, but I'm so sorry that it happened to you. We have dinner palms for Ohana that night and would like to be able to freshen up before we go, so hopefully we'll be ok!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Trying to multi-quote a few pages at a time. My apologies if I repeat something that's been answered. Thank-you to all who answer posters' questions

Hi everyone!
I've searched this thread and haven't seen the answer to my question, so I'm going to ask any of you who have visited the Tower Club or the Atrium Club levels at CR my question: here goes!

Is there a dedicated elevator JUST for the Club Level floors? As in "Express to the Club Level with No Other Stops!" Or do you use the regular elevator but are only able to gain access to Club Level by using the magic band?
Thanks!

While there isn't a CL-only elevator, you will need to place either your MB or a KTTW card up to the touch point/Mickey of any elevator. They are located above the numbers INSIDE the elevator and there is a sign reading: Atrium/Tower Club Level.

The elevator will automatically proceed to either the 12th or 14th floor so you won't have to press the number. A few years ago, the elevators to the CL floors were notoriously flawed. I think the problems have been corrected by now. There was always one elevator that wouldn't work for CL and the elevators, in general, were quite slow. Repairs have been made in the last couple of years, but I don't know if the elevators are now more efficient and work better to CL floors.

Not sure I missed this, but with the reduced monorail hours this summer, what is the best way to get to Epcot in time for rope drop? If the monorail for Epcot is not starting until 9 a.m., we will have to get there by alternate means to hit Soarin' at park opening because we used our first tier Fastpass Plus option for Test Track.

This is a bit confusing because none of the monorail resorts have had buses to Epcot. I know that the announcement said that "additional" buses would be provided when the monorail isn't operational. But, there are early ADR buses so I assume you could take one of the early ADR buses for Epcot RD. There is early ADR bus information in the TRANSPORTATION section of the thread. Also, the new schedule indicates that "additional buses will be available." But, I don't know if that means buses to Epcot from the monorail resorts. They have to have a way to get guests to early ADRs and RD, so I assume either the early ADR bus will do that and/or they have added an Epcot bus to the monorail resorts that previously did not have one.

Hi fellow CR fans!!! We are going back to me and DD's favorite place......CR. My family of four will be there Dec. 19-26. Yes, Christmas. We have always gone in the summer and are looking forward to cooler weather. We are staying in the main tower, bay lake view. Just made my ADRs yesterday. Getting very excited!!!!

I'll log your dates and welcome to the thread. Our WL dates overlap with your CR dates. ADRs are exciting and soon you can make FP+!

This September we are staying in a Garden Wing/Garden View room. When will we find our our exact room....at check in?

I would love to see the interior and exterior of these rooms, if anyone has some pictures!

Also...are their better rooms than others? Is there anything special that we should request!

All advice is appreciated!

Welcome. Your exact room is assigned a few days prior to arrival. You can look at your online confirmation for the category/view, but you won't know your room number until check-in. All Standard rooms at CR (not suites or Deluxe rooms) are identical. There are photos on the first page and more room view information in the ROOM section of the thread. The hyperlinks are in POST 1.

With a GV room, you could have a view of the CR pool, canal or Bay Lake. There are 3 floors and none have balconies, but the ground floor rooms have patios. We loved our ground floor room which directly fronted Bay Lake, (photos are in the ROOM sections of the thread). You can request one of those rooms, which I think are the best GW rooms. If you don't designate a floor, your chances are higher of getting one, but there's no gurantee.

Hey folks, quick question.

Have the room locations/classifications changed at all since the 2009 post mapping out room types/locations.

There is a recent tour of BLT Standard view studio, and its an internal, center building studio on like the 9th floor. Which is classified on the map from the link as a lake view (which is what it looks like) but the woman on the video calls it a Standard View Studio ... I am guessing she was upgraded and just doesn't realize it ... but I was wondering if they have changed the configuration and classification of rooms at all since 2009 ...

Many thanks all !!

If you haven't already looked, the BLT Room View/Number thread is very helpful and is updated often.

Hi - This will be the first time we are staying here. Are there any rooms with bad views or that we should try and avoid? I read somewhere that some MK views are actually a view of the convention center. Any guidance would be great!

Welcome. I think you are asking about Tower rooms? Rooms that are on the south end/TPV of the Tower are close to the Convention Center. All of the TPV rooms will have a view of the parking lot below, but they will all also all have a view of 7 Seas Lagoon, GF, Poly and MK when looking out and over to the north. If you don't want the CC below you, just ask for a room close to the MK or away from the CC, if you're on the TPV side of the Tower.

Popping by and looking at BLT pics, even though my DH told me not to change our reservation. I am hopeless

Did you make the BLT switcheroo? You know we LOVED BLT. SO much room for the entire pas-rific family

7/18-20 Atrium Club!

I'll log your dates and welcome!

Hey, we'll be checking in the day you check out! 7/20-23 Atruim Club!

I'll log your dates, too if I haven't already. My two-week vacation has my memory a bit sketchy

 

[bama belle]

That makes me nervous as we arrive at BLT in a few days! My mom and sister will be arrive on ME sometime around noon and we'll be driving and will prob arrive between 1-2. Hopefully this was just a random situation, but I'm so sorry that it happened to you. We have dinner palms for Ohana that night and would like to be able to freshen up before we go, so hopefully we'll be ok!

We arrived at BLT around 1-2 also and our rooms were not ready, but we had two rooms and they were able to give us rooms right next to each other. We also had a dinner reservation (at the GF), and I believe we ended up getting in our room around 4. They had also granted my only request for the rooms, which was lower floor. Everyone at BLT was friendly and helpful
You will love it! Can't wait to hear about your trip!

 

[brettcw23]

Hey there! We didn't get to our room until about 10pm but that's because we were out in the parks & didn't bother coming back any sooner.
Though I have no idea when our room was actually ready since I never got the text... FWIW, we arrived @CR about 10am-ish. We took the bus from MK to DHS around 3:30 and decided not to bother checking back at CR at that point. Our bags from ME were in our room when we did get in, but the basket I ordered from Disney Florist wasn't, so I had to call in the morning down to the front desk - someone brought it up within a few minutes.

We're enjoying staying in the Tower (previously only stayed in wing). I forgot how much I love the size of the CR rooms! It's been about 5 years since I last stayed here :

I figured your arrival time to the room was exactly what you described here. BLT is a WONDERFUL resort and you can't beat that location! I hope you enjoy the heck out it!

That makes me nervous as we arrive at BLT in a few days! My mom and sister will be arrive on ME sometime around noon and we'll be driving and will prob arrive between 1-2. Hopefully this was just a random situation, but I'm so sorry that it happened to you. We have dinner palms for Ohana that night and would like to be able to freshen up before we go, so hopefully we'll be ok!

We arrived at BLT around 1-2 also and our rooms were not ready, but we had two rooms and they were able to give us rooms right next to each other. We also had a dinner reservation (at the GF), and I believe we ended up getting in our room around 4. They had also granted my only request for the rooms, which was lower floor. Everyone at BLT was friendly and helpful
You will love it! Can't wait to hear about your trip!

I didn't mean to make any anxious or concerned, so apologies for that. IMO, any of the "room ready text" issues are more a apart of the system than any particular resort.

We have done enough trips now that we don't expect our room to be ready when we arrive. In fact, this time we plan on dumping our stuff and then heading to DTD. We have reservations for dinner around 5:15 at Raglan Road.

As tempting as it is to head over to the MK, it'll be a Saturday and mid-day. Dealing with that type of crowd after having everyone up early and dealing with the airport chaos makes for some unhappy campers! Ideally, we'll head back to BLT unpack and I'll prob send my DW over to MK then to hit a few rides or something and then we'll catch the fireworks.