Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[greenpea89]

I'm sorry if this has been asked a million times, I did try the search function and couldn't find the information, but are all the room refurbishments complete? If not, do you know when they will be completed?

We just booked a one bedroom suite in the Garden Wing for October and I asked the agent we spoke with at Disney if the room had been refurbished. She said, "No, the last refurbishment at the Contemporary was three years ago.", so now I'm really confused. Thanks!

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I'm sorry if this has been asked a million times, I did try the search function and couldn't find the information, but are all the room refurbishments complete? If not, do you know when they will be completed? We just booked a one bedroom suite in the Garden Wing for October and I asked the agent we spoke with at Disney if the room had been refurbished. She said, "No, the last refurbishment at the Contemporary was three years ago.", so now I'm really confused. Thanks!

I believe that may be correct. I was thinking the last refurb they had was cali grill.

 

[greenpea89]

I believe that may be correct. I was thinking the last refurb they had was cali grill.

Thank you for the quick reply. I'm even more confused now though. Sorry!

In the second post on this thread it says,


2013 MAJOR RESORT ENHANCEMENTS:

Guest elevator improvements.

Contemporary Tower and South Garden Wing Guest room soft goods replacement.

14th floor Tower Club Refurbishment of lounge and rooms.

12th floor Atrium Club level concierge lounge and room soft goods rehab.

California Grill refurbishment.


They didn't update the rooms? I know that some of the photos of the rooms look different from the last time we stayed at the Contemporary about three years ago but some of them are old photos. It's also possible that I could totally have misunderstood.

Thanks again! Sorry if I seem like a ditz!!

 

[johnsonet]

greenpea89

Don't worry. The rooms were all refurb'd last spring/summer. I stayed in one last June and loved the decor

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...bished-contemporary-rooms-lunch-at-kona-cafe/

Scroll halfway down this thread for more info.

 

[greenpea89]

greenpea89

Don't worry. The rooms were all refurb'd last spring/summer. I stayed in one last June and loved the decor

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...bished-contemporary-rooms-lunch-at-kona-cafe/

Scroll halfway down this thread for more info.

Thank you! The link was super helpful.

Now, I'm getting really excited for our trip!!

 

[johnsonet]

Thank you! The link was super helpful.

Now, I'm getting really excited for our trip!!

You're welcome Have fun planning your trip!

 

[chocolateavocado]

Hi! I'm really sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is the difference between BLT rooms and the CR Bay Lake View rooms? We've only been to wdw once- last nov & stayed at the poly. Trying to figure out where we want to stay for our next trip / end of Jan for ds7's suprise b-day trip We love the location- so close to MK- but are confused on the room types. TRying to choose probably between CR/BLT or GF.
Thanks everyone!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Hi! I'm really sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is the difference between BLT rooms and the CR Bay Lake View rooms? We've only been to wdw once- last nov & stayed at the poly. Trying to figure out where we want to stay for our next trip / end of Jan for ds7's suprise b-day trip We love the location- so close to MK- but are confused on the room types. TRying to choose probably between CR/BLT or GF.
Thanks everyone!!

I guess it would depend on a few things. What type of room at BLT would you be booking? I've stayed at both CR and BLT. We really enjoyed BLT a little more. Much quieter, felt cleaner, room was much more spacious, housekeeping was impeccable, walk to MK was a little closer (that makes a difference when you're tired ) and the bus stops were SO close!

 

[johnsonet]

I enjoyed looking at your BLT pics, SRUAlmn
How was monorail service? How were the crowds in the parks?

 

[chocolateavocado]

I guess it would depend on a few things. What type of room at BLT would you be booking? I've stayed at both CR and BLT. We really enjoyed BLT a little more. Much quieter, felt cleaner, room was much more spacious, housekeeping was impeccable, walk to MK was a little closer (that makes a difference when you're tired ) and the bus stops were SO close!

Thanks for the info! Not sure of what type room; I guess waiting on the room rates to come out & compare. BLT sounds wonderful. We really liked the poly, but w/ construction- don't want to go back yet. We ate twice at GF (GFC & 1900 PF dinner) and I fell in love w/ that resort. Have never been in CR/BLT, but it looks cool, the room pictures look really nice & love the idea of being able to walk to MK. Thanks again for the help!

 

[johnsonet]

Hi! I'm really sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is the difference between BLT rooms and the CR Bay Lake View rooms? We've only been to wdw once- last nov & stayed at the poly. Trying to figure out where we want to stay for our next trip / end of Jan for ds7's suprise b-day trip We love the location- so close to MK- but are confused on the room types. TRying to choose probably between CR/BLT or GF.
Thanks everyone!!

I've stayed at both and love both.
I must say that for a little boy's surprise, I think CR would be fabulous. The monorail running through the resort would be extra festive.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I enjoyed looking at your BLT pics, SRUAlmn
How was monorail service? How were the crowds in the parks?

Thanks Monorail service was touch and go. The resort monorail takes FOREVER, but there were some days where it was just too hot or we were too tired to walk over. One day I got the great idea to see if it would be faster to get off at the TTC and hop on the express monorail. We got to the TTC, walked over to the ramp to the express, and saw a sign that they temporarily closed it, doh! The boat just happened to be there, so we took the ferry over. The ferry actually arrived at the MK and started unloading right as the resort monorail we'd been on left the GF! So the ferry was actually faster (even with walking over to the ferry, loading, and waiting to leave!) The monorail back from the MK at night was SO great and easy, however, we often walked since it was cooler then. It was especially nice when we left one night after Wishes and we could just walk peacefully down the private walkway instead of having to wait and cram into crowded buses or the monorail!

Park crowds were also touch and go. It was definitely crowded, but as usual, some parks feel more crowded than others, and certain events or times of day feel much more crowded. The worst issue we dealt with this year was the HEAT. I mean, we live in SC, we're used to it, but with heat indexes above 100 every day it became unbearable, and felt impossible to stay hydrated. I swear the restaurants and shops aren't even half as cool as they used to be. We'd try to go inside for a break and it didn't feel cool at all

Thanks for the info! Not sure of what type room; I guess waiting on the room rates to come out & compare. BLT sounds wonderful. We really liked the poly, but w/ construction- don't want to go back yet. We ate twice at GF (GFC & 1900 PF dinner) and I fell in love w/ that resort. Have never been in CR/BLT, but it looks cool, the room pictures look really nice & love the idea of being able to walk to MK. Thanks again for the help!

We stopped at the Poly on the bus rides to DTD and DHS, and you're smart to skip it due to construction. The place was a MESS! We also loved the GF when we stayed there, and the new room renovations are super gorgeous and much less grandma-y than they used to be! We just loved BLT because (with our PIN) we were able to get a full 2 bedroom, MK view villa for the same price per night as 1 full price room at the GF or Poly (and in some cases that's just with a garden view!) The panoramic views of the CR and BLT just cannot be compared to any other resort. I'm so happy with the resort and bummed that now I'm never going to want to stay anywhere else Don't hesitate to call and ask about discounts. We got a PIN and called and they said BLT was excluded, they put my mom on hold, came back and told her they were going to be her new best friends! We got a GREAT deal! I don't know what kind of magic they conjured up, but we were so blessed and thrilled!

 

[johnsonet]

Thanks Monorail service was touch and go. The resort monorail takes FOREVER, but there were some days where it was just too hot or we were too tired to walk over. One day I got the great idea to see if it would be faster to get off at the TTC and hop on the express monorail. We got to the TTC, walked over to the ramp to the express, and saw a sign that they temporarily closed it, doh! The boat just happened to be there, so we took the ferry over. The ferry actually arrived at the MK and started unloading right as the resort monorail we'd been on left the GF! So the ferry was actually faster (even with walking over to the ferry, loading, and waiting to leave!)...
Park crowds were also touch and go. It was definitely crowded, but as usual, some parks feel more crowded than others, and certain events or times of day feel much more crowded. The worst issue we dealt with this year was the HEAT. I mean, we live in SC, we're used to it, but with heat indexes above 100 every day it became unbearable, and felt impossible to stay hydrated. I swear the restaurants and shops aren't even half as cool as they used to be. We'd try to go inside for a break and it didn't feel cool at all ...

Thanks for all the info.
I cannot believe the ferry got to MK before the resort monorail you'd been on - yikes. Good to know. We will be walking to MK, and monorail or walk back.
I live in SC too and am used to the heat but I'm glad you've warned me. I hope Disney is not trying to cut costs by turning up the thermostats in summer AC pumping indoors is what makes summer trips bearable. Thanks for the warning.

The monorail back from the MK at night was SO great and easy, however, we often walked since it was cooler then. It was especially nice when we left one night after Wishes and we could just walk peacefully down the private walkway instead of having to wait and cram into crowded buses or the monorail!

love it

 

[chocolateavocado]

I've stayed at both and love both.
I must say that for a little boy's surprise, I think CR would be fabulous. The monorail running through the resort would be extra festive.

That's great to hear about both Cr & BLT
What type of room did you book at CR or what type would rec'd or not rec'd?
I think he'd love it. He really likes the look of AKL, but it seems so far away. We're worried about the transporation- esp since we spend most of the time at MK and take afternoon breaks. Really liked being on the monorail. So, we're thinking CR/BLT or GF and adding a night on at the end- at AKL. Decisions...decisions...

 

[chocolateavocado]

Wow!! It sounds like you got a great deal on your BLT stay!! It's so awesome to hear when something like that happens!!
We had received 2 different pins in the mail so far, but unfortunately they weren't for when we were able to go Here's hoping for pixie dust for this trip!! It's just so hard to decide between the cr/blt & gf...they both look amazing!!

 

[johnsonet]

That's great to hear about both Cr & BLT
What type of room did you book at CR or what type would rec'd or not rec'd?
I think he'd love it. He really likes the look of AKL, but it seems so far away. We're worried about the transporation- esp since we spend most of the time at MK and take afternoon breaks. Really liked being on the monorail. So, we're thinking CR/BLT or GF and adding a night on at the end- at AKL. Decisions...decisions...

At CR, I have stayed in theme park view, Bay Lake view, and theme park view club level - all in the tower.

At BLT, we stayed in a 2-bedroom theme park view villa.

In a couple of weeks, we are staying in a Bay lake View room in the tower of CR. (The other time I stayed in a Bay View room was 20 years ago )
I can't wait!

I wouldn't worry too much about the view you go with. If you're looking to splurge - theme park views would be extra magical but there are several regulars here, including WDWKOOK who keeps this FAQ so wonderfully organized, who actually prefer the Bay Lake views

I will post pics of our room and view once I'm at WDW

P.S. AKL is my all-time favorite I have added a night there at the end of my trip, so I think that's a great idea

 

[disprincess2213]

Hey everyone! Me, DH, and DD will be staying here early September for our first time! THis has been our dream to stay here and its finally happening!! We are beyond excited!!

I was hoping to ask a few questions that you may be able to help me with!!

1. I couldnt find a straight answer, but can you hear wishes music in theme park view tower rooms? I read that channel 105 has it but some say they dont get that channel? Does only Bay Lake get channel 105?!

2. Does anyone know when they assign room numbers? I made a room request for a king bed and I would like to see before we arrive if we were granted our preference. When should I call?

3. What are the most desired floors and rooms for non-club level? we have a theme park view room but dont know what 'request' to put in at online check in.

4. Can you ship packages/groceries to this resort for free or do you have to pay?

Thank you all soooo much!! Cant wait!!!

 

[dansdad]

Hey everyone! Me, DH, and DD will be staying here early September for our first time! THis has been our dream to stay here and its finally happening!! We are beyond excited!!

I was hoping to ask a few questions that you may be able to help me with!!

1. I couldnt find a straight answer, but can you hear wishes music in theme park view tower rooms? I read that channel 105 has it but some say they dont get that channel? Does only Bay Lake get channel 105?!

2. Does anyone know when they assign room numbers? I made a room request for a king bed and I would like to see before we arrive if we were granted our preference. When should I call?

3. What are the most desired floors and rooms for non-club level? we have a theme park view room but dont know what 'request' to put in at online check in.

4. Can you ship packages/groceries to this resort for free or do you have to pay?

Thank you all soooo much!! Cant wait!!!

1. Yes, on channel 105. On some of the TVs, you have to enter the numbers 105 instead of just using the channel up button.

2. All rooms get assigned 2-3 days out. There's no way to find out what room you got assigned until you arrive.

4. Yes you can. Yes there's a fee. I believe the fees are noted on page #1 of this thread.

 

[mickeynut1]

In a couple of weeks, we are staying in a Bay lake View room in the tower of CR.

I will post pics of our room and view once I'm at WDW

It won't be long before you're checking into the CR .

I can't wait to see pics and hear about your trip .

Hey everyone! Me, DH, and DD will be staying here early September for our first time! THis has been our dream to stay here and its finally happening!! We are beyond excited!!

I hope you have a great trip .

 

[coastermom]

A few questions about Garden View rooms ..

I have always wanted to stay at CR but it is kind of expensive for a family of 5 so because we just returned from Disney Land and stayed in the Disney Land resort we are staying in a Garden View room for 4 nights / 5 days which between flights is really a 3 day stay ! We have been to WDW a few times and we are really going for the MNSSHP !! First time for us !!
My questions are
1) is there a room I should request so I dont have to look at a parking lot ?? I would like to see the lake and or pool if possiable
2) how far is the walk really to get some food at the main tower ? We have stayed at POR / AKL / BC/YC ASMU and ASM so we have been to many resorts where the walk can be forever to get a QS meal .
3) We have walked from MK to CR before to get a bus to DTD so I am sure the walk is not too bad but how is the bus situation to other parks ? AK and HS ? I know that the monorail takes us right to Epcot !