Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[WDWKOOK]

I am almost out of questions before I go! but one last question.
We get the refillable resort cups etc, apart from Contempo Café, is there anywhere else to get a re fill, I see the Cove bar has a drinks fountain, but not the Sand bar?

Thanks again for the replies folks, kind regards,

Kevin

The Sand Bar has never been an official refill location because it isn't a self-service location. Only the Contempo Cafe has for CR guests and Cove Bar for BLT guests and DVC members.

There have been times in the past, prior to the Rapid Fill RFID-enabled mugs, that you could ask for a refill and some of the Sand Bar CMs would oblige you. They couldn't, however, refill your mug for you. Some would fill a cup with your beverage and hand it to you for you to put in your mug. Since all the mugs are chipped now, (since August 2013), this wouldn't be possible any longer.

You can refill them at the QS by the pool (Sand Bar). Cove Bar is at the BLT pool.

I didn't think this was possible anymore with the use of RFID-enabled mugs? Have you done this after August 2013?

 

[Flynnismine]

Just curious, has BLT ever been included in any RO discounts released by Disney? I don't remember seeing it on the list of RO eligible resorts this past spring, summer, or fall. It seems like all other villa's make the list but never BLT. I've already booked a 1 bedroom SV villa @ BLT directly through Disney for March 25th through April 1st but may switch to Kidani if a REALLY fantastic RO, Dis Visa, or AP discount comes out and includes AKV 1 bedrooms SV villa's. Since there will be 4 of us going, 2 full bathrooms are a must have, that narrows it down to BLT or Kidani.

 

[psac]

 

[psac]

Sounds like a great trip .



A CR/Poly split is what we are considering for next summer. We love the Poly, but the CR would be new. After reading so many great things about the CR, it is now at the top of my list to try .



Glad you're having a great time . All of the pics are great, thanks for taking the time to share them.



We've never eaten at CG, Narcoossee's, or Citricos, but we love Yachtsman . I'm not sure if we will ever try CG, but Narcoossee's (and possibly Citricos) is on our list to try next trip .



What an awesome view .

I think Citricos is a little nicer/fancier, but Narcoossees has better food. Our first try there years ago was just so so, but our last few trips, we've liked it a lot.

The EWP is pretty loud at 10:10 if you're in a BLV room. You can always request to be away from CM, but in a TPV room that does put you closer to Wishes. Knowing that you have to get up at 0230 will make it hard to sleep anyway and even though the noise in the rooms isn't too bad, I suspect you'll be awake during Wishes and/or EWP. I'd plan on uninterrupted solid sleep from 10:30 - 2:30.



Hope your discount comes through and I'll log your dates


Of course you can be added and congratulations



Shorter stays have higher possibilities of being magically upgraded. I'll update your CR dates





Such festive photos, thanks psac. I'm sure you and DW have the soundtrack memorized, so no worries there.



I love phood photos. So would you do the DxDP again or go with TiW instead?



Thanks for the channel reminder and villa description. Next BLT stay, I'm requesting the north side instead of south - even more peaceful and what a great view over to the left. Thanks for posting your photos!


Yes, it's bittersweet and then everyone wants their trip to get here soon, but go at a snail's pace when they finally arrive.

For the GW SV rooms, other than level, there really aren't too many more requests, however, I would request "next to canal," as opposed to "close to Tower." Then, to your left, you would have a partial canal view and you could see the boats, but not from your balcony if you request 3rd floor. This view would be best with a ground floor room. However, with a 3rd floor room you could see the canal near where it crosses over World Drive and probably some of 7SL. Those rooms are to the far right in this photo:

View attachment 108734




View to left/around corner:
View attachment 108735






Welcome! The best GW GV rooms are the ones that front Bay Lake:

View attachment 108731

View attachment 108732

View attachment 108733

View attachment 108736



Welcome! Please see post above yours

We would definitely NOT get the DxDP again. Since we were there over Fourth of July, there were some blackout dates, and our TIW had expired, otherwise it would have been a no-brainer. But we also wanted to try Cindarella's Royal Table (never had done it before), and a few other character meals, and thought it might make sense. We actually crunched the numbers after, and did save about $200 with the plan, but that was with maximizing the plan when we could. The perfect example of that is Narcoossees and the $75 lobster (me) and surf and turf (wife) that we got. Both were really excellent, but no way we get $75 entrees when not on the plan! And we've had their $40 entrees, which are also really good. And we actually really liked the food and characters at Cindy's (we're on a first name basis now), but not worth the OOP cost to do more than once. And we also had lots of snacks to take home, which isn't a bad thing, I'm going to have an ear from a Mickey rice crispy treat right now!

To not be completely OT

 

[psac]

Some general BLT thoughts from our trip:

We really loved our 1BR this stay. It's like the modern Manhattan apartment we can't afford. or if we did, we couldn't afford all our Disney trips!

Having that view really helped. The combination of privacy, serenity, and the fireworks was absolutely perfect. The downside of that location was the wifi. I don't know if it was the same everywhere, or because we were at the end of the ring, but it was terrible. Very very spotty. Sometimes basically no service at all.

The condition of the room was good. I remember when we first stayed there, BLT was only open about a year, but it was already showing wear and tear. This time, it felt like the wear and tear was appropriate for the age of the building. So it was there, but not more than you would expect.

Monorail. Nuff said.

The CMs were very friendly. Every CM we passed in the hall said hi, good morning, etc., and the two times we called a cab from the concierge in the BLT lobby, it was quick, easy, and they were very helpful. The only issue we had was with bell services on our checkout. We called 45 minutes before our DME time, and it took 35 minutes for them to come! We were freaking out, but made it fine, and the guy refused to take a tip from us since they were so late. (We tried like five times, he just wouldn't take it.)

Otherwise it was HOT. Not in the room, actually the room AC was perfect. But outside in July the heat was brutal. You would think Disney could do something about that, can't they???

 

[mickeynut1]

Getting closer and closer! As a teacher, my summer only started 6 days ago, and our vacation marks the end of my summer off. So, I'm in a weird, "I can't wait for Disney......but don't hurry up and get here!" state of mind!

Hope you are enjoying your summer and I hope your trip goes slow once it gets here .

I will be staying GW, GV for one sweet night, 7/24! We will request 1st floor, any requests recommended beyond that? I was so happy to find this awesome Kook-hosted thread after benefitting from the WL one in February.

I agree about KOOK.....she is an awesome host and provides a lot of great knowledge about all of the resorts .

Scott: I'm a teacher too. Although our vacation isn't quite at the end of my summer, I will only have two weeks after we get home before I have to gear up and get ready for my new school year. I've been off for two weeks now, and as excited as I am to countdown to our return to WDW, I know that I'm wishing my summer away. We had a terrible winter, and our pool liner just got replaced today. As I watch the water slowly fill our pool, I'm trying to savor every moment leading up to our trip.

Have a wonderful time on your vacation!

Hope you are enjoying your time off school .

Yes, it's bittersweet and then everyone wants their trip to get here soon, but go at a snail's pace when they finally arrive.

Isn't that the truth! We can't wait for our trips to get here, but then we're sad when we're back home because it went so fast .

Just curious, has BLT ever been included in any RO discounts released by Disney? I don't remember seeing it on the list of RO eligible resorts this past spring, summer, or fall. It seems like all other villa's make the list but never BLT. I've already booked a 1 bedroom SV villa @ BLT directly through Disney for March 25th through April 1st but may switch to Kidani if a REALLY fantastic RO, Dis Visa, or AP discount comes out and includes AKV 1 bedrooms SV villa's. Since there will be 4 of us going, 2 full bathrooms are a must have, that narrows it down to BLT or Kidani.

I can't answer for sure as we've never booked BLT, but I want to say I've read of others getting a discount. Maybe others here will be able to say for sure whether or not BLT has been included in discounts .

View attachment 109499 View attachment 109500 View attachment 109501 View attachment 109502
View attachment 109503

Great pics, thanks for sharing .

I think Citricos is a little nicer/fancier, but Narcoossees has better food. Our first try there years ago was just so so, but our last few trips, we've liked it a lot.

Thanks, I think Narcoossee's will be on the list for our next trip .

Some general BLT thoughts from our trip:

We really loved our 1BR this stay. It's like the modern Manhattan apartment we can't afford. or if we did, we couldn't afford all our Disney trips!

Having that view really helped. The combination of privacy, serenity, and the fireworks was absolutely perfect. The downside of that location was the wifi. I don't know if it was the same everywhere, or because we were at the end of the ring, but it was terrible. Very very spotty. Sometimes basically no service at all.

The condition of the room was good. I remember when we first stayed there, BLT was only open about a year, but it was already showing wear and tear. This time, it felt like the wear and tear was appropriate for the age of the building. So it was there, but not more than you would expect.

Monorail. Nuff said.

The CMs were very friendly. Every CM we passed in the hall said hi, good morning, etc., and the two times we called a cab from the concierge in the BLT lobby, it was quick, easy, and they were very helpful. The only issue we had was with bell services on our checkout. We called 45 minutes before our DME time, and it took 35 minutes for them to come! We were freaking out, but made it fine, and the guy refused to take a tip from us since they were so late. (We tried like five times, he just wouldn't take it.)

Otherwise it was HOT. Not in the room, actually the room AC was perfect. But outside in July the heat was brutal. You would think Disney could do something about that, can't they???

Thanks for your review, glad you had a great trip .

 

[Cluelyss]

The Sand Bar has never been an official refill location because it isn't a self-service location. Only the Contempo Cafe has for CR guests and Cove Bar for BLT guests and DVC members.

There have been times in the past, prior to the Rapid Fill RFID-enabled mugs, that you could ask for a refill and some of the Sand Bar CMs would oblige you. They couldn't, however, refill your mug for you. Some would fill a cup with your beverage and hand it to you for you to put in your mug. Since all the mugs are chipped now, (since August 2013), this wouldn't be possible any longer.



I didn't think this was possible anymore with the use of RFID-enabled mugs? Have you done this after August 2013?

I thought we did last October, but maybe they just gave us a separate cup for our refill? There was definitely not a self-serve station there, so you're probably right.

 

[fls114]

Newbie here!
We will be staying at a 1BR in BLT this November.
Can anyone tell me if the pack n play will fit in the master bathroom? Will hoping our 6 month old can sleep in there .

 

[AaronInWI]

Just curious, has BLT ever been included in any RO discounts released by Disney? I don't remember seeing it on the list of RO eligible resorts this past spring, summer, or fall. It seems like all other villa's make the list but never BLT. I've already booked a 1 bedroom SV villa @ BLT directly through Disney for March 25th through April 1st but may switch to Kidani if a REALLY fantastic RO, Dis Visa, or AP discount comes out and includes AKV 1 bedrooms SV villa's. Since there will be 4 of us going, 2 full bathrooms are a must have, that narrows it down to BLT or Kidani.

I don't know if this is going to help you at all, but last year we booked BLT with a AAA discount. I thought it was 15%, but my wife thinks it was 20%. (And like most things in life, she's probably right.)

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

The Sand Bar has never been an official refill location because it isn't a self-service location. Only the Contempo Cafe has for CR guests and Cove Bar for BLT guests and DVC members.

There have been times in the past, prior to the Rapid Fill RFID-enabled mugs, that you could ask for a refill and some of the Sand Bar CMs would oblige you. They couldn't, however, refill your mug for you. Some would fill a cup with your beverage and hand it to you for you to put in your mug. Since all the mugs are chipped now, (since August 2013), this wouldn't be possible any longer.



I didn't think this was possible anymore with the use of RFID-enabled mugs? Have you done this after August 2013?

Thanks Kook, a legend as always!

 

[WDWKOOK]

ORLANDO (AP) --

Authorities said a man has made Walt Disney World his happiest place on Earth for dining and dashing.

Fifty-one-year-old Jerry Moody was arrested Tuesday after the manager of a lounge at Disney's Contemporary Resort said he racked up a $92 bar tab and tried to leave without paying.

According to an arrest report, a waitress recognized him as fitting the description of a man who tried to do the same thing at another lounge the previous night.

Both lounges are on Disney property but not inside the theme park. Many Disney restaurants and lounges don't require admission fees.

Police said Moody acknowledged that he shouldn't be at the resort but told detectives he likes to go to Disney World.

Reports show Moody's been arrested on Disney properties five times.

He's being held on a $5,100 bond. The newspaper says Disney had no comment.​

I think Citricos is a little nicer/fancier, but Narcoossees has better food. Our first try there years ago was just so so, but our last few trips, we've liked it a lot.

We would definitely NOT get the DxDP again. Since we were there over Fourth of July, there were some blackout dates, and our TIW had expired, otherwise it would have been a no-brainer. But we also wanted to try Cindarella's Royal Table (never had done it before), and a few other character meals, and thought it might make sense. We actually crunched the numbers after, and did save about $200 with the plan, but that was with maximizing the plan when we could. The perfect example of that is Narcoossees and the $75 lobster (me) and surf and turf (wife) that we got. Both were really excellent, but no way we get $75 entrees when not on the plan! And we've had their $40 entrees, which are also really good. And we actually really liked the food and characters at Cindy's (we're on a first name basis now), but not worth the OOP cost to do more than once. And we also had lots of snacks to take home, which isn't a bad thing, I'm going to have an ear from a Mickey rice crispy treat right now!

To not be completely OT

Nothing WDW-related is OT here. Love seeing your photos and reading your review. Another thing to factor with the DxDP is that you are possibly (at least in our case), getting some food items that you might not order OOP, which means you're also tipping on those items. And, we all know how quickly those 2TS tips can add up. Also, after Disney figured out some were actually maximizing the DDP by actually ordering the most expensive menu items, they excluded some items. With the DxDP, were you able to order any dish from the menu or were some excluded?

Some general BLT thoughts from our trip:

We really loved our 1BR this stay. It's like the modern Manhattan apartment we can't afford. or if we did, we couldn't afford all our Disney trips!

Having that view really helped. The combination of privacy, serenity, and the fireworks was absolutely perfect. The downside of that location was the wifi. I don't know if it was the same everywhere, or because we were at the end of the ring, but it was terrible. Very very spotty. Sometimes basically no service at all.

The condition of the room was good. I remember when we first stayed there, BLT was only open about a year, but it was already showing wear and tear. This time, it felt like the wear and tear was appropriate for the age of the building. So it was there, but not more than you would expect.

Monorail. Nuff said.

The CMs were very friendly. Every CM we passed in the hall said hi, good morning, etc., and the two times we called a cab from the concierge in the BLT lobby, it was quick, easy, and they were very helpful. The only issue we had was with bell services on our checkout. We called 45 minutes before our DME time, and it took 35 minutes for them to come! We were freaking out, but made it fine, and the guy refused to take a tip from us since they were so late. (We tried like five times, he just wouldn't take it.)

Otherwise it was HOT. Not in the room, actually the room AC was perfect. But outside in July the heat was brutal. You would think Disney could do something about that, can't they???

I remember back when you first stayed you reported on wear and tear. I wondered how in the world they could get shabby so quickly, but I guess the materials weren't very well made.

Wonder what happened with the cab? I feel like they're everywhere waiting for customers.

You're going to need to plan a cold weather trip. Do you already have your next trip booked?

I agree about KOOK.....she is an awesome host and provides a lot of great knowledge about all of the resorts .

Isn't that the truth! We can't wait for our trips to get here, but then we're sad when we're back home because it went so fast .

You're always so sweet. Speaking of TRIPS…what is the status of your trip next month?

Newbie here!

We will be staying at a 1BR in BLT this November.

Can anyone tell me if the pack n play will fit in the master bathroom? Will hoping our 6 month old can sleep in there .

to the DIS and the thread, fls114! Next to the TV is a small dresser. Between it and the door there is some space, but I'm not positive it would fit. There is also a chair next to the bed and sliding glass door that you could probably move and fit the P&P in there. Maybe someone who has put one in the bedroom will have some advice.

Thanks Kook, a legend as always!

Awwww, you're welcome. Well, you know what this means? You have to try and see if they'll give you a refill and report back your findings! Have a fabulous trip!

 

[Flynnismine]

I don't know if this is going to help you at all, but last year we booked BLT with a AAA discount. I thought it was 15%, but my wife thinks it was 20%. (And like most things in life, she's probably right.)

Thanks for the info about AAA. We're AAA members so I'll call Disney to see if that discount would be available @ BLT next March.

 

[psac]

ORLANDO (AP) --

Authorities said a man has made Walt Disney World his happiest place on Earth for dining and dashing.

Fifty-one-year-old Jerry Moody was arrested Tuesday after the manager of a lounge at Disney's Contemporary Resort said he racked up a $92 bar tab and tried to leave without paying.

According to an arrest report, a waitress recognized him as fitting the description of a man who tried to do the same thing at another lounge the previous night.

Both lounges are on Disney property but not inside the theme park. Many Disney restaurants and lounges don't require admission fees.

Police said Moody acknowledged that he shouldn't be at the resort but told detectives he likes to go to Disney World.

Reports show Moody's been arrested on Disney properties five times.

He's being held on a $5,100 bond. The newspaper says Disney had no comment.​

Nothing WDW-related is OT here. Love seeing your photos and reading your review. Another thing to factor with the DxDP is that you are possibly (at least in our case), getting some food items that you might not order OOP, which means you're also tipping on those items. And, we all know how quickly those 2TS tips can add up. Also, after Disney figured out some were actually maximizing the DDP by actually ordering the most expensive menu items, they excluded some items. With the DxDP, were you able to order any dish from the menu or were some excluded?



I remember back when you first stayed you reported on wear and tear. I wondered how in the world they could get shabby so quickly, but I guess the materials weren't very well made.

Wonder what happened with the cab? I feel like they're everywhere waiting for customers.

You're going to need to plan a cold weather trip. Do you already have your next trip booked?



You're always so sweet. Speaking of TRIPS…what is the status of your trip next month?



to the DIS and the thread, fls114! Next to the TV is a small dresser. Between it and the door there is some space, but I'm not positive it would fit. There is also a chair next to the bed and sliding glass door that you could probably move and fit the P&P in there. Maybe someone who has put one in the bedroom will have some advice.


Awwww, you're welcome. Well, you know what this means? You have to try and see if they'll give you a refill and report back your findings! Have a fabulous trip!

That's crazy about the dine and dasher. It would seem almost easy to do at CG. You could get the drinks, go to the bathroom, then jump on the elevators on the way back. Except those elevators always take 5-10 mins to come!

For the DxDP, we didn't hit any exclusions. Especially at Narcoossee's with those very expensive dishes. Like you said, the servers are especially happy to have you order those to get the premium tip! Even at Kona (the one non-sig dinner we went to), they said we could get any of the sushi as either an entree or an appetizer, and for an app, some were way more than the other app choices. So they were really good in that regard. And we were happy to use some snack credits for venti iced lattes/frappuchinos at the Main Street Starbucks!! We'll still go back to the TiW for future trips though.

Speaking of future trips, we have a one night "don't miss the boat" stay at the BWV before our one week Disney Fantasy cruise in September (and coincidentally David Cook is playing Epcot that night for the Eat To the Beat concerts, and we're big fans, so that worked well.). Then we have a full trip planned for BWV in December. we love the BW, it's still our favorite, but we might do BLT in one of our winter trips instead for more MK time.

For Oct 2016 we already have a cruise on the Magic out of NY booked, since we couldn't pass that up! We booked that on the first day it went on sale, and it went up $1000 by the next day! Good timing on my wife's part. we're also thinking Disneyland (never been) for spring 2016, maybe split trip with Vegas. But not sure on that one yet!

Are you doing your WL Xmas trip again this year?

 

[mickeynut1]

ORLANDO (AP) --

Authorities said a man has made Walt Disney World his happiest place on Earth for dining and dashing.

Fifty-one-year-old Jerry Moody was arrested Tuesday after the manager of a lounge at Disney's Contemporary Resort said he racked up a $92 bar tab and tried to leave without paying.

According to an arrest report, a waitress recognized him as fitting the description of a man who tried to do the same thing at another lounge the previous night.

Both lounges are on Disney property but not inside the theme park. Many Disney restaurants and lounges don't require admission fees.

Police said Moody acknowledged that he shouldn't be at the resort but told detectives he likes to go to Disney World.

Reports show Moody's been arrested on Disney properties five times.

He's being held on a $5,100 bond. The newspaper says Disney had no comment. ​

This is crazy, I can't believe he's been arrested 5 times on Disney property .

You're always so sweet. Speaking of TRIPS…what is the status of your trip next month?

Awww, thanks .....but it's true....you are VERY knowledgeable about the resorts and always have great things to share .

No trip next month, but thinking ahead to next summer. Haven't booked anything yet as I'm trying to decide between 1 resort or a split.

Your trip is coming up soon . I can't wait to hear all about it and see more of your great pics .​

Speaking of future trips, we have a one night "don't miss the boat" stay at the BWV before our one week Disney Fantasy cruise in September (and coincidentally David Cook is playing Epcot that night for the Eat To the Beat concerts, and we're big fans, so that worked well.). Then we have a full trip planned for BWV in December. we love the BW, it's still our favorite, but we might do BLT in one of our winter trips instead for more MK time.

For Oct 2016 we already have a cruise on the Magic out of NY booked, since we couldn't pass that up! We booked that on the first day it went on sale, and it went up $1000 by the next day! Good timing on my wife's part. we're also thinking Disneyland (never been) for spring 2016, maybe split trip with Vegas. But not sure on that one yet!

You have some great trips coming up, enjoy the planning .

 

[maryandtyson]

Starting to think about our January stay at CR. We are booked in GW, SV. Where is the parking lot?
Also, when we walk from GW to the Tower building, where do we enter? Will we have to escalator or elevator up to get coffee and breakfast?

I've been to the CR for dining, but I never paid much attention to the layout.

Thank you!
Mary

 

[CuseWazowski]

Starting to think about our January stay at CR. We are booked in GW, SV. Where is the parking lot?
Also, when we walk from GW to the Tower building, where do we enter? Will we have to escalator or elevator up to get coffee and breakfast?

I've been to the CR for dining, but I never paid much attention to the layout.

Thank you!
Mary

Hi Mary- From the GW, you'll walk past the pool area and through a set of doors that takes you to the first floor lobby of the tower building, right by the front desk.
For breakfast, The Wave and Contemporary Grounds are both located on the first floor, just off the lobby where you entered the tower building. Or you can take two escalator rides or one elevator ride to the fourth floor to Contempo Cafe or Chef Mickey's for breakfast.

 

[constanze]

Getting SO excited!!! Got our magic bands in the mail. CR here we come!!!

 

[ladybugJ]

We switched from WL to CR in a garden wing room so I'm joining this thread! Last time we were at WDW we stayed at BLT in a 1-bedroom because my mom was traveling with us. Sad not to be staying at WL but happy to be at CR, too!

 

[maryandtyson]

We switched from WL to CR in a garden wing room so I'm joining this thread! Last time we were at WDW we stayed at BLT in a 1-bedroom because my mom was traveling with us. Sad not to be staying at WL but happy to be at CR, too!

Welcome! I love WL too! Is it the construction that made you switch? We just stayed there in April and I'm glad we did before they start. This will be our first CR stay in January. Looking forward to trying something new!

 

[fls114]

to the DIS and the thread, fls114! Next to the TV is a small dresser. Between it and the door there is some space, but I'm not positive it would fit. There is also a chair next to the bed and sliding glass door that you could probably move and fit the P&P in there. Maybe someone who has put one in the bedroom will have some advice.

THanks! I'm actually wondering if the pack and play will fit in the bathroom. I've done this in other hotels that have a generous-sized bathroom I'm just having trouble judging from the pictures if the bathroom is big enough to fit it.