Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[kmorlock]

Hi again CR/BLT fans. So after much craziness, we are back to CR Tower Dec 11-19. Any advice on room requests? We are TP View. Now we can relax and plan without worry....

 

[ladybugJ]

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!

It is the construction that caused us to switch. We have to be able to nap midday and I didn't want to take the chance on loud construction noise. If napping wasn't a big issue for our family, we would have stayed at WL and will hopefully find time to go over and at least visit the resort.

Hi again CR/BLT fans. So after much craziness, we are back to CR Tower Dec 11-19. Any advice on room requests? We are TP View. Now we can relax and plan without worry....

Hi! I recognize you from the WL threads! Did GS move you to the tower or did you do that on your own? I've read to request rooms high up and as far away from Chef Mickey's as possible due to the noise early in the morning.

 

[maryandtyson]

I love a mid day nap myself. I'm really curious to see what we think of CR. it's not a resort I would normally choose because I love the theming at WL and AKL. We have a trip coming up to Beach Club in Sep/Oct.

Two positives for CR: huge rooms and proximity to MK!

 

[Summertinkerbell]

There is another thread here entitled, "Why did you NOT like the Contemporary," and I probably shouldn't have read it.

We really wanted to stay deluxe on the monorail (We were unaware of the issues.) The family really wanted to stay at Poly this trip, but with all of their construction and the closing of a pool in the HOT summer, and GF being too expensive, we decided to book CR...after a lot of convincing on my part.

We've only stayed deluxe once at the amazing BC. Mostly, we are accustomed to value and moderate resorts, so having all of the deluxe amenities will really be noticed and appreciated by us. We don't need "in your face" Disney theming like the values have now that DD is 17. There is an abundance of theming in the parks.

What we really are looking for is being in the middle of the magic; looking out a window and seeing the castle at any time of day; having a larger room; using any other transportation besides a bus; having a more upscale experience.

I hope I didn't make a mistake booking CR.

Please tell me "Why you DID like the Contemporary."

Thanks.

 

[maryandtyson]

Summertinkerbell -

You know people can find fault with anything. We love Beach Club too, but some people hate it. I'm really curious to see any replies to your query. We are committed to CR for January because my TA offered an awesome deal and we are visiting with family who also booked CR. One thing for sure - we will be at Disney!!
Mary

 

[kmorlock]

It is the construction that caused us to switch. We have to be able to nap midday and I didn't want to take the chance on loud construction noise. If napping wasn't a big issue for our family, we would have stayed at WL and will hopefully find time to go over and at least visit the resort.


Hi! I recognize you from the WL threads! Did GS move you to the tower or did you do that on your own? I've read to request rooms high up and as far away from Chef Mickey's as possible due to the noise early in the morning.

Thanks for the room request info. They (GS) did move us after much, much misinformation and aggravation. We have never stayed at CR, but first family trip was BLT 5 years ago. I hope everyone from WL gets a fair and equitable resolution that works for them. I also hope CR turns out ok because We really wanted that Christmas theming that I would imagine is lesser at CR than other resorts. It was not our first choice but, crossing fingers will be ok. DH and DS ar super excited because they could care less about decorations! I have to say GS reps, ELLA and KELLY SUE literally saved this trip because I called back Monday AM to cancel due to the aggravation of the day before. If Disney is watching, these two great reps should be commended.

 

[Gryhndmom]

There is another thread here entitled, "Why did you NOT like the Contemporary," and I probably shouldn't have read it.

We really wanted to stay deluxe on the monorail (We were unaware of the issues.) The family really wanted to stay at Poly this trip, but with all of their construction and the closing of a pool in the HOT summer, and GF being too expensive, we decided to book CR...after a lot of convincing on my part.

We've only stayed deluxe once at the amazing BC. Mostly, we are accustomed to value and moderate resorts, so having all of the deluxe amenities will really be noticed and appreciated by us. We don't need "in your face" Disney theming like the values have now that DD is 17. There is an abundance of theming in the parks.

What we really are looking for is being in the middle of the magic; looking out a window and seeing the castle at any time of day; having a larger room; using any other transportation besides a bus; having a more upscale experience.

I hope I didn't make a mistake booking CR.

Please tell me "Why you DID like the Contemporary."

Thanks.

Where do I start on why we like CR and BLT.. Just so it doesn't turn into a novel I will compress !
1. Location, location location ! Walk to MK, easy monorail ride back to hotel after enjoying lots of adult beverages at wine and food Festival at Epcot.
2. Good restaurants...wave, California grill are favs.
3. Not too overly decorated. By this I mean doesn't scream Victorian like GF or Hawaiian like Polynesian. I like both those motifs but not in excess.
4. Doesn't seem as crowded as either GF or poly...could be we usually go in the fall but when I have gone over to GF and poly they seemed more crowded than CR and BLT.
5. Always have had friendly CM's.

Hope this helps !

 

[Ewoks]

I hope I didn't make a mistake booking CR.

Please tell me "Why you DID like the Contemporary."

Thanks.

I'll be perfectly honest with you on this one: I have a really hard time understanding why anyone wouldn't love the Contemporary. It baffles me! I realize I might sound biased, since CR is clearly my favorite hotel ever, but I'll give you my two cents just in case it might ease your mind about your decision. Long story short: I highly doubt you and your family will regret a moment of your time at CR!!

The view is unbelievable, of course, but it isn't just about the view. The rooms are huge compared to other Deluxes at WDW, the grounds are lovely and have such an exciting "Disney" feel, and overall I know I always get a big rush of excitement every time I enter the building, like I'm an 8 year old again. The Mary Blair mural and all the classic WDW touches make CR a place that the other Deluxes, with the exception of PVR, can never be: an original Disney World hotel. I'd recommend maybe looking up the history of the hotel before you go to get yourself excited about being there. It's fascinating and adds a whole other level to your stay.

Also, about the theming. A lot of folks don't think CR has enough of it, but I disagree. It's intended to reflect the futuristic theme of Tomorrowland, and once you see it through that lens, everything makes sense. The CR and Tomorrowland are kinda a 1960s/1970s view of "the future," something Walt himself insisted on creating at WDW before his death. It's fun to see what they imagined the future would look like back when they designed the parks and resorts.

I realize BC has the largest fan club here on Disboards, but if you ask me there's little comparison between BC and CR. CR wins, hands-down. I think you're gonna be very pleasantly surprised, and you might end up having a new favorite resort!

 

[kmorlock]

There is another thread here entitled, "Why did you NOT like the Contemporary," and I probably shouldn't have read it.

We really wanted to stay deluxe on the monorail (We were unaware of the issues.) The family really wanted to stay at Poly this trip, but with all of their construction and the closing of a pool in the HOT summer, and GF being too expensive, we decided to book CR...after a lot of convincing on my part.

We've only stayed deluxe once at the amazing BC. Mostly, we are accustomed to value and moderate resorts, so having all of the deluxe amenities will really be noticed and appreciated by us. We don't need "in your face" Disney theming like the values have now that DD is 17. There is an abundance of theming in the parks.

What we really are looking for is being in the middle of the magic; looking out a window and seeing the castle at any time of day; having a larger room; using any other transportation besides a bus; having a more upscale experience.

I hope I didn't make a mistake booking CR.

Please tell me "Why you DID like the Contemporary."

Thanks.

I read that link too. CR was not my first choice but the best choice we were offered for this trip. We were moved due to WL construction. I really hated moving because we LOVE WL so much. I just don't want to be worried for the next 5 months. We are coming this December and stayed BC last Nov. We disliked BWI two years ago because QS food options were lacking and we don't do Table Service much anymore. Poly is still in construction that sounds much like the beginning of the WL construction. We stayed BLT 5 yrs ago and used CR a lot as they are sister properties. While I can't say I loved the retro modern look, convenience outweighed everything. Having food options under the same roof is nice when chilly weather comes. We like their extended QS options, transport offers many options, no construction forecasted, etc. While we really wanted to have that Christmas vibe at our resort, we know it will be minimal at CR. Going into the trip knowing a bit of what to expect helps. We can get our Christmas vibe in the parks, and by a short trip by boat to WL. CR will have lots of QS food options that you don't get at Epcot resorts. We can escape the crowds at MK close and take a short monorail trip to Epcot. Every resort has its' own vibe and offerings. Why? To match the needs of various travelers and how they vacation. For us, while I may dislike the starkness, my DH and DS are super excited to see the monorail run thru the lobby and the boats in Bay Lake. Walking outside and "BAM" Space MTn. and the Castle backdrop is breathtaking. AT BLT, we loved watching the castle change colors. "Oh look, it's Blue again" ....They love the walkway to MK. So if they are happy, it makes me happy and at peace with the move. When it boils down to it, I'm not buying the property, just spending 8 nights there. We are there to make memories and that's what you bring home, everything else stays there.

 

[Summertinkerbell]

I'm feeling reassured. Thank you all!

 

[mickeynut1]

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

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! We love the WL too, but I'm sure you will have a great time at the CR .

This will be our first CR stay in January. Looking forward to trying something new!

I hope you have a great trip and enjoy your CR stay .

Hi again CR/BLT fans. So after much craziness, we are back to CR Tower Dec 11-19. Any advice on room requests? We are TP View. Now we can relax and plan without worry....

I can't help with requests as we've never stayed at the CR, but wanted to say I hope you have a great trip. I remember you from other threads and all the trouble with moving from the WL. I'm glad a solution was finally found .

Two positives for CR: huge rooms and proximity to MK!

What we really are looking for is being in the middle of the magic; looking out a window and seeing the castle at any time of day; having a larger room; using any other transportation besides a bus; having a more upscale experience.

You will get all of that at the CR .

I also hope CR turns out ok because We really wanted that Christmas theming that I would imagine is lesser at CR than other resorts. It was not our first choice but, crossing fingers will be ok. DH and DS ar super excited because they could care less about decorations! I have to say GS reps, ELLA and KELLY SUE literally saved this trip because I called back Monday AM to cancel due to the aggravation of the day before. If Disney is watching, these two great reps should be commended.

I think you will have a great time! I'm glad you talked to two very helpful GS CMs who were willing and able to help find a solution for you .

We stayed BLT 5 yrs ago and used CR a lot as they are sister properties. While I can't say I loved the retro modern look, convenience outweighed everything. Having food options under the same roof is nice when chilly weather comes. We like their extended QS options, transport offers many options, no construction forecasted, etc. While we really wanted to have that Christmas vibe at our resort, we know it will be minimal at CR. Going into the trip knowing a bit of what to expect helps. We can get our Christmas vibe in the parks, and by a short trip by boat to WL. CR will have lots of QS food options that you don't get at Epcot resorts. We can escape the crowds at MK close and take a short monorail trip to Epcot. Every resort has its' own vibe and offerings. Why? To match the needs of various travelers and how they vacation. For us, while I may dislike the starkness, my DH and DS are super excited to see the monorail run thru the lobby and the boats in Bay Lake. Walking outside and "BAM" Space MTn. and the Castle backdrop is breathtaking. AT BLT, we loved watching the castle change colors. "Oh look, it's Blue again" ....They love the walkway to MK. So if they are happy, it makes me happy and at peace with the move. When it boils down to it, I'm not buying the property, just spending 8 nights there. We are there to make memories and that's what you bring home, everything else stays there.

A lot of great points .

I'm feeling reassured. Thank you all!

I think you're going to have a great trip :.

 

[mommyrosa2]

There is another thread here entitled, "Why did you NOT like the Contemporary," and I probably shouldn't have read it.

We really wanted to stay deluxe on the monorail (We were unaware of the issues.) The family really wanted to stay at Poly this trip, but with all of their construction and the closing of a pool in the HOT summer, and GF being too expensive, we decided to book CR...after a lot of convincing on my part.

We've only stayed deluxe once at the amazing BC. Mostly, we are accustomed to value and moderate resorts, so having all of the deluxe amenities will really be noticed and appreciated by us. We don't need "in your face" Disney theming like the values have now that DD is 17. There is an abundance of theming in the parks.

What we really are looking for is being in the middle of the magic; looking out a window and seeing the castle at any time of day; having a larger room; using any other transportation besides a bus; having a more upscale experience.

I hope I didn't make a mistake booking CR.

Please tell me "Why you DID like the Contemporary."

Thanks.

DH & I tried CR back in October for the first time, without our girls too, and we were surprised at how much we loved everything about it. Like others have said the location alone makes it worth it...love being able to walk right over to the MK! We enjoyed the pools, especially the bullseye/quiet pool which never seemed to be overly crowded. We had lunch at their QS, Contempo cafe, and thought our sandwiches were very good. We had apps/drinks at the Wave and thought that was exellent. We had some excellent CM's and honestly cannot say enough good things about the resort. We loved it so much that we booked a BB and are returning next month with our DD's, 17 & 21 and they are very much looking forward to their first stay there! Speaking about our stay....28 more days and counting...woohoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Summertinkerbell]

Awesome!

 

[ladybugJ]

I'm curious if it's possible to upgrade your room when you check in (willing to pay price difference, not asking for free upgrades) if you booked with the free dining package. Obviously we are making the presumption that there is availability for such a room when we check in. I would love to switch from garden wing at CR to tower w/MK view if at all possible when we check in.

 

[WDWKOOK]

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.

I thought I read last year that AAA's discount agreement with Disney was ending?

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?

HAHA - you'd get caught at the elevator and never make it - good one. You'd have to run out the front down World Drive or hop in your speedboat out back. But, that might not work well since you'd get caught at another resort's dock…unless you dock at River Country and try and blend in at Mickeys Backyard BBQ before sneaking over to the Trail's End bar where THIS happened in May:

Deputies arrested a 27-year-old Ohio man early Monday after an apparent drunken night at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.

Andrew Hall, of Mentor, Ohio, was arrested after being rescued by a Walt Disney World marine unit, which found him struggling to stay afloat in the middle of Bay Lake, according to an Orange County Sheriff's Office arrest report.

Before that, deputies said Hall was drinking at the resort's restaurant and attempted to leave on a bicycle, according to the report.

He then "dove below the surface beyond sight," the report states. When he came back up, Hall was going in and out of consciousness, gasping for breath, according to the report.

Deputies said someone from the marine unit jumped in, swam to him and pulled him into the boat.

Emergency medical crews met them on shore and took Hall to a local hospital, where he was treated and released.

He was then booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of disturbing the peace at a public lodging establishment, grand theft and criminal mischief, according to the report.

Deputies said the damage to the golf cart and pier cost about $5,000.

Hall is being held on $2,500 bail.

What great plans you have - lots of fun trips and cruises, too. I only have the WDW trip next month with DD booked. Last Christmas, we went to our favorite "historic colonial attraction" in VA and it was so nice only driving a few hours from home and not worrying about potentially bad weather ruining our travel plans, so we may do that again.

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

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 .​

Crazy, huh? I would have thought he'd be banned after arrest #1, but apparently you need to be wearing a MB to make yourself known to Disney Security

So are you and the family substituting another location for WDW this summer? I'm sure I'll be posting photos/updates

Starting to think about our January stay at CR. We are booked in GW, SV. Where is the parking lot?

The parking lot is right smack-dab in front of the GW/SV rooms:

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

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! You're right next door and still on Bay Lake

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.

Take a look at 2:21 and 3:44 in this AllEars BLT One Bedroom video. It looks like it could go right in front of the sink (or on the balcony hehe):

Hi again CR/BLT fans. So after much craziness, we are back to CR Tower Dec 11-19. Any advice on room requests? We are TP View. Now we can relax and plan without worry....

Welcome back. Why did you decide not to take the $100/night credit, peace of mind?

I'll be perfectly honest with you on this one: I have a really hard time understanding why anyone wouldn't love the Contemporary. It baffles me! I realize I might sound biased, since CR is clearly my favorite hotel ever, but I'll give you my two cents just in case it might ease your mind about your decision. Long story short: I highly doubt you and your family will regret a moment of your time at CR!!

The view is unbelievable, of course, but it isn't just about the view. The rooms are huge compared to other Deluxes at WDW, the grounds are lovely and have such an exciting "Disney" feel, and overall I know I always get a big rush of excitement every time I enter the building, like I'm an 8 year old again. The Mary Blair mural and all the classic WDW touches make CR a place that the other Deluxes, with the exception of PVR, can never be: an original Disney World hotel. I'd recommend maybe looking up the history of the hotel before you go to get yourself excited about being there. It's fascinating and adds a whole other level to your stay.

Also, about the theming. A lot of folks don't think CR has enough of it, but I disagree. It's intended to reflect the futuristic theme of Tomorrowland, and once you see it through that lens, everything makes sense. The CR and Tomorrowland are kinda a 1960s/1970s view of "the future," something Walt himself insisted on creating at WDW before his death. It's fun to see what they imagined the future would look like back when they designed the parks and resorts.

I realize BC has the largest fan club here on Disboards, but if you ask me there's little comparison between BC and CR. CR wins, hands-down. I think you're gonna be very pleasantly surprised, and you might end up having a new favorite resort!

You took the words right out of my keyboard. In one word, CR is iconic and where else has the monorail running right through the resort?! CR's location was originally planned to have a walking path right to Tomorrowland, hence its "futuristic" theming.

I'm curious if it's possible to upgrade your room when you check in (willing to pay price difference, not asking for free upgrades) if you booked with the free dining package. Obviously we are making the presumption that there is availability for such a room when we check in. I would love to switch from garden wing at CR to tower w/MK view if at all possible when we check in.

It won't hurt to ask. I've asked once at Poly, I believe and they quoted the price difference between the discounted rate I paid and the CL rate with the same discount, but that was many years ago.

 

[maryandtyson]

Thank you Kook! Not sure I want a parking lot view, but at least our car will be close by!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you Kook! Not sure I want a parking lot view, but at least our car will be close by!

Think of it as a MONORAIL VIEW and you're really close to the Tower and canal and your car...

 

[maryandtyson]

On another note, I see I've been upgraded to Dis Veteran! So totally awesome! I think this calls for a glass of wine!

 

[kmorlock]

Welcome

For the most part, peace of mind won. You can't put a price on that.

 

[ladybugJ]

For the most part, peace of mind won. You can't put a price on that.

That's exactly why we bailed on WL for CR. I admit I'm a tiny bit envious of your tower MK view room, though!