Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[kmb584]

Does anyone have information on the upcoming BLT refurb? We're staying in a 2-bedroom in June and when I tried to book for November (nothing available, booked for December instead!) this message appeared at the top of the page:

"From spring 2016 to fall 2016, some areas of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort will undergo refurbishment to refresh our offerings and atmosphere. It is possible that you may see and hear construction. To minimize any disruptions, we will attempt to limit work to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM."

I'm just trying to figure out what we're going to be in for!

 

[LumosQ102]

Does anyone have information on the upcoming BLT refurb? We're staying in a 2-bedroom in June and when I tried to book for November (nothing available, booked for December instead!) this message appeared at the top of the page:

"From spring 2016 to fall 2016, some areas of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort will undergo refurbishment to refresh our offerings and atmosphere. It is possible that you may see and hear construction. To minimize any disruptions, we will attempt to limit work to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM."

I'm just trying to figure out what we're going to be in for!

I was just looking for the same info! I'm at Bay Lake Tower from 21-30 May and recieved an email from Disbey yesterday with the above info. I'm delighted to hear they are getting some love, but does anyone know what's happening?

 

[Leafsgirl36]

I was just looking for the same info! I'm at Bay Lake Tower from 21-30 May and recieved an email from Disbey yesterday with the above info. I'm delighted to hear they are getting some love, but does anyone know what's happening?

I read somewhere that they were doing a soft refurbishment at BLT. Meaning, I believe they are changing out curtains, some furniture, bed coverings etc.

 

[LumosQ102]

I read somewhere that they were doing a soft refurbishment at BLT. Meaning, I believe they are changing out curtains, some furniture, bed coverings etc.

thank you!

 

[Gryhndmom]

DH and I are booked for mid October at BLT and also saw the refurbishment posts....as DVC members we haven't gotten any specific information (no surprise!) but maybe someone else has info on what will be happening. Only 7 months and 26 days !

 

[jvalic33]

I just changed my ressie from BWV for the first week of October to BLT TPV for 9/18 - 9/24 and I still may change it one week later if I can, but for now that is what we have. I have a few questions though as this is our first time staying at CR and a monorail resort during F&W. Usually we always stay at the Epcot resorts but the kids loved our last trip to GFV (again not our home resort) that they begged me to try another new one.

So, all that said, Grammy is already a trooper keeping up with us, but it is by no means easy for her...so as I start my planning, what is the best way to get over to Epcot?

I was tentatively thinking that one day we could cab it over to HS during the morning and then hop on the boat for lunch over at F&W and then maybe do a dinner in Epcot close to the ball so we can take the monorail home that night? We will also have our car, should we just drive to Epcot?

Another day we are going to do the Pirates Cruise in the morning, so I was thinking maybe that day we could cab it to the BW tand then grab the boat from the Boardwalk and go around the other side of the park to the ball and then monorail it back?

We don't mind cabs at all because when you travel with 8 people it's like they are free, so keep that in mind.

I want to make it as easy on Grammy as possible.

Also, how much rainier or hotter is it the last couple of weeks in September vs. first couple of weeks of October?

Anything you would recommend for us staying at BLT for the first time? What about a room request for a 2BD TPV? Can I request closest to the lobby or something to that effect when the time comes to again make it easier on Grammy?

Also, we have and will definitely be doing CaliG again because it is one of our favorites, and we love the Wave for breakfast and will be taking advantage of that, but we will probably skip CM because it was not one of our favorite breakfasts. Is there anything else we're missing?

 

[antman]

OK, I am a bit of a planner (read as I am an insane planner). Last January I rented points at BLT and couldn't get a standard view so we paid for a lake view and ended up getting a decent view of MK as well. We were quite pleased and very much liked being able to see Wishes from our balcony. I am heading to BWV in May but didn't care much about the view since we'll only be there for 4 days and won't be at the resort much. I am planning a 2017 trip and we are bringing friends so we want to get a 2 bedroom theme park view at BLT. This leads me to my question, how fast do the 2 bedroom theme park view rooms fill up in October? When renting points its cheaper to book 7 months out as opposed to 11 months. I'd like to save the money and book 7 months out but I don't know how comfortable I am risking it if the 2 bedroom theme park view rooms fill quickly. any advice?

 

[jvalic33]

OK, I am a bit of a planner (read as I am an insane planner). Last January I rented points at BLT and couldn't get a standard view so we paid for a lake view and ended up getting a decent view of MK as well. We were quite pleased and very much liked being able to see Wishes from our balcony. I am heading to BWV in May but didn't care much about the view since we'll only be there for 4 days and won't be at the resort much. I am planning a 2017 trip and we are bringing friends so we want to get a 2 bedroom theme park view at BLT. This leads me to my question, how fast do the 2 bedroom theme park view rooms fill up in October? When renting points its cheaper to book 7 months out as opposed to 11 months. I'd like to save the money and book 7 months out but I don't know how comfortable I am risking it if the 2 bedroom theme park view rooms fill quickly. any advice?

It is looking like there is no problem right now. I have been watching the availability and it's predominantly the Epcot resorts that are sold out now. Currently for September and October the more expensive resorts all seem free. Now if you want a standard cheaper view with points, those are gone...

 

[antman]

It is looking like there is no problem right now. I have been watching the availability and it's predominantly the Epcot resorts that are sold out now. Currently for September and October the more expensive resorts all seem free. Now if you want a standard cheaper view with points, those are gone...

Thanks, don't want a standard view. Definitely want the MK theme park view so it looks like I might be safe risking the 7 month window.

 

[Orangeman98]

We are staying at BLT right now and absolutely love the location. Just a couple of day 1 observations: Staff super friendly when we checked in (no line at all when we arrived at 8pm), only "complaint" is the insane water pressure you get when taking a shower

 

[Doodlebug25413]

I received a letter from Bay Lake Towers too about refurb.
We are staying 4/9-4/14 for our Vow Renewal.

My only concern is that we have a 2 year old who loves the pools. I just hope the pools are fine.
And with any construction, there's dust. I just hope if they are doing anything "hard core" that I don't get any dust on our clothing.

 

[cinderkelly]

I received a letter from Bay Lake Towers too about refurb.
We are staying 4/9-4/14 for our Vow Renewal.

My only concern is that we have a 2 year old who loves the pools. I just hope the pools are fine.
And with any construction, there's dust. I just hope if they are doing anything "hard core" that I don't get any dust on our clothing.

From what I understand they are just doing a soft goods refurb at BLT. Meaning replacing bedding, etc. I don't think you'll have to deal with any hard core contstruction. I think he pools should be ok. Someone correct me if I'm wrong Congrats on your vow renewal!

 

[Doodlebug25413]

From what I understand they are just doing a soft goods refurb at BLT. Meaning replacing bedding, etc. I don't think you'll have to deal with any hard core contstruction. I think he pools should be ok. Someone correct me if I'm wrong Congrats on your vow renewal!

Sounds good to me then! I'm totally ok with that. I guess it's a generic letter they use because the wording had construction noise etc in it.

And thank you! We are uber excited for this trip!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I just changed my ressie from BWV for the first week of October to BLT TPV for 9/18 - 9/24 and I still may change it one week later if I can, but for now that is what we have. I have a few questions though as this is our first time staying at CR and a monorail resort during F&W. Usually we always stay at the Epcot resorts but the kids loved our last trip to GFV (again not our home resort) that they begged me to try another new one.

So, all that said, Grammy is already a trooper keeping up with us, but it is by no means easy for her...so as I start my planning, what is the best way to get over to Epcot?

I was tentatively thinking that one day we could cab it over to HS during the morning and then hop on the boat for lunch over at F&W and then maybe do a dinner in Epcot close to the ball so we can take the monorail home that night? We will also have our car, should we just drive to Epcot?

Another day we are going to do the Pirates Cruise in the morning, so I was thinking maybe that day we could cab it to the BW tand then grab the boat from the Boardwalk and go around the other side of the park to the ball and then monorail it back?

We don't mind cabs at all because when you travel with 8 people it's like they are free, so keep that in mind.

I want to make it as easy on Grammy as possible.

Also, how much rainier or hotter is it the last couple of weeks in September vs. first couple of weeks of October?

Anything you would recommend for us staying at BLT for the first time? What about a room request for a 2BD TPV? Can I request closest to the lobby or something to that effect when the time comes to again make it easier on Grammy?

Also, we have and will definitely be doing CaliG again because it is one of our favorites, and we love the Wave for breakfast and will be taking advantage of that, but we will probably skip CM because it was not one of our favorite breakfasts. Is there anything else we're missing?

As far as transportation to Epcot, obviously a cab would be the quickest and driving second quickest. The other option is monorail to TTC then go down the ramp and back up a ramp to await the Epcot monorail. You can also walk to the MK and take the bus to Epcot.

Last weeks of Sep. Vs. first weeks of Oct. are really not that different weather wise. It's still hurricane season so that threat exists. I would choose based on price, holidays and any special events occurring, like marathons, etc… I would choose the week that has no special events, holidays and lowest price.

The rooms that are closest to the Sky Bridge, which connects BLT to CR, might be best for Grammy. I would just have that request added to your reservation: "Close to Sky Bridge" or "Close to an elevator" might be good for Grammy, you can add both.

You can easily get over to Poly and GF on the monorail for a snack or meal at one of the QS or TS venues. Trader Sam's might be fun for everyone, too.

We are staying at BLT right now and absolutely love the location. Just a couple of day 1 observations: Staff super friendly when we checked in (no line at all when we arrived at 8pm), only "complaint" is the insane water pressure you get when taking a shower

Hope the rest of your stay was magical.

From what I understand they are just doing a soft goods refurb at BLT. Meaning replacing bedding, etc. I don't think you'll have to deal with any hard core contstruction. I think he pools should be ok. Someone correct me if I'm wrong Congrats on your vow renewal!

You're correct. The BLT pool is only supposed to be closed through 3/18.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Sammy Duval Coupon:

Try our Online Reservation System and ​

receive a 20% discount!​

Only available on our website
NOW THROUGH MARCH 15, 2016!​

​

Enter PROMO CODE "ALLEARS20" to receive discount!​

www.sammyduvall.com
​

 

[Kimberly9701]

Bay Lake Tower vs. Contemporary Tower? I will be traveling Thanksgiving week before our Fantasy cruise, I wanted to stay TPV Poly, but the prices are insane for that week. So the question is do I rent points for BLT or is CR itself more convenient to food/drinks/etc? It's just me and my (will be) 6 year old. So convenience is the most important thing for me.

 

[CMNJ]

Bay Lake Tower vs. Contemporary Tower? I will be traveling Thanksgiving week before our Fantasy cruise, I wanted to stay TPV Poly, but the prices are insane for that week. So the question is do I rent points for BLT or is CR itself more convenient to food/drinks/etc? It's just me and my (will be) 6 year old. So convenience is the most important thing for me.

Food and drinks are located in CR not BLT (unless you go to the pool bar/grille at BLT) so I would think that generally speaking CR would be more convenient. That being said we stayed at BLT last year and were on the 5th floor right near the skyway to CR-since that takes you right to the 4th floor concourse it was way more convenient than most rooms at CR.

 

[Orangeman98]

We recently got back from our stay at BLT (2/23 - 3/1) and were very impressed with the resort (very impressed with my experience with David's DVC as well). Previously, I had stayed at Riverside (last two years), so this was my first experience with a deluxe. I'm not saying anything new, but the location was just beyond great. As we parked our car that first night, the Magic Kingdom fireworks began to go off. I'm walking toward the lobby and watching fireworks reflect off the building -- just beautiful. Our lake view room included a great view of the theme park (if you stood from the balcony).

The refurbishment that is forthcoming should make BLT that much better as the only real complaint would be the condition of some of the carpets. We will be returning.

 

[Quellman]

We are staying at BLT right now and absolutely love the location. Just a couple of day 1 observations: Staff super friendly when we checked in (no line at all when we arrived at 8pm), only "complaint" is the insane water pressure you get when taking a shower

I was actually looking forward to having my skin blasted off of me when we visited in December, and the pressure wasn't as high as I remember. Which is good for my little one.

Sounds good to me then! I'm totally ok with that. I guess it's a generic letter they use because the wording had construction noise etc in it.

And thank you! We are uber excited for this trip!!

The carpets can be considered soft goods, so it is possible for there to be noise if they are replacing carpets in the rooms. But they will usualyl block off rooms above and below the floor that the work is being done on.

 

[michashell]

I have an odd question. I've read many reviews that the elevators can be a problem in the tower (long waits, breaking frequently). Is this really an issue? I have no problem taking the stairs (and frankly sometimes I prefer it), but it sounded like this might not be an option. TIA!