Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[PrincessWithABlaster]

We are staying at CR for the first time, arriving in 2 weeks. I was wondering how you get from CR to Epcot for RD on days when the monorail doesn't start running until later? Is there a bus directly from CR or do you have to get to MK or WL to get a bus?

 

[bitbonkers]

I was wondering what drinks are available at CR for refillable mugs, we really love the pomegranate lemonade and hope it's available.

 

[ckwats]

Staying at the Disney's Contemporary Resort-Standard Room - Club Level for the 1st time in December! So excited. Anything I need to know before we go? Thanks!

 

[ZZUB]

With respect to the new security procedures, I have three questions:

1. If walking from the CR, I understand you go through a security check point just after you cross the street. What happens when you actually arrive at the MK, how do you avoid getting stuck in the throngs of people getting off the buses?

2. Did they reconfigure the Monorail ramp at the MK? If resort Monorail guests have already cleared security, how do they get into the MK again without getting stuck in the throngs of people arriving from the buses?

3. If taking the Monorail to the TTC to transfer to the Epcot line, do you go through security again at the TTC or just when you get to Epcot?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

With respect to the new security procedures, I have three questions:

1. If walking from the CR, I understand you go through a security check point just after you cross the street. What happens when you actually arrive at the MK, how do you avoid getting stuck in the throngs of people getting off the buses?

2. Did they reconfigure the Monorail ramp at the MK? If resort Monorail guests have already cleared security, how do they get into the MK again without getting stuck in the throngs of people arriving from the buses?

3. If taking the Monorail to the TTC to transfer to the Epcot line, do you go through security again at the TTC or just when you get to Epcot?

1&2 - Everything about security has been reconfigured. The bus check point has been "pulled back" and is not in the same spot. None of the old security/bag check areas in front of the MK are used for that purpose anymore.

Once past security coming from CR, you just walk right to the tapstyles. You'll blend in with bus folks, but it's after they have been screened so it's more of a slow trickle.

The resort monorail exit hasn't really been reconfigured, but they removed the ropes that have been up for years in that one section that used to filter your down below the bag check lanes. Now you can make that immediate left right to the main gate.

Everything about the above is WONDEFUL, in my humble opinion. It fundamentally changed the way we approached going to the MK in the mornings. No longer did I stress about timing, getting their before rope drop, after rope drop, etc. It made getting to the MK from the monorail resorts such a breeze.

This pic may help.





For #3, you'll be screen at CR when you get on the resort monorail. You are not screened again at TTC but you are screened again at Epcot (same as the old setup).

 

[pixie08]

Wow. This change looks great! I agree it seems like the whole stressful dash through security and such has been removed. I look forward to trying it in 60 days!!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Wow. This change looks great! I agree it seems like the whole stressful dash through security and such has been removed. I look forward to trying it in 60 days!!!

What also really helps is the new opening procedure for 9AM park openings, when they let you in 8ish to stroll Main Street (and hold you at the hub). No more 9AM rush.

 

[Babrook]

Hi DisBoards, long time lurker first time poster:

I've never stayed at the Contemporary or BLT before. Parents have DVC, have done BLT, weren't huge fans of the themeing. They've said, and I think I have read this in other places, that the Contemporary doesn't "feel like a Disney resort" and maybe feels more like a nicer non-Disney resort. I've looked at pictures, watched tour videos, been in the main concourse for Chef Mickey's, but I don't know if those are all ways to get the 'feel' of a resort, as it were.

Currently planning my honeymoon, Contemporary is at the top of my list since it is one of the very few resorts still on my list. Does anyone else share this opinion, or even heard it before? Especially for a honeymoon trip feeling the "disney magic" is important to me.

Thanks.

 

[FredtheDuck]

I've heard the same, but walking distance to the MK and a monorail running through the lobby seemed antithetical to that notion, at least to me. That said, my first trip isn't until May, so my opinion isn't entirely informed.

 

[alliecat523]

We're staying for the first time in May but have visited the resort many times. It definitely feels like Disney to us. It's one of the classic Disney hotels!!

 

[pixie08]

Babrook I had felt the same in the past. However, after staying there I can tell you it is the exact opposite. For a honeymoon I may choose the GF over CR because it is more romantic and luxurious, but no hotel is more Disney than the CR in my opinion.

It is the first hotel ever conceived of in Disney. It has a distinct "Tomorrowland" feeling on purpose. Each of the MK resorts have a theme tied to a land in MK. You can hear, see and almost feel MK from the hotel. EPCOT is just 2 monorails away. With my now little child it is a no brainer for me.

I can see other hotels appeal for a honeymoon. Beach/Yacht club has an amazing sand bottom pool and lazy river if a relaxing honeymoon is the draw, GF is the luxurious flagship and you can splurge like crazy on V&A's, the spa and afternoon tea, Animal Kingdom is private and secluded and drinking coffee and wine on your balcony is very relaxing and romantic. The Contemporary has amazing dining, fantastic location and the best fireworks views (you must dine at California Grill!).

DH and I were married in Disney and been traveling there for 8 years before we even had a child (and have stayed at every deluxe). Now our priorities and requirements have changed so that is my perspective. So it really all depends what you are looking for out of a Disney Honeymoon!

 

[lovemy2girls4eva]

Hi all!

I may be switching my resort to CR and excited that we can walk to MK!

I will be probably going with a garden wing room. Is there a difference between the standard and the garden view? I see a price difference but is it really the view. Standard has view of parking lot and garden view has the a better view. Am I correct?

 

[Cluelyss]

Hi all!

I may be switching my resort to CR and excited that we can walk to MK!

I will be probably going with a garden wing room. Is there a difference between the standard and the garden view? I see a price difference but is it really the view. Standard has view of parking lot and garden view has the a better view. Am I correct?

Yep! But don't forget parking lot view = monorail view!

 

[lovemy2girls4eva]

Yep! But don't forget parking lot view = monorail view!

ah ok...thanks!!!!!

 

[lovemy2girls4eva]

also one more question....

I am trying to fit in Ohana breakfast in our schedule..

which is more convenient (we have small kids)

Doing it before we go to Epcot for the day OR in the morning of MNSSHP where we have no plans and just wanted to relax at the hotel and kids play in the splash area to get ready for the Halloween Party?

 

[Cluelyss]

also one more question....

I am trying to fit in Ohana breakfast in our schedule..

which is more convenient (we have small kids)

Doing it before we go to Epcot for the day OR in the morning of MNSSHP where we have no plans and just wanted to relax at the hotel and kids play in the splash area to get ready for the Halloween Party?

I'd do it on your party day. That way you won't be rushed at all.

 

[kboo]

also one more question....

I am trying to fit in Ohana breakfast in our schedule..

which is more convenient (we have small kids)

Doing it before we go to Epcot for the day OR in the morning of MNSSHP where we have no plans and just wanted to relax at the hotel and kids play in the splash area to get ready for the Halloween Party?

Ha, just saw the previous response! I would go before Epcot since then you can walk from Poly to the TTC monorail station and take the monorail to Epcot without transferring. But doing it on MNSSHP day is a good choice too. It kind of depends whether you're a commando park-goer. If so, then do it on party day. If you're not rushing for the Tier 1 epcot rides (or have FP for the ones you want), then I'd do it on Epcot day.

 

[ErinsMommy]

also one more question....

I am trying to fit in Ohana breakfast in our schedule..

which is more convenient (we have small kids)

Doing it before we go to Epcot for the day OR in the morning of MNSSHP where we have no plans and just wanted to relax at the hotel and kids play in the splash area to get ready for the Halloween Party?

I would say it depends if your a rope drop kind of family. If you are, i would head right to Epcot and leave Ohana for another day. If you aren't and dont mind getting there around 11:00ish (if you have an 9:00 ADR), you'll be walking distance to the TTC and can just hop the monorail right over to Epcot when done.

 

[ErinsMommy]

Yep! But don't forget parking lot view = monorail view!

Wouldn't the monorail be overhead in the garden view building since its not as tall as the Tower? When staying at the CR we always see the monorail but are also usually on the 9th Floor in the Tower.

 

[Cluelyss]

Wouldn't the monorail be overhead in the garden view building since its not as tall as the Tower? When staying at the CR we always see the monorail but are also usually on the 9th Floor in the Tower.

No, you actually see it as it's entering the CR.