Disney's CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information & Questions

[alliecat523]

We stayed at the Contemporary for the first time a few weeks ago, and while the location is very convenient to MK, my husband wouldn't stay there again because he spends lots of nights traveling for work, and to him it felt too much like a convention hotel. While I guess technically it is a convention hotel, it's also a resort hotel. The lobby, in particular, was too formal and didn't feel like a resort.

I probably liked it better than he did, but we both liked the Polynesian and the Epcot resorts better. And while the walk to MK is handy, it isn't particularly scenic like the walk through the International Gateway is. I say if you have misgivings about it and you haven't stayed there yet, choose something that looks more like a resort to you and your taste.

To be fair, we were in a standard view garden wing room, and literally looked out at a wall, which didn't exactly make him fall in love either! But, we booked a standard view. And then there was the part where I accidently ran over and mortally wounded a snake with my rolling suitcase looking for our room while my daughter screamed hysterically...

This is a great review! I travel for work too so this resonated with me. We're still booked in the Garden Wing Standard next month so we'll see how it goes. I agree that the lobby is sterile and not resort like but I'm hoping the location will over rule any bad convention hotel feelings.

Still giggling about the snake.

 

[WestieCrazy]

We stayed at the Contemporary for the first time a few weeks ago, and while the location is very convenient to MK, my husband wouldn't stay there again because he spends lots of nights traveling for work, and to him it felt too much like a convention hotel. While I guess technically it is a convention hotel, it's also a resort hotel. The lobby, in particular, was too formal and didn't feel like a resort.

I probably liked it better than he did, but we both liked the Polynesian and the Epcot resorts better. And while the walk to MK is handy, it isn't particularly scenic like the walk through the International Gateway is. I say if you have misgivings about it and you haven't stayed there yet, choose something that looks more like a resort to you and your taste.

To be fair, we were in a standard view garden wing room, and literally looked out at a wall, which didn't exactly make him fall in love either! But, we booked a standard view. And then there was the part where I accidently ran over and mortally wounded a snake with my rolling suitcase looking for our room while my daughter screamed hysterically...

I agree with you about the walk to MK - last week we spent 4 nights at the Contemporary, then 4 nights at the Swan. The walk to MK from the Contemporary is so convenient, but the walk across the Boardwalk to Epcot is pretty, scenic and relaxing.

Oh no! About the snake - but it's a story you can tell in the future, right??

 

[Deb & Bill]

So, we checked into our room
at the Contemporary yesterday evening. Unfortunately, our bathroom was pretty disgusting and there was trash left in our room.
This was sad as it was the first time I've ever had to say anything to management here. They came up and cleaned it, but then we went to take a shower and it would not drain. A bunch of hair and black stuff started coming up in the tub. So, we had to call house keeping again. Then, we were trying to enjoy our TPV balcony, but large amounts of smoke were coming into our room/balcony. As it turned out the people below us are quite the smokers and security went over there, but they kept doing it. (Feel sorry for the people that get that room next!) Anyways, sad to say it has been less than magical so far. However, here is to hoping the rest of the trip is great! )

Every time they light up, call Security.

 

[pbb&j]

Oh no! About the snake - but it's a story you can tell in the future, right??

Oh yes, my kids love calling me "the snake murderer" now! Even though I am really scared of snakes, I felt terrible that I did it, and it certainly wasn't intentional. I didn't even realize it until I was heading inside and heard my daughter screaming because she was now in between the rest of us and the snake carcass.

And a couple days later, my kids were heading up to a water slide at Blizzard Beach, and my oldest almost stepped on another snake. He said he heard kids yelling "SNAKE SNAKE!" and thought they were joking. I don't think either of these snakes were dangerous, but it's the first time we've seen them at Disney World. Maybe it's a spring thing? The one I ran over was small, probably a baby.

 

[spiceycat]

And a couple days later, my kids were heading up to a water slide at Blizzard Beach, and my oldest almost stepped on another snake. He said he heard kids yelling "SNAKE SNAKE!" and thought they were joking. I don't think either of these snakes were dangerous, but it's the first time we've seen them at Disney World. Maybe it's a spring thing? The one I ran over was small, probably a baby.

central Florida is in a drought - so it is probably lack of water - which WDW has. plus the wild fires in the area will kept the native animals looking for another place to live.

 

[bar423]

How are the beds? we're CR first timers and have stayed at a few of the other deluxe resorts over the past 10 years. I think the polynesian has the worst beds out of all the ones we've stayed at (BC, YC, GF, poly). My 10 year old still talks about the beds at GF, yeah those were amazing!

 

[Jessiemendez1]

You probably won't be able to book any DVC resort before DVC members can book them. So plan on later on in the fall for a 2018 summer reservation.

The Disney rooms available for cash and those available for DVC are separate inventories. Shouldn't matter when DVC can book. I thought I read somewhere you can book more than a year ahead so I'd call and see. If a discount comes out then you can call again and see if you can get it applied.

 

[melanielll]

I think the beds are fine. What I do like a lot is the mountain of pillows that you get. There is a blanket shortage, though. There is an extra one in the closet, but you should probably call housekeeping and get a few more.

 

[Jessiemendez1]

I haven't stayed at CR or BLT yet (first stay booked for this summer!) but to me the only resorts that scream DISNEY are the Values. All of the other resorts are themed, but they aren't specifically Disney-themed. If you base it purely on the theme, the Mod & Deluxe resorts could really be anywhere.

I had only stayed at Values until our 2014 trip when we stayed at Caribbean Beach. I'd always enjoyed the Values and they are fun resorts, but CBR felt so much more relaxing to come back to after a day at the parks. In 2015 we were back in a Value (a family suite at AoA) and I really noticed how NOT relaxing it felt after having been at CBR the year before. I'd still stay at a Value for a shorter/budget trip, but for a week or longer I like the more relaxing vibe of the Mod & Deluxe resorts.

Totally agree. The values are all Disney all the time. The moderates and deluxes are Disney but toned down. We have stayed at SS and VGF and it was the small touches that reflected Disney, not needing a 30 foot character out front to figure out it's still Disney. And definitely more relaxing! Staying at BLT this summer and can't wait!

 

[Frwinkley]

Considering renting points for a BLT stay in Dec. Having never stayed there before, I was wondering how bad a standard view room is? I don't need to see MK or the fireworks from my room, but I was wondering if there were other places on the grounds with great views.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Considering renting points for a BLT stay in Dec. Having never stayed there before, I was wondering how bad a standard view room is? I don't need to see MK or the fireworks from my room, but I was wondering if there were other places on the grounds with great views.

Unfortunately, you are probably too late to book a standard view at BLT for December by renting points. You most likely would have been too late in February. Most of December is a very popular time for DVC members and standard view books up first because it requires fewer points than lake view or theme park view. The standard view is the lower five floors of BLT.

 

[NS8VN]

Yes, every category of BLT studio for December is already heavily booked. If you are going through a broker you may want to talk to them right away about options.

To answer your questions, for non-DVC members there is the viewing area on the 4th floor of the Contemporary and also the walkway between the Contemporary and BLT. The Top of the World Lounge is for DVC members only so even if you are staying there it is not an option.

 

[trishadono]

Considering renting points for a BLT stay in Dec. Having never stayed there before, I was wondering how bad a standard view room is? I don't need to see MK or the fireworks from my room, but I was wondering if there were other places on the grounds with great views.

Actually the hallways do. There are large windows facing the pool to see pool and lake and even EWP. Then at the elevators there are several large windows with seating. There is no restriction as to what floor to go to (except top for TOW) so go up and enjoy.

 

[spiceycat]

BLT bed were too soft - right now have a BIG problem with the pillows - they are so darn soft they try to smother you. I like a harder bed so for me OKW has the best beds - that say LOVE walking to the MK. that wins for me every time.

 

[LowesChevy]

Staying at BLT October 16th-20th, then again the 23rd-27th

 

[TXPyroMom]

Question about MK view rooms.

CAn anyone share which view they think is better between CR MK view rooms and BLT MK view rooms? Curious if the position of BLT skews the view of the castle and fireworks.

We have reservations for CR MK view and have stayed here previously, but yesterday, a 2 bedroom MK view at BLT popped up and we put a hold on it cause there will be 5 adults and 2 kids and we had really hoped to stay all in one place.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Here's a thread with views from BLT rooms: https://www.disboards.com/threads/b...nks-last-update-of-post-1-10-21-2015.2257082/

I've only ever stayed BLV in CR tower so I can't compare but I loved my BLT TPV room!!! I really enjoyed watching the monorail going into the CR from my TPV room.

 

[Michblue]

Hi everyone, great thread, thanks for all the information and tips. We are planning our first stay at CR this fall. This resort was never on my must do list, but it looks like the best fit for my family this trip and I'm looking forward to it. We are booked in TPV and I am really looking forward to a balcony and windows I can leave open, also no one will be walking by and looking in. We have been staying at Pop the last few trips. The only way to get some fresh air in the room there is to prop your room door open and watch all your neighbors walk by and look at you funny. .

Couple questions, the atrium, not sure what to call it, but the center of the building, can get very noisy. Do you hear any of that noise in the room? Also, does anyone have problems with the height? I'm not a big fan of being up high. I was thinking of requesting a lower floor. But I don't know how that effects the view? If we are paying for Theme park view, I don't want to mess that up by making a bad request. Thanks!

I'm about a quarter way through the thread and I'm taking notes. Thanks all.

 

[melanielll]

I have stayed there many times. I am not a fan of heights, but the angled side of the hotel makes that go away for me. We were on the 11th floor in March, and I had no problems. I am also on the balcony more than anyone else in my family. Probably more than anyone else in the hotel - you hardly ever see people on their balconies.

The open areas are loud, but you don't hear that when you are in your room. You will hear a loud neighbor through the connecting door - if you happen to get a loud neighbor. We found that the number of loud neighbors dropped significantly when we ditched Moderates and started staying in Deluxes. If you are on the floor right above the monorail, you can feel some vibration from that. Also - some noise - but only if you are not making any noise yourself and the train is running.

The view is better up higher - but the only problem we have had with view is when we were on the lower floors on the end of the building closest to the Garden Wing. Apparently, the laundry is right below that and you get a decent amount of steam coming up from it (this may only happen in the winter - that's when we had the problem). Steam may not seem like much - but when you pay that much for a view, it's a big deal. We complained - but there were no other rooms available - marathon week - so they knocked an additional 20% off of our already discounted room.

 

[LowesChevy]

Hi everyone, great thread, thanks for all the information and tips. We are planning our first stay at CR this fall. This resort was never on my must do list, but it looks like the best fit for my family this trip and I'm looking forward to it. We are booked in TPV and I am really looking forward to a balcony and windows I can leave open, also no one will be walking by and looking in. We have been staying at Pop the last few trips. The only way to get some fresh air in the room there is to prop your room door open and watch all your neighbors walk by and look at you funny. .

Couple questions, the atrium, not sure what to call it, but the center of the building, can get very noisy. Do you hear any of that noise in the room? Also, does anyone have problems with the height? I'm not a big fan of being up high. I was thinking of requesting a lower floor. But I don't know how that effects the view? If we are paying for Theme park view, I don't want to mess that up by making a bad request. Thanks!

I'm about a quarter way through the thread and I'm taking notes. Thanks all.

The Grand Canyon Concourse can get rather noisy with the Contempo Cafe and Chef Mickey open for 3 meals during heavy meal times. If you are the type to come back for a mid day break, nap, swim, rest what have you-requesting a higher floor not near the elevator or above Fantasia Market or BV Gifts may give you a more quiet space. At night there may be noise from Chef Mickey and people traveling to and fro, but I don't think it goes on all hours of the night. Unfortunately, there will be guests that make noise in the hallways or in the next room, it is an exciting place, but we always try to keep our voices down in the am or late pm when others may be sleeping or resting.

However, if you think heights will be a problem out on the balcony, you will have to trade off and take a lower floor.

Do remember any requests are not guaranteed. Disney does their best to accommodate, but if something is not available there aren't a lot of options.