DISNEY'S CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information Thread!

[twob4him]

With Disney changing their reservations procedures for '08 (reportedly), all bets are pretty much off on what the increases will be.

To sum up: It looks like they'll no longer book by seasons (where one rate applies to each night of a season, and if your ressie starts in ONE season, it maintains the rate of that season even if you "cross over" at some point during your stay) but with a night by night rate (so your first night and your 3rd night could be completely different rates...or your weekends could cost you more than your weekedays, etc). Until they release the rates and a detailed explanation of their new policy....it's going to be pretty hard to guesstimate even close to the ballpark range.

Oh I do remember reading something about this now that you mention it. I just dont understand why the Contemporary is a good $1000 less than Poly. Right now I can afford it but if the price rises significantly for 2008, I can't. Do you all list codes on here too or should I check the code thread? Thanks for your help!

 

[triplefigs]

Check the code thread. The wings are far the best deal, but are harder to get a room in now since the North Wing has been demolished. We're all waiting to see how the new pricing schedule works.

ETA: here's a link to the 2007 Rack Rate prices.

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

This morning I was able to book (through the WDW website) one night at CR in the Tower, 'Theme Park View' for September 14 (going to the MNSSHP). After reading posts from different people about how they've been trying to book a room at the CR for months with no luck, I'm now scared to death we're going to show up on 9/14 and they're going to tell us they don't have room for us (even though I have my confirmation number in my hand, I paid in full, and we are showing in the system as having a room reserved at CR). Has anyone ever had this happen before?? My DH is just dying to stay at CR in the Tower with MK view, it's always been a dream of his and even though it's only one night, he would be crushed if we couldn't stay there.

 

[Mkrop]

This morning I was able to book (through the WDW website) one night at CR in the Tower, 'Theme Park View' for September 14 (going to the MNSSHP). After reading posts from different people about how they've been trying to book a room at the CR for months with no luck, I'm now scared to death we're going to show up on 9/14 and they're going to tell us they don't have room for us (even though I have my confirmation number in my hand, I paid in full, and we are showing in the system as having a room reserved at CR). Has anyone ever had this happen before?? My DH is just dying to stay at CR in the Tower with MK view, it's always been a dream of his and even though it's only one night, he would be crushed if we couldn't stay there.

If you have a confirmation # you should be fine. We had a lot of trouble trying to book the last day of our trip, in fact we had the last day at WL. When we got there not only were we able to get our last night so we didnt need to switch, we were able to get a MK Tower room (no free upgrade, we had to pay)from Garden CR is a convention hotel so many times people attending the convention will book and then cancel last minute. That is how it was explained to us.

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

Thank you for your reply. I'm sure I'm just being paranoid, but I DID book through the WDW website and that site is well known to have "issues", so... Hopefully we just got lucky and I hit it at the right time after a cancellation, or perhaps it is easier to get a room if you don't have an extended stay?

Since we're going on my birthday, maybe we just got a little pixie dust floating our way!

 

[Mkrop]

We booked through the website too, if that helps.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you for your reply. I'm sure I'm just being paranoid, but I DID book through the WDW website and that site is well known to have "issues", so... Hopefully we just got lucky and I hit it at the right time after a cancellation, or perhaps it is easier to get a room if you don't have an extended stay?

Since we're going on my birthday, maybe we just got a little pixie dust floating our way!

As long as you have paid you're deposit and have a confirmation number you should have nothing to worry about. I highly doubt you will have a problem like you mentioned, however incase you do show them you're confirmation and demand that they give you the Magic Kingdom view room that you paid for.

 

[Lewanc]

Two more questions!!

What is the weather typically like in February? I know it's hard to predict, but what's the usual temp/weather conditions?

And, are the pools heated?

Thanks again!

Hi ChickyBanky -- I am local WDW, and the weather is usually comfortable during February High of about 75 to a low of 51, and sometimes higher. I don't think the pools are heated other than by the sun, but I maybe incorrect on this one.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Muhlenberg]

Has anyone ever tried booking just ONE night at the CR (or any other resort for that matter) at the very last minute, as in the day before staying there? Or maybe only a few days' notice? Has this worked? We're in SE FL the second week of August, and there might be a surprise "break" from our time there. I know that is not a very crowded time of year, as I was there that time last year. Also, would I have to call central reservations, since the WDW website won't allow resevations closer than 3 days? TIA

 

[krbq]

Has anyone ever tried booking just ONE night at the CR (or any other resort for that matter) at the very last minute, as in the day before staying there? Or maybe only a few days' notice? Has this worked? We're in SE FL the second week of August, and there might be a surprise "break" from our time there. I know that is not a very crowded time of year, as I was there that time last year. Also, would I have to call central reservations, since the WDW website won't allow resevations closer than 3 days? TIA

We've done it, and you can get lucky or it can be slim pickings. Once in early November (a typically slow season) all that was available for that one night at the monorail resorts was a junior suite at the CR. Even all the big suites were booked. You'll need to call CRO and they'll tell you what's available in your price range.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Has anyone ever tried booking just ONE night at the CR (or any other resort for that matter) at the very last minute, as in the day before staying there? Or maybe only a few days' notice? Has this worked? We're in SE FL the second week of August, and there might be a surprise "break" from our time there. I know that is not a very crowded time of year, as I was there that time last year. Also, would I have to call central reservations, since the WDW website won't allow resevations closer than 3 days? TIA

This was not for a one night stay however in January 2000 my family and I were on vacation in Clearwater Beach and decided to surprise me by cutting our stay there short, so we can spend a few days in WDW at the Contemporary. I remember they called a week before we arrived there and had no problems getting a room in the Tower.

 

[Muhlenberg]

Thanks! I'd book ahead, but I don't even know if we'd be able to do it yet.

Even though I'm a planner, I have booked WDW vacations only a month ahead already.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Just wanted to update everyone. We're at the CR right now and we still have the computers and free internet which is AWESOME! We're in the garden rooms, so I'm assuming everyone has them in the tower too!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just wanted to update everyone. We're at the CR right now and we still have the computers and free internet which is AWESOME! We're in the garden rooms, so I'm assuming everyone has them in the tower too!

Thanks for posting this info which sounds great since the internet is still free. Also I hope you're having a great time at the Contemporary and WDW.

 

[Lewanc]

Has anyone ever tried booking just ONE night at the CR (or any other resort for that matter) at the very last minute, as in the day before staying there? Or maybe only a few days' notice? Has this worked? We're in SE FL the second week of August, and there might be a surprise "break" from our time there. I know that is not a very crowded time of year, as I was there that time last year. Also, would I have to call central reservations, since the WDW website won't allow resevations closer than 3 days? TIA

Hi Tia -- Yes, I have booked one night at many of the resorts, at the last minute, which really isn't the best way to go. But, because I am local Disney, I'm not disappointed if my last minute desires to visit the "World" are cancelled because I couldn't get a reservation.

In fact, (family was coming to town who weren't going to Disney on this trip, decided they wanted to go to Disney), I tried to get reservations about 2 weeks out and was unsuccessful. But, I kept trying and finally got a last minute reservation (about 2 days out, the week of July 4 ) for six days. I have even booked and checked in on the same day, so it is possible. Yes you would have to call CRO.

As you want to stay at the Contemporary, rooms may be limited due to the time of year and current construction, as the north wing has been demolished for a Disney Vacation Club addition. I would try to make a reservation as soon as you know if you will be in the area. If you don't get a reservation on your first try, try, again and again as persistence in booking is the key to success.

Have a great time in Florida, even if you don't find the time to visit Disney.

 

[triplefigs]

Just wanted to update everyone. We're at the CR right now and we still have the computers and free internet which is AWESOME! We're in the garden rooms, so I'm assuming everyone has them in the tower too!

Karen! Are you married and DISing on your honeymoon? I am so excited for you. Were you able to get concierge or the Disney Wedding planners to get the items you needed? I can't wait to hear all the details and see pictures. How was the ceremony? Was the CG in the other room nice for the reception? How was the dessert reception? I hope you had a magical, pixie-dust filled day! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MissMickee]

Karen! Are you married and DISing on your honeymoon? I am so excited for you. Were you able to get concierge or the Disney Wedding planners to get the items you needed? I can't wait to hear all the details and see pictures. How was the ceremony? Was the CG in the other room nice for the reception? How was the dessert reception? I hope you had a magical, pixie-dust filled day! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

I logged on to SPECIFICALLY say the same thing!!! I hope it all went smooth and was your dream wedding! Can't wait for all the details!!!

 

[princessesrule4]

We are staying at the Atrium Club at the beginning of August and excited since we haven't been back to CR for about 4 years! Just wanted to clarify that the only construction that should be going on while we're there should be on the old Food and Fun Center on the first floor? Have all the shops etc. been rehabbed and are up and running now? Is anything out of commission besides F&FC?

Thamks so much!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We are staying at the Atrium Club at the beginning of August and excited since we haven't been back to CR for about 4 years! Just wanted to clarify that the only construction that should be going on while we're there should be on the old Food and Fun Center on the first floor? Have all the shops etc. been rehabbed and are up and running now? Is anything out of commission besides F&FC?

Thamks so much!

1st How many days are you going to be at the Atrium Club? My family and I will be there from August 7-17.

As for you're question here is the schedule of renovations which should have the answers you're looking for.

August 2007 - Newly renovated Fantasia Shop will re-open.

June 11, 2007 through November 2007 - The Lobby will undergo partitioned refurbishments to update the area's image and decor.

July 2007 through October 2007 - The resort's grounds will undergo partitioned refurbishments to install new landscaping and re-route existing guests paths.

July 30, 2007 through April 2008 - The Food & Fun Center will be closed for major renovations. The location will re-open as a new table service option, "The Wave". During this time a temporary counter service location will be operating on the Grand Concourse level near the Outer Rim Lounge.

April 2008 through August 14, 2008 -The Concourse Steak house will be closed for major renovations. The location will re-open as the new Counter Service location for the resort. During this time a temporary counter service location will be operating on the Grand Concourse level near the Outer Rim Lounge.

The only thing not mentioned there is what is going on where the North Garden Wing building use to be, however that has 100% no effects to anyone staying in the Tower or South Garden Wing.

 

[bhoffman]

We have never stayed at this hotel before so I know little to nothing about it, the 2008 pickings are slim. One CM told us that we should stay in the tower, not the wings as the walk to the monorail is too long. Is this true? they don't actually have a tower room right now for our stay, but they do have a garden view in the wing (?) room. We would really like to try out this resort but don't want to be somewhere way off in never land! Thanks!