DISNEY'S CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information Thread!

[krbq]

Hi,

I'm wondering if the jr. suite rooms at CR are similar in layout to the WL jr. suites (sitting room and bedroom), or if they are simply larger rooms like th AKL deluxe rooms. We're hoping to spend the first 3 nights of our trip at CR, but we need the two-room configuration. Thanks!

The junior suites are one very large room with a king bed, a sofa bed, and room for a cot or crib. The one we stayed in had an adjoining room that could be rented (we assumed it was probably a standard room but don't know since we only rented the junior suite).

 

[mgpan]

Till we leave for ASP that is, and check-in at CR begins Wednesday morning. Hope flight leaves from Birmingham, AL tomorrow on time and we have a safe trip! A great room here wouldn't hurt either! We'll see and send good luck to all of you as well!

 

[skiwee1]

I just got back today from our first CR stay! It was very nice. I had booked a tower room and got the MK view that I requested! Seven floor and the view of the special party fireworks was spectacular!! We also got an original room, not rehabbed, which made me even more happier! I did not want the new room as it looks like any other room DH and I stay in. The original just screams Disney and we thought it was great!! All in all we really enjoyed our stay. The foodcourt was huge compared to our favorite, the Poly. The arcade DD loved. The room was a tad larger then the Poly but not that much. The bathroom was great with the toilet being in a different room then then the tub! We really enjoyed it there but will not be going back. Even after all the pros the CR had, and it had many, we still prefer the theming of the Poly. We did spend a bit of time over at the Poly eating there twice to get our fix! So we will return to the Poly in June but are very happy we got to try the CR once before they rehabbed all the Walt out of it! LOL~

 

[PolyAddict]

I just got back today from our first CR stay! It was very nice. I had booked a tower room and got the MK view that I requested! Seven floor and the view of the special party fireworks was spectacular!! We also got an original room, not rehabbed, which made me even more happier! I did not want the new room as it looks like any other room DH and I stay in. The original just screams Disney and we thought it was great!! All in all we really enjoyed our stay. The foodcourt was huge compared to our favorite, the Poly. The arcade DD loved. The room was a tad larger then the Poly but not that much. The bathroom was great with the toilet being in a different room then then the tub! We really enjoyed it there but will not be going back. Even after all the pros the CR had, and it had many, we still prefer the theming of the Poly. We did spend a bit of time over at the Poly eating there twice to get our fix! So we will return to the Poly in June but are very happy we got to try the CR once before they rehabbed all the Walt out of it! LOL~

Funny, these were my EXACT same feelings about our stay at CR and we also ate at POLY a couple of times for our fix, too.

 

[mgpan]

Although nothing like a complete trip report, here is a short tale of our Dec. 8-18th stay (14-18 at Contemporary).

All-Star Sports first part of stay, this place is starting to show it's age. Changes since our '04 stay including noticing much missing paint in rooms, mold in bathrooms, more trash in halls and on grounds. Food court now has less to choose from (the great banana split is no more), portions are smaller and price has increased. The Pop Warner idiots kept us up until 2 a.m. and 1 a.m. our first two nights. Our room overlooked the football field of all places. Disney security nowhere in sight until the wee hours to quiet the place down. The rules on quiet time and at the pool were not even minimally enforced. I will be seeing some of those kids on America's Most Wanted in the future. I think I have seen some of the "chaperones" there already.

Park crowds were very manageable until the afternoon of the 15th when they began to pick up rapidly. Most crowded was Saturday the 17th (50,000 in MK) and the Dec. 13 MVMCP. We will not be shelling out $40 each for this boondoggle again. The parade and fireworks were nice, the Night before Christmas show great, just not worth the price of a full day's admission when ride waits were 20 mins. and up. Yes we are spoiled with going during slow times but for an advertised "exclusive night in the park" it was ridiculous and a major cash cow for the parks folks.

Soarin' was great but I wouldn't wait 70 minutes for it. Although, we found the waits for it much less than posted. Hitting the parks at opening and for EMH mornings we flew through the parks before it got crowded at all. On EMH morning in MK we did all attractions in Fantasyland, rode Indy, Space twice and Buzz twice from 8-11:00, yes we ran but it was a ball. Arriving early is great and the MK retains its magic from my youth!

The Contemporary was very nice, with monorail access the best part! We thoroughly enjoyed it although we were each sick with a cold of some sort for a couple of days. No upgrade for us since the resort was full (a secret sports meeting of some sort, and Florida Democrats had it full when we checked in). Our north wing room on third floor was very quiet and peaceful and the walk to monorail a breeze. It was the older decor but very charming and super clean. The monorail stopped numerous times during our 10 day trip for "traffic clearance" meaning another monorail was in the resort station up ahead. You would think they could time this better. California Grill was excellent as ever (we got engaged there in '04). Contemporary Grounds had a CM who would have been more suited to working in the Haunted Mansion with her rudeness but all others CM's were excellent. My wife, a big fan of the West Wing show got to meet and talk for 5 minutes with Marlee Maitlin and it made her trip to get to meet her and get a book signed. Chef Mickey's was excellent food, decent character interaction, but lacked the atmosphere of Cindy's or Crystal Palace.

Holiday decorations were everywhere and beautiful. The Contemporary had a pinnochio set that was extraordinary as was the Gingerbread house at the GF. We attempted to get free gingerbread to no avail. The lady in front of us was shocked to find that the small gingerbread houses advertised on the Travel Channel special for 20 something bucks were now about $60. Gotta love that Disney marketing genious. The roasted chestnuts were free but have always tasted like wallpaper paste to me.

Overall and in conclusion, the Contemporary was a great stay as we have wanted to stay there since we were kids. If we stay there again we will pay for tower, just to add to the magic, but really want to try the GF now! As for the All-Stars, not until they rehab it, we'll opt to pay a little more for Port Orleans. The decorations and atmosphere were terrific. Not to missed in our opinion are: Osborne lights while sipping cocoa, resort decorations visit, holiday ending to Illuminations, pictures with characters in holiday attire, hearing all storytellers in EPCOT and turning pictures of each into tree ornaments (we are doing this at home with small frames and ribbons), lunch at Tony's Town Square, and absorbing every moment like it was to be our last trip. To be avoided: MVMCP, Saturday before Christmas in MK, evening EMH unless you plan to stay all the way to close after things clear out, Alfredo's as portions have been seriously reduced, and not taking at least one rest day during a 10 day stay.

Questions, fire away.

Hope this helps someone, sorry if you disagree with any of this - my opinions only, and happy new year to all Dis'ers!

 

[dreamalittledream]

No upgrade for us since the resort was full (a secret sports meeting of some sort, and Florida Democrats had it full when we checked in).

!

Did you speak to the Democrats? I am wondering if they are there next year at the same time. Some one mentioned a convention and that might be it.

I'm glad you had a great time.

 

[lark]

Did you speak to the Democrats? I am wondering if they are there next year at the same time. Some one mentioned a convention and that might be it.

I'm glad you had a great time.

All garden and tower rooms appear to be currently blocked for Dec. 12 to the 14th or 15th, due to the florida democrat convention.

Anyone have a report on how the rehab of the tower is going? What floor are they on?

 

[Cheryl-Feb06]

Any update on the South wing rennovations?

 

[coffeekk]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a standard room in the garden wings and a deluxe room in the garden wings? I have to decide tonight on a room for our trip in March and this is the only room type coming up with the AP rate at the CR. Thank you in advance for any info.

 

[PolyAddict]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a standard room in the garden wings and a deluxe room in the garden wings? I have to decide tonight on a room for our trip in March and this is the only room type coming up with the AP rate at the CR. Thank you in advance for any info.

Standard is just a variable view (could be parking lot) and well, I haven't heard of a deluxe room in garden wings. If you mean a water view wing room, it's just a room with a view of the pool or Bay lake.

 

[freediverdude]

Hi there- yes I think I can tell you what this is. I had never heard it called a Deluxe room before either, but I clicked on the name for a description, and this is what they used to call the garden wing suite. These are in the garden wings, and are about the size of two regular rooms, which would be whoppingly huge, since the regular rooms are about 400 square feet. These suites have a king bed and oversized bath on one side, and then the second side is made into a sitting area. These suites only sleep 3, though, because it's only a king bed and a daybed. But it would be a heck of a lot of room. The garden wing- standard view would be a regular-size room with a view overlooking one of the parking lots. The garden wing- garden view would be a regular-size room overlooking a courtyard, pool, the marina, or the lake.

 

[dreamalittledream]

All garden and tower rooms appear to be currently blocked for Dec. 12 to the 14th or 15th, due to the florida democrat convention.

Anyone have a report on how the rehab of the tower is going? What floor are they on?

they are also blocked 1-8 of Dec, we can still only get the King wing room for that time. N o std rooms are available but I got a Tower MK view room for myself.
Is the convention definitely the 12-15? something else must be going on around the 1st.

 

[cheerbop]

I was considering a trip to the CR within the next year...
I loked and cannot seem to find a renovation schedule.
How long is this supposed to take and when will it be completely done?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[gidge]

We stayed at Contemporary two years ago. The grandkids are still saying they loved it there, the pool slide and the escalators were tops with them, in fact one of their favorite rides was escalator haha.and chef mickeys was only excellent.........do have the character breakfast there its magical.

p.s.
Someone give directions for inserting images on this page please. Thanks

 

[JMB]

Planning our March-April trip for the "Atrium Club" concierge level at the CR, I see that, although the Contemporary still has concierge on 2 different floors (14th and 10th -- unless it's moved back up to 12th), all concierge amenities -- i.e., food & staff hours -- are apparently identical,except that the 14th floor has a real lounge and the guests get robes & DVD players (for an extra $50/night).

Has anyone experienced this now that there's no more "concierge light" -- in particular, how are the breakfast and 5-7pm wine & cheese offerings on the lower floor? I'm wondering whether this new equality (if it is equal) might have lowered the quality.

I'd appreciate any info. from those who've seen the new system in action.

Thanks!

 

[NJRAM]

Can anyone tell me a room to request in the Garden wing that is close to the tower with a good view?

 

[Mrs.Prince]

I'm torn between the CR and the Poly. Too many nice resorts to choose from.

 

[RCBlackburn]

Can anyone tell me a room to request in the Garden wing that is close to the tower with a good view?

Can you request a certain room ahead of time or should I request that upon check in?

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I'm torn between the CR and the Poly. Too many nice resorts to choose from.

After staying at the Poly in Sept 2005 and just returning from the CR...I can honestly say, without any doubt, POLY!!!

 

[FanofG00fy]

Planning our March-April trip for the "Atrium Club" concierge level at the CR, I see that, although the Contemporary still has concierge on 2 different floors (14th and 10th -- unless it's moved back up to 12th), all concierge amenities -- i.e., food & staff hours -- are apparently identical,except that the 14th floor has a real lounge and the guests get robes & DVD players (for an extra $50/night).

Has anyone experienced this now that there's no more "concierge light" -- in particular, how are the breakfast and 5-7pm wine & cheese offerings on the lower floor? I'm wondering whether this new equality (if it is equal) might have lowered the quality.

I'd appreciate any info. from those who've seen the new system in action.

Thanks!

Howdy,

I just helped my parents book there CR room. They already stayed on the Tower/Atrium/Concierge Light floor, and have booked for Full Concierge this trip in December 2006. When we first asked, the CM said that only Atrium was available. So, I really don't know. It would be nice if they did do 2 floors for full concierge. I'm trying to decide between BC Concierge and CR Concierge for my Dec 07 trip. If anyone knows, please let us know.

So all I can answer is that, Atrium is still available til Dec 06.

Chris