DISNEY'S CONTEMPORARY RESORT Information Thread!

[LoveMyBoys]

Well, I just called back and had a different CM note my request of non-smoking renovated room on my reservation and informed me that they are just requests and are not guaranteed (which I knew). I feel better now, knowing that they are noted on my reservation. Thanks.

 

[burnsbmca]

Just stayed at the CR June 3 through June 10. We were in the south garden wing 1st floor with a bay view and loved it. Our room was one of the 2 furthest rooms from the front desk and that did not bother us a bit. I understand why people would like the MK view, however after a day at the parks I loved the serenity of the bay view. The beach was 20 yards from our patio and my 9 y.o. son would run right out to the sand whenever we returned.

We had easy access to the pool which we were able to use every afternoon. The life guards were the hardest working life guards I have ever seen. While some people complain of a boring pool I have to say that it was plenty entertaining for my 7y.o and my 9 y.o.

The lack of theming complaint is exactly why we loved it so much. Let's face it, with the themes that go on all day at the parks I was thrilled to return to our resort that was not themed.

If you book a wing room I would highly recommend the renovated, first floor bayview. The first floor has patios and we could watch the electrical water pageant right fom our room. We walked down to the beach at night and watched the MK fireworks and the electric water pageant was timed to perfection to start just as the fireworks ended.

Lastly, As our favorite parks were MK and epcot, I would not trade the monorail for any thing. Went to AK one day (our least favorite park) but we drove first thing in the morning which worked out great. Went to MGM twice, drove once and took the bus once. The bus was totally fine and rather quick, but all in all my husband and I are just not bus fans. Took the boat to Mickey's backyard BBq which was also great. In my opinion the monorail is the only way to go and The CR was a great trip.

 

[dreamalittledream]

Just stayed at the CR June 3 through June 10. We were in the south garden wing 1st floor with a bay view and loved it. Our room was one of the 2 furthest rooms from the front desk and that did not bother us a bit. I understand why people would like the MK view, however after a day at the parks I loved the serenity of the bay view. The beach was 20 yards from our patio and my 9 y.o. son would run right out to the sand whenever we returned.

We had easy access to the pool which we were able to use every afternoon. The life guards were the hardest working life guards I have ever seen. While some people complain of a boring pool I have to say that it was plenty entertaining for my 7y.o and my 9 y.o.

The lack of theming complaint is exactly why we loved it so much. Let's face it, with the themes that go on all day at the parks I was thrilled to return to our resort that was not themed.

If you book a wing room I would highly recommend the renovated, first floor bayview. The first floor has patios and we could watch the electrical water pageant right fom our room. We walked down to the beach at night and watched the MK fireworks and the electric water pageant was timed to perfection to start just as the fireworks ended.

Lastly, As our favorite parks were MK and epcot, I would not trade the monorail for any thing. Went to AK one day (our least favorite park) but we drove first thing in the morning which worked out great. Went to MGM twice, drove once and took the bus once. The bus was totally fine and rather quick, but all in all my husband and I are just not bus fans. Took the boat to Mickey's backyard BBq which was also great. In my opinion the monorail is the only way to go and The CR was a great trip.

It sounds like you had fun! How many floats is the Water Pagent? I remember it only being about 5-15? (depending on how you count)

 

[Ronald Duck]

...well, not exactly a CR newbie, but it has been since 1988 and I've never frequented this thread before, so I might as well be a newbie!

I'm considering surprising my son and son-in-law for our late August trip by switching to the CR, now that the AP rates have made the price of a single room accessible. I know all these questions are answered on this thread, so I apologize for asking...but I have three quick questions that I'd love an answer to before I ask my TA to make the switch from PORS:

1) Are all the Garden Wing rooms refurbished yet? Are both North and South Wings open?

2) For early-arrivers (10:30-ish), what are the chances of a complementary upgrade to a Tower room?

3) Is the snack bar on floor 1 (can't even remember the name!) open? Will refurbishment start soon?

THANKS in advance...and feel free to make me feel good about the potential switch

 

[burnsbmca]

To Dream,
Yes we had fun. You are correct in that the electric water pageant has anywhere from 5 to 15 floats depending on how you count it. There were approximately 5 of 6 images but some of them may have been on more thatn one barge. It was really fun to turn from the grand finale of the magic kingdom fireworks right to the water pageant show. Not a long show but entertaining.

To Ronald, We were there in June and the South wing appeared to be completely refurbished. The north wing rooms were not. ( I hope I don't have that backwards) we had requested a first floor renovated room. We checked in around 9:00 a.m. and initially she told us that we did not get our request. we told her we didn't care how long we had to wait. She then offered us a third floor, not renovated room that was ready right then. We reiterated that we did not care how long we had to wait as we were just going to head straight to Epcot. She worked very hard to get us our request and it was well worth the wait. I have heard that checking in early helps to get you request.

Can't rally compare POR as I've never stayed there. Have some friends who have and they really liked it. What I can tell you is that at night , the bus lines were Huge for POR, but not sure how quickly they moved them along. I LOVED the monorail and would not even consider those lines for the buses, but thats just me. The Food and Fun Center were on the first floor near the lobby ( mediocre). Hope that helps.

 

[MScott1851]

I just switched our reservations for this December from WL to CR wings, and requested a non-smoking renovated room. The CM told me that I don't need any requests noted on my reservation since all the rooms are non-smoking now, and all the wing rooms have been renovated. I told her that I thought I heard only the south wing was renovated and she said; no all the wings are done, and they are finishing up the tower. I didn't want to argue with her, so I just thanked her and hung up. Do you think I should call back and try to see if a different CM will note my requests on my reservations?
Thanks.

I wonder if we got the same CM... I had the worst experience yesterday changing from WL to CR wing, myself. I was literally in tears when I hung up, and had some serious remorse. Today, after calming down, I see that the rude CM was the cause of those feelings!

 

[Ronald Duck]

burnsbmca-Thanks for the response to my newbie question post. I decided to spend the first 2 nights at PORS and then switch to CR for the last 2. We'll get over there as early as possible on the morning of the switch to maximize enjoyment of the resort (and the chances of an upgrade!).

Now I have the fun of info and pic-hunting for yet another resort...starting with this long thread

 

[jamal]

Does anyone (I searched the thread...no luck...) have pics of the viewfrom the balcony overlooking MK? I want to look at the railings and view behind if possible. We stayed there last year, but the pics I have are film, not digital, and I want to email the view to a friend. Thanks! If you have any and would like to PM me instead of post here, that would be so kind!

 

[nightowlky]

There's this from allearsnet

http://allearsnet.com/acc/cont37.jpg
http://allearsnet.com/acc/cont81.jpg

 

[Contemporary_Man]

Does anyone (I searched the thread...no luck...) have pics of the viewfrom the balcony overlooking MK?

I have a link with pictures taken from the balcony of the Contemporary. Most of these were taken in August, 2005. The one picture of the table and chairs is of a balcony on the 14th floor. They are probably twice as wide as the balconies on the rest of the floor, but everything else looks the same. Click on any of the thumbnail pictures to see the full size version, including the panoramas.

Contemporary MK Balcony Pics

 

[jamal]

These are great! Thank you!

 

[Scully23]

I have just returned from a fantastic stay at the Contemporary, July 8-15. I was excited to give you all the great details of the hotel until I read Burnsbmca's report - she stole my thunder! Basically, I'm ditto-ing everything she said! We had VERY similar experiences!

The major difference between our stays is that my family was in the North Wing. I was very disappointed at first because I did request a newly renovated room in the South Wing. When we checked in, none of those rooms were available so we were given #8111 which is a first floor room overlooking the bay. Even though the decor is that funky style, it was fine, fun even. Everything was in great shape. The room was clean and spacious and just great all around. The view was SPECTACULAR. Like Burnsbmca said, it didn't really have that Disney theme thing going on (except for the Electrical Water Pagaent - awesome), but it was nice; it felt like a vacation within a vacation.

I just can't say enough about how much we enjoyed the Contemporary. This was our first family vacation to Disney; it definitely won't be the last and when we return, it will be to the Contemporary!

 

[4kidsandadog]

Has anyone had 2 adjoining rooms here before?? We're a family of 6, using DVC points for our stay, so we have to have 2 rooms. Where do the rooms connect?

We'll be there Dec. 25-Jan. 2, celebrating 2 birthdays (my oldest will be 15 on the 30th and my #2 will be 11 the same day). Can't wait!

 

[Scully23]

We just returned from CR on the 15th and we had a room that adjoined with my parents' room next door. I'm not exactly sure what you're asking but the door between the two rooms was between the closet and the dresser. It worked out just great!

 

[Rhongepooh]

We stayed this past Thanksgiving and had connecting rooms. We were in the tower on the 10th floor I think, with a view.

 

[penlanspice]

Anyone know what the concierge at CR offer for their turn down service like the other hotels.ie. GF offer chocolate cigar box, chocolate champagne flutes, AKL have a variety of different offerings.
I'm looking for a few little suprises.

 

[chelle102]

Bump! I would also like to know.

 

[goofie4goofy]

Anyone know what the concierge at CR offer for their turn down service like the other hotels.ie. GF offer chocolate cigar box, chocolate champagne flutes, AKL have a variety of different offerings.
I'm looking for a few little suprises.

I don't quite understand your question. At the GF the chocolate cigar box and other things are not turn down service offerings. They can be ordered and purchased. I bought the chocolate cigar box last year for $85.00.

If you are staying at the CR Conc, you just have to call the conc office and order anything your wish, They will take a CC # with your order and it will be charged to your room once delivered.

What we have received from turn down service at the GF is foil wrapped chocolate squares on the pillows and a cute card with the next days weather report on it. That is all turn down service is (well besides a room straighten and fresh towels and the obivious of the bed turned down for you). Anything else you have read about "goodies" have been purchased. All the hotels are the same.

 

[penlanspice]

Hi

I know they have to be purchased I was just refering to turn down service, because this is what was being disscussed on another thread. Under the Concierge forum, there are whole lists of items avaliable (I was just asking what was avaliable as the IPO have not given me any info)
They sent me a really short email stating this


Ms. John,

The Contemporary offers chocolate strawberries, a chocolate monorail and a chocolate Minnie with chocolate strawberries. Hope this helps!!

IPO Contemporary Resort




This is the sort of emails I get from them, not very helpful at all, this is what someone had from the GF.






Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,061 For people with upcoming stays at the Polynesian:

The Poly IPO emailed me the following::

Room Service for Polynesian Amenities


Birthday Package; includes a 6inch cake w/mickey on it, hat's horn's and balloons. # of People _____ $25.00 Age ______

Aloha Snack Basket $35.00

Child Snack Pail $10.95

Large Fruit Basket # of People _____ $60.00

Small Fruit Basket # of People _____ $30.00

Turndown Services are priced for up to 4 people each...$5 Add'l fee pp
Milk and Cookies $25.00

Standard package includes cookies and a sea shell bowl filled with candies and truffles # of People _____ $25.00

Chocolate Strawberries # of People _____ $25.00

VIP is two chocolate center pieces on a plate with an assortment of truffles around them # of People _____ $30.00

Romance s a white chocolate Mickey and a white chocolate Minnie with an assortment of truffles # of People _____ $30.00

Romance Package Romance package is all the above in romance plus a bottle of house champagne. # of People _____ $70.00

Sparkling Wines and Champagnes

Domaine St. Michelle Blanc de Blanc, Washington State $32.00 Bottle
Iron Horse Fairly Tale Cuvee Brut, Sonoma $50.00 Bottle
Moet et Chandon White Star Extra Dry $74.00 Bottle
Moet& Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon Brut $220.00 Bottle



See the difference! Contemporary had been pretty usless with me to be honest and this is my wedding/honeymoon.

 

[jaycns]

Hi

I know they have to be purchased I was just refering to turn down service, because this is what was being disscussed on another thread. Under the Concierge forum, there are whole lists of items avaliable (I was just asking what was avaliable as the IPO have not given me any info)
They sent me a really short email stating this


Ms. John,

The Contemporary offers chocolate strawberries, a chocolate monorail and a chocolate Minnie with chocolate strawberries. Hope this helps!!

IPO Contemporary Resort

At the risk of sounding stupid, what is IPO? We are staying at the Contemp. this September and my son has a birthday our first night there. I would much rather order him a chocolate monorail or chocolate Mickey or chocolate covered strawberries than the cake that I have planned. He is not a big cake fan and would the others so much more. Would you be able to PM me the email address of those I should contact?

AND, I am sorry they were not more helpful to you!! AND congrats!!