Is there any truth to the rumor about the wings at the CR?

[noopy]

Is it true that the North and South wings of the CR are going to be demolished in the future? If so, why, and will they be replaced?
Thanks!



Our little family

 

[sotoalf]

The only rumor I've heard concerns turning both wings into Vacation Club Villas, which I read about a month ago. This is unconfirmed; I'd love more info.

 

[DisneyMim]

I heard this rumor a year ago from a CM and really didn't believe it. Nobody else believed me either. Would be nice though. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[All Aboard]

I'm hearing this one from several directions. I'm gussing that the popularity of the wings has declined (since the discount prices on them have dipped pretty low in the past couple of years.) I've heard both wings, and I've hear only the north wing being replaced.

 

[KNWVIKING]

If the wings are to become DVC, I think it will be 3-5 years before we see this. SSR will be a huge resort with a large supply of points to sell. I can't see them investing money into a CR DVC because in a sense they'll be building their own competition.

 

[DWatWDW]

OTOH, Making the CR wings DVC could provide the capital to update the rest of the resort. Also, apparently SSR is selling faster than expected.

 

[Dumbo]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
SSR will be a huge resort with a large supply of points to sell. I can't see them investing money into a CR DVC because in a sense they'll be building their own competition.

When I bought in June of 1999, I had my choice of 4 DVC resorts to buy into. DVC was selling Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Hilton Head, and Vero Beach all at the same time.


Dumbo

 

[KNWVIKING]

OKW had points availible in '99 because they were replacing the Commadore House with two or three additional units. BWV was the current "new" resort being sold. HH & VB were availible simply because nobody - or at least not the majority - wanted an off property resort.

When BWV was completed, VWL was started, followed by BCV and then SSR. I don't ever recall two resorts being built at the same time -other then the OKW add-on units- other then early stage construction of a new resort coinciding with the completion of the latest resort.

SSR still has at least a year left to complete the existing units. They will then replace the Fairway Villas with additional units. At that point I'd bet we'd see some action over at CR.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They would have to close the entire hotel and tear down the wings. Probably they could reopen the tower after the new shell and walls are done for the wings.

If you are familiar with the unique construction method used for the Contemporary, both tower and wings, you will understand why.

All the rooms were actually constructed at a location a few miles from the hotel using concrete and steel as individual components with the plumbing, wiring, fixtures and interior decor (other than moveable furniture) installed. The rooms were then hauled to the hotel site, and slid into the steel frames that had been built to accept the rooms.

The intent was to have "spare" rooms available so when they were to do a rehab, all they would have to do would be slide a room out and replace it.

However, they did not consider two items. One was that the concrete expanded more than anticipated due to the routine high humidity. The other is that they did not consider building settlement, which has an effect on twisiting the frame. Anyway, they found our that one everything was in place htey could not get the rooms out again.

 

[Luv2Roam]

This rumor has been around for awhile.
The wings are separate and away from the tower. I could see a hazard or construction constraint. But I don't know they would have to completely shutdown the tower too.
I imagine some day it will happen, when they know they can rebuild something that will bring in more revenue, and cover the cost of the razing and rebuild within x number of years.

 

[noopy]

Thanks for the great info everyone! I guess I'm a little concerned because the only place I can afford to stay on site that is on the monorail is in a wing room at the CR. I love the South wing, and had a really nice room this spring and great housekeeping service, towel animals and all! My DD really loves the monorail and it is a highlight of our trip. Also, a severe back injury due to a cycling accident has left me with chronic back pain. Sitting for long is uncomfortable, so the monorail makes my trip less "painful".
I think the wings at the CR are to other people, including those with kids, what they are to me - the only affordable way to stay on property with direct access to the monorail. I'll be saddened to see them go if they are no longer available for CR visitors.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Consider that the Contemporary Tower is one of the most expensive places to stay on WDW. Would the guests tolerate building demolition and construction going on right next to them at the prices they are being charged?

 

[Mad4Disney]

It would seem that the only rooms left will belong to DVC members the way its going

 

[OnWithTheShow]

I don't understand why anyone stays at the Contemporary. In my opinion it is a dump. I wouldn't buy into any DVC resort there and wouldn't spend my points to stay there especially when the beautiful Villas at the Wilderness Lodge are right across the lake. BTW the rumor I have heard is for a fourth resort on the monorail line being DVC. This of course is after the already announced Eagle Pines DVC resort.

 

[noopy]

OnWithTheShow -

Sorry to hear you think this. What room did you stay in when you were there, and when was your last visit? After a wonderful stay two months ago, i have to ask. My child was in awe of the monorail going through the Grand Concourse and the view of the MK fireworks. I was in awe of the easy access to the monorail - we rode it around just for fun a few times. and we never waited more than 5 minutes for one. We had the most fantastic time at Chef Mickeys, an incredible dinner at the California Grill, and a great breakfast at the Concourse Steakhouse (Sticky Mickeys were the best). Our room was large and kept very clean, and housekeeping made towel animals and arranged my daughter's things to make her laugh. We loved the water slide and the fountains in and around the pool. One of the best features was the walkway to the MK - no fighting crowds to get back to the hotel after fireworks and closing.

I know others haven't had the same experience, but it's the same for WL. My friend loved the theme and decor there, but the rooms were small for her family of 3. Her son missed the monorail a lot (they missed the convenience) and the excitement that Chef Mickeys creates. They also had to wait 15 minutes for the boat a couple of times. They've booked the CR for the next visit.

"Dump" is a pretty strong description, but meaningless to anyone reading it without an explanation. How 'bout it?

 

[tiggersmom2]

Originally posted by noopy
OnWithTheShow -

Sorry to hear you think this. What room did you stay in when you were there, and when was your last visit? After a wonderful stay two months ago, i have to ask. My child was in awe of the monorail going through the Grand Concourse and the view of the MK fireworks. I was in awe of the easy access to the monorail - we rode it around just for fun a few times. and we never waited more than 5 minutes for one. We had the most fantastic time at Chef Mickeys, an incredible dinner at the California Grill, and a great breakfast at the Concourse Steakhouse (Sticky Mickeys were the best). Our room was large and kept very clean, and housekeeping made towel animals and arranged my daughter's things to make her laugh. We loved the water slide and the fountains in and around the pool. One of the best features was the walkway to the MK - no fighting crowds to get back to the hotel after fireworks and closing.

I know others haven't had the same experience, but it's the same for WL. My friend loved the theme and decor there, but the rooms were small for her family of 3. Her son missed the monorail a lot (they missed the convenience) and the excitement that Chef Mickeys creates. They also had to wait 15 minutes for the boat a couple of times. They've booked the CR for the next visit.

"Dump" is a pretty strong description, but meaningless to anyone reading it without an explanation. How 'bout it?

I'm with you, I definitely don't think the Contemporary is a "DUMP"! It could use some refurbishment, but it is a wonderful and beautiful resort!

 

[DonnaSue]

We LOVE the Contemporary!!! My DH doesn't ever want to stay anywhere else. We had to stay at the Grand Floridian in Februarybecause the Contemporary (Tower) was full. We really did not like the GF. Happily, we were able to get a tower room at the Contemporary just a few weeks ago. DH said that he doesn't EVER want to stay anywhere else - and I think we have stayed at nearly all of them!!!

To each his own I guess!!!

I think DH would jump on a Contemporary DVC!!! But I really would be surprised if they did that!!!

Donna

 

[Karl C]

My family of 5 stayed at the CR for 10 days last year. Granted it is not themed as good as the WL and yes the large room size is a good feature. However CR has many subliminal things to do that can't compare to any other MK resort.

The MK fireworks are superior in scale when watched from the roof out on one of the staircase wings, the waterpagent from there also is a must see, there is a echo from the show that is truly a sight to "Hear".

The room rates are a bit high for one of the wing rooms true enough but still the size of the room does make it worth it. Things to do are kinda flat and the pool is not note worthy except that is open 24/7.

The best advantage is fast Monorail access but what really stands out is that the MK is just a short, brisk walk away. It is really a great way to end the day after the Parade is over or after the firework's display has ended. The park can be swamped with people trying to exit via the monorail or boats but take a quite walk back to CR and you will be lucky to pass more than one or two other families enjoying the stroll.

It is a peaceful way the cap off the day, not to mention it makes you feel like you living in the MK, that you really don't have to leave, just go get something to eat and sleep for awhile before you go out and do it all over again.