Just Back - Contemporary, Any ?

[crazy4wdw]

We just returned yesterday from our week stay at the Contemporary. It was really a great trip. The new room decor is bright and fun. Weather was much better than last year. We had cool days, warm days, and some rain. Only problem we had (which was minor) was that we were on the sixth floor of the Tower, over the monorail tracks. The room would vibrate each time a train would enter the hotel. After about a day, we really didn't notice the vibration anymore. Will try to post a trip report later.

Let me know if you have any questions regarding the Contemporary!

 

[Kimberle]

Did they redecorte the rooms?

We stayed at CR 2 years ago and loved our stay.

 

[crazy4wdw]

I believe the rooms were updated about 1 to 2 years ago. Our room had purple carpet with orange designs running through it. The bed spreads have a abstract design in blue, red, and yellow. The headboard runs accross the entire wall and it is blue/white in a zebra type pattern. The drapes are yellow/white with the same zebra type pattern. I took several pictures with a digital camera but am not sure how to include in a post.

 

[cigar95]

Staying at the Contemporary in seven weeks, after waiting 32 years.

How is the bus system handled now? Are all busses shared with the Poly and the Floridian? Or does it change at different times of day?

Also - how full was the parking lot? I've heard stories about the lot filling up from visitors.

 

[DisneyFan79]

My next trip I really want to stay at the Contemporary. I was wondering also about the bus system. We just returned from the WL last Friday and we shared a bus with the GF for AK and the Studios. We shared a bus with Ft Wilderness for EPCOT. I was wondering if the CR shares with the Polynesian? Also if you are staying in the main tower, did you request a view of the MK or Bay lake and was it granted? Thanks for the help. I can't believe I am already planning my next trip after being back only 6 days ago!! WOW that place is addictive!! Oh, one more question. Did you eat at any of the sit down restaurants at the Contemporary? I will be down next for my bday and would really like a nice dinner at either the California Grill or the Concourse Steakhouse. Which would suggest? Thanks!!

 

[vicb]

I'm actually wondering about staying at CR on a future trip.... do you have to pay more for a tower room? Is it the equivilent of a water view at other deluxes? When you make your ressie do you request a tower room and hope for the best? Thanks.

 

[DisneyFan79]

Bumping to the top so we can get some answers!!

 

[cigar95]

"Tower Room" is a separate category, just like "Lagoon View" and similar room categories at other resorts.

So you can be guaranteed a room in the tower - but it'll cost you. Tower rooms go for $335 at rack rate, about the same as a Garden View at the GF. However, for whatever reason, Contemporary rooms are usually discounted less than rooms at other resorts.

For instance - when the recent passholder rates came out, Contemporary Tower rooms went for $251 - a 25% discount - while Garden View rooms at the Floridian went for $209 - almost 40% off rack. (I booked the CR anyway, since I've wanted to stay there for 32 years.)

Staying in the Wings, I think rack rate is around $239. But to me, the whole point of the CR is to stay in the building where the monorail drives through!

When I booked my room, I was asked if I wanted Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom view, but that isn't guaranteed. I also asked for a higher floor, to make my view that much better.

Hope this helps - still hoping for some current details on the bus system. Wow, I'll be at the CR in less than seven weeks. A childhood dream fulfilled! (And it'll make my 13th WDW resort - still no repeats)

 

[purplebelle]

I stayed at CBR earlier this month but used the bus system of Contempo and Grand Floridian about 3 times. I thought it was on the slower side (especially compared to CBR). We waited about 30 minutes for busses to arrive and then they stop at the other 2 resorts which eats up more time. A typical CBR bus wait was about 10 mins. I think the bus system isn't quite as quick with Con, GF and Poly b/c they expect people to use the monorails more often (which are much more quicker than buses). The system isn't bad, it just takes up more time. But i enjoy sitting anywhere on Disney property waiting for a bus. (as long as it's not too long)

 

[Pocahantas]

We will be staying in the Contemporary Tower in February which will be our second time there and our second trip to WDW. We love the tower! We had not planned on going back until sometime in 2005 but I was able to convince my husband to go in February (Mardi Gras here so schools are out) and his only stipulation was that we had to stay at the Contemporary again in the tower. If I could not get that, we weren't going back now.

 

[crazy4wdw]

I really can't commnet on the bus system as we did not use it this trip. On the days we went to Disney/MGM. Animal Kingdom, or Downtown Disney, we used our own car. I believe that the Contemporary does share a bus with the Poly.

We requested a Magic Kingdom View and it was granted. We arrived about 1:00 PM and could have had access to a room immediatley, however only Bay Lake Views were available. We decided to wait for a MK view.

We ate once at Chef Mickey's and once at Concourse Steakhouse; we made priority reservations in advance. Food at both was good. At Councourse Steakhouse, the menu is truly a la carte. With the steak we ordered, we only received the steak and garlic mashed potatoes. If you wanted salad, extra charge. If you wanted vegatables, extra charge. I don't believe I have ever eaten at a steakhouse where salad did not come with the meal. We did not eat at California Grille.

Never had a problem finding a parking space at the Contemporary. We drove to Disney/MGM, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and other resorts and never had a problem finding a space when we returned.

 

[Del]

Is it possible to take the monorail to the TTC and then transfer to a bus to MGM? Would that be quicker than going directly on a bus to MGM --since it appears that there is 2 other stops (GF and Poly)?

Does anyone have an idea of what a tower room in value season might be?

Thanks
Del

 

[cigar95]

Originally posted by Del
Is it possible to take the monorail to the TTC and then transfer to a bus to MGM? Would that be quicker than going directly on a bus to MGM --since it appears that there is 2 other stops (GF and Poly)?

I don't think there are busses from TTC to the Studios any more. One might take the monorail to the GF and then pick up a non-stop bus.

Originally posted by Del
Does anyone have an idea of what a tower room in value season might be?

Rack rate is $335. I got a passholder rate for $251 for February.

 

[Del]

Thanks for the info--appreciate it

Del