LIVE from Contemporary

[NJPhyl]

Hi everyone -

I felt compelled to write a little report as I have been reading these boards for the past couple of months and appreciated all of the tips people have shared and has helped me. Well anyway - cast me (mom, 44) DH (44) and DD (9) - we booked 1 week std room in wing at the Contemporary. We checked in yesterday - first magical experience - they upgraded us to a Tower room - I cannot tell you how excited I and my family are about this. They didn't say anything at check in - just like I booked it. We went to our room (7th floor - Bay view) and the room hadn't been cleaned. We called front desk - a few minutes later a manager came up and apologized. We went out and the manager promised to have it cleaned right away. Last night around 7, a knock at the door and it was a bellman with 3 plates of huge choc chip cookies and two huge glasses of milk on ice. Along with this came the nice card apologizing for the earlier inconvenience. It was a nice gesture. Went to MK today - hot, hot, hot. We went to Splash - it was closed due to tech difficulties - we got fast passes to return later. We wondered around - did a few things and went back. When we came off, we bought 2 5X7's and had them sent to the room. The cashier was so nice and said he was going to send us 4 for the price of 2, basically just because he could. Sooo - even though we haven't witnessed anything to do with the YOMD's yet, I feel we've been touched with pixie dust thus far. Also- great tip I used today was the Snack option off the free dining plan we have, choc chip cookies with vanilla ice cream from the Bakery - they were AWESOME - DD and I loved them. Thank you DIS'ers for the tips. Will post more as it happens as I know I will never sit down and do this when I get home. Believe in the MAGIC!!! stay tuned . . . . . (also tried to get someone to say what they are building the place of the wing they knocked down and no one is giving up a thing)

 

[kathie859]

Good post! It's nice to hear how the magic is still alive Sometimes it seems all I read are negative reviews and perceptions.
Thanks for sharing and keep us up to date.

 

[Donnask8pro]

Hi. glad your having a magical time.

Question... any love bugs yet? We leave in 11 days. Thanks

 

[MeMom]

It's great to hear from someone who is there. Several people who are reading along on our report are going this weeknd. We wanted to do a live report every night from our trip, but we didn't do so well. We reported about three times, I think. Anyway, have a great time, and we'll look forward to hearing how it's going. Enjoy it for all of us who long to be there!!!

 

[NJPhyl]

All is going well. We took it easy yesterday - hung around pool at hotel after a character breakfast at Mickeys here in the CR. We went to MGM around dinner time for ADR's at Momma Melrose. We ate - did a couple rides and headed back to hotel. Did not hang out for Fantasmic as we have seen it before - we were going to, but it looked like it was going to rain and we had 1 1/2 hours to kill. To much time to kill for us . . . Got up this morning and went to Epcot at opening. Had a great day there - rained a little. Enjoyed Soarin and Test Track. We even enjoyed the Nemo ride ( a little corny though and definitely for little tots) the Crush show was cute. Have to go get ready for dinner tonight at the California Grill and then off to Animal Kingdom in the morning . . . . (we visited the Polynesian pool area last night and had a drink - we really liked it and have decided we are going to stay there next time . . . way more atmosphere . . . . .) ttfn -- Phyl

 

[sharonW]

Oh Boy, a live report!!! Great upgrade.
Seems you were sprinkled with the dust!!
I hope the magic continues and you have a wonderful
time with mickey!

 

[LLWDW]

Glad to hear you are having a good trip. I love to read these live reports!
How was your time at the pool, is it great?

 

[KathyRN137]

Hope you can keep up the good work! Live reports are so rare because they're so hard to keep up with! Awesome upgrade! I'm so glad you're having a great time and am looking forward to more.


Kathy

 

[mlill]

Thank you for the live report! I hope you had a great dinner last night at California Grill - it's one of our favorites! We're going to be staying at the Contemporary in a little over a month, and I was wondering if you could find out something for me while you're there - could you ask at the front desk if it's possible to request a microwave for the room? I know that there is a fridge and coffee pot, but am not sure if small microwaves are available upon request. Thanks!

Have a great time!
-Michelle

 

[NJPhyl]

Well, the California Grill rocked as always . . . the best filet mignon you will ever have. We started off with a lobster salad that was very good also. For dessert, we had a banana custard type of dish with real bananas sliced the long way and made crispy so how - it was to die for. The fireworks were great from up there as always . . . Yesterday we went to Animal Kingdom - we went on the Rapids - you know I like the ride but it really seemed short. I was on a very similar ride at Hershey Park about 3 weeks ago and it was way longer and more fun. We went on Mt. Everest. That was fun. The Nemo musical was cute - the only prob was it took them a half hour to load the therater. I was watching and just couldn't believe how unorganized they seemed to be. The free dining is awesome but I do not think I can ever come back again in the summer . . . It is WAY to HOT for my NJ body. We do have our humidity up there but wow is all I have to say. I much prefer October time frame. The heat is unbearable. It sure does make you take breaks though . . . . . several of them. Went to MK last night - had ADR at Crystal Palace - dinner was good but the park itself was PACKED. We left at 9:00. It was a shame too cause at least the weather was good. Oh well. We are taking it easy today at the pools . . . . here and maybe the WL or Poly. Tonight it is off the Pirate & Princess party . . I am hoping for clear weather. Will try and write more later . . . (will check on the microwave later) - peace - phyl

 

[NJPhyl]

Hey everyone -

Just a quick update. First of all, on the microwave, just called the front desk - you can request one and get one if available at no fee. The Pirate and Princess Party was awesome. Every ride was just walk on . . . as many times as you liked. I have now done all three parties - I rank them #1 Halloween, #2 Pirate & Princess and lastly the Christmas party. There is alot of construction going on here at the CR. I watched them little by little all week build a huge crane on the outside construction site. They are definitely building something very tall to need a crane like I have seen them construct. Also, the lobby on the 4th floor is a mess. Also loud with construction. Not to quiet around here these days . . . oh well - the show must go on and they have to upgrade and keep things fresh or people will not want to come back. A few notes - one, I found the lunch at the Cinderalla castle just average. Unless you just need to say you dined at the Castle, skip it. The food is not that good - atmosphere though is pretty cool. I loved the Mt Everest ride at Animal Kingdom although I found it to be short just as the Rapids ride. I read somewhere on the boards where someone was disappointed with the Laugh Factory show in Tomorrowland - I agree - not that great. They are getting all the stores ready for the crowds that are coming for Halloween. Let me just say again, I will never do this again in the summer - free dining or no free dining - just not worth it to my family. To HOT. The one thing the weather does though is MAKE you take breaks whether you want to or not. I will come back in October or March and leave the summers for the brave at heart . . . . I'd rather pull my kid out of school and enjoy our vacation . . . Enjoy everyone - Disney still rocks!! Phyl

 

[thptrek]

We are originally from NJ and can relate to your heat issues. When we first moved to Texas we thought we would die from the heat but you get adjusted. Now when we visit NJ in winter we die from the cold and wonder how folks can stand it.

 

[tinkercubbyfan]

We will be there in 2 days arriving on Thursday Morning. How are the crowds? I figured by the end of the week they will be tapering down as long as you avoid NoJ. Thanks for your report. I have a feeling we will be taking a lot of unscheduled breaks too!

 

[Donnask8pro]

Arent they builing another Tower for DVC's? I heard that it is gong to be a huge circular building. Anyone?

 

[thptrek]

Donna, that has been the persistent rumour for months now. Either a DVC or possibly a suite hotel.

 

[KathyRN137]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the P&P Party! And that you had time to do lots of rides during that time, too! The only other party I've been to is the Christmas Party... thought it was awesome, but just too crowded! We didn't even attempt any rides. Would love to try Halloween sometime!

Thanks for the updates on construction, , too!

Kathy