New Contemporary renovations?

[Tinkerbell10403]

One night last November while in the Contemporary Concourse...I took a look at the mural in the center. I had heard of this rumored five legged goat...but wanted to see so for my self! Sure enough...after 30 minutes of looking...and many times of getting out of the elevator on every floor to get a closer look...I found it! I don't know about anyone else...but I like the Contemp's 'contemporary' look...atleast contemporary 30 years ago. I love the way the monorail passes through the concourse. Maybe a little renovation would nice...but I hope they don't go changing the entire look...

 

[Lord Fantasius]

Just returned last week from WDW and had asked a DVC agent at CR itself if they really were planning on doing a DVC wing there. According to her its been a rumor for many years, but really not to expect it to happen soon. I'm not a DVC-owner, but it appears the rate of new DVC ownership at current costs isn't accelerating nearly as great as previously so new developments might be delayed, though they might sneak some in during the proposed renovation (knowing Eisner, however, wouldn't guarantee anything at the moment!).

Regarding such, anybody hear on whether they are going to do anything to the exterior? The A-frame external-support-showing-concrete-structure-look is rather dated itself. Any thought about cladding the building's exposed concrete in black marble or brushed stainless steel. That, to me, would be a little more contempo-futura. Would love to have sliding doors for entry into the rooms as well, and more of a cool techno-interior (ala' Star Trek / Babylon 5). I don't think just splashing new paint and carpeting in the room, even if they do install plasma TV's, is really going to make that much of a difference unless the whole perception vision of the future is addressed.

Being Disney's "Future Vision" deluxe resort, I would love to see some "out-there" concepts being tested. How about a small "pass-key," similar to Mobil's gas-key concept, that you just have to wave in front of a panel next to a door for it to open. You could have sensor lights in the bathroom so no need to fumble for the light switch, and possible digital thermostats for the shower and sink so water temperature would be exactly what you want immediately upon turning it on. This would, however, require a continuously-circulating hot water line throughout the building, but in the long run it really does save water usage.

And, if Disney really wants to look forward, how about LED lights for illumination? And I'm not talking about just two small lamps next to the bed. Even though they're slightly more expensive up front, their cost-savings are enormous.

Any other thoughts or ideas?

-R

 

[AllisonG]

I agree a renovation is desperately needed. The futro-Japanese sounds wonderful! Maybe an Asian inspired restaurant?
I like Lords ideas on the exterior of the CR. I just hope it is extensive and deosn't take too long!

 

[mitros]

Regarding the current cost of new DVC ownership, it is almost DOUBLE what we paid way back in 1992. Could they be pricing themselves out of the market? Let's hope that they finally may come to the conclusion that people will not necessarily pay ANY price for the right to own, {50 years does not mean own, just lease!} a DVC membership. it has certainly priced a lot of people out of the market already.

 

[Fan O' Walt]

I was there in February and spoke to a cast member about renovations at the Contemporary. She said that the plan was to turn all garden rooms into DVC villas. This is supposed to begin within three years. We'll see.

 

[disneyworldgirl]

I haven't been to WDW since 1978 (my first and, unfortunately, last trip), but I'm sure the Contemporary needs some updating by this time. I also have fond memories of the mural, and hope they leave it as is. It would be neat to have the remote control curtains and automatic doors that I've read about here, and the plasma TV's would be a nice touch.