Some of your favorite things - especially easily overlooked - at the Contemporary?

[olive]

We are going to be staying at CR with family this summer and I am anticipating more downtime at the hotel between the hot days and potentially longer waits in the parks due to covid. Of course the pools are a draw, but what else migth we want to keep an eye out for? We have stayed at the CR before, but not for a few years. I think the last time was maybe 6 years ago?? (And actually we stayed at BLT, then, but were able to use CR facilities. At CR proper was more like 10+ years!) We have eaten at all of the CR restaurants, but I am sure I am missing a lot that is available. It took several trips before we ever noticed the water pageant and s'mores on the beach during a stay at one of the monorail resorts, and I would love to take advantage of some of the special perks at the hotel. I only just recently read that there is a bakery case in one of the shops in the atrium - Bayview Gifts, I think. I know my dad will love that! I also only recently noticed that there appears to be a firepit on or near the beach. Our kids will enjoy that if it isn't too crowded to safely enjoy.

Thanks so much in advance for your thoughts! I tend to miss a lot.

 

[Marthasor]

It's not cheap, but you could consider doing one of the fishing excursions from the CR marina.

Not exactly a full day activity, but, if you haven't found it yet, go to the monorail platform at CR and look for the 5-legged goat.

You could take the monorail to GF (and Poly if the monorail is stopping there during your travel time) and eat at that resort.

If the resort boats are running, I highly recommend boating over to Ft. W. You could visit the stables, play on the playground, even consider renting a golf cart or booking the archery experience. You could also boat over to WL (if the boats are running) and ask the front desk for a sheet that describes all of the architectural elements and items showcased in the lobby. You can also walk over to the BRV sitting room to see some of Walt's train cars from his backyard railroad. Both Ft. W and WL have casual places you could eat as well - Geyser Point at WL is lovely and P&J's Southern takeout at Ft. W

 

[olive]

Thank you so much for the suggestions!!

I am REALLY hoping that the boat rentals are available again when we go. We did that on our last trip when staying at Poly and it was so much fun! If the pontoons can manage a wheelchair (even just a manual), then my parents can join.

I actually don't remember if we found the 5 legged goat! That will be fun for the kids, especially.

We can always walk to Poly from TTC for food/snacks, although I am not sure if the construction will be done yet at the GCH. I don't know if the kids would be as into GF. We have only stayed there pre-kids, although we go to V&A every trip for a kid-free dinner. (I believe they are still closed now.)

Ft. W always looks like so much fun. We have only ever been for Hoop Dee Doo Revue.

 

[jemtx]

Can someone tell me exactly where the elevators are in the garden wing? Specifically is there a small one right when you enter the garden wing coming from the tower?
We are booked for the garden wing deluxe and was trying to figure out whether to request 1st or 3rd floor and didn’t know if the elevator was right there when you enter the garden wing. TIA.

 

[Marthasor]

Can someone tell me exactly where the elevators are in the garden wing? Specifically is there a small one right when you enter the garden wing coming from the tower?
We are booked for the garden wing deluxe and was trying to figure out whether to request 1st or 3rd floor and didn’t know if the elevator was right there when you enter the garden wing. TIA.

Yes, there is an elevator just next to the entrance when you walk from the tower to the garden wing.

 

[yaksack]

Look up videos on youtube. Some are very good.

 

[olive]

Such a fun idea to check out the videos! We'll do that with the kids. Thanks!