The ALL NEW Disney's Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower FAQ with PICs! (FEB 2010)

[wildernesslodgelover]

Come back anytime, wildernesslodgelover. Everyone on the CR thread is friendly and helpful. Did you book BLT yet? Here is a great thread to help you with your room location request:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082

Thank you so much! Yes, the trip is booked. As soon as I receive my confirmation via email (apparently this is something new DVC does? Sends the confirmation via email?) I will be paying the DVC owner for the room. But is indeed booked, Sept 23-27!!! I am so excited! Thank you for that link, I will be checking it out when I pour my cup of coffee in just a moment.

I see you will be enjoying the beautiful WL at Christmas time. Lucky you, it's so beautiful!

Lehuann-WOW, great pictures! What an amazing room!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Ha! Well, the joke is on me. The only request I made was a "high floor" and LOL...wouldn't you know it, apparently all standard views are the 1 and 2 floor! Oh well, I will be happy just to be on the monorail line for the first time ever. I will also be happy to add another "notch" to my dream of staying at every WDW resort at least once.

I am going to search the thread for some pics of a standard view, but if anyone has a pic handy of that view, please share!

I know some people say they don't care about the views or the room...but we are not "park commandos" when we go to WDW. I love sitting on a balcony and soaking in all the Disney around me!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I would be happy with this standard view!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33198021&postcount=41

but I better not hear anyone playing shuffle board before 9 a.m.! LOL!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you so much! Yes, the trip is booked. As soon as I receive my confirmation via email (apparently this is something new DVC does? Sends the confirmation via email?) I will be paying the DVC owner for the room. But is indeed booked, Sept 23-27!!! I am so excited! Thank you for that link, I will be checking it out when I pour my cup of coffee in just a moment.

I see you will be enjoying the beautiful WL at Christmas time. Lucky you, it's so beautiful!

Lehuann-WOW, great pictures! What an amazing room!

You're welcome. Yes, aren't her photos just great?

Have you ever stayed at the WL over Christmas? This will be our first-ever Christmas trip to WDW. We always go in Value Season and usually August. But with DH deployed, (it'll be our first Christmas apart in the 25 years we've been together) DD12 and I need a good distraction. I suppose those crowds will be a BIG distraction. I'm hoping to seek refuge often right by one of the cozy fireplaces.

Ha! Well, the joke is on me. The only request I made was a "high floor" and LOL...wouldn't you know it, apparently all standard views are the 1 and 2 floor! Oh well, I will be happy just to be on the monorail line for the first time ever. I will also be happy to add another "notch" to my dream of staying at every WDW resort at least once.

I am going to search the thread for some pics of a standard view, but if anyone has a pic handy of that view, please share!

I know some people say they don't care about the views or the room...but we are not "park commandos" when we go to WDW. I love sitting on a balcony and soaking in all the Disney around me!

You're certain to get the 2nd floor with that request

I would be happy with this standard view!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33198021&postcount=41

but I better not hear anyone playing shuffle board before 9 a.m.! LOL!

I doubt you will. I don't think there are many diehard shuffleboarders at BLT, especially at 0900.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

You're welcome. Yes, aren't her photos just great?

Have you ever stayed at the WL over Christmas? This will be our first-ever Christmas trip to WDW. We always go in Value Season and usually August. But with DH deployed, (it'll be our first Christmas apart in the 25 years we've been together) DD12 and I need a good distraction. I suppose those crowds will be a BIG distraction. I'm hoping to seek refuge often right by one of the cozy fireplaces.



You're certain to get the 2nd floor with that request


I doubt you will. I don't think there are many diehard shuffleboarders at BLT, especially at 0900.

LOL< my luck, there will be a shuffleboard tournament or something!

Oh, apparently there are some standard views on the 3rd floor, too. Here is another picture, LOVE this view! I have a "thing" for spanish moss.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33291736&postcount=67

So maybe with that "high floor" request i will get the 3rd floor, hmm...

Thanks again for that thread link, I still need to look past page 6.

Honestly, no I do not go to WDW past the second week of December, no time in March and April, and not in the summer, either! When we do parks, we have the Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, so there are blackout dates for all the times I mentioned (well, not ALL of March and April, but a big chunk for spring break.) We do take non park trips often as we let our seasonal passes lapse every other year. My advice to you (and this is not WL specific, this is just Disney in general) is to just do the parks a little and enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer. Do the campfire/singalong at FW, go see the horses at FW, and/or do the Hooop De Doo Revue. Stroll the Boardwalk area, rent a surrey bike there, etc. Ride that balloon thingy at DTD.

I am sure I am not telling you anything you don't know, but I really enjoy my non park trips. There are so many kids' activities pool side that my DD is so happy. Disney just seems to know how to do everything right. I know you will have a lovely trip, although it will be bittersweet without your DH there. I would do the same thing if I were in your shoes. You are making a great memory out of a not so great situation for your DD.

Oh, and thank you and your husband for the service. God bless you both!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I love that view of the moss! It reminds me of Dixie Landings/Alligator Bayou ("POR") or WL near the Otter Pond area.

Your advice is very wise. I have NO intention of going to any park on Christmas Day. I made reservations for horseback riding and some hootin' 'n hollerin' at WCC (and I'm going to need LOTS of ketchup).

Thank you for all your kind words. You're right about the memories. DD and I went to WDW w/o DH for the first time in August and it really helped make the time go by faster and was a great distraction.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to get your "high floor, quiet shuffleboarders, with plenty of moss" view

 

[WDWKOOK]

DH finally got his vacation approved and I booked CR MK view tower room from Jan 1st - Jan 12th. We have the DxDDP booked again with 10 day hopper passes. We got free dining and paid for the upgrade to deluxe. I had hoped to go the last week of January like we did last year but we are going longer this time

Does anyone know:

Will it be colder than the last week of January?

Where can I find a room service menu?

Thanks!

The early and late January temps. seem identical:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USFL0615

Have a great trip!

 

[cchron]

Just back from a week in WDW, 4 nights in a studio at BLT and 3 nights in a 1BD at BWV. The studio was plenty big for my husband and I. The bathroom sink arrangement was strange. When I read all of the posts I thought it wouldn't be a big deal but have to admit it was somewhat unsanitary with my hair spray all over the place. It became kind of a joke, 'Have you seen my deoderant? Yes, its in the kitchen."

We were on the 11th floor with a lake view (room 8137). I was a little disappointed with the view as we actually looked directly at the rooms accross from us with the lake on the right. Being near MK was great, really magical seeing the castle and monorail every day. We are DVC and took advantage of the lounge a couple times. Really liked having that perk and the fireworks view from there is great although you are looking at a side view of the castle.

Any questions, let me know.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just back from a week in WDW, 4 nights in a studio at BLT and 3 nights in a 1BD at BWV. The studio was plenty big for my husband and I. The bathroom sink arrangement was strange. When I read all of the posts I thought it wouldn't be a big deal but have to admit it was somewhat unsanitary with my hair spray all over the place. It became kind of a joke, 'Have you seen my deoderant? Yes, its in the kitchen."

We were on the 11th floor with a lake view (room 8137). I was a little disappointed with the view as we actually looked directly at the rooms accross from us with the lake on the right. Being near MK was great, really magical seeing the castle and monorail every day. We are DVC and took advantage of the lounge a couple times. Really liked having that perk and the fireworks view from there is great although you are looking at a side view of the castle.

Any questions, let me know.

Thanks for posting your review.

 

[nyisles84]

Looks like BLT is getting a fire pit and a jogging trail! According to this article it should be taking place:

According to Disney's refurbishment schedule, construction on the jogging trail will commence on November 22 and run through December 17, 2010. Installation of the fire pit is planned for December 6 - 23, 2010

here is the article http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-resorts-220/1393-blt-additions-scheduled

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Looks like BLT is getting a fire pit and a jogging trail! According to this article it should be taking place:

According to Disney's refurbishment schedule, construction on the jogging trail will commence on November 22 and run through December 17, 2010. Installation of the fire pit is planned for December 6 - 23, 2010

here is the article http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-resorts-220/1393-blt-additions-scheduled

Thank you for posting that update and the link to it.

 

[HLAuburn]

Just back from our stay at the Contemporary and I have to say...we really loved it! The convenience of walking to MK was wonderful, and even though we've stayed at a monorail resort before, it seemed much more accessible and efficient at the Contemporary.

We had breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner at Contempo Cafe, and it was never crowded, quick service, and decent food (unlike some of the other resort quick service restaurants we've been to). The grounds were beautiful and the kids loved the splash area and the pool. We watched the water parade from the patio every night....really cool.

We booked one of the Garden Wing Deluxe rooms. With 2 adults and 2 kids, I was a little worried about the King bed/pullout bed configuration, but it worked out great. The room was huge, so it gave us plenty of room. It had a huge flat screen TV, DVD player, 2 showers, and since we were on the first floor, there were 2 patios each with a set of chairs and a table.

I also thought everyone might be disappointed not being in the Tower Building, but it wasn't an issue at all. Compared to a lot of resorts, it was a very short walk to the lobby and we never had to wait for an elevator....just walked right out the door to the bus stop, parking lot, or pathway to MK. I could see where the garden rooms by the lake might be a bit of a walk, but still not a big deal, IMO.

Just wanted to share our experience

 

[louey]

Just back from our stay at the Contemporary and I have to say...we really loved it! The convenience of walking to MK was wonderful, and even though we've stayed at a monorail resort before, it seemed much more accessible and efficient at the Contemporary.

We had breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner at Contempo Cafe, and it was never crowded, quick service, and decent food (unlike some of the other resort quick service restaurants we've been to). The grounds were beautiful and the kids loved the splash area and the pool. We watched the water parade from the patio every night....really cool.

We booked one of the Garden Wing Deluxe rooms. With 2 adults and 2 kids, I was a little worried about the King bed/pullout bed configuration, but it worked out great. The room was huge, so it gave us plenty of room. It had a huge flat screen TV, DVD player, 2 showers, and since we were on the first floor, there were 2 patios each with a set of chairs and a table.

I also thought everyone might be disappointed not being in the Tower Building, but it wasn't an issue at all. Compared to a lot of resorts, it was a very short walk to the lobby and we never had to wait for an elevator....just walked right out the door to the bus stop, parking lot, or pathway to MK. I could see where the garden rooms by the lake might be a bit of a walk, but still not a big deal, IMO.

Just wanted to share our experience

Thanks for your report, we have stayed in the Tower Theme Park view and our next visit is going to be the Garden Wing. I love the Contemporary and after reading your review I am not worried about not staying in the Tower. I loved being able to walk the Magic Kingdom to me that is a Big Plus Glad you had a great trip

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just back from our stay at the Contemporary and I have to say...we really loved it! The convenience of walking to MK was wonderful, and even though we've stayed at a monorail resort before, it seemed much more accessible and efficient at the Contemporary.

We had breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner at Contempo Cafe, and it was never crowded, quick service, and decent food (unlike some of the other resort quick service restaurants we've been to). The grounds were beautiful and the kids loved the splash area and the pool. We watched the water parade from the patio every night....really cool.

We booked one of the Garden Wing Deluxe rooms. With 2 adults and 2 kids, I was a little worried about the King bed/pullout bed configuration, but it worked out great. The room was huge, so it gave us plenty of room. It had a huge flat screen TV, DVD player, 2 showers, and since we were on the first floor, there were 2 patios each with a set of chairs and a table.

I also thought everyone might be disappointed not being in the Tower Building, but it wasn't an issue at all. Compared to a lot of resorts, it was a very short walk to the lobby and we never had to wait for an elevator....just walked right out the door to the bus stop, parking lot, or pathway to MK. I could see where the garden rooms by the lake might be a bit of a walk, but still not a big deal, IMO.

Just wanted to share our experience

Thanks for posting your review. Enjoy the Lodge in December! Maybe we'll cross paths...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just back from our stay at the Contemporary and I have to say...we really loved it! The convenience of walking to MK was wonderful, and even though we've stayed at a monorail resort before, it seemed much more accessible and efficient at the Contemporary.

We had breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner at Contempo Cafe, and it was never crowded, quick service, and decent food (unlike some of the other resort quick service restaurants we've been to). The grounds were beautiful and the kids loved the splash area and the pool. We watched the water parade from the patio every night....really cool.

We booked one of the Garden Wing Deluxe rooms. With 2 adults and 2 kids, I was a little worried about the King bed/pullout bed configuration, but it worked out great. The room was huge, so it gave us plenty of room. It had a huge flat screen TV, DVD player, 2 showers, and since we were on the first floor, there were 2 patios each with a set of chairs and a table.

I also thought everyone might be disappointed not being in the Tower Building, but it wasn't an issue at all. Compared to a lot of resorts, it was a very short walk to the lobby and we never had to wait for an elevator....just walked right out the door to the bus stop, parking lot, or pathway to MK. I could see where the garden rooms by the lake might be a bit of a walk, but still not a big deal, IMO.

Just wanted to share our experience

Thanks for posting your review and it's great you all enjoyed staying there.

 

[jandkmom]

Oooo, a fire pit sounds really cool! Just in time for our trip in January. I wonder where it will be...

 

[crashbb]

Woo Hoo. Just booked two nights at the CR. I'm doing it backwards (start at CR and then move to a Value), but it worked out that way. I had two nights before my free dining reservation (at a Value) starts, I'm on my own the first night, I can take the monorail to/from the half-marathon start and I can walk to MK the morning of the marathon and avoid all the marathon road closures.

I've never stayed at a monorail resort (though we did stay at the Disney Inn, when it still existed).

So excited.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Woo Hoo. Just booked two nights at the CR. I'm doing it backwards (start at CR and then move to a Value), but it worked out that way. I had two nights before my free dining reservation (at a Value) starts, I'm on my own the first night, I can take the monorail to/from the half-marathon start and I can walk to MK the morning of the marathon and avoid all the marathon road closures.

I've never stayed at a monorail resort (though we did stay at the Disney Inn, when it still existed).

So excited.

You're going to love it. You'll be spoiled by that walkway and may find it hard to leave

Good luck and have a great time

 

[crashbb]

You're going to love it. You'll be spoiled by that walkway and may find it hard to leave

Good luck and have a great time

I know I'm going to hate to leave (I know I'm doing it backwards). But, my second bit is with friends and I'm in my own room, so even a Value isn't that small, so it will be good as well.

 

[smillerguy]

Just back from our stay at the Contemporary and I have to say...we really loved it! The convenience of walking to MK was wonderful, and even though we've stayed at a monorail resort before, it seemed much more accessible and efficient at the Contemporary.

We had breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner at Contempo Cafe, and it was never crowded, quick service, and decent food (unlike some of the other resort quick service restaurants we've been to). The grounds were beautiful and the kids loved the splash area and the pool. We watched the water parade from the patio every night....really cool.

We booked one of the Garden Wing Deluxe rooms. With 2 adults and 2 kids, I was a little worried about the King bed/pullout bed configuration, but it worked out great. The room was huge, so it gave us plenty of room. It had a huge flat screen TV, DVD player, 2 showers, and since we were on the first floor, there were 2 patios each with a set of chairs and a table.

I also thought everyone might be disappointed not being in the Tower Building, but it wasn't an issue at all. Compared to a lot of resorts, it was a very short walk to the lobby and we never had to wait for an elevator....just walked right out the door to the bus stop, parking lot, or pathway to MK. I could see where the garden rooms by the lake might be a bit of a walk, but still not a big deal, IMO.

Just wanted to share our experience

Thanks for the review. Staying for our first time this week. You don't happen to have the Halloween Activities do you? Hope I'm not bugging everyone but I though since you just got back maybe you would have them tucked away somewhere.