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

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks!

You're welcome. I hope you won't have to be stuck in the laundry room much

 

[tinkerbell3747]

You're welcome. I hope you won't have to be stuck in the laundry room much

Well I am a nortoriously considered and over packer! We usually never wear everything I pack. I almost always have 2 carryons packed to the max and at least 2 checked bags....just insane and I am sooo over it..I end up doing laundry a few times anyway...so this trip I plan for all of us to travel Carryon only. I will check 1 empty bag for souvey's

I will use wegoshop or GG and order DD conditioners ( Yup with an "S" she has super curly/dry hair and we load it up after each pool visit so those little hotel bottles are not going to cut the mustard) along with water, snacks detergent and sunblock etc. etc. Half of the larger suitcase is full of meds,ointments, bandaids, condish, poos, etc..... we will just buy as need something.

check

Now to make a new packing list....preferrably very short

 

[seadd67]

Over packer here to!!, we ship a couple of boxs down before we leave with extras to and use them to help ship any thing back.

 

[tinkerbell3747]

Over packer here to!!, we ship a couple of boxs down before we leave with extras to and use them to help ship any thing back.

If we lived in the US that is exactly what I would do. However at the moment AA is not charging for checked bags (2 each) for our flights.....but I so wish I was back in my homeland at times

I recon it will take a few more DVC trips and then I will convince hubby we need an Owners Locker...that's the plan

 

[yolie912]

Hmmm... Somebody just posted bedbugs in their room at CR tower room in tripadvisor. I hope this is not the case I will be there in May....

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hmmm... Somebody just posted bedbugs in their room at CR tower room in tripadvisor. I hope this is not the case I will be there in May....

My family and I have had a lot of stays in the Contemporary Tower since May 1998 and not once have we ever had that problem. Now I can't say why that person had them, however I remember reading that one reason could be is that they come from people's homes and get into their luggage. So sometimes people don't realize they are brining them when checking into hotels.

 

[chinarider]

Has anyone done the pirates and pals fireworks cruise? Is it worth the money? Is it geared toward younger children? Any insight is appreciated.

Thank you

 

[BettyBeBop]

I have a friend who did this last October and said it was absolutely awesome!!! Their party was all adults and they all said it was one of the best things they had ever done. I was getting testx from them even before they were done telling me that I HAD to try this one.

They did it on a night that had MNSSHP going on and said the fireworks were so amazing. We had been to the party earlier in the week together and they said that HalloWishes was so much better from the water. I thought it was pretty awesome at the party, but they said we missed so much of it being IN the park. And I have heard from others that even on a night when regular Wishes takes place, there is so much more you see from the cruise. I am going to do this next October when I meet my friends there again for Halloween fun.

 

[annej]

Anyone there right now know if the new refillable mugs are available at the Contemporary? We will be there in 10 days! Also, can anyone tell me if there is Powerade available at the drink stations or is it only available in a bottle? My DS does not drink soda, tea or lemonade.

 

[bean bunny]

Hi everyone! I'm excited to join this thread as we just made the decision to try the Contemporary for the first time! We have booked a Theme Park View in May for three nights and we are really looking forward to it. We've previously stayed multiple places on site with the most recent at the YC which we loved. We plan to spend more time at the MK this time so it was the perfect time to make a switch!

We have a few questions.

In my reservation I requested a quiet location and an odd number room. Are there any other things I should request? My understanding was a TPV is a minimum of the 6th floor but I knew we didn't want to be near Chef Mickey's.

Is the chocolate monorail something that is still offered? I saw it mentioned in previous threads and I'd love to order that for my husband. Has anyone purchased it recently?

One last question - how are the gift shops on site? It seems that there are three. Is that just one large gift shop broken up into sections or are there literally three different gift shops? We found the shopping at YC to be really great so hoping for the same here.

Staying in the tower it seems that things are very contained - i.e. mug refill station downstairs in the tower. Is that correct? I'm comparing this to say the YC where you need to go the BC counter service restaurant or ice cream shop, or CS where you need to go to the main building.

Thank you for any help!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Has anyone done the pirates and pals fireworks cruise? Is it worth the money? Is it geared toward younger children? Any insight is appreciated.

Thank you

We did it last June and had a blast!!! It is geared toward the entire family. Little ones will love it for different reasons than older ones and adults, but there is fun for all- I definitely recommend it!

Hi everyone! I'm excited to join this thread as we just made the decision to try the Contemporary for the first time! We have booked a Theme Park View in May for three nights and we are really looking forward to it. We've previously stayed multiple places on site with the most recent at the YC which we loved. We plan to spend more time at the MK this time so it was the perfect time to make a switch!

We have a few questions.

In my reservation I requested a quiet location and an odd number room. Are there any other things I should request? My understanding was a TPV is a minimum of the 6th floor but I knew we didn't want to be near Chef Mickey's.

Is the chocolate monorail something that is still offered? I saw it mentioned in previous threads and I'd love to order that for my husband. Has anyone purchased it recently?

One last question - how are the gift shops on site? It seems that there are three. Is that just one large gift shop broken up into sections or are there literally three different gift shops? We found the shopping at YC to be really great so hoping for the same here.

Staying in the tower it seems that things are very contained - i.e. mug refill station downstairs in the tower. Is that correct? I'm comparing this to say the YC where you need to go the BC counter service restaurant or ice cream shop, or CS where you need to go to the main building.

Thank you for any help!

There are 3 gift shops and 2 of the 3 are REALLY good sized. 1 sells clothing, chocolate, purses etc. One sells toys, vinylmation, kitchen stuff etc. The third is more "grocery store" with snacks, wine, magazines etc.

We had the white chocolate monorail a couple of years ago and it was -eh- but we aren't big white chocolate eaters. It's on the room service menu and I believe they request 24 hour notice on it.

Yes, the mug refill is at the Contempo Cafe on the 4th floor of the tower. But even from the wings, its still not a bad walk.

Enjoy your stay! Its one of our favorite hotels!

 

[disneygal922]

Congrats on making the decision to stay at the CR. I love it there! My answers are in Red below... hope they help!

Hi everyone! I'm excited to join this thread as we just made the decision to try the Contemporary for the first time! We have booked a Theme Park View in May for three nights and we are really looking forward to it. We've previously stayed multiple places on site with the most recent at the YC which we loved. We plan to spend more time at the MK this time so it was the perfect time to make a switch!

We have a few questions.

In my reservation I requested a quiet location and an odd number room. Are there any other things I should request? My understanding was a TPV is a minimum of the 6th floor but I knew we didn't want to be near Chef Mickey's.

Your requests sound good to me!

Is the chocolate monorail something that is still offered? I saw it mentioned in previous threads and I'd love to order that for my husband. Has anyone purchased it recently?

I'm not sure I have ever heard of a chocolate monorail. Sounds cool though!

One last question - how are the gift shops on site? It seems that there are three. Is that just one large gift shop broken up into sections or are there literally three different gift shops? We found the shopping at YC to be really great so hoping for the same here.

There are 3 shops in the CR. One is basically snacks and like a little convenience store. One sells collectibles, toys, pins, etc. The last one sells clothes, etc. Now of course some of the categories overlap but they are definitely 3 different types of stores. They are 3 different shops but all on the same floor and very near each other.

Staying in the tower it seems that things are very contained - i.e. mug refill station downstairs in the tower. Is that correct? I'm comparing this to say the YC where you need to go the BC counter service restaurant or ice cream shop, or CS where you need to go to the main building.

This is what I love about CR and BLT is that everything is right there. The CS (contempo cafe) is right below the monorail so we just stop there on our way to the monorail or buses. It's basically all right there... Chef Mickey's, Contempo, Shopping, Arcade, Pressed Pennies, walkway to BLT all on one floor... then just go up the escalator and you're at the monorail.

Thank you for any help!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone! I'm excited to join this thread as we just made the decision to try the Contemporary for the first time! We have booked a Theme Park View in May for three nights and we are really looking forward to it. We've previously stayed multiple places on site with the most recent at the YC which we loved. We plan to spend more time at the MK this time so it was the perfect time to make a switch!

We have a few questions.

In my reservation I requested a quiet location and an odd number room. Are there any other things I should request? My understanding was a TPV is a minimum of the 6th floor but I knew we didn't want to be near Chef Mickey's.

Is the chocolate monorail something that is still offered? I saw it mentioned in previous threads and I'd love to order that for my husband. Has anyone purchased it recently?

One last question - how are the gift shops on site? It seems that there are three. Is that just one large gift shop broken up into sections or are there literally three different gift shops? We found the shopping at YC to be really great so hoping for the same here.

Staying in the tower it seems that things are very contained - i.e. mug refill station downstairs in the tower. Is that correct? I'm comparing this to say the YC where you need to go the BC counter service restaurant or ice cream shop, or CS where you need to go to the main building.

Thank you for any help!

to the CR thread!

Instead of "quiet location," I would instead request "far away from Chef Mickey's." This is a little more specific.

You can also get your mug refilled at the food window of the Sand Bar next to the pool, just ask at the window, remove your lid and straw and they're happy to refill it for you.

While the YC's gift shop is large, I think the CR has more variety since there are 3 different shops, as Cinderumbrella and disneygal922 mentioned. It's also fun to stop at the Poly and GF when you're on the monorail.

Have a great vacation!

 

[Hoodie]

OK CR experts - sell me on it!

I'm planning a trip with my parents, DH and two little ones (will be turning 3 on the vacation and a 7 month old) next February/March. I had been looking at the Beach Club for it's proximity to Epcot (a family favorite, although with the LOs on this trip we'll probably spend more time at MK), AKL for the animals (although not fond of needing to rely on Disney buses) and POR (again, not thrilled with the bus issue but may end up there if budget becomes an issue). My dad's not a big Disney person. His last stay on property was at the Poly, mainly because at the time the Poly, CR, and Fort Wilderness were the only options (even GF was not built yet). He was not impressed (even though I've told him that they *may* have upgraded in the past 25 years! )

My mother (who also hasn't stayed on Disney property since then, but at least has been at POR when I stayed there) started poking through the resorts and is interested in CR. Honestly, I've never even considered it. Is it really noisy? Hectic? How "disney-fied" is it? (I won't even look at the values because my father would flip. I want something that feels "non-Disney" when we're there). How are the pools? Are there quieter pools?

Sell me on the Contemporary!

 

[disneygal922]

OK CR experts - sell me on it!

I'm planning a trip with my parents, DH and two little ones (will be turning 3 on the vacation and a 7 month old) next February/March. I had been looking at the Beach Club for it's proximity to Epcot (a family favorite, although with the LOs on this trip we'll probably spend more time at MK), AKL for the animals (although not fond of needing to rely on Disney buses) and POR (again, not thrilled with the bus issue but may end up there if budget becomes an issue). My dad's not a big Disney person. His last stay on property was at the Poly, mainly because at the time the Poly, CR, and Fort Wilderness were the only options (even GF was not built yet). He was not impressed (even though I've told him that they *may* have upgraded in the past 25 years! )

My mother (who also hasn't stayed on Disney property since then, but at least has been at POR when I stayed there) started poking through the resorts and is interested in CR. Honestly, I've never even considered it. Is it really noisy? Hectic? How "disney-fied" is it? (I won't even look at the values because my father would flip. I want something that feels "non-Disney" when we're there). How are the pools? Are there quieter pools?

Sell me on the Contemporary!

Hi there! My dad isn't a HUGE disney fan like DH and myself. Well, when we got married down there last year, the only place he would stay is the CR. It isn't crazy themed like some of the other resorts (All Stars) but still has touches of disney. The tower is can get a bit loud b/c of Chef Mickey's but the Garden Wing is nice and quiet (that's where my dad stayed). He loves the CR and it makes him happy to be in Disney so that's good. Also, with the little ones it's nice that you can just take a short walk right to MK. No need to wait for a bus or monorail. My dad loved that the monorail lines were not nearly as long as the bus lines my sisters had to deal with at All Stars. He and I always made it to the park quicker. lol. I think if you are looking for a non-Disney feeling, CR is probably your best bet.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi everyone! I'm excited to join this thread as we just made the decision to try the Contemporary for the first time! We have booked a Theme Park View in May for three nights and we are really looking forward to it. We've previously stayed multiple places on site with the most recent at the YC which we loved. We plan to spend more time at the MK this time so it was the perfect time to make a switch!

We have a few questions.

In my reservation I requested a quiet location and an odd number room. Are there any other things I should request? My understanding was a TPV is a minimum of the 6th floor but I knew we didn't want to be near Chef Mickey's.

Is the chocolate monorail something that is still offered? I saw it mentioned in previous threads and I'd love to order that for my husband. Has anyone purchased it recently?

One last question - how are the gift shops on site? It seems that there are three. Is that just one large gift shop broken up into sections or are there literally three different gift shops? We found the shopping at YC to be really great so hoping for the same here.

Staying in the tower it seems that things are very contained - i.e. mug refill station downstairs in the tower. Is that correct? I'm comparing this to say the YC where you need to go the BC counter service restaurant or ice cream shop, or CS where you need to go to the main building.

Thank you for any help!

Any of their rooms located close to or over their stores will be more quiet then the rooms on the Chef Mickey's side, so I don't think there is anything left to say about that.

Yes the Chocolate Monorail is still offered, however we have never purchased it before.

Finally all their stores, restaurants and etc are located in the lobby or on the 4th floor, so you won't ever need to go outside for any of those things. The only outside thing will be their bus station and walkway to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

OK CR experts - sell me on it!

I'm planning a trip with my parents, DH and two little ones (will be turning 3 on the vacation and a 7 month old) next February/March. I had been looking at the Beach Club for it's proximity to Epcot (a family favorite, although with the LOs on this trip we'll probably spend more time at MK), AKL for the animals (although not fond of needing to rely on Disney buses) and POR (again, not thrilled with the bus issue but may end up there if budget becomes an issue). My dad's not a big Disney person. His last stay on property was at the Poly, mainly because at the time the Poly, CR, and Fort Wilderness were the only options (even GF was not built yet). He was not impressed (even though I've told him that they *may* have upgraded in the past 25 years! )

My mother (who also hasn't stayed on Disney property since then, but at least has been at POR when I stayed there) started poking through the resorts and is interested in CR. Honestly, I've never even considered it. Is it really noisy? Hectic? How "disney-fied" is it? (I won't even look at the values because my father would flip. I want something that feels "non-Disney" when we're there). How are the pools? Are there quieter pools?

Sell me on the Contemporary!

Well the Contemporary is the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom and the only one with a walkway that goes there. Obviously having the Resort Monorail access is great for getting to the Magic Kingdom if you don't feel like walking and easy for visiting the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. During peak times the 4th floor can be busy with a lot of guests who are there just to eat when they look around at their various stores, however that's never been a major problem and it's not an issue when you are inside your room. Finally behind their main pool is a smaller quiet pool which is located close to Bay Lake, which I have not seen anyone use.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Did you know that the CA Grill was the first WDW resort restaurant to offer sushi?

360 image and news:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/news/california-grill/

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Did you know that the CA Grill was the first WDW resort restaurant to offer sushi?

360 image and news:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/news/california-grill/

Wow I honestly never knew that, so thanks for posting that link.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Wow I honestly never knew that, so thanks for posting that link.

You're welcome.