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

[WDWKOOK]

That's very cool and I love things that have to do with the Monorail.

Me, too. After listening to "Mr. Monorail," it makes me realize that's one of the things I love about the CR/MK resorts area. I never get tired of seeing, riding or hearing the monorail. I do miss those cab rides - what a view!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Me, too. After listening to "Mr. Monorail," it makes me realize that's one of the things I love about the CR/MK resorts area. I never get tired of seeing, riding or hearing the monorail. I do miss those cab rides - what a view!

On my old BlackBerry I downloaded "Please stand clear of the doors" as my ringtone when getting e-mails. In fact one time when I was on the Resort Monorail I happen to get an e-mail although I looked at it right away to stop it. I didn't want anyone to think the doors would open or something while it was moving, lol.

Now sometimes when I need a Monorail fix I go on YouTube, type in WDW Resort Monorail and there is a series of videos of someone ridding in the front car (a few years before the accident) and filming all the stops.

 

[WDWKOOK]

On my old BlackBerry I downloaded "Please stand clear of the doors" as my ringtone when getting e-mails. In fact one time when I was on the Resort Monorail I happen to get an e-mail although I looked at it right away to stop it. I didn't want anyone to think the doors would open or something while it was moving, lol.

Now sometimes when I need a Monorail fix I go on YouTube, type in WDW Resort Monorail and there is a series of videos of someone ridding in the front car (a few years before the accident) and filming all the stops.

So you don't use that ringtone anymore? I like the audio when you arrive at Epcot and Mr. Monorail tells you all about the attractions. The monorail videos are a good fix.


Here's some information, including a schedule for everyone:

Specifications: Each of the six-car trains is 203 feet long and has 124 rubber tires powered by 600-Volt DC propulsion systems, including eight DC motors rated 113 HP each. Train bodies are made of a high-strength composite honeycomb material that allows high strength at a low weight.

Trains travel on a 26-inch-wide concrete beam supported by tapered concrete columns approximately 110 feet apart. The beams and columns are constructed in sets of six and post-tensioned together to form a single 600-foot structure. As trains move along the beamway, they pick up electrical power from a metallic buss bar.

Capacity: Nearly 7,000 guests per direction, per hour. On a typical day, more than 150,000 guests use monorail transportation.

Beam: Walt Disney World Resort has a 14.7-mile system of elevated beamway that services seven stations throughout two theme parks and several hotels.

Color Identification: Each of the current 11 monorails are identitifed by a colored stripe.

The current colors are: Teal, Red, Coral, Orange, Gold, Yellow, Lime, Green, Blue, Silver, Black. Photos of the monorails.

Pink and Purple were retired following the accident in 2009.

Monorail Teal: Teal was built by combining the undamaged portions of Pink and Purple. It took it's first test run on the Express Beam on the evening of 3 November 2009, and it entered service with guests at 1:30pm on 4 November 2009.

Monorail TRON (aka the TRONOrail): As marketing for the 2010 movie TRON Legacy, Monorail Coral was covered in a full piece of TRON artwork. The nose cones of the monorail were painted blue, while the rest of the artwork was a wrap. It debuted on March 19 2010 on the Epcot beam. Photos of Monorail TRON.

Stations: Transporation and Ticket Center, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridan Resort.

Schedule

Epcot Monorail

The Epcot Monorail runs from 8am until 1.5 hours after either Epcot or the Magic Kingdom closes (the latest of the two). During special events or Epcot Extra Magic Hours, the Epcot monorail runs until Epcot is clear of guests.

Express Monorail

The Express Monorail schedule begins 30 minutes prior to Magic Kingdom opening until the park is clear of guests.

Resort Monorail

The Resort Monorail runs from 7am until 2 hours after the Magic Kingdom and Epcot close (the latest of the two). During special events or Magic Kingdom Extra Magic Hours, the Resort monorail runs until the Magic Kingdom is clear of guests.


Monorail Routes

Epcot Monorail

Transportation and Ticket Center to Epcot to Transportation and Ticket Center

Express Monorail

Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom to Transportation and Ticket Center

Resort Monorail

Transportation and Ticket Center to Polynesian Resort to Grand Floridian Resort to Magic Kingdom to Contemporary to Transportation and Ticket Center.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Transportation/monorail.htm

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

So you don't use that ringtone anymore? I like the audio when you arrive at Epcot and Mr. Monorail tells you all about the attractions. The monorail videos are a good fix.


Here's some information, including a schedule for everyone:

Specifications: Each of the six-car trains is 203 feet long and has 124 rubber tires powered by 600-Volt DC propulsion systems, including eight DC motors rated 113 HP each. Train bodies are made of a high-strength composite honeycomb material that allows high strength at a low weight.

Trains travel on a 26-inch-wide concrete beam supported by tapered concrete columns approximately 110 feet apart. The beams and columns are constructed in sets of six and post-tensioned together to form a single 600-foot structure. As trains move along the beamway, they pick up electrical power from a metallic buss bar.

Capacity: Nearly 7,000 guests per direction, per hour. On a typical day, more than 150,000 guests use monorail transportation.

Beam: Walt Disney World Resort has a 14.7-mile system of elevated beamway that services seven stations throughout two theme parks and several hotels.

Color Identification: Each of the current 11 monorails are identitifed by a colored stripe.

The current colors are: Teal, Red, Coral, Orange, Gold, Yellow, Lime, Green, Blue, Silver, Black. Photos of the monorails.

Pink and Purple were retired following the accident in 2009.

Monorail Teal: Teal was built by combining the undamaged portions of Pink and Purple. It took it's first test run on the Express Beam on the evening of 3 November 2009, and it entered service with guests at 1:30pm on 4 November 2009.

Monorail TRON (aka the TRONOrail): As marketing for the 2010 movie TRON Legacy, Monorail Coral was covered in a full piece of TRON artwork. The nose cones of the monorail were painted blue, while the rest of the artwork was a wrap. It debuted on March 19 2010 on the Epcot beam. Photos of Monorail TRON.

Stations: Transporation and Ticket Center, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridan Resort.

Schedule

Epcot Monorail

The Epcot Monorail runs from 8am until 1.5 hours after either Epcot or the Magic Kingdom closes (the latest of the two). During special events or Epcot Extra Magic Hours, the Epcot monorail runs until Epcot is clear of guests.

Express Monorail

The Express Monorail schedule begins 30 minutes prior to Magic Kingdom opening until the park is clear of guests.

Resort Monorail

The Resort Monorail runs from 7am until 2 hours after the Magic Kingdom and Epcot close (the latest of the two). During special events or Magic Kingdom Extra Magic Hours, the Resort monorail runs until the Magic Kingdom is clear of guests.


Monorail Routes

Epcot Monorail

Transportation and Ticket Center to Epcot to Transportation and Ticket Center

Express Monorail

Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom to Transportation and Ticket Center

Resort Monorail

Transportation and Ticket Center to Polynesian Resort to Grand Floridian Resort to Magic Kingdom to Contemporary to Transportation and Ticket Center.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Transportation/monorail.htm

This past February when I upgraded to my new BlackBerry I never bothered to re-download the Monorail announcement.

Thanks for posting all that information about the Monorail.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

From your experience, does the Contemporary usual grant "late check-out"? Our flight doesn't leave until 6 which means ME doesn't get us until 3pm. I have a 1 year old who I am sure would love to have his nap at his usual time (aka mommy will force him to nap) - do you think we could request a late check-out??

The latest a WDW hotel has ever given us is 1pm (but usually its noon). Any later than that and they will charge you a fee.

 

[smooreo]

We're planning our October 2012 trip for 6 (me, dh, ds, dd, and my parents). We're really hoping for a 2bd in BLT, probably with a lake view. I've heard (probably here!) that we can't book BLT at the 499 day marks since the suites are still reserved for DVC members.

If this is the case, should we book 2 rooms at CR just to make sure we have at least somewhere to stay for our trip and then change it to BLT when something becomes available?

And how do you know when something becomes available? This is my first planning trip to WDW (been there as a kid but never as a parent!).

I would consider renting points but my Dad is definitely not comfortable with it. What are the odds of getting a suite in October (around the 18th or so).

Thanks! These really are the only resorts that interest us!

Sarah

 

[dvczerfs]

just a quick question. i dont recall from our trip in 2009. are there coffee mugs in room? im pretty sure there are but i just want to be sure. we purchased a mini keurig for traveling and the plastic mugs are to tall for the machine. thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

We're planning our October 2012 trip for 6 (me, dh, ds, dd, and my parents). We're really hoping for a 2bd in BLT, probably with a lake view. I've heard (probably here!) that we can't book BLT at the 499 day marks since the suites are still reserved for DVC members.

If this is the case, should we book 2 rooms at CR just to make sure we have at least somewhere to stay for our trip and then change it to BLT when something becomes available?

And how do you know when something becomes available? This is my first planning trip to WDW (been there as a kid but never as a parent!).

I would consider renting points but my Dad is definitely not comfortable with it. What are the odds of getting a suite in October (around the 18th or so).

Thanks! These really are the only resorts that interest us!

Sarah

Sarah,

If you (or your dad) book a "cash reservation" instead of renting points, all you have to do is go to the WDW booking site here, put in your dates and the BLT rooms that are available will be listed. Your dates would not be in the system yet though, but you could look for October 2011 to get an idea. You can then book online or you can call the WDTC and book. The nice thing about a cash reservation is that you can use a discount such as a general public discount or a pin code, if you have one. Also, you will get housekeeping everyday.

 

[WDWKOOK]

just a quick question. i dont recall from our trip in 2009. are there coffee mugs in room? im pretty sure there are but i just want to be sure. we purchased a mini keurig for traveling and the plastic mugs are to tall for the machine. thanks

Yes, there are black, ceramic mugs.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Sarah,

If you (or your dad) book a "cash reservation" instead of renting points, all you have to do is go to the WDW booking site here, put in your dates and the BLT rooms that are available will be listed. Your dates would not be in the system yet though, but you could look for October 2011 to get an idea. You can then book online or you can call the WDTC and book. The nice thing about a cash reservation is that you can use a discount such as a general public discount or a pin code, if you have one. Also, you will get housekeeping everyday.

Good point saying there are discounts for the DVC Resorts when making a cash reservation, because from what I can tell people might think because it's DVC that means they don't offer room only discounts and etc.

 

[clemsondisneyfan]

Tomorrow....tomorrow....we will be at WDW Tomorrow!

I'll be sure to come back and answer any questions about CR!

This board has been sooooo helpful. Thanks everyone!

3 nights at the Swan (alcove suite w/balcony)
7 nights at the Contemporary (14th floor, 1 BR suite, MKV)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Tomorrow....tomorrow....we will be at WDW Tomorrow!

I'll be sure to come back and answer any questions about CR!

This board has been sooooo helpful. Thanks everyone!

3 nights at the Swan (alcove suite w/balcony)
7 nights at the Contemporary (14th floor, 1 BR suite, MKV)

I hope you have a great time and remember take a lot of pictures to post on here.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Tomorrow....tomorrow....we will be at WDW Tomorrow!

I'll be sure to come back and answer any questions about CR!

This board has been sooooo helpful. Thanks everyone!

3 nights at the Swan (alcove suite w/balcony)
7 nights at the Contemporary (14th floor, 1 BR suite, MKV)

I hope you have a great time and remember take a lot of pictures to post on here.

Yes, have a great vacation and I second CRRF4L in asking for room photos. BTW, did you book the suite online or did you call the WDTC?

Happy travels!

 

[dvczerfs]

Yes, there are black, ceramic mugs.

thank you!

 

[branv]

Oh my goodness...booked for May 11-15, just checked to see what was still available at CR for our trip, and the only room is the GW Hospitality Suite (oooonly $1100/night ). Any chance we'll be upgraded to that room?

Kidding

Actually, wanted to hear anyone's experience being at CR when it was completely booked. Any tips for avoiding crowds? I feel fairly confident this is due to the D23 stuff being held at CR during that time, which means less novices, more peeps "in the know" too. So perhaps the smart thing would be to actually do the opposite of what is expert knowledge for "best times" and practices, etc Which also makes me wonder if this might be one of those occasions where it would actually be wiser to NOT do online check-in if it's what Diz-philes know to do to save time. If everyone is in that line to save time... Well, you get where I'm going with this.

Thoughts?

 

[TinkWink]

branv, I'm kind of nervous about the crowds that week, too! I thought we were picking a great time to go, but stuff seems to be really booked around then! I had no idea about the D23 thing until I started searching for events that might have rooms/restaurants booked. Oh well, I'm sure we will have a good time anyway!

clemsondisneyfan, I, too, would LOVE to see photos of your suite! I hope you have a fabulous time!!!

 

[pas130]

Tomorrow....tomorrow....we will be at WDW Tomorrow!

I'll be sure to come back and answer any questions about CR!

This board has been sooooo helpful. Thanks everyone!

3 nights at the Swan (alcove suite w/balcony)
7 nights at the Contemporary (14th floor, 1 BR suite, MKV)

Have a blast

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Oh my goodness...booked for May 11-15, just checked to see what was still available at CR for our trip, and the only room is the GW Hospitality Suite (oooonly $1100/night ). Any chance we'll be upgraded to that room?

Kidding

Actually, wanted to hear anyone's experience being at CR when it was completely booked. Any tips for avoiding crowds? I feel fairly confident this is due to the D23 stuff being held at CR during that time, which means less novices, more peeps "in the know" too. So perhaps the smart thing would be to actually do the opposite of what is expert knowledge for "best times" and practices, etc Which also makes me wonder if this might be one of those occasions where it would actually be wiser to NOT do online check-in if it's what Diz-philes know to do to save time. If everyone is in that line to save time... Well, you get where I'm going with this.

Thoughts?

It was either in August 2000 or 2001 but I remember Raymond James was having a huge convention with a lot of people because they also brought their families and on the day they checked-in the line in the lobby was almost out the door. So it was a good thing my family and I had arrived a few years before. Then a few years later I remember staying there when Home Depot had a convention and more recently when the general managers of all the Olive Gardens locations across the United States had a convention. Those two also took place during the month of August. Now in terms of crowds it honestly wasn't that bad because those people were in meetings and etc. So you only saw them if you were walking around the 2nd floor meeting rooms or inside the convention center. Plus if they were walking around the stores and etc they were always wearing their lanyards which said what company they were with, so that's how you would know they were even there. Basically what I am saying is since the Contemporary always gets non guests who eat at their restaurants everyday it's hard to tell who is staying there and who isn't when their rooms are sold out.

As for doing online check-in we personally have never done it since we always stay Club Level, however it might be good to try it just incase and you can avoid any long lines at their regular check-in desk.

 

[TinkWink]

I GOT MY BROCHURE AND LUGGAGE TAGS IN THE MAIL!!!!!!!!!!

I have one thing to say about the luggage tags: CHEAP! I know they're just freebies, and for people who go all the time, they don't want tons of luggage tags. But the ones from 2007 were much nicer!

 

[dissybroad]

We're planning our October 2012 trip for 6 (me, dh, ds, dd, and my parents). We're really hoping for a 2bd in BLT, probably with a lake view. I've heard (probably here!) that we can't book BLT at the 499 day marks since the suites are still reserved for DVC members.

If this is the case, should we book 2 rooms at CR just to make sure we have at least somewhere to stay for our trip and then change it to BLT when something becomes available?

And how do you know when something becomes available? This is my first planning trip to WDW (been there as a kid but never as a parent!).

I would consider renting points but my Dad is definitely not comfortable with it. What are the odds of getting a suite in October (around the 18th or so).

Thanks! These really are the only resorts that interest us!

Sarah

I booked 2 cabins at FW back in 6/10 for 12/11 trip with intention of calling for 2 BR cash villa @BLT at 6 month mark.

On 1/21/11, I called about something and asked to confirm that I could call back r/t BLT in June. CM checked, BLT had been released, and I booked 2 BR cash villa, NOT DVC for 12/3/11-12/13/11.

I don't know how that happened, but I keep hearing "if you don't get the answer you want the first time you call, keep calling". It sure worked for us.