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

[fla4fun]

It was either in August 2001 or 2002 but I remember Raymond James was having a convention at the Contemporary and the day they arrived the line to check-in was at the main entrance to the lobby, plus they also brought their families with them. So I guess that's what it might be like during this Olive Garden convention.

That's when I think online check-in becomes the big time saver. Even if a lot of the conventioneers use it as well, you know you're already checked in and have a room assigned.

You would think, if a convention that large was checking in, that they would dedicate some of the front desk just for the conventioneers to use and some of it for the general public to use. Or even better, make it a requirement that the conventioneers use online check in, and have their key packages somewhere totally separate, like at the reception desk on the second floor, to make it easier for everyone.

 

[WDWKOOK]

That's when I think online check-in becomes the big time saver. Even if a lot of the conventioneers use it as well, you know you're already checked in and have a room assigned.

You would think, if a convention that large was checking in, that they would dedicate some of the front desk just for the conventioneers to use and some of it for the general public to use. Or even better, make it a requirement that the conventioneers use online check in, and have their key packages somewhere totally separate, like at the reception desk on the second floor, to make it easier for everyone.

Maybe the Raymond James conference or the Union conference was the inspiration for the advent of online check-in.

Actually, your room is already assigned 2-3 days prior to arrival whether you do online check-in or not. Also, would all conventioneers necessarily arrive at the same time? I don't know how it works as I've never attended one.

In 8-08 when the HUGE Union convention was there, a front desk CM told us they had booked the entire Atrium Club (go figure). So I wonder if they had club-level check-in?

 

[Sadie22]

My husband and I will be staying at the Contemporary before, during, and after his convention this summer.

Will all the attendees stay as long as we do? Probably not.

Will all bring their families? Probably not. Our grown children want no part of it.

Will we eat all of our meals there? No way. I've got lots of ADRs, some meals by myself while he's in session, some together, all over the parks and resorts.

From my experience attending the previous convention in another state, there will be a special registration desk for convention attendees in the convention center, but that's to check in for the convention, not to check in at the hotel. Attendees are coming from a large area of the country and arriving at all different times just like any vacationers. Not all attendees are using the convention rate and staying at CR. Some are staying at the campground in their RVs, or at other resorts.

We will all have a great time regardless of why any of us chose CR.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

That's when I think online check-in becomes the big time saver. Even if a lot of the conventioneers use it as well, you know you're already checked in and have a room assigned.

You would think, if a convention that large was checking in, that they would dedicate some of the front desk just for the conventioneers to use and some of it for the general public to use. Or even better, make it a requirement that the conventioneers use online check in, and have their key packages somewhere totally separate, like at the reception desk on the second floor, to make it easier for everyone.

I agree with everything you said and I remember saying to my family when we saw the Raymond James people checking in, I was surprised that they didn't set up a different check-in area just for them somewhere in the convention center.

 

[WeLuvWDWx5]

You're welcome.

The Cove Bar serves drinks/food at the BLT pool. Here is a link to the menu:

http://allears.net/menu/menu_cove.htm

The TWL is still only for DVC members and those staying on points. Maybe that will change by the time we stay there

So if we are renting points from a DVC member for our stay in July, we are allowed entry to TWL? I thought it was for DVC members only, and we would not be allowed entry since we were just renting points from a DVC member. What do you have to present to the CM to gain entry to the TWL?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

So if we are renting points from a DVC member for our stay in July, we are allowed entry to TWL? I thought it was for DVC members only, and we would not be allowed entry since we were just renting points from a DVC member. What do you have to present to the CM to gain entry to the TWL?

You need to be a DVC member staying on your own points to go up there. As for what they ask to see I believe they ask for your current KTTW cards that say DVC member and your DVC membership cards.

 

[WDWKOOK]

So if we are renting points from a DVC member for our stay in July, we are allowed entry to TWL? I thought it was for DVC members only, and we would not be allowed entry since we were just renting points from a DVC member. What do you have to present to the CM to gain entry to the TWL?

All you will need is your KTTW card. As long as you are staying on points, and the DVC member has made the reservaton for you, your KTTW card will have "DVC" printed on it. (I've only read this on the DIS, I've not actually experienced it myself).

Here are the rules on usage of the TWL:

From:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983


UPDATED: Top of the World Lounge Guidelines
WRITTEN BY TIM KRASNIEWSKI | JULY 21, 2009
POSTED IN BAY LAKE TOWER NEWS

With the Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort two weeks away from opening, the resort's Top of the World Lounge has become a frequent topic of discussion. The lounge will provide guests an amazing opportunity to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the 16th floor of the new Disney Vacation Club resort. But what sort of usage guidelines will apply to DVC members and guests? DVCNews contacted a Disney Vacation Club rep for details.

NOTE: This article has been updated to clarify the process by which guests will gain access to the lounge and deck.

Top of the World Lounge is a 77-seat full-service bar offering beverages and light appetizers, and is located on the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Next to the lounge is an observation deck offering unparalleled views of Magic Kingdom® Park.

The regular operating hours for the lounge and deck are from 5:00 p.m.-midnight daily.

In order to utilize the loung or deck, members must go to the desk in the Bay Lake Tower Lobby and check with the host/hostess for availability that day. The lobby information desk--similar to that used by the Contemporary Tower's California Grill--will be staffed during the operating hours of the lounge and deck. The host/hostess will control access to the lounge and deck, and be charged with enforcing occupancy limits. Members will not have direct access to the16th floor.

Availability of the lounge and deck will be established on a day-to-day basis.

The lobby reception desk will not be able to provide information on availability beyond the current operating day.

There are no reservations.

The maximum posted occupancy is 77 for the lounge and 499 for the deck. However, admission to the deck may be limited as Disney evaluates how many guests can comfortably enjoy the experience.

Due to anticipated high demand for this location, access to the lounge and deck is available only to Disney Vacation Club Members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower using their Membership, guests staying in the room with that Member, and guests who are staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points. Availability is strictly first-come, first-served.

Operating hours, access guidelines, and menu are subject to change without notice.

The Top of the World Lounge represents new territory for Disney operations staff. They have made every attempt to anticipate challenges involved in operating what is destined to be a highly sought-after evening destination. Nevertheless minor policy adjustments are likely to be made over time.

We will continue to monitor usage guidelines surrounding this resort amenity and help inform members of any changes as they occur.

 

[WDWKOOK]

My husband and I will be staying at the Contemporary before, during, and after his convention this summer.

Will all the attendees stay as long as we do? Probably not.

Will all bring their families? Probably not. Our grown children want no part of it.

Will we eat all of our meals there? No way. I've got lots of ADRs, some meals by myself while he's in session, some together, all over the parks and resorts.

From my experience attending the previous convention in another state, there will be a special registration desk for convention attendees in the convention center, but that's to check in for the convention, not to check in at the hotel. Attendees are coming from a large area of the country and arriving at all different times just like any vacationers. Not all attendees are using the convention rate and staying at CR. Some are staying at the campground in their RVs, or at other resorts.

We will all have a great time regardless of why any of us chose CR.

Thanks for posting this. I hope you have a great time at the CR this summer!

 

[Sadie22]

Thanks for posting this. I hope you have a great time at the CR this summer!

Thank you! You, too!

 

[wdhinn89]

This was posted on the Resort board that from August 16 - 19 there will be am Olive Garden conference with 600 general managers and higher ups. Since family and I will be there during that time from the 10th - 20th it will be intresting to see just how busy it will be.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35583662&postcount=1

I checked out availability for Aug 16-19 and every type of room is available.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I checked out availability for Aug 16-19 and every type of room is available.

That seem's a bit odd with a convention group that size, although since my family and I already have our reservations during that time it's not a concern for us.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I checked out availability for Aug 16-19 and every type of room is available.

...Except the Tower Club level (14th floor). That was the only category not listed just now. Not only is it the most expensive category, but it has the fewest number of rooms. There's no way 600+ OGGMs are going to fit up there. (Especially if they frequently eat their 2000 calorie Fettucinni Alfredo, Cinderumbrella!)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

...Except the Tower Club level (14th floor). That was the only category not listed just now. Not only is it the most expensve category, but it has the fewest number of rooms. There's no way 600+ OGGMs are going to fit up there. (Especially if they frequently eat their 2000 calorie Fettucinni Alfredo, Cinderumbrella!)

Plus the lounge on the 14th floor is that not big, although one reason is their 16 total rooms located up there and as you said they are not staying up there.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

...Except the Tower Club level (14th floor). That was the only category not listed just now. Not only is it the most expensve category, but it has the fewest number of rooms. There's no way 600+ OGGMs are going to fit up there. (Especially if they frequently eat their 2000 calorie Fettucinni Alfredo, Cinderumbrella!)

 

[mamasha]

Do all rooms have connecting doors? We stayed at AKL last year and could really hear neighbors from this door....I was hoping for a room w/out such a door.

 

[mdrob214]

Do all rooms have connecting doors? We stayed at AKL last year and could really hear neighbors from this door....I was hoping for a room w/out such a door.

no--ours didn't have one

 

[flipflopmom]

Can anyone give me a breakdown of how long to allow to get to DHS, Epcot, and AK? Meaning, time from bus station/monorail? How long to allow for next bus, monorail to get there, plus travel time? Thanks! Going in June, if that matters. Some for RD, some evenings

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Can anyone give me a breakdown of how long to allow to get to DHS, Epcot, and AK? Meaning, time from bus station/monorail? How long to allow for next bus, monorail to get there, plus travel time? Thanks! Going in June, if that matters. Some for RD, some evenings

Getting to Epcot if everything goes right with both Monorail's should take about 20 minutes, although if you need to wait for the Epcot Monorail at the TTC it could take about 30 minutes, since it takes a while for the next one to arrive. As for Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom, if your going in the mornings the Contemporary shares bus service with the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge. However if your going in the afternoon/evening they then share with both the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. So I would say for those two parks it could take around 30 minutes or maybe more.

 

[flipflopmom]

Thanks! So, to be safe, allow 45 minutes to get to all three? (Thinking specifically for ADRs when we have a specific time to be there!)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks! So, to be safe, allow 45 minutes to get to all three? (Thinking specifically for ADRs when we have a specific time to be there!)

You're welcome and yes I would allow for at least 45 minutes extra to be on the safe side. Although if you happen to have a car while your there driving would be a lot faster and you get free parking at the theme parks since your staying onsite.