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

[cheesemouse]

Hi everyone - We have tentatively decided on a last minute trip in May and have secured a 2BR LV at BLT and are very excited! My 2 kids are 4 and 21 months and having 3 separate sleeping areas will be awesome! A few questions about BLT:

-Can I request a dedicated 2BR as opposed to a lock out. If we get a lockout, my 4 year old may be sleeping in the studio portion and I'm concerned about him having access to the main door into the hotel. Should I be worried about this???

-Is there a way for me to tell what type of 2BR I currently have? I've seen these "4L" "4Z" codes and such but am not seeing anything like that on my email confirmation from disney.

-What's the best way to put in a request on room types now that I have it booked? Call reservations?

-Website says that pack-n-play and highchair are included. Are they in every unit or should I put in a request for these? I also read about the deluxes having full size cribs??? That would be a dream! Anyone know if this is true at BLT?

Thanks a million. This is so last minute for me that I'm a bit frazzled.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi everyone - We have tentatively decided on a last minute trip in May and have secured a 2BR LV at BLT and are very excited! My 2 kids are 4 and 21 months and having 3 separate sleeping areas will be awesome! A few questions about BLT:

-Can I request a dedicated 2BR as opposed to a lock out. If we get a lockout, my 4 year old may be sleeping in the studio portion and I'm concerned about him having access to the main door into the hotel. Should I be worried about this???

-Is there a way for me to tell what type of 2BR I currently have? I've seen these "4L" "4Z" codes and such but am not seeing anything like that on my email confirmation from disney.

-What's the best way to put in a request on room types now that I have it booked? Call reservations?

-Website says that pack-n-play and highchair are included. Are they in every unit or should I put in a request for these? I also read about the deluxes having full size cribs??? That would be a dream! Anyone know if this is true at BLT?

Thanks a million. This is so last minute for me that I'm a bit frazzled.

The only one of your questions I can answer is about your request and yes your right that if you have any then it's best to call CRO to tell them what they are.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone - We have tentatively decided on a last minute trip in May and have secured a 2BR LV at BLT and are very excited! My 2 kids are 4 and 21 months and having 3 separate sleeping areas will be awesome! A few questions about BLT:

-Can I request a dedicated 2BR as opposed to a lock out. If we get a lockout, my 4 year old may be sleeping in the studio portion and I'm concerned about him having access to the main door into the hotel. Should I be worried about this???

-Is there a way for me to tell what type of 2BR I currently have? I've seen these "4L" "4Z" codes and such but am not seeing anything like that on my email confirmation from disney.

-What's the best way to put in a request on room types now that I have it booked? Call reservations?

-Website says that pack-n-play and highchair are included. Are they in every unit or should I put in a request for these? I also read about the deluxes having full size cribs??? That would be a dream! Anyone know if this is true at BLT?

Thanks a million. This is so last minute for me that I'm a bit frazzled.

Here is a thread made just for you - the BLT Rooms and Views thread:

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

Most if not all of your questions are already answered in the thread or post your question and someone will have all the answers.

The thread is over 50 pages long, but it's worth spending some time to go through it all since it has many photos and info. that will be helpful to you.

The WDTC/CRO will place your room location request onto your reservation for you. You'll absolutely need to look at the thread above before making your request.

Good luck and have a fantastic vacation!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am staying garden wing/view room in May w/pin for about 230 and now I see that public general code has MK tower for $300/320....I want to upgrade but it will be 500 for 6 nights.

The GW rooms are exactly the same as the Tower rooms. Request a ground floor room facing Bay Lake and you'll have a fantastic view right next to the beach and steps from the pool. You can walk right out onto your patio to the water and there are always plenty of cute ducks and bunnies around. It's a fantastic location and a great $aving$.

If you really want to stay in the Tower, could you compromise and stay in a Tower room with a Bay Lake view? They are less expensive than the MKV, but you would still be in the Tower. We personally prefer the BLV over the MKV. We love looking out at the lake and seeing the marina and beach and all of the birds on what was Discovery Island and seeing the EWP at 10:05, but no cars, parking lots or buses.

Let us know what you end up doing

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I am staying garden wing/view room in May w/pin for about 230 and now I see that public general code has MK tower for $300/320....I want to upgrade but it will be 500 for 6 nights.

The GW rooms are exactly the same as the Tower rooms. Request a ground floor room facing Bay Lake and you'll have a fantastic view right next to the beach and steps from the pool. You can walk right out onto your patio to the water and there are always plenty of cute ducks and bunnies around. It's a fantastic location and a great $aving$.

If you really want to stay in the Tower, could you compromise and stay in a Tower room with a Bay Lake view? They are less expensive than the MKV, but you would still be in the Tower. We personally prefer the BLV over the MKV. We love looking out at the lake and seeing the marina and beach and all of the birds on what was Discovery Island and seeing the EWP at 10:05, but no cars, parking lots or buses.

Let us know what you end up doing

That is such a tough decision to make!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And at that price difference I would be tempted to do it!! There was good advice given above.

Ask yourself, why do you want the MK view? Will you be back in the room most nights to enjoy the fireworks? Do you plan on using the refillable mugs alot that being in the tower makes the Contempo just a short elevator ride away?

If the answer is no to both of those, then I would keep the wing room. I have stayed wing and it really is nice over there. The rooms are the same decor and size. We were on the top floor and there was NEVER a wait for the elevator, so getting back to the tower is not a big deal (plus it is a covered walkway, so no worrying about the elements).

If you do plan on watching the fireworks from your room at least 3 or 4 nights, then go for the upgrade if it is financially feasible.

If fireworks are not a priority but you still want to "be in the tower" then check out the price difference for a Bay Lake View like WDWKOOK suggested.

Best of luck on your decision!

 

[BCV23]

Here's a report that RAC for SW has begun at the CR/BLT:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35882575&postcount=84

 

[BCV23]

Hi everyone - We have tentatively decided on a last minute trip in May and have secured a 2BR LV at BLT and are very excited! My 2 kids are 4 and 21 months and having 3 separate sleeping areas will be awesome! A few questions about BLT:

-Can I request a dedicated 2BR as opposed to a lock out. If we get a lockout, my 4 year old may be sleeping in the studio portion and I'm concerned about him having access to the main door into the hotel. Should I be worried about this???

-Is there a way for me to tell what type of 2BR I currently have? I've seen these "4L" "4Z" codes and such but am not seeing anything like that on my email confirmation from disney.

-What's the best way to put in a request on room types now that I have it booked? Call reservations?

-Website says that pack-n-play and highchair are included. Are they in every unit or should I put in a request for these? I also read about the deluxes having full size cribs??? That would be a dream! Anyone know if this is true at BLT?

Thanks a million. This is so last minute for me that I'm a bit frazzled.

All villas usually have pack n plays and high chairs. If yours is missing, just call housekeeping (not the front desk).

For DVC reservations, we know when we book if we have a dedicated or lockout. I've read but don't know if it's accurate that with cash reservations that is not the case. Sorry I can't help with the codes but you can certainly call Disney Reservation Center and make the request. I would mention your concern when you do.

The deluxe hotels do (or did last I knew) have cribs but they really aren't full size. I would think you could request one when you check in. Again, call housekeeping.

Hope that helps a bit. Have fun...we love BLT!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here's a report that RAC for SW has begun at the CR/BLT:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35882575&postcount=84

Thanks for posting that link.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you really want to stay in the Tower, could you compromise and stay in a Tower room with a Bay Lake view? They are less expensive than the MKV, but you would still be in the Tower. We personally prefer the BLV over the MKV. We love looking out at the lake and seeing the marina and beach and all of the birds on what was Discovery Island and seeing the EWP at 10:05, but no cars, parking lots or buses.

I agree with that suggestion.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for posting that link.

You're welcome, CRFan. I'm glad to make a tiny contribution to your great thread.

Isn't it great that RAC will include SW now? We fly other airlines most of the time but will most likely fly SW more often now.

 

[sto6917]

Help - getting ready to book for last minute trip - CR, Tower - Theme park view. Will I have easy access to monorail? Any negatives I should keep in mind?

Are all of the views ok?

Thanks!

 

[lissiesmum]

Well, I'm still trying to price out next year's vacation...I didn't realize there was such a big difference in price between the standard view and garden view out in the wing! I've seen many pics on the CR photo thread of the garden view, but I couldn't seem to find any of the standard view. Are they all parking lot views, or are some just trees and such? Can anyone confirm how bad the parking lot view is, or have any pictures? Are the cars somewhat concealed by vegetation? If I book the standard view, we could spend our whole vacation at the CR, but if I want to spend the extra for the garden view, we'd have to do the split with the Dolphin...I know my DD wants to stay at the CR so bad, but I'm trying to keep our next vacation on a budget...what would you do? We do spend a lot of time in our room, so view is somewhat important. Our stay at the Poly two visits ago we had a room view of nothing but trees, but at least it wasn't unpleasant...I could handle standard view if our patio wasn't on top of the cars????

 

[lissiesmum]

So much for planning early! I decided to put a garden wing room on hold just in case, and I could figure out later which view to choose...and there is no availablility! Talk about people planning far in advance! I thought I was crazy calling 14 months out, but everyone else already beat me to it! The only thing available was a standard CL, or MK view...neither of which I can afford. Oh well, maybe next time, CR! I'm in shock!

So, maybe I can book CR's neighbor now that I'm thinking about it...the BLT??? I looked on mousesavers and there doesn't seem to be an Easter rate like the CR has...the BLT has my week listed as regular season...could there be a light at the end of my tunnel? If you stay in a studio, and you need to use the pullout bed, does mousekeeping make it up every day, or how does that work? I've never given a studio much thought, but it might be a good option, and it's only a little more than the garden view! What do you guys think? Also, what is the "standard view" at the BLT?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Help - getting ready to book for last minute trip - CR, Tower - Theme park view. Will I have easy access to monorail? Any negatives I should keep in mind?

Are all of the views ok?

Thanks!

Yes you will have easy access to the Monorail because all you do is take the elevator to the 4th floor, then you go on the esclator to the Monorail station. Now the only negative I can think of is if you have a room over Chef Mickey's you might hear the noise from there however some people din't mind it, so it's 50/50 about that. Anyway if you think it might be an issue request a room on the other side by the Fantasia store.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

You're welcome, CRFan. I'm glad to make a tiny contribution to your great thread.

Isn't it great that RAC will include SW now? We fly other airlines most of the time but will most likely fly SW more often now.

Well my family and I have never used Magical Express before because when we do fly down we like renting a car, plus we couldn't use RAC if we did use Magical Express because it's only good if your flying within in the United States and we would be flying back home to Canada. Plus no Airlines in Canada are apart of RAC.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

So much for planning early! I decided to put a garden wing room on hold just in case, and I could figure out later which view to choose...and there is no availablility! Talk about people planning far in advance! I thought I was crazy calling 14 months out, but everyone else already beat me to it! The only thing available was a standard CL, or MK view...neither of which I can afford. Oh well, maybe next time, CR! I'm in shock!

So, maybe I can book CR's neighbor now that I'm thinking about it...the BLT??? I looked on mousesavers and there doesn't seem to be an Easter rate like the CR has...the BLT has my week listed as regular season...could there be a light at the end of my tunnel? If you stay in a studio, and you need to use the pullout bed, does mousekeeping make it up every day, or how does that work? I've never given a studio much thought, but it might be a good option, and it's only a little more than the garden view! What do you guys think? Also, what is the "standard view" at the BLT?

Well since Easter 2011 is a long time from now I would think rooms at the Contemporary would open up, although I am guessing there must be a major convention taking place during that time.

Now I am sure Bay Lake Tower is a great place to stay at, however the only thing I know about DVC Resorts is that you only get housekeeping service every few days if your a DVC member staying on points, however non DVC members staying on a regular reservation get it everyday. So I am not sure how it works with a studio and a pullout bed.

 

[WDWKOOK]

So much for planning early! I decided to put a garden wing room on hold just in case, and I could figure out later which view to choose...and there is no availablility! Talk about people planning far in advance! I thought I was crazy calling 14 months out, but everyone else already beat me to it! The only thing available was a standard CL, or MK view...neither of which I can afford. Oh well, maybe next time, CR! I'm in shock!

So, maybe I can book CR's neighbor now that I'm thinking about it...the BLT??? I looked on mousesavers and there doesn't seem to be an Easter rate like the CR has...the BLT has my week listed as regular season...could there be a light at the end of my tunnel? If you stay in a studio, and you need to use the pullout bed, does mousekeeping make it up every day, or how does that work? I've never given a studio much thought, but it might be a good option, and it's only a little more than the garden view! What do you guys think? Also, what is the "standard view" at the BLT?

I agree with CRRF4L, I'll bet you a Dole Whip something will definitely open up between now and 45 days prior to arrival. The least expensive rooms at the CR (and most other resorts) generally book first - GW and BLV Tower. Keep checking online periodically and you'll be surprised how much availability fluctuates (at all resorts) in the span of one year.

As long as you're staying on a cash ressie at BLT (or any DVC) daily housekeeping is included. They should make-up the pull-out and fold it back up (barring any human occupants).

Good luck and keep us posted

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well, I'm still trying to price out next year's vacation...I didn't realize there was such a big difference in price between the standard view and garden view out in the wing! I've seen many pics on the CR photo thread of the garden view, but I couldn't seem to find any of the standard view. Are they all parking lot views, or are some just trees and such? Can anyone confirm how bad the parking lot view is, or have any pictures? Are the cars somewhat concealed by vegetation? If I book the standard view, we could spend our whole vacation at the CR, but if I want to spend the extra for the garden view, we'd have to do the split with the Dolphin...I know my DD wants to stay at the CR so bad, but I'm trying to keep our next vacation on a budget...what would you do? We do spend a lot of time in our room, so view is somewhat important. Our stay at the Poly two visits ago we had a room view of nothing but trees, but at least it wasn't unpleasant...I could handle standard view if our patio wasn't on top of the cars????

Here is a link to photos posted by WUVmyDISNEY of their GW standard view room - pretty nice, huh? Keep checking for availability

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29441334&highlight=standard+view#post29441334

 

[Wigit12]

Here's a report that RAC for SW has begun at the CR/BLT:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35882575&postcount=84

Thank you!! I really hope it's true. We leave tomorrow and would LOVE to be able to check bags since we have a late return flight. Always hated dragging the bags through MCO to SW.

 

[BCV23]

Well my family and I have never used Magical Express before because when we do fly down we like renting a car, plus we couldn't use RAC if we did use Magical Express because it's only good if your flying within in the United States and we would be flying back home to Canada. Plus no Airlines in Canada are apart of RAC.

We always have a rental car and still use RAC. You do not need to use ME to check your bags with RAC.

You're right about International passengers not being able to use it.

Still SW is a great addition for domestic passengers at the CR.