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

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Does CR offer late check out?

You need to request it the day before you check-out date, however getting it depends on how many guests are checking-in the next day and some other factors. So getting it will either be a yes or no.

 

[baler31]

Has anyone rented a cabana at the CR pool ? We may schedule this during our resort day and was hoping to get feedback. Thanks.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Has anyone rented a cabana at the CR pool ? We may schedule this during our resort day and was hoping to get feedback. Thanks.

Craig's site has some nice cabana photos and info., however, I think the price has increased:

http://www.contemporaryresort.net/cabana.html

 

[WDWKOOK]

Does CR offer late check out?

Here is some info. that csaribay posted recently on another thread:

You can ask, but with DVC resorts (villas), the general practice is no late check-outs at all, baring extraordinary circumstances. This is built into the contract for members (IIRC) and for reasons of consistency and the greater period of time it takes to turn villas vs standard hotel rooms, this practice is applied to renters as well. Exceptions to this practice, as I previously mentioned, are rare.

You can have bell services hold any luggage that you will bring to the airport later in the day, and enjoy other resort amenities until it is time to depart.

For standard hotel rooms, if available, the latest courtesy late check out is 1:00 PM.

My comment: After 1:00, there is a graduated charge for late check-outs, assuming they can accommodate you. Ultimately, I think it's up to housekeeping, though I've never requested it myself.

Good luck!

 

[Maxinesmom]

I currently have a MK view at the Poly for August however I'll be honest that we were really torn between the CR & the Poly. Reading some of the negative reviews as of late of the Poly I'm really thinking about going with CR. My number one criteria is cleanliness and for that amount of $ I just don't want to take chances. I also think in some ways the CR is more "our style." So tell me - will I love a MK view at CR better than the Poly. I know of course that this is subjective and everyone's opinions are different but I'd love some feedback on CR stays. Do you find maintenance issues and cleanliness issues? Any hotel can have a bad day but on the average is what I'm looking for...

Thank you!!

 

[starsgleam]

I currently have a MK view at the Poly for August however I'll be honest that we were really torn between the CR & the Poly. Reading some of the negative reviews as of late of the Poly I'm really thinking about going with CR. My number one criteria is cleanliness and for that amount of $ I just don't want to take chances. I also think in some ways the CR is more "our style." So tell me - will I love a MK view at CR better than the Poly. I know of course that this is subjective and everyone's opinions are different but I'd love some feedback on CR stays. Do you find maintenance issues and cleanliness issues?

We were at CR in a Tower MK view room in mid-April and had an amazing stay. We really loved it and will have a hard time staying anywhere else now. Loved having the balcony and MK view. Service/cleanliness were A+ for us. We checked in online so when we arrived we only in "line" for about 30 seconds before a CM checked our ID and gave us our packet. I do see that the CR is really a matter of personal preference though. Many want to have more of a resort feel with more theming. Some have complained about noise but we didn't experience that at all. For us, we loved the convenience of the monorail and being able to walk to MK, as well as being able to watch the fireworks from the balcony and the room size was excellent. As for the theme, we actually appreciated the understated design after long days in the parks. Honestly, I think you can't go wrong between these two resorts though. I would decide based on what you're in the mood for, you know?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I currently have a MK view at the Poly for August however I'll be honest that we were really torn between the CR & the Poly. Reading some of the negative reviews as of late of the Poly I'm really thinking about going with CR. My number one criteria is cleanliness and for that amount of $ I just don't want to take chances. I also think in some ways the CR is more "our style." So tell me - will I love a MK view at CR better than the Poly. I know of course that this is subjective and everyone's opinions are different but I'd love some feedback on CR stays. Do you find maintenance issues and cleanliness issues? Any hotel can have a bad day but on the average is what I'm looking for...

Thank you!!

Well when it comes to the Magic Kingdom Views of both resorts I think the Contemporary one is a lot better because you can see the whole park, where as at the Polynesian it's just a view of Cinderella's Castle. So I personally don't see how the Polynesian can say they have a real Magic Kingdom View, because I think it should include the whole park. Now some people may say the view at the Contemporary also comes with a view of their parking lot which is their opinion, however I say once you see how great it is the only thing you will focus on is the Magic Kingdom.

Besides that another great factor for the Contemporary is that all their Magic Kingdom Views are less expensive then the Polynesian Magic Kingdom View, all the Contemporary rooms in the Tower come with a balcony which is not guaranteed at the Polynesian and the Contemporary also has the walkway to and from the Magic Kingdom.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Well when it comes to the Magic Kingdom Views of both resorts I think the Contemporary one is a lot better because you can see the whole park, where as at the Polynesian it's just a view of Cinderella's Castle. So I personally don't see how the Polynesian can say they have a real Magic Kingdom View, because I think it should include the whole park. Now some people may say the view at the Contemporary also comes with a view of their parking lot which is their opinion, however I say once you see how great it is the only thing you will focus on is the Magic Kingdom.

Besides that another great factor for the Contemporary is that all their Magic Kingdom Views are less expensive then the Polynesian Magic Kingdom View, all the Contemporary rooms in the Tower come with a balcony which is not guaranteed at the Polynesian and the Contemporary also has the walkway to and from the Magic Kingdom.

I agree with everything that CR Fan mentioned. To me, it feels like you are more in the action at CR because it is so much closer to MK than the Poly. Don't get me wrong, I do love the Poly and think it is a gorgeous resort, but I am very excited for out MK Tower View stay this September. I am so excited to have my coffee in the morning and watch MK wake up and then am equally excited about watching Wishes from there in my PJs sipping a glass of wine....to me that is heaven

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Maxinesmom,
I am not sure if these would be any factors in your decision but there are two things I forgot to mention. The pool area at the Polynesian doesn't have a hot tub, but it's something the Contemporary has. Finally the Polynesian doesn't have their own health club to work out at, so they share with the one at the Grand Floridian. However the Contemporary has their own health club located on the 3rd floor of the Tower building.

 

[katepass72]

I currently have a MK view at the Poly for August however I'll be honest that we were really torn between the CR & the Poly. Reading some of the negative reviews as of late of the Poly I'm really thinking about going with CR. My number one criteria is cleanliness and for that amount of $ I just don't want to take chances. I also think in some ways the CR is more "our style." So tell me - will I love a MK view at CR better than the Poly. I know of course that this is subjective and everyone's opinions are different but I'd love some feedback on CR stays. Do you find maintenance issues and cleanliness issues? Any hotel can have a bad day but on the average is what I'm looking for...

Thank you!!

Maxinesmom - I've had the MK view at the Poly and at the CR; definintely a closer/better view at the CR. The Poly is nicely themed but I have to say the rooms at the CR seem much more like an upscale hotel. Granted, no major theming but I'm pretty much "themed-out" after getting back from the parks. To each his own I had 2 stays at the CR last year and would give an A+ to cleanliness each time . . .so much so I'm going back for round 3 this June

 

[Leafsgirl36]

Has anyone rented a cabana at the CR pool ? We may schedule this during our resort day and was hoping to get feedback. Thanks.

We rented a cabana when we were there in February. They didn't have it ready for us when we arrived at the pool as they had the date wrong but once it was set up it was fantastic. They stock the fridge in the cabana with pop and water, there is a cabana person who will take a drink or food order for you and deliver to you while you relax in one of the lounge chairs.

We loved it as we felt completly spoiled!!

 

[lumpy08]

I currently have a MK view at the Poly for August however I'll be honest that we were really torn between the CR & the Poly. Reading some of the negative reviews as of late of the Poly I'm really thinking about going with CR. My number one criteria is cleanliness and for that amount of $ I just don't want to take chances. I also think in some ways the CR is more "our style." So tell me - will I love a MK view at CR better than the Poly. I know of course that this is subjective and everyone's opinions are different but I'd love some feedback on CR stays. Do you find maintenance issues and cleanliness issues? Any hotel can have a bad day but on the average is what I'm looking for...

Thank you!!

Our last trip 2 years ago was at the CR. We are going again this summer and I was going back and forth to try the Poly or go back to the CR. I ended up picking the CR again. I love the clean lines of the rooms. Everything was spotless on our last trip. We had two adjoining rooms with the MK view. The view was amazing, especially during the fireworks over the castle. We had such a wonderful experiece our last trip, that I didn't want to be bummed out if the Poly didn't measure up. The CR to me just has that luxury crisp feel. The Poly seemed dark to me.

Also, I should say that during our last trip, the Wave just opened, and there was construction where the Contempo Cafe is now. To tell you the truth it didn't bother us at all. When they were working we were at the parks. The staff was wonderful. I had water shipped to the hotel (7 cases). They brought it right up and wouldn't take a cent. Every night they arranged the kids stuffed animals into different configurations.

What I do to get the experience the other monorail resorts is to have our TS meals at all the stops... This way we get a taste of it all, while still having "my style" resort to sleep at. Last trip we even did the Photopass and had a family pics take at the GF.

Good luck with your decision. Take a look at the photo threads of both the Poly and CR (there is a link on the first page of this thread for CR photo). Go with your gut feeling.

 

[Maxinesmom]

Hi Everyone! Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question. I am happy to report I switched over to the CR this morning. I think deep down it's where I felt the best fit for us was. I am really relieved not to have to worry about what longhouse I'll end up in or where I"ll be in relation to everything. I have a tower MK view so I know I'll be somewhere where I can see the MK and I'm in the tower with the monorail. That's all I care about. I love the idea of being able to just go downstairs and fill my mug or get something to eat. It seems like the ultimate in convenience!!

One question - if I'm staying in a tower MK room will I be able to walk out of our room and look down on the monorail in the contemporary? I've seen some pictures taken that look like that's possible but wasn't sure...

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi Everyone! Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question. I am happy to report I switched over to the CR this morning. I think deep down it's where I felt the best fit for us was. I am really relieved not to have to worry about what longhouse I'll end up in or where I"ll be in relation to everything. I have a tower MK view so I know I'll be somewhere where I can see the MK and I'm in the tower with the monorail. That's all I care about. I love the idea of being able to just go downstairs and fill my mug or get something to eat. It seems like the ultimate in convenience!!

One question - if I'm staying in a tower MK room will I be able to walk out of our room and look down on the monorail in the contemporary? I've seen some pictures taken that look like that's possible but wasn't sure...

The monorail will actually be below you with a MKV. If you walk out of your room over past the elevators/vending machines to the BLV side, then you will be directly across from the monorail.

I was in a similar Poly/CR quandary recently (I posted last week about it). We had (still do, I really need to call and make new reservations) BLT 1-bedroom reservations, but my DH is being deployed and won't be coming with us so I asked my DD where she'd like to stay instead and she wanted a YC/Poly split.

I've always wanted to like the Poly because we love the theming and location, but between our bad last visit and many negative room reviews since, it makes me wonder if they are in desperate need of a room rehab. I never feel that way at the CR. Long story short, DD came to her senses and suggested a YC/CR split instead

I don't think you'll regret your decision and congratulations on changing and reminding me that I need to get that done, too

 

[morecowbell]

Can regular non-DVC guests visit the top of Bay Lake Tower to view the fireworks if you are staying at Bay Lake Tower? I noticed the view on the website someone linked here and it looks better than actually being in the park.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can regular non-DVC guests visit the top of Bay Lake Tower to view the fireworks if you are staying at Bay Lake Tower? I noticed the view on the website someone linked here and it looks better than actually being in the park.

No. Only those staying on DVC points have access to the TWL. Guests staying on a cash reservation don't have access, though this might change someday.

 

[morecowbell]

No. Only those staying on DVC points have access to the TWL. Guests staying on a cash reservation don't have access, though this might change someday.

Thanks, I managed to find the answer in the BLT view posts (though it was buried in there). I'm only on page 35 of 49, quite the bit of reading.

 

[lumpy08]

If you are staying at the CR. Is there anyway to get a tour of the BLT? Has anyone done it? How long does it take?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you are staying at the CR. Is there anyway to get a tour of the BLT? Has anyone done it? How long does it take?

I believe there is a scheduled tour of Bay Lake Tower which is done each day at a certin time, so I would ask at the DVC desk which is located on the 4th floor by the Contempo Cafe.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi Everyone! Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question. I am happy to report I switched over to the CR this morning. I think deep down it's where I felt the best fit for us was. I am really relieved not to have to worry about what longhouse I'll end up in or where I"ll be in relation to everything. I have a tower MK view so I know I'll be somewhere where I can see the MK and I'm in the tower with the monorail. That's all I care about. I love the idea of being able to just go downstairs and fill my mug or get something to eat. It seems like the ultimate in convenience!!

One question - if I'm staying in a tower MK room will I be able to walk out of our room and look down on the monorail in the contemporary? I've seen some pictures taken that look like that's possible but wasn't sure...

I hope you have a great time staying at the Contemporary and please let us know how your stay was.