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

[CooperPrincesses]

Since they are listed on the reservation they shouldn't have any problems being able to park and you can always ask for a 2nd parking pass.

Thanks so much I appreciate the info. October seems just to far away to me.

 

[skifast22]

And I promise this is the last one for the moment........how is the pool at CR?

It seems bland, but maybe that is an old picture?

Depends what you consider bland. It is a free form pool, but there is no waterfall or rock formations. I do like how the hot tub feels like it's in the middile of the pool, and i like the fountains around the hot tub. I also like how the pool is on the shore of Bay Lake. Also, while the quite pool is just a big round pool, it's situated over the lake. It gives the allusion of swimming in the lake when your in it, albeit loosly. Being a huge fan of the CR, I like being able to watch the monorail enter and leave the building while I swim.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks so much I appreciate the info. October seems just to far away to me.

You're welcome.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

And I promise this is the last one for the moment........how is the pool at CR?

It seems bland, but maybe that is an old picture?

Even though their pool does look like Stromalong Bay at the Yacht Club & Beach Club, or the Volcano pool at the Polynesian, it's a very nice pool and last year they added more trees to give it a more tropical feeling. Plus their pool is shapped like Mickey Mouse ears and you can not get more Disney then that, plus I don't think any other resort pools are shapped like that.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I will be hitting the road in 1 week and 1 day for BLT! Can't wait to make my first trip home, with a little side time at the CR!

A couple of quick questions:

1. As of today, I have lost 55 pounds!!!! We are doing the DxDP, so I won't get to hang on to that number for long! Is there a scale in the fitness center, so I can *try* to keep things from getting out of hand?

2. Is the Contempo the only place to get a snack on the ddp? I think I read that Grounds does not take the DDP. (darn it, the iced coffee sounds good!)

Thanks everyone!

1) Yes there is a scale in their fitness center.

2) Besides the Contempo Cafe you can also get snacks at the Sand Bar. I also think you can use some snack credits by purchasing items at the Fantasia Market because someone in line before me said they were doing that since they were leaving the next day, although I know that's not listed on the Quick Service Dining Plan information.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just curious about breakfast before hitting the parks. We really don't want to do any character breakfasts, but thought about maybe crossing over to one of the other MK resorts for a change of pace during the week, is this a hassle during the summer months?

How are the quick serve "eats" at CR? GF? Poly?

I'm sure the three on the Monorail are way easier than taking the boat to WL?

And I would think this would be easier than waiting to grab a bite while IN the parks?

thanks in advance

I have been to all three counter service locations among the Monorail Resorts for lunch or dinner and all are great in their own way. Personally I like the Contempo Cafe the best, followed by Gasparilla's Grill & Games at the Grand Floridian and then Captain Cook's at the Polynesian.

 

[jenjen212]

Do you take loose coffee and filters with you? If so, what size coffee maker is it?

Thanks for the answers.

We use the Dunkin Donuts coffee grounds at home, so we bring a small pack with us. I know that not every resort is the same, but they are usually 4-cup coffee machines, that use the basket type filter.

 

[jenjen212]

I was reviewing the new cabana rentals that are available poolside.
http://www.contemporaryresort.net/cabana.html

Has anyone done this? On the above site I saw the shifts that you are allowed to rent it for:
Morning Cabana Rental:10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Afternoon Cabana Rental:3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Our flight arrives at 8:50am on a Sunday. We are taking Magical Express to get to the resort. I am pretty sure that we won't arrive and get checked in until after 10am. Since our room probably won't be ready for sometime later in the afternoon, we were thinking about relaxing by the pool and enjoying a swim when we get there. I know that we are going to be too exhausted to enjoy a park - from having to be up and at the airport for our 6am flight. The cabanas just sound like a great way to relax before our room is ready.

Can the cabanas be reserved prior to check-in? Would I be able to reserve the morning shift, even though we won't be checking in until around or after 10am? Do these really get booked up? or would there be a chance that one would be available that we could just walk up and ask to rent one - especially in August?

 

[Leafsgirl36]

I was reviewing the new cabana rentals that are available poolside.
http://www.contemporaryresort.net/cabana.html

Has anyone done this? On the above site I saw the shifts that you are allowed to rent it for:
Morning Cabana Rental:10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Afternoon Cabana Rental:3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Our flight arrives at 8:50am on a Sunday. We are taking Magical Express to get to the resort. I am pretty sure that we won't arrive and get checked in until after 10am. Since our room probably won't be ready for sometime later in the afternoon, we were thinking about relaxing by the pool and enjoying a swim when we get there. I know that we are going to be too exhausted to enjoy a park - from having to be up and at the airport for our 6am flight. The cabanas just sound like a great way to relax before our room is ready.

Can the cabanas be reserved prior to check-in? Would I be able to reserve the morning shift, even though we won't be checking in until around or after 10am? Do these really get booked up? or would there be a chance that one would be available that we could just walk up and ask to rent one - especially in August?

We rented one when we were down in February. We had the IPO book it for us at the 180 day mark since we were staying club level. We loved the cabana!!! It is a bit of money but if you can swing it, it is really worth it.

They can probably be booked before hand but I am not sure of the number to call to book it.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I was reviewing the new cabana rentals that are available poolside.
http://www.contemporaryresort.net/cabana.html

Has anyone done this? On the above site I saw the shifts that you are allowed to rent it for:
Morning Cabana Rental:10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Afternoon Cabana Rental:3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Our flight arrives at 8:50am on a Sunday. We are taking Magical Express to get to the resort. I am pretty sure that we won't arrive and get checked in until after 10am. Since our room probably won't be ready for sometime later in the afternoon, we were thinking about relaxing by the pool and enjoying a swim when we get there. I know that we are going to be too exhausted to enjoy a park - from having to be up and at the airport for our 6am flight. The cabanas just sound like a great way to relax before our room is ready.

Can the cabanas be reserved prior to check-in? Would I be able to reserve the morning shift, even though we won't be checking in until around or after 10am? Do these really get booked up? or would there be a chance that one would be available that we could just walk up and ask to rent one - especially in August?

Yes the cabanas can be booked ahead of time, however if no one has them reserved I am sure you can reserve one while you are there.

 

[turningleaf]

Just got home. We loved the CR and had a great trip. The MK view is amazing. Hubby says he will never stay anywhere else again (he loved the monorail he hates waiting on buses). The room was awesome we were in the center close to the elevators. When we checked in at 7:30am our room was ready, which was great. We drove all night and we were so ready to lay down for awhile. I was afraid my husband was going to have to wait until 3 that afternoon for a bed. The CR is not a quiet resort but, once we closed our door we didn't hear anything and we were on the 7th floor. There will be no more spending hours on what resort to pick for us anymore. We had family that stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and it was nice to. Maybe on a shorter trip where it is just me and my husband we might stay there. The parks were very crowded but, we had dream fast passes which made it much easier. I will never go back this time of year again though. I can do crowds or heat but, not both at the same time. If you have any questions I will try to answer them.

Just wondering what dream fastpasses are?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/06/chocolate-lava-cake-from-the-california-grille/

The California Grill’s 15th anniversary celebration would be complete without a stellar dessert such as this luscious sugar rush: Chocolate Lava Cake. With stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Magic Kingdom theme park or the resort’s evening fireworks illuminating the sky over Cinderella Castle, the California Grill is truly a special place to dine. For the full experience, dinner checks can range in the expensive category. Expect to pay at least around $100 per adult. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463.

California Grill’s Chocolate Lava Cake
Serves 6

8 (1-ounce) squares semi-sweet chocolate, chopped, or 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
5 egg yolks
4 whole eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1. Heat oven to 375F. Lightly butter sides of 6 individual (3/4 cup) ramekins. Lightly coat with sugar, then shake out the excess.
2. Melt chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler set over simmering water. Stir until smooth. Remove from over water and cool 10 minutes.
3. Beat egg yolks and whole eggs together in a large bowl. Add sugar and beat about 2 minutes, until thick and light. Fold in chocolate mixture.
4. Sift flour, then fold into batter, mixing until smooth. Divide batter among the prepared cups, filling 3/4 full. Place cups on a baking sheet and bake about 35-40 minutes, or until the sides of the cakes are set and the middle is still soft. Do not over bake.
5. Using a small knifem cut around the side to loosen cakes. Invert onto serving plates and serve with ice cream.
Cook’s notes: You can also bake these in muffin tins; recipe would make 12. bake 15 minutes, or until set and the middle is still soft.

 

[turningleaf]

Posting belatedly. It was our second stay at Bay Lake Tower, I do believe I've spoiled myself and my DH, but we just love Bay Lake Tower. It is nice to have a quiet place so near and convenient to the monorail and MK. We like having the one-bedroom because of the jacuzzi and the washer/dryer (and of course having the extra space).

This time we got 8234 which is a 12th Floor Bay Lake view. We arrived at 1pm and our room was ready. I have to say, what a difference it makes being on a high floor! We were facing essentially the same direction as our last trip (7236 which is a 2nd Floor Bay Lake view room) but oh we saw much more including parts of the other lake (the one shared by GF and Poly), glimpses of DHS and Epcot fireworks.

Housekeeping was good and always completed by the time we got back from the parks for my DD's nap. Two things I noted are

1. No coffee packs provided. We are cash guests so these should have been there, even if we don't care for them and bring our own coffee and filters.
2. The dish detergent was watered down. It wasn't like this in February early this year. I don't know what to think about that, but truthfully, this worked better for me since I always water it down anyway.

We also did a lot of in-room eating this time. Our only reservations were CP. We had to cancel a California Grill reservation because DD fell asleep (oh did I mention it was very hot and humid).

We did In Room Dining once, which was good but a little pricey for what you get. And one thing I discovered - you can walk into The Wave without a reservation and order from the bar. You can order alcoholic drinks and food to go too. Really very convenient and another reason CR/BLT works for us.

Also one day at the poolside bar, I found out you can order In Room Dining and have it delivered to you poolside.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Posting belatedly. It was our second stay at Bay Lake Tower, I do believe I've spoiled myself and my DH, but we just love Bay Lake Tower. It is nice to have a quiet place so near and convenient to the monorail and MK. We like having the one-bedroom because of the jacuzzi and the washer/dryer (and of course having the extra space).

This time we got 8234 which is a 12th Floor Bay Lake view. We arrived at 1pm and our room was ready. I have to say, what a difference it makes being on a high floor! We were facing essentially the same direction as our last trip (7236 which is a 2nd Floor Bay Lake view room) but oh we saw much more including parts of the other lake (the one shared by GF and Poly), glimpses of DHS and Epcot fireworks.

Housekeeping was good and always completed by the time we got back from the parks for my DD's nap. Two things I noted are

1. No coffee packs provided. We are cash guests so these should have been there, even if we don't care for them and bring our own coffee and filters.
2. The dish detergent was watered down. It wasn't like this in February early this year. I don't know what to think about that, but truthfully, this worked better for me since I always water it down anyway.

We also did a lot of in-room eating this time. Our only reservations were CP. We had to cancel a California Grill reservation because DD fell asleep (oh did I mention it was very hot and humid).

We did In Room Dining once, which was good but a little pricey for what you get. And one thing I discovered - you can walk into The Wave without a reservation and order from the bar. You can order alcoholic drinks and food to go too. Really very convenient and another reason CR/BLT works for us.

Also one day at the poolside bar, I found out you can order In Room Dining and have it delivered to you poolside.

Thanks for posting your review.

 

[monorail girl]

HI! I was wondering if anyone knows if the CR pool is heated in Jan.? My husband and I will be there for marathon weekend but I am now thinking about arriving early that week with the kids as part of their Christmas present. However my kids love to swim which is why I ask.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

HI! I was wondering if anyone knows if the CR pool is heated in Jan.? My husband and I will be there for marathon weekend but I am now thinking about arriving early that week with the kids as part of their Christmas present. However my kids love to swim which is why I ask.

Yes it's heated.

 

[monorail girl]

Yes it's heated.

Thank you very much. The bringing the kids idea is still just an idea. I think my DH is looking forward to it just being us. However I was looking at touring plans today and saw that some Christmas things were still up until Jan.4 and So thats where my idea sprung from. So now I have to consider this idea and approach DH about it.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you very much. The bringing the kids idea is still just an idea. I think my DH is looking forward to it just being us. However I was looking at touring plans today and saw that some Christmas things were still up until Jan.4 and So thats where my idea sprung from. So now I have to consider this idea and approach DH about it.

You're welcome and good luck when making your decision.

 

[ClearScreen]

I need some help deciding. I have booked the Garden Wing Garden View right now as part of the Magic Your Way package, 10 day park hopper with Water Parks and More. I was speaking with a reservations person and inquired about the TOwer - both the MK view and the lake view. The MK view was about $1000 more and the lake view was about $500 more.

What are people's experiences? Are they worth it? It is my kids' first trip, but I really don't expect to be using the room all that much outside of the bare necessities.

Thank you,

ClearScreen

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I need some help deciding. I have booked the Garden Wing Garden View right now as part of the Magic Your Way package, 10 day park hopper with Water Parks and More. I was speaking with a reservations person and inquired about the TOwer - both the MK view and the lake view. The MK view was about $1000 more and the lake view was about $500 more.

What are people's experiences? Are they worth it? It is my kids' first trip, but I really don't expect to be using the room all that much outside of the bare necessities.

Thank you,

ClearScreen

Well I think the best thing about both views in the Tower is that your an elevator ride away from their stores, restaurants, and Monorail station on the 4th floor, plus your an elevator ride away to the lobby and a quick walk to the bus station. However the walk from the Garden Wing building to the Tower can be 5 minutes or less depending on where your room is and they are the exact same size as the Tower rooms. Now you said yourself you don't plan to stay in your room that much, so I don't think it's fair for me to say you should upgrade to either view. Only you know what's best for your family.