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

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

You know when you are going down World Drive to and from the Contemporary and there is that little tunnel you go through and on top is the water for Seven Seas Lagoon. Well if you have ever seen the boat which goes there from the Wilderness Lodge have you thought to yourself for a split second how can it be on there, because from far away it doesn't look like there is any water and it almost looks like a road. So even though after all my previous stays at the Contemporary that's something which I think is very unique each time I see it go by, so what are your thoughts if you have seen it before when driving down that area?

 

[tinkerbell60]

I am a monorail nut which is one of many reasons we stay at the CR every time. Probably my biggest problem with going to DHS and AK is the fact that I have to take the bus instead of the monorail. Would it make any sense at all to take the Monorail to Epcot and walk to DHS?

One option is to take the Monorail to Epcot - walk back to the International Gateway and catch a boat to DHS.

 

[WDWKOOK]

You know when you are going down World Drive to and from the Contemporary and there is that little tunnel you go through and on top is the water for Seven Seas Lagoon. Well if you have ever seen the boat which goes there from the Wilderness Lodge have you thought to yourself for a split second how can it be on there, because from far away it doesn't look like there is any water and it almost looks like a road. So even though after all my previous stays at the Contemporary that's something which I think is very unique each time I see it go by, so what are your thoughts if you have seen it before when driving down that area?

I'm certain many people don't realize that they're driving underneath a bridge with water, rather than the usual method of driving on a bridge over water.

Here is a site with great information and some photos of the initial construction of WDW. It begins with an overview of the development of Bay Lake and the canals:

http://sites.google.com/site/theoriginalepcot/walt-disney-world-resort

 

[DrMomof3]

I just booked us for marathon weekend at BLT!!! I'm so excited. I'll be running my first 1/2 marathon.
We'll be staying in a 2 bedroom villa (we're not DVC members so I'm hoping for an AP discount but we'll survive either way).
It'll be me, DH, our 3 kids, and my parents. I'd prefer a dedicated 2 bedroom. Is this something I can put on my reservation as a "request"? How likely am I to get a dedicated 2 bedroom? (We're pretty easy-going so we'll have a great trip no matter what!)
We stayed at the Contemporary last December (in a garden wing room) and had a great trip. We've never been to BLT. Is there anything else I should consider requesting? I have 3 young kids (they're 6, 4, and 2) and we'll have 2 strollers.
I'd love any advice!!!

Amanda

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'm certain many people don't realize that they're driving underneath a bridge with water, rather than the usual method of driving on a bridge over water.

Here is a site with great information and some photos of the initial construction of WDW. It begins with an overview of the development of Bay Lake and the canals:

http://sites.google.com/site/theoriginalepcot/walt-disney-world-resort

Thanks for the link.

 

[khanna]

Does anyone know where I can find the spreadsheet with room #'s and views of Bay Lake Tower? It was awesome with a ton of information. I have searched but cannot locate it. Does anyone know? Thanks!

 

[katiebelle21]

I think this is what you are looking for!

BLT Rooms and Views

 

[pulpinator]

Is there anything else I should consider requesting? I have 3 young kids (they're 6, 4, and 2) and we'll have 2 strollers.
I'd love any advice!!!

Amanda

This reminds me of one thing I was wondering. What floor of BLT is the walkway to the Contemporary at? I'm thinking of requesting a room on that floor so I can wheel the stroller to it without having to take an elevator in BLT, then another in CR to get to the monorail.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This reminds me of one thing I was wondering. What floor of BLT is the walkway to the Contemporary at? I'm thinking of requesting a room on that floor so I can wheel the stroller to it without having to take an elevator in BLT, then another in CR to get to the monorail.

The skybridge from Bay Lake Tower is located on their 5th floor and it will take you to the 4th floor of the Contemporary.

 

[pulpinator]

You know when you are going down World Drive to and from the Contemporary and there is that little tunnel you go through and on top is the water for Seven Seas Lagoon. Well if you have ever seen the boat which goes there from the Wilderness Lodge have you thought to yourself for a split second how can it be on there, because from far away it doesn't look like there is any water and it almost looks like a road. So even though after all my previous stays at the Contemporary that's something which I think is very unique each time I see it go by, so what are your thoughts if you have seen it before when driving down that area?

I haven't seen it, but take a look at this photo from that spot:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7349203

Two buses driving under the boat! With the monorail in the background.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I haven't seen it, but take a look at this photo from that spot:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7349203

Two buses driving under the boat! With the monorail in the background.

That's a great photo and thanks for posting the link to it.

 

[ssourbeck]

Hey CR Resort Fan.....do you know if you can (or should) make ADRs at the California Grill if you just want dessert? I really want my girls to have the experience, was able to make the ADRs for just before the fireworks (9:30) but don't necessarily want to eat dinner. What do you think?

 

[goopysolelady]

I am a monorail nut which is one of many reasons we stay at the CR every time. Probably my biggest problem with going to DHS and AK is the fact that I have to take the bus instead of the monorail. Would it make any sense at all to take the Monorail to Epcot and walk to DHS?

It's possible but probably not a good idea unless you have lots of time! Even taking the boat from Boardwalk to HS you're taking a LOT of time out of your day. I did "the walk" in reverse a couple years ago (walking from Boardwalk to EPCOT monorail) and I was exhausted by the time I got on that monorail . Didn't know if I'd make it up that ramp ! Really wouldn't advise it.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hey CR Resort Fan.....do you know if you can (or should) make ADRs at the California Grill if you just want dessert? I really want my girls to have the experience, was able to make the ADRs for just before the fireworks (9:30) but don't necessarily want to eat dinner. What do you think?

I don't see a problem with that.

 

[twinmom2002]

Can I get opinions on whether it would be better to rent a car or just use Disney transportation?

This is our 2nd trip but first on site. We will be at the Contemporary August 13 - August 18. We like to either be at rope drop or an early breakfast at the park we are going to each day, we will want to park hop, and probably spend time at the resort in the afternoon.

So do you think it will be more convenient to get a rental car? Will it really take an hour to haour and a half for Disney transportation?

And lastly IF we do rent a car, should we rent at the airport or at Disney's Car Care center??

Thanks is advance for any and ALL advice!

 

[Mary2e]

Not only will it be more convenient, it will be faster as well, in some cases, much faster depending upon where you're going and what you're doing.

We value our vacation time, so it's worth it for us to have a rental.

I also rent at the airport and forego DME. There is no way I'm going to sit on a bus that makes several stops and can take over an hour, when I can get in my own car and be there in about 45 minutes (or less).

You won't pay any less and may pay more. If you rent a car for 5 days you get the weekly rate. 4 or less and you pay the daily rate.

 

[DrMomof3]

My kids are much younger than yours but we love DME and never use a rental car. Just skipping baggage claim is reason enough for me! With 3 kids in car seats/booster seats and all the associate gear, we're more than willing to spend an hour getting to resort so that we don't need to deal with gear. The only trip I wished we had a car was when we stayed at Saratoga Springs.

Amanda

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Can I get opinions on whether it would be better to rent a car or just use Disney transportation?

This is our 2nd trip but first on site. We will be at the Contemporary August 13 - August 18. We like to either be at rope drop or an early breakfast at the park we are going to each day, we will want to park hop, and probably spend time at the resort in the afternoon.

So do you think it will be more convenient to get a rental car? Will it really take an hour to haour and a half for Disney transportation?

And lastly IF we do rent a car, should we rent at the airport or at Disney's Car Care center??

Thanks is advance for any and ALL advice!

Next month when my family and I are at WDW we will have a car with us, however that's because we are driving down from Toronto. Plus we like using it when going to Downtown Disney, along with various offsite restaurants are places to shop in the Orlando area. As for getting to the parks we always use WDW transportation, however at least having our car is good incase we feel like using it when going to the parks. Finally should you rent a car the location of where to get it depends on the company you wish to use, because most of them are located at the Orlando International Airport and at Disney's Car Care Center it's only National and Alamo.

 

[lumpy08]

I am all packed and ready to go!!! I can't believe it I am usually running around crazy the day before a trip.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am all packed and ready to go!!! I can't believe it I am usually running around crazy the day before a trip.

Have a great time.