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

[WDWKOOK]

Hello

Looking for some advice from the Contemporary vetrans please - we had booked a Tower MK room but can not get a discount for our date but our travel agent got us a Standard Room - Club level on an AP discount.

She is now on vacation and can't check with her but when I worked the room rates back it looks like it will be on the Tower Club rather than Atrium Club.

So my question is do the rooms on the 14th floor have the same bedding as the rest of the tower? I can not seem to find photos of the standard rooms on the 14th?

Also are we going to have a problem as we have a 2 year old DD and need a bath and I notice that there are not many rooms on the 14th floor and from this thread I think only 2 have a bath - is this right?

Thanks for your help - we are so excited this is my DH & mine childhood dream being fulfilled

Here are photos of the Tower Club (14th floor rooms):

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

Both the décor and layout are different from the rest of the CR.

I believe someone (forgive me for not remembering who) posted here this summer that they were upgraded to the Tower Club level. They could probably best answer your questions.

I would definitely make sure your TA has requested a bathtub for you if you are actually on the Tower Club level. If your reservation states: Standard room/Club Level, this most likely is actually a Bay Lake View/Atrium Club. If that's the case, you will have a tub.

Have a great vacation!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here are pics of the Hospitality Suite in the Garden Wing.

We walked in to what looked just like a regular King bed room. Then we went through the connecting door, and saw this:

PHOTOS SNIPPED

There was also a regular bathroom in the king room, another bathroom with a glassed-in shower, as well as an additional powder room.

There were three seperate hallway entrances to the suite. It was nice on nights that DH had DD came in as I was trying to get DS to sleep in the bed. If they had come in the room just as he was drifting off, he would have snapped awake immediately. So I would just text them to come in the other door, and he could get to sleep w/out interruption.

We had four sliding doors out to the patio, which was the size of four patios. And it had a great view of the pool.

Thank you for posting both your review and photos. Those photos are rare!

Do you think it'll be difficult to ever stay anywhere else after your unbelievable upgrade? Congratulations!

 

[scjo68]

Thank you for posting both your review and photos. Those photos are rare!

Do you think it'll be difficult to ever stay anywhere else after your unbelievable upgrade? Congratulations!

LOL-we were kidding about that, as we stayed in a Hampton Inn on the way home, and said "where is the rest of it...is this all?"

But, since we will never be able to afford to pay rack rate for such a suite, we either have to learn to live with a regular room or just stay home. So I guess we'll get over it.

Thanks!

 

[Gipperland]

Coopersmom, Not everyone that works for Disney is nice. I would call again and make sure that the requests you made are on your ressie. If asked, tell the new agent what the other agent did to you. I have read that when you check in if you don't get your request, simply ask f there is a another room that is available that better meets your requests. All they can say is no, nothing ventured, nothing gained. We were hit with the pixie dust this trip. When we arrived (2pm via ME) our room was exactly what we had hoped for and even better it was ready for us. This was a real blessing because we were so tired from not sleeping the night before because our neighbors decided to have a Frat party until 4:45 am the night/morning we were leaving. Sorry for your experience, but give it another try. This was the 1st time we ever had our requests granted (we have more Disney trips under our belts than I can count) and I it was worth waiting years for

 

[coopersmom]

Coopersmom, Not everyone that works for Disney is nice. I would call again and make sure that the requests you made are on your ressie. If asked, tell the new agent what the other agent did to you. I have read that when you check in if you don't get your request, simply ask f there is a another room that is available that better meets your requests. All they can say is no, nothing ventured, nothing gained. We were hit with the pixie dust this trip. When we arrived (2pm via ME) our room was exactly what we had hoped for and even better it was ready for us. This was a real blessing because we were so tired from not sleeping the night before because our neighbors decided to have a Frat party until 4:45 am the night/morning we were leaving. Sorry for your experience, but give it another try. This was the 1st time we ever had our requests granted (we have more Disney trips under our belts than I can count) and I it was worth waiting years for

It wasn't that big a deal, and I'll call again later when I've got free time to wait on hold. I just ended up feeling like a criminal for requesting a room. I actually felt guilty and chastened when I hung up. It was only later that I got a little annoyed, thinking it was silly.

I just hope they didn't note "trying to get something for nothing" or whatever on my account since that sincerely was NOT what I was trying to do and I was actually very nice and polite throughout the call. I don't want to be labeled a difficult guest before I even have a chance to actually get there.

 

[Music City Mama]

Here are pics of the Hospitality Suite in the Garden Wing.

We walked in to what looked just like a regular King bed room. Then we went through the connecting door, and saw this:


There was also a regular bathroom in the king room, another bathroom with a glassed-in shower, as well as an additional powder room.

There were three seperate hallway entrances to the suite. It was nice on nights that DH had DD came in as I was trying to get DS to sleep in the bed. If they had come in the room just as he was drifting off, he would have snapped awake immediately. So I would just text them to come in the other door, and he could get to sleep w/out interruption.

We had four sliding doors out to the patio, which was the size of four patios. And it had a great view of the pool.

WOW -- Yay for you!!! Absolutely fantastic.

Wow! That's exactly what we are hoping for. Thanks for the pics!!

I tried to call and put in a room request today and the person I spoke with kept asking me why I wanted a room on the North side. When I said I was hoping to see the fireworks she gave me a lecture about how if I wanted to see fireworks I had to pay to see fireworks and no one gets to see a theme park unless they pay for a theme park view. I was very nice and said, several times, that I knew nothing was guaranteed and that I was absolutely NOT trying to get anything beyond the room category I paid for (lake view). It ended with me saying, that I understood it was unlikely, but I hoped she would still note my request. (I was too shocked to even be upset so I did nothing but apologize throughout the call.)

I'm now afraid they noted something or did something that will screw up my reservation. She also told me that since I had been there three times before I should know better. I told her I was sorry but I'd never stayed at a Disney resort before and she said, "That's not what it says here." My son is three and there's three of us; the only place I can imagine that number coming from. I actually ended up saying, "I've never been there before. Really. Sorry if there's any confusion."

Really don't know what upset the person I spoke with as our entire conversation was basically ...

HER: How can I help you?
ME: I'd like to add a room request to my reservation. I know it's not guaranteed.
HER: No problem. What's your request?
ME: I'd like something on the North side, if possible, high floor. I think the North rooms are the even-numbered ones, based on what I've read about the resort.
HER: Can I ask why you'd make that request?
ME: I'm sure anything we get will be great, but we were hoping we'd be able to see some of the fireworks from our room or balcony, since my son goes to bed pretty early and we're not likely to be in the parks much after dark. I'd heard that might be possible from the North side.
<cue lecture listed above>

OMG -- That's awful. I'd definitely call back to get someone nicer on the phone. How dare she make you feel that way?! Especially given your very sincere/professional attitude. I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

 

[Gipperland]

Coopersmom, you were just making a request.The same request many befor you have made, a lake view room (which you are paying for), even numbered, north side, as high as possible. It is the agent that was out of line. There are 3, 1 bedroom, lake view rooms that have a MK view as a bonus. They are any room ending in 02, 10, and 12. It is the agent that was ignorant because technically these "lake" view rooms really don't have lake views. They really have more of a wooded view. However. if you just turn your head very slightly to the left you can see the MK as clear and close as a bell

 

[Disneywedding2010]

I thought I would post the pictures I took in Feb 2010

Candice took this picture while standing on the bridge that connect the two resorts. My camera has an awesome zoom button

Magic Kingdom off in the distance

View of Bay Lake from our living room

Pool from our living room

Living Room

Kitchen

Dining Area

2nd Bedroom

Picture above one of the beds in 2nd bedroom


Yes, it is kind of messy considering we had just gotten there, our luggage had arrived, so we were chilling for a few hours before they were taken.

 

[of the seas]

Very nice pics!

 

[LMO429]

great pictures thanks for sharing. ONly 6 more weeks and I will be there

 

[Elise79]

Here are photos of the Tower Club (14th floor rooms):

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

Both the décor and layout are different from the rest of the CR.

I believe someone (forgive me for not remembering who) posted here this summer that they were upgraded to the Tower Club level. They could probably best answer your questions.

I would definitely make sure your TA has requested a bathtub for you if you are actually on the Tower Club level. If your reservation states: Standard room/Club Level, this most likely is actually a Bay Lake View/Atrium Club. If that's the case, you will have a tub.

Have a great vacation!

Thanks for that - still can't find any pictures of the room on the 14th with 2 queens.

Had it confirmed by IPO at the the Contemporary that we do have a room on the 14th floor - can't believe it as it is on a AP rate

 

[rcraw45425]

Thanks for that - still can't find any pictures of the room on the 14th with 2 queens.

Had it confirmed by IPO at the the Contemporary that we do have a room on the 14th floor - can't believe it as it is on a AP rate

Elise, we had booked Atrium Club (12th floor) MK view over the Memorial Day holiday, were upgraded to Tower club 1 bedroom suite. I believe that most of the rooms there are suites, that may be why the 2 quuen rooms are hard to find. Ours consisted of foyer with full bath with glass shower to the right, enter on in to a huge family type room with long dining table and chairs, wet bar area with fridge sink and bar with stools, and living area with sofa sleeper with two occasional chairs coffee table and entertainment center. Huge balconies off of this room with chaise lounges and tables and chairs. Through a door was the bedroom with two queens, a table and chairs, the dresser area with tv. the little hall area led to the second bath, this one with tub/shower combo, sinks and a powder room with another sink. If you're familar with the layout of the CR I'd say that the bedroom part was like the rooms before renovation. The bedroom had the new bedding from a few years back and the beds were new but the wall colors were not as up to date. The living room furniture was modern with colors of gold and plum.
THis is a bad BlackBerry photo of the parlor area:

 

[WDWKOOK]

Elise, we had booked Atrium Club (12th floor) MK view over the Memorial Day holiday, were upgraded to Tower club 1 bedroom suite. I believe that most of the rooms there are suites, that may be why the 2 quuen rooms are hard to find. Ours consisted of foyer with full bath with glass shower to the right, enter on in to a huge family type room with long dining table and chairs, wet bar area with fridge sink and bar with stools, and living area with sofa sleeper with two occasional chairs coffee table and entertainment center. Huge balconies off of this room with chaise lounges and tables and chairs. Through a door was the bedroom with two queens, a table and chairs, the dresser area with tv. the little hall area led to the second bath, this one with tub/shower combo, sinks and a powder room with another sink. If you're familar with the layout of the CR I'd say that the bedroom part was like the rooms before renovation. The bedroom had the new bedding from a few years back and the beds were new but the wall colors were not as up to date. The living room furniture was modern with colors of gold and plum.
THis is a bad BlackBerry photo of the parlor area:

AH HA! You're the DISer who was upgraded to Tower Club; I couldn't remember who it was. Thanks, Robin for helping-out Elise79.

 

[jkstewart1800]

HI! I am brand new to this thread, and I am super excited to be here! My family and I have been to WDW a few times over the last few years and we have stayed at the Poly and the GF and now we are hoping to stay at BLT next November (seems so far away)!!!

I know that the BLT is a DVC property and that DVC members get 'first dibs' to make reservations... but I was wondering if anyone knows when they will open it up to the rest of us ?

I called Guest Relations today and spoke with two people, neither of them could give me a clear answer... so I thought I would come straight to the experts!

Any information would be helpful and I look forward to counting down the days until our trip with you all here!

 

[WDWKOOK]

HI! I am brand new to this thread, and I am super excited to be here! My family and I have been to WDW a few times over the last few years and we have stayed at the Poly and the GF and now we are hoping to stay at BLT next November (seems so far away)!!!

I know that the BLT is a DVC property and that DVC members get 'first dibs' to make reservations... but I was wondering if anyone knows when they will open it up to the rest of us ?

I called Guest Relations today and spoke with two people, neither of them could give me a clear answer... so I thought I would come straight to the experts!

Any information would be helpful and I look forward to counting down the days until our trip with you all here!

to the CR thread!

Cash reservations for BLT seem to be able to be booked 6 months out. For example, BLT opened last August and cash reservations could be booked starting in February. They actually took cash reservations before DVC reservations.

It can't hurt to start trying 12-9 months out, just in case. All you have to do is go to the WDW booking page and plug-in your dates for BLT to see how far out they're booking.

Good luck!

 

[jkstewart1800]

to the CR thread!

Cash reservations for BLT seem to be able to be booked 6 months out. For example, BLT opened last August and cash reservations could be booked starting in February. They actually took cash reservations before DVC reservations.

It can't hurt to start trying 12-9 months out, just in case. All you have to do is go to the WDW booking page and plug-in your dates for BLT to see how far out they're booking.

Good luck!

Thanks! They told me they were open for DVC booking... they just didn't know about cash ressies.... I will hop on line and check out WDW bookings

 

[jkstewart1800]

Looks like BLT is booking 11 months out right now!

Thanks for the tip!

 

[PoohsFan1]

Hi guys, just wanted to tell you that in 18 days my family and I will be staying at the CR Bay Lake Tower View. It is so funny when we first booked this trip (back in February) we had a MK Tower View booked, then when FD came out DH and I decided to save some money and go down to a moderate (POFQ), but for the last month my DH has been working a million overtime hours at work and decided that we should upgrade back to CR for our upcoming September 9th - 16th trip. Unfortunately we weren't able to get a MK view but we are ecstatic that we are in the tower once again. We are so excited, this will be the first time that we are staying at a monorail resort . Now for the next 2 and half weeks I will be reading this thread to get pointers

Oh yeah, forgot to add that the upgrade is going to be a surprise for our 2 DDs, they think we are still staying at POFQ, can't wait to see the look on their faces when ME pulls up to CR and we get off....it is their favorite resort and have been begging to stay here.

 

[of the seas]

Hi guys, just wanted to tell you that in 18 days my family and I will be staying at the CR Bay Lake Tower View. It is so funny when we first booked this trip (back in February) we had a MK Tower View booked, then when FD came out DH and I decided to save some money and go down to a moderate (POFQ), but for the last month my DH has been working a million overtime hours at work and decided that we should upgrade back to CR for our upcoming September 9th - 16th trip. Unfortunately we weren't able to get a MK view but we are ecstatic that we are in the tower once again. We are so excited, this will be the first time that we are staying at a monorail resort . Now for the next 2 and half weeks I will be reading this thread to get pointers

Oh yeah, forgot to add that the upgrade is going to be a surprise for our 2 DDs, they think we are still staying at POFQ, can't wait to see the look on their faces when ME pulls up to CR and we get off....it is their favorite resort and have been begging to stay here.

You'll love it! We had a BL view also and I was so surprised how much I loved it! It is so peaceful and beautiful.

 

[spokanemom]

I am finally movin' on up... to the CR. I am rather pleased with myself for allowing my brain to spend this much on a solo trip! I am going on the Podcast cruise in Dec and will be at the Swan pre-cruise, then on the Wonder, and then to CR (this part is Dec 16-19)!

I had been booked at ASMo because I kept telling myself that it was such a waste of money for a room that only I would be enjoying and not in that much anyway. THEN... I took a peek at Expedia. I got a rockin' deal at CR for $201 per night (Thurs/Fri/Sat). Using my Fuzzy Disney Math, I "only" spent $170 more for those 3 nights than I was going to spend at ASMo.

So, now I am booked at CR. Now, my dilemma. In my haste to book, I picked a GW/GV room. I know that ANY room that I have will be wonderful, hey, I'll be at Disney rather than work, but I did not realize that the GW rooms did not have balconies. I sure like a balcony in the AM & PM. I can not rebook the CR room through Expedia as they have now changed the sale to not have the same $201 price on the weekends, it is $300 per night. It would cost me $200 more for the same room just to rebook, let alone upgrade to anything else. SO I am hoping that I can pay for an upgrade once I check in. I really don't care about the view, noise, or proximity to the pool. I just really want a balcony which will require a tower room. I don't think that I want a ground floor (for the patio) in the GW either, since I will be alone. I just get all weird like that.

This is where you all come in.
1. Do I do the online check in and just put in a request for a tower room?
2. Do online check in with no request since I will be hoping for a change anyway?
3. Or simply, not do the online check in at all and check in & ask to pay for an upgrade when I get there?

This is my birthday present from my DH. And this is my first WDW deluxe. I would like to make it as magical as possible, but again, I will be happy wherever I end up. I will be at Disney World!