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

[mjfisherdc]

We got to CR this morning at 11:00: not only was our room ready but we were upgraded from Tower bayview to atrium bay view! now to get ready for dinner and MVMCP tonight!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We got to CR this morning at 11:00: not only was our room ready but we were upgraded from Tower bayview to atrium bay view! now to get ready for dinner and MVMCP tonight!

Congratulations on that amazing upgrade.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We got to CR this morning at 11:00: not only was our room ready but we were upgraded from Tower bayview to atrium bay view! now to get ready for dinner and MVMCP tonight!

What a fantastic upgrade! Enjoy!

Now, go get ready

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

A long time ago I remember reading a thread where someone mentioned they reserved the Tower - Magic Kingdom View and when they checked in they were told that they got upgraded to the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View. Now if any of you got that specifc upgrade would you want to accept it? The reason I ask is I believe the person who posted that said they didn't want to accept it because they just wanted the Magic Kingdom View, which is why they made that specifc reservation and I think they didn't consider it an upgrade because they were not getting the view they wanted, even though all the Club Level offerings and etc would make it a better upgrade on paper and the fact those rooms would be more expensive. So even though you could still see the Magic Kingdom from the lounge would that be reason enough to accept the upgrade along with everything staying Club Level offers, despite the fact you would end up with the Bay Lake View?

 

[katepass72]

I would absolutely take that upgrade

 

[cjsull]

Wow, how did you get an upgrade? That's great!
Have a great time!

 

[sjs314]

A long time ago I remember reading a thread where someone mentioned they reserved the Tower - Magic Kingdom View and when they checked in they were told that they got upgraded to the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View. Now if any of you got that specifc upgrade would you want to accept it? The reason I ask is I believe the person who posted that said they didn't want to accept it because they just wanted the Magic Kingdom View, which is why they made that specifc reservation and I think they didn't consider it an upgrade because they were not getting the view they wanted, even though all the Club Level offerings and etc would make it a better upgrade on paper and the fact those rooms would be more expensive. So even though you could still see the Magic Kingdom from the lounge would that be reason enough to accept the upgrade along with everything staying Club Level offers, despite the fact you would end up with the Bay Lake View?

If I were offered an upgrade to Atrium BLV on my upcoming trip I think I would decline, the reason being I have my heart set on waking up to looking out at the MK , I have already started to plan our Park Days and have 4 of our evenings back in the room to view the fireworks and possible dining in the room. The CL does not in itself tempt me enough to give up my MK view since we will be on the DxDP this trip.

My family recieved an upgrade to CL (it was called Concierge back then)the year we stayed at YC. While it was nice to come back in the evening to the turn down service and chocolates, DH and myself never did go up to the lounge, although my two DS(13 & 23) both took advantage of their offerings.

Now "if" we did not have the DxDP and "if" was not our first time staying at CR with MK view , Yes I think I might accept the upgrade Happily.

 

[Georgi Zhukov]

A long time ago I remember reading a thread where someone mentioned they reserved the Tower - Magic Kingdom View and when they checked in they were told that they got upgraded to the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View. Now if any of you got that specifc upgrade would you want to accept it? The reason I ask is I believe the person who posted that said they didn't want to accept it because they just wanted the Magic Kingdom View, which is why they made that specifc reservation and I think they didn't consider it an upgrade because they were not getting the view they wanted, even though all the Club Level offerings and etc would make it a better upgrade on paper and the fact those rooms would be more expensive. So even though you could still see the Magic Kingdom from the lounge would that be reason enough to accept the upgrade along with everything staying Club Level offers, despite the fact you would end up with the Bay Lake View?

I think I would probably turn down the upgrade. The best part of having a MK view room (for me) is being able to watch the fireworks from our very own balcony - just my wife, my two boys, me and my glass of wine. Even though I would be very tempted to upgrade - primarily because of all of the great info you have provided CR Fan - I don't think I would pull the trigger. Other than the privacy you get while viewing the fireworks, I like it because we go full speed in the parks as most people do. By the time Wishes rolls around, we are all spent. We get the kids' teeth brushed and into their pajamas and then watch the show. When it is over we shut the sliding glass door, turn out the lights and crash.

Perhaps when our kids are older I'll feel differently but for now the MK view suits our needs perfectly. We'll be there again starting December 16th. In the unlikely event we get offered an upgrade, I'll let you know what happens!

 

[WDWKOOK]

A long time ago I remember reading a thread where someone mentioned they reserved the Tower - Magic Kingdom View and when they checked in they were told that they got upgraded to the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View. Now if any of you got that specifc upgrade would you want to accept it? The reason I ask is I believe the person who posted that said they didn't want to accept it because they just wanted the Magic Kingdom View, which is why they made that specifc reservation and I think they didn't consider it an upgrade because they were not getting the view they wanted, even though all the Club Level offerings and etc would make it a better upgrade on paper and the fact those rooms would be more expensive. So even though you could still see the Magic Kingdom from the lounge would that be reason enough to accept the upgrade along with everything staying Club Level offers, despite the fact you would end up with the Bay Lake View?

While contemplating your question, I went to the booking site to see the price differnce between a BLV/CL room and a MKV room (it's about $100/NT more for CL, give or take). I got distracted though because I noticed some discrepancies that I think would be confusing to anyone not familiar with the CR:

This is from the booking page you get to after you've put in your dates and resort choice:

Standard Room - Atrium Club Level

(I've bolded the oddities)

The Tower Club offers limited concierge service, Continental breakfast, midday snacks, and refrigerator (upon request). All rooms have two queen-size beds or one king-size bed, day bed, table and chairs, ceiling fan, and large bathroom with private commode. Tower Concierge Rooms offer views of the Magic Kingdom® Park and parking area, or Bay Lake. Non-smoking and disabled-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room wall safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), phone in bath area, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Coffeemaker and refrigerator are available upon request.

The room description is supposed to be for an Atrium Club room, but the description is for a Tower Club (14th floor) room - big difference in layout and price.

The next room choice is listed as:

Magic Kingdom® View - Atrium Club Level

But for the non-CL room choice it's listed as:

Tower - Theme Park View

With this description:

...Located in the Tower, Tower Magic Kingdom Rooms offer views of the parking area and Magic Kingdom theme park.

Well, which is it? Are they calling it Theme Park View or Magic Kingdom View, like it used to be called at the CR? And why is the Standard View/Atrium Club description that of the Tower Club std. room description, for which I believe there are only two std. rooms anyway, 4911 and 4912

Also, this made me wonder, has anyone ever booked or noticed the ability to book online rooms in the Tower Club level, other than suites?

To answer your question, I'm assuming that if someone has paid a premium for a MKV/TPV, then that is very important to them. They must really want that view from their room and not necessarily from only a lounge. I'm sure though that a guest would never turn down a TPV/MKV CL upgrade if they had booked a TPV/MKV

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

While contemplating your question, I went to the booking site to see the price differnce between a BLV/CL room and a MKV room (it's about $100/NT more for CL, give or take). I got distracted though because I noticed some discrepancies that I think would be confusing to anyone not familiar with the CR:

This is from the booking page you get to after you've put in your dates and resort choice:

Standard Room - Atrium Club Level

(I've bolded the oddities)

The Tower Club offers limited concierge service, Continental breakfast, midday snacks, and refrigerator (upon request). All rooms have two queen-size beds or one king-size bed, day bed, table and chairs, ceiling fan, and large bathroom with private commode. Tower Concierge Rooms offer views of the Magic Kingdom® Park and parking area, or Bay Lake. Non-smoking and disabled-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room wall safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), phone in bath area, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Coffeemaker and refrigerator are available upon request.

The room description is supposed to be for an Atrium Club room, but the description is for a Tower Club (14th floor) room - big difference in layout and price.

The next room choice is listed as:

Magic Kingdom® View - Atrium Club Level

But for the non-CL room choice it's listed as:

Tower - Theme Park View

With this description:

...Located in the Tower, Tower Magic Kingdom Rooms offer views of the parking area and Magic Kingdom theme park.

Well, which is it? Are they calling it Theme Park View or Magic Kingdom View, like it used to be called at the CR? And why is the Standard View/Atrium Club description that of the Tower Club std. room description, for which I believe there are only two std. rooms anyway, 4911 and 4912

Also, this made me wonder, has anyone ever booked or noticed the ability to book online rooms in the Tower Club level, other than suites?

To answer your question, I'm assuming that if someone has paid a premium for a MKV/TPV, then that is very important to them. They must really want that view from their room and not necessarily from only a lounge. I'm sure though that a guest would never turn down a TPV/MKV CL upgrade if they had booked a TPV/MKV

When it comes to the things you bolded I just tell myself that the WDW website is wrong when it comes to some of the information, although it can be confusing for those who have never stayed at the Contemporary before. Now when you asked about anyone ever booking the standard rooms for the 14th floor online I have only seen the suites when looking up various dates, although maybe that's because there are only 5 standard rooms and they might be booked up a lot of the times. Finally I guess you would think if they were going to upgrade guests to the 12th floor the ones who reserved the Magic Kingdom View would be put into a Magic Kingdom View on the 12th floor. So the guests who booked the Bay Lake View would be put into the Bay Lake View rooms on the 12th floor, should they get upgraded to the Atrium Club.

 

[sto6917]

A long time ago I remember reading a thread where someone mentioned they reserved the Tower - Magic Kingdom View and when they checked in they were told that they got upgraded to the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View. Now if any of you got that specifc upgrade would you want to accept it? The reason I ask is I believe the person who posted that said they didn't want to accept it because they just wanted the Magic Kingdom View, which is why they made that specifc reservation and I think they didn't consider it an upgrade because they were not getting the view they wanted, even though all the Club Level offerings and etc would make it a better upgrade on paper and the fact those rooms would be more expensive. So even though you could still see the Magic Kingdom from the lounge would that be reason enough to accept the upgrade along with everything staying Club Level offers, despite the fact you would end up with the Bay Lake View?

I would have to have turned it down because the MK view from our room was very important! (We booked Atrium Club as well, but the MK view was the most important factor)

I will add this: We arrived a day early for our CR stay and had booked a room at Wilderness Lodge a couple of weeks ago. We had booked a standard room with bunkbed. We were upgraded to club level!

Love those upgrades!

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

Do they still show movies in the evening? We are going Jan 1 -12. Where do they show them? Do they have chairs? What time?

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

Do they have a salon at CR. Has anyone used it? Opinions? When is it open?Would it be hard to get an appointment?

 

[MissMadisonMouse]

Do they still show movies in the evening? We are going Jan 1 -12. Where do they show them? Do they have chairs? What time?

I was wondering the exact same things. And if they do is there anywhere the movies scheduled to be shown are published?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Do they still show movies in the evening? We are going Jan 1 -12. Where do they show them? Do they have chairs? What time?

I was wondering the exact same things. And if they do is there anywhere the movies scheduled to be shown are published?

Here is the current schedule, December isn't out yet. The schedules are posted here:

http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php#contemporary


Nov. 13 - Cars
Nov. 14 - Invincible
Nov. 15 - Pocahontas(See our Princess Page)
Nov. 16 - Snow White(See our Princess Page)
Nov. 17 - G-Force (PG)
Nov. 18 - Lilo & Stitch (PG)
Nov. 19 - The Princess Protection Program
Nov. 20 - Wall-E
Nov. 21 - Bedtime Stories (PG)
Nov. 22 - Bolt (PG)
Nov. 23 - Sleeping Beauty(See our Princess Page)
Nov. 24 - UP! (PG)
Nov. 25 - Pocahontas(See our Princess Page)
Nov. 26 - Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue
Nov. 27 - Toy Story 3
Nov. 28 - Freaky Friday (PG)
Nov. 29 - The Muppet Christmas Carol
Nov. 30 - Beauty and the Beast(See our Princess Page)

Your kids are sure to enjoy this wonderful free activity at the Contemporary Resort Hotel. This program is open to all guests of Walt Disney World, not just to those staying at the resort. Refreshment stand and restrooms available. Check with a Cast Member for show times (usually around 7:30pm). These movies are projected on to a large portable screen under the sky bridge between the towers. You also might enjoy the Jammin' Pool Party 1:30-2:30 every day. Disney has changed their policy, the schedule can change weekly, so check back before you leave.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Do they have a salon at CR. Has anyone used it? Opinions? When is it open?Would it be hard to get an appointment?

I have never used it, but here is a little bit of info., but I don't know how up-to-date it is:

The Contemporary Resort Salon can be found on the third floor of the tower building. It provides facials, haircuts, manicures, and other beauty services.

The Salon is open from 9AM-6PM, and is closed on Sunday.

This was posted in August:

The American Beauty Shoppe and Captain's Chair at the Contemporary Resort. Call 407-824-3411 to schedule an appointment.

 

[WDWKOOK]

...How the Contemporary was named?

In David Koenig’s book, Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World, the working title everyone referred to the hotel as was the Contemporary Hotel. Marty Sklar always had reservations about using that name as it might “stick.” In early 1971 they came up with the permanent name, the Tempo Bay Hotel. Roy Disney had also known the hotel as the Contemporary Hotel and when he saw the plans for a Tempo Bay Hotel he wanted to know what that hotel was. When he learned the Contemporary was only the working title, he said, “I just don’t like it. I like Contemporary. I like names that are simple and say what they are. The other name is phony and plastic.” Shortly after that everything was changed – again – and now bore its new name – the Contemporary Resort Hotel.

From: http://www.wdwnewstoday.com/2010/01/29/a-contemporary-classic-by-chuck-mirarchi/

 

[sjs314]

Totally enjoyed reading that article about the Contempory, thanks for posting the link

 

[WDWKOOK]

Totally enjoyed reading that article about the Contempory, thanks for posting the link

You're welcome.

Isn't it fascinating reading about the resorts' history? I thought it was interesting how often they had to rehab. the rooms due to the high rate of turnover and wear and tear.

In '72, about one year after it was built, they started to rehab 8 rooms at a time and by 1975 all rooms had been completely remodeled from top to bottom and then they started the whole process over again with the 1972 remodeled rooms.

I don't think they rehab rooms at that pace anymore (once every three years)

 

[sjs314]

You're welcome.

Isn't it fascinating reading about the resorts' history? I thought it was interesting how often they had to rehab. the rooms due to the high rate of turnover and wear and tear.

In '72, about one year after it was built, they started to rehab 8 rooms at a time and by 1975 all rooms had been completely remodeled from top to bottom and then they started the whole process over again with the 1972 remodeled rooms.

I don't think they rehab rooms at that pace anymore (once every three years)

I was totally blown over when I read about Richard Nixon having the Press Conference at the Contempory on Nov 17, 1973 since that was the day DH and I were married, funny thing is I recall those famous words of His but not that it happened the day we married.

I am just thrilled to be staying at the resort where it all started finally, when we visited Disneyland I had to stay at the DLH where it all began too.