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

[Mary T in PA]

We are finally home, and back from our longest vacation ever, we spent 10days at the world, a few days at BWI and then a week at CR.

I love CR. DH loves it because he doesn't think it's as "stuffy" as some other resorts.

We had no problems - and the CL staff was great as usual.

One issue was the Resort Monorail loop. For whatever reason, the wait times were ridiculous... CMs told us it was due to only having 3 trains on that particular line one night, but it seemed to be more than that.

One night we came back and the line to get on the monorail at CR was winding everywhere - those folks were in for a long wait. And this was after T-weekend, so the crowds weren't as heavy.

I noticed and overheard folks saying they were avoiding the express monorail from TTC to MK as the resort loop was quicker... maybe that was the jam at MK, but CR was packed too almost anytime we went to hop on, it usually took us a few trains passing us by and the CMs would just let a few folks on.

 

[Pjimmeyer]

We are finally home, and back from our longest vacation ever, we spent 10days at the world, a few days at BWI and then a week at CR.

I love CR. DH loves it because he doesn't think it's as "stuffy" as some other resorts.

We had no problems - and the CL staff was great as usual.

One issue was the Resort Monorail loop. For whatever reason, the wait times were ridiculous... CMs told us it was due to only having 3 trains on that particular line one night, but it seemed to be more than that.

One night we came back and the line to get on the monorail at CR was winding everywhere - those folks were in for a long wait. And this was after T-weekend, so the crowds weren't as heavy.

I noticed and overheard folks saying they were avoiding the express monorail from TTC to MK as the resort loop was quicker... maybe that was the jam at MK, but CR was packed too almost anytime we went to hop on, it usually took us a few trains passing us by and the CMs would just let a few folks on.

Thanks for the quick report. We'll keep an eye on this monorail trend while we are there and report back.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We are finally home, and back from our longest vacation ever, we spent 10days at the world, a few days at BWI and then a week at CR.

I love CR. DH loves it because he doesn't think it's as "stuffy" as some other resorts.

We had no problems - and the CL staff was great as usual.

One issue was the Resort Monorail loop. For whatever reason, the wait times were ridiculous... CMs told us it was due to only having 3 trains on that particular line one night, but it seemed to be more than that.

One night we came back and the line to get on the monorail at CR was winding everywhere - those folks were in for a long wait. And this was after T-weekend, so the crowds weren't as heavy.

I noticed and overheard folks saying they were avoiding the express monorail from TTC to MK as the resort loop was quicker... maybe that was the jam at MK, but CR was packed too almost anytime we went to hop on, it usually took us a few trains passing us by and the CMs would just let a few folks on.

Thanks for the review and if it makes you feel better during our past few stays at the Contemporary we also had long lines over there for the Resort Monorail, if one of them went down for service and etc. So I wish it's something they would try to fix because guests pay a lot of $ to stay at the Monorail Resorts and it can get frustrating waiting for 3 or 4 Monorail's before we get on one, plus it's supposed to be their fastest transportation route.

 

[Mary T in PA]

Thanks for the review and if it makes you feel better during our past few stays at the Contemporary we also had long lines over there for the Resort Monorail, if one of them went down for service and etc. So I wish it's something they would try to fix because guests pay a lot of $ to stay at the Monorail Resorts and it can get frustrating waiting for 3 or 4 Monorail's before we get on one, plus it's supposed to be their fastest transportation route.

I agree with you - the monorail is a major reason people stay at the MK resorts.

So I didn't have issues getting my room key to work on the elevators this trip. I just had monorail issues.

 

[TT4Dis]

Got back yesterday to where I normally live after 6 nights at CR. This was my first stay onsite and first real trip to Orlando and we chose CR because I had the 40% off pin and with the small kids in our party it made the most sense location wise. I loved everything about this resort. On Thursday when we headed out to the MK we got to the platform and were told the monorail was down, but no big deal, we just walked instead. To know you can lose a transportation mode and still be in the park in 20 minutes is a huge selling point. My sister and I are planning another trip in 2 years, if I can wait that long, and have already discussed where to stay next time if CR costs makes the difference between going and not going. Would love to hear from others who have stayed different places, once you go deluxe can you ever go back?

 

[lala3291]

Hello all of you CR experts!
My DD20 and her best friend from college just decided that they want to go to WDW for their spring break (March 11-16)! They picked the CR, Theme Park View. They just booked yesterday. Now, is there anything specific as far as room requests that they should ask for? I don't know the resort well (we usually stay at the BWI). Sorry if this is a dumb question!
Okay, I am off to make ADRs for them now! Hopefully they will get some good one's, considering it's Spring Break!
Thank you all!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Got back yesterday to where I normally live after 6 nights at CR. This was my first stay onsite and first real trip to Orlando and we chose CR because I had the 40% off pin and with the small kids in our party it made the most sense location wise. I loved everything about this resort. On Thursday when we headed out to the MK we got to the platform and were told the monorail was down, but no big deal, we just walked instead. To know you can lose a transportation mode and still be in the park in 20 minutes is a huge selling point. My sister and I are planning another trip in 2 years, if I can wait that long, and have already discussed where to stay next time if CR costs makes the difference between going and not going. Would love to hear from others who have stayed different places, once you go deluxe can you ever go back?

Thanks for posting your review and to answer your question we have only stayed at the Deluxe Resorts, so I don't think we could stay at the Value or Moderate Resorts.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hello all of you CR experts!
My DD20 and her best friend from college just decided that they want to go to WDW for their spring break (March 11-16)! They picked the CR, Theme Park View. They just booked yesterday. Now, is there anything specific as far as room requests that they should ask for? I don't know the resort well (we usually stay at the BWI). Sorry if this is a dumb question!
Okay, I am off to make ADRs for them now! Hopefully they will get some good one's, considering it's Spring Break!
Thank you all!

Well if they want to stay on the highest floor possible they should request the 11th floor since it's the highest non Club Level floor in the Tower. Besides that if they want their beds to face the Magic Kingdom they should request an odd numbered room. Finally if they think the noise from Chef Mickey's might effect them since everyone is different when it comes to that, they should request a room away from there.

 

[lala3291]

Well if they want to stay on the highest floor possible they should request the 11th floor since it's the highest non Club Level floor in the Tower. Besides that if they want their beds to face the Magic Kingdom they should request an odd numbered room. Finally if they think the noise from Chef Mickey's might effect them since everyone is different when it comes to that, they should request a room away from there.

Thanks for the info! I will share this with my DD to help her and her friend make a decision.
Thanks again!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello all of you CR experts!
My DD20 and her best friend from college just decided that they want to go to WDW for their spring break (March 11-16)! They picked the CR, Theme Park View. They just booked yesterday. Now, is there anything specific as far as room requests that they should ask for? I don't know the resort well (we usually stay at the BWI). Sorry if this is a dumb question!
Okay, I am off to make ADRs for them now! Hopefully they will get some good one's, considering it's Spring Break!
Thank you all!

I would recommend booking the CA Grill for them. I think they'd love the food and the view. Chef Mickey's might also be fun for them since they could get lots of photos taken with the characters which would be a nice memory.

Here are links to the menus for you and your DD:

http://allears.net/menu/menu_cg.htm

http://allears.net/menu/menu_cmk.htm

 

[WDWKOOK]

December 6 - Ratatouille
December 7 - Princess and the Frog
December 8 - Alice in Wonderland (Animated)
December 9 - Pinocchio
December 10 - Star Struck
December 11 - Cars
December 12 - Invincible
December 13 - Finding Nemo
December 14 - Enchanted (PG)
December 15 - G-Force (PG)
December 16 - Lilo&Stitch (PG)
December 17 - Princess Protection Program
December 18 - Snow Dogs
December 19 - Snow Buddies
December 20 - The Santa Clause
December 21 - Santa Clause 2
December 22 - Santa Clause 3
December 23 - Nightmare Before Christmas
December 24 - Muppet Christmas Carol
December 25 - Toy Story 3
December 26 - Toy Story 2
December 27 - Bolt (PG)
December 28 - Sleeping Beauty(See our Princess Page)
December 29 - Beauty and the Beast(See our Princess Page)
December 30 - Sorcerer's Apprentice (PG)
December 31 - Toy Story 1/2/3 Triple Feature

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.

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

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for the info! I will share this with my DD to help her and her friend make a decision.
Thanks again!

You're welcome.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

December 6 - Ratatouille
December 7 - Princess and the Frog
December 8 - Alice in Wonderland (Animated)
December 9 - Pinocchio
December 10 - Star Struck
December 11 - Cars
December 12 - Invincible
December 13 - Finding Nemo
December 14 - Enchanted (PG)
December 15 - G-Force (PG)
December 16 - Lilo&Stitch (PG)
December 17 - Princess Protection Program
December 18 - Snow Dogs
December 19 - Snow Buddies
December 20 - The Santa Clause
December 21 - Santa Clause 2
December 22 - Santa Clause 3
December 23 - Nightmare Before Christmas
December 24 - Muppet Christmas Carol
December 25 - Toy Story 3
December 26 - Toy Story 2
December 27 - Bolt (PG)
December 28 - Sleeping Beauty(See our Princess Page)
December 29 - Beauty and the Beast(See our Princess Page)
December 30 - Sorcerer's Apprentice (PG)
December 31 - Toy Story 1/2/3 Triple Feature

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.

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

Thanks for posting the movie list for this month, so hopefully it will help out those staying at the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for posting the movie list for this month, so hopefully it will help out those staying at the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower.

...Which neither of us are

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

...Which neither of us are

Very true.

 

[Pjimmeyer]

...Which neither of us are

Well you shooooooould be.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well you shooooooould be.

Well....... Both of us were just there in August - does that count? (Actually, for my dates, the CR is completely booked)

Are you gloating, pjimmeyer?. Have a great trip and don't forget to check-in with us

 

[Disneymama5816]

Got back yesterday to where I normally live after 6 nights at CR. This was my first stay onsite and first real trip to Orlando and we chose CR because I had the 40% off pin and with the small kids in our party it made the most sense location wise. I loved everything about this resort. On Thursday when we headed out to the MK we got to the platform and were told the monorail was down, but no big deal, we just walked instead. To know you can lose a transportation mode and still be in the park in 20 minutes is a huge selling point. My sister and I are planning another trip in 2 years, if I can wait that long, and have already discussed where to stay next time if CR costs makes the difference between going and not going. Would love to hear from others who have stayed different places, once you go deluxe can you ever go back?

While we LOVE the CR and it is our favorite resort, you can still have a great time at a moderate. This past summer we did a split stay with the CR and CSR. We loved the CSR also - it is our second favorite resort. The rooms were similar to the CR, although smaller. The beds were very comfortable and large and the room was really pretty. The pool area was nice and we liked the Pepper Market too. If the prices of the CR are too high for the next trip, don't let that stop you from going. You will still have a great time!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Well....... Both of us were just there in August - does that count? (Actually, for my dates, the CR is completely booked)

The Contemporary was also sold out on the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View for all different dates in December with the Bounceback rate and eventually sold out for our dates we will be at the Boardwalk Inn for the Fall/Winter Room Only promotion and Annual Pass rates.

 

[Rags]

and we loved it!!!!

The resort is fantastic. The transportation is hands down the best!!! The fact we could walkt to MK and take the monorail to Epcot was awesome.

The Garden wing was so quiet!!

Now I have stayed at all level of resorts and I am a person that equates value for what I pay. This resort is worth every penny.


We are putting a deposit down for the same time next year!!!!

A big thanks to all who answered every question!!!