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

[LuvLuvLuv]

thanks for all the responses (of course more are always welcome )

we had a small talk about it today taking all responses into consideration.

i would prefer a king bed since i'm on vaca, but i would also prefer less $$.

the mousekeeping thing is okay... we're pretty simple.

he doesn't care about the room size, but said if we stay at CR there's always the 1% chance of an upgrade.

so i'm going to keep my CR ressie, i'm staying in an akv studio in march and if i like it, maybe we'll switch after that. or if i can score an incredible points deal--that could help too.

thanks for all the help!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello all,

In March I'll be heading down to the Contemporary for a week, and I'm a big fan of the monorail. 3 Questions:

1. What are the good locations to take pictures of the monorail from the Contemporary?

2. Can you go out onto the observatory deck on the fourth floor to take pictures, and how do you get back inside? Then, can you stand underneath the monorail beams or is that gated off?

3. Can you go up the emergency exit stairs to get pictures? Then, if you can, how do you get back in the building?

I've been reading this thread but I'm only on the 7th page, so I apologize if this has been asked before.

Also, any advice would be appreciated because I certainly wouldn't want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.....

Thanks in advance

~pwmitch237

You could also take photos of the monorail going through the CR while on the MK boat. It goes through the canal which is right next to the CR's Garden Wing.

You could also walk over to the Garden Wing parking lot (pictured) to take the picture right as the monorail is going through.

Here's an example from the boat a few days ago, but the monorail wasn't going through at the time. I didn't crop the cars out so that you could see the perspective from boat level.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

For those wondering about the brand new room only discounts between April 2011 - October 2011, for whatever reason others were able to call before this Monday which when the booking date starts and apply the discounts now. Earlier tonight we were able to modify our Boardwalk Inn reservation for August 2011 with the 35% room only offer, so if anyone is thinking of staying at the Contemporary during that time call now and see what happens.

 

[sjs314]

For those wondering about the brand new room only discounts between April 2011 - October 2011, for whatever reason others were able to call before this Monday which when the booking date starts and apply the discounts now. Earlier tonight we were able to modify our Boardwalk Inn reservation for August 2011 with the 35% room only offer, so if anyone is thinking of staying at the Contemporary during that time call now and see what happens.

Yes do indeed call , I also called yesterday morning and was able to modify my reservation at CR getting 35% off a Tower TPV room, I had to change my dates due to the cutoff of Oct 1st but it was well worth it considering the savings.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Yes do indeed call , I also called yesterday morning and was able to modify my reservation at CR getting 35% off a Tower TPV room, I had to change my dates due to the cutoff of Oct 1st but it was well worth it considering the savings.

We had to switch our dates at the Boardwalk to arrive on August 17 since it starts up again on August 16. However it was worth it to get the 35% off and we were able to get a Deluxe Room with the discount.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Last month when I was waiting to take the boat from the Boardwalk to Hollywood Studios I started talking to this family who had dinner at the Flying Fish Cafe and it turns out they were staying at the Contemporary. When I asked what part they told me their reservation was for the Garden Wing, however they got upgraded to the Tower - Bay Lake View. Although they then said their room was right at the end of the hallway right over Chef Mickey's. So even though it was an upgrade in the sense they got a room in the Tower and a better view, would you still call it that based on the location of that room?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Last month when I was waiting to take the boat from the Boardwalk to Hollywood Studios I started talking to this family who had dinner at the Flying Fish Cafe and it turns out they were staying at the Contemporary. When I asked what part they told me their reservation was for the Garden Wing, however they got upgraded to the Tower - Bay Lake View. Although they then said their room was right at the end of the hallway right over Chef Mickey's. So even though it was an upgrade in the sense they got a room in the Tower and a better view, would you still call it that based on the location of that room?

I'd call it an upgrade based on the price difference. Any room that costs more, to me is an upgrade. You may not like it better, but it's an upgrade.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We had to switch our dates at the Boardwalk to arrive on August 17 since it starts up again on August 16. However it was worth it to get the 35% off and we were able to get a Deluxe Room with the discount.

Why didn't you get 40% off?

According to both websites, you should get 40% off the Villa and be able to arrive as early as August 14th.



From MouseMisers:

Save up to 40% off the non-discounted price when booking a room at Walt Disney World for stays most nights August 16 – October 1, 2011

Code YW3 for August – October dates.

Save 20% at All Star Movies

Save 25% on Select Disney Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter

Save 30% on Select Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort

Save 35% on Select Disney Deluxe Resorts

Save 40% on Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts



The WDW website lists a different start date of August 14th:

Save Up to 40% on Late Spring or Late Summer Travel
at Select Disney Resort Hotels

Escape to the convenience, service and magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. Treat your family to a late spring or late summer vacation for less. Save on stays most nights April 28 to June 14, 2011 and August 14 to October 1, 2011 when you book by March 27.

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....motionCode=fy11q2q4roomB&market=fy11q2q4roomB

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Why didn't you get 40% off?

According to both websites, you should get 40% off the Villa and be able to arrive as early as August 14th.



From MouseMisers:

Save up to 40% off the non-discounted price when booking a room at Walt Disney World for stays most nights August 16 – October 1, 2011

Code YW3 for August – October dates.

Save 20% at All Star Movies

Save 25% on Select Disney Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter

Save 30% on Select Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort

Save 35% on Select Disney Deluxe Resorts

Save 40% on Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts



The WDW website lists a different start date of August 14th:

Save Up to 40% on Late Spring or Late Summer Travel
at Select Disney Resort Hotels

Escape to the convenience, service and magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. Treat your family to a late spring or late summer vacation for less. Save on stays most nights April 28 to June 14, 2011 and August 14 to October 1, 2011 when you book by March 27.

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....motionCode=fy11q2q4roomB&market=fy11q2q4roomB

Well we used the YW3 code and from what I read that only gets us 35% off the Deluxe Resorts. Plus we made the reservation through the Disney Reservations Center, so we know what they told us was the correct information. Although since math is not my best subject maybe it is 40% off, either way it's still better then what we had before which was no discounts at all.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-resorts.htm#save40

Save up to 40% off the non-discounted price when booking a room at Walt Disney World for stays most nights 8/16/11-10/1/11.

•Save 20% at All Star Movies
•Save 25% on Select Disney Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
•Save 30% on Select Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort

•Save 35% on Select Disney Deluxe Resorts
•Save 40% on Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Discount Code: The following code can be used for obtaining these discounts by calling Disney directly, or by contacting Dreams Unlimited Travel.

•SMP
•YW3
This discount must be booked from 1/3/11 to 3/27/11. Discounted rates available most nights 4/28/11-6/14/11 and 8/16/11-10/1/11. There is a limited number of rooms available for this discount. There may be a minimum length of stay requirement for Friday or Saturday arrivals. All discounts are subject to availability, certain restrictions apply.

 

[britfish]

I read through the first 20 or so pages of this and didn't find my answer....so, I was wondering if someone could tell me about the pool at CR. Is the slide open when the lifeguard is not on duty?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I read through the first 20 or so pages of this and didn't find my answer....so, I was wondering if someone could tell me about the pool at CR. Is the slide open when the lifeguard is not on duty?

It's not opened when the lifeguards are not there.

 

[WDWKOOK]

CRRF4L:

Never mind about the 40% off, I thought you were staying at the Villa, but I don't think you are.

But, I do know that you can arrive beginning 8-14 because if you go to the WDW booking link I posted above, you can actually book the promo online beginning on 8-14.

 

[coopersmom]

My best friend and I are planning on taking our kids (three between us, two of them preschoolers) for a girls trip to Disney World next September. We're looking at the two-bedroom villa in Bay Lake Tower as an option. With the new discounts we can get a two-bedroom, lake view for $420/night, which, according to the links I've seen, looks to be cheaper than renting points. Is that accurate?

I've got a couple other questions for those familiar with the villas, and Bay Lake in particular.

We've got an annual pass, are villas ever a part of those discounts? (I know they're not available yet for that time period.)

What are the chances of getting a dedicated two bedroom, vs. a lock-off? The former is much preferred (the connected studio unit with the pull out bed is a lot less desirable for us and, I'm guessing, a lot of other people too), but can you request it? And are there so few in the view category that you're unlikely to get that request?

With two real rooms, and three real beds, we could put one family in one bedroom, one family group in the other (two queens would work well for mom and two kids; my son and I could share the king) and still have the living space as neutral ground and a place for the little ones to run around and play and, fingers crossed, space to relax for adults after youngsters go to bed. And three bathrooms with three women in the party (two moms and a young teen) would be quite nice, too. With one room having a pull out that's a little less comfy.

Really, though as a group of five we can fit into a smaller space, the room space (and full kitchen), along with proximity to Magic Kingdom, is what is drawing us to Bay Lake. I was looking at Grand Floridian, or off-site (Hilton or Waldorf suite), but when this came up less than $100/night more than a standard room at the Floridian, it seemed like a decent deal.

Oh and, I'm correct in thinking we'd still get daily maid service booking direct through disney for cash, right? (But couldn't use the top-of-the-world lounge, right?)

I've done some research but having only one previous Disney stay--a disappointing one at the Polynesian--I'm reluctant to stay on site at all and want to make sure I do my homework on all the pros and cons of Bay Lake Towers. Thoughts from veterans?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CRRF4L:

Never mind about the 40% off, I thought you were staying at the Villa, but I don't think you are.

But, I do know that you can arrive beginning 8-14 because if you go to the WDW booking link I posted above, you can actually book the promo online beginning on 8-14.

I also noticed that the discount for August starts again on the 14th, however we are not going to switch our arrival date to get there on that day. No we are not staying in a Villa which means no 40% off, however 35% is just as good.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My best friend and I are planning on taking our kids (three between us, two of them preschoolers) for a girls trip to Disney World next September. We're looking at the two-bedroom villa in Bay Lake Tower as an option. With the new discounts we can get a two-bedroom, lake view for $420/night, which, according to the links I've seen, looks to be cheaper than renting points. Is that accurate?

I've got a couple other questions for those familiar with the villas, and Bay Lake in particular.

We've got an annual pass, are villas ever a part of those discounts? (I know they're not available yet for that time period.)

What are the chances of getting a dedicated two bedroom, vs. a lock-off? The former is much preferred (the connected studio unit with the pull out bed is a lot less desirable for us and, I'm guessing, a lot of other people too), but can you request it? And are there so few in the view category that you're unlikely to get that request?

With two real rooms, and three real beds, we could put one family in one bedroom, one family group in the other (two queens would work well for mom and two kids; my son and I could share the king) and still have the living space as neutral ground and a place for the little ones to run around and play and, fingers crossed, space to relax for adults after youngsters go to bed. And three bathrooms with three women in the party (two moms and a young teen) would be quite nice, too. With one room having a pull out that's a little less comfy.

Really, though as a group of five we can fit into a smaller space, the room space (and full kitchen), along with proximity to Magic Kingdom, is what is drawing us to Bay Lake. I was looking at Grand Floridian, or off-site (Hilton or Waldorf suite), but when this came up less than $100/night more than a standard room at the Floridian, it seemed like a decent deal.

Oh and, I'm correct in thinking we'd still get daily maid service booking direct through disney for cash, right? (But couldn't use the top-of-the-world lounge, right?)

I've done some research but having only one previous Disney stay--a disappointing one at the Polynesian--I'm reluctant to stay on site at all and want to make sure I do my homework on all the pros and cons of Bay Lake Towers. Thoughts from veterans?

The only thing I can tell you is that in the past Bay Lake Tower has been available with previous Annual Pass discounts. Besides that if you made a regular reservation over through the Disney Reservation Center or using the WDW website, yes you will get Housekeeping service each day and you won't have access to the Top of The World Lounge, since it's only for DVC members staying there on points.

 

[MissLiz]

I'm going to go ahead and subscribe to this thread.

We just booked a return to CR for Sept with the room only discount! Sept 16-23 Atrium Club Theme Park View!

Every time we have gone to WDW, we've always said "We'd never stay there. It's just not our style" about CR. Then, last Sept, we wanted to add a day to our Poly stay, but Poly didn't have our room level available for that night, so since we'd have to change rooms anyway, we decided to try something new.

We chose CR Atrium Club level Theme Park view for the first night of our trip and then we were going to move to Poly club level for our original booked trip.

Let me tell you, we were so sad to leave CR!!! We all completely fell in love with the resort! If DH's mom and grandmother were not staying at Poly already, we would have changed our reservation right then and there and stayed at CR.

There is such great info in this thread! We were lucky to get a room last year where the beds faced MK, so I'm going to have to use the tip about asking for an odd numbered room.

Would it be wrong to request that AND to request a room on the north side of the club lounge? Is that too much?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm going to go ahead and subscribe to this thread.

We just booked a return to CR for Sept with the room only discount! Sept 16-23 Atrium Club Theme Park View!

Every time we have gone to WDW, we've always said "We'd never stay there. It's just not our style" about CR. Then, last Sept, we wanted to add a day to our Poly stay, but Poly didn't have our room level available for that night, so since we'd have to change rooms anyway, we decided to try something new.

We chose CR Atrium Club level Theme Park view for the first night of our trip and then we were going to move to Poly club level for our original booked trip.

Let me tell you, we were so sad to leave CR!!! We all completely fell in love with the resort! If DH's mom and grandmother were not staying at Poly already, we would have changed our reservation right then and there and stayed at CR.

There is such great info in this thread! We were lucky to get a room last year where the beds faced MK, so I'm going to have to use the tip about asking for an odd numbered room.

Would it be wrong to request that AND to request a room on the north side of the club lounge? Is that too much?

Wrong? No. Confusing? Possibly.

"North side of the lounge" would not be a frequently requested location and the room assigner may not fully appreciate what you mean. If you mean, "close to the castle" then request that instead.

I have found the room assigners to be very patient at the CR. If you put a request in your reservation and when you check-in you discover that your room location is not exactly what you requested, don't hesitate to ask that the room assigner see if your preferred location is/will be available. The front desk CM (who is sometimes also a room assigner) will look/make calls back to the room assigner and do their best to accommodate you.

This is why I never do online check-in. I want to be able to easily "tweak" my room location wherever we stay if it's not quite what I had hoped. I know it's not always possible, but I always give it a try.

Good luck and have a great vacation at the CR!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'm going to go ahead and subscribe to this thread.

We just booked a return to CR for Sept with the room only discount! Sept 16-23 Atrium Club Theme Park View!

Every time we have gone to WDW, we've always said "We'd never stay there. It's just not our style" about CR. Then, last Sept, we wanted to add a day to our Poly stay, but Poly didn't have our room level available for that night, so since we'd have to change rooms anyway, we decided to try something new.

We chose CR Atrium Club level Theme Park view for the first night of our trip and then we were going to move to Poly club level for our original booked trip.

Let me tell you, we were so sad to leave CR!!! We all completely fell in love with the resort! If DH's mom and grandmother were not staying at Poly already, we would have changed our reservation right then and there and stayed at CR.

There is such great info in this thread! We were lucky to get a room last year where the beds faced MK, so I'm going to have to use the tip about asking for an odd numbered room.

Would it be wrong to request that AND to request a room on the north side of the club lounge? Is that too much?

First let me say welcome to the thread and it's great that you love the Contemporary that much. Now as for your requests maybe you can try to say it more clearly so the Cast Members can understand it. For example you can say an odd numbered room since those beds would face the Magic Kingdom and away from Chef Mickey's, since that's the north side of the 12th floor.

 

[sjs314]

Wrong? No. Confusing? Possibly.

"North side of the lounge" would not be a frequently requested location and the room assigner may not fully appreciate what you mean. If you mean, "close to the castle" then request that instead.

I have found the room assigners to be very patient at the CR. If you put a request in your reservation and when you check-in you discover that your room location is not exactly what you requested, don't hesitate to ask that the room assigner see if your preferred location is/will be available. The front desk CM (who is sometimes also a room assigner) will look/make calls back to the room assigner and do their best to accommodate you.

This is why I never do online check-in. I want to be able to easily "tweak" my room location wherever we stay if it's not quite what I had hoped. I know it's not always possible, but I always give it a try.

Good luck and have a great vacation at the CR!

I had decided to do online check-in just in case there should be a convention or other large group staying at CR when we are do to arrive. Is there anyplace that lists what conventions are staying at what resorts and when?

 

[hes122]

A group of us is staying at BLT in a few weeks on a paying reservation. How much laundry soap is included in the "start up" supplies?