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

[clandrum]

There are two chairs with a small table in-between. There is also a folding/sorting table in-between the washers and dryers.

The cost is $2 per washer/dryer and you can pay by swiping your KTTW card.

I notice that your ticker is for CR/BLT. I'm sure you already know that your villa at BLT will have a stackable washer and dryer in the room and Tide is provided.

I forgot I need to change my signature. We have decided to stay at the Contemporary our entire stay that is why I am so curious about the laundry room. We are staying in the tower w/ a magic kingdom view so it looks like I will be stuck in the garden wing for at least a couple hours. Thanks for the info. So can you only pay with your KTTW card or can you pay w/ change? I normally do not put charging privilages on my KTTW card. Again thanks for all the wonderful info.

 

[yolie912]

Thanks for answering my questions quickly! Im so excited. We are going in May!
and we cannot wait. I wonder how the crowd levels are the second week of May??

 

[clandrum]

Thanks for answering my questions quickly! Im so excited. We are going in May!
and we cannot wait. I wonder how the crowd levels are the second week of May??

We are going May 7th-14th. Touring plans says it will be around a 5 for that week. Check out touring plans. Totally worth the money. Have a great trip!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'll definitly do that then, thanks for the warning!

You're welcome.

 

[thechesters420]

I forgot I need to change my signature. We have decided to stay at the Contemporary our entire stay that is why I am so curious about the laundry room. We are staying in the tower w/ a magic kingdom view so it looks like I will be stuck in the garden wing for at least a couple hours. Thanks for the info. So can you only pay with your KTTW card or can you pay w/ change? I normally do not put charging privilages on my KTTW card. Again thanks for all the wonderful info.

I think you can only use your KTTW cards to use the washers and dryers. I'd also suggust doing your clothes in the middle of the day. It was too busy when I tried to do clothes at about 8 one night and all the washers had clothes in them but were done. I had to wait about 15 minutes to use a washer. It was very frustrating. I had no problem during the day. I also was in a TPV room in the tower. It was a little bit of a walk, but not too bad.

 

[hstrickland]

Need some advice from you CR experts...I just upgraded my family to the Tower BLV...we had GW GV...was afraid I'd be stuck without a balcony or a great view. So, is there a "bad" floor in the Tower? Bad view, etc? I've stayed at the CR twice, but it has been years!!!! like when I was a kid. I'll be honest, too, we really are Poly and GF lovers, but needed to save money this trip;the CR was a bit cheaper. Hope I'm not making a mistake...please tell me I'm not My kids are SUPER excited about staying in the resort with the "train"..they think it is soooo cool that the monorail runs right through the middle (something I remember, too, as a kid...great memories) I know we will have a great time where ever we stay...it's Disney!

Thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Need some advice from you CR experts...I just upgraded my family to the Tower BLV...we had GW GV...was afraid I'd be stuck without a balcony or a great view. So, is there a "bad" floor in the Tower? Bad view, etc? I've stayed at the CR twice, but it has been years!!!! like when I was a kid. I'll be honest, too, we really are Poly and GF lovers, but needed to save money this trip;the CR was a bit cheaper. Hope I'm not making a mistake...please tell me I'm not My kids are SUPER excited about staying in the resort with the "train"..they think it is soooo cool that the monorail runs right through the middle (something I remember, too, as a kid...great memories) I know we will have a great time where ever we stay...it's Disney!

Thanks!

We love the Tower's BLV! It's our favorite. I always request "Far from Chef Mickey's, high floor, odd numbered room." While I don't think there are any "bad" rooms, if given the complete opposite of our request, I would not be as pleased. We've never had a problem getting our request, though sometimes I might have to tweak it a little at check-in.

Unlike the Poly and the GF, everything is under one roof at the CR (except the laundry is on the 2nd floor of the GW). Also, you'll be able to walk to the MK in less than 10 minutes. I think your kids will love the arcade at the CR. My DD prefers it to the other MK resort-area arcades. And I think the view of the monorail from the Contempo Café can't be beat. I really like the food selection there, too.

You can still visit the Poly and the GF and maybe grab a bite to eat there. We usually go for a lunch at Konas which is so easy when you're staying on the monorail line.

Also, the pool never seems as crowded as the Poly's and GF's. There seems to be more available seating and they will even refill your mug poolside!

I hope you have a great vacation.

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks for the advice, WDWKOOK! And you are right about one thing...the CR pool has to be less crowded than the Poly pool. That was one complaint that I did have about the Poly...it was ridiculous on the weekend! Great to know about the refillable mugs poolside!!! That is super convenient, especially since we spend so much time at the pool. We weren't impressed witht he GF arcade. The CR arcade looks much bigger. DS9 will have a blast in there. I'm going with an open mind...knowing that the Poly, GF and CR are completely different resorts with positives and negatives about each. Our last trip was short, so we stayed at the WL. I really missed being able to jump on the monorail...so at least this trip, we are back at a monorail resort Thanks again for your quick reply and advice!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the advice, WDWKOOK! And you are right about one thing...the CR pool has to be less crowded than the Poly pool. That was one complaint that I did have about the Poly...it was ridiculous on the weekend! Great to know about the refillable mugs poolside!!! That is super convenient, especially since we spend so much time at the pool. We weren't impressed witht he GF arcade. The CR arcade looks much bigger. DS9 will have a blast in there. I'm going with an open mind...knowing that the Poly, GF and CR are completely different resorts with positives and negatives about each. Our last trip was short, so we stayed at the WL. I really missed being able to jump on the monorail...so at least this trip, we are back at a monorail resort Thanks again for your quick reply and advice!

You're welcome, Heather. I really think the CR has the most and largest poolside seating area of any MK-area resort. I find this really reduces the stress level of finding a descent place to sit. It can be very stressful and crazy at the Poly.

Yes, EVERY resort has its pros and cons. Try as many as you can and you might even be surprised about what you value most out of your WDW resort.

In August, we stayed for the very first time at the AKL for a few nights. I thought I wouldn't care for it much, but my DD and I (DH is deployed) loved it. We had a Savannah View and it was wonderful. We also loved The Mara, Boma and Sannaa and they have a huge pool seating area with plenty of shade and tucked-away hot tubs that were never crowded.

The only negative aspect of our stay was not being able to walk or monorail to any parks. But, for just a few days of a split stay, it was perfect. We did one resort day, an AK day and a water park day, which I drove to, so we only rode the bus once.

So, you never know, the CR might end-up your favorite!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Need some advice from you CR experts...I just upgraded my family to the Tower BLV...we had GW GV...was afraid I'd be stuck without a balcony or a great view. So, is there a "bad" floor in the Tower? Bad view, etc? I've stayed at the CR twice, but it has been years!!!! like when I was a kid. I'll be honest, too, we really are Poly and GF lovers, but needed to save money this trip;the CR was a bit cheaper. Hope I'm not making a mistake...please tell me I'm not My kids are SUPER excited about staying in the resort with the "train"..they think it is soooo cool that the monorail runs right through the middle (something I remember, too, as a kid...great memories) I know we will have a great time where ever we stay...it's Disney!

Thanks!

The Bay Lake View is great and I think the view will look amazing no matter what floor you stay on. Plus all the Contemporary rooms inside the Tower come with a balcony, so that's one thing you won't need to worry about. Finally there is no way your making a mistake staying there and I hope you have a great time.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When I was looking at the Contemporary rates for 2011 I happen to see a new room category called Tower Standard (Parking Lot) View King. So I am wondering does anyone happen to know where those types rooms in the Tower are located?

 

[WDWKOOK]

When I was looking at the Contemporary rates for 2011 I happen to see a new room category called Tower Standard (Parking Lot) View King. So I am wondering does anyone happen to know where those types rooms in the Tower are located?

This is only an assumption on my part, but I would guess they are the lower levels, which ones, I don't know.

At BLT, there is a similar category. While the rooms do face the MK, they are so low as to be considered parking lot views, but guests do report being able to see the fireworks and some of the MK anyway.

I guess this new category will enable people to actually book a king room like at the moderates?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This is only an assumption on my part, but I would guess they are the lower levels, which ones, I don't know.

At BLT, there is a similar category. While the rooms do face the MK, they are so low as to be considered parking lot views, but guests do report being able to see the fireworks and some of the MK anyway.

I guess this new category will enable people to actually book a king room like at the moderates?

I also assumed those rooms would be on the lower Tower floors and if I had to guess I think they would be on the 6th floor. That's where the Magic Kingdom View rooms start from, so they would also be closest to the parking lot.

 

[sjs314]

When I was looking at the Contemporary rates for 2011 I happen to see a new room category called Tower Standard (Parking Lot) View King. So I am wondering does anyone happen to know where those types rooms in the Tower are located?

Interesting, I have not seen that one listed. How was the nightly rate as opposed to BLV and TPV in the tower?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Interesting, I have not seen that one listed. How was the nightly rate as opposed to BLV and TPV in the tower?

Here's the link to the new category. It seems to be about $75 less per night Vs. a TPV/MKV and $30 less per night than BLV.

http://www.mousesavers.com/contemporary2011.html

 

[sjs314]

Here's the link to the new category. It seems to be about $75 less per night Vs. a TPV/MKV and $30 less per night than BLV.

http://www.mousesavers.com/contemporary2011.html

Nice savings, rates seem to be the same as the GW Deluxe which is what I switched to, to save a few $$$ before the newest discounts came out and I re-booked the tower TPV anyone wanting a King room should be happy now if it is bookable.

 

[hstrickland]

....So, you never know, the CR might end-up your favorite!

You're right...ya never know. Of course when my DH read this he just shook his head. He's still not convinced but glad I'm saving money this trip Don't get me wrong, he's still excited, though. My parents are going with us again, too. I think my dad is really, really excited about staying at the CR. It's been over 20 years since he has been there...lots of changes, especially with the room decore.

The Bay Lake View is great and I think the view will look amazing no matter what floor you stay on. Plus all the Contemporary rooms inside the Tower come with a balcony, so that's one thing you won't need to worry about. Finally there is no way your making a mistake staying there and I hope you have a great time.

Thanks! I'm glad I don't have to worry about a balcony like we did at the Poly...or worry about the pool being super crowded. As much I love the Poly, Disney made a big mistake with pool size.

Does anyone know how "loud" Chef Mickey's can get? And which floors do the rooms start on? Sorry I'm asking so many questions...I'm a major planner

Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks! I'm glad I don't have to worry about a balcony like we did at the Poly...or worry about the pool being super crowded. As much I love the Poly, Disney made a big mistake with pool size.

Does anyone know how "loud" Chef Mickey's can get? And which floors do the rooms start on? Sorry I'm asking so many questions...I'm a major planner

Thanks!

You're welcome and the rooms for the Bay Lake View start on the 5th floor and go up to the 11th floor, so I am not including the Club Level rooms on the 12th floor.

Now as for how loud Chef Mickey's can be it depends on the floor you stay on, where excatly your room would be located and what everyones opinion is of it being loud. In the past we have had a room close to or over Chef Mickey's and the music wasn't that bad, however others don't like it. Now the worst rooms would be on the 5th floor right over Chef Mickey's at the end of the hallway where it's located.

 

[shmatbert]

Hi Everyone - I received a 40% PIN on Friday and didn't hesitate to schedule December 17 - 21 at the CR (TPV)! Our first trip to Disney was last year to the BCV for a week. It was awesome. We loved BCV but it's not available with the PIN so we are trying something completely different. I love the location and I think I'll love the view.

I wonder how we'll be able to handle the crowds at that time of year, but our schedule isn't as flexible as it used to be. I guess one bonus will be the Christmas decorations in the park.

I've been reading the thread and will continue to until we leave. Thanks for all the good advice! Rebecca

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi Everyone - I received a 40% PIN on Friday and didn't hesitate to schedule December 17 - 21 at the CR (TPV)! Our first trip to Disney was last year to the BCV for a week. It was awesome. We loved BCV but it's not available with the PIN so we are trying something completely different. I love the location and I think I'll love the view.

I wonder how we'll be able to handle the crowds at that time of year, but our schedule isn't as flexible as it used to be. I guess one bonus will be the Christmas decorations in the park.

I've been reading the thread and will continue to until we leave. Thanks for all the good advice! Rebecca

Congratulations and I hope you have a great time.

Now the crowds there should be ok and one tip is to arrive at the parks when they open, no matter if it's for AM Extra Magic Hour or the regular park opening.