The ALL NEW Disney's Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower FAQ with PICs! (July 2011)

[dmband]

I was just curious, we will be in the garden wing when we go, and does anyone decorate their doors? If so, are they metal, so we can hang magnets? Any guidance would be appreciated!!

I have never seen anyone do that but it would be pretty neat I guess
I also am pretty sure the doors are metal
Never paid that much attn but I can't think of anyplace where the doors are not metal for safety

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

My family and I are trying out the CR for the first time in June as a part of our multi-split stay and I am super excited!

We are pretty die-hard Poly lovers but decided to take one trip to try out some of the other resorts.

I just upgraded to TPV Atrium Club (from BLV) and from reading this thread I think I should request and odd numbered room so that our beds face the MK. Is this correct? I don't think music from CM will bother us (in fact my kids might just love it!) so I'm not worried about that.

Also, we will be arriving by car from another resort so when we stop at the guard shack does that alert a CL CM to meet us in the lobby to take us up to the 12th floor to check in? Or is there somebody we are supposed to find in the lobby to direct us up?

TIA for your help

 

[WDWKOOK]

I just booked CR TPV for Dec 9-14!!!!!! I cannot wait to see the castle from my balcony, especially with the lights!!!!!
I have been to WDW 4 times and have never stayed onsite. DH wants to explore other vacation destinations for the next couple years, so I decided we are going to go big this trip and stay at CR. Didnt do MVMCP last year. Not sure if it is worth the $$ for us, but still considering it. Might just go to MK for regular Wishes and watch holiday Wishes FROM MY BALCONY!!!
Have I mentioned I am excited???????

Congratulations on booking for December! If you've never stayed onsite, I think you're going to be hooked. You're going to love the walkway to the MK and having everything in one building. It's almost time to start thinking about ADRs

We say that nothing is ever too sweet; you just need more milk!

I had the Red Velvet cupcake a few weeks ago and thought it was really tasty. I didn't try the caramel one though. I'll have to try it in August

Besides seeing that there is still exterior work going on the facade of the Tower, is there any other refurb going on in the Tower rooms? Believe it or not, I am kinda wanting to do a split stay for our winter trip but haven't been keeping up on CR news.. I know, bad bad Mary!

The CR isn't doing any room rehabs right now nor have I heard that they are scheduled in the near future - WL next door is doing one right now.

My family and I are trying out the CR for the first time in June as a part of our multi-split stay and I am super excited!

We are pretty die-hard Poly lovers but decided to take one trip to try out some of the other resorts.

I just upgraded to TPV Atrium Club (from BLV) and from reading this thread I think I should request and odd numbered room so that our beds face the MK. Is this correct? I don't think music from CM will bother us (in fact my kids might just love it!) so I'm not worried about that.

Also, we will be arriving by car from another resort so when we stop at the guard shack does that alert a CL CM to meet us in the lobby to take us up to the 12th floor to check in? Or is there somebody we are supposed to find in the lobby to direct us up?

TIA for your help

Yes, the odd numbered rooms have beds facing toward the MK.

When you arrive, the guard will ask for ID and check your name against a list. They should then call and let them know you've arrive. When you get to the port cochere, the bellman may then direct you to the club level runner who may have come down to greet you. They usually have a clipboard. If a CL runner doesn't greet you, tell the bellman that you're staying CL. If they try to direct you to the lobby check-in, tell them you are staying CL and would like to check-in on the 12th floor instead. We had to do this once and the bellman took us up with his key.

The CR hasn't always been consistent with greeting CL guests and I've heard that sometimes CL guests are told to check-in in the lobby. If you've paid to stay CL, I think you should be able to check-in CL.

I hope you have a great vacation!

 

[pennyplanner]

Has anyone used Garden Grocer for a delivery? Does the CR have the same walk-in fridge set-up for early deliveries?

Thanks!

--pennyplanner

 

[almcg]

Hi everyone! We've booked a room in the Garden Wing for one night during our trip in July I just wanted to say what an informative thread this is and I'm soaking all the information up like a sponge lol

 

[StratMan]

Has anyone used Garden Grocer for a delivery? Does the CR have the same walk-in fridge set-up for early deliveries?

Thanks!

--pennyplanner

Yes, we just got back from our stay at BLT. CR bell services kept our Garden Grocer delivery refrigerated all day until we got back to our room.

 

[WDWKOOK]

The rumors of CA Grill's rehab have now been confirmed by AllEars. What differs from the rumor is that it seems it will return as CA Grill with the same menu. The rumors had it closing at the end of the year, but it looks like it may be much sooner:

According to sources at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, the signature restaurant is scheduled to close for an extended period soon while important maintenance is done. Glass windows will be replaced, and repair work will be done on the roof. In addition, the kitchen and other back room areas will be renovated. When the restaurant reopens, it will continue to operate as the California Grill and will serve the same type of menu. Exact dates for this work have not been confirmed as yet.

Hi everyone! We've booked a room in the Garden Wing for one night during our trip in July I just wanted to say what an informative thread this is and I'm soaking all the information up like a sponge lol

I hope you enjoy your stay in the GW!

 

[jenneth79]

The rumors of CA Grill's rehab have now been confirmed by AllEars. What differs from the rumor is that it seems it will return as CA Grill with the same menu. The rumors had it closing at the end of the year, but it looks like it may be much sooner:

According to sources at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, the signature restaurant is scheduled to close for an extended period soon while important maintenance is done. Glass windows will be replaced, and repair work will be done on the roof. In addition, the kitchen and other back room areas will be renovated. When the restaurant reopens, it will continue to operate as the California Grill and will serve the same type of menu. Exact dates for this work have not been confirmed as yet.

Thanks for this info!

I don't know if it matters, but I'm pretty sure they won't make ADRs for restaurants they are looking to close, correct? If that's the case, CG would be open at least through late October, when we have our reservation.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for this info!

I don't know if it matters, but I'm pretty sure they won't make ADRs for restaurants they are looking to close, correct? If that's the case, CG would be open at least through late October, when we have our reservation.

Hi, Jenneth!

Actually, yes, the ADR system is set-up to allow ADRs for restaurants that may close, but aren't closed yet. Case in point, HDDR is slated to close August 5 - December 31 for a rehab, yet you can still makes ADRs for those dates and the IPOs aren't even "seeing" the closure in their system, but it is closing.

I would recommend double booking a back-up ADR with your CAG ADR - just in case

 

[Greysword]

When the California Grill closes, who is most effected by the loss of the dining space: other Cr restaurants or an equivalent signature place at the GF or Poly?

 

[WDWKOOK]

When the California Grill closes, who is most effected by the loss of the dining space: other Cr restaurants or an equivalent signature place at the GF or Poly?

Just a guess on my part, but I would assume that The Wave and other Signature Dining venues on the monorail would see most of the CAG customer spillover

 

[jenneth79]

Hi, Jenneth!

Actually, yes, the ADR system is set-up to allow ADRs for restaurants that may close, but aren't closed yet. Case in point, HDDR is slated to close August 5 - December 31 for a rehab, yet you can still makes ADRs for those dates and the IPOs aren't even "seeing" the closure in their system, but it is closing.

I would recommend double booking a back-up ADR with your CAG ADR - just in case

Hmm, guess Narcossee's is looking better and better.....wish BOG would open....any other suggestions? (We really like the dinner and FW show...)

 

[morgan loves minnie]

I didn't have time to go through the whole thread, so I apologize in advance because I'm sure this has been addressed already.

Anyway, I know Top of the World lounge is only for DVC members. We will be staying at BLT on points that we "rented" from my aunt and uncle. Will we be able to have access to the lounge? If we can access the lounge we were thinking about watching Wishes from there one night.

Thanks!

 

[rhorsley]

I didn't have time to go through the whole thread, so I apologize in advance because I'm sure this has been addressed already.

Anyway, I know Top of the World lounge is only for DVC members. We will be staying at BLT on points that we "rented" from my aunt and uncle. Will we be able to have access to the lounge? If we can access the lounge we were thinking about watching Wishes from there one night.

Thanks!

Hi there. We are also DVC members who rented points for a stay at BLT this past February. We were able to visit the lounge no problem. But our key to the world card showed us as DVC I think?

Have a great vacation!

 

[honeymo78]

I didn't have time to go through the whole thread, so I apologize in advance because I'm sure this has been addressed already.

Anyway, I know Top of the World lounge is only for DVC members. We will be staying at BLT on points that we "rented" from my aunt and uncle. Will we be able to have access to the lounge? If we can access the lounge we were thinking about watching Wishes from there one night.

Thanks!

It depends. Technically the lounge is only for DVC members but sometimes the CMs manning the elevator only ask for your room key and you may or may not have DVC printed on your room key. However, some CMs will request the blue DVC member card before allowing people up to the lounge.

 

[gometros]

One week from today, we'l be staying at BLT for our first time. Can't wait

 

[psac]

It depends. Technically the lounge is only for DVC members but sometimes the CMs manning the elevator only ask for your room key and you may or may not have DVC printed on your room key. However, some CMs will request the blue DVC member card before allowing people up to the lounge.

When we were there last week they asked for our room key and our DVC member card. Like you said, it probably depends on who is manning the desk.

Regarding the California Grill, I think people see that as an event, not just a normal dining experience, and people travel to get there from both on and off property. I think Narcoossee's will take the biggest overflow, just because it's the only other signature where there is any semblance of seeing Wishes. Otherwise I think all signatures will see some extra bookings, like maybe people will just decide to travel to Jiko instead of travelling there.

Personally we were very happy with our meal at the Wave last week (maybe the second best meal after California Grill, which was top notch this trip), but it's almost the anti-Cali Grill in terms of atmosphere -- no windows at all. I can see how some diners wouldn't like that.

 

[AirGoofy]

One week from today, we'l be staying at BLT for our first time. Can't wait

Have a great trip. After staying there last year, we are going back in October again. The walk to MK is the best.

 

[mickeyplanner]

It depends. Technically the lounge is only for DVC members but sometimes the CMs manning the elevator only ask for your room key and you may or may not have DVC printed on your room key. However, some CMs will request the blue DVC member card before allowing people up to the lounge.

Finally found this thread, we stayed at BLT in November 2011 and fell in love. Then in February 2012 we bought a DVC resale and now BLT is our home resort. Can anyone tell me about the Top of the World Lounge? Also does anyone update this thread to show the resort activity schedule for each month? We are headed back over Labor Day and wanted to try to figure out the campfire times, movies being shown and kids activities available. Thank you.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Finally found this thread, we stayed at BLT in November 2011 and fell in love. Then in February 2012 we bought a DVC resale and now BLT is our home resort. Can anyone tell me about the Top of the World Lounge? Also does anyone update this thread to show the resort activity schedule for each month? We are headed back over Labor Day and wanted to try to figure out the campfire times, movies being shown and kids activities available. Thank you.

Welcome to the CR thread, mickeyplanner! The resort activity sheet is produced once per month and only available from the resort. Someone would have to be staying there the month you're going and then scan and post the sheet. I only have this month's activity sheet from BWI and WL, so that won't help you, but here is the current CR/BLT movie schedule for April from Build a Better Mouse Trip:

Disney's Contemporary Resort Outdoor Movie Schedule.

Movie shown under the Skyway Bridge at 8:30PM

Sundays - Disney Nature: Earth
Mondays - Wall-E
Tuesdays - The Lion King
Wednesdays - The Lion King 1 1/2
Thursdays - Bambi
Fridays - The Great Mouse Detective
Saturdays - The Muppets (2011)

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 or the resort recreation calendar to confirm show times. These movies are projected on to a large portable screen under the sky bridge between the towers.