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

[WDWKOOK]

I've been at WDW for a couple of weeks so I'm just getting 'caught up' today... I have MANY BLT and CR photos for the new thread I'll start working on when DD starts high school next week, so stay tuned.

Hi, everyone!!

We're checking into the CR Tower, BLV, on 9/15!!

Prior to this, we've stayed in a FW cabin, CBR, & the WL, so this will be our 1st time at the CR! (We really love the WL, & thought that it was going to be "our" resort, but younger DS sorta changed that! LOL!)

Anyway, I've asked this before, but I'm still not really clear on what kind of room requests I need to make - so, I still haven't decided if I should on-line check-in or just wait until we get there.

We're on the Bay Lake side (unless we get an awesome upgrade to the Theme Park side, of course!).

I want to be able to see the WL from our balcony, see the nightly boat parade, & be overlooking the pool - so if the older kids & DH go swimming & I stay in the room w/ younger DS, I can watch them. I also don't want to be too high up - DD is a little afraid of heights - I'd rather be lower so I feel more "in the action"... like we are when we stay courtyard at the WL.

I also want to be able to walk out of our room & see the monorail running through & Chef Mickey's - I think the kids will like that.

So what do I need to request?

Thanks so much for any help!!

If you look to the extreme right, you can see only the green rooftop of WL from Tower BLV rooms. Requesting an odd numbered room has no impact on your balcony view, it only means that as you sit in your bed, you'll be facing toward the Garden Wing instead of BLT.

Tower rooms start on the 5th floor and when added together, the first two numbers = 5 (41). You'll know how low you are at check-in by adding the two numbers together.

All BLV rooms face Bay Lake and have essentially the same view of the EWP and the pool, with the rooms closest to Chef Mickeys being the closest to the pool. You can walk out of all BLV Tower rooms and see the monorail going in/out of the CR.

You're not really going to be able to watch your children from a Tower room. While the view is commanding, the Tower is not really close enough to the pool to be able to keep an eye on your children. The CV rooms at WL surround the pool and are closer to the pool than the Tower BLV rooms at the CR. Have you considered a cabana rental?

For your request, I would ask for:

A low floor near Chef Mickey's.

Keep in mind though that if you're near CM, you'll be closer to hearing the 'celebration' song they blare during breakfast and dinner. It only takes maybe 30 seconds to walk from one end of a Tower floor to the other, so you can easily walk over to look down on CM from any room.

 

[Wendy31]

The rooms at CR don't start until the 5th floor, I believe. So even if you request a lower-level room, I don't know how much you'll be able to keep tabs on your DH/kids at the pool.

As far as seeing WL, Epcot, etc. Ask for an odd-numbered room.

You can call and have the room requests added to your reservation now and then when you check in, ask if your requests have been honored (remember, they're just requests -- no guarantees). Have a great trip!

I've been at WDW for a couple of weeks so I'm just getting 'caught up' today... I have MANY BLT and CR photos for the new thread I'll start working on when DD starts high school next week, so stay tuned.

If you look to the extreme right, you can see only the green rooftop of WL from Tower BLV rooms. Requesting an odd numbered room has no impact on your balcony view, it only means that as you sit in your bed, you'll be facing toward the Garden Wing instead of BLT.

Tower rooms start on the 5th floor and when added together, the first two numbers = 5 (41). You'll know how low you are at check-in by adding the two numbers together.

All BLV rooms face Bay Lake and have essentially the same view of the EWP and the pool, with the rooms closest to Chef Mickeys being the closest to the pool. You can walk out of all BLV Tower rooms and see the monorail going in/out of the CR.

You're not really going to be able to watch your children from a Tower room. While the view is commanding, the Tower is not really close enough to the pool to be able to keep an eye on your children. The CV rooms at WL surround the pool and are closer to the pool than the Tower BLV rooms at the CR. Have you considered a cabana rental?

For your request, I would ask for:

A low floor near Chef Mickey's.

Keep in mind though that if you're near CM, you'll be closer to hearing the 'celebration' song they blare during breakfast and dinner. It only takes maybe 30 seconds to walk from one end of a Tower floor to the other, so you can easily walk over to look down on CM from any room.

Thank you both!

And that's good to know about how the 1st 2 numbers of the room number equal the floor number!

So I will request lower level near Chef Mickey's.

I honestly don't think we'll mind being able to hear Chef Mickey's music. One thing I always enjoyed at the WL was being able to hear all the pool games in our room during the afternoon - it just makes me feel more "in on the action"!

I'll miss not being able to sit on our balcony & being close to the pool.

I'm really going to miss our courtyard room at the WL, but I'm cautiously excited about the CR. DH has always wanted to stay at the CR, so, hopefully, we'll like it!

Can't wait to see all your new pics!!!

2 more quick questions:

1. In looking at CR pics, there doesn't seem to be a lot of counterspace in the bathroom. I've never used one before, but would 1 of those over-the-door storage hangers fit on the door?

2. Where can I find the September movie schedule for the CR? (The ones that are shown at the beach, I think?)

 

[rcraw45425]

Thank you both!

And that's good to know about how the 1st 2 numbers of the room number equal the floor number!

So I will request lower level near Chef Mickey's.

I honestly don't think we'll mind being able to hear Chef Mickey's music. One thing I always enjoyed at the WL was being able to hear all the pool games in our room during the afternoon - it just makes me feel more "in on the action"!

I'll miss not being able to sit on our balcony & being close to the pool.

I'm really going to miss our courtyard room at the WL, but I'm cautiously excited about the CR. DH has always wanted to stay at the CR, so, hopefully, we'll like it!

Can't wait to see all your new pics!!!

2 more quick questions:

1. In looking at CR pics, there doesn't seem to be a lot of counterspace in the bathroom. I've never used one before, but would 1 of those over-the-door storage hangers fit on the door?

2. Where can I find the September movie schedule for the CR? (The ones that are shown at the beach, I think?)

Sorry, the doors are all sliders for the bathroom so I don't think an over the door hangers would work. One with a hanger top or tie can be hung off of the towel holder maybe.

 

[Missyrose]

1. In looking at CR pics, there doesn't seem to be a lot of counterspace in the bathroom. I've never used one before, but would 1 of those over-the-door storage hangers fit on the door?

We just kept one of the sinks in the bathroom dry and used it for storage. Not the world's most perfect solution, but it worked for us.

 

[psac]

We just kept one of the sinks in the bathroom dry and used it for storage. Not the world's most perfect solution, but it worked for us.

That's probably the best plan. There are also shelves underneath the sinks, but that's a lot of bending. The sinks really are a terrible design. They did a better job with the sinks in BLT (if you ignore the whole suite sink thing that they later changed.)

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Wendy31]

Sorry, the doors are all sliders for the bathroom so I don't think an over the door hangers would work. One with a hanger top or tie can be hung off of the towel holder maybe.

Well, then, that's one last thing I'll need to buy for our trip!

We just kept one of the sinks in the bathroom dry and used it for storage. Not the world's most perfect solution, but it worked for us.

That's a great idea! Thanks!!

That's probably the best plan. There are also shelves underneath the sinks, but that's a lot of bending. The sinks really are a terrible design. They did a better job with the sinks in BLT (if you ignore the whole suite sink thing that they later changed.)

Enjoy your trip!

I noticed the shelf under the sinks, as well, & figured I'd store some stuff there, but I was hoping to put our "every day" type stuff somewhere handier & that wouldn't require bending everytime I wanted to use my hairspray!

Thanks again!!

This time, in 2 weeks, we will be in the MK for "Wishes!" & EMH & then will be WALKING (not waiting for a bus, monorail, or boat) back to our resort!!

 

[rcraw45425]

Well, then, that's one last thing I'll need to buy for our trip!

That's a great idea! Thanks!!

I noticed the shelf under the sinks, as well, & figured I'd store some stuff there, but I was hoping to put our "every day" type stuff somewhere handier & that wouldn't require bending everytime I wanted to use my hairspray!

Thanks again!!

This time, in 2 weeks, we will be in the MK for "Wishes!" & EMH & then will be WALKING (not waiting for a bus, monorail, or boat) back to our resort!!

I'm having trouble remembering but IIRC the renovation of the rooms did not change the basic bathroom layout. In the WC area (inside it's own little room) there use to be a counter. I remember putting all of my toiletries on that. I know it's not a perfect solution but it does get them out of the way, just have the very essential stuff by the sink. I would leave makeup bag, jewelry, all that in there. then again, it's been two years and at least one Disney stay since then......

 

[TJA]

I noticed the shelf under the sinks, as well, & figured I'd store some stuff there, but I was hoping to put our "every day" type stuff somewhere handier & that wouldn't require bending everytime I wanted to use my hairspray!

We just got back from CR and it took me a bit to get myself organized in the bathroom -- I ended up using the space in between the sinks for toothbrushes and everyday-type things (I moved the drinking glasses and washclothes that are normally sitting in that area to make more room). I think there would be room for your hairspray there. Then I used the shelf underneath for my makeup bag and hair-stuff bag. It worked. In the part where the toilet is, there is a hook where I hung my bathroom bag that contains all our other bath essentials.

 

[steilkurve]

Stayed at Bay Lake in June. Loved it. Definitely a big plus to have the extra room with two kids in tow! We had a one bedroom villa. Video i shot is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXQ_XzsGwgA

 

[poohgirl6]

Checked into CR yesterday. We had done online check-in and were dumped into lobby with alot of other ME riders. There were lines everywhere but they had CMs working the lines and handing out folders/keys etc. Within 5 mins of arrival we were good to go Staff has been outstanding

We got a Tower Room (paying $148 conference rate) and I love this location and view. We are on 8th floor overlooking Bay Lake/Pool area. So convenient and it is shaded during hot afternoon sun. Have had no noise issues at all.

Room was clean and in good shape. However, had a few issues with Mousekeeping today (called and requested some things that were not done, but I found a mousekeeper in hall and she came in and made it right).

I have not stayed at CR since the remodel, but had read about sinks and thought I was prepared for their dysfunction. It is so bad that every time I go into the bathroom, I shake my head and think, "Seriously?" The designer/inventor deserves an EPIC FAIL award. In regards to previous posts, I took all the towels off of the towel ladder and folded them up on the low shelf below sinks. Then I hung my clear plastic over-the-door hanger organizer on the towel ladder. There is nothing in our toilet room but the toilet. There is lots of space in there so that is where my dirty clothes hamper goes.

Ate at Contempo Cafe and found it user-friendly, pretty decent food, and nice CMs. I loved that they had heavy-duty brown grocery bags to carry out food in since I was transporting a few meals.

Used the pool tonight (Mickey Shaped one) and the center hot tub. Hot tub was teeming with young children that were using the edge around it to jump off into the pool for a while then all cleared out and I was in there with just one other woman

So far, this resort has scored really high marks for my family. Will update as things move along

 

[poohgirl6]

Forgot to mention a few things in last night's post: ME was a great experience; walked right onto bus, bus was mostly full, stopped at WL first, then CR second. We got to hotel around 2:15pm and had reservations at WCC at WL at 6pm. We left around 4:30pm to go to MK to pick up our YES program park tickets then headed to the Lodge. When we returned around 7pm, our luggage was all in our room. Not sure how long it had been there, but I had planned to not depend upon it before our dinner reservation.

There was some snafu with the watercraft transportation at the WL. We were trying to get back to the CR and there were probably 50 people or more lined up on the dock. Boats would stop and only 2 people could get on. Then they said, 'Only going to FW for a while bc of HDDR" Anyway, at one point a boat captain basically counted the line and told the group they could count on it being approx 90 min or so for the last ones to get a ride, so "Go catch a bus, maybe!" Could be bc of Labor Day weekend, timing, or shortage of boats, who knows but just thought I'd mention it.

 

[serene56]

Something I either did not pay attention to or just not seen--
if you stay at the magic kingdom for night time EMH the monorail does not run after a certain time.

With a 6 year old that was up since 6am and it was quite a long day-- that walk back to the contempory just was not happening and she is way too heavy to carry.

we waited for a bus. and of course as we arrived one just was pulling out.

We could have walked to the Contemporary a few times with waiting for the next one.

 

[serene56]

we did not do online check in guess it really doesnt matter
i had one request please as close to the laundry room as possible.

we were the furthest room in the resort 6310.

does it make a diference with who you book with?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Stayed at Bay Lake in June. Loved it. Definitely a big plus to have the extra room with two kids in tow! We had a one bedroom villa. Video i shot is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXQ_XzsGwgA

You were in 7534 and we were in 7634 last month. I'll be posting a TR later this month.

Checked into CR yesterday. We had done online check-in and were dumped into lobby with alot of other ME riders. There were lines everywhere but they had CMs working the lines and handing out folders/keys etc. Within 5 mins of arrival we were good to go Staff has been outstanding

We got a Tower Room (paying $148 conference rate) and I love this location and view. We are on 8th floor overlooking Bay Lake/Pool area. So convenient and it is shaded during hot afternoon sun. Have had no noise issues at all.

Room was clean and in good shape. However, had a few issues with Mousekeeping today (called and requested some things that were not done, but I found a mousekeeper in hall and she came in and made it right).

I have not stayed at CR since the remodel, but had read about sinks and thought I was prepared for their dysfunction. It is so bad that every time I go into the bathroom, I shake my head and think, "Seriously?" The designer/inventor deserves an EPIC FAIL award. In regards to previous posts, I took all the towels off of the towel ladder and folded them up on the low shelf below sinks. Then I hung my clear plastic over-the-door hanger organizer on the towel ladder. There is nothing in our toilet room but the toilet. There is lots of space in there so that is where my dirty clothes hamper goes.

Ate at Contempo Cafe and found it user-friendly, pretty decent food, and nice CMs. I loved that they had heavy-duty brown grocery bags to carry out food in since I was transporting a few meals.

Used the pool tonight (Mickey Shaped one) and the center hot tub. Hot tub was teeming with young children that were using the edge around it to jump off into the pool for a while then all cleared out and I was in there with just one other woman

So far, this resort has scored really high marks for my family. Will update as things move along

Thanks for posting your review. Just in case you need it, there is another hot tub near the ladder for the slide.

Forgot to mention a few things in last night's post: ME was a great experience; walked right onto bus, bus was mostly full, stopped at WL first, then CR second. We got to hotel around 2:15pm and had reservations at WCC at WL at 6pm. We left around 4:30pm to go to MK to pick up our YES program park tickets then headed to the Lodge. When we returned around 7pm, our luggage was all in our room. Not sure how long it had been there, but I had planned to not depend upon it before our dinner reservation.

There was some snafu with the watercraft transportation at the WL. We were trying to get back to the CR and there were probably 50 people or more lined up on the dock. Boats would stop and only 2 people could get on. Then they said, 'Only going to FW for a while bc of HDDR" Anyway, at one point a boat captain basically counted the line and told the group they could count on it being approx 90 min or so for the last ones to get a ride, so "Go catch a bus, maybe!" Could be bc of Labor Day weekend, timing, or shortage of boats, who knows but just thought I'd mention it.

I wonder what happened with the boats? Maybe they didn't have enough boats out for the Labor Day crowds. I've read that the parks are practically dead now. Are you still there?

Something I either did not pay attention to or just not seen--
if you stay at the magic kingdom for night time EMH the monorail does not run after a certain time.

With a 6 year old that was up since 6am and it was quite a long day-- that walk back to the contempory just was not happening and she is way too heavy to carry.

we waited for a bus. and of course as we arrived one just was pulling out.

We could have walked to the Contemporary a few times with waiting for the next one.

As of July 2011, the monorail is only operating for one hour after regular park closing. It sounds like an umbrella stroller might have made going back to the resort easier for you. The walk is only about 10 minutes, but would feel much longer carrying a 6-year-old.

we did not do online check in guess it really doesnt matter
i had one request please as close to the laundry room as possible.

we were the furthest room in the resort 6310.

does it make a diference with who you book with?

The only thing that matters is that any requests are noted in your reservation at least 5 days prior to arrival so that the room assignor sees it and can try to fulfill your request. Were you in the Tower or the Garden Wing where the laundry is located?

 

[WDWKOOK]

This was effective a day after we checked in. At that time, the CMs thought that the check-in at BLT would only be during peak hours and was a trial. It looks like they made some changes:

Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort now has its own check-in desk in the lobby. The desk is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Guests arriving via Magical Express will still be dropped off at the main Contemporary Resort entrance and will check-in at the Contemporary front desk.

 

[AirGoofy]

This was effective a day after we checked in. At that time, the CMs thought that the check-in at BLT would only be during peak hours and was a trial. It looks like they made some changes:

Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort now has its own check-in desk in the lobby. The desk is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Guests arriving via Magical Express will still be dropped off at the main Contemporary Resort entrance and will check-in at the Contemporary front desk.

I guess they changed that locking door in the front then? It was nice having the extra security.

 

[serene56]

i didnt see it posted or i was not paying attention.

Our door had the kind where you just wave your key card on it and it opens.


the door to the section is supposed to be locked after 11pm (it was not locked at 1:45am)

pool is supposed to be closed t 11pm but there were people in there at 1:45am on Monday morning


It really is a beautiful resort and I wish I can afford to stay there all the time.

 

[TCups4Me]

Ate at Contempo Cafe and found it user-friendly, pretty decent food, and nice CMs. I loved that they had heavy-duty brown grocery bags to carry out food in since I was transporting a few meals.

This is good to know. Do they have covered containers for carry out? We're staying at BLT and I plan to bring dinner back for the family if possible.

 

[neodymm]

This is good to know. Do they have covered containers for carry out? We're staying at BLT and I plan to bring dinner back for the family if possible.

They had covered containers when we were there last year, cant imagine it's changed. Very convenient for dining in your room.

 

[mickeyplanner]

This is good to know. Do they have covered containers for carry out? We're staying at BLT and I plan to bring dinner back for the family if possible.

YEs, when you place an order you are asked if it is to go or not. If you select to go, they will cover your plate with a lid and there are take out bags available too.