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

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks WDWKOOK. Here is a question I had not considered. I planned to have dining credits (1 CS, 1 TS & snacks) and 1 park day left on the original KTTW card to use on Sunday. Will those still be valid?

Martin

You're welcome, Martin. This is just an educated guess, but since your DP is with your first reservation, they will expire when you check-out, which would be by 1100. The room-only reservation will then kick-in and that doesn't have the DP.

But, I wonder, does the DP expire upon check-out or does it expire midnight the day you check-out, like club level access

I'm going to see if I can answer my own question...


ETA: OK, the credits expire at midnight, so you should keep your first KTTW card so that you can use up the remaining credits the same day your room-only reservation starts - by midnight.

 

[princssdisnygina]

You're welcome, Martin. This is just an educated guess, but since your DP is with your first reservation, they will expire when you check-out, which would be by 1100. The room-only reservation will then kick-in and that doesn't have the DP.

But, I wonder, does the DP expire upon check-out or does it expire midnight the day you check-out, like club level access

I'm going to see if I can answer my own question...


ETA: OK, the credits expire at midnight, so you should keep your first KTTW card so that you can use up the remaining credits the same day your room-only reservation starts - by midnight.

All DP credits are good as you said until midnight even if you check out.

 

[WsPrincess]

That's great! Were you pleased with the Atrium Club? (I see your room was on the 12th floor.) I love all the transportation options at the CR, too. Hope you can go back soon!

We loved the Atrium Club. I was so worried after the IPO contact but the staff was so great, especially to my kids. They just were so nice and patient and really took time to get to know us. We even found out one of the staff members grew up right where DH did! We will for sure be back!

 

[mhconley]

You're welcome, Martin. This is just an educated guess, but since your DP is with your first reservation, they will expire when you check-out, which would be by 1100. The room-only reservation will then kick-in and that doesn't have the DP.

But, I wonder, does the DP expire upon check-out or does it expire midnight the day you check-out, like club level access

I'm going to see if I can answer my own question...


ETA: OK, the credits expire at midnight, so you should keep your first KTTW card so that you can use up the remaining credits the same day your room-only reservation starts - by midnight.

Cool - thanks again! I'll just rearrange how I planned to use our dining credits to ensure they are all used up by midnight on Saturday.

Martin

 

[tinkbyday]

Hi all! I've gone through this entire thread and didn't see the question I have - hope I didn't miss it!

I received an email recently regarding the new Wellness Suites that are going to be available in March 2012. I went on the WDW website, but couldn't find anything regarding pricing - does anyone know anything about these new suites?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi all! I've gone through this entire thread and didn't see the question I have - hope I didn't miss it!

I received an email recently regarding the new Wellness Suites that are going to be available in March 2012. I went on the WDW website, but couldn't find anything regarding pricing - does anyone know anything about these new suites?

That is so cool that you got an email about them. Was it from Disney Destinations? Would you be able to copy/paste any of the email here?

The Wellness Suites will be 23 new suites on the 14th floor. This is (was) the Tower Club level. They are in the process of remodeling the entire 14th floor and they were slated to be available for booking beginning in November 2011. When I was at the CR in July, I was told by a mgr. that they had temporarily halted construction, but that it would start up again soon. Previously, there were some non-suite rooms on the 14th floor, but it looks like there will only be suites after the renovation.

Here is some information, including a video interview, that was released back in May.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/allearsteam/2011/05/health_and_wellness_suites_at_1.html

 

[hinodis]

I am sitting here with DH trying to decide if we should upgrade to CR in a bay view tower room. It will be just the two of us for four nights. The cost is $589 for the change in resorts. We are currently booked at CSR. We leave on Friday so I guess we better decide!! Is it worth the money?

 

[mirage0306]

That is so cool that you got an email about them. Was it from Disney Destinations? Would you be able to copy/paste any of the email here?

The Wellness Suites will be 23 new suites on the 14th floor. This is (was) the Tower Club level. They are in the process of remodeling the entire 14th floor and they were slated to be available for booking beginning in November 2011. When I was at the CR in July, I was told by a mgr. that they had temporarily halted construction, but that it would start up again soon. Previously, there were some non-suite rooms on the 14th floor, but it looks like there will only be suites after the renovation.

Here is some information, including a video interview, that was released back in May.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/allearsteam/2011/05/health_and_wellness_suites_at_1.html

This is very interesting. We are currently booked for a Tower Club standard room for next July. I am wondering if we are actually going to be moved to the Atrium club. It sounds like all the rooms are being converted into suites--I bet they won't even have the standard size rooms up there anymore.

 

[mirage0306]

Well, I just emailed our TA to see if she can find out what is supposed to happen to our reservation. We are definitely booked for Tower Club - Standard Room - Magic Kingdom View, but it sure sounds like that option won't exist next July.

What do you think Disney will do?

 

[tinkbyday]

That is so cool that you got an email about them. Was it from Disney Destinations? Would you be able to copy/paste any of the email here?

The Wellness Suites will be 23 new suites on the 14th floor. This is (was) the Tower Club level. They are in the process of remodeling the entire 14th floor and they were slated to be available for booking beginning in November 2011. When I was at the CR in July, I was told by a mgr. that they had temporarily halted construction, but that it would start up again soon. Previously, there were some non-suite rooms on the 14th floor, but it looks like there will only be suites after the renovation.

Here is some information, including a video interview, that was released back in May.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/allearsteam/2011/05/health_and_wellness_suites_at_1.html

You know, I think I may have misspoke - I don't think it came in email after all because I cannot locate the email - it must have been from my Celebrations magazine. September issue - it says they can be reserved by calling Disney or your travel agent. The write up seems to be consistent with everything I found about them yesterday as well and no prices are indicated. Sorry about that!

I'm just trying to get a feel for how much they will cost - I think I will call in to reservations to see if they have any info - I'll let you all know what I find out.

 

[tinkbyday]

Okay - just called in and they have confirmed that they have no information or details on the rooms right now. The CM I spoke with checked with her supervisor as well and neither could find anything other than to say that they are currently being worked on.

I would love to book one for next year and hoped to get an idea of cost, how many rooms, etc. Guess I will stay tuned!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am sitting here with DH trying to decide if we should upgrade to CR in a bay view tower room. It will be just the two of us for four nights. The cost is $589 for the change in resorts. We are currently booked at CSR. We leave on Friday so I guess we better decide!! Is it worth the money?

I can tell you that I've stayed at CSR when it first opened and we've never gone back. As for the CR's BLV, we've returned many times - it's our favorite view at WDW.

It looks like it would be about $147/day more for the CR Tower and I think it's well worth it. The view is amazing and it will be a dead-on view of Bay Lake, the marina and pools. You can even see the Epcot fireworks off to the right on your balcony.

You'll also have more transportation options with both the monorail and walkway to the MK. There are also more restaurant choices. (The Wave has a fantastic breakfast buffet and you should try CA Grill!). There are more stores, room service and you can even take the boat to WL or FTW.

If you like water recreation, there is plenty at the CR. I think you should change to the CR (if the extra money is not an issue). Oh, and the rooms are quite large and beautiful. I think you'll love it. let us know what you end-up doing.

Well, I just emailed our TA to see if she can find out what is supposed to happen to our reservation. We are definitely booked for Tower Club - Standard Room - Magic Kingdom View, but it sure sounds like that option won't exist next July.

What do you think Disney will do?

Maybe the news reports are wrong and they will have some non-suite rooms

You know, I think I may have misspoke - I don't think it came in email after all because I cannot locate the email - it must have been from my Celebrations magazine. September issue - it says they can be reserved by calling Disney or your travel agent. The write up seems to be consistent with everything I found about them yesterday as well and no prices are indicated. Sorry about that!

I'm just trying to get a feel for how much they will cost - I think I will call in to reservations to see if they have any info - I'll let you all know what I find out.

Not a problem and thanks much for letting us know the prices. I can't seem to plug-in any dates online that will come up with the Tower Club level as an option.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Okay - just called in and they have confirmed that they have no information or details on the rooms right now. The CM I spoke with checked with her supervisor as well and neither could find anything other than to say that they are currently being worked on.

I would love to book one for next year and hoped to get an idea of cost, how many rooms, etc. Guess I will stay tuned!

That's frustrating, but makes sense. That explains why they don't appear online for booking. If they are to open in November, they should be booking now, but they must not be very confident that they will actually open then

Thanks for posting what you found out and let us know if (when) you are able to book it

 

[jacksmommy]

I am new to this thread and excited we are staying in BLT - 2 bedroom villa Lakeview. We are going to be there from 9/25-10/2. I am wondering if anyone has a room/floor recommendation for me. We are a group of 6 - DH, DS5, DD2, MIL, FIL and myself. My kids are younger and we would prefer not to have huge walks to amenities like the food/elevator/bus/pool. Also, not too loud. Any good ideas for me? Also any hints to get the most out of our stay there? We have stayed at AKL twice before so this is a new venture for us and I am a bit nervous leaving our favorite resort!

Thanks for the help!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am new to this thread and excited we are staying in BLT - 2 bedroom villa Lakeview. We are going to be there from 9/25-10/2. I am wondering if anyone has a room/floor recommendation for me. We are a group of 6 - DH, DS5, DD2, MIL, FIL and myself. My kids are younger and we would prefer not to have huge walks to amenities like the food/elevator/bus/pool. Also, not too loud. Any good ideas for me? Also any hints to get the most out of our stay there? We have stayed at AKL twice before so this is a new venture for us and I am a bit nervous leaving our favorite resort!

Thanks for the help!

to the thread! Until someone with personal experience chimes in, here is a link to the BLT Room Numbers/Views thread. It's great and can help you to make a room location request:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082

Unlike AKL, you'll have a lot more transportation options: You can take the monorail to the TTC to Epcot or to the Poly, GF and MK. You can also walk on the path to the MK, which only takes about 10 minutes. The boat can take you to FTW and WL where you can eat or maybe do some activities such as bike riding or horseback riding at FTW. We did the Archery Experience (in the rain!) last month and loved it. I'd also recommend Hoop-De-Doo Revue, if you've never seen it. It's hilarious and fun and the food and beer/wine is unlimited.

Have you ever eaten at CA Grill? I'd highly recommend it and you can watch Wishes while you're there or come back with your receipt later on. And, if you're staying on points, you'll have access to BLT's Top of the World Lounge, but it you're staying on a cash reservation, you won't. Oh, and your kids might like the arcade - it's great.

 

[mirage0306]

Okay, my TA said we'll be on the 12th floor. I guess the 14th floor will just be suites.

ETA--she updated our reservation so now it says it's Magic Kingdom view - Atrium Club Level (Concierge). Works for me! There must have been something funky going on at Disney bookings initially for us to be able to book a standard Tower Club room, but Atrium Club works just as well for me. I'm glad this got sorted out--I was kind of confused!

 

[skifast22]

Does Sammy Duvals still rent the small sea racer boats? I was just on their website but all them mention now are personal watercraft, which look like jet skis. I remember the sea racers were affordable (like around $40 for 1/2 hour), but they are advertising $85 for 1/2 for the personal water craft.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Okay, my TA said we'll be on the 12th floor. I guess the 14th floor will just be suites.

ETA--she updated our reservation so now it says it's Magic Kingdom view - Atrium Club Level (Concierge). Works for me! There must have been something funky going on at Disney bookings initially for us to be able to book a standard Tower Club room, but Atrium Club works just as well for me. I'm glad this got sorted out--I was kind of confused!

Glad you got it straightened out. If it's any conciliation, the Atrium Club is less expensive than the Tower Club. Did your room rate go down?

Does Sammy Duvals still rent the small sea racer boats? I was just on their website but all them mention now are personal watercraft, which look like jet skis. I remember the sea racers were affordable (like around $40 for 1/2 hour), but they are advertising $85 for 1/2 for the personal water craft.

Yes, they still rent Sea Raycers and they're lots of fun. They're $32 per half hour and if you have an AP you get 10%-15% off. Here is the WDW recreation pricing information:

http://wdwnews.com/releases/2011/03...es-revised-june-2010-rates-subject-to-change/

 

[mirage0306]

Glad you got it straightened out. If it's any conciliation, the Atrium Club is less expensive than the Tower Club. Did your room rate go down?

Actually, nope. I just ran the numbers. I bet we actually were booked for atrium club the whole time and there was just a confusion with the room type. Seriously no big deal. As long as it's straightened out, I'm good with it.

 

[tinacaplan]

Just booked a tower room at the Contemporary for February. So, so, so excited. Have wanted to stay there since I was a kid!

Also have two quick questions: How far of a walk is it to the elevators if you're in the tower? Let's say you're on the far end... we stayed very close to the elevator bank at BC in July and I got spoiled and loved being able to use my resort mug really easily.

Also, can't quite justify the six hundre dollar price jump to pay for an MK view, especially because I'm so excited about a lot of other things about the Contemporary....so my second question is this: what is like to go and watch the fireworks from the fourth floor?

TIA!