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

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you so much for the quick response

You're welcome.

 

[pmdeve]

I wanted to answer the question about bringing people into the Club Level Lounge...

I just stayed CL last Friday and my parents stayed in a regular TPV room. The CL Cm's didn't have any problem with me bringing two extra people up to enjoy the lounge. I asked upon arrival and she said it was most definitely ok.

Thanks for posting the CM's response.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Just called WDW ressies to change my Garden room to a Tower room-TPV . I made a request to be away from CM...the girl said the rooms by CM have a better TPV, but she would still add my request. I thought I read it was practically the same view?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just called WDW ressies to change my Garden room to a Tower room-TPV . I made a request to be away from CM...the girl said the rooms by CM have a better TPV, but she would still add my request. I thought I read it was practically the same view?

When I have stayed at the Contemporary in a non Club Level room the lowest floor in the Tower I have been on was on the 6th floor and it's the lowest floor possible you can get with the Theme Park View. The highest floor I have stayed at that wasn't a Club Level room was the 11th floor, which is the last regular floor since the 12th and 14th floors are Club Level rooms. Anyway between the 6th floor and 11th floor I honestly didn't notice a difference when it comes to how the Magic Kingdom looked.

 

[glk2009]

I just had to share that I was able to change my reservation to a TPV with the Disney Visa room discount!!! It wasn't available yesterday when I called, but it was available today! I'm so glad that decided to try my luck and call again today!

I talked to the nicest CM who made the change for me and she was telling me that she and her DH just stayed there for their anniversary and that they loved having the view!

I am so excited and I know my DD3 (almost 4) will love seeing the castle when she wakes up and when she goes to sleep!

Now, if only it was January and I was already there!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I just had to share that I was able to change my reservation to a TPV with the Disney Visa room discount!!! It wasn't available yesterday when I called, but it was available today! I'm so glad that decided to try my luck and call again today!

I talked to the nicest CM who made the change for me and she was telling me that she and her DH just stayed there for their anniversary and that they loved having the view!

I am so excited and I know my DD3 (almost 4) will love seeing the castle when she wakes up and when she goes to sleep!

Now, if only it was January and I was already there!

Congratulations on getting the view with that discount and I hope you have a great time.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just called WDW ressies to change my Garden room to a Tower room-TPV . I made a request to be away from CM...the girl said the rooms by CM have a better TPV, but she would still add my request. I thought I read it was practically the same view?

I'm not sure what the CM meant. If you have a TPV and are closer to CM then you're actually slightly further away from the MK and closer to the convention center area. I would actually think that your request is more desirable since it puts you further from CM, closer to the MK and further from the convention center's roof.

I just had to share that I was able to change my reservation to a TPV with the Disney Visa room discount!!! It wasn't available yesterday when I called, but it was available today! I'm so glad that decided to try my luck and call again today!

I talked to the nicest CM who made the change for me and she was telling me that she and her DH just stayed there for their anniversary and that they loved having the view!

I am so excited and I know my DD3 (almost 4) will love seeing the castle when she wakes up and when she goes to sleep!

Now, if only it was January and I was already there!

That is so exciting! January will be here before you know it

 

[gometros]

I just had to share that I was able to change my reservation to a TPV with the Disney Visa room discount!!! It wasn't available yesterday when I called, but it was available today! I'm so glad that decided to try my luck and call again today!

I talked to the nicest CM who made the change for me and she was telling me that she and her DH just stayed there for their anniversary and that they loved having the view!

I am so excited and I know my DD3 (almost 4) will love seeing the castle when she wakes up and when she goes to sleep!

Now, if only it was January and I was already there!

I called today, since it was the first day I could make a reservation on points. I was able to get three of the four nights I need for May in a studio TPV. For now, I'm taking a Lake View for the fourth night and will wait-list for the fourth night.

 

[dvczerfs]

we have stayed at the cont. twice in the last three years between our dvc point trips. we are at okw now for 11 nights and today we had to go over to the contempo for lunch for old time sake! looking forward to staying again in may 2012.
we have stayed on the 6th floor and 10th floor, tpv, and the view is the same but the lower floor your on, it makes it easier to see the castle from laying in bed. the higher up you are, you have to look down to see the castle. ( i hate having to lift my head off the pillow)

 

[debrapagliasotti]

When I have stayed at the Contemporary in a non Club Level room the lowest floor in the Tower I have been on was on the 6th floor and it's the lowest floor possible you can get with the Theme Park View. The highest floor I have stayed at that wasn't a Club Level room was the 11th floor, which is the last regular floor since the 12th and 14th floors are Club Level rooms. Anyway between the 6th floor and 11th floor I honestly didn't notice a difference when it comes to how the Magic Kingdom looked.

Thanks...I didnt think there would be much of a difference

I'm not sure what the CM meant. If you have a TPV and are closer to CM then you're actually slightly further away from the MK and closer to the convention center area. I would actually think that your request is more desirable since it puts you further from CM, closer to the MK and further from the convention center's roof.

Ok, thanks!

we have stayed at the cont. twice in the last three years between our dvc point trips. we are at okw now for 11 nights and today we had to go over to the contempo for lunch for old time sake! looking forward to staying again in may 2012.
we have stayed on the 6th floor and 10th floor, tpv, and the view is the same but the lower floor your on, it makes it easier to see the castle from laying in bed. the higher up you are, you have to look down to see the castle. ( i hate having to lift my head off the pillow)

Ha, ha...hating having to lift your head off the pillow to see the castle . I'm not telling my kids what the view will be, I am going to let them be suprised. It would be nice to see the castle from bed in the morning/evening. Cant wait...until next Oct.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks...I didnt think there would be much of a difference

I forgot to mention the Tower rooms start on the 5th floor, however that floor only has the Bay Lake View rooms. So that's what I meant when I said the Theme Park View Rooms start on the 6th floor and why it's the lowest floor you can get.

 

[nklooz]

So, I am really torn. In me and my husband's mind, we've been set on staying at the GF in a theme park view room ever since we took our 8 yo daughter in 2007 and stayed at the POR. Now, we're going back with our to be 13 yo and our to be 2 1/2 yo (her first trip). I have started considering the Contemporary, largely for the superior theme park view rooms. I need help understanding a few things to see if we'll be happy here vs. GF.

A few things to know - cost isn't a deciding factor. The $600 difference for the week isn't the reason for considering the CR vs. GF. We just want the best choice for our family. The the primary target for this trip is the 2 1/2 yo. She is a laid back kiddo but naps are important, thus our desire for the monorail. We want a theme park view so we can watch the fireworks from our room when she's too worn down to be at the park. I have read and seen that this view is better from the CR vs. GF and so added this to my consideration set. Here's the big downside though - she LOVES princesses and GF just seems more princessy. She loves Cinderalla and calls her Rella. My other concern is the pool. Is there a zero entry portion? I'm nervous that outside of the better view, we'll find the CR dull. I don't want it to feel hotely and not Disney magicy. Am I making sense?

I've placed this in the CR forum thinking you guys are going to show me how none of the above worries are valid. And, how my 2 1/2 yo will find the CR tons of fun. So, on your marks, get set, go

 

[nklooz]

And, thanks in advance!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

So, I am really torn. In me and my husband's mind, we've been set on staying at the GF in a theme park view room ever since we took our 8 yo daughter in 2007 and stayed at the POR. Now, we're going back with our to be 13 yo and our to be 2 1/2 yo (her first trip). I have started considering the Contemporary, largely for the superior theme park view rooms. I need help understanding a few things to see if we'll be happy here vs. GF.

A few things to know - cost isn't a deciding factor. The $600 difference for the week isn't the reason for considering the CR vs. GF. We just want the best choice for our family. The the primary target for this trip is the 2 1/2 yo. She is a laid back kiddo but naps are important, thus our desire for the monorail. We want a theme park view so we can watch the fireworks from our room when she's too worn down to be at the park. I have read and seen that this view is better from the CR vs. GF and so added this to my consideration set. Here's the big downside though - she LOVES princesses and GF just seems more princessy. She loves Cinderalla and calls her Rella. My other concern is the pool. Is there a zero entry portion? I'm nervous that outside of the better view, we'll find the CR dull. I don't want it to feel hotely and not Disney magicy. Am I making sense?

I've placed this in the CR forum thinking you guys are going to show me how none of the above worries are valid. And, how my 2 1/2 yo will find the CR tons of fun. So, on your marks, get set, go

I find being able to walk to the MK from the CR very magical, and the fact that the monorail runs right through the resort not dull at all! That, combined with the best MK views from both the TPV rooms and from CA Grill, make the CR a great choice for your family.

The Mickey-shaped (main) pool has a zero entry and there is also a beach area just steps from the pool.

My DD (almost 13) thinks the CR's arcade is the best and she loves eating at CA Grill and going outside on the observation deck to take photos and look around.

The Wave has a fantastic breakfast buffet and Chef Mickey's is a great character dining experience with many of the Disney character "originals."

I also think you might like that the toilet area is separate from the sinks and bath/shower area and with all Tower rooms, the view you book, either Bay Lake or TPV, is guaranteed to have a full balcony and great view with no obstructions.

Oh, and did I mention that the monorail runs right through the resort?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

So, I am really torn. In me and my husband's mind, we've been set on staying at the GF in a theme park view room ever since we took our 8 yo daughter in 2007 and stayed at the POR. Now, we're going back with our to be 13 yo and our to be 2 1/2 yo (her first trip). I have started considering the Contemporary, largely for the superior theme park view rooms. I need help understanding a few things to see if we'll be happy here vs. GF.

A few things to know - cost isn't a deciding factor. The $600 difference for the week isn't the reason for considering the CR vs. GF. We just want the best choice for our family. The the primary target for this trip is the 2 1/2 yo. She is a laid back kiddo but naps are important, thus our desire for the monorail. We want a theme park view so we can watch the fireworks from our room when she's too worn down to be at the park. I have read and seen that this view is better from the CR vs. GF and so added this to my consideration set. Here's the big downside though - she LOVES princesses and GF just seems more princessy. She loves Cinderalla and calls her Rella. My other concern is the pool. Is there a zero entry portion? I'm nervous that outside of the better view, we'll find the CR dull. I don't want it to feel hotely and not Disney magicy. Am I making sense?

I've placed this in the CR forum thinking you guys are going to show me how none of the above worries are valid. And, how my 2 1/2 yo will find the CR tons of fun. So, on your marks, get set, go

I would say that WDWKOOK already gave you a lot of great information why you should go with the Contemporary and here is some extra things which I am going to add.

Their Tower - Theme Park View is of the whole Magic Kingdom, where as at the Grand Floridian their Theme Park View is just of Cinderella's Castle or Space Mountain and is more expensive. Personally I don't see why you would spend more money when you would just be looking at one specifc part, when you can see the whole thing at the Contemporary. So I can't see how the Grand Floridian calls what they have a Theme Park View when the Contemporary has what a real Theme Park View should be.

Also when it comes to a Quick Service location I would say the Contempo Cafe is a lot better then Gasparilla's Grill & Games. Now that is not the Contemporary bias in me saying that because in the past I always enjoyed going to the Grand Floridian just to eat at Gasparilla's Grill & Games. However about 1 or 2 years ago they took away my favorite item on their menu and ever since then I would say their quality of food has gone way downhill, so I can't see myself going to eat there anymore.

 

[Carrie772]

I am really enjoying this thread! My family loves the Polynesian, but my littlest wants to stay at the CR soooo bad! I am reading up so I can be the expert when we do a split stay...someday.

 

[racegirl1414]

I find being able to walk to the MK from the CR very magical, and the fact that the monorail runs right through the resort not dull at all! That, combined with the best MK views from both the TPV rooms and from CA Grill, make the CR a great choice for your family.

The Mickey-shaped (main) pool has a zero entry and there is also a beach area just steps from the pool.

My DD (almost 13) thinks the CR's arcade is the best and she loves eating at CA Grill and going outside on the observation deck to take photos and look around.

The Wave has a fantastic breakfast buffet and Chef Mickey's is a great character dining experience with many of the Disney character "originals."

I also think you might like that the toilet area is separate from the sinks and bath/shower area and with all Tower rooms, the view you book, either Bay Lake or TPV, is guaranteed to have a full balcony and great view with no obstructions.

Oh, and did I mention that the monorail runs right through the resort?

Hi everyone, I just booked our first stay at the CR with the Disney Visa offer so I'm excited to join this thread. We have stayed at the WL for both our previous visits and were lucky enough to stay in a room both times where we could see the castle in the distance. We booked TPV for this stay so I can't wait to see the view from the CR. My boys also LOVE that the monorail runs right thru the resort.

I didn't realize the the CR had a zero entry pool, I knew BLT had one though. This makes me even more excited as it will be great for my 3 year old.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone, I just booked our first stay at the CR with the Disney Visa offer so I'm excited to join this thread. We have stayed at the WL for both our previous visits and were lucky enough to stay in a room both times where we could see the castle in the distance. We booked TPV for this stay so I can't wait to see the view from the CR. My boys also LOVE that the monorail runs right thru the resort.

I didn't realize the the CR had a zero entry pool, I knew BLT had one though. This makes me even more excited as it will be great for my 3 year old.

Umm, would your 3-year-old enjoy these (almost) zero entry steps pictured here in this really cute photo of the CR pool I found on the DIS?

Seems I mixed up the CR pool with another Deluxe resort's zero entry pool that's across the lagoon. So glad you caught my error - thank you! Oh, and I hope you have a great first visit and at least I got the part about the monorail right - I hope...

 

[racegirl1414]

Umm, would your 3-year-old enjoy these (almost) zero entry steps pictured here in this really cute photo of the CR pool I found on the DIS?


Seems I mixed up the CR pool with another Deluxe resort's zero entry pool that's across the lagoon. So glad you caught my error - thank you! Oh, and I hope you have a great first visit and at least I got the part about the monorail right - I hope...

Thanks for clarifying, I hope you didn't think I was being snarky. I honestly thought that I had just overlooked the zero entry part of the pool. That's close enough for us though!

 

[Eliserose]

We just got back. We have a 2 year old too and it was great to watch the fireworks from our balcony. It was our first time ever and we were so impressed with the hotel-I'm definitely spoiled now...We loved everything about the hotel and the location is just great. It doesn't have a princess-y feel, but the monorail going through it and Chef Mickey's will do the trick!