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

[psac]

Well, DD and I did stay at the CR right before Christmas 2010. We then moved over to WL for 8 nights. I think your last stay was August 2010, when we had rooms next to each other, and didn't even know it. I hope the Atrium Club staff do a better job than last time, too. DH has never tried it, but he loves the CR so I'm willing to give it one more try.

Yes August 2010 was the last time I stayed there and I still can't believe we got rooms right next to each other and didn't know that or see each other in the lounge.

It feels like no matter where I go, you two are there.

It's nice to have the homey Disboards community.

 

[Liberator]

Is there a huge difference on the view of the Magic Kingdom, except of the floor-level, depending on what room you are?

I could imagine that the view from a room down left is not that good like somewhere in the middle.

Am I wrong!?

We finally decided to stay CR with a MKV in 2013, when there are discounted rates for September.
Last year I've seen that they had discounts like 40 % for late Summer.
If that would happen, I would request a specific room due to the view-question.

If there are no discounts, we will book a garden-wing-room.

Is there a high chance of discounts for September?


By the way, when I visited my grandmother last week, I found a german historic book from the early 70s about the USA on a shelf.
There were 2 pages about Walt Disney World and the Contemporary Resort. Didn't expect that in my grandmothers house ;-)

 

[WDWKOOK]

It feels like no matter where I go, you two are there.

It's nice to have the homey Disboards community.

Please accept my sincerest apologies, psac!

The DIS is a very friendly and helpful community for the WDW obsessed

Is there a huge difference on the view of the Magic Kingdom, except of the floor-level, depending on what room you are?

I could imagine that the view from a room down left is not that good like somewhere in the middle.

Am I wrong!?

We finally decided to stay CR with a MKV in 2013, when there are discounted rates for September.
Last year I've seen that they had discounts like 40 % for late Summer.
If that would happen, I would request a specific room due to the view-question.

If there are no discounts, we will book a garden-wing-room.

Is there a high chance of discounts for September?


By the way, when I visited my grandmother last week, I found a german historic book from the early 70s about the USA on a shelf.
There were 2 pages about Walt Disney World and the Contemporary Resort. Didn't expect that in my grandmothers house ;-)

Hallo!

Guests report that there really isn't a bad MKV and that it isn't any harder to see the MK/castle from rooms that are closer to Chef Mickey's. However, if you think the "Celebration" song from CM might bother you, then you should request to be "away from Chef Mickey's." This is a request I always make, but we always stay on the BLV side.

Historically speaking, discounts are available in September. Currently, the military room-only discount, which is 40% off for Deluxes, is good through 30 SEP. Here is a link to the historic discounts available in SEP:

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



Are there any CR photos in your Oma's book?



Tschüss!

 

[Liberator]

Thank for your information WDWKook.
It seems that you have a connection to Germany, you know "Oma" and "Tschüss"


Yes there were a few pictures on those pages, I will take the book for scanning the pictures when I am there at the weekend.

 

[Missyrose]

Is there a high chance of discounts for September?

While there are usually discounted rooms in September, the curve ball next year will be the Fantasyland Expansion at MK. If it brings in the kind of crowds many are predicting, Disney may not have to offer as many discounts or as deep discounts as it has in the past.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Is there a huge difference on the view of the Magic Kingdom, except of the floor-level, depending on what room you are?

I could imagine that the view from a room down left is not that good like somewhere in the middle.

Am I wrong!?

A couple of years ago when I didn't stay Club Level at the Contemporary I once got a Magic Kingdom View room on the 6th floor, which is the lowest possible floor you can get when staying in the Tower with that view. Honestly I don't remember any difference in how the view looked up there, when comparing it to the 12th floor.

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm here, too and I have some CR NEWS!

Yesterday, I finally straightened out our summer 25th anniversary trip. We'll be staying 7 nights at BWI/CL and then 6 nights at the Atrium Club/BLV (our favorite view). We've stayed many times at the CR, but DH was deployed when DD and I stayed at the Atrium Club back in 2010. He's really excited to be returning to his favorite WDW view and room and trying out their CL. I also re-booked our spring break trip so we'll be staying 8 nights at WL/CL. Can you tell I'm excited?

How is everyone's WDW planning going?

Hi Kook .....I finally made my way over here . I'm glad you're all set with your summer anniversary trip . It's gets tough sometimes deciding between resorts . I haven't booked yet, but I am getting ready to book for a New Years trip and as of right now, it's going to be CR MK view . We visit the CR every trip, but that's totally different from actually staying there, so is there anything in particular I should know?

Well, DD and I did stay at the CR right before Christmas 2010. We then moved over to WL for 8 nights. I think your last stay was August 2010, when we had rooms next to each other, and didn't even know it. I hope the Atrium Club staff do a better job than last time, too. DH has never tried it, but he loves the CR so I'm willing to give it one more try.

I hope you have a great Atrium Club stay .

A couple of years ago when I didn't stay Club Level at the Contemporary I once got a Magic Kingdom View room on the 6th floor, which is the lowest possible floor you can get when staying in the Tower with that view. Honestly I don't remember any difference in how the view looked up there, when comparing it to the 12th floor.

This is good to know . I'm getting ready to book our first CR stay and I'm a little nervous as the theme/decor has never appealed to me and I'm afraid I'll miss our tried and true resorts . However, thinking about having a view of MK from our room is exciting .

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi Kook .....I finally made my way over here . I'm glad you're all set with your summer anniversary trip . It's gets tough sometimes deciding between resorts . I haven't booked yet, but I am getting ready to book for a New Years trip and as of right now, it's going to be CR MK view . We visit the CR every trip, but that's totally different from actually staying there, so is there anything in particular I should know?


This is good to know . I'm getting ready to book our first CR stay and I'm a little nervous as the theme/decor has never appealed to me and I'm afraid I'll miss our tried and true resorts . However, thinking about having a view of MK from our room is exciting .

You found us

We prefer the BLV side, so we've never stayed on the MK side, but the rooms are identical. We actually love the rooms because they are some of the largest Deluxe rooms and every Tower room has a balcony and an unobstructed view. We love the bathrooms because the toilet is in its own room with a pocket door which offers privacy from those using the shower or sinks. The beds are the best and I always get a good night's sleep there. We also love that the gym is just an easy elevator ride down to the 3rd floor.

It is very different when you're just visiting the CR. It's so convenient actually staying there. Of course you have the walkway to the MK and the boats to FW and WL, not to mention the iconic monorail. I highly recommend The Wave's breakfast buffet - it was great and so was the service. I preferred it much more than at dinner. The Contempo Café is also great and I think it has a fantastic view. One side is Bay Lake and the other is the monorail, but you already know that. CA Grill will be closing in the fourth quarter of 2012, so it may be closed when you're there. If it isn't, I would book a dinner to coincide with Wishes



If you want your bed to face toward the MK, request an odd-numbered room. Though I've not rented one (yet), they do have cabanas at the CR. I don't want to rehash everything you already know, so feel free to ask questions anytime.

 

[MIChessGuy]

I think this might have been covered somewhere, but the cheap vending machines that I discovered in the CR were not on the convention level. Rather, I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and proceeded to a short hallway just to the left as you exit the elevator. (It seems to lead to a security door that opens to a backstage area.) Walk into the hallway, and whaddya know -- cheap vending for drinks AND snacks! I believe the soda machine was $1.50, possibly $1.25, and the snacks were equally reasonable.

These machines are obviously intended for the use of the CMs who work in the hotel management offices on the third floor. I was just visiting the CR as a day guest, so I grabbed a diet soda and a bag of 'healthful' pita chips and hung around on the fourth floor for a while. A nice break from the MK: you can see that huge mural, the shops and the arcade and stuff, plus you can check out the observation deck at the north end of the floor.

 

[cw21726]

A couple of years ago when I didn't stay Club Level at the Contemporary I once got a Magic Kingdom View room on the 6th floor, which is the lowest possible floor you can get when staying in the Tower with that view. Honestly I don't remember any difference in how the view looked up there, when comparing it to the 12th floor.

Agreed. Just got back today from the World. 4 nights with TPV on the 7th floor right over Contempo. We ate at California Grill (dropped a car payment for dinner, too) and had a window overlooking the castle. The view from there vs our room was pretty much a wash. That said, I think we probably booked our last TPV room. It was neat but not worth the extra money.

To us, anyway.

Oh yeah, for those worrying about Chef Mickey's and monorail noise - don't. The front door and glass slider do a pretty good job of keeping the noise out. If it's dead quiet in your room, you may be able to hear the song but it's far from irritating.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think this might have been covered somewhere, but the cheap vending machines that I discovered in the CR were not on the convention level. Rather, I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and proceeded to a short hallway just to the left as you exit the elevator. (It seems to lead to a security door that opens to a backstage area.) Walk into the hallway, and whaddya know -- cheap vending for drinks AND snacks! I believe the soda machine was $1.50, possibly $1.25, and the snacks were equally reasonable.

These machines are obviously intended for the use of the CMs who work in the hotel management offices on the third floor. I was just visiting the CR as a day guest, so I grabbed a diet soda and a bag of 'healthful' pita chips and hung around on the fourth floor for a while. A nice break from the MK: you can see that huge mural, the shops and the arcade and stuff, plus you can check out the observation deck at the north end of the floor.

Thanks for the updated information that these vending machines are now located on the 3rd floor, so I will update it on the 1st page.

 

[mickeynut1]

You found us

We prefer the BLV side, so we've never stayed on the MK side, but the rooms are identical. We actually love the rooms because they are some of the largest Deluxe rooms and every Tower room has a balcony and an unobstructed view. We love the bathrooms because the toilet is in its own room with a pocket door which offers privacy from those using the shower or sinks. The beds are the best and I always get a good night's sleep there. We also love that the gym is just an easy elevator ride down to the 3rd floor.

It is very different when you're just visiting the CR. It's so convenient actually staying there. Of course you have the walkway to the MK and the boats to FW and WL, not to mention the iconic monorail. I highly recommend The Wave's breakfast buffet - it was great and so was the service. I preferred it much more than at dinner. The Contempo Café is also great and I think it has a fantastic view. One side is Bay Lake and the other is the monorail, but you already know that. CA Grill will be closing in the fourth quarter of 2012, so it may be closed when you're there. If it isn't, I would book a dinner to coincide with Wishes

If you want your bed to face toward the MK, request an odd-numbered room. Though I've not rented one (yet), they do have cabanas at the CR. I don't want to rehash everything you already know, so feel free to ask questions anytime.

Since you've also stayed at the Poly, how would you say the room size is in comparison to the rooms at the Poly? I always assumed the monorail resort rooms were pretty close in size. Are they pretty comparable or are the CR rooms bigger? Not that we need alot of space since we're a family of 4, but it is nice to have the extra room . One plus for us is that all rooms come with a daybed. When my DH and I were talking about the CR, the first question my 16 year old asked was if there was a daybed......that is a must for him so he doesn't have to share with his brother . But having experienced a daybed at the Poly and GF, it's hard to stay somewhere without one and just have 2 beds. It's nice to hear about the bathroom set up. The Poly has the toliet in it's own room, but there's no door on it.....a door makes it a little more private.

Thanks for the tip on requesting an odd numbered room for having the beds face MK . I have read where people have posted about that, but I couldn't remember and was going to ask.....that will be one request I make .

Thanks for all of your input. If I have any more questions, I will definitely come here for answers . I don't know that I'll ever get into the theme/decor of the CR, but I am getting excited to give it a try. It does have it's perks.....and who knows, we may stay there and just love it .

 

[zima-cheryl]

Just confirmed w/our TA that as soon as rooms are opened up for 2013 she is booking us for next February for DH's birthday.

All his life he has seen the Contemporary & now he will finally get to stay there.

 

[Marssiful]

Thanks for the info. I would love to stay there someday!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just confirmed w/our TA that as soon as rooms are opened up for 2013 she is booking us for next February for DH's birthday.

All his life he has seen the Contemporary & now he will finally get to stay there.

I hope you both have a great time and I am sure your husband will be happy to finally stay there.

 

[mickeynut1]

I have a few questions as we are leaning toward booking the CR for the end of this year. I think we have decided to go with a Tower MK view, but CL has peaked my interest. We've stayed WL CL, GF SL, and GF RPC and we enjoy having the lounge as well as being pampered . I was wondering what (if any) are the differences between 12th and 14th floor CL? I think I remember in the past that the 12th floor was more of a "light" concierge as far as food offerings and the 14th floor was a wider variety like the other resort CLs. Now I'm reading that both offer the same things, like at GF SL and RPC. With booking CL, how do you know which floor you will be on, or do you find that out when you check in?

Also, I have priced out a MK view room vs a standard Atrium CL room and the difference is $1400. I know "worth" is different to everybody, but those that have stayed both, was CL worth it for the extra cost? Or would it be just as nice being in a regular MK view and saving the money? We are considering going over New Years, so there's pretty much no chance of a discount; otherwise, I'd probably go with CL and take my chances of a discount coming out. TIA .

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have a few questions as we are leaning toward booking the CR for the end of this year. I think we have decided to go with a Tower MK view, but CL has peaked my interest. We've stayed WL CL, GF SL, and GF RPC and we enjoy having the lounge as well as being pampered . I was wondering what (if any) are the differences between 12th and 14th floor CL? I think I remember in the past that the 12th floor was more of a "light" concierge as far as food offerings and the 14th floor was a wider variety like the other resort CLs. Now I'm reading that both offer the same things, like at GF SL and RPC. With booking CL, how do you know which floor you will be on, or do you find that out when you check in?

Also, I have priced out a MK view room vs a standard Atrium CL room and the difference is $1400. I know "worth" is different to everybody, but those that have stayed both, was CL worth it for the extra cost? Or would it be just as nice being in a regular MK view and saving the money? We are considering going over New Years, so there's pretty much no chance of a discount; otherwise, I'd probably go with CL and take my chances of a discount coming out. TIA .

The Atrium Club Magic Kingdom View and Bay Lake View became available by reservation on 01/09/09. Prior to that all you needed was an Atrium Club reservation and you would end up with either view.

With the Tower Club there are a total of 16 rooms, 5 standard rooms and 11 suites: 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites, a Vice Presidential Suite and a Presidential Suite. With the standard rooms, there is no guarantee of a Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake View. However with the Suites, you will be booked into a particular view which will indicate the Magic Kingdom View or Bay Lake View. Finally there are 4 Standard Magic Kingdom View rooms and 1 standard Bay Lake View room.

The lounge on the 12th floor is bigger with more seating then the 14th floor Club Level. They converted 3 standard rooms into the 12th floor lounge, so there are 3 balconies available on the MK side for all Club Level guests to watch the fireworks. The lounge on the 14th floor also offers seating outside on the balcony, which is something that is not offered on the 12th floor lounge.

In the 14th floor rooms their mini fridges will already have cans Coke, Diet Coke, water and apple juice. The mini fridges for the rooms on the 12th floor are not stocked like the ones on the 14th floor, however anyone staying on the 12th floor can always take those items from the lounge themselves and put them in there.

The balconies in the rooms and the lounge on the 14th floor are bigger then balconies in the rooms and lounge on the 12th floor.

Finally both floors serve the exact same foods for breakfast, afternoon snacks, 5:00 PM hors d'oeuvres and 8:00 PM deserts & cordials. The 12th floor Atrium Club is less expensive then the 14th floor Tower Club, even though on both floors offer the exact same service. The 14th floor is more expensive because fewer number of total rooms and Suites.

When it comes to the Standard Atrium Club Room View being more worth it then a Tower Magic Kingdom View Room, one thing to remember is you are paying more for the Club Level service. Plus even though you would be reserving a Bay Lake View room up on the 12th floor, you can still see the Magic Kingdom from the Club Level lounge.

 

[mickeynut1]

The Atrium Club Magic Kingdom View and Bay Lake View became available by reservation on 01/09/09. Prior to that all you needed was an Atrium Club reservation and you would end up with either view.

With the Tower Club there are a total of 16 rooms, 5 standard rooms and 11 suites: 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites, a Vice Presidential Suite and a Presidential Suite. With the standard rooms, there is no guarantee of a Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake View. However with the Suites, you will be booked into a particular view which will indicate the Magic Kingdom View or Bay Lake View. Finally there are 4 Standard Magic Kingdom View rooms and 1 standard Bay Lake View room.

The lounge on the 12th floor is bigger with more seating then the 14th floor Club Level. They converted 3 standard rooms into the 12th floor lounge, so there are 3 balconies available on the MK side for all Club Level guests to watch the fireworks. The lounge on the 14th floor also offers seating outside on the balcony, which is something that is not offered on the 12th floor lounge.

In the 14th floor rooms their mini fridges will already have cans Coke, Diet Coke, water and apple juice. The mini fridges for the rooms on the 12th floor are not stocked like the ones on the 14th floor, however anyone staying on the 12th floor can always take those items from the lounge themselves and put them in there.

The balconies in the rooms and the lounge on the 14th floor are bigger then balconies in the rooms and lounge on the 12th floor.

Finally both floors serve the exact same foods for breakfast, afternoon snacks, 5:00 PM hors d'oeuvres and 8:00 PM deserts & cordials. The 12th floor Atrium Club is less expensive then the 14th floor Tower Club, even though on both floors offer the exact same service. The 14th floor is more expensive because fewer number of total rooms and Suites.

When it comes to the Standard Atrium Club Room View being more worth it then a Tower Magic Kingdom View Room, one thing to remember is you are paying more for the Club Level service. Plus even though you would be reserving a Bay Lake View room up on the 12th floor, you can still see the Magic Kingdom from the Club Level lounge.

Thank you .

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you .

You're welcome and hopefully the information I mentioned will help with you make a choice. However no matter what room category you reserve I am sure you will have a great time staying at the Contemporary.

 

[mickeynut1]

You're welcome and hopefully the information I mentioned will help with you make a choice. However no matter what room category you reserve I am sure you will have a great time staying at the Contemporary.

It did help, thank you . I actually took the plunge last night and booked CR TPV . I am wondering, though, if there will be anything special going on as we will be there over New Years. We've been a couple of times right before Christmas and have taken advantage of MVMCP, but are there any special things for New Years other than fireworks on 12/30 & 12/31? Any other suggestions for a CR newbie would be appreciated .