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

[mickeyplanner]

Thank you and I am sorry to say but I didn't notice the activities schedule. Our DS is 16 so it's been a while since I checked one of those. So sorry.
]

Thanks for the update and posting the great photos.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I was the same way as well. At first, I thought we should always do MK view but that is a lot of points. When I had that lake view, it was great. Especially early in AM when water was calm and a single boat goes across it. We saw them driving the big boats over there one day, the ones they use to take people from MK parking lot. I guess it was a training session. Did you watch the Water Electrical Parade from your room? We did one night, but we found we liked th view better from the water level, down at th back near th firepit.

That was my favorite time as well early AM. The calm water was so wonderful and just made you feel so peaceful. Yes, we saw the big boats as well. It seemed like they were coming from behind BLT. We did watch the EWP from down stairs. It just didn't have the same effect from the room. As old as the EWP is, we still love it.

Thanks for the update and posting the great photos.

My pleasure. BLT is so great and we miss it very much.

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

Our family is staying here for the first time in August and I was so excited to watch Wishes from the lounge but now I have read that only DVC members can use the lounge...is this true??? If so, this really upsets me. I would think that anyone staying at BLT could use the lounge!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Mary just posted this to the MouseSavers website:

I think a big fall offer for Walt Disney World resorts is coming next week! Watch here and the MouseSavers Facebook page for information as soon as it's official.

...And here are the details from www.mousesavers.com:

FREE Dining for Disney's Visa Cardholders

Disney's Visa cardholders can book a full price Magic Your Way package with theme park passes at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and enjoy a FREE Dining Plan! Valid for arrivals most nights 9/30/12–10/4/12, 10/19/12–11/1/12, 11/9/12–11/15/12, 11/23/12–11/29/12 and 12/10/12–12/13/12.

Stay at select Disney Value Resorts and get a FREE Quick Service Dining Plan.

Stay at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts and get a FREE regular Dining Plan.

Note that if you already booked a vacation package prior to June 3, rebooking it to get the free dining option will cause the theme park tickets in your package to be repriced to the new, higher prices.

This offer is expected to become available to the general public on Thursday, July 12.

Book by 9/29/12. Deposit of $200 on your valid Disney's Visa Card must be paid at the time of booking. Remaining balance must be paid on a valid Disney's Visa Card.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Our family is staying here for the first time in August and I was so excited to watch Wishes from the lounge but now I have read that only DVC members can use the lounge...is this true??? If so, this really upsets me. I would think that anyone staying at BLT could use the lounge!

Only guests staying on points (not cash reservations) can access the lounge. Recently, a minor change was made and now all DVC members staying on points anywhere have access.

 

[familygoboston]

* from Passporters via Disney Blog

California Grill to Close for Extensive Refurb From the DisneyFoodBlog: California Grill will close January 6, 2013, and re-open in the late summer... While the menu will undergo some tweaking, a fresh, seasonal menu with top-of-the-line sushi will continue to be the main focus of the kitchen... The two private dining rooms will be kept for personalized catering for groups and parties. Enhancements will be made to the interactive kitchen which will allow for a "fresh spin to California Grill classics, and add some cutting-edge new selections to the menu."

Thought some of you staying at CR and BLT would be interested...I know we had planned to eat there on arrival day, and 180 days is coming up soon for Jan 6, so many may need to make other plans!

 

[WDWKOOK]

* from Passporters via Disney Blog

California Grill to Close for Extensive Refurb From the DisneyFoodBlog: California Grill will close January 6, 2013, and re-open in the late summer... While the menu will undergo some tweaking, a fresh, seasonal menu with top-of-the-line sushi will continue to be the main focus of the kitchen... The two private dining rooms will be kept for personalized catering for groups and parties. Enhancements will be made to the interactive kitchen which will allow for a "fresh spin to California Grill classics, and add some cutting-edge new selections to the menu."

Thought some of you staying at CR and BLT would be interested...I know we had planned to eat there on arrival day, and 180 days is coming up soon for Jan 6, so many may need to make other plans!

Thanks for posting that. I just realized that I think I posted that info. to another thread and forgot to post it here. Here's a little more on the remodel from yesterday on the DIS:

Remodel planned for Disney's California Grill restaurant

by Leah Zanolla
Jul 8, 2012

The California Grill at Walt Disney World will be shut down for at least six months next year; the closure will begin January 6 and last through late summer. The rooftop restaurant will be remodeled as part of a larger renovation project at the Contemporary Resort, which will include a new roof and changes to the suites on the 14th floor. Specific details about the remodel haven't been released, other than the fact that the menu will be "tweaked" and there will be improvements to the open kitchen.

 

[dmband]

You can't just leave us all wondering - we need some details! No pressure or anything...

well lets start with day 1...
online check in
we arrived and where 3rd in line (one at the counter already and one in front of us)
it took over 1 hr before we where checked in and from the time I got pissed off enough to count, 32 other people had checked in via normal check in line.
when I asked If i could just go to that line I was told no because our paperwork and everything was done ahead of time and waiting for us.
Once at the front desk I found out that was 100% false as I watched them print my room keys and give them my cc number (which I put on file days earlier)
they did however buy us lunch for the extended wait which was nice
fast forward 6hrs from landing...
my luggage wasn't there yet, I called to ask how long it might take and if they had an idea if it was lost. I was told it is most likely just on another truck and not to worry
(8hrs) when my luggage still wasn't in the room, I called to inquire and was told my bag is sitting at the bell services waiting to be checked in. I asked if i can come get it and they told me no that it had to be checked in first and would be delivered within a half hr, 2 hrs later it still wasn't there and so i start walking to bell services and around the corner it comes
10 hrs for luggage to arrive

 

[familygoboston]

well lets start with day 1...
online check in
we arrived and where 3rd in line (one at the counter already and one in front of us)
it took over 1 hr before we where checked in and from the time I got pissed off enough to count, 32 other people had checked in via normal check in line.
when I asked If i could just go to that line I was told no because our paperwork and everything was done ahead of time and waiting for us.
Once at the front desk I found out that was 100% false as I watched them print my room keys and give them my cc number (which I put on file days earlier)
they did however buy us lunch for the extended wait which was nice
fast forward 6hrs from landing...
my luggage wasn't there yet, I called to ask how long it might take and if they had an idea if it was lost. I was told it is most likely just on another truck and not to worry
(8hrs) when my luggage still wasn't in the room, I called to inquire and was told my bag is sitting at the bell services waiting to be checked in. I asked if i can come get it and they told me no that it had to be checked in first and would be delivered within a half hr, 2 hrs later it still wasn't there and so i start walking to bell services and around the corner it comes
10 hrs for luggage to arrive

Oh dear! That's pretty awful! I'm a real skeptic about this luggage service. I know it's very convenient for people flying who want to wander the parks the first day, but I'm always reluctant to let luggage out of my sight! I usually carry on to the plane and like to even take my own bags right to the room.

That check in sounds problematic too. I'm trying to decide if its worth it to pre check in! Seems this step is always long, no matter where we stay- from Boardwalk or Beach club to the FW- always a wait! I think because everything is loaded into your room keys, so people take a long time choosing etc. Who knows why, but it always takes longer than regular hotel check ins for some reason

 

[serene56]

well lets start with day 1...
online check in
we arrived and where 3rd in line (one at the counter already and one in front of us)
it took over 1 hr before we where checked in and from the time I got pissed off enough to count, 32 other people had checked in via normal check in line.
when I asked If i could just go to that line I was told no because our paperwork and everything was done ahead of time and waiting for us.
Once at the front desk I found out that was 100% false as I watched them print my room keys and give them my cc number (which I put on file days earlier)

after our last time and we did online check in---i am pretty reluctant to try it again. After reading your post I am not going to second guess myself and just wait til we get there.

I am still up in the air about luggage and letting the ME take care of it.
We are not in a hurry and may just wait to get it at baggage claim.
it will only be one piece-- but arriving at 4:30pm I dont want to be without it for hours and hours.

 

[fla4fun]

That check in sounds problematic too. I'm trying to decide if its worth it to pre check in! Seems this step is always long, no matter where we stay- from Boardwalk or Beach club to the FW- always a wait! I think because everything is loaded into your room keys, so people take a long time choosing etc. Who knows why, but it always takes longer than regular hotel check ins for some reason

Well, my experience last week was the exact opposite. I arrive at CR and was in my room five minutes later. I did online check in. I think it depends on whether you happen to get someone in front of you who really should have gone to the regular check in desk instead of doing online check in.

Online check in is for those people who aren't particular about where their room is or anything like that. If you have a lot of questions, or are picky about your room, don't do online check in.

 

[poohgirl6]

Our family is staying at CR Sep 2-14 while DH has a convention. On Sept 7, my boys are taking a class at MK at 7:15am. I found out it first meets at the TTC. What time does the monorail start running? Should I just plan to take a cab?

 

[tinkerbell3747]

Hi Everyone,

Long time lurker over here. I so the Contemporary....

I was wondering if someone could answer this. I ordered our park tickets right before the price increased and was only able to select "Will Call" as my shipping option (they were having some issues with the website).

We'll be staying at BLT and I was wondering if I absolutely had to walk over to MK to pick them up then bring them back to the front desk to have them added to our room keys (MYW tix). OR Can I check in at the regular check in desk and have them added right there....OR can I do online check in then hop over in the concerige line and pick them up there.....it would make life and check in so much easier after a long day of travelling.

Just wondering what my options are. I could alway monorail it over to MK as well.

Any advice is apprecitated.

Thanks much!

 

[WDWKOOK]

well lets start with day 1...
online check in
we arrived and where 3rd in line (one at the counter already and one in front of us)
it took over 1 hr before we where checked in and from the time I got pissed off enough to count, 32 other people had checked in via normal check in line.
when I asked If i could just go to that line I was told no because our paperwork and everything was done ahead of time and waiting for us.
Once at the front desk I found out that was 100% false as I watched them print my room keys and give them my cc number (which I put on file days earlier)
they did however buy us lunch for the extended wait which was nice
fast forward 6hrs from landing...
my luggage wasn't there yet, I called to ask how long it might take and if they had an idea if it was lost. I was told it is most likely just on another truck and not to worry
(8hrs) when my luggage still wasn't in the room, I called to inquire and was told my bag is sitting at the bell services waiting to be checked in. I asked if i can come get it and they told me no that it had to be checked in first and would be delivered within a half hr, 2 hrs later it still wasn't there and so i start walking to bell services and around the corner it comes
10 hrs for luggage to arrive

That was just day one?! NOT a good start, but at least lunch was comped. The vacation gets better, right?

Our family is staying at CR Sep 2-14 while DH has a convention. On Sept 7, my boys are taking a class at MK at 7:15am. I found out it first meets at the TTC. What time does the monorail start running? Should I just plan to take a cab?

The monorail starts running about one hour prior to park opening. I looked up the hours for 9/7 and the MK doesn't open until 0900 so the monorail wouldn't start until about 0730-0800. Are you certain you have to meet at the TTC if you're staying at the CR? You could just walk right to the MK in less than 10 minutes. I would check and see if you could just meet at the MK.

Hi Everyone,

Long time lurker over here. I so the Contemporary....

I was wondering if someone could answer this. I ordered our park tickets right before the price increased and was only able to select "Will Call" as my shipping option (they were having some issues with the website).

We'll be staying at BLT and I was wondering if I absolutely had to walk over to MK to pick them up then bring them back to the front desk to have them added to our room keys (MYW tix). OR Can I check in at the regular check in desk and have them added right there....OR can I do online check in then hop over in the concerige line and pick them up there.....it would make life and check in so much easier after a long day of travelling.

Just wondering what my options are. I could alway monorail it over to MK as well.

Any advice is apprecitated.

Thanks much!

I've never done it, so I'm only guessing that if you ordered them for a WILL CALL pick-up then you'd have to actually pick them up at the WILL CALL window outside the MK. If you're then going to go to the MK, you could just wait until you return to the CR to have them loaded onto your KTTW card.

 

[poohgirl6]

The monorail starts running about one hour prior to park opening. I looked up the hours for 9/7 and the MK doesn't open until 0900 so the monorail wouldn't start until about 0730-0800. Are you certain you have to meet at the TTC if you're staying at the CR? You could just walk right to the MK in less than 10 minutes. I would check and see if you could just meet at the MK.



Thanks, I will!

 

[WsPrincess]

Well, my experience last week was the exact opposite. I arrive at CR and was in my room five minutes later. I did online check in. I think it depends on whether you happen to get someone in front of you who really should have gone to the regular check in desk instead of doing online check in.

Online check in is for those people who aren't particular about where their room is or anything like that. If you have a lot of questions, or are picky about your room, don't do online check in.

This was my experience almost exactly. We did online checkin. We were greeted by the CM when we got off ME, she took us right in to the online check in desk. DH did not even have a chance to sit down before I had our keys and we were off to our room that was already ready. Not 5 minutes total from the time I got off ME until we were headed out of the lobby. Same experience at BC later that same week. I think it depends on who else is in line more than the resort itself.

I feel so bad when I hear about people having bad experiences. I am glad they comped our lunch though.

 

[serene56]

Well, my experience last week was the exact opposite. I arrive at CR and was in my room five minutes later. I did online check in. I think it depends on whether you happen to get someone in front of you who really should have gone to the regular check in desk instead of doing online check in.

Online check in is for those people who aren't particular about where their room is or anything like that. If you have a lot of questions, or are picky about your room, don't do online check in.

we only stayed onsite once- 2010 there were 4 rooms of people. we did online check in. We stayed at Pop and every room was located some place different-- 50, 60, 70 and 90's buildings.

I thought that since we booked the packages all together and were linked together we would have the same building at least.

For our CR garden wing--- i want to be close to the laundry room as we are coming off a 7 day vacation and i want to wash clothes while family is swimming, I am thinking coz I have that request I should just wait and check in when we arrive.

 

[psac]

We had a similar room location and found no issues with Chef Mickey and his crew, either. We were on the second floor and directly over Contempo Cafe. Fantastic location. If the noise is bothersome I'd advise getting your DNA checked because you'd have to be part Dachshund to be that bothered by it.

This is from a few pages back, but I had to comment. We had a TPV room on the 7th floor over chef Mickey's last year. We planned a not normal Disney vacation -- sleep late, nap in the early evenings, etc. Chef Mickey's was a nightmare. It wasn't the normal din of eating and talking, I agree, that's not bothersome at all. But it seemed like every half hour people they would make everyone cheer and scream, I think whenever it was someone's birthday, which seemed like 10 times a day. It really drove us nuts. Sleeping late was not an option. If you didn't hear this, then maybe they stopped doing the ritual. That would be a good thing.

 

[psac]

after our last time and we did online check in---i am pretty reluctant to try it again. After reading your post I am not going to second guess myself and just wait til we get there.

I am still up in the air about luggage and letting the ME take care of it.
We are not in a hurry and may just wait to get it at baggage claim.
it will only be one piece-- but arriving at 4:30pm I dont want to be without it for hours and hours.

Is that an option? I thought you had to let them take your luggage if you use ME. After a bad non-Disney experience with this on a cruise, we never let anyone else take our luggage. We don't take ME for this reason, but they could have changed their policy.

 

[serene56]

Is that an option? I thought you had to let them take your luggage if you use ME. After a bad non-Disney experience with this on a cruise, we never let anyone else take our luggage. We don't take ME for this reason, but they could have changed their policy.

if you do not want ME handling your bags you do not put the luggage tag on it. But you have to wait at the baggage carousel for your luggage-- then lug it through the lines-- and put it on the bus.

How do you get back and forth from the airport if you did not use ME?

(i think you have it confused-- you can not use ME to take your luggage when you go and rent a car--- ME wants YOU on the bus if they take care of the luggage.