The ALL NEW Disney's Contemporary Resort FAQ with PICTURES! (APR 2009)

[lissiesmum]

I will be happy to report back! We are staying at CR from Jan 27th-31st! I am really not that worried anymore after going through various threads. I don't think it will be THAT bad. Think happy thoughts!!!

Thanks for agreeing to report back...I will look forward to it! I am thinking happy, positive thoughts (and practicing my deep yoga breaths )

We just returned from an MK view at the CR. What we loved is that you don't just see the top of the castle (which is my perspective on any MK views from the other monorail resorts). You actually see the entire park. My husband loves telling people that we could see the splash go up when the logs went down the last drop of Splash Mountain.

The lights on Main Street at the Crystal Palace were great. You could easily see Thunder Mountain too.

So a refurb on the "front" of the castle, won't ruin the full MK view.

Further, as great as the view is, you really are a bit away. If you look at the photos of the "back" refurb that WDWKOOK linked, you'll see that the scrim was a very accurate reproduction of the castle. If they do indeed do something similar for the front and considering the distance you are at at the CR, I think you'll still have a very good view.

To answer your question about which angle you're looking at the Castle, could I suggest a clock. If the Fantasyland entrance to the castle is at 12, the hub is at 6. And I'd say our view was between 4 and 5 on the clock. We were right in the middle of the Contemporary (halfway between the BLT end and the Chef Mickey's end).

I'm sure it will be fine.

Thanks for your perspective, Robyn. I like that you mention how pretty the rest of the park is that you can see...only problem with my trip is, the MK closes at 8, and from my understanding the castle is the only thing lit well after the park closes. I'm going to hope for the best. I really do want to stay at the CR, and give it a try, castle or no castle. Now if only Splash Mountain could re-open from it's rehab a week earlier, then I could watch the water splash too!

This is the funny thing about planning a trip to WDW...you can be the best planner in the world, have everything ready to go, and you find out that after your child has been waiting two years to be tall enough to ride Splash Mountain, it will be in rehab the whole time you're there. Or you book MK view and the castle will be refurbished. Or someone at CRO might cancel your reservations without you knowing and you only find out about it because you see that your entire trip was refunded on your credit card statement three weeks before you were supposed to leave for your trip! (and then you call CRO to find out what the heck is going on and your hotel that you were supposed to stay at was completely booked and you could no longer stay there) (another story for another time if anyone's interested!). Or you had dinner reservations at the Crystal Palace the last night of your first trip and you get a call from CRO saying they are cancelling your reservation because the park will be closing at four on your last day in WDW! (that was my first trip, when Miley Cyrus almost came to WDW to celebrate her sweet 16 birthday, but then ended up at DL anyway!). I think enough has happened to me my last three trips that I should expect the unexpected! Geesh, listen to me, I sound like I'm on a reality TV show!

The snow finally stopped so I'm off to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Talk to y'all later!

 

[f15robyn]

Thanks for your perspective, Robyn. I like that you mention how pretty the rest of the park is that you can see...only problem with my trip is, the MK closes at 8, and from my understanding the castle is the only thing lit well after the park closes.

On Wednesday, December 16th, the park closed at 8pm. We watched Wishes from our room. We went up to California Grill after and returned around 11pm. Virtually all of the lights around the park were still on. I was up at 6am Thursday morning, while it was still dark out. I opened the blinds and again, all of the lights were still on. It wasn't until the sun came up that the rest of the park lights went out.

I don't know if that's because it's the holiday season but I'm hoping that for your trip you'll get similar evenings.

 

[Canyon girl]

Unless you are planning on using binoculars or a zoom for a picture like this...

from your balcony, this is what you will see.

I don't think that you would be able to see scaffolding with your naked eye from your balcony. What you need to know is if the lights will be on or not and at what time of day/night they will be working on the castle. I don't know that anyone will have a definitive answer to those questions until the work begins unless someone on here happens to work for the department that will do the work on the castle. I hope that you can find enough information to make an informed decision.

 

[Canyon girl]

On Wednesday, January 16th, the park closed at 8pm. We watched Wishes from our room. We went up to California Grill after and returned around 11pm. Virtually all of the lights around the park were still on. I was up at 6am Thursday morning, while it was still dark out. I opened the blinds and again, all of the lights were still on. It wasn't until the sun came up that the rest of the park lights went out.

I don't know if that's because it's the holiday season but I'm hoping that for your trip you'll get similar evenings.

Since a lot of the maintenance is done at night, I would imagine that most of the lights are on all night. It would be hard to paint and clean in the dark, so I would think that lissiesmum would see the same thing as you. I (coming from a western timezone) was not up predawn to see if the lights were still on, but I do know that they were on well past closing when I was there earlier this month.

 

[suebedo]

I have to say that the offerings at the Contempo Cafe were great! The best was the Dulce de Leche cupcake.

I soooo agree. This was by far our favorite dessert!

 

[lissiesmum]

On Wednesday, January 16th, the park closed at 8pm. We watched Wishes from our room. We went up to California Grill after and returned around 11pm. Virtually all of the lights around the park were still on. I was up at 6am Thursday morning, while it was still dark out. I opened the blinds and again, all of the lights were still on. It wasn't until the sun came up that the rest of the park lights went out.

I don't know if that's because it's the holiday season but I'm hoping that for your trip you'll get similar evenings.

That sounds perfect! My plan is to watch the fireworks every night at 8pm, then put DD to bed, then go out to the balcony to enjoy the lights of MK. Sounds so nice!

Unless you are planning on using binoculars or a zoom for a picture like this...

from your balcony, this is what you will see.

I don't think that you would be able to see scaffolding with your naked eye from your balcony. What you need to know is if the lights will be on or not and at what time of day/night they will be working on the castle. I don't know that anyone will have a definitive answer to those questions until the work begins unless someone on here happens to work for the department that will do the work on the castle. I hope that you can find enough information to make an informed decision.

Thanks for sharing these pictures I will be bringing binoculars on my trip, but I totally agree that if there is lower scaffolding, it won't be noticeable to us at the CR. I don't have a choice but to stick with the current ressies I have. I booked a deal with the 4/3 deal, and today is the last day it is offered. I couldn't reach my travel agent so I don't think I could change it after today, even if I wanted to. I will stay glued to this thread though, in hopes that people coming and going will post as to what's going on, and then go from there Thanks for everyone's input, it really helps keep things in perspective!

 

[suebedo]

Just back and had GREAT trip at the CR. Overall we loved the resort. There were a few things we weren'tcrazy about but they were minor (hated the sinks...and there was a bit of an ant problem in our bathroom around the sinks). I would say Mousekeeping was my biggest complaint. I didn't feel the room was super duper clean but oh well, we survived.

I LOVED the location! We walked to MK sometimes and sometimes took the monorail. The REAL convenience is leaving the MK late after fireworks or a parade. You can totally avoid the bus/monorail craziness and take a leisurely walk home. It was awesome!

Our MK view was spectacular! We watched Wishes many a night while listening to the music on channel 20. My 4 year old son cracked me up the other day when describing the fireworks to me. He said, "first there is fireworks...then Jimmy talks...then more fireworks...then Jimmy talks...then there is fireworks." Too funny!

We had NO transportation troubles. The buses just seemed to be there when we needed them and we never had trouble on the monorail ( although there were a few big problems this past week on the monorail but it never affected us).

We liked the Contempo cafe (even though they served me an almost raw burger the first night). The dulce de leche cupcake was AwEsOmE!

We took the boat over to the Wilderness Lodge to see the xmas decorations. We fell in love with it so much we booked a bounceback for the same week next year at the WL!

All in all I really liked the CR and would not hesitate to stay again sometime in the future.

I plan on posting some pics as soon as I get them all off the cards and into the computer.

 

[Canyon girl]

Thanks for sharing these pictures I will be bringing binoculars on my trip, but I totally agree that if there is lower scaffolding, it won't be noticeable to us at the CR. I don't have a choice but to stick with the current ressies I have. I booked a deal with the 4/3 deal, and today is the last day it is offered. I couldn't reach my travel agent so I don't think I could change it after today, even if I wanted to. I will stay glued to this thread though, in hopes that people coming and going will post as to what's going on, and then go from there Thanks for everyone's input, it really helps keep things in perspective!

It's my understanding from a lead at WDTC that if you book under a deal that you can change it after the deal is over IF there is still availability left under that code at the resort and at the time that you want it. If you decide to change later after learning more, you could have your TA push with a WDTC lead. I would stay with what you have though until you find out more. There is much more to see from that view other than the castle. You can't really see (even with binoculars, I know) any activity going on in the park at night. You can see the boats moving on the lagoon, the electrical water parade, the GF, and the Poly.

And my favorite game, how many monorails (or boats) can you get in one picture. I'm not sure of the zoom factor, but this is zoomed in quite a bit.

 

[lissiesmum]

It's my understanding from a lead at WDTC that if you book under a deal that you can change it after the deal is over IF there is still availability left under that code at the resort and at the time that you want it. If you decide to change later after learning more, you could have your TA push with a WDTC lead. I would stay with what you have though until you find out more. There is much more to see from that view other than the castle. You can't really see (even with binoculars, I know) any activity going on in the park at night. You can see the boats moving on the lagoon, the electrical water parade, the GF, and the Poly.

And my favorite game, how many monorails (or boats) can you get in one picture. I'm not sure of the zoom factor, but this is zoomed in quite a bit.

oooooh, Canyongirl, you are my hero! Just seeing that nighttime picture of the grand floridian with the EWP in front was enough to perk me right up! That was one of my favorite sights when we stayed at the Poly, and I have been so focused on what I can see from the MK, that I forgot that you can also see the Poly and GF, which looks beautiful day or night Thanks also for the info on changing my ressie! Great info if I end up needing it...only time will tell; hopefully there'll be some people going in January who will give us a head's up!

 

[Canyon girl]

oooooh, Canyongirl, you are my hero! Just seeing that nighttime picture of the grand floridian with the EWP in front was enough to perk me right up! That was one of my favorite sights when we stayed at the Poly, and I have been so focused on what I can see from the MK, that I forgot that you can also see the Poly and GF, which looks beautiful day or night Thanks also for the info on changing my ressie! Great info if I end up needing it...only time will tell; hopefully there'll be some people going in January who will give us a head's up!

So glad to be your hero! Here is one last EWP picture...a little better zoomed in one. I think you will be fine, even if the castle is not lit as you would like. There is so much else to see that is just as good! Good luck to you!

 

[Canyon girl]

We liked the Contempo cafe (even though they served me an almost raw burger the first night).

YUCK!!! What were they thinking??!!

 

[lissiesmum]

Where's everybody been the last 24 hours? Last minute shopping? I am officially done after today. Now comes the fun part...wrapping them up! And my favorite present to wrap? The Contemporary Resort playset that will be opened after the monorail set! I am more excited to play with it then my DD probably will be! Hope you all have a great night!

 

[lyeag]

Just wanted to say how much we are enjoying our 3rd trip to the CR. This is our first time with a MK view and it is worth every penny.

 

[MMitchell29]

Where's everybody been the last 24 hours? Last minute shopping? I am officially done after today. Now comes the fun part...wrapping them up! And my favorite present to wrap? The Contemporary Resort playset that will be opened after the monorail set! I am more excited to play with it then my DD probably will be! Hope you all have a great night!

I'm here. i've been looking for you all day I see that there are new pictures posted so i know you have been enjoying them like I have.

You need to start wrapping those gifts up because Santa will be here Friday and that's right around the corner.

One more day before CR Resort Fan will be home so we can harass him with a lot of qestions

 

[Canyon girl]

Here is some more pictures. The theme park pictures were taken from the balcony of #4746.

Merry Christmas to all and happy reminiscing (or looking forward) to a stay at the Contemporary Resort!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi everyone I am back, well not home yet now my family and I are in Clearwater Beach. Anyway the Marriott we are staying at has a free Business Center I will post my Contemporary review from this month and now can ask all the questions you want.

Now when we arrived back on December 12th once again we had a very easy check-in. Our room was ready when we got there and we were in #4820 which meant we were over the Fantasia and Bay View Gifts store, so we were far away from the Chef Mickey's side. Now like we have done in the past for my mom's breakfast we always request a half a grapefruit because it's something not offered in the Atrium Club lounge. Well to our great surprise they had them ready the next morning because in the past they never got them until our 2nd day.

The Cast Members we encoutered all over were very friendly and did not meet anyone who was rude and etc.

The Contempo Cafe as always was great and I got to try their Mahi Mahi Sandwich and it's now become one of my favorite things to eat, so I obviously ordered it more then once.

The parks were also great and it helped going the week before Christmas and getting to them when they opened.

Now we did run into a few Monorail problems while we were there. On our 1st night one of the Resort lines was down, so it meant longer lines. The 2nd time we were at the TTC when we were told to get off because there was a problem, so it took them about 20 minutes to finally move it so another one could come into the station. Finallly two nights ago when leaving the Polynesian the Resort line broke down all over so the Cast Member said walk to the TTC, get on the Express Monorail and walk back to the Contemporary. Instead we took a taxi from the Polynesian to the Contemporary which was a total of $6.50 and got $10.00 taken off our room because of the Monorail breaking down and the Cast Members did not expect us to pay for a taxi in that situation.

Finally in our room was a bounceback offer and we took advantage of it, getting 40% off for the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View for this coming August, from the 10th - 20th. The total came out to be $392.60 and that includes the extra $25.00 for the 3rd adult. However that's still an amazing deal to get.

Also I will be posting a lot of pictures when we get home so be on the look out for them.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone I am back, well not home yet now my family and I are in Clearwater Beach. Anyway the Marriott we are staying at has a free Business Center I will post my Contemporary review from this month and now can ask all the questions you want.

Now when we arrived back on December 12th once again we had a very easy check-in. Our room was ready when we got there and we were in #4820 which meant we were over the Fantasia and Bay View Gifts store, so we were far away from the Chef Mickey's side. Now like we have done in the past for my mom's breakfast we always request a half a grapefruit because it's something not offered in the Atrium Club lounge. Well to our great surprise they had them ready the next morning because in the past they never got them until our 2nd day.

The Cast Members we encoutered all over were very friendly and did not meet anyone who was rude and etc.

The Contempo Cafe as always was great and I got to try their Mahi Mahi Sandwich and it's now become one of my favorite things to eat, so I obviously ordered it more then once.

The parks were also great and it helped going the week before Christmas and getting to them when they opened.

Now we did run into a few Monorail problems while we were there. On our 1st night one of the Resort lines was down, so it meant longer lines. The 2nd time we were at the TTC when we were told to get off because there was a problem, so it took them about 20 minutes to finally move it so another one could come into the station. Finallly two nights ago when leaving the Polynesian the Resort line broke down all over so the Cast Member said walk to the TTC, get on the Express Monorail and walk back to the Contemporary. Instead we took a taxi from the Polynesian to the Contemporary which was a total of $6.50 and got $10.00 taken off our room because of the Monorail breaking down and the Cast Members did not expect us to pay for a taxi in that situation.

Finally in our room was a bounceback offer and we took advantage of it, getting 40% off for the Atrium Club - Bay Lake View for this coming August, from the 10th - 20th. The total came out to be $392.60 and that includes the extra $25.00 for the 3rd adult. However that's still an amazing deal to get.

Also I will be posting a lot of pictures when we get home so be on the look out for them.

Thank you for posting your review. It's great that you could take advantage of the BB offer and you can now look forward to returning in August.

I had posted some articles on the News and Rumors thread about the monorail problems and I wondered if you had had any problems. it's great they paid for your taxi. Just curious: How did the CM know that you had taken a taxi?

Have a merry Christmas

 

[lissiesmum]

I'm here. i've been looking for you all day I see that there are new pictures posted so i know you have been enjoying them like I have.

You need to start wrapping those gifts up because Santa will be here Friday and that's right around the corner.

One more day before CR Resort Fan will be home so we can harass him with a lot of qestions

Aren't the pictures beautiful? Thanks Canyongirl for posting them for us!

I definitely need to wrap presents. I will start tonight and finish tomorrow. I can't wait for Christmas, I'm like a kid in a candy store!

I was just going to comment on CR Resort Fan getting back soon, when I saw his review a few minutes ago! Thanks for posting CRRF4L and we can't wait to hear more. I'm dying to ask you if you heard anything about the castle refurbishment! Hope you had a great time and you have a safe trip home

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My dad asked for a taxi reciept and it just so happened that the Cast Member working in the Lobby Concierge desk also works on the Atrium Club floor, so he remembered us from our previous stays. I also posted about the Monorail problems we did have, however in all those cases we weren't rushing to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Finally I have not heard anything about the castle refurbishment.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am not sure how many more nights this will be happening, but Scrouge McDuck and Daisy Duck were taking pictures in the lobby. So incase anyone plans to be there in the next few days it's something to look out for.