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

[BetsyRNBSN]

Now, that the BLT are open is the Contemp Cafe more crowded? What about the elevators going to the 4th floor? Can you even tell a difference? We are a little nervous about the crowds. Thanks again everyone!!!

Since this was our first time staying here, I can't tell you if Contempo is more crowded or not... I do know that we never waited in line to get to the ordering kiosks, we did have to wait for our food, but that was no big deal...

As for the elevators, I did think using them in the Tower was a bit of a pain. We were trying to go down from the 4th floor to the lobby to check out and almost all of the elevators were full! Took a bit of time to get down, but again, no real biggie. THe walk to the bus stop is pretty short from BLT, just out the one door and about 50 yards away or so.

 

[tlenzendorf]

How cramped do you think 5 of us will be in one room? Its DH, myself and 3 DDs age 12, 11 and 7. We are doing a split stay between CR and CBR(2 rooms), trying to figure out how many nights at each place. Its a space vs. money issue, CR is significantly cheaper than 2 rooms at a moderate, but I don't know how long we'd be able to survive with one bathroom. Now I realize we could do cheaper with 2 rooms in a value, but we don't want to. It will be our last trip for awhile with them and we they like cool pools with slides and theming. None of the values are appealing to us.

So, how cramped do you think we'll be and how many nights do you think we could deal with it? Our total trip will be a total of 8 nights. Thanks!

 

[Hans Moleman]

I'd allow 1.5 to 2 hours... although it probably will not take that long, just to be sure, I would block that much time. Simply because you never know where ME is going to take you...

I'd say at least 1.5 hours, the Contemporary is the last stop for that ME.

It does the entire loop, Wilderness Lodge, Poly, Grand Floridian and the CR.

When you are leaving Orlando, the CR is the first stop.

 

[Leafsgirl36]

Is there a boat that goes from the CR to the Whispering Canyon Cafe?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Is there a boat that goes from the CR to the Whispering Canyon Cafe?

Yes there is and that would be the blue flag boat which goes to the Wilderness Lodge, that operates from 6:45 AM - 11:30 PM.

 

[Leafsgirl36]

Yes there is and that would be the blue flag boat which goes to the Wilderness Lodge, that operates from 6:45 AM - 11:30 PM.

Thanks!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I just realized that there is an Observation Deck on the 4th Floor. We had MK View last time we stayed so we watched the fireworks from our balcony. Well, this trip we are trying out the larger Deluxe room in the Garden Wing and we are missing the view. I saw on the map that there is an Observation Deck. DOes anyone have any pictures? Where do we go to find it? Is it outside? Is the music pumped in? Are there benches? Thanks in advance!!!

To find the observation deck walk past the Fantasia Market and you will see two doors that lead right to it. The music is also played up there and here is a picture I took of what it looks like.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks!!!

You're welcome.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Now, that the BLT are open is the Contemp Cafe more crowded? What about the elevators going to the 4th floor? Can you even tell a difference? We are a little nervous about the crowds. Thanks again everyone!!!

Personally I didn't think the elevators were anymore busy, because those staying at Bay Lake Tower wouldn't need to use them unless they were going to the lobby or the health club on the 3rd floor. As for the Contempo Cafe I don't think Bay Lake Tower has effected it in terms of being more busy. Now the only time I saw it jammed was a few days before Christmas during breakfast, however I am guessing that's because the Contemporary was sold out or very close to it.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just got off the phone...booked Contemporary, Main Tower, Bay Lake view room! 4 adults, 1 child with regular DP (military discount with room + DP) $3400. Is this a good deal? We've never stayed at CR before. So excited and nervous. I had a pin code too but we didn't need park passes.

Congragulations and yes that is an amazing deal you got, so have a great time staying there.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

So excited!!

An atrium club room - MK view with the AP discount became available today for our trip next weekend. So we upgraded. Very excited to try out the atrium club.

Congragulations and have a great time.

 

[scrdofbugs]

Personally I didn't think the elevators were anymore busy, because those staying at Bay Lake Tower wouldn't need to use them unless they were going to the lobby or the health club on the 3rd floor. As for the Contempo Cafe I don't think Bay Lake Tower has effected it in terms of being more busy. Now the only time I saw it jammed was a few days before Christmas during breakfast, however I am guessing that's because the Contemporary was sold out or very close to it.

Thanks!! We noticed the elevators in the Tower to be busy when we were there in 08 but it was Nov/Dec so we thought it was the Holiday season. My hubby was scared it would be packed now with the BLT open.

 

[scrdofbugs]

To find the observation deck walk past the Fantasia Market and you will see two doors that lead right to it. The music is also played up there and here is a picture I took of what it looks like.

Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks!! We noticed the elevators in the Tower to be busy when we were there in 08 but it was Nov/Dec so we thought it was the Holiday season. My hubby was scared it would be packed now with the BLT open.

You're welcome and I would agree the holiday season has something to do with it. Also another time when the elevators might be busy all year is after Wishes has ended and everyone starts leaving the California Grill.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks!

I am always happy to help and I hope that pictures was able to.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Is the observation deck open to anyone? I thought last time we were there (05) that only Grand Gathering groups were allowed to use it.... it would be great if it is available since we have a Bay Lake view this time.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Is the observation deck open to anyone? I thought last time we were there (05) that only Grand Gathering groups were allowed to use it.... it would be great if it is available since we have a Bay Lake view this time.

It's available to anyone who is staying there or is just there to eat at one of their restaurants.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Thanks - that is great to know!!! We will definately make use of the observation deck this trip!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks - that is great to know!!! We will definately make use of the observation deck this trip!

You're welcome.

 

[WDWKOOK]

OK, I looked...the BLT 1 bdrm villa is $450 rack room rate and Tower, BLV is $450 too with the extra adults, rack room rate. So that is correct.

You think I should've got BLT??? Decisions, decisions..

I would seriously consider it for your group. Pixie921 has mentioned some compelling amenities below.

Well, with the one-bedroom, along with all the additional space and some privacy, you get two full bathrooms, which might be very helpful when getting ready in the morning. And as far as the sleeper sofa goes, my teenage son says it's very comfortable, FWIW.

Oh, and nothing feels better than that whirlpool tub after a long day in the parks!

...And the rain shower overhead spray with the additional side spray

And you would have 2 balconies, a full kitchen, stacked washer/dryer, 2 flat screens and a DVD player in the LR.

The 1-br.standard view BLT room is only $15 more per night than our CR-mk view room! Rack rates are $500 for the CR room and $515 for the BLT room. So with the 40% off, for only $63 more(for the week) we could stay there as well! Do the pin codes even work for dvc rooms??

Yes! I booked yesterday using our 40% off pin. If you go before 6-3, you could also use the -45% off general public code for villas.

You guys now have me checking out BLT as well! I'm sure my dh would LOVE the space, since he thinks being in one room will be "miserable" since we are a family of 5!

Wow, if a 1br at BLT is only $63 more for the week, would you guys switch? Of course you have to take into account that we would be losing our mk view.

But we are used to staying in 3br condos, so we wouldn't feel like we were losing so much space this way!

This will be our first time staying at BLT. We usually stay in the CR Tower, but for our non-WDW vacations we stay in suites. We've gotten really spoiled by them and are thrilled that we now have the choice of being on CR property, but staying in a comfy suite.

The BLT 1-bedrooms have twice the square footage of the reg. CR rooms and they are practically new with many more amenities.

If the price difference, if any, isn't an issue, then I would absolutely recommend it! How can you go wrong?