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

[Minnie&Nana]

I have said this before and I will say it again the Contemporary guests should be allowed access to the Bay Lake Tower pool, because it's going to be right there and Disney Vacation Club is selling Bay Lake Tower as sharing amenities with the Contemporary. To accomodate the construction of Bay Lake Tower the Contemporary had to get rid of the North Garden Wing and lost so many rooms that they could have full renovated and because of that it's harder to get reservations at a resort which is popular for it's location and because of the conventions they host. So I wish Disney Vacation Club could realize these rules about pool use and everything else is false advertising because sharing amenities between both the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower only works if they will share with us. Finally if it's true how the Contemporary guests can not use the Bay Lake Tower pool then I wish they could not let Bay Lake Tower guests swim at the Contemporary to make things even on both sides.

Well said!! I agree, it is a matter of principal and unfair to guests staying CR. Although it may be unlikely BLT guests will make their way over to the CR pool, it will happen...making the CR pool more crowded and CR guests just have to put up with it. We'll just have to 'wait and see'.

Have never been happy about BLT...imho, CR architecture was ruined when the North Wing was demolished...a big eye sore built all for the mighty dollar.

eta: We haven't stayed at CR since the North Tower was demolished - one reason being we fear that we'll see BLT from our Tower balcony on the the Bay Lake side - our preferred view..

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I was unaware that WLV had their own pool (I have never stayed at a DVC resort, and to this point, haven't had the desire to). Believe me, I understand your concern with it, but until BLT's pool opens (when, later this summer?) we just have to wait and see what "really" happens

Now, regarding coffee. As I said, I feel like I have read a million and a half pages about the CR in the past few days, so I am getting my sources mixed up!

http://allears.net/din/coffee.htm

This is where I saw about Contemp Grounds being run by Joffrey's

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Well said!! I agre, it is a matter of principal and unfair to guests staying CR. Although it may be unlikely BLT guests will make their way over to the CR pool, it will happen...making the CR pool more crowded and CR guests just have to put up with it.

Thank you and you make some valid some points.

I also realize if Contemporary guests got access to the Bay Lake Tower pool it would make that area more crowded. However I am not sure how many guests would go there, so it's the same situation if Bay Lake Tower guests use the Contemporary pool.

So what I really hope for is permission for the Contemporary guests to use the Bay Lake Tower pool if they wanted to, if Bay Lake Tower guests got to use the Contemporary pool. Basically it would be a rule that will always be there if someone wanted to take advantage of it.

Finally I am willing to bet that if the Contemporary pool was closed for whatever reason instead of telling guests to swim at the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge, wouldn't they say go to the Bay Lake Tower pool since it's right there within walking distance and it makes the most sense.

I was unaware that WLV had their own pool (I have never stayed at a DVC resort, and to this point, haven't had the desire to). Believe me, I understand your concern with it, but until BLT's pool opens (when, later this summer?) we just have to wait and see what "really" happens

I do agree it is best to wait until Bay Lake Tower opens, because then we will know for sure.

Now, regarding coffee. As I said, I feel like I have read a million and a half pages about the CR in the past few days, so I am getting my sources mixed up!

http://allears.net/din/coffee.htm

This is where I saw about Contemp Grounds being run by Joffrey's

I never noticed that before, so thanks for posting that link. So after reading it I guess what they say is true, so I will update the 1st page about the information with Joffrey's.

 

[brergnat]

JOFFREY'S

I am not sure it's even called "Contemporary Grounds" anymore.

I was just there 3 weeks ago. I am almost 100% certain that the place is just called "Joffrey's". That is what the big sign on the wall said, anyway, as well as the cups.

The CM's working at the stand had on JOFFREY's aprons, but DISNEY CM name badges, so I'm not sure WHO they are employed by.

There were also several Joffrey's carts within the parks, at Animal Kingdom we saw one, as well as in Epcot, and I saw one at another resort hotel, although I can't remember which one it was now...maybe Yacht Club???

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

JOFFREY'S

I am not sure it's even called "Contemporary Grounds" anymore.

I was just there 3 weeks ago. I am almost 100% certain that the place is just called "Joffrey's". That is what the big sign on the wall said, anyway, as well as the cups.

The CM's working at the stand had on JOFFREY's aprons, but DISNEY CM name badges, so I'm not sure WHO they are employed by.

If that's true about the name changing can someone please confirm that, so I can make the correct changes on the 1st page.

 

[goofygal531]

CR FAN and others, I am right about Joffrey's running the stand, right?????

I'm curious if they're using the Joffrey's name too. The Joffrey's locations in the parks are just labeled "Espresso & Pastries". It appeared to me at least, that WDW was keeping it a secret that it was an outside company.

This is wonderful that Joffrey's in is the CR. I hope it means that eventually they will be everywhere on WDW property.

Mare, what are you dates again? We are 6/9-6/17. I am SURE we will be in the arcade alot too!!!!!!! We have never seen it, where in the building is it now?

We're there 6/12 to 6/19 and so is Blueskies, thought I forgot her dates.

The arcade used to be were The Wave is now on the first floor. It's now located on the 4th floor next to the gift shop. Same floor as Chef Mickeys. It's near the elevator to the monorail. Which makes it a nightmare for me anytime we dine at Chef Mickeys because arcade time has to follow the meal Did I mention that my DH is as much as an arcade junkie as my DS5

It's the largest arcade within any WDW resort.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

eta: We haven't stayed at CR since the North Tower was demolished - one reason being we fear that we'll see BLT from our Tower balcony on the the Bay Lake side - our preferred view..

Yes it's true that you can see Bay Lake Tower from the Bay Lake View, however when my family and I had that view this past December it was not that bad. Plus once it's completed I am sure it will look better since there won't be any construction happening to it.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

This is good to know....am missing CR. Every time I see a photo of the Bay Lake view my heart skips a beat. CR was our first WDW stay in 1981 - a few stays in the North Wing and many Tower stays. It's home to us.

 

[goofygal531]

am missing CR. Every time I see a photo of the Bay Lake view my heart skips a beat.

We stayed in the CR on our 2nd wedding anniversary. We had an MK view in the tower. To this day, every time we past the CR DH has to point our room out to me - last room on the far left, third from the top. We had an amazing fireworks view and even saw the castle from our bed by looking in the mirror - it was just over our right shoulders.

It's his favorite room location of all time.

So if you hear some whack-o on the monorail pointing to the CR and announcing to everyone where our room there was, that's my DH

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We're there 6/12 to 6/19 and so is Blueskies, thought I forgot her dates.

The arcade used to be were The Wave is now on the first floor. It's now located on the 4th floor next to the gift shop. Same floor as Chef Mickeys. It's near the elevator to the monorail. Which makes it a nightmare for me anytime we dine at Chef Mickeys because arcade time has to follow the meal Did I mention that my DH is as much as an arcade junkie as my DS5

It's the largest arcade within any WDW resort.

I don't know how I have not noticed the arcade?? (or DS for that matter ) We ate at CM and CG in December too.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

We stayed in the CR on our 2nd wedding anniversary. We had an MK view in the tower. To this day, every time we past the CR DH has to point our room out to me - last room on the far left, third from the top. We had an amazing fireworks view and even saw the castle from our bed by looking in the mirror - it was just over our right shoulders.

It's his favorite room location of all time.

So if you hear some whack-o on the monorail pointing to the CR and announcing to everyone where our room there was, that's my DH

Let's hope we're not on the same monorail or we'll be sharing memories. Our first Tower room was 10th floor, MK view over the 4th of July 1982.

 

[BlueSkies]

While the new game room is pretty neat by resort standards...it is nowhere near the size of the old one... It was really impressive and also was located right next to the CS area...

I am not crazy about the its new location either...

But I will say they did do a nice job on it...my kids always loved those tickets too...then we would end up with lots of "cool" souveniers to bring home!!!

Goofygal and Cinderumbrella I know where we will all be making quick coffee runs to!!

CR Fan I though the coffee area was still called Contemporary Grounds too...

When I stayed at the CR in December the CMs at the pool told me that there would be a whole splash area near where the pool slide is?? They also told me about the cabanas which are now available...

btw There were movies on the beach while we were there too...

Minnie&nana I love that Bay Lake view ...the CR was the very first disney resort for us too...very special memories...

 

[goofygal531]

I don't know how I have not noticed the arcade?? (or DS for that matter ) We ate at CM and CG in December too.

It's off to the side and pretty dark inside. Have you ever used the restrooms in that area before? It's to the right of the restrooms. It reminds me of a club, it's dark with loud music blasting all the time. Nothing like the arcade at the GF, which to my guys is not really an arcade

I guess you have to know it's there to see it. My DH was so happy to discover it on that floor! He's very happy with the changes.

Let's hope we're not on the same monorail or we'll be sharing memories. Our first Tower room was 10th floor, MK view over the 4th of July 1982.

Yes, wonderful memories!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

While the new game room is pretty neat by resort standards...it is nowhere near the size of the old one... It was really impressive and also was located right next to the CS area...

I am not crazy about the its new location either...

But I will say they did do a nice job on it...my kids always loved those tickets too...then we would end up with lots of "cool" souveniers to bring home!!!

I agree the new arcade location is no where the same size as the old one, but compared to some other resorts with arcades this location is still bigger. Plus with the exception of keeping the pool tables, they were able to bring up a lot of the games from the previous location and it's great they kept the prize section.

 

[BlueSkies]

Goofygal We were posting at the same time...oh ya that "arcade" at the GF...is just sort of a few games in a bad spot IMO...my guys always head over to the CR for some arcade time....

Cinderumbrrella Once your DS knows where the arcade is I'm sure he wont forget it!!!

CR Fan I'm glad that they kept the prize section too...the kids really love this...even the big kids!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I admit, the "arcade" at the GF is a joke!!

POP's was a REALLY good size though (and DS loved it!) Thank goodness we are at WDW (his "Happy Place" ) or else he would probably want to stay there all day just to play!!

I am really eager to see if there are any pool changes in the next 7 weeks or so... the lack of theming at the CR pool is one of the reason's we have stayed away so long...

 

[goofygal531]

While the new game room is pretty neat by resort standards...it is nowhere near the size of the old one... It was really impressive and also was located right next to the CS area......

I didn't notice it was smaller now in it's new location. Then again, I'm rarely in there. I drop guys off at the door, or should I say they leave me in their dust as they run to the arcade from the elevator

I am not crazy about the its new location either

It works for me since I can shop while they are in the arcade. I have found the coolest stuff in the CR gift shops. Unique items that's not sold everywhere. I love finding different WDW merchandise. I also found H2O Spa products there which I thought was odd since they're only used at the GF. But it was great for me since I forgot to pick up DH's shampoo while visiting the GF gift shop.

Goofygal and Cinderumbrella I know where we will all be making quick coffee runs to

Not only can I ditch the guys in the arcade but I can shop with a latte! Hello CR!!! Here I come!

When I stayed at the CR in December the CMs at the pool told me that there would be a whole splash area near where the pool slide is?? They also told me about the cabanas which are now available...

btw There were movies on the beach while we were there too... ......

Coffee, arcade and now a splash park. We know where we're staying next trip!

Minnie&nana I love that Bay Lake view ...the CR was the very first disney resort for us too...very special memories...

Wow, my first WDW resort was the CR too!

 

[goofygal531]

oh ya that "arcade" at the GF...is just sort of a few games in a bad spot IMO...!

I admit, the "arcade" at the GF is a joke!! ..

I really think the GF forgot to add an arcade and just stuck the games in the CS restaurant. It's not an arcade by any means and it's the only resort arcade that looks like that. The others at least have dedicated game rooms. I actually HATE the games being there as it distracts my kids from eating.

Cinderumbrella: Have you discovered Disney Quest? My guys went there last trip and had the best time.

I don't think your DS would care about pool themeing. Any pool to a kid on a hot day is fun.

CR Fan: Have they done anything with the half wall between CM and the Contemp cafe? It was really annoying last Nov dining in CM and having children from the cafe hanging over the walls trying to see the characters. I've heard on several podcasts that the CR was aware of this being an issue, also a safety issue.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Cinderumbrella: Have you discovered Disney Quest? My guys went there last trip and had the best time.

I have not ventured over there yet (we aren't big DTD people and have never even BEEN to that side of it!) Maybe when he is older, for now I still want to ride Dumbo and all the other "little kid" stuff before he outgrows it

ETA: I forgot about the half wall by the Contempo- we sat on that side of CM last year and I do remember the kids...

 

[BlueSkies]

I think that the half wall was still there when we stopped to have a bite at the Contempo Cafe in February...which by the way has some nice things on the menu...maybe even Mr Picky will find something he likes...