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

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I was just about to Change my Reservation to the Contemporary Bay Lake View.. now im not so sure

I would try to look at it like this. Before the construction of Bay Lake Tower even started the Contemporary was always busy with guests of other resorts going to eat at the California Grill, Chef Mickey's and the Concourse Steakhouse, plus those guests would also look around at the stores on the 4th floor. So with the exception of Bay Lake Tower and let's assume those guests won't be using the Contemporary pool, how can you really tell if the Contemporary will get more busy when you see more people walking along the 4th floor and looking into the stores. Because no matter what happens non guests are going to go there for the California Grill, Chef Mickey's, The Wave and maybe the Contempo Cafe.

The one location that might be more busy is the front desk because I have read that's where Bay Lake Tower guests are going to check-in, so hopefully that will change and they can eventually check-in at Bay Lake Tower. However with the brand new online check-in you don't need to wait at the front desk and if you stay Club Level you can check-in up on your floor.

As for transportation once again I will say a lot of times there have been huge lines for the Monorail and let's not forget the Contemporary shares bus service with the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and sometimes in the mornings they share with the Wilderness Lodge. However all of that has been happening for a long time and Bay Lake Tower has not opened yet.

 

[pixie921]

Maybe the studio guests will have to use the CR's laundry? (which is already too small.)

If they've set BLT up the same way as the other DVC resorts, there will be a laundry in the building for studio guests to use. So that's one thing that shouldn't impact guests at the CR.

The one location that might be more busy is the front desk because I have read that's where Bay Lake Tower guests are going to check-in, so hopefully that will change and they can eventually check-in at Bay Lake Tower. However with the brand new online check-in you don't need to wait at the front desk and if you stay Club Level you can check-in up on your floor.

I don't expect to see them opening a check-in for BLT guests at BLT. None of the other shared resorts have their own separate check-in except Kidani at AKV, but again, that seems to be the exception because of its distance from the main Lodge -- guests at Jambo still check in at AKL's desk. I know they tried it for a while last year at BCV, but it didn't last long and BCV guests are back to checking in at the main BC desk.

I really think it will have a minimal impact, especially (as you said) with online check-in now available.

 

[PolynesianAlex]

I would try to look at it like this. Before the construction of Bay Lake Tower even started the Contemporary was always busy with guests of other resorts going to eat at the California Grill, Chef Mickey's and the Concourse Steakhouse, plus those guests would also look around at the stores on the 4th floor. So with the exception of Bay Lake Tower and let's assume those guests won't be using the Contemporary pool, how can you really tell if the Contemporary will get more busy when you see more people walking along the 4th floor and looking into the stores. Because no matter what happens non guests are going to go there for the California Grill, Chef Mickey's, The Wave and maybe the Contempo Cafe.

The one location that might be more busy is the front desk because I have read that's where Bay Lake Tower guests are going to check-in, so hopefully that will change and they can eventually check-in at Bay Lake Tower. However with the brand new online check-in you don't need to wait at the front desk and if you stay Club Level you can check-in up on your floor.

As for transportation once again I will say a lot of times there have been huge lines for the Monorail and let's not forget the Contemporary shares bus service with the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and sometimes in the mornings they share with the Wilderness Lodge. However all of that has been happening for a long time and Bay Lake Tower has not opened yet.

But you agree that BLT studios are over priced compared to the Spacious Contemporary Resort Rooms? I priced a Bay Lake View room and Standard BLT Studio and the studio was 200$ more

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

But you agree that BLT studios are over priced compared to the Spacious Contemporary Resort Rooms? I priced a Bay Lake View room and Standard BLT Studio and the studio was 200$ more

Well if their prices are sound $200 for a studio that does sound less expensive then both the Magic Kingdom View and Bay Lake View in the Tower of the Contemporary. However I am not an expert on the cost for the DVC rooms because my family and I have never stayed at a DVC Resort, although some people might think that's a good deal.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I don't expect to see them opening a check-in for BLT guests at BLT. None of the other shared resorts have their own separate check-in except Kidani at AKV, but again, that seems to be the exception because of its distance from the main Lodge -- guests at Jambo still check in at AKL's desk. I know they tried it for a while last year at BCV, but it didn't last long and BCV guests are back to checking in at the main BC desk.

I really think it will have a minimal impact, especially (as you said) with online check-in now available.

I forgot about the other DVC Resorts that are connected and use the same check-in area, so good observation.

 

[Craig-TMIP]

Re: Polynesian Alex's post
remember the wing had 295 or so rooms before it was demolished. :

Everytime I get nervous about the size of the new building, I always try to remember that the north wing WAS there with probably close to the same amount of rooms.
So, now with the hotel having two full size pools plus the bay pool, plus three sit down restaraunts I don't think traffic will be much worse than it was before. Also, remember that since the North Wing was torn down, the hotel has basically been working at 3/4 capacity, so we have all gotten used to "lower" crowds than a few years ago.

As far as the "top of the World Lounge", it isn't readily available to the DVC guests. They are going to use a lottery system to allow guests up there. It seems like it will be a nightmare of complaints for the castmembers.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Craig,
The way your site has the actual menus for The Wave and the Contempo Cafe, are you able to scan the menus for the California Grill and Chef Mickey's or is that not possible because they list the dates and can always change.

 

[Craig-TMIP]

Craig,
The way your site has the actual menus for The Wave and the Contempo Cafe, are you able to scan the menus for the California Grill and Chef Mickey's or is that not possible because they list the dates and can always change.

I'll see if I can do it!
I could always add the Cali Grill menu with the date and a note that the menu changes frequently.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'll see if I can do it!
I could always add the Cali Grill menu with the date and a note that the menu changes frequently.

If you can do it great, however if you can't then it's no big deal.

 

[Disney grandma]

Well if their prices are sound $200 for a studio that does sound less expensive then both the Magic Kingdom View and Bay Lake View in the Tower of the Contemporary. However I am not an expert on the cost for the DVC rooms because my family and I have never stayed at a DVC Resort, although some people might think that's a good deal.

It was stated that studio rooms are $200 more than a resort room.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

It was stated that studio rooms are $200 more than a resort room.

Thank you for that information.

 

[Cmbar]

Here is the Chat with a Cast Member


Thank you for contacting Disney. Please hold while we route your chat to a Disney Cast Member who will help you with your question.
Welcome to Disney! My name is Kayoko. How may I help you today?
you: hey
Kayoko: Good afternoon.
you: I am wondering if i am staying at Disney's contemporary resort would i be able to go on the Skybridge Connecting Bay Lake tower and the Contemporary?
Kayoko: No. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is only open to guests staying in those accommodations. A Key to the World is required to access the skybridge between locations.
you: So if i use my Contemporary KTWC in the sky bridge it wont work
you: That is not fair why can a person staying at another hotel Use My Hotel'
you: Ammenties
you: and i cant use theres?
Kayoko: There are no amenities offered at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort that you don't have at your own Resort.
you: I dont have a top of the lounge to watch fireworks
Kayoko: That lounge is only offered for Disney Vacation Club members, not guests in general.
you: Would that cause lots of traffic
you: only BLT guest can use the sky bridge
Kayoko: Any guest is more than welcome to book a dining reservation at The California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort near fireworks times.
you: So ur saying my Hotel will be over packed with Double the Guest

Is this a reall chat or are you making it up? I would have liked to hear the response from the CM if this is a real chat!!!

Also, I am very confused as to why you would want to cross the bridge to the BLT? It is only rooms. Nothing special. The pool can be accessed by the ground level.

I also didn't understand your comment about the top of the lounge fireworks. I believe that has always been said to be for the BLT guests only and even they will have to make reservations for that. As far as the bridge access, why would this be any different than say the Atrium level at the CR. Dont they have an awesome view of the fireworks. But the general guest at CR don't get to go there do they?

 

[Mary2e]

Anyone know if there are still motion sensor thermostats and if so, the bypass process?

 

[oasispaul]

Anyone know if there are still motion sensor thermostats and if so, the bypass process?

-Push "Power" button and down arrow at the same time
-LCD screen should now read "BP" (you are now in bypass mode)
-Use up/down arrows to set room to desired temperature

(FYI - this must be done ever 48 hours or so, as the system will default to automatic sensor mode)

 

[oasispaul]

Yippee! More pics - thanks!

Thanks so much for the pics Oasispaul!!!!!

oasispaul,
The rest of your photos look great so thanks for posting them.

You're welcome

 

[Mary2e]

-Push "Power" button and down arrow at the same time
-LCD screen should now read "BP" (you are now in bypass mode)
-Use up/down arrows to set room to desired temperature

(FYI - this must be done ever 48 hours or so, as the system will default to automatic sensor mode)

THANK YOU!!!!!!

I nearly roasted in a Las Vegas room with a motion sensing thermostat and didn't want to repeat at the CR. The last time I stayed there is was fall and it didn't matter too much.

 

[TagsMissy]

It was stated that studio rooms are $200 more than a resort room.

Strange... I just priced a Bay Lake BLT room Vs Contemporary Tower... where do you see it's $200 difference between the two? Unless I misread?

Tower - Bay Lake View

All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, day bed, table and chairs, ceiling fan and a large bathroom with private commode. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include a large flat-screen TV, desktop computer, in-room safe, voice mail, data port, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffeemaker and refrigerator. A crib is available upon request. Tower Rooms are located in the Tower Building and offer views of Bay Lake.
Date Rate per Night

Tue, Sep 22 $ 390.00



Studio – Bay Lake View

These Studios offer views of Bay Lake. They have one queen-size bed and one double-size sleeper sofa, a table and chairs, one bathroom, a wet bar and a private porch or balcony. Amenities include flat-panel TV, DVD player, in-room wall safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access, data port on phone, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, microwave, small refrigerator, coffeemaker and Pack 'n Play® Playard. All Studios are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible Studios are available through the Special Needs Department.
Date Rate per Night
Tue, Sep 22 $ 400.00

 

[AxlRose330]

the front of the new tv's have a red/white/yellow input. I use those to look at pics from my camera while I there. I have also hooked up a dvd player with no problem. I would suggest bringing an extension cord though, there is no power source near the tv.

Cool. Im still not 100% on whether we will bring it or not but thanks for letting me know about the extension cord. I thought I read that the rooms had DVD players. Is that right?

 

[Nickb23]

I understand that the computers in the rooms have been removed, but are there connections for laptops in the room, and if so, are they free or is a fee charged? Thanks, Nick

 

[pixie921]

I understand that the computers in the rooms have been removed, but are there connections for laptops in the room, and if so, are they free or is a fee charged? Thanks, Nick

You can definitely still connect. It's $9.95/24 hours of internet access.