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

[nevercook]

Hi All,

Does anyone have a pool area renovation status? Estimated completion date? Hoping it will be completed when we arrive June 8th.

TIA

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi All,

Does anyone have a pool area renovation status? Estimated completion date? Hoping it will be completed when we arrive June 8th.

TIA

The pool itself re-opened a few weeks ago, however they are still working on planting the trees and plants, along with building the kids splash play area. As for a completion date some people reported mid June and others reported it being later on, so we don't have a date set in stone.

 

[Katers]

Hi all! I've been lurking on the site for months but decided it was time to post my trip report. I've just returned from my 7 night stay at the Contemporary. First let me me cover the bad part...the weather. Last weeks almost continous down pours bordered on tragic! But seriously, it was miserable to slush our way through the parks in ponchos and wet feet (especially for the five year old) but we made it work. And to be honest, it was probably for the best since the heat was not an issue (we were actually cold sometimes) and the crowds were fantastic up until Friday since that is when the weather began to improve and the Memorial day crowds showed up. Now let me tell you about the wonderful things that happened to us. First, we were booked in a garden wing, standard view room with my in-laws booked in an adjoining room. Upon arrival we discovered that my in-laws had been "randomly" upgraded to a tower, bay lake view room and since we were with them, we got upgraded too! What a treat! None of us had ever stayed at the Contemporary so we were floored by the view and the rooms! Let me say, the size of the Contemporary rooms are heaven to a family of five. We never felt cramped, which we are usually quite used to feeling in a hotel. I've made it clear to my DH that he is in financial trouble now because there is no way we will ever go to Disney and stay anywhere else. We ate at the Contempo Cafe several times and enjoyed everything we tried. The pool was a lot of fun for the kiddos (though the grown-ups found it very cold considering all the rain). PP asked about the status of the pool construction and I can report that there looks to be a lot left to finish in the splash area and the landscaping and not one bit of work was done last week because of the rain so I'm sure that will delay things a bit.

Now, I know this is a resort board but I have to also tell you the few other magical things that happened to us. First of all, we (both rooms) got a huge, solid chocolate mickey mouse figurine and a note from the front desk saying "most fun check-in of the day". This is more than likely the result of my lovely DH who is quite the charmer and people person. Also, on Friday, at Star Wars weekend at DHS, my 3 boys were picked to march in the Star Wars parade and were given light sabers to carry and keep afterwards. Lastly, in Japan at EPCOT, my DH bought me an oyster to pick to find a pearl...and the one I picked has two 6.5 mm pearls which we had set in a lovely ring!

Overall, it was the most magical trip to Disney we have ever had! The rain was definitely a big bummer but no vacation is ever perfect and since we had all that other pixie dust sprinkled on us, we figure the rain was the trade off! And like I said, it kept us cool, forced us to take a slower pace, and kept the crowds down. So who could complain! If anyone has questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them!

-Katey

 

[nevercook]

The pool itself re-opened a few weeks ago, however they are still working on planting the trees and plants, along with building the kids splash play area. As for a completion date some people reported mid June and others reported it being later on, so we don't have a date set in stone.

Hi all! I've been lurking on the site for months but decided it was time to post my trip report. I've just returned from my 7 night stay at the Contemporary. First let me me cover the bad part...the weather. Last weeks almost continous down pours bordered on tragic! But seriously, it was miserable to slush our way through the parks in ponchos and wet feet (especially for the five year old) but we made it work. And to be honest, it was probably for the best since the heat was not an issue (we were actually cold sometimes) and the crowds were fantastic up until Friday since that is when the weather began to improve and the Memorial day crowds showed up. Now let me tell you about the wonderful things that happened to us. First, we were booked in a garden wing, standard view room with my in-laws booked in an adjoining room. Upon arrival we discovered that my in-laws had been "randomly" upgraded to a tower, bay lake view room and since we were with them, we got upgraded too! What a treat! None of us had ever stayed at the Contemporary so we were floored by the view and the rooms! Let me say, the size of the Contemporary rooms are heaven to a family of five. We never felt cramped, which we are usually quite used to feeling in a hotel. I've made it clear to my DH that he is in financial trouble now because there is no way we will ever go to Disney and stay anywhere else. We ate at the Contempo Cafe several times and enjoyed everything we tried. The pool was a lot of fun for the kiddos (though the grown-ups found it very cold considering all the rain). PP asked about the status of the pool construction and I can report that there looks to be a lot left to finish in the splash area and the landscaping and not one bit of work was done last week because of the rain so I'm sure that will delay things a bit.

Now, I know this is a resort board but I have to also tell you the few other magical things that happened to us. First of all, we (both rooms) got a huge, solid chocolate mickey mouse figurine and a note from the front desk saying "most fun check-in of the day". This is more than likely the result of my lovely DH who is quite the charmer and people person. Also, on Friday, at Star Wars weekend at DHS, my 3 boys were picked to march in the Star Wars parade and were given light sabers to carry and keep afterwards. Lastly, in Japan at EPCOT, my DH bought me an oyster to pick to find a pearl...and the one I picked has two 6.5 mm pearls which we had set in a lovely ring!

Overall, it was the most magical trip to Disney we have ever had! The rain was definitely a big bummer but no vacation is ever perfect and since we had all that other pixie dust sprinkled on us, we figure the rain was the trade off! And like I said, it kept us cool, forced us to take a slower pace, and kept the crowds down. So who could complain! If anyone has questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them!

-Katey

CR Resort Fan 4 Life and Katey

Thanks so much for the pool area info. I was really hoping it would be complete - I know my six year old DGS would enjoy the splash area. But that's OK, plenty enough other stuff to enjoy.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks, Katey for your great CR TR.

It's nice to read that despite the rain, you had a super visit and you'd return to the CR. Just curious, if you book the CR for your next visit, would you pay OOP to stay in the tower?

We go every August which is notorious for heavy rain (and the occasional TS thrown in for good measure). If you're dressed for the rain, it does make it much more tolerable. We wear Gore-Tex rain coats/hats, rubber Birkenstock sandals, & carry mini umbrellas and it makes a huge difference. I'm the whiner in the family, and after a while I do get tired of arriving to our table service dinner with wet feet/shorts (and usually I'm cold in the AC - even in Aug.) But, as you pointed out, it makes for cooler weather AND shorter lines, which is terrific. But, don't expect Test Track to ever be open.

 

[Katers]

It's nice to read that despite the rain, you had a super visit and you'd return to the CR. Just curious, if you book the CR for your next visit, would you pay OOP to stay in the tower?

QUOTE]

Yes, I would definitely pay OOP for a room in the tower! Once you go tower, you never go back!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can anyone tell me about the salon at the Contemporary? My wife would like to get a full set of nails and pedicure while we're down there in September and I was wondering if this would be a good place to have that done or would she be better visiting somewhere like the Floridian or Saratoga Springs.

I noticed that no one had responded to your query so I thought I'd bump it up a little in hopes that someone could offer their personal CR salon experience.

I've never personally used the salon, but this is some internet info. I found (though I can't attest to its accuracy!!):

Niki Bryan Spas runs the WDW spas (massages, etc...) and they seem to also affiliate themselves with the CR's beauty shop which is next door to the Olympiad gym where they give massages. This is the link to their website and CR info:

http://www.relaxedyet.com/contemporary_salon.asp

From a UK WDW website, I found this info. which shows some of the CR's salon services, but I don't know when this was last updated:

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/salonprice.html

American Beauty Salon

Phone: (407) 824-3411
Hours: 9 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Salon & Barber Services:

Lady's Haircut $45+
Color $70+
Foil $25+

Shine Treatment $30

Braids
Full Head $100
Half Head $45

Lady's Shampoo & Set $45

Child's Haircut $22

Gentleman's Haircut $30

Spa Manicure $40

Spa Pedicure $50

 

[WDWKOOK]

It's nice to read that despite the rain, you had a super visit and you'd return to the CR. Just curious, if you book the CR for your next visit, would you pay OOP to stay in the tower?

QUOTE]

Yes, I would definitely pay OOP for a room in the tower! Once you go tower, you never go back!

Yes, we know the feeling!

 

[Mary T in PA]

Yes, I would definitely pay OOP for a room in the tower! Once you go tower, you never go back!

Great to hear you had a wonderful stay at CR!! IT's our favorite resort! We are staying at GF next month, but our winter trip is already booked at CR and I can't wait. The view and close proximity to MK is what draws us to CR.

I may have to quote you on the tower too
Mary

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi all! I've been lurking on the site for months but decided it was time to post my trip report. I've just returned from my 7 night stay at the Contemporary. First let me me cover the bad part...the weather. Last weeks almost continous down pours bordered on tragic! But seriously, it was miserable to slush our way through the parks in ponchos and wet feet (especially for the five year old) but we made it work. And to be honest, it was probably for the best since the heat was not an issue (we were actually cold sometimes) and the crowds were fantastic up until Friday since that is when the weather began to improve and the Memorial day crowds showed up. Now let me tell you about the wonderful things that happened to us. First, we were booked in a garden wing, standard view room with my in-laws booked in an adjoining room. Upon arrival we discovered that my in-laws had been "randomly" upgraded to a tower, bay lake view room and since we were with them, we got upgraded too! What a treat! None of us had ever stayed at the Contemporary so we were floored by the view and the rooms! Let me say, the size of the Contemporary rooms are heaven to a family of five. We never felt cramped, which we are usually quite used to feeling in a hotel. I've made it clear to my DH that he is in financial trouble now because there is no way we will ever go to Disney and stay anywhere else. We ate at the Contempo Cafe several times and enjoyed everything we tried. The pool was a lot of fun for the kiddos (though the grown-ups found it very cold considering all the rain). PP asked about the status of the pool construction and I can report that there looks to be a lot left to finish in the splash area and the landscaping and not one bit of work was done last week because of the rain so I'm sure that will delay things a bit.

Now, I know this is a resort board but I have to also tell you the few other magical things that happened to us. First of all, we (both rooms) got a huge, solid chocolate mickey mouse figurine and a note from the front desk saying "most fun check-in of the day". This is more than likely the result of my lovely DH who is quite the charmer and people person. Also, on Friday, at Star Wars weekend at DHS, my 3 boys were picked to march in the Star Wars parade and were given light sabers to carry and keep afterwards. Lastly, in Japan at EPCOT, my DH bought me an oyster to pick to find a pearl...and the one I picked has two 6.5 mm pearls which we had set in a lovely ring!

Overall, it was the most magical trip to Disney we have ever had! The rain was definitely a big bummer but no vacation is ever perfect and since we had all that other pixie dust sprinkled on us, we figure the rain was the trade off! And like I said, it kept us cool, forced us to take a slower pace, and kept the crowds down. So who could complain! If anyone has questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them!

-Katey

Thanks for posting your review and congragulations on the upgrade.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CR Resort Fan 4 Life and Katey

Thanks so much for the pool area info. I was really hoping it would be complete - I know my six year old DGS would enjoy the splash area. But that's OK, plenty enough other stuff to enjoy.

You're welcome.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I noticed that no one had responded to your query so I thought I'd bump it up a little in hopes that someone could offer their personal CR salon experience.

I've never personally used the salon, but this is some internet info. I found (though I can't attest to its accuracy!!):

Niki Bryan Spas runs the WDW spas (massages, etc...) and they seem to also affiliate themselves with the CR's beauty shop which is next door to the Olympiad gym where they give massages. This is the link to their website and CR info:

http://www.relaxedyet.com/contemporary_salon.asp

From a UK WDW website, I found this info. which shows some of the CR's salon services, but I don't know when this was last updated:

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/salonprice.html

American Beauty Salon

Phone: (407) 824-3411
Hours: 9 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Salon & Barber Services:

Lady's Haircut $45+
Color $70+
Foil $25+

Shine Treatment $30

Braids
Full Head $100
Half Head $45

Lady's Shampoo & Set $45

Child's Haircut $22

Gentleman's Haircut $30

Spa Manicure $40

Spa Pedicure $50

I am going to add the two links you posted onto the 1st page.

 

[BlueSkies]

Katey Thanks for posting your review! What a terrific upgrade...I am a big fan of the Bay Lake view from the tower rooms...just beautiful...

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am going to add the two links you posted onto the 1st page.

Glad the links can provide some relevant CR info. As to their being up-to-date, I don't have a clue, since I've never used the beauty salon and I didn't find any other price lists to compare them with. But, at least the links give you a rough idea of what they offer and cost - just assume the prices are going to be higher than listed!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Glad the links can provide some relevant CR info. As to their being up-to-date, I don't have a clue, since I've never used the beauty salon and I didn't find any other price lists to compare them with. But, at least the links give you a rough idea of what they offer and cost - just assume the prices are going to be higher than listed!

After the question about the Salon was posted I tried to find the information and then I would have added any links to the 1st page. However I could not find any websites, so it's great that you did.

 

[lissiesmum]

I am curious about these pool renovations and the children's splash area. Is this for the main building, or for the Bay Lake Tower? If it's for the main building/garden wing, what exactly are the renovations? Is there a children's pool already? Also, is there a playground for the kiddos at the CR?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am curious about these pool renovations and the children's splash area. Is this for the main building, or for the Bay Lake Tower? If it's for the main building/garden wing, what exactly are the renovations? Is there a children's pool already? Also, is there a playground for the kiddos at the CR?

These renovations are for the Contemporary Tower and Garden Wing. Now I am not sure what they did to the pool but they are planting more plants and trees making it look more tropical and adding the kids splash play area. I don't believe there is a kids pool and the playground was taken away a long time ago.

 

[BlueSkies]

The little kiddie pool that used to be at the CR was next to the playground near the north garden wing...it has not been replaced...but the Bay Lake pool is not very deep...3ft in the center I think....

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am curious about these pool renovations and the children's splash area. Is this for the main building, or for the Bay Lake Tower? If it's for the main building/garden wing, what exactly are the renovations? Is there a children's pool already? Also, is there a playground for the kiddos at the CR?

The playground was removed (along with the tennis courts) in order to build BLT. There are conflicting reports on the re-opening date for both the tennis courts and playground: AllEars reports Sep. 1st and Intercot is reporting Aug. 4th which is concurrent with the BLT opening.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The playground was removed (along with the tennis courts) in order to build BLT. There are conflicting reports on the re-opening date for both the tennis courts and playground: AllEars reports Sep. 1st and Intercot is reporting Aug. 4th which is concurrent with the BLT opening.

I added a link from their site on the 1st page which is right under the link with the information from Allearsnet. I also said since both sites are reporting different re-opening dates we will have to wait and see which one is true.