The NEW Disney's Contemporary Resort FAQ with PICTURES! (Feb 2008)

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just wanted to stop in and say "thanks" for all the great information!

We stayed at CR 4/20-4/24 an had a lovely stay. We booked two Standard View Wing rooms, both were upgraded to garden view. Our room was 6205, it was a lovely room in a quite location but we did not get "close to the tower" OR "ground floor" as we had requested, it was way too far for my mother to walk. We have never gotten room requests honored and I'm not sure what to do, my mother does not use a wheel chair but after a day at the parks, walking is painful for her, last year at the Poly and again this year at CR we were second floor, far flung location, which does not work well for her. Do they even READ room requests? My sister was in room 5150 and I LOVE the end rooms, much larger, plus she had a patio with a wonderful view. This room had two chairs instead of the day bed, they look nice but they were super uncomfortable. She also found a snake on the patio one morning and was kind of freaked out, it would not have bothered me any.

Loved the Wing though, close to the pool and the Sand Bar and frankly it is a great value for the money. I'm still undecided about next year, Poly or CR, but I'm leaning toward CR again.

We checked in at midnight and had to wait almost 30 minutes to check in, there were two families with major issues ahead of us in line, and only one CM at the desk. We finally checked in and the best bell hop ever met us at the front desk and showed us to our room, while giving us useful infomation about the resort and the parks. He helped us get settled in a bit. Our room was spotless, we got towel animals two morning. (Last year at the Poly our room was dirty on arrival, some days it was never cleaned at all, and over an 8 day stay our sheets were never changed.) On departure day Bell services arrived in 5 minutes. (Last year at the Poly we waited 30 minutes, and finally had to take our luggage ourselves.) They did have the new iHome in the room, it was way to bright, I had to cover it with a towel at night, but my teenager will love having an iHome in the room. Computer was slow as molasses, and I wasn't able to get an internet connection at times, but was able to get on once in awhile - better than paying $10 a day for an internet connection, but not exactly reliable. I'd be mad if I paid the $10/day and still couldn't get online. We really loved the pool, found it to be much less croweded than the pool at the Poly. We walked over to MK two days, never saw anyone one else on the trail. I walk pretty fast, but make it from our far flung room in the wing to the turnstile at MK in about 10 minutes one morning.

We ate at Cali Grill 4/22 and my neither the food nor the service was as good as last year. I had the pork loin and it was awful, mostly fat and gristle, totally embarassing that they would serve such a poor cut of meat for $29, the hadn't even trimed the actual fat from the edges, gross. Server never inquired about the quality of my food. I had soup for an api that was delicious and the server left my empty soup bowl in front of me for over 10 minutes. I've had better service at Perkins, honestly. Server tried to bend over backwards for my brother in law, however, and actually looked stricken with horror when he found out I was the one paying. It doesn't pay to make sexist assumptions about who gets the bill, does it? (insert evil laugh here) I don't plan on going back to CG. We saw our server from last year and I was so sad we got a dud, our server last year was one of the best waiters I've had anywhere. It really shows that a good server makes the meal.

We ate a light breakfast most days at the coffee place on the first floor. The coffee was always excellent, pastries were ok, and there was never anyone else using the seating area. Much more convenient than dealing with the crowded grab n go up on the 4th floor, expecially because we were coming from the wing so we were on the ground floor anyway.

Bus stop was closed one day, the large area in front of the bus stop was a huge hole in the ground when we arrived, two days later it had been transformed to a mound fully landscaped with full size trees and bushes. I forgot to get a picture, but WOW they work fast, and the area was lovely when they finished.

I can't think of anything else, but again, I appreciate all the information posted on this thread.

Thanks for posting your review. I enjoyed reading it and it's great that you had a wonderfull stay at the Contemporary.

 

[diseverestfan]

I'll also add that I was there last September during free dining. Even though it's not peak season, the resorts all fill up for the offer. There was only 1 time during an 8-day stay that I had to wait for an elevator. It took an extra 30 seconds! If I remember correctly, there's 5 elevators, and they all move very fast.

Thanks for the information, that's good to know!
Is it nice to have a room in the tower with a view of Bay Lake? I want to stay in the tower and I'm not sure if I can justify the extra $ for the MK view. I'm afraid I'll be dissapointed. Can someone reassure me?

 

[PSleight]

Well, my wife and I wanted to stay at the GF during our planned trip in December but our boys begged us to stay at the Contemporary as they consider it our "home" at WDW. So now we are booked at the Atrium Club for December 13-20 and I'm actually glad that we're staying there instead. There's just something about that resort that works for us.

We've always stayed in the tower but this is our first time to book Concierge, so we're excited!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Well, my wife and I wanted to stay at the GF during our planned trip in December but our boys begged us to stay at the Contemporary as they consider it our "home" at WDW. So now we are booked at the Atrium Club for December 13-20 and I'm actually glad that we're staying there instead. There's just something about that resort that works for us.

We've always stayed in the tower but this is our first time to book Concierge, so we're excited!

My family and I are also checking into the Contemporary on the Atrium Club floor the exact same day as you. Maybe I will see you around the lounge?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for the information, that's good to know!
Is it nice to have a room in the tower with a view of Bay Lake? I want to stay in the tower and I'm not sure if I can justify the extra $ for the MK view. I'm afraid I'll be dissapointed. Can someone reassure me?

I say staying in the Tower is great no matter the view you have selected. While I think the Magic Kingdom view is great, there is nothing wrong with the Bay Lake view and if it saves you some $ that's even better.

 

[chrisp]

Thanks for the information, that's good to know!
Is it nice to have a room in the tower with a view of Bay Lake? I want to stay in the tower and I'm not sure if I can justify the extra $ for the MK view. I'm afraid I'll be dissapointed. Can someone reassure me?

Our family actually prefers the Bay Lake view over the MK view. You can see the MK at any time by going to the observation deck so you don't miss out on the MK view. The times you actually spend on your balcony or looking out the view from the room are the times you appreciate the lake view - there are no cars or parking lots visible and the view is definitely a "vacation" view. You do get a view of the pool and the water sports area, so there are always boats and parasailers to watch. We've had both the MK and Bay Lake view, and appreciate both - you won't be disappointed with the Bay Lake side.

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

Just back from CR Tower MKview. Overall, our stay was good. Stayed 3 nights.

The Good: Everything either is, or still looks new. The room was a good size and the bathroom was large. The sinks aren't as bad as everyone makes them out to be. (Tip: Use the 2nd sink for a large counter to compensate for lack of counter space.) Monorail is great for the trip back from MK and walking was so quick and easy on the way there. THE VIEW!!!!!! My DD received a mylar balloon, Minnie Mouse card and chocolate puzzle from the front desk for her birthday!

The Bad: Sorry to report that our 11th floor room was very DIRTY!!! The floors were gross. Dust and food crumbs all over the carpet and toothpaste, soap film, who knows what? all over the tile floor. Front desk/housekeeping were nice about it, but after 2 days everything still remained on the floor. We cleaned it using baby wipes!!! Our ceiling tiles in the bathroom were wet and falling down. The couch was dirty with fresh stains. Our room needed a good scrub, mop, and vaccuum.

Also, the noise from Chef Mickey's in the morning was really quite loud in our room.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just back from CR Tower MKview. Overall, our stay was good. Stayed 3 nights.

The Good: Everything either is, or still looks new. The room was a good size and the bathroom was large. The sinks aren't as bad as everyone make them out to be. (Tip: Use the 2nd sink for a large counter to compensate for lack of counter space) Monorail is great for the trip back from MK and walking was so quick and easy on the way there. THE VIEW!!!!!!

The Bad: The Bad: Sorry to report that our 11th floor room was very DIRTY!!! The floors were gross. Dust and food crumbs all over the carpet and toothpaste, soap film, who knows what? all over the tile floor. Front desk/housekeeping were nice about it, but after 2 days everything still remained on the floor. We cleaned it using baby wipes!!! Our ceiling tiles in the bathroom were wet and falling down. The couch was dirty with fresh stains. Our room needed a good scrub, mop, and vaccuum.

Also, the noise from Chef Mickey's in the morning was really quite loud in our room.

It's nice to read that your stay was good, however I am sorry you had those problems with your room. When it comes to the noise from Chef Mickey's my family and I don't mind it, so I guess everyones opinion about that would be different.

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

I had to add the bad, but to be fair, we've found most Disney resorts to be fairly gritty compared to other chains, such as Hyatt, Marriott, etc.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I had to add the bad, but to be fair, we've found most Disney resorts to be fairly gritty compared to other chains, such as Hyatt, Marriott, etc.

I would rather have someone give an honest and fair review then say everything was perfect with no problems, because it can tell us what to look out for when we stay there.

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

Oh! Oh! I almost forgot:

TIP #2: I couldn't figure out if they discontinued the "bounce back offer"--couldn't find the brochure. Found it: It's the mouse pad!!!

Got 30% our 10/08 stay--saved us $1,000!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Oh! Oh! I almost forgot:

TIP #2: I couldn't figure out if they discontinued the "bounce back offer"--couldn't find the brochure. Found it: It's the mouse pad!!!

Got 30% our 10/08 stay--saved us $1,000!!

Congragulations.

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

Originally Posted by cinderlexa's mom
Oh! Oh! I almost forgot:

TIP #2: I couldn't figure out if they discontinued the "bounce back offer"--couldn't find the brochure. Found it: It's the mouse pad!!!

Got 30% our 10/08 stay--saved us $1,000!!

Congragulations.

Thanks! I really think they try to "hide" the bounceback offer!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks! I really think they try to "hide" the bounceback offer!

Well other guests seem to find out about it so they must not be doing a good job of hiding them, lol.

 

[McKelly]

Did you find the construction very bothersome? I wanted to stay a few days this June and am worried that the construction will take away from our stay. We would book a MK-view, it's available, which makes me worried, because it nevers seems to be available when I look!!

 

[luvdmouse]

I am so excited. Just got off the phone with Disney and was finally able to add my last night for a MK view with a AAA rate. I had booked the first five nights for Thanksgiving weekend at the beginning of March, but for some reason couldn't get 12/1. I've been trying numerous times a day and finally got it. My family is going to be so surprised. They know we are staying at the CR, but think it's a garden view room. Since I can't share my exciting news with my family, you guys are the next best thing. Hope you guys get some pixie dust today too!

 

[triplefigs]

Today is our last night at the CR before going to the BC. We have had a great trip, and I actually prefer the lower floor view vs the higher. It feels like you are closer to the MK. We are the 3rd room towards CM, and there hasn't been any noise. If you have any questions for me to answer, send me a PM

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am so excited. Just got off the phone with Disney and was finally able to add my last night for a MK view with a AAA rate. I had booked the first five nights for Thanksgiving weekend at the beginning of March, but for some reason couldn't get 12/1. I've been trying numerous times a day and finally got it. My family is going to be so surprised. They know we are staying at the CR, but think it's a garden view room. Since I can't share my exciting news with my family, you guys are the next best thing. Hope you guys get some pixie dust today too!

Congragulations.

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

We didn't hear any construction noise, but we were there during the weekend. The DVC tower construction isn't very pretty to look at, but you can't see it from an MK view tower room.

Forgot to add earler: We could hear the thumping of the Grad Nite music last Friday and Saturday night. It was low and mostly just vibrations--but I was glad I brought ear plugs.

 

[jesters]

Sorry if its been asked already, but what brand of soap/shampoo etc is now in the rooms at CR? We had H20 on our last Disney Cruise and I'm wondering if they are now supplying the resorts as well. Thanks!