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

[Cinderumbrella]

I just wanted to wish CR Fan a Happy trip!!

I have enjoyed reading the thread as we prepare for our 2009 CR trip (my first time staying at the resort!!)

Have a wonderful stay!

Kristin

 

[crazy4wdw]

Here's a link to a you tube video of the construction of the new counter service restaurant on the 4th floor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdI0sUbTbA8

 

[spaceace510]

Hi, fellow Contemporaries.

We just booked our little girl's 1st Disney trip for April 28 - May 3, 2009. I have 2 questions...

1) Apparently there are no AAA discounts for these dates or any dates around this timeframe (as a matter of fact, the rep I spoke to said as of right now, there aren't many AAA discounts available AT ALL for the Contemporary in '09). So my question is - should I expect AAA discounts to eventually become available as we get closer to that date, or am I probably just going to have to pay rack rate? I can't imagine AAA discounts are booked up for those dates, so my guess is no one has them. Can anyone w/ AAA discount experience offer some insight?

2) We booked a Bay Lake view Tower Room. The rep I spoke with asked me if I was aware of the construction going on (DVC Tower) at the property. I said yes, but from what I've read & seen (via pictures), I was of the understanding that the construction is off to the side of the main A-frame tower, and really didn't obstruct any views (of Bay Lake, the pool, etc.). Is the construction (sight & noise) more prevalent than this? Should we expect our Bay Lake view to be marred by the construction & noise? I figured the DVC tower should look nearly complete by next May and most of the heavy-duty construction would be done. Thoughts?

1. for the AAA, for now I would just keep what you have now, and then occasionally check back to see if there is a discount. Then you can switch over.

2. Bay Lake Tower is off to the side of CR. Is not directly in the view. However if you were to look out towards that side, it would be viewable. But lake view shouldn't be effected at all. The only other construction going is Chef Mickey's Express (or whatever they are calling it now) however, that should be completed long before your trip. And as for BLT, like you said, since they are finishing up the structural stuff now, most of the "big" stuff should be long done by your trip


CR Resort Fan-- have a great trip!!! are you going to be posting live?

 

[oasispaul]

thanks, spaceace!

 

[Dawn68PA]

I finally, over 3 days, have read this entire thread. *whew*

Unlike most, I have found myself swayed to try for a GW Deluxe Room. I truly think there isn't a bad room at this resort (the Tower Bay Lake View really doesn't interest me though). If I'm going to be looking at the lake, I'd rather be in the GW.

The MK view is nice but far off. The fireworks can be viewed from the viewing area and I don't need to see them every night. And a 5 minute walk doesn't bother me one bit.

The GW rooms seem like the ticket. Quiet. By the lake where there is boating, able to watch parasailing, and the pool is right there. Ducks! I love ducks Our trip for Dec '09 will be just me & DH. Our first trip alone together in 21 years. (Ok, we did take a 3 day honeymoon and did go overnight to Atlantic City, but that's it ever). Yep, I think this is the place to be. This is what I'll be trying to book when I call in Dec '08.

 

[macrosswife]

1) Apparently there are no AAA discounts for these dates or any dates around this timeframe (as a matter of fact, the rep I spoke to said as of right now, there aren't many AAA discounts available AT ALL for the Contemporary in '09). So my question is - should I expect AAA discounts to eventually become available as we get closer to that date, or am I probably just going to have to pay rack rate? I can't imagine AAA discounts are booked up for those dates, so my guess is no one has them. Can anyone w/ AAA discount experience offer some insight?

Hi!
We just booked our December 2009 vacation at the Contemporary, Atrium Club with Magic Kingdom view. When we first checked about a week ago, we were told there were no AAA discounts for anything Contemporary (concierge or otherwise), but Sunday night one became available. So, I concur to go ahead and make your reservation and keep checking back for the AAA rates!

Good luck!!

~Kimber

 

[DIS_Dad]

Whew! That YouTube is quaility TV. We were there last September when they were completing the new gift shop and will be there this September while they complete the new CM express. Still, even with construction you can not beat the walk to MK with small kids and a stroller.

 

[wdhinn89]

We were able to get an AAA discount in March 08 for our Oct 08 visit. We have a BL view but the MK view was also available. We love water views and the GF has no lake views available so we figured we would try the CR. They also had GF GV available in March with the AAA discount. Keep trying, something is bound to come up.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I just wanted to wish CR Fan a Happy trip!!

Thank you.

Here's a link to a you tube video of the construction of the new counter service restaurant on the 4th floor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdI0sUbTbA8

Thank you for posting that video.

CR Resort Fan-- have a great trip!!! are you going to be posting live?

Thank you and yes I will be posting live from there.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I just wanted to wish CR Fan a Happy trip!!

I have enjoyed reading the thread as we prepare for our 2009 CR trip (my first time staying at the resort!!)

Have a wonderful stay!

Kristin

Me to! I hope you have fun, I check in the 26th so I will see you there!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Me to! I hope you have fun, I check in the 26th so I will see you there!

I also hope that I get the chance to see you there.

 

[GatorLady]

Hi, fellow Contemporaries.

We just booked our little girl's 1st Disney trip for April 28 - May 3, 2009. I have 2 questions...

1) Apparently there are no AAA discounts for these dates or any dates around this timeframe (as a matter of fact, the rep I spoke to said as of right now, there aren't many AAA discounts available AT ALL for the Contemporary in '09). So my question is - should I expect AAA discounts to eventually become available as we get closer to that date, or am I probably just going to have to pay rack rate? I can't imagine AAA discounts are booked up for those dates, so my guess is no one has them. Can anyone w/ AAA discount experience offer some insight?

We just booked a Garden Wing room with a AAA discount for May 31st - June 7th. We usually stay at the WL, but it is our 10th anniversary so we wanted to do something different. It's been 33 years since I have stayed at the Contemporary, and the rest of the family never has! We are very excited!

 

[krbq]

When walking from the wing to the tower, where do you enter at? Is there an entrance at the end nearest the wing, or do you need to walk to the middle of the tower?
Also, once in the wing, where do you go to access the 4th floor shops and eateries?
Sorry for all the questions, but I like to have an idea of what I'm doing once I get there. Thanks for all the help I've received here so far.

diseverestfan & MrsJ Henry -- Maybe these photos will help:

This is the Bay Lake side of the Tower. At the extreme left side of the photo you can see the edge of the Garden Wing. Then there are 2 sets of stairs flanking the ground level entrance to the Tower. That entrance (in the middle of the tower, the same one Tower CR guests use to access the pool, beach & dock) takes you to the ground level where the elevators, escalators, registration desks, and the new restaurant The Wave are located. Take the escalators or elevators to the 4th floor for the shops, arcade, and Chef Mickey's.

If you took the outside steps (shown in the photo) you'd enter the tower on the 2nd level, which is where the desk for the California Grill is and mostly the convention people go (but all are allowed to enter there as well). You can catch the escalator up to the 4th floor (Concourse level) from this level.

The photo below was taken standing under the stairs farthest from the camera in the above photo. The lady pushing the stroller has just exited the Garden Wing and the door is no more than 15 feet behind her, but it is around a corner and doesn't show in this photo. The entrance door to the Tower is about 20 feet behind where I was standing when I took this photo. As you can see, not a long walk at all, and it is covered so in the Florida rains you can move back and forth without getting soaked.

I hope this helps.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

diseverestfan & MrsJ Henry -- Maybe these photos will help:

This is the Bay Lake side of the Tower. At the extreme left side of the photo you can see the edge of the Garden Wing. Then there are 2 sets of stairs flanking the ground level entrance to the Tower. That entrance (in the middle of the tower, the same one Tower CR guests use to access the pool, beach & dock) takes you to the ground level where the elevators, escalators, registration desks, and the new restaurant The Wave are located. Take the escalators or elevators to the 4th floor for the shops, arcade, and Chef Mickey's.

If you took the outside steps (shown in the photo) you'd enter the tower on the 2nd level, which is where the desk for the California Grill is and mostly the convention people go (but all are allowed to enter there as well). You can catch the escalator up to the 4th floor (Concourse level) from this level.

The photo below was taken standing under the stairs farthest from the camera in the above photo. The lady pushing the stroller has just exited the Garden Wing and the door is no more than 15 feet behind her, but it is around a corner and doesn't show in this photo. The entrance door to the Tower is about 20 feet behind where I was standing when I took this photo. As you can see, not a long walk at all, and it is covered so in the Florida rains you can move back and forth without getting soaked.

I hope this helps.

That was so nice of you and yes it does help. Thanks you

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

Can someone remind me when the construction is set to be finished???

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Can someone remind me when the construction is set to be finished???

Hopefully the construction on the 4th floor will be finished sometime in September or October.

 

[Britt7]

I think we have finally decided to go with the CR!!!! We have been going back and forth between it and the Poly and are really starting to lean towards the CR. Our main reason for wanting to do either one is the Monorail. It just seems much easier with our DD3 who LOVES Magic Kingdom. My main concern is the walking distance from the monorail to our room - most likely carrying a 3 year old!! CR just seem like it would be easier - shorter distance. I know it depends on room location, but worse case scenario - How far will we have to walk, is it a pain to do? Also - all rooms are accessed from indoors correct - while Poly is outdoor entrances right. I have a pathetic phobia and would really prefer entering my room from inside (less chance for any critters to sneak their way into the room)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think we have finally decided to go with the CR!!!! We have been going back and forth between it and the Poly and are really starting to lean towards the CR. Our main reason for wanting to do either one is the Monorail. It just seems much easier with our DD3 who LOVES Magic Kingdom. My main concern is the walking distance from the monorail to our room - most likely carrying a 3 year old!! CR just seem like it would be easier - shorter distance. I know it depends on room location, but worse case scenario - How far will we have to walk, is it a pain to do? Also - all rooms are accessed from indoors correct - while Poly is outdoor entrances right. I have a pathetic phobia and would really prefer entering my room from inside (less chance for any critters to sneak their way into the room)

I think you made a great choice staying at the Contemporary. Besides that you also enter rooms at both the Contemporary and Polynesian from the inside. However the difference the Polynesian Longhouses are all located outside, where as the Contemporary rooms are either in the Tower or South Garden Wing building.

 

[ang38]

What I love best about the CR is everything under one roof. You don't have to leave the building to get to the monorail or the food or shopping. At the PR you have to walk from your room to get to all this and it can be quite a hike especially in the rain. Even your furthest room will not be too bad a hick once you get off the elevators. Another thing to note is how quiet your room is. I mean quiet...you hear nothing above, below or on the sides of you once your door is closed. The only noise you hear outside your door is if some-one is standing there. There's also no "across the hall" noise since the concourse divides the sides of the hotel. We stayed at 4 resorts this last stay and the CR was the quietest and best one. We now have a new favorite! Have a great trip!!

I think we have finally decided to go with the CR!!!! We have been going back and forth between it and the Poly and are really starting to lean towards the CR. Our main reason for wanting to do either one is the Monorail. It just seems much easier with our DD3 who LOVES Magic Kingdom. My main concern is the walking distance from the monorail to our room - most likely carrying a 3 year old!! CR just seem like it would be easier - shorter distance. I know it depends on room location, but worse case scenario - How far will we have to walk, is it a pain to do? Also - all rooms are accessed from indoors correct - while Poly is outdoor entrances right. I have a pathetic phobia and would really prefer entering my room from inside (less chance for any critters to sneak their way into the room)

 

[Brier Rose]

I think we have finally decided to go with the CR!!!! We have been going back and forth between it and the Poly and are really starting to lean towards the CR. Our main reason for wanting to do either one is the Monorail. It just seems much easier with our DD3 who LOVES Magic Kingdom. My main concern is the walking distance from the monorail to our room - most likely carrying a 3 year old!! CR just seem like it would be easier - shorter distance. I know it depends on room location, but worse case scenario - How far will we have to walk, is it a pain to do? Also - all rooms are accessed from indoors correct - while Poly is outdoor entrances right. I have a pathetic phobia and would really prefer entering my room from inside (less chance for any critters to sneak their way into the room)

That's so funny because that is EXACTLY what prompted our first stay at the Contemporary!

Back when DD (16 now) was around 3, and we used to do full on all day/night trips to MK, DH would always have to carry her while she was asleep ALL the way back to the car.

We always used to stay at Dixie Landings(now PORS)..so I don't know why we didn't use the bus back them. but I'm glad because..
one night as we were leaving for the car DH said..I don't care HOW much it costs..just have us stay somewhere with minimal carrying distance!!

That lead us to the Contemporary Tower and it was AMAZING!!
SO very much easier!

I love GF and BC too, but for convenience, especially getting small kids back to the room..you just can't beat the Contemporary Tower!