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

[jcb]

Hi all,
Last year we stayed in a cabin Fort Wilderness and loved it. My wife and I decided to come back in December this year for 2 reasons: 1 - We want to see the Christmas Decorations & 2 - our youngest child won't yet be 3. We decided to stay on the monorail to maximize our use of the monorail since we will be spending a considerable amount of time in the Magic Kingdom. We've booked a Garden Wing room from 12/6-12/14. We primarily booked the GW because it is sooooo much cheaper than the tower. However, will I be disappointed that I'm not in the tower?

Thanks in advance for your help and comments.

Peter

While everyone should try a tower stay, I greatly enjoyed staying in the Garden Wing (I also went last year in December). Of course, the GW doesn't give you get the grand view of the MK and it is a bit more of a walk to the monorail. Other than that, there isn't any downside to a GW room.

The rooms are the same decor and style. My worry was that I would be upset at not being in the tower but when we arrived, I found I enjoyed just being at the CR so much that the GW was never an issue. I'll do a MK view room some day but would not hestiate to stay again in the Garden Wing.

With your 3yo, you might request a room closer to the tower to minimize the walk and the length you will carrying him back to the room after returing from day at the MK. Make sure you walk to the MK at least once.

 

[SwirlyGirly]

Hi, I'm a WDW and DIS forum newbie. I will be staying w/ my mom and 2 young girls at the CR in 2 weeks. I am totally lost! Thank goodness I found this board bc I like to be well prepared, but since I haven't been to WDW since I was a small child, I had NO IDEA what to expect in terms of preplanning.
Anyway, on to question number one...
I've read the entire thread, but it's a lot of info to take in at once. Once The Wave is open and The Concourse Steakhouse is closed, will the Tempo be closed as well?? Will there be any place to grab coffee and snacks?
My other question is...since we booked the trip recently, we were unable to get any Chef Mickey reservs. No biggie except my kids will have to see it everyday so I'm sure they'll be going crazy wondering why we never go. Do you think there is any chance of picking up a cancellation or a walk-in?
Thanks!

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

I also have a few questions.

We are currently booked for October 26-30 in a Garden View room at the Poly. The more research I did the more DH and I agreed that the CR is probably more our style. So I got another quote from our TA and it seems like for just a little more we can get at MK view at the CR. Is this a place for kids? At the time of travel we will have an almost 12, 10 and 4 year old and a 3 month old. Im all for changing, since the MK view is amazing

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Anyway, on to question number one...
I've read the entire thread, but it's a lot of info to take in at once. Once The Wave is open and The Concourse Steakhouse is closed, will the Tempo be closed as well?? Will there be any place to grab coffee and snacks?
My other question is...since we booked the trip recently, we were unable to get any Chef Mickey reservs. No biggie except my kids will have to see it everyday so I'm sure they'll be going crazy wondering why we never go. Do you think there is any chance of picking up a cancellation or a walk-in?
Thanks!

The Concourse Steakhouse is closing on May 31 and The Wave is opening on June 7th for dinner and June 8th for everything else, that being breakfast and lunch. The Tempo Grab & Go will still be open since Chef Mickey's Express will not be open until August 14th.

Since you happen to be staying at the Contemporary I am sure trying to go as a walk-in won't be that bad, since you don't have far to go. So if you got turned away it's not like you went there for nothing if you know what I mean. However while your there you could still call WDW-Dining on your in room phone by pressing the dining button, or going to the Lobby Concierge desk and seeing if there are any last minute ADR's.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I also have a few questions.

We are currently booked for October 26-30 in a Garden View room at the Poly. The more research I did the more DH and I agreed that the CR is probably more our style. So I got another quote from our TA and it seems like for just a little more we can get at MK view at the CR. Is this a place for kids? At the time of travel we will have an almost 12, 10 and 4 year old and a 3 month old. Im all for changing, since the MK view is amazing

I say the Magic Kingdom View is worth it for a lot more reasons. Besides having the best view in all of WDW, staying in the Tower is great. For example when coming back on the Resort Monorail you will already be in the Tower, so it's just a quick elevator ride to the floor you happen to be staying on. When coming off the Disney buses once you get off them it's a quick walk back into the lobby of the Tower building.

Also when it comes to transportation at the Contemporary they are the 1st stop on the Resort Monorail when leaving the Magic Kingdom and they are the 1st Resort where guests are picked up and dropped off, since they share bus service with the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Finally how can we not forget they also have the walkway which goes to the Magic Kingdom, which is about a 10 minute walk.

 

[pooh2001]

We stayed in the CR once - tower - what nice views.
With DH's only income now, we may only be able to afford the South Wing rooms.

Will we be disappointed ?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We stayed in the CR once - tower - what nice views.
With DH's only income now, we may only be able to afford the South Wing rooms.

Will we be disappointed ?

Besides the difference in the views the rooms are exactly the same, so I am sure you won't be disappointed. Besides you still get to stay at the Contemporary so what can be better then that?

 

[Freiden8]

I say the Magic Kingdom View is worth it for a lot more reasons. Besides having the best view in all of WDW, staying in the Tower is great. For example when coming back on the Resort Monorail you will already be in the Tower, so it's just a quick elevator ride to the floor you happen to be staying on. When coming off the Disney buses once you get off them it's a quick walk back into the lobby of the Tower building.

Also when it comes to transportation at the Contemporary they are the 1st stop on the Resort Monorail when leaving the Magic Kingdom and they are the 1st Resort where guests are picked up and dropped off, since they share bus service with the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Finally how can we not forget they also have the walkway which goes to the Magic Kingdom, which is about a 10 minute walk.

well, this pretty much sold me on the CR.

But, that means because I only want to do a tower room at the CR, that we can only do 6 night. .. I was really hoping for 7 nights.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

well, this pretty much sold me on the CR.

But, that means because I only want to do a tower room at the CR, that we can only do 6 night. .. I was really hoping for 7 nights.

My advice is make the reservation for 6 nights and keep trying to add the 7th night. This way you will at least have the reservation.

 

[pooh2001]

Thank you CR Fan 4 Life

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

You're welcome.

 

[oasispaul]

What's up, fellow Contemporaries? Quick question - I called Disney's main reservation number to book our family vacation at the Contemporary for late April/early May 2009. I realize 2009 room rates will not be available until late summer, but I was a little surprised by the rates that were quoted to me for reservation purposes...

We're reserving a Bay Lake view Tower Room. According to everything I've seen on the web, 2008 rack rates for this type of room during "regular" season (which it looks like April 26 - May 3, 2009 should fall under) is around $430/night. Yet the rep on the phone quoted me a base price of $485/night (which looks more like 2008 "peak" season pricing for this room). He said the price could go down when 2009 rates are released and suggested I call back when 2009 rates are released to get actual pricing, apply my AAA discount, etc.

So my question is - does Disney use 'peak' season pricing for all 2009 reservations until the 2009 rates are released or am I getting a bad base price here?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

What's up, fellow Contemporaries? Quick question - I called Disney's main reservation number to book our family vacation at the Contemporary for late April/early May 2009. I realize 2009 room rates will not be available until late summer, but I was a little surprised by the rates that were quoted to me for reservation purposes...

We're reserving a Bay Lake view Tower Room. According to everything I've seen on the web, 2008 rack rates for this type of room during "regular" season (which it looks like April 26 - May 3, 2009 should fall under) is around $430/night. Yet the rep on the phone quoted me a base price of $485/night (which looks more like 2008 "peak" season pricing for this room). He said the price could go down when 2009 rates are released and suggested I call back when 2009 rates are released to get actual pricing, apply my AAA discount, etc.

So my question is - does Disney use 'peak' season pricing for all 2009 reservations until the 2009 rates are released or am I getting a bad base price here?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

I don't remember exactly but I think if you make a reservation and the rates for next year are not out, WDW will charge you the highest rate possible. When the new rates come out they will adjust your rate to the type of sesason you will be staying at the Contemporary.

 

[oasispaul]

I don't remember exactly but I think if you make a reservation and the rates for next year are not out, WDW will charge you the highest rate possible. When the new rates come out they will adjust your rate to the type of sesason you will be staying at the Contemporary.

thanks cr, knew i could count on you! what you said is exactly what i'm thinking (hoping)!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

thanks cr, knew i could count on you! what you said is exactly what i'm thinking (hoping)!

You're welcome.

 

[disneylover74]

I've been looking to stay at CR in Dec. from the 5th -7th and now I have been on the website and they have already sold out of the one bedroom bay lake view tower. Is anyone staying there in these rooms in this time frame? I can't believe that one day they are available and the next there not. If we can't get this room, is there another resort that someone could suggest for 4 adults and two kids (13&3). Thanks for any input!

 

[oasispaul]

I've been looking to stay at CR in Dec. from the 5th -7th and now I have been on the website and they have already sold out of the one bedroom bay lake view tower. Is anyone staying there in these rooms in this time frame? I can't believe that one day they are available and the next there not. If we can't get this room, is there another resort that someone could suggest for 4 adults and two kids (13&3). Thanks for any input!

There are days in April '09 that you can't get a bay lake view tower room at the Contemporary. I know there are a lot of conventions @ the Contemporary, so many times an entire set of rooms may be blocked off for a convention and then become available (opened up to the public) later on. So if you really want to stay there, I would suggest you keep trying - maybe call once a week for the next few months.

If it turns out they actually are sold out of those rooms during this timeframe and if you're looking to stay in the vicinity of the Magic Kingdom, I'd be willing to vouch for both the Polynesian & Wilderness Lodge (I've stayed at both, although my stay @ the Polynesian was some time ago - back in the early 90's). The Wildeness Lodge offers a quick (10-minute) boat-ride to the MK while the Polynesian is right on the monorail line w/ the Contemporary & Grand Floridian. The WL is the most cost effective option for a "deluxe" resort in the MK area.

Of course, if you're okay w/ staying somewhere else on Disney property, there are many options that people will suggest - a lot of people love the Beach Club/Boardwalk/Swan & Dolphin area near Epcot, others think the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the best Disney resort, many people swear by the moderates (citing bang for the buck) and still others say the Grand Floridian is worth the extra money. It comes down to what you're looking for - your taste & budget...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I've been looking to stay at CR in Dec. from the 5th -7th and now I have been on the website and they have already sold out of the one bedroom bay lake view tower. Is anyone staying there in these rooms in this time frame? I can't believe that one day they are available and the next there not. If we can't get this room, is there another resort that someone could suggest for 4 adults and two kids (13&3). Thanks for any input!

Since December is a while from now if you keep checking eventually a room will become available. However if you still can't get one I would recommend the Polynesian or Grand Floridian since they are on the Monorail line, or the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[ang38]

Have you called Disney directly to see if it's anything different? Or try a travel agent that may have rooms blocked off. There are many travel agents through the various lists that are great.I know of one if oyu want to email me offlist...

I've been looking to stay at CR in Dec. from the 5th -7th and now I have been on the website and they have already sold out of the one bedroom bay lake view tower. Is anyone staying there in these rooms in this time frame? I can't believe that one day they are available and the next there not. If we can't get this room, is there another resort that someone could suggest for 4 adults and two kids (13&3). Thanks for any input!

 

[ms.ojo]

I've been looking to stay at CR in Dec. from the 5th -7th and now I have been on the website and they have already sold out of the one bedroom bay lake view tower. Is anyone staying there in these rooms in this time frame? I can't believe that one day they are available and the next there not. If we can't get this room, is there another resort that someone could suggest for 4 adults and two kids (13&3). Thanks for any input!

Keep checking. One day there was no availability for MK tower view...then suddenly there was...and then it was gone again and I was kicking myself...and then it came back a week later and I snagged it!!