Two nights at CR CL- what not to miss?

[DisneyandBeerLover]

Our goal has always been to stay at every WDW resort and I think it’s time for the Contemporary in January. As of now, we’re also booked for seven nights at Coronado Springs in conjunction with the two nights at CR. I booked two nights at CL with a theme park view. Ideally, we would have reservations at both California Grill & Steakhouse 71 (if it’s open). And I think the only park going we’ll be doing is to MK and maybe, but not likely, to Epcot. So aside from this, what is there to do that we shouldn’t miss? Fwiw, we’ve stayed a few times at WL and at Poly, and go to GF often. So while we’re open to, and probably will, resort hop, I don’t want to miss out on CR things.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

I would say get reservations for lunch instead of dinner. It is kind of a waste to do club level and dinner reservations. Club level best happens in the evening, whereas midday, lunch is just snacks at best. But if you have the money to blow and it does not matter, do as you have planned.

 

[Eastern]

I agree, save the CL money if you're planning on CG and the new restaurant. Get a regular TPV room. Grab breakfast at Contempo Cafe or MK. But if you have lots to spend, do it! I'm too thrifty.

 

[Marthasor]

Our goal has always been to stay at every WDW resort and I think it’s time for the Contemporary in January. As of now, we’re also booked for seven nights at Coronado Springs in conjunction with the two nights at CR. I booked two nights at CL with a theme park view. Ideally, we would have reservations at both California Grill & Steakhouse 71 (if it’s open). And I think the only park going we’ll be doing is to MK and maybe, but not likely, to Epcot. So aside from this, what is there to do that we shouldn’t miss? Fwiw, we’ve stayed a few times at WL and at Poly, and go to GF often. So while we’re open to, and probably will, resort hop, I don’t want to miss out on CR things.

IMHO, CR doesn't have a lot to do. I would do the two restaurants as you have planned. Perhaps consider doing one of the fishing excursions that leaves from CR. I agree with the PP's, if interested, you could save some money and just do a TPV room if you are planning on big meals at the TS. The CR CL lounge is lovely, but if your room has a TPV view, you won't need the view from the lounge.

 

[DisneyandBeerLover]

So… what if I don’t want to change room categories

 

[Eastern]

So… what if I don’t want to change room categories

Then I would plan on having breakfast in the lounge and go to parks during day. In the evening, stop in for wine and apps during 5-7pm happy hour. (Make your dinner reservations after 6pm and allow time to get there from CR) If you go to CG, you can watch fireworks from the walkway or from your balcony.

The pool is ok. It's fun watching the monorail come in through the hotel. There is a nice gift shop in the hotel. Nice that you can walk to MK.

If you need more info see the Contemporary Resort thread.

 

[Marthasor]

So… what if I don’t want to change room categories

LOL! You don't have to, of course!!! I just found, over time, we could never get very good value out of CL, but to each his/her own. Even with CL, we would make TS dinner reservations as the CL lounge only serves apps in the evening - never enough for a full meal, IMHO. Enjoy whichever room category you choose!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So… what if I don’t want to change room categories

I am a CR CL fan - I wouldn’t switch. It’s hard to ever ‘make sense’ of the food/value equation when it comes to CL, but the small conveniences sure do come in handy, at least for us/our travel style. Ready coffee and usually enough to pass as breakfast in the AM, a beer or glass of wine coming/going/various times during the day, a light bite/snack between meals, nice CMs there to help with anything, etc. Plus a guaranteed 12th floor room (assuming you booked Atrium Club). Works for me!

Plus 2 nights is a good CL number since it’s not like you’ve blown the budget on a long trip if it turns out you don’t care for CR or CR CL.

I agree that there’s not much that’s not otherwise obvious to do at CR. To me so much of CR is MK itself, so we tend to take advantage of that as CR’s best amenity. Plus the other monorail resorts, as you note, since hoping around is so easy.

Have fun!