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

[brergnat]

Originally Posted by RussellDisney

Transportation was the only real downer. We went to DHS on the first day and waited 45 minutes for a bus!! 3 for DTD and 2 for AK came while we waited. Return bus was fine. Monorail service was generally very good, even the transfer to EP was nice and short for us each time - must have good timing on that one! Resort monorail was down for about 30 minutes on Wed evening, making us late to the Neverland Club with the kids. No problems with the club by being late, but it did cut into "mommy and daddy" time

Overall a fantastic resort!!! We are now spoiled, will be hard to step down to a lesser resort next time! I'm planning an overall TR soon over on that board.

We were there at basically the same time as you. We had the same transportation issues you did, so it was definitely NOT an isolated experience. We had issues with the buses to AK and Downtown Disney as well, so it wasn't just the DHS buses.

For such a busy time of year (because it WAS crowded in the parks for sure), they really needed to step it up in the bus transportation department, IMO. For sure, by the time BLT opens up, they better get a new plan in place for more buses, because it will become a SERIOUS problem when all those additional guests are added to the mix...

Great review overall, though! I totally agree with most of what you said. Our stay at CR was fabulous as well. I'll find it hard to NOT return there in the future. I don't understand why all the "meh" feelings towards it...I think people give it a lot of flack for no reason. It's really a wonderful hotel.

One of the things I kept reading about was the "unfriendly CM's" and let me tell you, I think the CM's at the CR were among the MOST FRIENDLY we encountered anywhere at
WDW the entire week we were there! Several went out of their way for us in different ways, and they were more gracious and personable than, I would say, 75% of the CM's in the parks. Just my 2 cents, but I think the CM's at the Contemporary get a bad rap for nothing.

[RussellDisney]

Originally Posted by brergnat

We were there at basically the same time as you. We had the same transportation issues you did, so it was definitely NOT an isolated experience. We had issues with the buses to AK and Downtown Disney as well, so it wasn't just the DHS buses.

For such a busy time of year (because it WAS crowded in the parks for sure), they really needed to step it up in the bus transportation department, IMO. For sure, by the time BLT opens up, they better get a new plan in place for more buses, because it will become a SERIOUS problem when all those additional guests are added to the mix...

Great review overall, though! I totally agree with most of what you said. Our stay at CR was fabulous as well. I'll find it hard to NOT return there in the future. I don't understand why all the "meh" feelings towards it...I think people give it a lot of flack for no reason. It's really a wonderful hotel.

One of the things I kept reading about was the "unfriendly CM's" and let me tell you, I think the CM's at the CR were among the MOST FRIENDLY we encountered anywhere at
WDW the entire week we were there! Several went out of their way for us in different ways, and they were more gracious and personable than, I would say, 75% of the CM's in the parks. Just my 2 cents, but I think the CM's at the Contemporary get a bad rap for nothing.

Totally agree, bus issues need to be resolved quick.

Also agree on the CMs, they were the best. I've lost count of the number of pleasant conversations we had with CMs, them giving the kids stickers, etc. Just the best!!

[TJM1976]

The best thing to do is to send an email to Guest Services in regards to the bus issues. The more complaints, they will see that it is a problem and better chances on improving. Once you send an email, it does take a couple weeks to receive a response.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/contact/

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Originally Posted by RussellDisney

Just returned on Sat from 6 nights at the CR. It was absolutely fantastic, best trip ever.

As for the CR itself, we just can't say enough good things. My wife is VERY picky and she loved it. If you knew her, I could end this report right there and EVERYONE would immediately book the CR and the other Disney hotels would close down!!!

We had room 4445 on the 8th floor. We were the 4th room from the end on the MK end and had the MK view. It was wonderful, we never got tired of looking out the sliding doors. Speaking of those doors, they were very nice and quiet. I also loved the two latches, one being high and out of reach of small children. Our beds faced the castle and I must say, being able to lie in bed and watch the castle change colors at night was great!

We did online checkin and that worked out really well. Our ME bus was not that crowded and I'm sure regular checkin wouldn't have taken very long, but doing online saved even more time. We were met just inside the doors by Judy and I told her we checked in online. She looked at her clipboard and immediately said our names and walked us over to the checkin counter. We were on our way in about 5 minutes!!!

As to those who think the CR is a sterile, ordinary convention hotel I say check it out for yourself. The set up is so very different than most hotels. In the tower, you have no rooms on the opposite side of your hallway. Being able to look down onto the Grand Canyon Concourse is just the best. All of the activity on the 4th floor is nice and we heard none of that noise in our room. I certainly thought it was Disney-themed enough and to be honest, I liked that it wasn't over-the-top themed after being in the parks all day.

As to the room itself, very large and comfortable with a nice layout. We had a Garden Grocer delivery and had plenty of room for both groceries and clothing, etc. I didn't miss the computer, as it would have taken up counter space and would actually have been in the way. Beds were very comfortable, again my picky wife loved them. She wanted to take those heavy comforters home with her! We all loved the fireplace and my wife commented on how the mantle decorated with pottery was more home-like than hotel-like - VERY NICE JOB DISNEY!!! Sofa came in handy, but we never actually slept on it. The balcony was wonderful, could have been a little bigger but was just fine. My wife and I ate roomservice dinner out there one evening while the kids were at the Neverland Club. Wonderful evening, best view at Disney and the food was great!!!

We called housekeeping just after arrival to request a microwave. They said none were available, but would put our name on the list. They indicated it may be a couple days before one came available. Well then about an hour later, a lady arrived with one and set it up for us!! It came in very handy during the week.

The bathroom was good, loved the sliding doors but wished they could latch. The towel bar was a bit far from the tub/shower and there was a lack of counter space. There is storage underneath the sinks and I used one sink as a counter while shaving, etc. Had minor drainage issues with those sinks, but they certainly are stylish and "contemporary". Loved the lighted mirrors and the shaving/makeup mirror is a nice, luxury touch. The closets were nice and roomy, but need more hangers. The safe was large.

The Contempo is nice, good selection and great food. We ate "take-out" from there twice. We ate breakfast at Chef Mickey's, again my picky wife loved that place and the character interaction. We shopped on our departure morning in the shops and found a good selection.

The pool, beach and movies at night were just great!! My daughter did the slide about 35 times and I even made it down once!! Quite a sight to see... My son loved the sand and we all watched WALL E and Finding Nemo on two nights. The were lots of people in the pool/beach area but it never felt crowded. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful spot!! My wife loved the beach area in the evening! The construction fence is still up, but I saw nothing going on. Looks as though the splash area and new landscaping are coming. Pools and beach are completely usable as they are now.

Transportation was the only real downer. We went to DHS on the first day and waited 45 minutes for a bus!! 3 for DTD and 2 for AK came while we waited. Return bus was fine. Monorail service was generally very good, even the transfer to EP was nice and short for us each time - must have good timing on that one! Resort monorail was down for about 30 minutes on Wed evening, making us late to the Neverland Club with the kids. No problems with the club by being late, but it did cut into "mommy and daddy" time

Overall a fantastic resort!!! We are now spoiled, will be hard to step down to a lesser resort next time! I'm planning an overall TR soon over on that board.

Thanks for posting your review and I also agree with you about the buses. One Cast Member told us with WDW's new system it should stop the same bus location coming 2 or 3 times in a row, which is still happening. In fact the Cast Member who told us that was standing outside the bus station marking down what time the buses arrived and where they were going to. Well we saw 2 or 3 Animal Kingdom buses in a row and a Downtown Disney bus, but the Cast Member did say one of them should have been for Hollywood Studios which is where we were going at the time.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Originally Posted by brergnat

Great review overall, though! I totally agree with most of what you said. Our stay at CR was fabulous as well. I'll find it hard to NOT return there in the future. I don't understand why all the "meh" feelings towards it...I think people give it a lot of flack for no reason. It's really a wonderful hotel.

One of the things I kept reading about was the "unfriendly CM's" and let me tell you, I think the CM's at the CR were among the MOST FRIENDLY we encountered anywhere at WDW the entire week we were there! Several went out of their way for us in different ways, and they were more gracious and personable than, I would say, 75% of the CM's in the parks. Just my 2 cents, but I think the CM's at the Contemporary get a bad rap for nothing.

I agree 100% with both your comments, because I do think the Contemporary gets a bad reputation and part of it is the conventions they host and their lack of a in your face theme. Well I always say there are other convention resorts like Coronado Springs, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club and the Boardwalk. Also I am sure they host a fair number of conventions per year and don't get that label because they have more in your face themes.

As for the Cast Members we have also been very lucky to meet such great ones that work there. They have always gone out of their way to make things better for us and one night by the Fantasia store I saw one doing these impressions of Donald Duck that were simply amazing and very funny.

[PopArtGal]

What movies do they play?

Recent movies..or just older ones?

Is there a schedule available online?

[staceyatdisney]

Originally Posted by RussellDisney

Just returned on Sat from 6 nights at the CR. It was absolutely fantastic, best trip ever.

As for the CR itself, we just can't say enough good things. My wife is VERY picky and she loved it. If you knew her, I could end this report right there and EVERYONE would immediately book the CR and the other Disney hotels would close down!!!

We had room 4445 on the 8th floor. We were the 4th room from the end on the MK end and had the MK view. It was wonderful, we never got tired of looking out the sliding doors. Speaking of those doors, they were very nice and quiet. I also loved the two latches, one being high and out of reach of small children. Our beds faced the castle and I must say, being able to lie in bed and watch the castle change colors at night was great!

We did online checkin and that worked out really well. Our ME bus was not that crowded and I'm sure regular checkin wouldn't have taken very long, but doing online saved even more time. We were met just inside the doors by Judy and I told her we checked in online. She looked at her clipboard and immediately said our names and walked us over to the checkin counter. We were on our way in about 5 minutes!!!

As to those who think the CR is a sterile, ordinary convention hotel I say check it out for yourself. The set up is so very different than most hotels. In the tower, you have no rooms on the opposite side of your hallway. Being able to look down onto the Grand Canyon Concourse is just the best. All of the activity on the 4th floor is nice and we heard none of that noise in our room. I certainly thought it was Disney-themed enough and to be honest, I liked that it wasn't over-the-top themed after being in the parks all day.

As to the room itself, very large and comfortable with a nice layout. We had a Garden Grocer delivery and had plenty of room for both groceries and clothing, etc. I didn't miss the computer, as it would have taken up counter space and would actually have been in the way. Beds were very comfortable, again my picky wife loved them. She wanted to take those heavy comforters home with her! We all loved the fireplace and my wife commented on how the mantle decorated with pottery was more home-like than hotel-like - VERY NICE JOB DISNEY!!! Sofa came in handy, but we never actually slept on it. The balcony was wonderful, could have been a little bigger but was just fine. My wife and I ate roomservice dinner out there one evening while the kids were at the Neverland Club. Wonderful evening, best view at Disney and the food was great!!!

We called housekeeping just after arrival to request a microwave. They said none were available, but would put our name on the list. They indicated it may be a couple days before one came available. Well then about an hour later, a lady arrived with one and set it up for us!! It came in very handy during the week.

The bathroom was good, loved the sliding doors but wished they could latch. The towel bar was a bit far from the tub/shower and there was a lack of counter space. There is storage underneath the sinks and I used one sink as a counter while shaving, etc. Had minor drainage issues with those sinks, but they certainly are stylish and "contemporary". Loved the lighted mirrors and the shaving/makeup mirror is a nice, luxury touch. The closets were nice and roomy, but need more hangers. The safe was large.

The Contempo is nice, good selection and great food. We ate "take-out" from there twice. We ate breakfast at Chef Mickey's, again my picky wife loved that place and the character interaction. We shopped on our departure morning in the shops and found a good selection.

The pool, beach and movies at night were just great!! My daughter did the slide about 35 times and I even made it down once!! Quite a sight to see... My son loved the sand and we all watched WALL E and Finding Nemo on two nights. The were lots of people in the pool/beach area but it never felt crowded. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful spot!! My wife loved the beach area in the evening! The construction fence is still up, but I saw nothing going on. Looks as though the splash area and new landscaping are coming. Pools and beach are completely usable as they are now.

Transportation was the only real downer. We went to DHS on the first day and waited 45 minutes for a bus!! 3 for DTD and 2 for AK came while we waited. Return bus was fine. Monorail service was generally very good, even the transfer to EP was nice and short for us each time - must have good timing on that one! Resort monorail was down for about 30 minutes on Wed evening, making us late to the Neverland Club with the kids. No problems with the club by being late, but it did cut into "mommy and daddy" time

Overall a fantastic resort!!! We are now spoiled, will be hard to step down to a lesser resort next time! I'm planning an overall TR soon over on that board.

Thanks so much for the excellent report. It's so exciting to read because we are going to CR in Sept. We booked a lake view room as the MK room was almost $400 more. We are hoping for an upgrade, but not counting on it.

Anyway, hubby and I want to slip off for a nice dinner and are thinking about using the Neverland Club. Our children are about the same age as yours (DD7 & DS4.) Did your children like the Club?

[BLLB]

We are staying at CR next month. I believe the electric light parade is on the lake in front of the resort. If that is true, where would we view the parade? We have a lake view not a MK view.

Thanks

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

Originally Posted by BLLB

We are staying at CR next month. I believe the electric light parade is on the lake in front of the resort. If that is true, where would we view the parade? We have a lake view not a MK view.

Thanks

Last week we viewed it from the back of the hotel (lake view) side off the beach at 10:05. I would guess if you have a lake view you could watch from your balcony! HTH!

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Originally Posted by PopArtGal

What movies do they play?

Recent movies..or just older ones?

Is there a schedule available online?

When you check-in you will get an activties sheet for that month and it will say what day, what time and what movies they are playing.

Originally Posted by BLLB

We are staying at CR next month. I believe the electric light parade is on the lake in front of the resort. If that is true, where would we view the parade? We have a lake view not a MK view.

The parade goes on both sides, so that means you will get to see it from your Bay Lake View.

[RussellDisney]

Originally Posted by staceyatdisney

Thanks so much for the excellent report. It's so exciting to read because we are going to CR in Sept. We booked a lake view room as the MK room was almost $400 more. We are hoping for an upgrade, but not counting on it.

Anyway, hubby and I want to slip off for a nice dinner and are thinking about using the Neverland Club. Our children are about the same age as yours (DD7 & DS4.) Did your children like the Club?

Our kids loved the Neverland Club and I believe is the most convenient to the CR. It is right at the Poly, out the main building to the right, then on around to the right (there are signs and it's clearly marked). The main entrance/office is set up like the children's bedroom, with the main sign-in desk being the bed. The kids then climb up a few steps, go through the bedroom window into Neverland! They absolutely loved it! They did crafts, had a dance party, had dress up games and watched a movie. We all got to choose their dinner from a menu before I left - it's included in the price, $12/hr/kid, minimum of 2 hours if I remember correctly. As I said, we were late but they only charged for the time actually spent there. In addition, if this matters, my two kids were able to stay together and were not separated by age. This was a concern, as even though they are often mortal enemies they also buddy up with each other in strange situations! My DS would not have stayed by himself. From the way they talked, all the kids were in one common area.

What I was most impressed with was the time they took making sure they had all of our contact info, any allergeries, medical releases, etc. That really made me feel good about the care they were going to receive. We had a copy of the registration to bring back with us to get the kids, again security. I highly recommend it, especially if you are staying several days. Both the kids and the grown ups will benefit by a change of pace and some time away from each other. This really re-charged our trip!

Originally Posted by BLLB

We are staying at CR next month. I believe the electric light parade is on the lake in front of the resort. If that is true, where would we view the parade? We have a lake view not a MK view.

Thanks

We saw the parade almost nightly. You can see it, I believe around 9:30 or so (just after Wishes) on 7 Seas Lagoon, then later around 10 or so it actually stops at the CR on the Bay Lake side, right in front of the beach. That's where CR guests can view it full on and hear the music. Pretty neat show!

[brergnat]

Originally Posted by PopArtGal

What movies do they play?

Recent movies..or just older ones?

Is there a schedule available online?

Off the top of my head, three movies I recall seeing on the schedule from last week were:

-Wall-E
-HSM: 3
-Another Pixar film...either Ratatouille or Monsters, Inc. (can't remember which one it was, but one of the more recent ones)

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

Originally Posted by brergnat

Off the top of my head, three movies I recall seeing on the schedule from last week were:

-Wall-E
-HSM: 3
-Another Pixar film...either Ratatouille or Monsters, Inc. (can't remember which one it was, but one of the more recent ones)

When we were there 3/25-4/1 they had HSM3, Wall-E, Finding Nemo and Bolt. They started at 8.

[PopArtGal]

Originally Posted by CR Resort Fan 4 Life

When you check-in you will get an activties sheet for that month and it will say what day, what time and what movies they are playing.

The parade goes on both sides, so that means you will get to see it from your Bay Lake View.

Originally Posted by brergnat

Off the top of my head, three movies I recall seeing on the schedule from last week were:

-Wall-E
-HSM: 3
-Another Pixar film...either Ratatouille or Monsters, Inc. (can't remember which one it was, but one of the more recent ones)

Originally Posted by ShelsGoingToDisney

When we were there 3/25-4/1 they had HSM3, Wall-E, Finding Nemo and Bolt. They started at 8.

Thank you everyone!

[dchi]

I frequented this thread when I was planning our trip for last Novemeber. There is something I have never seen on here that we had happen to us on our November trip. We had reservations for the California Grill and we were staying at the Contemporary in a Magic Kingdom view room, when we got to our table at the California Grill there were white and silver foil castles sprinkled all over our table. Out waiter said it was because we were guests of the Contemporary and they take care of their own. It was a beautiful sight..I was almost crying. We were also given one of the best tables in the house. The castle was right there. Two years prior we were staying at the Polynesian and we did not have foil castles all over our table and our table was one row over from the window, but still a fabulous table. I had no complaints!