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Old 01-17-2016, 02:29 PM   #1
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Contemporary: What makes it "worth it" to you & room location question...

We like to do split stays so that we can experience different resorts. Doing this has allowed us to try resorts that would be out of our price range for a week long stay. We're hoping to go to WDW late August of 2016 or 2017. My DDs would like to try out the Contemporary. Truthfully that was never on my radar but I like to make Disney dreams come true!

I know what makes it "worth it" is different for everyone so what makes it worth it to you? We would probably do a two night stay at the end of a vacation but only if we can get a discount, which I think would be likely at the end of summer.

I think we would probably book a MK view tower room. If we're going to do it, we might as well get an awesome view, right? Any recommendations on room requests? We generally like to have a room in a quiet area even if it means a little more walking to the main areas.

Thank you for your thoughts!!
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Old 01-17-2016, 02:45 PM   #2
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I think we would probably book a MK view tower room. If we're going to do it, we might as well get an awesome view, right? Any recommendations on room requests? We generally like to have a room in a quiet area even if it means a little more walking to the main areas.

Thank you for your thoughts!!
While it was generally pretty quiet inside our Tower room, it gets VERY LOUD inside the Tower itself once Chef Mickey's opens with all the noise from it rebounding off those hard surfaces. For a night or two, that's doable, IMO.

Requesting a Castle view room near the MK end of the Tower would be my suggestion if you can make that request. That's where ours was, and watching Wishes from our balcony was SPECTACULAR! Don't forget to tune your tv to the Wishes audio channel and crack your sliding door a bit to hear the music clearly while watching. You'll also have a wonderful view of the Electrical Water Pageant.

You may want to upend a suitcase near the bathroom sink as there is NO place to set anything at all. And the sinks are bizarre--really shallow, broad and squarish.

Some great shopping on 4th floor which we hit every time we go to WDW. And, that it's an easy 10-15 minute walk to the MK is another appealing feature for us.
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Old 01-17-2016, 02:50 PM   #3
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While it was generally pretty quiet inside our Tower room, it gets VERY LOUD inside the Tower itself once Chef Mickey's opens with all the noise from it rebounding off those hard surfaces. For a night or two, that's doable, IMO.

Requesting a Castle view room near the MK end of the Tower would be my suggestion if you can make that request. That's where ours was, and watching Wishes from our balcony was SPECTACULAR! Don't forget to tune your tv to the Wishes audio channel and crack your sliding door a bit to hear the music clearly while watching. You'll also have a wonderful view of the Electrical Water Pageant.

You may want to upend a suitcase near the bathroom sink as there is NO place to set anything at all. And the sinks are bizarre--really shallow, broad and squarish.

Some great shopping on 4th floor which we hit every time we go to WDW. And, that it's an easy 10-15 minute walk to the MK is another appealing feature for us.
I am concerned about the noise, but you're right for 2 nights it's not a big deal.

Thanks for the room request tip and the Wishes music info. I forgot we would be able to hear the music while watching from our balcony! Silly me.

We spend the most time at MK so I love the idea of a quick walk. My teenager thinks the monorail is the way to go... no surprise there.
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Old 01-18-2016, 02:22 PM   #4
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I'm going to go against the grain and recommend a Bay Lake View. Yes, it's great to see the fireworks from your balcony, but the Bay Lake view is so relaxing and peaceful. (Just my two cents.)
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Old 01-18-2016, 09:13 PM   #5
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The Contemporary is my very favorite resort. I guess if you happen to get a lower floor with a room right above Chef Mickey's, you might hear some noise occasionally, but I really don't think it's going to be that big of an issue. I've read many trip reports about this issue and most people don't notice it at all. Believe me, the sights from your balcony at night will MORE than make up for any noise you may hear. It's the most magical resort setting! The sights, the sounds, the lights....it's awesome! You won't regret it! I love the Magic Kingdom view rooms!!!!!! They are the best!
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Old 01-18-2016, 10:12 PM   #6
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Growing up our next door neighbors would go to WDW every year(they started going the year it opened). They always stayed at the Contemporary and would come back with pictures and telling us stories about WDW and brought me my first mickey ears. So my love of Disney started when I was young, years before I set foot there. So the first time I went to WDW was after I was married and we stayed at the Contemporary. I loved it. The view from either side of the tower is awesome. It still holds a special place in my heart. It is way out of our price range now but would stay there in a heart beat.
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Old 01-18-2016, 10:48 PM   #7
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I always wanted to stay at the Contemporary, but it wasn't until I bought into DVC and made Bay Lake Tower my home that I was able to make that happen.

I'm trying to stay at the other DVC resorts, but will stay at BLT in a heartbeat.

I wish I could answer about the noise in the tower, as I've never stayed there, but being able to see the fireworks from your room (or, in my case, the lounge at the top of BLT), is awesome!

Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip!
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Old 01-25-2016, 01:26 PM   #8
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I'm going to go against the grain and recommend a Bay Lake View. Yes, it's great to see the fireworks from your balcony, but the Bay Lake view is so relaxing and peaceful. (Just my two cents.)
Bay Lake views are beautiful and relaxing, and a bit cheaper.

I've only stayed at the Contemporary proper once, as a kid in the 1970s, but have stayed several times at Bay Lake Tower since we bought DVC there in 2010. We love it. The theme is that of an urban hotel, with, of course, a Disney twist. The shopping is great, the food court is quite pleasant, as is the "regular" bar (the Outer Rim, I think it's called) and the views of the Magic Kingdom are spectacular.

Enjoy!
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Old 01-25-2016, 02:03 PM   #9
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Thanks for all the input. I have so many different ideas bouncing around in my head for our next vacation. I'm sure all you PP's get it. I am now excited at the possibility of a night or two at The Contemporary. I certainly didn't feel that way when my DD's started saying they would like to stay there.
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Old 01-27-2016, 11:20 AM   #10
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The view of the castle just can not be beat. It's my favorite resort on property I also love the cupcakes from the Contempo Cafe! I agree that the Bay Lake side is also beautiful and very relaxing. I don't think you can go wrong with either option!
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Old 01-27-2016, 12:45 PM   #11
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The view of the castle just can not be beat. It's my favorite resort on property I also love the cupcakes from the Contempo Cafe! I agree that the Bay Lake side is also beautiful and very relaxing. I don't think you can go wrong with either option!
My DD's and I love cupcakes! We'll have to give them a try.
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