Contemporary Resort Feedback -why so harsh?

[BeanSz]

I do not understand the criticism of so many about the lack of space at the newly remodeled rooms. My family and I travel quite a bit for both business and pleasure, and in reality most hotels (even destination or resort hotels) usually have very limited bathroom space, and likely only have an armoir for the TV with 2 or 3 drawers underneath -- most hotels also give you a stand to place your suitcase on. I understand Disney is vacation and family oriented, but why are folks so critical of CR and expect Disney to have any higher standard. I am headed to CR in 7 days --- and cannot wait to stay there. I also like the various themed resorts like WL and AKL (both of which are 2 of our favorites), but look forward to staying at CR and in walking distance from MK, Monorail, etc. What are your thoughts?

 

[mousermerf]

Some people think their "taste" is an amenity. I don't find any of the physical items of the CR's rooms lacking, though i do think right now, as it's being redone, the Concourse needs a little a help, but it's in the process and i know those things take time, so it's understandable.

I personally find places like the Grand Floridian far more physically off putting, with all the ugly lace and frilly pillows, then the CR will ever be - to me atleast.

 

[csaguy]

Cr

We loved CR, there is plenty of room and the view of MK from the balconey is great.

 

[BeanSz]

I think we are on the same page --- WDW has something for everyone! I wish folks were just a bit more open minded, and less critical. Only 8 days left -- having a 2 year old, we are very excited to be at CR since we end up at MK most days with our toddler.

 

[Erika]

I think we are on the same page --- WDW has something for everyone! I wish folks were just a bit more open minded, and less critical. Only 8 days left -- having a 2 year old, we are very excited to be at CR since we end up at MK most days with our toddler.

I think you've hit it on the head. Some people may hate the CR, but there's got to be something else for them. Lord knows they have enough choices!

 

[slappy magoo]

My guess is, because the CR is one of the least-themed resorts, it also comes across as one of the most-"common" resorts. Once you're outside the lobby or cocourse and in your room, nothing, except maybe the view, screams "Disney" at you. Consider the theming of AK or WL. Both are Deluxe Resorts with standard rooms costing less than standard rooms at the CR, yet those rooms are well-appointed with little bells and whistles that comes across like a genuine effort to make you feel somewhere special. I find the same to be true even in most of the moderate resorts (except for maybe Coronado Springs). Whereas the CR rooms, while quite nice, still come across as more functional and practical than magical. But you're still paying quite a bit to stay there. I think that's where customer disappointment comes in-paying Disney prices to stay in a Disney room that doesn't "feel" particularly Disneyish.

I would further suggest (so CR-lovers don't think I'm a big jerk) that the people who tend to enjoy the CR are usually either
a: People who don't need to feel "Disney magic" to enjoy a nice hotel room. Perhaps that intabgible feeling we all get when we get to WDW is lost on them, so having a room with less-blatant theming is welcome to them...

OR...

b: People who come to the resort with so much Disney magic of their own, they don't need the accoutrements of a well-appointed and themed room to be excited about being in the world. For people like that, to be so close to the Magic Kingdom, to see the monorail enter and exit the A-frame, to be able to see fireworks & the water pageant outside their hotel, perhaps outside their window, more than makes up for an unthemed room.

 

[drnilescrane]

I'm neither. The hotel is extemely Disney - It is one of a kind and screams ingunity in it's design and concepts, such as the monorail through the concourse, and holds so much history to it's name. I like the subtle, 1960's Arts Disney much better than the in your face, Micheal Eisner Disney.

 

[BeanSz]

Classic Disney Hotel, Monorail through the lobby, views of MK, walking distance to MK...you cannot get much more Disney than this. With regards to Standard Room at CR vs. other Deluxe --- can I just say, Location, Location, Location!! Only 8 days to our trip at CR --- cannot wait to live it for myself. I will let all know what I think after our stay there.

 

[bandtrumpet]

We were there about ummmmm, 2 months ago and LOVED it. I thought the rooms were very spacious. You absolutly need to see wishes from the 11th floor balcony, there is absolutly no body there and you can still here the music from the 4th floor. The way to get there is get on the elivator(sp?) and when it opens go to the right down the hall facing the castle, at the end of the hall there is a door with an exit sign above it. it may not seem like you are suppost to go out there but you can! Make shure that it is the balcony that when you look down left you see the 4th floor viewing area. And when comming back from the MK the monirail line can be huge so just walk back, its very relaxing and a great time to take it all in!


That is your mission if you choose to except it... ENJOY!!!!

 

[Scooter]

My wife and I are huge fans of The Contemporary Resort.
We have stayed at other Deluxe Resorts, but always seem to return to The Contemporary.

I get a kick out of people saying that this resort has no theming...then I watch that beautiful Monorail go in and then out of the 4th floor concourse and I have to chuckle and say to myself...if this isn't theming, I don't know what is.

The shopping and dining on the 4th floor is amazing and really great for all that last minute shopping for friends and family back home before you leave.

I Love The Concourse Steakhouse and always have at least 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners while staying there.
There's something about all the hustle and bustle in the 1st floor Food and fun center that is just fun. I'm a people watcher and I love watching the kids running around in the Arcade.

The views in this resort are awesome no matter what room you are in. From the tower room you can see fireworks and Cinderellas Castle, and from the wing rooms you can watch the Mouse boats and enjoy all of the beauty of Bay Lake. I enjoy hearing and seeing The Electical Water Pagent every night knowing it's time to go to bed so I can wake up to have another fun day in Walt Disney World.

Walking to and from The Magic Kingdom is always fun, especially in the evenings when the park closes and everyone is rushing to get on a boat or a bus to return to their resorts. This is the time I Love The Contemporary resort the most....I just walk out of the park, and enjoy a leisurely 5 minute stroll back to my room at The Contemporary.:animwink:

 

[sdwsq2005]

We'll be at the Contemporary Sept. 19-24. :sohappy: I've stayed there several times before with my kids and I'm always in awe of the building itself. The wonderful architecture of the main building, the monorail going right through, the convenience of being so near the park...all of these things are at the top of my list for a resort. My sister on the other hand, prefers the Grand Floridian. I agree...there's something at Disney for everyone, that's why we all love it so!
Sheila

 

[isitingood]

The CR is nice but I still like the rooms at GF so much better

 

[Teenchy]

Hope you dont feel like I'm stealing your thread but I had a CR question and didnt feel like it was "Big" enough question to start its own thread.

Has anyone been in the Sonoma room or Wine room in CR. I believe they are upstairs near the Calf.Grill. Are they nice rooms for a private function?. Seems like the views or location would be great.

P.S. we really like CR. But then again we love all the resorts for there own special reasons.

 

[scotth1224]

The CR is nice but I still like the rooms at GF so much better

Yuck!!!! Remind me of my grandma's house
I hate the GF!!!!!!

LOL Just me though....to me, it doesnt seem themed to Disney. It seems like what it is....A knockoff of the Del Coronado in San Diego.

 

[reptar77]

I always thought the CR reminded me of an airport. Now that they are remodeling it has improved. The service has always been great and you cannot beat the location. I'm happy they are trying to improve.

 

[WDW FAN 4 LIFE]

This is what I think. There are going to be people that love the Contemporary & I am one of those people. It's my favorite place to stay at in Walt Disney World & it will always will be. As of right now they have renovated all the rooms in the Tower & South Garden wing. Then on October 1st, they will be closing the North Garden wing & eventually destory it to make room for the new DVC building. In 2007 the Concourse Steakhouse & the Food & Fun Center are switching places, plus the arcade will be moving into the Fantasia store, thus making Bay View Gifts the main store of the Contemporary. All this information was told to me last month by a Cast Member on the 12th Floor Atrium Club.

Now there will always be people that don't like the Contemporary & they are allowed, because it's a free country so they have their reasons. So will these renovations make a difference? It might to some people who have never thought of staying at the Contemporary & it might not make a difference no matter what they renovate, because people will still continue to not like the Contemporary.

 

[isitingood]

Yuck!!!! Remind me of my grandma's house
I hate the GF!!!!!!

LOL Just me though....to me, it doesnt seem themed to Disney. It seems like what it is....A knockoff of the Del Coronado in San Diego.

And the Cr is Disney themed? Not!! I had a 1 bdr suite at the GF and it was fantastic so I know you have never stayed in a 1 bdr suite before at the GF