The “World” According to Jack

AllEars® Team member Jack Spence visited the Contemporary Resort recently.

According to reports, the Food and Fun Center was supposed to close this past weekend. I ate lunch at Concourse Steakhouse Tuesday, 7/31, so I could take pictures of the Tempo Grab and Go (temporary replacement) next to the Outer Rim. It isn't there yet. In fact, the Fun and Food Center is still open. We asked our server when it would open and all she knew was "very soon."

I noticed a couple other "construction" projects going on at the resort.

Actual construction has begun where the North Wing once stood at the Contemporary Resort. This is the possible site of the rumored new Disney Vacation Club resort.

All of the public doors into the Contemporary Resort are being remodeled. The revolving doors are being replaced with sliding doors with an "airlock" room inbetween.

I visited the Contemporary Resort on 8/22/07. Construction abounds.

First, the lobby is undergoing a complete makeover. When you enter the building from the main entrance, the first thing you’ll notice is the statue of Mickey has been removed. I have no idea if this is temporary or permanent. Only time will tell. Also, half of the check-in desk has been boarded off as construction begins on the remodel.

Additionally, the concierge desk has replaced what use to be the “Contemporary Grounds.” If you remember, this was the small coffee and pastry shop just off of the check-in desks.

The Food & Fun Center is still located on the first floor, but a cast member told me that the move upstairs should be completed within a couple of weeks.

There are a number of changes occurring on the 4th floor of the Contemporary Resort (the Grand Canyon Concourse). The biggest change is the addition of a new shop. It’s being placed in the open space between Bay View Gifts and the Arcade. I have attached two artist renderings and it looks like it’s going to be very attractive – a vast improvement over the temporary shops that once filled this space.

The next noticeable change is the replacement of the tile floors. The rough, dark brown tiles are being replaced by a smooth, lighter tile that is reminiscent of stylized bamboo. This is another nice upgrade. Also gone are the planters that once surrounded the elevators. Nothing has replaced these yet.

Directly across from the entrance to the Concourse Steakhouse is another construction site where the temporary fast food restaurant (the Tempo Grab & Go) will eventually be located. This area is walled off so I can’t give you any details.

Construction continues where the North Wing once stood. Pylons and concrete walls have sprouted and the outline of a building is beginning to become apparent. This is the rumored site of a new Disney Vacation Club.

I ate lunch at the Concourse Steakhouse. As always, the service and the food were top-notch. However, the noise from the jack hammers breaking up the tile floors was more than a bit disturbing. Guests might want to think twice before eating lunch here for the next couple of weeks.

For those of you not familiar with the “Lawnmower Tree” it’s an interesting oddity located at the Fort Wilderness Campground. It seems that years before Walt Disney World opened, someone leaned an old, push-style lawnmower against a tree and left it there. Over the years, the tree slowly grew around it. When the campground was being developed, the Disney Imagineers noticed this lawnmower half encased in a tree, thought it was interesting, and eventually put up a small sign to highlight this curiosity.

I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World since 1972 and on each visit have watched the slow disappearance of the lawnmower as the bark continues to incase it. Currently, only a very small part of the blades are still visible at the base of the tree. But I have sad news… For reason I do not know, most of the upper half of the tree has been cut off. Now, only about twelve feet of the trunk remains. Since the tree is now dead, the lawnmower’s slow disappearance has been halted.

Jack Spence Reports....

The Food & Fun Center on the first floor of the Contemporary Resort has been completely closed.

A new, temporary, counter service restaurant is now open on the fourth floor of the resort. This new eatery is called the Tempo Grab And Go. Much to my delight, this short-term establishment looks more permanent than temporary so resort guests won’t feel like they’re being short-changed when paying deluxe prices.

A new shop on the fourth floor is also taking shape as actual structures are now visible. In addition, the new floor tile in this area is coming along and looks quite nice.

On the first floor, artist renderings now display what the redesigned check-in area will look like.

Construction continues on the rumored DVC just to the north of the Contemporary. The building is definitely taking on a horse-shoe shape that matches artist renderings that circulated on the internet for a short time.

Construction continues on the new shop being built on the Grand Canyon Concourse of the Contemporary Resort. The layout and shape of the facility is easy to make out as most of the walls/shelves are in place. I asked a Cast Member when the project is scheduled to be completed and she told me that Disney hopes to open the shop the day after Thanksgiving.

Another change to the area is the elevator that takes guest from the fourth floor to the monorail loading area. The structure has been re-colored from a deep purple to light beige. Also, the new tile floor appears to be completely installed.

The yet to be announced construction project north of the Contemporary is continuing to make progress. More pylons have been installed and a “second” floor is clearly visible in one section. Also, a second crane was added to the project site a couple of weeks ago.

Anyone who visits a Disney theme park knows that it’s the details that set them apart from all other amusement venues. Well, this attention to detail doesn’t stop at the parks. It extends to their hotels as well. Case in point, the Boardwalk Resort.

In the lobby, above the check-in desk are three ornate gold frames.

Within each frame is a pastoral setting with a castle nestled in the background. Close observers will notice that these castles are actually the castles at Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland.

If you’re wondering what happened to Hong Kong’s castle, well, it didn’t exist when the Boardwalk was built. However, since it’s a copy of Disneyland California’s castle we can just make believe it represents both.

I recently wrote a blog about the bird’s nest hidden in Harper’s Mill on Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom. One of my readers, Chris, wrote to tell me that if you listen carefully, the creaking gears inside the mill play “Down By The Old Mill Stream.” I checked it out today and sure enough, if you know what you’re listening for, there’s no mistaking this tune. Thanks Chris.

In another blog I wrote that when Arribas Brothers took over the Market House on Main Street, the old-time telephone was removed. Another reader, Shorty, wrote to tell me that the old telephone now has a new home in the Chapeau Shop on Town Square. Yea! Thanks Shorty.

As I keep saying, it’s these little details that make Disney special. Now, if I could just convince Disney to bring back Jennifer, the ticket seller that used to sit in the entrance area of the Main Street Cinema…

While riding the monorail to the Magic Kingdom today, I snapped a couple of pictures of the “Kingdom Tower” (the yet to be announced DVC) under construction. As you can see by the pictures, the structure is coming right along and it appears they’re currently working on the twelfth floor. Also, new construction has commenced on the walkway that will connect the new resort with the fourth floor of the Contemporary.

I decided today to eat at the Concourse Steakhouse one last time before it closes at the end of the month. When I was handed the menu the waitress told me that for the last several weeks, and for the few remaining, the chef is testing various new appetizers, entrees, and desserts that will be featured at the Wave Restaurant when it opens in June.

Today I tried their Roasted Corn Chowder. It was delicious. The roasted kernels gave the soup a nice smoky taste and the Applewood Bacon also added a rich flavor. Served on the side was a jalapeno corn muffin which was also tasty. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to dunk the muffin or eat it by itself, so I opted for the latter. Later, a manager told me the idea was to dunk it. Maybe next time.

I also tried one of their new desserts, the Crisp and Crunchy Trio. This consists of almond-pineapple-raisin baklava, vanilla-braised pineapple slices, and zucchini-carrot cake with vanilla panna cotta. I very much enjoyed the baklava and pineapple slices, but I thought the zucchini-carrot cake was rather dry. I think if they can add some moisture to the cake, they will have a nice dessert that satisfies one’s sweet tooth, but doesn’t overwhelm you with sugar.

Also new on the menu were two new entrees. First, Linguini with Florida Littleneck Clams and Rock Shrimp, fresh Thyme, and chucky Tomato Broth. And, Spice-crusted Chicken Salad with Apples and crispy Polenta Croutons. I did not try either of these items so I can’t comment on them.

Reservations are now being accepted for The Wave Restaurant starting on June 30th. It is possible that a “soft” opening may commence a few weeks prior to this date. My understanding is that the new menu is mostly complete, but they are testing and fine-tuning items in the Concourse Steakhouse until then. The Wave will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I hope to be there on opening day so watch for my review.

I also snapped a few pictures of the Kingdom Tower (a suspected, yet to be announced DVC property) under construction north of the Contemporary. Other than the fact that the building continues to climb higher and higher, the only new feature of interest is the walkway that will connect the Kingdom Tower to the fourth floor of the Contemporary. It’s clearly visible and seems to snake around four giant pylons and looks like it will eventually be suspended by large cables. Time will tell.

The California Grill is the Contemporary Resort’s signature restaurant, offering upscale dinners, sophisticated atmosphere, and spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom.

For many years, the Concourse Steakhouse, on the fourth floor of the Contemporary, was their casual dining spot, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although I liked this restaurant, I always felt it lacked a true identity. Since it was open to the cavernous Grand Canyon Concourse, you could never achieve any intimacy here, no matter how hard you tried. So I was happy to learn that this eatery would be replaced by The Wave on the first floor of the hotel, occupying what used to be the Food and Fun Center.

Last night (June 7), The Wave opened its doors for dinner and today it opened for breakfast and lunch. My friend Donald and I were on hand today to sample lunch.

To begin with, I like the entrance. The Disney Imagineers have taken what was once dead space and created a modernistic tunnel that leads to a stylish check-in desk.

To the side and behind the check-in desk are two lounges where you can wait for your table or sample a refreshing drink. These lounges are decorated in deep blues with fabric-covered walls, plush bench seating, and black cocktail tables. The lighting is very low and the atmosphere cozy.

Also behind the check-in desk is a stylish bar with seating for approximately 36. Overhead “stars” twinkle. Even the cocktail glasses have “The Wave” etched into them.

One might think that with a name like “The Wave,” everything would be decorated in shades of blue (like the lounge), but in trying to avoid the obvious, the designers chose a pallet of browns for the main dining room. Instead, the “wave” theme is carried out in the chair’s seat backs and the ceiling’s lighting.

I spoke to one of the managers and she told me that the restaurant’s “punch list” is still being worked. There are a couple of areas that still need to be tweaked, such as they are adding sheer curtains over the windows that separate the bar from the dining room.

At the back of the restaurant is an area that can be closed off to create one large or two smaller, private dining rooms. Also, hidden from the main eating area is a sizeable buffet that can be used when booking a banquet style conference.

At night, the overhead lights are turned down to create a more intimate dining atmosphere. Also, the salt, pepper, and sugar containers are removed from the table and presented on a “request only” basis. In addition, votive-style candles are placed on each table.

I was never enthused about eating dinner at the Concourse Steakhouse. Even though they served very good food, I wasn’t willing to pay the prices they were asking to be seated in a restaurant with so many distractions and so much noise. I don’t feel that way about The Wave. With the lights turned down low and candles on the table, I think this would be a nice spot to enjoy a casual meal.

Overall, I very much liked the décor of The Wave. It has an intimate and relaxing feel about it. However, I do have one negative comment. The pillars and the overhead soffits appear to be covered in a wood-grain laminate instead of real wood. I thought this was a little tacky. I don’t suppose it will be obvious at night, but during lunch, it can easily been seen.

Being our first visit, Donald and I wanted to try several items, so for appetizers, Donald ordered the Lettuce Wraps and I ordered the Avocado & Citrus Salad. We were told that the Lettuce Wrap is big enough to share, and I suppose it is, but it would be rather messy. The wraps come with sautéed lamb, bay scallops, and red bell pepper in a soy-rice wine vinegar sauce. The menu did not mention the bell peppers, which Donald hates, so he traded with me.

I’m not a big fan of lamb, but I have to admit, I really didn’t notice the gamey flavor that I dislike. In fact, I would have no problem ordering this item for myself sometime. It was a little spicy and my lips were tingling when I finished.

The Avocado and Citrus Salad comes with a nice variety of greens, grapefruit sections, and plenty of avocado in an orange vinaigrette. I had one bite before I traded with Donald and I was very pleased with the flavor.

For entrees Donald order the Spice-crusted Chicken Salad and I ordered the Italian Chef Salad. The Spice-crusted Chicken Salad is an assortment of greens, chicken, apples, and polenta croutons. I stole a bite from Donald and both of us agree, this salad is excellent! I’ve always touted the Colony Salad at the Liberty Tree Tavern as being the best salad at Disney World. I think it has competition.

I think the name “Italian Chef Salad” is a misnomer. I feel it really should be called “Italian Chef Deli Plate.” There were far too few greens to call this a salad. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my meal. There was an abundance of prosciutto, cappicola, provolone, salami, and shaved parmesan, sprinkled with red wine vinaigrette – all of it very good. But if you were expecting a green salad, you’d be disappointed.

I love the way desserts are served here. There are four selections, each costing $7.99. Within each selection are three offerings.

For example, the “Creamy Indulgence” includes a small serving each of Cheesecake, Coconut Panna Cotta, and Chocolate-Passion Fruit Mouse. The “Crisp & Crunchy” offers Vanilla-braised Pineapple Spears, Baklava, and Zucchini-Carrot Cake. But if you don’t like one of the specific offerings, you can pick and choose from among all twelve taste treats.

I had the Creamy Indulgence and was very happy with my selection. Donald had the selection of sorbets and he said it was a refreshing way to end his meal. He especially liked the Lemon-Basil Sorbet.

Two other new items on the menu are Coke-Zero and Sprite-Zero. As I like Coke-Zero better than Diet Coke (which is still available), I’m hoping that other restaurants will also start to offer these beverages.

Our server was Agueda. She has waited on us several times in the past at the Concourse Steakhouse. When we walked into the lobby today, she immediately recognized us and arranged for us to be seated at her table. As always, she gave us exceptional service. In addition, it is obvious that the management of The Wave has gone to great lengths to make sure their staff is current on the new offering as Agueda was very knowledgeable and was able to answer an array of questions I had for her.

I also inquired about vegetarian meals and sugar-free desserts. I was told that the Seasonal Vegetable Stew is normally finished with a pat of butter, but this could easily be omitted if requested. Likewise, the Vegetarian Sandwich can be tweaked to suit the needs of the diner.

The chef came out to talk to me about sugar-free desserts. After some consultation with others in the kitchen, he told me that the Braised Pineapple and Baklava have no sugar added to them.

I had a very good experience today and I hope to be back soon and try their dinner menu.

Reservation can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE. The Wave is open for breakfast from 7:30am-11:00am, lunch from 12:00pm-2:00pm and dinner from 5:30pm-10:00pm. The lounge is open from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight.

The Menus:

Breakfast Menu
Lunch Menu
Dinner Menu
Child's Menu

While I was at the Contemporary, I snapped a few pictures of the Kingdom Tower aka Bay Lake Tower , the new, rumored DVC to the north of the hotel.

While I was out and about, I took a few pictures of the Bay Lake Tower under construction.

This is a rumored DVC that sits prominently next to the Contemporary Resort. It appears that the structure has reached its ultimate height as finishing touches are being added to the top of the building.

At the Contemporary, I took a few pictures of the construction going on where the Concourse Steakhouse once stood. The Tempo Grab & Go will be permanently located in a portion of this space and Chef Mickey’s will expand into the remainder of this area.

And finally, I drove over to Downtown Disney and snapped a few pictures of the T-Rex restaurant that looks ever closer to completion.

A strange looking structure is being constructed on the top of the rumored Bay Lake Tower, Disney Vacation Club located north of the Contemporary Resort.

This is strictly a RUMOR, but I have it on good authority that this will be a private, Magic Kingdom firework viewing area for DVC members staying at this resort. If true, this feature will make this “home away from home” all the more enticing.