Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic and recognisable hotels on Walt Disney World property. Famous for its sleek, modern design and unique feature of the monorail running directly through its main building, the resort is a favourite among Disney enthusiasts for its convenience, views, dining, and proximity to Magic Kingdom. However, staying at the Contemporary comes with both advantages and some drawbacks. Here’s a comprehensive review of the Contemporary Resort, outlining all you need to know to determine if this is the right Disney hotel for your stay.
The Benefits of Staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
1. Proximity to Magic Kingdom
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Contemporary Resort is its walking distance to Magic Kingdom. In fact, it’s the only Disney resort that allows you to walk directly to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes. This is an incredibly valuable benefit, especially if you want to get an early start to beat the crowds, or if you have small children and want to return to your room for midday breaks.
- Key Benefit: Avoid long queues for buses or monorails and walk right into the heart of Magic Kingdom.
- Unique Experience: The walking path is peaceful and well-lit, so it’s also great for guests looking to walk back to the hotel after a long day at the park, especially after the fireworks show.
2. Monorail Access
The most iconic feature of the Contemporary is the monorail track running through the Grand Canyon Concourse. Staying at the Contemporary gives you access to the monorail, which is one of the most efficient and scenic ways to travel within Walt Disney World. The Resort Monorail line connects guests directly to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
- Convenient Travel: You can hop on the monorail to visit other resorts for dining, or even take the EPCOT monorail with a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
- Immersive Disney Experience: Watching the monorail glide through the hotel while you enjoy a meal or stroll through the concourse adds to the unique Disney magic of your stay.
3. Stunning Theme Park Views
One of the highlights of staying at the Contemporary is the stunning views it offers, especially if you book a Theme Park View room. These rooms allow you to see Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom right from your balcony, which becomes a prime location to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks without needing to be in the park itself.
- Best Views: Guests can watch the fireworks from their room, or from public areas like the California Grill, the observation deck, or even parts of the pool area.
- Lake Views: If theme park views aren’t your preference, the resort also offers Lake View rooms overlooking Bay Lake, providing a peaceful and scenic outlook over the water.
Key Tip: Booking a Theme Park View room can be more expensive, but it’s worth it for an uninterrupted view of the nightly fireworks show from your own room or balcony.
4. Top-Tier Dining Options
Staying at the Contemporary means you’ll have access to some of Disney’s best dining experiences, including the highly sought-after California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and other dining spots within the resort.
- California Grill: This signature dining experience located on the 15th floor offers fine dining with sweeping views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding area. It’s a popular spot for watching the fireworks, as they dim the lights and play the music in sync with the park’s fireworks show.
- Chef Mickey’s: A classic character dining experience located on the Grand Canyon Concourse, perfect for families who want to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and more while enjoying a buffet-style meal.
- The Wave… of American Flavors (now Steakhouse 71): Located on the lobby level, this restaurant offers great breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with a modern twist on American classics. It’s often a quieter and more affordable option than California Grill.
5. Modernised Rooms with Incredibles Theming
The rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort have been recently refurbished to include Incredibles-themed decor, which fits seamlessly with the hotel’s futuristic and modern architecture. The rooms are spacious, featuring sleek furniture, updated bathrooms, and fun nods to the Incredibles films through artwork and hidden details.
- Family-Friendly: The Incredibles theming adds a playful touch for families, but the overall decor remains chic and modern, so it still feels luxurious for adult travellers.
- Comfortable and Functional: Rooms come with all the conveniences you’d expect from a Deluxe Disney resort, including comfortable beds, plenty of storage space, and large windows to take in the view.
6. Great Pool and Recreation
The Contemporary Resort offers a large, well-maintained pool area with fantastic views of Bay Lake. The pool features a water slide and is family-friendly, with plenty of lounge chairs for relaxing. There’s also a quieter Bayside Pool, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main pool area.
- Cabana Rentals: For a more exclusive experience, guests can rent private cabanas by the pool.
- Activities: The resort offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating on Bay Lake, poolside games, and movie nights.
The Downsides of Staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
1. Price
One of the main cons of staying at the Contemporary Resort is the cost. As a Deluxe resort, it is on the more expensive side of Disney accommodations. Prices per night can range from €500 to €1,200+ depending on the room category and season. While the convenience, views, and amenities justify the price for many, it may not fit everyone’s budget.
- Key Tip: If you’re looking for a Deluxe experience but want to save money, consider booking a Garden Wing room, which offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the Main Tower rooms.
2. Noise in the Main Tower
The Contemporary’s open-air design means that the monorail runs directly through the Grand Canyon Concourse, where Chef Mickey’s and several shops are located. As a result, the Main Tower rooms can experience a significant amount of noise, particularly during busy meal times or early in the morning.
- Key Tip: If you’re a light sleeper or prefer more peace and quiet, consider booking a Garden Wing room. These rooms are located in a separate wing of the resort and are generally quieter and more peaceful, while still offering easy access to the main resort amenities.
3. Some Areas Feel Dated
While the rooms have been recently updated with modern touches and fun Incredibles theming, parts of the resort—particularly in the common areas—can feel a bit dated compared to newer Disney resorts like the Riviera Resort or even some recently renovated Moderate resorts.
- Key Tip: If theming and design are a priority for you, but you still want the convenience of the monorail, consider other Deluxe resorts like the Polynesian or Grand Floridian for a different aesthetic.
Overall Thoughts: Is Disney’s Contemporary Resort Worth It?
Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers an unmatched level of convenience and luxury, making it a fantastic option for guests who want to be close to Magic Kingdom and enjoy some of the best views on Disney property. With easy access to the monorail, top-tier dining options like California Grill, and newly refurbished rooms, it provides an immersive and memorable Disney experience. However, the high price point and occasional noise in the Main Tower may not suit everyone.
If you value convenience, stunning views, and the uniqueness of staying at one of Disney’s original resorts, the Contemporary is a great choice for your Walt Disney World stay. For those looking to stretch their budget, the Garden Wing rooms provide a quieter and more affordable option without sacrificing proximity to the parks.
For travellers willing to splurge, a Theme Park View room at the Contemporary, combined with fireworks from your balcony, is an unforgettable experience.
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