After a whopping 25 years of visiting Disney World, we finally decided to splurge and stay at the illustrious Contemporary Resort. This place has always been a dream for us, but let’s be real; it’s usually way out of our price range. However, fate smiled upon us when I had the opportunity to attend a conference at the resort and snagged a sweet conference rate. It even included three days before and after the conference to fully indulge in all the Disney magic.

Now, let me tell you, this resort is something else. Mostly, it is location, location, location. It has recently been re-themed with the Incredible, and that is ADORABLE!  

Location

The Contemporary Resort is located right in the heart of the action, making it super convenient to hop over to the parks and join in the fun. And let me tell you, after 25 years of traipsing around the parks, being just a stone’s throw away from all the magic is an absolute game-changer.

Let’s dive right into a challenge from the get-go. The most enticing advantage of staying here is the convenience of hopping on the monorail. However, it’s important to note that the monorail occasionally experiences technical difficulties, which can swiftly turn this benefit into a frustrating inconvenience. 

One day, we decided to walk to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary Resort, as the distance is quite manageable. However, as we made our way back late at night, we encountered an unexpected visitor on the walkway: a mischievous rat snatching popcorn and scurrying back under the hedges. The irony of this encounter with a rather large “mouse” on the pathway certainly didn’t go unnoticed. It added a quirky twist to our journey and provided a humorous anecdote to share about our stay at the resort.

Room Options

The Contemporary Resort presents two accommodation options: rooms in the main concourse area or the distinct garden rooms in a separate building.

The main rooms in the main concourse of the Contemporary Hotel offer a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. As you step into these rooms, you’ll immediately feel the energy and excitement that comes with being in the heart of Disney World. 

The contemporary decor is ‘incredible’ with a sleek design that creates a modern and stylish ambiance, while the large windows provide breathtaking views of the surrounding resort and park.

If you are spending the money to stay here, choose this option for sure.

The garden rooms are located on the ground floor of the main tower and feature private patios with direct access to lush gardens, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.  

There is a time and place for this type of room.  The Contemporary Resort is not typically our go-to choice as a family; the garden rooms will not be high on our list in the future. 

While the distance between the separate building and the main Contemporary isn’t significant, it does feel somewhat disconnected. Our experience was enjoyable, but it didn’t quite live up to the hype surrounding it.

Without a doubt, the standout advantage of both room options is their generous size, surpassing that of most Disney resorts. 

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the extra space to stretch out and make yourself at home. Additionally, the bathrooms in these rooms are a cut above the rest, offering a significant upgrade in terms of both size and amenities. Say goodbye to cramped quarters and hello to an ‘incredible’ shower.

Dining Options

The Contemporary Resort boasts a variety of dining options, including California Grill, a fine-dining restaurant with stunning views of Magic Kingdom; The Wave, a casual restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine; and Chef Mickey’s, a character dining experience featuring Mickey Mouse and his friends. Additionally, there are several lounges and quick-service options available throughout the resort.  

In my opinion, the California Grill is AMAZING.  The Wave is pretty tasty.  Chef Mickey’s is very cafeteria food, but the characters are off the charts.  The quick service is not as good as the value resort quick service.

Amenities

In addition to the private garden patios, garden rooms at the Contemporary Resort offer a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. 

These include:

• Two queen beds or one king bed
• Flat-screen TV
• Mini-fridge
• Coffeemaker
• Free Wi-Fi
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board

Guests at the resort also have access to a range of amenities and services, including:

• Two pools and a hot tub
• Fitness center
• Arcade
• Boat Rentals
• Children’s Activities
• Laundry Facilities
• On-site Disney Store

Prices

The price of a room at the Contemporary Resort varies depending on the time of year and the length of your stay. Generally, prices start at around $500 and go up to about $1600  per night, depending on the date.  The garden rooms are on the cheapest level; if you attend a conference, you can get those rates as low as $350.  You just have to shop the rate. 

Benefits

There are several benefits to staying at the Contemporary Resort, including:

• Peaceful surroundings: The private patios offer a quiet retreat where you can relax and recharge after a long day in the parks.
• Easy access to Magic Kingdom: Being just a short walk from the park means you can easily come and go throughout the day without having to rely on transportation.
• Convenient dining options: With a range of dining options available at the resort, you can easily find something to suit your tastes and schedule.
• Access to resort amenities: From the pools to the fitness center to the on-site Disney Store, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Overall, the Contemporary Resort provides a distinctive and lavish way to immerse yourself in the Disney World experience. However, it’s essential to approach your stay with realistic expectations. While the resort offers many fantastic amenities and conveniences, keeping your expectations in check will ensure that you fully appreciate the unique offerings and have a memorable and enjoyable time.

T-Shirt

Here’s a playful t-shirt idea inspired by the Contemporary Hotel: “Elevate Your Style, Stay in the Contemporary!” with a whimsical design showcasing the iconic monorail. This shirt captures the essence of the resort’s modern charm and invites Disney enthusiasts to embrace the fun and sophistication of the Contemporary experience. Wear it proudly and let everyone know you’ve got a touch of Disney magic in your wardrobe.