Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is absolutely iconic. Guests have direct access to Magic Kingdom, beautiful new rooms, and incredible dining options. But what is it like to stay literally outside the gates of Magic Kingdom? Is it worth it? I think so! I am excited to share all the details with you today!

To be honest, Disney’s Contemporary Resort never really appealed to me. From outside, the theming was blah, and for a long time I felt as if it was always so busy. With guests passing in and out of the resort on the monorail, Chef Mickey’s right in the main lobby, and it being a popular resort, I could not get excited about staying there.

Until I scored a room in the Garden Wing for a portion of our mommy/me trip. Seeing as how I like to try a new resort each trip, I went for it. After all, it was only three nights and then we were moving to the Grand Floridian. Fast forward about 6 months later, and I was able to book a Main Tower room with the brand new Incredibles theming. I was hooked.

My long time attitude toward Disney resorts has always been location, location, location. Having stayed at nearly all the resorts ranging from Value Resorts to Theme Park View at the Contemporary, I have a lot of experience. I know what I like and what I don’t. And it often comes down to not only location, but also transportation to and from the theme parks.

So what did I love about Disney’s Contemporary Resort?

Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

After a refurbishment, the rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are incredible. Literally, the rooms are Incredibles themed. Walt Disney World has really stepped up their game and are working on refurbishing the resorts. The Contemporary was one that needed it, and I am so excited to see this refresh.

Not only are the rooms in the Main Tower themed after the Incredibles, but so are the Garden Wing rooms! The rooms feel so open and spacious. The underbed storage is fantastic, the bathrooms are gorgeous, and they really took the Incredibles theme and ran with it.

I love the hard floors in the updated rooms~ no more yucky carpet. And the theming is not only beautiful and fun, it’s also classy. The addition of some throw pillows with Edna Mode or FroZone and hanging your clothes up next to the Incredible’s suits in the closet make it just Disney enough that it is fun for everyone in your family.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has rooms for every budget. Staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort can be pricey. But one thing I really like about the Contemporary, is the Garden Wing. The Garden Wing is adjacent to the Main Tower. This houses rooms that sleep up to 5 guests. It has a covered walkway, and is quite close to the main pool. Since they are not in the Main Tower, the location of the Garden Wing rooms can be a little “inconvenient”. But, having stayed in both the Garden Wing and the Main Tower, I would not turn my nose up at the Garden Wing. One thing I really liked about it was that it was very quiet. Also, the proximity to the pool can’t be beat from the Garden Wing. PLUS, the Garden Wing rooms are also completely refurbished to the Incredibles theming. So those rooms are fresh and new!

Also, the rooms are the largest as far as square footage of the Disney resorts. These rooms have two queens and a sofa that converts to a day bed. So, they can comfortably sleep 5.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Dining

We all know and love Chef Mickey’s! This is centered right in the main atrium of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. With your favorite “Fab Five” visiting tables, the monorail swooshing by, and castle view, it’s one of the most popular dining locations at Walt Disney World.

Not only is it home to Chef Mickey’s, but also the newly reimagined Steakhouse 71 ~ formerly known as The Wave. Steakhouse 71 offers a nostalgic atmosphere, and an amazing menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. And they are all delicious!

We found the Contempo Cafe to be perfectly acceptable for Quick Service options during our stay. We enjoyed dinner there on our first night, as well as breakfast one morning. The selection was great, and actually better than I had expected since Deluxe Resorts aren’t really known for their Quick Service options.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is also home to California Grill. This is a fantastic, signature dining option. It’s perfect for guests who want to enjoy a special meal and have a beautiful view of the fireworks.

The Contemporary also has a lounge, a pool bar, and a coffee counter. So there is a lot of variety and definitely something for everyone!

Transportation is Convenient

For one thing, guests can walk directly to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary Resort. There is a dedicated walkway, a security scanner, and you are at the tap stiles in no time. It’s awesome.

Walking back to your resort after a long park day may not sound exciting. But let me tell you from experience, it’s the best. Walking right by the bus stops, knowing you will be back to your room in literally minutes, is fantastic. Plus, taking an afternoon break at the Contemporary is super easy on a Magic Kingdom day! It can be about a 10 minute walk from your room to Magic Kingdom. It’s SO close!

Not only can you walk to Magic Kingdom, but being on the Monorail puts you in close proximity to both Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This opens up a whole new world of dining options. And, it’s easy to access these resorts.

Also, guests can access EPCOT via the monorail line! This park actually has two means of transportation. Guests can take the monorail or a motorcoach.

Disney motorcoaches take guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Pools at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The “Feature Pool” is the main pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It is home to a 17 foot high water slide. The streamlined theming fits well with the entire resort. So while it may not look super themed or over the top exciting, it is still a great place to spend a sunny Florida afternoon.

The Contemporary also has a small circular pool, located next to the Feature Pool. There is also a water play area, and guests can rent cabanas for the day.

While the Contemporary is not my “go to” for a pool, I think it’s a great area and provides the relaxation you need from a day at the Disney Parks.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is Nostalgic

This was one of the two original Walt Disney World resorts to open in 1971. The fact that the monorail runs right through it, and that you can see directly to Tomorrowland are no accident.

A quick walk through the entry of Steakhouse 71, and you are taken back in time through the prints and facts in the foyer. This is a fantastic nod to Walt Disney and the history of the Contemporary. Also, the 90 foot tall Mary Blair mural in the lobby is a reminder of the classic ‘it’s a small world’.

This resort is one of the most recognized structures on Walt Disney World property. There are SO many Mickeys to be found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort as well! Look for the giant Mickey ears in the Grand Canyon Concourse, the neon Mickey wall, and the giant metal Mickey sculpture outside the doors leading to the pool.

Will your family be visiting Disney’s Contemporary Resort?