Disney's Contemporary Resort
Retreat to this ultra-modern Disney Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, spectacular views and dazzling pools. Whether you’re staying in the iconic A-frame Contemporary tower or the nearby Garden Wing, you can walk to Magic Kingdom main gate or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the tower. Inside, a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair—responsible for the distinct look and feel of the “it’s a small world” attraction—celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.
Watching the monorail disappear into the Contemporary Resort’s fifteen story A-frame tower impresses even seasoned visitors to Walt Disney World. The sleek six car trains look like long spaceships docking as glide inside the fourth floor of the resort.
The passengers on the monorail are treated to amazing views of the cavernous lobby, with its tiers of balconies and, at its center, the soaring ninety-foot high floor to ceiling mural designed by Mary Blair (of It’s a Small World fame) depicting scenes of the Southwest. Sharp eyed passengers might even be able to spot the five-legged goat among the many animals depicted.
The imposing resort has 500 rooms in the main tower and 250 rooms in the adjacent three-story Garden Wing has an additional 250 rooms. There are shops, snack bars, restaurants, meeting rooms and a ballroom, lounges, a marina, beach, health club, and more. The adjacent convention center offers business services.
One of the Contemporary Resort’s most notable features is its 15th floor observation deck. From here, guests dining at the resort’s California Grill can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Another huge bonus is a walking path from the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom…only ten minutes away. If you have kids, a length of stay Disney stroller rental from Magic Strollers is strongly suggested.
If money is no object, a club-level package is available that includes amenities such as express check-in and checkout, a light continental breakfast and evening refreshments.
Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort boast a sleek and modern contemporary design. All rooms in the main tower have private balconies with awesome views of Bay Lake or the Magic Kingdom. If you want to wake up to a view of Cinderella’s castle, request an odd-numbered, park facing room in the Tower.
Most rooms at the Contemporary resort can accommodate five guests plus a child under three years old. Typical units have a daybed and two queen-sized beds. Some rooms have a king size bed and a daybed. Every room has a flat screen TV.
Guests who would like to do a little business while at Walt Disney World will love the desk space and high speed internet connection which is free of charge!
You can request connecting rooms but they are not guaranteed. Suites, consisting of a living room and one or two bedrooms, can sleep up to twelve guests.
Do keep in mind that the monorail comes through the center of the resort at the fourth floor level and may be heard from rooms on the lower floors of the main tower.
At night, don't forget the fireworks which can bee seen from park view rooms and the Electric Water pageant which can be seen from Bay Lake view rooms.
Places to Eat at Disney's Contemporary Resort
-California Grill. Located on the 15th floor and it's specialty is, you guessed it, California fare--flatbreads, grilled steak and seafood and local market vegetables. A huge plus is the view of the Magic Kingdom which is spectacular at night. And gets even better when the lights dim in the restaurant and the theme music from the fireworks display is piped in. You can watch from your table or walk out on the observation deck for an even better view. Dress as nicely as you can for California Grill. They may not let you in with shorts, tank tops or torn jeans.
-Chef Mickey's. If California Grill is dressy, it's safe to say that darned near anything goes at the extremely popular buffet character breakfast and dinner located on the 4th floor, right under the monorail. The Disney characters that are in attendance are what are known as the Fab Five, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. They stop by each table for pictures and autographs. Do be aware that the place is full of kids and the noise level can be rather loud. Chef Mickey's is a requisite stop for regular visitors.
-Contempo Cafe is a quick service spot located on the fourth floor next to Chef Mickey's. It features freshly prepared items such as sandwiches, salads and pasta.
-The Wave...of American Flavors. Located on the ground floor, just past the check in desk, this very pleasant sit down restaurant offers locally sourced healthy and creative food all day.
-Contemporary Grounds. Located on the ground floor of the Contemporary Resort near the entry doors, this lobby coffee bar serves cappucicno, espresso, latte and other coffee drinks as well as smoothies, pastries and snacks.
