At long last, I am finally hitting publish on my review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort! This ultra-modern hotel offers award-winning dining, spectacular views, a fantastic location and fun pools, and has been an iconic fixture at the Walt Disney World Resort since opening day on October 1, 1971.
Arrivals are made via the first floor lobby, newly updated with a modern take on Disney nostalgia. I think it is quite fitting and like the colorful decor. There are seating areas sprinkled throughout and you will often find quite a bit of activity down here, but it never feels overcrowded.
Inside the bustling fourth floor concourse, 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. The monorail whirs overhead and you truly feel as if you’re somewhere special.
Speaking of the monorail, that is one of the major benefits of the Contemporary Resort. You are steps from Magic Kingdom, and can access the park AND Epcot via the monorail.
All through the resort you will find cozy seating areas and inspired art. I could browse around for days!
Accommodations
The resort rooms were all completely renovated in late 2021. A new Incredibles theme is fun and fitting at this resort. I think they did a great job of sharing some Disney magic in a tasteful manner.
Tower rooms have two view options and you can’t go wrong with either! Park view rooms give you a direct line of sight to Magic Kingdom and, of course, evening fireworks. I’ve stayed in every type of room at every resort and I can tell you there is nothing more magical than waking up in the morning – or going to bed at night – with a view of the Castle. Lake view rooms are serene and calming, with a lovely view of Bay Lake.
Tower Rooms
The Tower rooms are done in an Incredibles theme inside as well. Here are a few pictures of a King bedded room. We later stayed in a double Queen, and I have a few of those scattered in.
The attention to detail is on point. I loved the darling pillows. And, a peek inside the drawers and closets reveals a little extra pixie dust!
The bathrooms are light, bright, spacious and spotless. Those are four things I can get behind!
Tower Suites
All suites are located on the 14th floor. One of the most popular with my clients is the 1-bedroom suite! There is room to spread out, with a dining area, living room with sleeper sofa and extra full bath in the main living space.
The bedroom features two queen beds and an en suite bathroom.
This one offers a lovely view of Bay Lake. Theme Park views are also available.
Atrium Club Lounge
There are two concierge lounges at Contemporary. Most rooms will have access to the Atrium Club. I love that they have such a yummy welcome treat!
One of my favorite things about Atrium Club is that it stays open 24/7 for drinks and snacks out of the mini cooler. This is HUGE! Most close after dessert service and don’t reopen until breakfast. I am a sparkling water fanatic, and loved this machine even more than the delicious coffee.
The lounge is not huge, but there is a lot of seating, two great outdoor spaces, and it was never crowded.
Each morning a hot breakfast awaits. It is convenient, yummy, easy, filling and included. We always make use of the concierge lounge for every breakfast. Offerings vary daily so you don’t have to eat the same things over and over.
The afternoons are set up for grab and go snacks. This is great for a break from the parks, or to grab on the way out.
Evenings bring beer, wine and apps. You can ask for beer or wine at any time of the day, but it is set out during this service. You can absolutely make a light meal of the club apps, and we tend to do that one night during our stay. Of course, if the boys decide not to dine out with us on any given night then this is their supper.
Late evenings are for cordials and desserts. The lights dim and the music for Magic Kingdom fireworks is piped in. It is a truly magical way to end the night.
The two outdoor areas have little seating, a nice amount of standing room and spectacular views.
Tower Club Lounge
The Tower Club Lounge is exclusive to guests of the 14th floor. This is primarily suites, but also a few regular rooms. The offerings are the same as in the Atrium Club.
Dining
Some of my favorite dining is at Contemporary!
California Grill
California Grill is my top Disney restaurant ever, and I never miss a chance to dine here. On the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll discover exquisite panoramic views of the shimmering lagoon, Floridian woodland and Cinderella Castle. Californian cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the international, melting-pot culture of the Golden State. It’s wonderful!
Chef Mickey’s
At Chef Mickey’s, the most coveted of character dining experiences, you enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat, family-style meal in a bright, happy space. As the monorail whizzes by, soak up the expansive views of Bay Lake and behold the stunning 90-foot-high mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair that overlooks the festive eatery. Throughout the dining experience, Mickey Mouse and some favorite pals will visit your table for hugs, photos and autographs.
Contempo Cafe
Contempo Cafe is a great quick serve location. It is enjoyable for every meal, with the monorail soaring through over head, but we particularly love it for breakfast with the giant Mickey waffle and banana caramel sauce!
Steakhouse 71 Restaurant & Lounge
Steakhouse 71 opened last fall at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the space that previously housed The Wave. Named for the year the Contemporary Resort first opened, Steakhouse 71 harkens back to the design style of the 1970s, reimagined in a contemporary, comfortable and sleek way. You’ll even notice some Florida flair—such as Orange Bird and citrus groves—mixed in with the décor. I’ve dined here twice since opening and thoroughly enjoyed it both times.
Contemporary Grounds
Featuring gourmet coffees, iced tea, hot chocolate, smoothies and assorted artisan baked goods, this is the perfect place to energize before you venture to the parks! I wish all resorts had a great coffee option. (Polynesian does too.) You can even get the character printed lattes here, which are extra magical.
Amenities
The Contemporary Resort is literally steps from the magic, but offers a host of things to do right on site!
The marina offers boat rentals and fun excursions like fishing and parasailing. There are two pools, along with a splash area as well over on the Contemporary side. The Bay Lake Tower side has its own pool, and fun activities like giant chess, pool, bocce, ping pong and more!
Since we had a large group, we loved doing a half day cabana rental at the main pool. It comes with covered and sun lounge chairs, towel service, a stocked fridge with non-alcoholic beverages, a fruit tray, television, and a food and beverage service. You can even enjoy a Mickey pretzel! Cabanas are available to guests staying at the Contemporary / Bay Lake Tower and Grand Floridian Resorts.
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