Resort Overview: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
When we visit Walt Disney World® Resort, one of our favorite places to stay is Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The location, convenience, decor, and restaurants make this one of the best options along the monorail — especially for the price!
Resort Overview
There are three resorts along the monorail at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Resort (which is almost done with the remodel!), and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. When I was a Cast Member on the Disney College Program I worked at “The Grand” and it has a special place in my heart. It is an elevated customer service experience and has a regal atmosphere. It is also typically the most expensive per night of these three resorts.; followed then by Poly, and third is Contemporary. This makes Disney’s Contemporary Resort a great option for guests who aren’t quite willing to spend the money on The Grand or Poly, but want the convenience of being in a Deluxe category resort on the monorail with close access to Magic Kingdom.
Convenience
One of the biggest perks, in my opinion, of staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the ability to walk to Magic Kingdom. I find this to be especially important for families with younger kiddos. When we’ve stayed here, we would often walk back to the room for a quick afternoon nap, then return to the park in the evening for more fun. This walkway includes its own security check station with metal detector (and now temperature screening - find out all you need to know about traveling to Walt Disney World during a pandemic) so that you can avoid the main entrance lines at Magic Kingdom. It is convenient, quick, and less crowded. You also have access to the monorail to get to either Magic Kingdom, the other resorts (great for trying other great dining locations — can you tell I like to eat at Walt Disney World?!), and transfer to another monorail for EPCOT.
The theme of the resort includes modern (and well… contemporary) decor. One of the most iconic aspects of this resort is that it is the only one the monorail actually goes through the resort. The other two have stops directly outside of the resort. You can see it while you’re dining at Chef Mickey’s or maybe from the hallway balcony outside your door in the main building. The pool is pretty secluded and I find it quieter than some of the others. My son loves the slide at the pool! Plus there are a lot neat little nods to the boss (aka Mickey Mouse) throughout the property. It is also gorgeous at Christmas time with the decor and there is usually an elaborate gingerbread display!
Rooms
The spacious bedrooms are a great size with comfy beds and nice bathrooms. While I personally haven’t stayed in the main building, I was able to tour it on my agent training in November 2019 (pictured below). One question I usually get is about the noise in the main building since you are above/around the monorail, dining, etc. We found it to be comfortable and quiet in the rooms. And wow — what a view! If you have a chance to get the Theme Park View, I’d highly recommend it!
If you’re not sure about being in the main building, they have an adjacent Garden Wing or the Disney Vacation Club Villas next door in Bay Lake Tower. This is where we previously stayed and love the rooms! There is a kid’s club on the first floor and it has its own separate pool. I also love the modern, colorful Disney artwork in the BLT rooms.
Dining
The dining options are one of the biggest differentiators between the categories of resorts (Value, Moderate and Deluxe), and if you’ve read any of my other blog posts you know I’m all about the food at Disney (#snackgoals). Disney’s Contemporary Resort is in the Deluxe category and has some incredible dining options right on property. First is the super popular Chef Mickey’s, which is a character dining experience where Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald are dressed in Chef attire.
We dined here for breakfast when my son was a baby and it was so memorable because he fell asleep during it. While some people have opinions on the best age to take your kids to Disney, this is one of my favorite memories with Finn (and he’ll never remember it, and that’s okay!)
We were recently here again July 31, 2022 before our Inaugural Disney Wish Cruise for dinner and I was really impressed by the new menu. There were a variety of delicious salads, meats, side dishes and desserts. My favorite were the salads and the potatoes. The salmon was also yummy! Everything was brought out family-style for your table versus the buffet or pre-fixe menu ordering.
The character interactions were also back to “normal” (pre-pandemic) where the characters give out high-fives and hugs and take photos. Instead of spending time signing autographs, they provide you with a souvenir card with all the signatures already on it!
UPDATE 2022 - The Wave has now been replaced with Steakhouse 71 (still amazing!) More to come on this update and my experience dining here.
A hidden gem for breakfast is The Wave. It is located on the first floor and is a great table-service option. It has a delightful menu for breakfast. It is a fairly large restaurant (deceivingly so from the entrance), so there is usually good availability. The service is quick, which is why I like it for breakfast — get in, have a great meal, and still make it rope drop at Magic Kingdom! The food is excellent, so try it out for dinner too, but keep that breakfast spot secret just between us. ;)
Around the corner from The Wave is a cute little coffee shop, Contemporary Grounds. If the black drip coffee in your room isn’t your thing, grab a tasty latte or gourmet coffee from here before you start your day! They also have a selection of teas, smoothies, and artisan baked goods. We have even relaxed in the chairs in front of this location to recharge (both ourselves and our phones) when we needed a little caffeine and break from the park.
If you’re looking for something in later hours, there are a couple of relaxing lounges filled with libations available near The Wave and California Grill, as well as one called Outer Rim.
The other popular, award-winning dining spot here is California Grill, which is located on the very top floor of the resort. It provides beautiful views of Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon from the windows. There is also a balcony area that you can walk out onto for additional views. If you time your reservation just right, you’ll be able to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks at night too. (Note - fireworks are still temporarily suspended due to the pandemic restrictions, but fingers crossed they will be returning before the anniversary celebrations this October.) The restaurant plays the music and audio that corresponds with the fireworks spectacular, so it is just like you’re there watching in the park, but with less obstructed views. The food is exceptional and the wine list is incredible. Foodies and families alike can delight in this location. It is a great option if you’re celebrating something special, or just want a great meal to celebrate the fact that you’re on vacation!
From the Walt Disney World Resort website: “Via private elevator, ascend to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll discover exquisite panoramic views of the shimmering lagoon, Floridian woodland and Cinderella Castle. Inside, enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of the lively onstage kitchen, where chefs combine global flavors in deliciously inventive new ways.”
A newer experience at this location is Brunch At The Top. Because it is at California Grill and only available on Sunday mornings, these reservations are very limited. (Note - it is currently temporarily suspended since the 2020 pandemic closure.) Keep it on your list for when it returns as you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views, mimosas, live music, and a spectacular brunch menu. I can’t think of a better way to start the day!
Let’s Get Planning
Whether you have little kiddos or not, you can’t be at the convenience of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. That paired with top notch amenities at a reasonable price point along the monorail makes this a great option for your next vacation.
Contact the expert Disney travel agents at Spirit of Adventure Travel to see if Disney’s Contemporary Resort is available for your next magical vacation! We offer free, no obligation quotes — and, as long as we book the vacation, our planning services and expertise is also at no additional charge to you!
