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Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review + Video Tour

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A mom’s review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World plus nine reasons why I think you should stay here on your next visit!

Pool area and main building at Disney's Contemporary Resort

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We recently returned from a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. When we were planning our get away, we discovered that Disney’s Contemporary Resort had the lowest price I had ever seen.

Rug at entrance of Contemporary at Disney World

It still wasn’t cheap, but I have always wanted to stay at the Contemporary, so we decided to book it!

In this article I’ll give you 9 reasons to stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.

Outside grounds of Contemporary Resort

Make sure to check out the video below with footage of the hotel and subscribe to Mommy Mouse Clubhouse on YouTube here!

#1 Disney’s Magical Express (No Longer Available)

One reason I love to stay at a Disney hotel, like the Contemporary, is because of Disney’s Magical Express. (No Longer Available)

Disney's Magical Express Bus at Orlando Airport

The Magical Express busses are complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and are provided free to guests of Disney Resorts.

Normally, when you arrive in Orlando, you can head straight down to the Magical Express departure area and skip picking up your checked baggage.

Magical Express Area at Orlando International Airport

Disney Cast Members will pick up your bags for you and deliver them to your hotel room a few hours later.

Because of safety procedures in place right now, this service is suspended right now. So we picked up our own suitcases and headed to our bus.

A child getting on Disney's Magical Express Bus on the way to Contemporary Resort

To add this perk to your reservation, let your travel agent know or call Disney directly.

Speaking of Travel Agents, I highly recommend using one when booking a Disney World Vacation.

Passenger area of Disney's Magical Express Bus

It is a free service for you and can save you tons of money and headaches.

Check out my tips for using a travel agent here. (P.S. I use Get Away Today and absolutely LOVE their customer service! You can get a free quote here.)

A child on Disney's Magical Express

The night before you check out of your Disney hotel, you will receive an envelope from Disney’s Magical Express at your door.

Inside this envelope will be information that lets you know what time the bus will pick you up the next day.

This time is usually 3 to 3 1/2 hours before your flights scheduled departure time.

Close.up of Disney's Magical Express Bus

#2 Contemporary Resort Lobby and Grounds

The second reason to stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is that it is beautiful inside and out.

Lobby of Disney's Contemporary Resort

The lobby is gorgeous with fun little magical touches like a monorail rug and hidden Mickey’s. 

Atrium at Contemporary Resort

If you head upstairs where the stores and restaurants are located, there is a large colorful mural.

Mural at Disney's Contemporary Resort

On the mountain, you will see some goats, one of whom has 5 legs!

My kids thought it was awesome. You will get the best view of it from the 7th floor.

Picture spot with Mickey at Contemporary Resrot

One of the cool fun facts about the Contemporary, is that it was one of the two original Disney hotels when Disney World opened in 1971.

Outside of Main building of the Contemporary Resort

The frame of the building was built, but the rooms were pre-fabricated offsite and transported to the hotel.

A crane then lifted them and helped slide them into place.

Bridge between Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower

Just beyond the pool area, there is a sand volleyball court and an amazing view of the lake.

Contemporary Resort view of the lake

#3 Magic Bands

The third reason to stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are magic bands.

Disney World Magic Bands

Your park tickets, fast passes, and charging privileges are tied to your magic band and are super convenient.

A boy scanning a Magic Band at Disney World

You can order these at a discount when making your reservations.

A boy scanning a Magic Band at Disney World

#4 Restaurants

Reason number 4 to stay at the Contemporary are the restaurants. There are 4 restaurants, 3 bars, and a coffee stand.

Coffee stand in the lobby of Disney's Contemporary Resort

California Grill

California Grill is a table service restaurant located on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. 

The menu includes items like sushi, chicken, beef, and seafood entree’s, and assorted desserts.

Sign for California Grill at Contemporary Resort

A lot of people like to make a reservation for California Grill during Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show to get a birds eye view!

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s is a popular spot for a character meal with your pal Mickey.

Entrance to Chef Mickey's

This restaurant is open for breakfast and is offered buffet style with items like scrambled eggs, bacon and Mickey Waffles!

The Wave of American Flavors

The Wave of American Flavors is located inside the lobby of the Contemporary and is open for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Entrance to the Wave of American Flavors at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Contempo Cafe

On our arrival day, we decided to grab dinner at Contempo Cafe, which is a quick service location.

Contempo Cafe at Contemporary Resort

It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers quick service type entrees and many grab and go items like granola bars and monorail cupcakes!

Contempo Cafe Quick Service Restaurant

My husband and I both had the spicy chicken sandwich, and my boys each ordered a kids meal.

Two with hamburgers and one with chicken nuggets. All of our meals received a thumbs up.

Hamburger and Fries from Contempo Cafe at Disney World

#5 Disney Transportation

The 5th reason we loved staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the complimentary Disney Transportation.

Disney World Transportation Bus themed for Dumbo

One of the main reasons we chose the Contemporary was because it is a Monorail hotel, meaning you can take the monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Disney World Transportation Sign at Disney World

Buses are an easy way to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A family getting on a Disney World Transportation Bus at Contemporary Resort

Just head down to the lobby, take a right before the main entrance and there is a walkway to the bus stop area.

Bus Stop at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Buses for each park and Disney Springs come every 15-20 minutes and drop you off right near the entrance of the parks.

Kids riding Disney Transportation bus

At the end of the day you can head to the bus stop of the park you are visiting and look for the name of your Disney hotel.

Once you find it, get in line a bus will arrive shortly to take you back.

Bus stop sign at Hollywood Studios for Contemporary Resort

#6 Garden Tower Room Tour

Our family stayed in the Garden Tower right next to the main building.

Garden Tower of Disney's Contemporary Resort

My kids joked that the carpet in the hallway looked like a bunch of fried eggs.

Carpet in the Garden Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

As you enter the room, to the right, you will find the bathroom.

The bathroom had a large vanity with two sinks and a shower/bathtub combination.

Disney's Contemporary Resort Garden Tower Bathroom with two sinks

The bathroom also had a separate room for the toilet, which is great for families.

Bathroom in Garden Tower Suite at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Another plus for the bathroom is that there were plenty of towels.

Towel Rack in bathroom at Disney's Contemporary Resot

The best part are the complimentary Disney H2O bath products. They smell so good!

Disney Resort Hotel Bath Products

Across from the bathroom you will find two large closets. One that had a safe and some drawers.

Closets in Garden Tower Room at Disney's Contemporary Resot

Between the closets was a counter with a coffee maker and a small refrigerator below.

Mini Fridge in Disney's Contemporary Resort Garden Tower Room

The main area had 2 Queen beds with a nightstand between. And there were plenty of usb charging ports.

2 queen beds in Garden Tower Room at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Next to the queen beds there was a large corner desk with a chair. 

Corner Desk in Disney's Contemporary Resort Garden Tower Room

There was also a large TV and a sofa that could transform into a Twin size bed. This room was the perfect size for our family of five.

Disney's Contemporary Resort Garden Tower Room Review

#7 Monorail

monorail sign at Disney's Contemporary Resort

The Monorail is the 7th reason why you should stay at the Contemporary.

Monorail entering Disney's Contemporary Resort

The hotel is located right next to Magic Kingdom and you can easily walk there in about 10 minutes, but why would you want to, when you you can ride the Monorail?

Monorail Doors

The Contemporary is part of the Monorail Loop. The ride will take you in a big circle around the bay.

Monorail Resorts Sign at Disney World

You will stop at the Ticket and Transportation Center, followed by Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where you can stop and get a Dole Whip.

Escalator to Monorail at Disney's Contemporary Resort

The next Stop is the iconic Grand Floridian Resort. If you stop here, make sure to pick up a famous Chocolate Chip Cookie. Get the official recipe here.

A family riding the Monorail at Disney's Contemporary Resort

The last stop before making your way back to Disney’s Contemporary Resort is Magic Kingdom, the most magical place on earth.

Monorail stop at Disney's Magic Kingdom

#8 Disney’s Contemporary Resort Swimming Pool

Reason number 8 to stay at the Contemporary is the pool. Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pool hours are from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Disney's Contemporary Resort Pool Hours

The pool is actually quite large and has a number of water spray features that my kids loved playing in.

Contemporary Resort Pool

There is a large seating area with plenty of reclining chairs, perfect for catching some rays while the kids swim.

Seating at the pool of Disney's Contemporary Resort

Besides the pool, there are also two hot tubs. One is in the center of the pool entrance and the other is located at the base of the water slide.

Hot Tub at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Yes, I said water slide. The slide was super fun and my boys spent most of their time on it.

Make sure to check out the video at the end of this post to see how much fun it is!

Water Slide at Disney's Contemporary Resort

For little ones, there is a pretty cool splash pad just outside the pool area. There are tons of water features that little ones will love.

Splash Pad at Disney's Contemporary

There are plenty of life guards on duty and life jackets are available for little ones and those who aren’t totally comfortable in the water.

Contemporary Resort Pool

#9 Shopping

The 9th reason to stay at the Contemporary is the shopping. Its pretty awesome to have not one, but two Disney stores right in your hotel!

Fantasia Gift Shop at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Make sure to have a look around a pick up items that you may have had you eye on in the park.

Gift Shop at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review

We were definitely not ready for our fun at the Contemporary to come to an end. We had so such a good time.

Unfortunately, it was time to hop back on the Magical Express and head back to real life.

Escalator at Disney's Contemporary Resort

I loved our proximity to Magic Kingdom (my favorite park) and the multiple transportation options available when staying at Disney’s Contemporary.

Hallway of Disney's Contemporary Resort

If the price was right, I would definitely stay here again. Make sure to check out the video below to see the Contemporary Resort for yourself.

Disney's Magical Express at Contemporary Resort

Also, you’ll want to visit my Disney World Tips page if you are planning your next trip! Find out how to save on your next vacation below.

Additional Hotel Options Near Disney World

Video Tour of Disney’s Contemporary Resort 

 

Get Away Today sale on Disney World hotel rooms.

Save up to 35% at select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels when you stay 5 nights or longer or save up to 30% on shorter stays for travel most nights from March 25 – October 3, 2024.

Check prices & book here: www.GetAwayToday.com (use coupon code:Clubhouse10 or call 855-Get-Away and tell them Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!

More Disney World Tips:

 

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