Disney's Contemporary Resort

A Disney World Original

Jan 28, 2009 Erin Yowell

The ultra-modern Contemporary Resort, situated on Bay Lake at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, was one of the first hotels built on the property.

When Disney World opened in 1971 there were only two resort hotels, the Polynesian and the Contemporary. Until recently the Contemporary appeared very outdated and lacked a real "theme." However during 2005-2006 the guest rooms underwent a complete overhaul and now truly represent the resort's moniker.

The Contemporary is located in the Magic Kingdom area offering spectacular views and is within walking distance to the park. The resort is also one of three Monorail resorts, meaning the Resort Monorail from the Magic Kingdom makes a stop here. This offers convenience when traveling to and from the park. Also the monorail stops at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), a connection to the Epcot monorail.

The Rooms

The rooms at the Contemporary feature two queen beds and a day bed or one king bed and a day bed. Rooms in the 14-story Tower have views of the Magic Kingdom as well as Bay Lake. The Garden Wing has views of the grounds, parking lot, and Bay Lake. The Contemporary's rooms are some of the largest on property.

Amenities

  • Extra Magic Hours benefit
  • Alarm clock
  • Safe
  • Refigerator
  • Hair dryer
  • Coffee maker
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Pack 'n Play Playards
  • Wi-Fi Internet (for a fee)
  • 24 hour room service
  • Newspaper delivery

Transportation

The Magic Kingdom is accessible by monorail, boat, and by walking. To get to Epcot, take the monorail to the TTC and transfer to the Epcot monorail. Buses go to Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.

Places to Eat

California Grill: This signature dining spot is located on the Contemporary Tower's fifteenth floor and boasts some of the best views of the Magic Kingdom. Market inspired California cuisine is the specialty and the menu changes weekly. Only dinner is served. The check-in desk for the restaurant is on the second floor near the escalators.

The Wave: A modern tunnel welcomes guests to this eatery on the second floor. This casual dining spot features two lounges and serves upscale cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. This restaurant replaced the Concourse Steakhouse as the casual table service location.

Chef Mickey's: For a meal with character look no further than this cheerful buffet on the fourth floor's Grand Canyon Concourse. Mickey and his friends roam around the dining room offering opportunities for pictures. Breakfast features a fruit bar, cereal selections, Mickey waffles, omlettes, and pastries. Dinner includes roast chicken, carved beef, macaroni and cheese, lots of sides, and a dessert bar.

Contempo Cafe: The new grab and go location on the fourth floor features self-service kiosks offering a variety of options. Food choices range from flatbreads to a 6oz Angus cheeseburger. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner items are available.

Where to Wet Your Whistle

California Grill Lounge: Nestled within the California Grill, enjoy cocktails, beers, California wines, appetizers, and desserts. Hours are 5:30pm-1am.

The Wave Lounge: There are two different lounge areas at this restaurant. One features plush blue seating with low lighting while the bar is very stylish with overhead twinkling "stars."

The Outer Rim: This lounge on the Grand Canyon Concourse offers specialty drinks as well as wonderful view of Bay Lake.

Recreation

The Contemporary has two pools, one with a water slide. The Olympiad Fitness Center on the third floor is open from 6am-9pm. Bass fishing excursions and watercraft rentals are available from the marina on Bay Lake.

The Contemporary Resort is located at 4600 North World Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

The copyright of the article Disney's Contemporary Resort in Family Travel is owned by Erin Yowell. Permission to republish Disney's Contemporary Resort in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Resort Room, DSaroufim Resort Room
Grand Canyon Concourse, JackSpence Grand Canyon Concourse
Contemporary Resort, DWills Contemporary Resort
What do you think about this article?

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 5+4?

Comments

Jan 27, 2009 10:25 PM
Guest :
I stayed in this hotel way back in the summer of 1988 when I was still at home with my mom, dad and little brother. We had a good time in this hotel as well as the Grand Floridian Resort for a couple nights stay. I'd love to stay longer in one of these now but it's so darn expensive. I remember in the Contemporary Resort, they used to have a huge game room (the classic arcades like Pacman, Donkey Kong, etc...) downstairs with a shooting gallery. It's now replaced with a restaurant which I can't remember the name of (I'll miss the game room). Feel free to visit my website at http://mydisneyworldvacation.blogspot.com
1 Comment: