Disney’s Contemporary Resort
My family recently had the opportunity to stay a few night’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. On a typical family vacation, this resort isn’t even on our radar because of one big factor: price. Our excuse for not upgrading from a value or moderate resort is that we “are never in the room” on our Walt Disney World vacation. After our recent stay in deluxe accommodations, I may have changed my tune. They are definitely worth the upgrade.
Contemporary Hotel Amenities
From values to moderates to deluxe hotels, I have had an experience consistent with each level of lodging. I do not expect the same level of amenities at a value that I do at a deluxe. A few of the amenities that my family loved at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort were:
- Monorail service to and from the Magic Kingdom (and Epcot with a quick changeover in the Transportation and Ticket Center)
- Walking distance to the Magic Kingdom
- On site character meals for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Chef Mickey’s
- Expansive pool area, complete with a splash pad for kids and a hot tub for adults
- Great views of the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake
- Signature dining and a great view of nighttime fireworks from the California Grill
Contemporary Resort Rooms
As would be expected in deluxe Disney accommodations, the standard rooms are larger than standard value and moderate rooms. My family is only a family of 4, but it was nice to take advantage of 2 queen sized beds, a full bathroom (with a separate toilet area), and a couch/desk area where we could comfortably fit all of our suitcases. For reference, the value rooms are 260 square feet, moderate rooms are 314 square feet, and the Contemporary standard hotel rooms are 437 square feet. Having almost 200 extra square feet in our room made quite a difference in terms of personal space (which is very important when traveling with young children)!
Walk from the Magic Kingdom?
When it comes to my family’s Disney vacations, ease is the name of our game. I often dread the end of the night when we have to haul the twins up and out of their stroller, fold it up, and hang on to sleeping children and a stroller until we make it back to our resort. I never dreaded returning to the Contemporary, especially not from the Magic Kingdom. One evening, when it appeared as though the monorail wait would be a long one, the girls were able to continue sleeping in the stroller while we leisurely wandered back to our room. During our walk, Neil and I and said, “THIS is why people pay to upgrade!”
Dining at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Deluxe resorts do not have a food court, but, honestly, we didn’t miss it. Here is what you can choose from when looking to dine at the Contemporary:
- Contempo Cafe: The Contempo Cafe is the Contemporary’s only quick service restaurant. This was our go-to option when we needed something fast. They have a great selection of healthy options, but we indulged in the Contempo Smokehouse Burger with smoked bacon marmalade and a fried onion ring to top it all off.
- California Grill: One of our family’s favorite dining spots in all of Walt Disney World. The food is an upgrade from standard burger and fries, and the kid’s menu is presented in a fun, friendly manner. My girls loved their “dessert sushi!” Best of all, the view of the Magic Kingdom nighttime fireworks just can’t be beat.
- The Wave of American Flavors: A casually elegant buffet serving American classics like eggs Benedict for breakfast, signature bison burgers for lunch, and grilled rib-eye for dinner.
- Chef Mickey’s: Family friendly buffet style food, with character! At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, enjoy favorite standbys as well as up close meets with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.
Is it Worth the Upgrade?
I won’t sugarcoat it. Disney’s deluxe resorts are expensive. As someone who frequents Walt Disney World for vacations, it is not personally feasible to stay deluxe every visit. However, if you can upgrade your accommodations, do it! Take advantage of discounts that are available, either by working with a travel agent or using ones known to you (military, AAA, and other organizations you may be part of). Even if you can only manage one stay in your lifetime at a deluxe resort, it would be worth it, especially if that stay included Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
