Every Walt Disney World fan should experience a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at least once. I always say that when you are trying to decide which resort to stay in, the theme of the property should play a big part in your decision. The funny thing is, the aesthetic of this resort isn’t my top choice, as I am in love with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and always have been. While I do prefer the mid-century modern vibe the property has now over the look and feel it had before its refurbishment, there are so many more things about this resort that make it a huge win for me.
A stay at a Disney resort that is located on the monorail line is really something to appreciate. Not only does it give you easy access to the Magic Kingdom, but you also have the ability to get to the other monorail resorts quickly, giving you endless opportunities to dine in their restaurants and shop in those stores without having to spend a lot of time traveling to get there. Speaking of traveling, there are boats, buses, and monorails available to use from this resort.
There are also quite a few dining options in the Contemporary. You’ve got the Fantasia Market, where you can buy packaged snacks and drinks. Contempo Cafe is the resort’s quick-service restaurant for those who are looking for a quick bite. Steakhouse 71 is the resort’s table-service restaurant and is located on the first floor. You’ve also got Chef Mickey’s character dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner right there in the resort. And if you are looking for a special, signature dining experience, California Grill makes for a great meal with an even better view. Dining there also gives you the privilege of enjoying the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the outdoor terraces at the restaurant.
Let’s take a look around, and I’ll share my favorite parts of my recent stay at this location.
The familiar A-frame building is iconic and, in my opinion, screams of what the future might hold—hypothetically. From the moment you walk into the lobby, a comforting and modern vibe surrounds you.
One of the [many] things I love so much about the Contemporary’s lobby are the sitting areas that can be found all around the first floor. Look at how cool the furniture is! And those light fixtures, oh my goodness!
I will say that this sitting area for kids is my favorite one of all. I love that slatted wall that the TV is hanging on, the pattern on the ceiling and walls, the photo of Mary Blair, and all of the seating available for parents just outside my shot. Would you believe that all those seats were taken every time I walked by this comfy spot?
Alright, that’s enough of the lobby, although I could swoon about it forever. Let’s take a look at the rooms now. Everything from the carpeting to the wallpaper gives off an Incredibles vibe. It’s very tastefully done and not crazy in-your-face, making you feel as though it takes away from the deluxe feel of the place.
I stayed in a room with a theme park view, and to say that it was sublime would be an understatement. Here’s a look at the sunset from my balcony the first night I arrived. There is something so special about being able to see Cinderella Castle from my room.
The artwork is different in front of each room, and they’re all really cool. I had Jack-Jack in front of my room, which was great because he’s my favorite character from the film. Who doesn’t love a baby?
I have to show you some of the other pieces, too, because they’re just so nicely done. I love the one with Mrs. Incredible grabbing ahold of a monorail!
The Incredibles theming goes into overdrive upon entering your room, but definitely not in an obnoxious way, in my opinion. From the moment you walk in the door, there is no doubt about the décor’s theme. The monorail etching on the mirror in the bathroom is so cool, and I really love how it wraps around from the Contemporary at the bottom; it is such a cool design.
Take a look at the artwork in the mirror’s reflection. It features baby Jack-Jack in some of the different forms you see portrayed in the film. I love him in Edna Mode form! Did you know that you can see a little statue of him as Edna Mode at the theme parks? Bonus points if you know where!
As you can see, the bathroom is incredibly spacious, and that bathtub is huge. The shower’s water pressure was fabulous, and there’s a handheld option available, too, making it perfect for bathing your little ones. Not only are there bath products from Disney, but the shelf in the shower allows you to bring and store all your own as well.
Next, let’s take a look at the closet space in this room. There is plenty, and it’s got a little touch of theming everywhere you look, even the top shelf! One of my favorite things about all of the closet space is that there are plenty of drawers. When our two kids were little, they loved having their own drawers in a hotel room for their clothes. It made mornings easier for us as well because they knew right where to go for all of their things.
Speaking of storage, there is plenty of room underneath the beds for your luggage to be stored once you’ve unpacked if you’re inclined to do so.
The beds in my room were so comfortable, and I slept like a baby all five nights that I spent there. Ever since those bedspreads were removed, I have been a fan of the fuzzy blanket between two flat sheets style of linens. I love how clean everything looks and feels.
One thing I’d like to bring your attention to is the little ledge you see on the left-hand side of the bed with the Edna Mode pillow. If you’ve ever been the one who sleeps on the side opposite from the one with the night table and outlets, you already know that it stinks not to have a place to store and charge your phone overnight where it’s within reach. Maybe I’m one of a few people who care about that, but I like my phone within arm’s reach at all times, so I appreciate the thoughtfulness of this design, complete with USB and regular outlets.
In fact, the Edna Mode and Frozone pillows on the bed are made of a surface-washable material, so they can be easily wiped off and/or sprayed down with sanitizer, which I loved.
The shape of the opening around the door to the balcony was so cool, too. Not only were the drapes displaying our friends from The Incredibles, but the sheers had a somewhat subtle pattern going on as well.
Everywhere I looked, there was something fun to see, from the panel behind the TV to the ultra-contemporary floor lamp and the decorated bolster pillow on the huge couch, which, by the way, was made from a similar surface washable material as the themed bed pillows.
It was also so nice to have such a big sofa in the room. I had my laptop on the desk for the duration of my stay, and the convenient electrical outlets on either side allowed it to stay plugged in. I get a bit antsy when my devices aren’t at least 70% charged at all times.
It was also comfortable to have a couple of friends over to visit, with plenty of seating for all of us. The best part? I could see Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks spectacular, as I sat on this sofa at the end of each night – in my PJs. It was absolutely glorious to stream the live music from the TV and watch the live fireworks bursting in the air right outside. Swoon-worthy.
Although this floor lamp was so cool, my very favorite light fixture was the one on the headboard between the beds. Just look at how awesome it is! Those little positionable reading lights are pretty nifty, too, if you happen to like to read an actual book in bed.
If coffee is a necessity for you like it is for me, you’ll be glad to know that there is a Keurig in the room. Joffrey’s Coffee is the brand of Kcups provided, but you can feel free to bring your own from home as well. Hot tip: if you need more half and half or any other supplies such as Splenda, you can grab some from the Contempo Cafe and bring it back to your room. Ahem. I should also note that there is plenty of space in the drawer under the Keurig to store it.
Now that I’ve shared all the details of my stay in this lovely room, I’d like to leave you with something to think about. A stay at this resort is by no means inexpensive. We all know this. However, if you are the type of Disney vacationer who appreciates an incredibly well-appointed room with the Magic Kingdom and so much more in view, along with everything you could possibly need right there in your hotel, consider saving up for a stay here. If you visit Walt Disney World annually, perhaps skip it and save for a couple of extra years so you can expand that budget a bit. It’ll be well worth the splurge.
Click here for a virtual, 3D tour of this room, and you can’t miss Ryno’s video room tour!
