By Lisa Green
Disney’s Contemporary Resort! A Magic Kingdom resort on the monorail loop – fans are true blue, loyal to the soul – and The Fam and I are certainly among the Contemporary’s most adoring fans. Some folks, though, have a difficult time understanding its charm – it is a strange-looking building, with very little theming (relatively speaking) and a pretty steep price tag – so what’s so great about it? Well, I’m glad you asked!
Five Great Things about Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
1. It’s Classic and Original – Yes, indeed. For kickin’ it old school, nothing beats the Contemporary. This hotel originally opened with Walt Disney World in 1971 and remains an iconic part of the landscape. From its A-frame-shaped Tower to the Mary Blair mural in the lobby – everything about the Contemporary is unique. Rooms are available in the main building (tower) or in the one remaining garden wing (the other wing was razed to make room for Bay Lake Tower). Standard rooms are among the largest on property at 422 square feet (accommodate up to five people) and are decorated in a tasteful, modern style.
2. Location, Location, Location – You cannot beat the Contemporary for making you feel like you’re right in the middle of all the Disney action. From the Contemporary you can walk to the Magic Kingdom. Yes – walk. In the time it takes to wait for a bus, you can be at Magic Kingdom’s entrance (about 10 minutes). You can’t do this from any other resort hotel at Disney World. Located between Bay Lake and The Seven Seas Lagoon – the Contemporary is perfectly situated for enjoying all Walt Disney World has to offer. Busses leave regularly for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Shoot – you can even catch a boat and visit either the Wilderness Lodge ( for some great dining there!) or Fort Wilderness (to catch the Hoop Dee Doo Review!)
3. Character Dining – There are many delicious restaurant choices at the Contemporary. You can enjoy sushi and innovative entrees (currently featuring delicious items like Oak Fired Filet of Beef, Atlantic Swordfish, and Pork Two Ways) in the newly renovated California Grille at the top of the tower. Down in the lobby, grab a darned tasty burger at The Wave. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Contemporary’s table and counter service restaurants, buffets, coffee shops and lounges. By far, though, character dining at Chef Mickey’s is hard to beat for families (breakfast and dinner). As I mentioned in great detail here, you can meet the Fab Five and enjoy a decent buffet with choice enough to please even the pickiest eaters. AND – if you need more restaurant variety, many other fantastic dining choices can be found at both the Polynesian or the Grand Floridian – each just a short monorail ride away.
4. The Views – If you pay to stay in the tower, you’re going to love the view. Rooms overlook either Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon (and the Magic Kingdom!). We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy both of the tower’s views – the misty morning view of Bay Lake was peaceful and amazing. Views from the Seven Seas Lagoon side are unbelievable (and the most expensive). One of the most charming aspects of staying anywhere in the Contemporary’s tower is the Electrical Water Pageant - a really adorable nighttime show on the water (circles Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon) which makes a perfect ending to a day at Disney World – like a bedtime story!
5. The Monorail – Right in the very center of the Contemporary’s tower is a monorail stop. To me, that is the most unbelievably cool feature of this resort! Imagine – get up in the morning, have breakfast with Mickey and the gang, then head for the monorail to whisk you off to the Magic Kingdom or the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) where a quick monorail change will get you to Epcot! The monorail is so DISNEY! It’s such a fun and special way to get around, even if you aren’t staying at a monorail resort, you can take it for a ride around – to explore or experience one of the great restaurants along the way.
This article was originally posted on the Living a Disney Life Blog
Location is everything at WDW, isn't it?!
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