Monorail to Mickey: Review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Editor’s observe: This story is often up to date with the most recent data.

---

If you need to keep as shut as doable to The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (with out breaking any guidelines to attempt to sleep within the citadel), there’s an excellent likelihood that one of the best resort in your Disney trip is true on the monorail line at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Although Walt Disney handed away a number of years earlier than Disney World first opened its gates in 1971, he performed an enormous position in planning the preliminary design of this magical Central Florida land, together with the 2 authentic Walt Disney World resort ideas that did open: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the enduring Contemporary Resort.

The park (and its authentic motels) have now been open for greater than 50 years, however Disney’s Contemporary Resort remains to be modern due to a current renovation.

The monorail runs proper by means of the center of the Contemporary in a method that feels basic with an ever-present nod to a midcentury fashionable aesthetic, but the property additionally manages to really feel futuristic in a Tomorrowland type of method.

Not surprisingly, being as near The Magic Kingdom as doable with the monorail operating proper by means of your resort comes at a worth. That means it requires cautious consideration when determining whether or not that is the appropriate resort for you. To assist you decide this is all it’s essential learn about what it’s like to remain at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Booking

While Disney’s Contemporary Resort isn’t the most costly Disney World resort, it is nonetheless up towards the highest of the pricing pack as a resort on the monorail loop.

Rates for entry-level rooms on the Contemporary usually vary from about $500 to $700 per night time. There are generally gross sales and reductions for Florida residents, Disney+ subscribers and annual go holders that may knock it down 20% to 30%, however do not anticipate charges right here to ever dip beneath $300 per night time.

Related: Book your Disney World holidays with our accomplice, Mouse Counselors

At most Disney motels, the particular room kind would not matter all that a lot since a pool view versus a backyard view is fairly irrelevant whenever you spend your days on the park and are solely in your room at night time. However, room kind actually issues when staying on the Contemporary.

In truth, absent an unimaginable deal, I’d in all probability not ebook a backyard wing room right here, as these rooms is usually a fairly lengthy stroll to get to the monorail and eating places since they’re bodily disconnected from the principle constructing. Additionally, they are a bit claustrophobic and never practically as particular as staying within the Contemporary’s true atrium tower, based mostly on my expertise.

To put it one other method, in order for you the total Contemporary expertise, ebook the atrium rooms. They will value extra, however they’re the explanation why you select this resort over one other Disney property.

If you may’t swing a keep within the Contemporary’s pricier lodging, I like to recommend choosing one of many extra inexpensive Disney motels as an alternative of the Contemporary’s backyard rooms. For instance, the rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are solely a ship experience away from The Magic Kingdom however value significantly much less — and are arguably nicer — than the Contemporary’s backyard rooms.

Related: Magic at each price range: These are one of the best motels at Walt Disney World

On the opposite finish of the expense spectrum, in case your price range permits, it is laborious to beat a club-level room on the Contemporary. Those lodging are often not less than $700 per night time, although you will see them value nicely above that in busy intervals just like the winter holidays. For instance, our one-night keep in a club-level room in November 2022 value us $999 earlier than taxes and charges.

By paying up for a club-level lodging at Disney World, you will get pleasure from entry to a variety of extras. At the Contemporary, this implies upgraded service, the usage of a lounge with free drinks (each alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and complimentary breakfast, dinner and dessert small plates, all of which had been tasty. For a giant splurge Disney journey, it is a next-level providing that’s laborious to beat.

Regardless of which room you ebook, think about using miles out of your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (which earns you miles price 1 cent apiece) to maintain some money in your pocket whereas visiting. Alternatively, you should utilize your Bilt Rewards factors. They’re price 1.25 cents every and will be utilized towards Disney resort bookings when redeemed within the Bilt Travel Portal.

If you are a fan of Disney Vacation Club, know that the principle Contemporary complicated would not have any DVC rooms. However, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which has rooms bookable with DVC factors, shares the identical grounds. This is essential to know even should you aren’t a DVC member, as you may hire DVC factors to scale back your out-of-pocket prices by probably a whole bunch of {dollars}.

Related: Best bank cards for Disney and Universal holidays

Location

The primary draw of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is, with out query, its location.

When you keep right here, you are not solely a brief monorail experience away from The Magic Kingdom. You’re additionally inside a 10-minute stroll from the park, must you resolve you need a leisurely stroll.

We timed the journey by making it a household race of types and located that an grownup strolling from the Contemporary to The Magic Kingdom can usually attain the park sooner than these taking the monorail because it stops on the Ticketing and Transportation Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa alongside the way in which.

Going the opposite method is way sooner by monorail, although, because the Contemporary is the primary cease after leaving the park.

Since Epcot can be accessible by way of the monorail, you may take it from the Contemporary to that park as nicely. You’ll switch on the TTC to board the Epcot-designated monorail. Additionally, there are Disney buses and the pay-per-use Minnie Vans out there within the Lyft app, must you want to attain different areas of the Disney complicated, reminiscent of Disney Springs or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Related: The Disney Springs motels: How to get Disney advantages at discount costs

While it wasn’t operational once I checked throughout my go to, you may generally take a ship to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, too.

Check-in

You can test in to Disney’s Contemporary Resort by way of the My Disney Experience app, which makes it doable to get your room task earlier than you arrive on the resort.

This is how we had been capable of get our room by 1:30 p.m., which is 2 1/2 hours forward of the official check-in time, as we had been heading over from a brief keep on the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. Because we had been switching motels, we did not have to fret about our baggage, as Disney will switch it upon request, even should you keep at a property that’s not a full-fledged Disney resort, such because the Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin or Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

By utilizing Disney’s direct-to-room service, you should utilize your telephone and/or MagicBand to open your room door. Simply look forward to the textual content or notification that your room is prepared earlier than heading on to your lodging. If checking in on the app is not an possibility otherwise you favor a standard check-in expertise, you may as an alternative head to the reception space within the resort’s foyer.

If you visited the property previous to its intensive renovation that debuted in 2020, you will discover the modifications as quickly as you step into the foyer.

Instead of the comparatively nondescript colour palette of whites, browns and greens beforehand featured, the resort now showcases a shiny midcentury fashionable design with nods to each “The Incredibles” and the period wherein the resort was constructed. Decor particulars vary from the overt to the delicate and, in my view, restored the grandeur of this resort in a method that feels true to its roots and makes it related as we speak.

Beyond the refreshed decor, there is a enjoyable function for youths. To maintain the little ones occupied whilst you test in, the resort has a miniature ready space inside the foyer. There, your youngsters can watch a TV enjoying cartoons from pint-size chairs. I counsel taking full benefit of this area, particularly if there is a lengthy wait whenever you arrive.

Disney does its greatest to accommodate early check-in and late checkout requests, however they’re not often granted, given the amount of visitors that enter the resorts on daily basis. You ought to assume that you just possible will not be capable to test in till 4 p.m. and might want to take a look at by 11 a.m. (the Contemporary’s posted occasions).

It by no means hurts to ask, although, as I lucked into an early check-in slot throughout my most up-to-date keep after initially being turned down.

Room

If you visited Disney’s Contemporary Resort previous to the 2020 renovation, you will hardly acknowledge the brand new rooms. The darkish, dated rooms of yesteryear are actually mild, ethereal and simply plain enjoyable.

Gone are the darkish wooden furnishings and uninspired decor from our keep in 2018.

Instead, you will now discover a mixture of white, beige and lightweight grey hues with colourful pops of orange and blue. As an added bonus, every area additionally comes geared up with all of the modern-day facilities you can want, reminiscent of a number of shops, a Keurig espresso maker and a glass-enclosed bathe with a rainfall bathe.

As you may anticipate, there are additionally lovely Disney touches that function an ideal instance of why Disney resorts are so particular and a number of other notches above most different family-friendly motels.

I will not give away all of those not-so-hidden gems, as they’re enjoyable to come across, however look forward to finding some memorable particulars impressed by “The Incredibles,” together with a themed closet with hanging tremendous fits.

While customary rooms face the resort grounds and are fairly underwhelming given the value, lodging in the principle tower are stable total. If doable, you will need to pay up for a room in the principle tower’s atrium that faces The Magic Kingdom, as these lodging supply fairly unbelievable views of the park’s fireworks.

We splurged on this view when my youngsters had been youthful since we knew the littlest one in our crew would not final within the park till Main Street U.S.A.’s fireworks go off round closing time. It’s not an upcharge we sometimes go for now that the youngsters are older, but it surely was a real deal with to look at the present from our balcony with a glass of wine because the accompanying soundtrack performed on our in-room TV.

If you are like us and have older youngsters who can keep as much as watch the fireworks within the park, don’t fret about springing for a theme park-facing room, particularly should you’re touring with a number of folks. We favor paying slightly extra for an atrium room that may sleep as much as 5 visitors (i.e., one with a settee that simply converts to a helpful single mattress) as an alternative of an area with a view of the fireworks.

No matter which room we’re in, we discover that we sleep like exhausted infants every time. However, there’s one damaging we have persistently seen: The Contemporary’s rooms are inclined to really feel extra humid than I’d like.

On our newest go to, our room was on the finish of the hallway by an exterior door that was propped open at occasions, which in all probability did not assist. Still, even throughout different stays, we have seen the humidity extra whereas in our room. It’s by no means been unhealthy sufficient to disturb us tremendously, but it surely’s price noting, particularly should you’re planning a summer time go to.

Food and beverage

Aside from being ultra-convenient to The Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary shines on the subject of eating.

Chef Mickey’s

On the identical degree because the monorail, Chef Mickey’s is without doubt one of the hottest eating places on the Disney resort grounds — and for good purpose. Meals listed below are legendary, as they provide the alternative to hold with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy as you eat.

While Chef Mickey’s character meals can be found for breakfast and dinner each day, I’d argue that the late breakfast hours on a day whenever you’re not heading to the parks is one of the best time to go.

During this block of time, you will keep away from an early wake-up name and spend much less, because the breakfast service — which is on the market from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — prices $45 per grownup and $29 per youngster 3 and older (youngsters 2 and youthful dine without cost). Should you choose to go to throughout dinner, anticipate to pay $59 per grownup and $38 per youngster.

For breakfast, the all-you-care-to-enjoy objects embrace eggs, Mickey waffles, hen sausage, slow-roasted beef brisket, loaded potato-cheese casserole and banana bread French toast, amongst different choices. The dinner menu options a variety of plated picks, reminiscent of potato gnocchi, roasted salmon, pork loin and child carrots.

Chef Mickey’s is a shiny, loud, enjoyable and upbeat expertise, so plan accordingly — and have your digicam prepared.

When my youngsters had been youthful, consuming right here was the simplest approach to meet all these key characters, as we did not have to fret about leaving the resort’s indulgent air con to schlep in regards to the parks searching for our favourite figures. It is probably not probably the most cost-effective method to hang around with Mickey Mouse, but it surely’s definitely probably the most handy possibility.

Related: The 3 greatest Disney World character meals you’ve got by no means heard of — and methods to ebook them

Steakhouse 71

For a extra refined meal, Steakhouse 71 is a terrific new addition to the Contemporary. Paying homage to the resort’s 1971 opening in its title, the restaurant serves a few of Walt’s favorites on daily basis for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For breakfast, you will discover Walt’s Prime Rib Hash ($18), plus a Florida-inspired eggs Benedict ($19) and varied omelets ($17 every).

On the lunch and dinner menus, there are every kind of consolation classics with an elevated twist, reminiscent of connoisseur grilled cheese ($17), a burger on a brioche bun topped with lemon aioli ($21), beef tenderloin medallions ($39) and a whiskey-infused chocolate cake ($11).

Steakhouse 71 reservations are usually a lot simpler to nab than these for Chef Mickey’s. So, should you do not need to fear about attempting to attain a desk as quickly as they change into out there 60 days earlier than your go to, this higher-end possibility may very well be the place to dine.

California Grill

One of one of the best eating places in all of Disney World sits on the high of the Contemporary. With its panoramic view of The Magic Kingdom and its night fireworks, California Grill is a eating venue it’s a must to expertise for your self.

Although reservations are powerful to get in the course of the prime dinner and fireworks hours, checking 60 days out once they open for reserving is nicely definitely worth the effort. Know, although, that you will must pack acceptable apparel for meals right here for the reason that venue requires visitors to decorate “in apparel that respects the restaurant’s refined and upscale aesthetic.”

Prices are excessive, too, so price range accordingly.

The restaurant is usually an a la carte institution. However, it is at the moment providing a particular three-course, fixed-price menu in honor of Disney World’s Fiftieth-anniversary celebration, so you will see meals priced at $89 for adults and $39 for kids 9 and youthful.

Items at the moment on the menu embrace classics from when the restaurant (previously referred to as Top of the World) opened in 1971, reminiscent of duck a l’orange and limited-time dishes like an “EARidescent” creme brulee.

Related: The greatest bank cards for eating

Contempo Café

The Contemporary is house to greater than sit-down institutions, so you will get your meals on the run should you’d fairly put aside much less money and time for meals.

Contempo Café has an eclectic mixture of choices starting from internationally impressed objects like Chef Gina’s lemongrass hen banh mi ($12.29) and a grilled tofu bowl ($12.99) to consolation classics like a burger with fries ($13.49) and an all-meat flatbread ($12.29). You can order forward within the Disney app in order that your meals is prepared whenever you stroll as much as seize it.

Club lounge

Because I stayed in a club-level room, I additionally had entry to a lounge with a wide range of complimentary dishes and drinks. Of the club-level rooms at Disney World that I’ve tried, this one on the Contemporary stays on the high of my listing due to the lounge’s service and various choice of objects.

Situated on the Contemporary’s twelfth ground, the club-level lounge is open on daily basis from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The meals and beverage picks rotate all through the day, so you will discover a mixture of objects to strive as you pop out and in.

Coffee comes out at 6:30 a.m., which is essential for these doing early theme park entry as a Disney resort visitor. For one thing extra substantial, you will discover continental breakfast choices out there from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

During our current keep, breakfast objects included tortillas with potato, egg and onion; small items of avocado toast; fried hen biscuits with bacon pepper jam; shrimp and grits; pastries; and fruit. Much of the meals is ready within the California Grill kitchen positioned a couple of flooring above, so you may anticipate some fairly unbelievable bites whenever you go to.

Between 5 p.m. and seven p.m., extra scorching meals comes out — sufficient to make a meal of it should you aren’t with an excellent choosy group of eaters. Or, you may seize one or two hors d’oeuvres to get pleasure from as an appetizer earlier than heading to a full-service restaurant on or off the property.

While we had been right here, the night unfold consisted of miso-braised brief ribs, honey- and soy-glazed salmon, tater tots, corn canine nuggets, a meat and cheese unfold, buckwheat noodles, lemongrass shrimp and a scrumptious Thai peanut hen salad.

By 8 p.m., the menu shifts to dessert, with savory objects swapped out for varied drinks and candy treats. They’re an ideal accompaniment to The Magic Kingdom fireworks, viewable from the lounge’s balcony.

Amenities

While the Contemporary wins on the subject of location and eating, it would not have the very best lineup of facilities for a deluxe Disney resort. Nevertheless, it does have some enjoyable choices.

Pools

There are two swimming pools on-site: the principle pool and an all-ages quiet pool.

Open on daily basis from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the big exercise pool (referred to as the Feature Pool) has a 17-foot waterslide and lifeguards.

Towels and chairs are in ample provide, and there is a scorching tub smack dab in the course of the motion should you discover the water a contact too chilly in the course of the cooler months however need to keep watch over the youngsters. There’s additionally a water playground with water cannons and fountains by the principle pool, ought to you’ve gotten little ones in tow.

While it is a stable pool possibility, the swimming pools on the Polynesian, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and even the Wilderness Lodge rank larger in my ebook because of their theming and kid-friendly water options. It’s additionally price noting that this primary pool will likely be closed from early January to early April 2023 because it will get refurbished, so if swimming pools are essential to you, chances are you’ll need to keep elsewhere.

A smaller round pool referred to as the Bay Lake Pool can be out there on the Contemporary, must you need to take a dip with out all of the motion of the Feature Pool. It sits behind the principle pool and is open longer (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.), although it doesn’t have a lifeguard and asks that visitors not splash or make loud noises whereas visiting.

Should you want a break from the swimming pools, you may play volleyball on the sand court docket positioned between the swimming pools and the lagoon.

Arcade

Kids who love gaming or want a distraction on a wet day will discover an arcade on the Contemporary’s fourth ground.

Although video games within the arcade aren’t free, they’re definitely cheaper than a park ticket. An array of choices can be found, together with classics like Pac-Man and Skee Ball.

Gym

On the resort’s third ground, the fitness center homes an honest choice of machines, free weights, drugs balls and extra.

Since many theme park guests stroll 15,000 to twenty,000 steps in a single go to, it is simple to grasp why this health middle stays empty more often than not. It additionally would not assist that the area is not very inviting, because it has low ceilings, is not staffed and sits in a largely unused a part of the resort. The lighting left rather a lot to be desired, too, once I stopped by.

Boat leases

Because of its location proper on Seven Seas Lagoon, the Contemporary presents boat leases to visitors. Each Sun Tracker Pontoon boat can seat as much as 10 visitors and is on the market for $45 per half-hour.

If you do not need to captain your individual vessel, think about reserving a fireworks cruise that departs from the resort’s dock. It comes full with a captain and snacks and comfortable drinks, although it isn’t low cost at $399 per boat for as much as 10 visitors.

Related: The greatest $120 I’ve spent at Disney this yr received me into the Magic Kingdom’s secret tunnels

Service

The lesser-known star of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is undoubtedly its top-notch service. Whether I’ve stayed in an entry-level backyard room or an upgraded club-level lodging, I’ve at all times loved distinctive service from the property’s employees.

On my most up-to-date go to, which got here with larger service requirements because of reserving a club-level room, the resort proactively reached out to me a number of occasions by way of e mail and by telephone to ensure I used to be conscious of every part I wanted to know and will make any particular requests forward of my one-night keep.

Then, at check-in, the forged member seen that my youngsters had the brand new Disney MagicBand+ and requested if I had linked the bands to my telephone. Funny sufficient, whereas I had activated them, I used to be having bother getting them related to my telephone, so I used to be capable of get assist setting them up, all due to this forged member asking a easy query.

Then there’s Dave, one among my absolute favourite Disney World forged members. We met Dave throughout our first keep on the Contemporary again in 2018 once we’d beforehand booked a club-level room. My youngsters had been little again then and he made their day — or actually, their journey — by busting out a spot-on Mickey Mouse voice that made them giggle so laborious they nonetheless bear in mind it.

While we did not hear his superior vocal expertise this time round, we had been excited to identify him but once more. Based on conversations I overheard, it feels like he is nonetheless delighting visitors in the identical method he entertained my youngsters a number of years in the past.

Accessibility

Disney is understood for being fairly accessible, and this resort isn’t any exception — with one essential factor to notice.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is like each different Disney resort in that there’s an accessible path of journey connecting the foyer, rooms, eating places, outlets, swimming pools and services reminiscent of laundry and the fitness center. However, this property actively makes use of extra ranges than comparable Disney motels.

For instance, there are some noteworthy facilities and providers on the foyer degree and third, fourth and fifteenth flooring, that means you will must put aside a good period of time ready for an elevator if stairs and escalators should not an possibility. It’s not substantial sufficient of a wait to be a deal breaker, however it’s price noting so that you’re adequately ready.

At the swimming pools and poolside scorching tub, you will discover lifts. Additionally, customary parking is complimentary for visitors with a legitimate incapacity parking allow. Parking in any other case prices $25 per night time for normal parking and $33 per night time for valet parking.

There are wheelchair- and hearing-accessible rooms, too. To ebook one among these lodging, click on the “accessible room” field if you end up looking for your dates on Disney’s web site.

Overall impression

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Walt Disney World icon.

It’s been a part of the complicated for the reason that starting — and, by design, it looks like an extension of Tomorrowland, the closest land within the Magic Kingdom.

When you keep right here, you might be actually within the Disney Bubble, so the magic, comfort and theming are throughout you from the second you wake to the second you drift off into dreamland.

The rooms, foyer and different frequent areas on the Contemporary have tremendously improved in recent times, although you will nonetheless need to skip the fundamental backyard room possibility in favor of a room in the principle constructing’s atrium so you may watch the monorail go out and in as you stroll the halls of the resort — a bucket listing expertise for each Disney fan.

It is probably not one of the best resort to remain at should you plan on having numerous downtime for on-site facilities, and it is definitely not the flashiest possibility on the market.

However, it continues to be one of the best lodging possibility for younger households planning a particular journey to The Magic Kingdom, as its extremely handy location makes it a cinch for visitors to maximise their time within the parks and even pop again for a day nap.

To proceed your Disney trip planning, take a look at the next tales: