Disney's Contemporary Resort: Orlando's Most ICONIC Hotel? (You HAVE to See This!)
Disney's Contemporary Resort: Orlando's Most ICONIC Hotel? (You HAVE to See This!) - A Deep Dive (And My Brain Dump)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, monorail-whizzing world of Disney's Contemporary Resort. Is it truly Orlando's most iconic hotel? Well, that's what we're here to find out, by dissecting everything from the magical (and sometimes mildly chaotic) experience to the practicalities of… well, just living there. This isn't some sterile press release; this is real talk.
First Impressions & That Monorail (Duh!)
Let's be honest: the Contemporary is iconic. That soaring A-frame, the monorail slicing through the middle… it's pure Disney, a futuristic fairytale come to life. The lobby? Massive. Bright. A little overwhelming at first. It's a lot of open space, which is great for wheelchair access (more on that later!), but also makes you feel a tad… dwarfed. Think cathedral meets Space Age.
Accessibility: Making Magic for Everyone (Mostly!)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Okay, this is a biggie, and the Contemporary generally excels here. The entire property is pretty darn wheelchair-friendly. Elevators are plentiful and easy to find (thank GOD!), and most hallways are spacious. The restaurants seem to be designed with accessibility in mind.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Yes. The resort offers a variety of accessible rooms and features throughout the property.
- Elevator: Everywhere, thank the mouse!
- Accessibility Breakdown: Honestly, Disney does a fantastic job with accessibility. It’s one of their core values, and it really shows here. The biggest issue? Navigating the crowds. Sometimes just getting to the elevator feels like an Olympic sport. But hey, it’s Disney, right? Even navigating crowds can be a story!
Rooms: Modern, Minimalist, and Monorail Views (If You're Lucky!)
I ended up with a standard room, and while it wasn’t quite the monorail view I’d been dreaming of, it was still pretty darn nice. The rooms themselves are modern – think sleek lines, neutral colors. The focus is on comfort and the (hopefully) magical surroundings.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathroom phone, bathtub, black-out curtains (essential!), closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping (thank you, angels!), desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access - wireless (thank you), ironing facilities (praise be!), laptop workspace, linens, mini bar (good luck resisting!), mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed (yay!), sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, wi-fi [free], window that opens.
- Additional Notes: I gotta say, those blackout curtains are clutch. After a long day of park hopping (or, you know, desperately trying to get some sleep away from the shrieking of joyous children), they're a lifesaver. Also, the free Wi-Fi is a must. You know, gotta keep the ‘gram updated. The mini-bar… yeah, that’s where my self-control disappeared. Poof! Gone.
Internet and the Modern Dilemma:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Hallelujah! Essential for keeping up with the world (and desperately trying to find a park reservation).
- Internet Access: Strong, reliable…but let's face it, you will be tempted to check your email. Resist the urge!
- Internet [LAN]: Not particularly relevant these days, unless you're still living in 1998.
- Internet Services: Generally good, but remember, you're in a resort filled with thousands of other people, so speeds can fluctuate. Be patient, Padawan.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Strong and reliable, making it easy to share your amazing Disney experiences on social media.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (and the Credit Card Bill!)
Okay, let's be real. Disney dining is… expensive. But let’s break it down, because there’s a whole bunch of options at the Contemporary.
- Restaurants: California Grill (fancy, pricey, amazing), Chef Mickey's (character dining – chaos, but fun), Contempo Cafe (quick service, convenient).
- Poolside Bar: Hello, cocktails! Essential for a relaxing afternoon by the pool.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Yes! Perfect for those late-night Mickey Bar cravings or if you just want to wallow in the luxuriousness of your room.
- Coffee Shop: Coffee, pastries… the essentials.
- Snack Bar: Popcorn, churros, all those things you know you shouldn't eat but will devour anyway.
- Breakfast [Buffet]/Buffet in restaurant: Chef Mickey’s is buffet style which is great for kids.
- Happy hour: Depending on the bar location, you can find great deals.
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious desserts are available at almost any restaurant.
- Asian Breakfast / Asian cuisine in restaurant: Some restaurants at Disney World offer specific meal options.
- Western breakfast / Western cuisine in restaurant: Standard breakfast options at Disney World.
- Bottle of water: You can purchase bottles of water from a variety of retailers at the Contemporary.
- A la carte in restaurant: Most of the sit down restaurants will offer a la carte options.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Food allergies? No problem, Disney can accommodate you.
- Bar: Plenty of bars on site.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Perfect for your morning kick or late afternoon unwind.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Plenty of international cuisine options.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy options are available.
- Soup in restaurant: Great on a chilly day.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Many options.
My Chef Mickey's Meltdown (A Story)
Okay, so. Chef Mickey's. Character dining. Picture it: a room filled with screaming children (mine included), the joyful cacophony of Disney music, and a breakfast buffet that… well, let’s just say I ate more waffles than a professional competitive waffle-eater. The best part? Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the gang actually come to your table. My daughter screamed with delight, hugged Goofy, and then promptly spilled orange juice all over Donald Duck. It was glorious, chaotic, and perfectly Disney. (Also, make reservations way in advance for this. Seriously.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Not Just Parks!
- Swimming pool: (Outdoor! A good one.) Perfect for cooling off after a sweaty park day.
- Pool with view: Yes, you can lounge by the pool and watch the monorail glide by!
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Not a priority for me, but hey, if you actually work out on vacation, more power to ya.
- Spa/Sauna: (At the neighboring Bay Lake Tower - a short walk) A little bit pricier, but perfect for a relaxing massage.
- Body scrub/ Body wrap/ Foot bath/ Massage: Offered at the spa. Ahhhh. (I didn't experience these, but I imagine they are lovely!)
- Steamroom: Offered at the spa.
(Side Note: The "Relax" factor is highly dependent on your tolerance for crowds and small children. Just saying.)
Cleanliness and Safety in the Age of… Well, You Know
- Cleanliness and safety: Disney is generally obsessed with cleanliness (for good reason!). You'll find hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Cashless payment service
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Safe dining setup
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful for park questions and any other concerns.
- Daily housekeeping: The magic wands that make your room immaculate every day.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Air conditioning in public area/ Air conditioning: Thank you, Disney gods!
- Cash withdrawal/ Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Gift/souvenir shop/ Convenience store: Because you will
Okay, hold on to your Mickey ears, buttercups, because we're about to wade into my personal travelogue. Think less "perfect Instagram grid" and more "rambling, slightly hysterical diary entry with a sprinkling of pixie dust and a whole lot of coffee spills." This is the Contemporary Resort, Orlando, FL, baby. Prepare yourselves… it's gonna get messy.
Disney's Contemporary Resort: A Human's Guide to Existing (and Maybe Enjoying It) – A Stream of Consciousness
Day 1: Arrival & Panic Buying
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown! Orlando International Airport. Okay, so, my flight was delayed, which meant I missed the Magical Express (RIP, sweet prince). Lesson learned: always pack a spare outfit in your carry-on. Especially if you’re like me and sweat just from thinking about Disney World.
- 1:45 PM: Uber to the Contemporary. Driver was surprisingly chatty. Apparently, he's got a whole conspiracy theory about the utilidors. Now I’m paranoid. Thanks, dude.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Woah. Contemporary Resort's lobby is stunning. That A-frame? Iconic. But also… overwhelming. All that space, all those people… my anxiety levels are already flirting with DEFCON 1.
- 3:00 PM: The Room. Okay, the view is amazing. Cinderella Castle peeking out from behind the monorail track? Worth the mortgage. Almost. But the bathroom… small. I swear, I could barely turn around without bumping into the sink. Disney, I love you, but some of us need more elbow room to floss, you know?
- 3:30 PM: The Panic Buy. The gift shop. Oh, the gift shop. I'm not even kidding. I blacked out and woke up with a Minnie Mouse sequined backpack, a light-up Mickey ears headband (of course!), and a plush Stitch that cost more than my last grocery bill. This is gonna be a problem.
- 4:00 PM: Poolside. Sort of. I meant to relax. But I’m too busy checking my phone every five seconds, terrified of missing a Lightning Lane reservation. The sun is ridiculously hot, the water is strangely cold, and I think I saw a kid try to eat sand. Disney adulting is… something.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at California Grill. Okay, this is why I do this. (well, this and the Mickey bars). The food is incredible, the wine is flowing, and the view of the fireworks over Magic Kingdom is… chef's kiss. For a moment, I forget the existential dread of the gift shop purchases.
- 9:00 PM: Resort Hopping - The Monorail - Oh my! This is the true reason why stay at the Contemporary, this is the experience. It's the way of the future, or at least, that's what it felt like. I mean, this is Disney's vision of the future!
- 9:30 PM: Back in the room. Too much wine. The music from the fireworks still rings in my ears.
Day 2: Theme Park Chaos & Emotional Rollercoasters
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Ugh. Already tired. Coffee, stat. And try to remember what I booked for "Breakfast at Chef Mickey's"
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Chef Mickey's. Okay, so the food is… fine. It's the experience, right? Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald are there. The best part? The kid in the Goofy hat who spilled his juice all over Goofy. That, my friends, is pure comedic gold.
- 9:30 AM: Magic Kingdom. Alrighty, let's do this. I went straight to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, because that's the strategic move. The wait time was… horrific. But the ride? Adorable. My inner child is very happy. My feet? Not so much.
- 11:00 AM: Haunted Mansion. The grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize! LOVE. The stretching room always gives me the creeps though.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Quick service or table service? I ended up trying some delicious quick-service (thank goodness).
- 1:00 PM: It's a Small World. Okay, okay, I admit it. I cried. The dolls' faces… it's just… a lot. And the song will be stuck in my head for days, of course.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the room for a Quick Nap and then back into the park!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, I was so exhausted, I think I just got a pizza or something.
- 9:00 PM: Illuminations, or rather, the fireworks over the castle.
Day 3: Rest, Relaxation, and Regret (a little) and goodbyes
- 8:00 AM: Sleep in, oh, glorious sleep in!
- 10:00 AM: Brunch at the Contemporary Cafe, I think I had a Mickey waffle, what else?
- 11:00 AM: Pool Time! I actually get to use a pool! The water feels much better than the previous day, and I'm more relaxed.
- 1:00 PM: Check out. The end already? Where did the time go? So much to do, and yet, I did so little.
- 2:00 PM: Uber to the airport. The driver was new. He was nice, but also, didn't really know the city. Sigh.
- 3:00 PM: Security and Gate. Ugh, they're boarding my flight. I didn't get to do everything that I wanted, I wanted to do everything! I look at the Mickey ears I bought on the first day, and my heart warms.
- 5:00 PM: On the plane. This trip will probably haunt me in the best way possible.
- 6:00 PM: Back Home. Back to reality. But I have pictures and memories, and I swear, I can still taste the deliciousness of the Mickey pretzels. Until next time, Disney. Until next time.
Disney's Contemporary Resort: Orlando's Most ICONIC Hotel? (You HAVE to See This!) - My Hot Mess Guide!
Okay, so you're thinking of Contemporary, huh? Let me tell you, I'm *obsessed*. But also, I've had moments where I've wanted to scream into the iconic A-frame. Let's break this down. No sugarcoating, just the truth (and maybe a few tangents).
Why is the Contemporary "ICONIC"? Seriously, WHY?
Well, duh! The monorail *literally* runs through the building! That's the #1 reason. It's the OG, the retro-futuristic marvel. You're practically living in tomorrow! You can practically smell the space-age optimism (or maybe it's just the chlorine from the pool...who knows!). It's history, folks. It opened in 1971! Imagine the excitement! It's just...cool. Okay? Cool. And the theming inside is just killer.
But real talk? The exterior, from the ground, is an imperfect. It's a giant…white rectangle. From the outside, it’s not *quite* as breathtaking as being IN it.
What's the *best* room to book? (And should I trust the photos?)
This is the question that haunts my dreams. The photos? Bless their hearts. They're usually airbrushed within an inch of their lives. "Theme Park View?" That means you *might* see a sliver of Cinderella Castle. "Bay Lake View?" You'd better pray you’re not looking at a parking lot.
My advice? Spend the extra dough for a Theme Park View. Especially if you're with kids. The fireworks are worth it, even if your little angels are already asleep (and, you know, *waking up*). But brace yourself. Those rooms are pricey. Seriously, consider it a down payment on a small car. The other rooms? I think it's a bit of a crapshoot but the atmosphere is pretty much the same.
Okay, the Monorail! Is it *really* as awesome as it sounds?
Yes! It is. But it's also…a test of endurance sometimes. Imagine: you're exhausted after a day at the parks, and you're squished against a sweaty stranger, praying the air conditioning is working. Then there's the constant on-off of doors, the kids screaming "WE WANT TO SIT UP FRONT!", the *smell* (there's *always* a smell, isn't there?!).
But then…you round a corner and BOOM! Cinderella Castle in all its glory. Worth it. Every. Single. Time. Even the smell.
Dining at Contemporary – Is it as good as it looks? What's the big deal with California Grill?
Alright, California Grill. The legend. That place. My friend, it's a *must*. It's pricey, yes. Reservations are a bloodsport, yes. But the views during the fireworks are…well, I'm getting chills just thinking about it. The food? Generally excellent, though be prepared for some…*interesting* flavor combinations. I had a sushi roll there once that changed my life. (In a good way!)
Then there's the quick-service, Contempo Cafe, which is fine… like, perfectly fine. Then there's Chef Mickey's…which is a whole other experience. Chef Mickey's is pure, unadulterated chaos in the best way possible. Characters are dancing, kids are screaming, the breakfast buffet is… well, it's a buffet. Good for the kiddos and for fun. Be prepared for a lot of noise, though…like, ear-splitting noise, and constant kid activity
Can I actually *relax* there? Or is it just…all Disney, all the time?
Both! It's Disney, so yeah, it's Disney all the time. But it's also…surprisingly relaxing. The theming inside is just...cool. The atmosphere is great. Even with the bustle, there's a sense of calm. The open spaces, the art… It’s a great atmosphere.
But let me tell you a story… I once went to the pool at the Contemporary with my kids. Which, by the way, is nice, clean, and well-maintained. I thought "This will be relaxing! Sunshine, splashing, the whole shebang!" Nope. Within five minutes, one kid was crying because they lost their Mickey Mouse floaty, the other was stealing a lollipop from a stranger, and I was desperately trying to apply sunscreen while dodging rogue water balloons. Relaxation? Haha! I’m still recovering.
Is it kid-friendly?
Oh, absolutely. It's practically *designed* for kids. The Character breakfasts are a huge hit, the monorail is a built-in thrill ride. The rooms are spacious enough to accommodate a small army. The pools are great. Be aware, though, some of the restaurants are quite fancy (California Grill), and it might not be the best choice for very small, easily bored children. Get a high floor room. It is a bit of a walk.
What about the *negatives*? What are the downsides of staying at the Contemporary?
Okay, here's the unvarnished truth. It's expensive. Like, seriously expensive. You're paying for the location and the experience. Sometimes the service, though generally good, can be a little…Disneyfied. (By which I mean, picture-perfect smiles that occasionally mask genuine helpfulness.) Also, the walk to the Magic Kingdom is…well, it's a walk. Not a long one, but after a full day of park-hopping, it can feel like a marathon. And sometimes, the noise from the monorail can be heard in the rooms. I'm a light sleeper and I bring earplugs.
Is it worth the hype? Should *I* stay there?
Look, that depends! If you want easy access to the Magic Kingdom and a truly iconic Disney experience, then YES. If you're on a tight budget, maybe look elsewhere. If you want a quiet, secluded getaway, probably not. But if you’re a Disney fan? A nostalgic soul? Someone who wants to feel like youBest Stay Blogspot
