Disney's Contemporary Resort - Full Review

Disney Deluxe Resort Series | Episode 8 | 2.5/5 Gold Stars

Overview

Part of an ongoing series staying at all 13 Disney Deluxe Resorts to evaluate whether they truly deliver a luxury experience. The Contemporary is one of Walt Disney World's most iconic properties — famous for the monorail running through the building and its walkable access to Magic Kingdom. The central question: iconic classic or airport terminal of the monorail resorts?

Room booked: Garden Wing, Water View — $451/night (Florida resident discount; standard rate ~$700/night; Tower rooms start at $1,000+/night)

Lobby & First Impressions

• Small, sleek, modern feel — immediately chaotic and hectic
• Retro monorail murals on the walls; cool Incredibles aesthetic energy
• Feels more like a convention hotel than a luxury resort lobby
• Not a space you want to linger in

The Room

Positives

• Incredibles theming executed well — retro modern palette, geometric lines, clean design
• Carpeting, pillows (Frozone, Edna), and wallpaper all cohesive and fun
• Bathroom: beautiful, bright, fresh refurbishment; etched monorail mirror is a standout detail
• Closet: interior lighting, painted Incredibles outfits — genuinely thoughtful touch
• Double sinks, great counter space, strong lighting
• Side tables well-designed with practical convenience in mind
• Feels significantly newer than the rest of the resort

Negatives

• Feels sleek and minimal more than truly upscale or luxurious
• Room feels sparse; ceiling could use a light fixture
• Keurig machine — notably weak/disappointing

The View Situation

• Paid extra for a "water view" — zero water visible from the room
• First floor garden wing rooms have outdoor patios (a genuine plus) but the elevation prevents seeing the water
• Front desk confirmed it's technically a water view room; reviewer was not satisfied with that answer
• Recommendation: if booking garden wing, first floor is preferable for the patio, but don't expect to see the water

The Atrium & Public Spaces

The Atrium

• Massive, architecturally impressive A-frame with the monorail running through it
• Iconic Mary Blair mural — hand-painted, genuinely stunning; described as the "saving grace" of the resort's theming
• Watching the monorail pass through never gets old
• However: feels sterile, cold, crowded with strollers, lacking any real character
• Consistent comparison throughout: feels like an airport (the Orlando Airport also has a giant atrium and a monorail)

Dining Venues in the Atrium

• Contempo Cafe — quick service in the middle of the atrium; functional, nothing special
• Chef Mickey's — character dining, colorful, clearly designed for young kids; nothing elevated or upscale compared to a Topolino's
• Outer Rim Lounge — theming of a Marriott; no Disney immersion whatsoever; described as the "mommy needs a drink lounge"
• General atrium dining: cheesy, amateur, not places worth spending time in

Outside the Atrium

• Once outside, the resort transforms — peaceful, tranquil, completely different vibe
• Pools overlook Bay Lake; beautiful natural setting
• Jazz music, open space, loungers — genuinely relaxing

Pools

• Main pool: central location, waterslide, sandbar with drinks and food, spacious
• Secondary pool: quieter, more relaxed, usually emptier
• Bay Lake views from both — legitimately beautiful
• Small beach area with volleyball; boat rentals available
• Outside the building, the resort finally feels like an escape

Dining Highlights

Steakhouse 71 ⭐

• Located on the ground floor; named after Walt Disney World's 1971 opening
• Open lounge seating, bar area — no reservation usually needed
• Iconic Walt-era photos and artwork throughout
• The Stack Burger: perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, incredible cheese, garlic aioli — described as possibly the best food in all of Walt Disney World
• A genuine must-visit at the resort

California Grill

• Disappointing in its current form — feels surprisingly casual for its price point
• Prix fixe only; no à la carte option, which reviewer finds frustrating
• Recommendation: go up for drinks and fireworks views, skip the meal

Overall Assessment

Who This Resort Is For

• Families with young kids — the atrium, Chef Mickey's, and colorful monorail were clearly designed with them in mind
• Guests who plan to spend maximum time at Magic Kingdom (walkable access is unmatched)
• Nostalgia seekers who grew up visiting

Who This Resort Is NOT For

• Anyone seeking an upscale, refined, or truly luxurious experience
• Couples — nothing romantic about the experience
• Guests expecting Disney immersion and escapism (contrast: Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge)

The Core Tension The Contemporary is architecturally impressive and historically significant, but its entire identity is built around transportation and movement rather than relaxation and escape. That focus makes it feel perpetually hectic. It's riding heavily on nostalgia and reputation — and charging deluxe prices for an experience that doesn't back them up.

"This isn't deluxe. This isn't luxury. Not even a little."

For the same price, the Grand Floridian offers a dramatically more luxurious feel with comparable Magic Kingdom proximity. Reviewer would not stay here again at this price point.

Final Score

In a word: Iconic, convenient, nostalgic — and cold, hectic, and overpriced for what it delivers.