Walt Disney World is known for it’s impeccable hospitality, especially at their resort hotels. I will be occasionally be putting the spotlight on various on-property resort hotels. Let’s begin with my personal favorite: Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The Contemporary Resort opened October 1, 1971 – the day WDW opened its gates. The Contemporary is a deluxe resort hotel and is located on the monorail loop, providing “highway in the sky” transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot (Epcot transportation requires a monorail transfer at the Ticket and Transportation Center). The resort monorail will transport guests on a loop to The Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts. There is also a paved walking trail to the Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation is available to all other theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks.
The Contemporary features 383 rooms in the famous A-frame tower, with an additional 250 rooms in the Garden Wing, a nicely landscaped three story building adjacent to the Tower. Bay Lake Tower’s Disney’s Vacation Club property also neighbors the Contemporary Resort Tower (FYI: these luxury villas are available to book, even if you’re not a DVC member). Suites are available in the Tower and in the Garden Wing. Handicap accessible rooms are available with roll-in showers, and some include hearing assistance devices. There is a 90,000 square foot conference facility, table service and quick service dining, a coffee shop, fitness facility and several gift and sundry shops.
Incredible dining experiences are found at the Contemporary:
The award-winning California Grill is on the 15th floor and is one of the most popular and highly rated dining locations at WDW. California Grill serves fresh, seasonal ingredients and international cuisine. It has wonderful theme park views, and if you time your dining reservation correctly, you can even watch the nightly fireworks display as the music is piped into the restaurant. Advanced Dining Reservations are required, as California Grill is one of the most popular dining choices among guests.
Chef Mickey’s, located on the fourth floor Grand Canyon Concourse, hosts a character buffet at breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Buffet includes family-friendly American food favorites. During your meal, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy will make their rounds to each table for autographs and photos. Advanced Dining Reservations are highly recommended for Chef Mickey’s.
The Wave is a casual, health conscious table service location located on the first floor. The Wave serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features locally grown and sourced ingredients. Breakfast is a la cart, or an all-you-can-eat buffet. Lunch offers sandwiches and burgers, and dinner selections include grilled entrees. The Wave lounge is located adjacent to the restaurant.
The Contemporary has several lounges throughout the property: The Wave Lounge, the California Grill Lounge, the Outer Rim Lounge, and the poolside bar called The Sand Bar.
24-hour room service is also available.
Guest Registration is located on the first floor, and there is also a concierge desk where you can receive assistance with tickets, dining and park information. The first floor also houses a coffee shop/bakery called Contemporary Grounds, offering specialty coffees, smoothies, and pastries.