On a typical Disney World family vacation, Disney’s Contemporary Resort isn’t even on our radar because of one big factor: price. Our excuse for not upgrading from a value or moderate resort is that we “are never in the room” on our Walt Disney World vacation. After our recent stay in deluxe accommodations, we believe they are definitely worth the upgrade.
Contemporary Hotel Amenities
From values to moderates to deluxe hotels, we have had an experience consistent with each level of lodging. we do not expect the same level of amenities at a value resort that is expected at a deluxe resort. A few of the amenities that we loved at Disney’s Contemporary Resort were:
- Monorail service to and from the Magic Kingdom (and Epcot with a quick changeover in the Transportation and Ticket Center)
- Walking distance to the Magic Kingdom
- On-site character meals for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Chef Mickey’s
- The expansive pool area, complete with a splash pad for kids and a hot tub for adults
- Great views of the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake
- Signature dining and a great view of nighttime fireworks from the California Grill
Contemporary Resort Rooms
As would be expected in deluxe Disney accommodations, the standard rooms are larger than standard value and moderate rooms. It was nice to take advantage of 2 queen-sized beds, a full bathroom (with a separate toilet area), and a couch/desk area where we could comfortably fit all of our suitcases.
For reference, the value rooms are 260 square feet, moderate rooms are 314 square feet, and the Contemporary standard hotel rooms are 437 square feet. Having almost 200 extra square feet in our room made quite a difference in terms of personal space (which is very important when traveling with young children)!
Walk from the Magic Kingdom
Ease is the name of the game when it comes to any family’s Disney vacations. We often dread the end of the night when we have to haul kids up and out of their stroller, fold it up, and hang on to sleeping children and the stroller until the bus makes it back to our resort. You will never dread returning to the Contemporary, especially not from the Magic Kingdom.
Dining at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Deluxe resorts do not have a food court, but honestly, we didn’t miss it. Here is what you can choose from when looking to dine at the Contemporary:
- Contempo Cafe: The Contempo Cafe is the Contemporary’s only quick-service restaurant. This was our go-to option when we needed something fast. They have a great selection of healthy options, but we indulged in the Contempo Smokehouse Burger with smoked bacon marmalade and a fried onion ring to top it all off.
- California Grill: One of our family’s favorite dining spots in all of Walt Disney World. The food is an upgrade from standard burgers and fries, and the kid’s menu is presented in a fun, friendly manner. Best of all, the Magic Kingdom nighttime fireworks view just can’t be beat.
- Steakhouse 71: A casually elegant restaurant serving American classics like eggs Benedict for breakfast, signature burgers for lunch, and grilled rib-eye for dinner.
- Chef Mickey’s: Family-friendly buffet-style food with character! Enjoy favorite standbys and up close meets with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Is it Worth the Upgrade?
Disney’s deluxe resorts are expensive. As someone who frequents Walt Disney World for vacations, staying deluxe every visit is not financially feasible. However, if you can upgrade your accommodations, do it!
Take advantage of discounts that are available, either by working with a travel agent or using ones known to you (military, AAA, and other organizations you may be part of). Even if you can only manage one stay in your lifetime at a deluxe resort, it would be worth it, especially if that stay included Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
