The Contemporary Resort is one resort that sticks out when people talk about Disney resorts. This is because the monorail goes right through the middle of the main building (with a station inside too). The Contemporary offers a wide variety of activities and dining choices for guest of the resort and other WDW guests to enjoy. The marina is one of the largest at WDW and they have watercraft of all shapes and sizes available for rent. This is also where parasailing, water skiing, and fishing excursions depart from.

In 2007 they finished a complete overhaul of all the guest rooms bringing them up to modern times. All rooms now have an LCD TV, computer, refrigerator, and a more modern feel to them. In 2008 Disney should be wrapping up the renovation work on the main tower with the final restaurant reconfiguration finishing up. The Concourse Steakhouse was removed and that space will be shared between a new Fast Food space and Chef Mickey's. The old Fast Food/Arcade area opened as a new dining location called the Wave in June 2008.

I stayed at the Contemporary in April 2008 and here are some thoughts from my trip report:

This was my first stay at the Contemporary Resort, hard to believe that on my 19th trip to WDW over the past 26 years I have never stayed at one of the original resorts, but I had not... and this time happened by accident due to booking difficulties and Disney being Disney and fixing a disappointing situation (for info on this check out my forum posting on the reservation hassle). it was a bit surreal for me to be staying there. Over the years I have spent a lot of time at the resort, accessing the Marina, restaurants, etc.. but staying there was different since it was "your resort". I have only seen pictures of the original and old room decor so I have no real comparison but on the whole I have to say the rooms looked great and were huge (my last several stays have been moderate and value resorts). The CM's say they are the largest standard rooms on property still. Having a flat panel TV and computer in the room were great touches. I would have liked to have had the tree outside our room cut down, so my garden view would become a lake view but other than that no complaints about the room.

In 2007 the North Garden Wing was torn down and a new Tower is being constructed there. This is rumored to be a Disney Vacation Club property but as of June 2008 no official announcement has been made.

Some of the best views of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks are from the California Grill and the observation deck (which is only open to people dining there now), in the old days you were allowed up to the observation area during the day and even at night, but no more. On the 4th floor there is an outdoor area where regular guests can go to watch the fireworks. The soundtrack is piped into both locations.

I was saddened to see the Concourse Steakhouse go. It was one of my favorite dining locations for years when it was located at the Top of the World (where the California Grill now is). It was great to go up there for breakfast or lunch and just enjoy the view... then when it moved down to the 4th floor the menu stayed about the same and it was still a great place to eat, a bit more noisy with the monorails overhead and Chef Mickey's next door, but still good. Its sad to see it go.

• Contemporary Grounds
• Outer Rim Sandbar
• Chef Mickey's
• California Grill
• The Wave (Opened June 2008
• Concourse Steakhouse (Closed June 2008)
• Food & Fun Center (Closed 2007)
  
  

Contemporary Resort - Standard Guest Room


Contemporary Resort - Standard Guest Room


Contemporary Resort - Standard Guest Room (Bathroom)

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