Staying at The Contemporary this summer...

[Todd H]

I've stayed at most hotels at Disney and Universal but for some reason The Contemporary is one I've never done. And that's interesting because when I was a kid I so wanted to stay there but we were so poor we could never afford it. I remember riding the monorail through the resort on our way to our one day visit to Magic Kingdom and thinking about how cool it was.

So for our trip this summer (which is probably our last to WDW) I decided to finally scratch The Contemporary off the list. Here's hoping that it doesn't disappoint.

 

[Schneewittchen]

I'm envious. I've always wanted to stay there. Hope you enjoy it.

Why the last trip to WDW?

 

[Todd H]

Why the last trip to WDW?

My son is getting older and Disney has pretty much raised the prices so much that I can't justify spending this much money any longer. This is my last big Disney trip so I figured I'd splurge one last time. Thanks goodness the IT consulting job I do on the side paid well this last year. Definitely helped soften the blow. But from now on we're gonna do some trips we've never done, like visit overseas. For the price I paid for this trip I probably could have went to Hawaii.

 

[s&k'smom]

We stayed Nov 2015 and loved it. Just being able to walk to MK is a bonus. We found the pool area fun and the grounds, though very large, easy to learn your way about. It's not for everyone my husband liked it ok but my daughter and I really loved it. Having so many transportation options was also a real plus. Housekeeping was just a smidge not up to par however having worked in a hotel for many years it was nothing major just how picky I am lol. Enjoy your trip.

 

[MissViv]

We loved the Contemporary. We were just there in Jan. and splurged and stayed in a theme park view room for three nights - LOVED IT!

So far the Contemporary is our favorite resort - it is just so unique with the monorail running through it. We are going back in July for a wedding and booked the Polynesian but we really wanted the Contemporary again but the Poly is closer to the wedding venue.

The food is great there and the convenience to the parks is just awesome!

Have a great time!!!

 

[Spectro]

There's something really magical about the contemporary. To me it's not amongst the prettiest resorts, and it's not just the location, but I love the ambience there.

 

[MissViv]

There's something really magical about the contemporary. To me it's not amongst the prettiest resorts, and it's not just the location, but I love the ambience there.

I agree. We had family that visited us there and they were really impressed and hope to stay there soon.

The last day that we were there, waiting for our magical express bus, it was just wonderful sitting in the lobby, people watching and I just took a mental picture of the monorail going thru the lobby - it truly is special.

 

[Disney4family]

when I was a kid I so wanted to stay there but we were so poor we could never afford it. I remember riding the monorail through the resort on our way to our one day visit to Magic Kingdom and thinking about how cool it was.

You took the words out of my mouth. That's what I remember about it, too.
Every WDW resort has its unique qualities, history & beauty. For those of us who grew up on the express monorail from the TTC, there's nothing like The Contemporary.
Now that we're BLT people I get to live my childhood dream of playing at The Contemporary.
Enjoy every moment - from the monorail to Chef Mickey's to the shops, restaurants, pool & location.
Have a magical time!

 

[jimbojones]

The Contemporary and the Polynesian are my personal favorites! In my mind they are the definitive WDW hotels, but when I first visited as a kid they were the only hotels so I'm biased. My wife loves the contemporary the best because you step out of your room and you are in the "middle of the action" overlooking grand canyon concourse. The contemporary is just so energetic with the monorail and people below. That plus the ability to walk into magic kingdom or monorail to the ttc which is a really nice perk. Definitely get a room in the main building if you can swing the price.

Agreed about the cost of WDW, we are scheduled to return this summer but I'm looking at the balance remaining and I'm thinking to myself it might be money better spent on a trip to the Caribbean or Europe. Sometimes I crave escapism (disney) and other times I crave seeing more of the real world but escapism is getting pricier! I looked back at some email receipts from a few years ago and I can't believe how much more expensive a week at WDW is now. Its also amazing how quickly the hotels seem to book up the past year or so.

 

[aw14]

We have stayed there twice. One with a theme park view and one on the club level. Both were great and the ability to walk to the MK is awesome

 

[Todd H]

Rise from your grave!

When I started this thread last year staying at the Contemporary was planned but I switched it to Wilderness Lodge. So I STILL haven't stayed there. But that all changes next summer because I'm finally going to spend 7 days at the Contemporary. I'm staying in the main building with a view of the lake since we've never cared much for fireworks. So give me some tips/tricks.

 

[Think Tink]

Rise from your grave!

When I started this thread last year staying at the Contemporary was planned but I switched it to Wilderness Lodge. So I STILL haven't stayed there. But that all changes next summer because I'm finally going to spend 7 days at the Contemporary. I'm staying in the main building with a view of the lake since we've never cared much for fireworks. So give me some tips/tricks.

So that means it wasn't your last trip! Yay! I'm staying at the Contemporary in August. Trying Club Level for the first time too. So excited!

 

[Todd H]

So that means it wasn't your last trip! Yay! I'm staying at the Contemporary in August. Trying Club Level for the first time too. So excited!

Nope. It was going to be but my son is Autistic and has had a miserable time during trips we've taken since then. His vacation routine is Disney World and if I deviate from that he is not happy. It's where he is most comfortable. He's 10 and has been seven times if I remember correctly. Guess it's Disney World for the foreseeable future.

 

[HwdStudio]

Rise from your grave!

When I started this thread last year staying at the Contemporary was planned but I switched it to Wilderness Lodge. So I STILL haven't stayed there. But that all changes next summer because I'm finally going to spend 7 days at the Contemporary. I'm staying in the main building with a view of the lake since we've never cared much for fireworks. So give me some tips/tricks.

I love the lake views! It’s something to look at when the fireworks are going off which is only 15 or 20 minutes each night. If you do want to watch fireworks you can go out to the 4th floor deck and see them from there. It’s great to say oh we have a theme park view but in the end you are saving a little money and can still see fireworks if you really want to. Have a great trip.

PS How did you feel about WL?

 

[correcaminos]

Rise from your grave!

When I started this thread last year staying at the Contemporary was planned but I switched it to Wilderness Lodge. So I STILL haven't stayed there. But that all changes next summer because I'm finally going to spend 7 days at the Contemporary. I'm staying in the main building with a view of the lake since we've never cared much for fireworks. So give me some tips/tricks.

Oh wow, I hope you enjoyed WL too, we just got back from there. We might be doing next summer at Bay Lake at Contemporary and have enjoyed our times there. We also have a 10yo and that is his pick at least for next year. As an FYI if you ask nicely kids can still easily order off of the kid's menu at Disney to save some $$$. We also do breakfast and a light meal in the room when possible. Helps with the rising costs.

We missed renting boats, but I love doing that around Bay Lake & 7 Seas Lagoon if you can.

 

[Lou Filerman]

I've stayed at most hotels at Disney and Universal but for some reason The Contemporary is one I've never done. And that's interesting because when I was a kid I so wanted to stay there but we were so poor we could never afford it. I remember riding the monorail through the resort on our way to our one day visit to Magic Kingdom and thinking about how cool it was.

So for our trip this summer (which is probably our last to WDW) I decided to finally scratch The Contemporary off the list. Here's hoping that it doesn't disappoint.

I’ll be there August 15th through 25th. Bay lake view in the tower is my favorite. We stay there almost every time. Switched it up last year and stayed at WL, but missed Contemporary so bad.

 

[Todd H]

I love the lake views! It’s something to look at when the fireworks are going off which is only 15 or 20 minutes each night. If you do want to watch fireworks you can go out to the 4th floor deck and see them from there. It’s great to say oh we have a theme park view but in the end you are saving a little money and can still see fireworks if you really want to. Have a great trip.

PS How did you feel about WL?

Loved WL! I'm an outdoors guy so I felt right at home. My family loved it as well. After Contemporary next year we'll probably go back to WL again.

 

[senor_jorge]

Highest floor possible and away from the elevators. It's our favorite resort. Try to catch the Electrical Water Pageant at least one night. I'm in IT as well and usually start the day on the balcony with my laptop and a cup of coffee. It's nice to watch the boats starting to run. We generally snack in the mornings, but The Wave has a slower/quieter buffet in comparison to Chef Mickey's. It's a bargain as well when considering Disney pricing.

 

[winstongator]

Rise from your grave!

When I started this thread last year staying at the Contemporary was planned but I switched it to Wilderness Lodge. So I STILL haven't stayed there. But that all changes next summer because I'm finally going to spend 7 days at the Contemporary. I'm staying in the main building with a view of the lake since we've never cared much for fireworks. So give me some tips/tricks.

Main building or garden wing? I’ve only done the garden wing as what I wanted was the ability to walk there, and it’s a lot less expensive.

 

[winstongator]

Loved WL! I'm an outdoors guy so I felt right at home. My family loved it as well. After Contemporary next year we'll probably go back to WL again.

Have you been to Yellowstone and visited the Old Faithful Inn?