Thoughts on the Contemporary?

[DisneyPrincess5]

Hi all :wave:

Although we LOVE the Polynesian, we're open to branching out and trying other Disney Resorts after our next trip.
We've always liked the look and location of the Contemporary, but I have read some negative reviews about it, saying that the rooms were dusty and dirty, the CMs were rude, and there was a big problem with birds living and doing their business in the pools.

What are your thoughts on the Contemporary? Is it worth it?

Thanks!

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

I have stayed there on my last two trips, in the tower with a MK view and absolutely loved it. Our room was clean, the staff was always very helpful and friendly, and you can't beat the proximity to the monorail. We had good food at the counter service restaurant also (The name escapes me right now...) Contempo Cafe, maybe? The kids went swimming this last time, and the pool area was clean, too - no birdie do-do that we noticed. Good pina colada's in the pool bar - that was a plus!

That being said, it is noisier with the monorail and Chef Mickey's right there in the middle, but I never noticed the noise in the room. If you're looking for the Oooh and Aaah of the Poly atmosphere, you're not going to find it at the Contemporary. It's just what it's name says - sleek and modern and maybe a little chilly decor-wise.

Just my 2 cents......

 

[SleepingMonk]

We just stayed at the Contemporary a few months ago for my birthday. We were on the club level, Castle view and had absolutely no issues with staff at all, in fact they were extremely helpful and attentive. The room was very clean and well designed, so no problem there either. The only thing I could fault with the Contemporary is the fact it isn't themed as heavily as the newer resorts. We really love Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge and BoardWalk because of the major attention to a unified theme. Contemporary lacks that, but still has it's classic charm. If you've never stayed there I would suggest it if for no other reason than to check it off the list, I don't think you'll have any problems with cleanliness or staff.

 

[captainkidd]

Never stayed there, and have no desire to. It has a very business like feel to it. It looks like any other fancy hotel anywhere else. I go to Disney for the incredible theming.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

We loved the Contemporary too. The rooms are all remodeled, and they look great. The previous poster described them perfectly. They're a clean, modern look which some people do not care for.

We never had problems with a dirty pool or rude cm's.

The location of the Contemporary is just awesome. That part of it, really can't be beat.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Hi all :wave:

Although we LOVE the Polynesian, we're open to branching out and trying other Disney Resorts after our next trip.
We've always liked the look and location of the Contemporary, but I have read some negative reviews about it, saying that the rooms were dusty and dirty, the CMs were rude, and there was a big problem with birds living and doing their business in the pools.

What are your thoughts on the Contemporary? Is it worth it?

Thanks!

It's not my favorite, but for none of the reasons you have mentioned. I believe that housekeeping, staff and pools are equivalent to any of the other deluxes. There was a recent renovation, so all rooms are well updated.

Like some others have said, it's just more of a standard hotel to me...and especially if I was put in the remaining garden wing.

With that said, it is in walking distance to the MK, and has monorail connection to Epcot.

 

[batkc]

We stayed at the Contemporary this last January.

We stayed in the tower with a Kingdom view. Unfortunately, we were right above Chef Mickey's. Hey, that place is loud. They play music from 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning until 10:30 or 11:00 at night. Don't get me wrong, the Celebrate song is nice, but they keep playing it over and over...

I liked the rooms, they are larger than most standard rooms at any of the on property resorts and they were reasonably clean. There was plenty of bird do-do on the balcony.

It's not like I wouldn't stay there again, but it would have to be an attractive deal to get me away from the Dolphin again.

 

[DisneyMom4]

Having stayed in both resorts (Poly and Contemporary) several times I would have to say the Contemporary may not be what you are used to. That being said, the Contemporary has some GREAT cast members and an amazing proximity to Magic Kingdom. However, it does not have the magic 'feel' of the Poly -- no tropical flora and fauna, no beach overlooking the MK, no 'I'm totally in another world' feeling.

If you're looking for another deluxe to stay at I would recommend the Beach Club or the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[durangojim]

The Contemporary looks like a Hyatt to me. It doesn't seem Disney enough and when we stay at the WL, GF, Poly, or BC I feel like we're immersed in Disney. At the Contemporary, not so much, probably becuase the Contemporary isn't so contemporary anymore.

 

[CatsMeow]

We are CR fans, but have not stayed there in a while (since 2000) since becoming DVC members. We will be spending a few nights at the new BLT in August. You might want to think about a wing room instead of a stay in the tower. It is less expensive and certainly quieter, although you will not be "in the middle of the action" if that is important to you. We always stayed in one of the wings (now there is only one) and loved it. We found the tower to be a little too busy and the elevators always seemed very crowded. But the views are wonderful!

 

[addcogulf]

I love the Contempory. Always clean, rooms were just redone, food great and the monarail in right there. The tower is my favorite, but the garden rooms are good too. Some of them face the pool,and the ducks walk around, just adorable. I never saw them in the pools.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Hmm Maybe some of the reviews I read were before they renovated rooms...seems like the consensus here is positive.
Thanks everyone!

 

[DizneyPryncess]

I don't think there's anything wrong with the rooms or the service at the Contemporary. But for me, when comparing the two - I'd go with the Polynesian every time. There are pro's to the Contemporary. I love the fact that you can walk into the Magic Kingdom, and between Cali Grille & Chef Mickey's you have some of the best dining on property right at your feet.

However, I agree that the Poly has a more magic feeling to it. It has much more elaborate theming, and is so much fun just to walk around it and take it all in. I love being on the beach as well. We've talked about the Poly - you know why I love it. I just don't think the Contemp holds a candle to it in theming. We felt the need to branch out too, and we're doing the Boardwalk Villas this next trip. I'll let you know how that works out!

 

[goodtimes5286]

contempory is half man, half amazing.

Seriously though, it's my favorite hotel (ive stayed at all 3 all stars, pop, new orleans, coronodo springs, wilderness lodge, n contemp). It's funny that you usually stay at the poly b/c i've heard multiple people with bug issues in that hotel and thus i wont stay there. Contemp is great to walk to MK 1st thing in the morning getting there faster then ANYONE. And when your dead tired it's the 1st monerail stop on the way back. And if it's packed, no big deal, the walk is so short its no big deal.

Plus the eateries and shops are really for atults, the only kiddy area would be the arcade. I think its the best hotel for those wanting to stay in the hotel. Yeah it's not overgrowing with shrubery, but it's got a couple bars, 3 really nice resturants, a gift shop, a view, and a monerail. All in all it's my fav, and one of the most inclusive hotels.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

contempory is half man, half amazing.

Seriously though, it's my favorite hotel (ive stayed at all 3 all stars, pop, new orleans, coronodo springs, wilderness lodge, n contemp). It's funny that you usually stay at the poly b/c i've heard multiple people with bug issues in that hotel and thus i wont stay there. Contemp is great to walk to MK 1st thing in the morning getting there faster then ANYONE. And when your dead tired it's the 1st monerail stop on the way back. And if it's packed, no big deal, the walk is so short its no big deal.

Plus the eateries and shops are really for atults, the only kiddy area would be the arcade. I think its the best hotel for those wanting to stay in the hotel. Yeah it's not overgrowing with shrubery, but it's got a couple bars, 3 really nice resturants, a gift shop, a view, and a monerail. All in all it's my fav, and one of the most inclusive hotels.

Oh wow, I never heard that. If that really is a problem, I'm guessing it's because of all the greenery and the fact tat it's on the water...?

 

[disneygirl76]

Hi all :wave:

Although we LOVE the Polynesian, we're open to branching out and trying other Disney Resorts after our next trip.
We've always liked the look and location of the Contemporary, but I have read some negative reviews about it, saying that the rooms were dusty and dirty, the CMs were rude, and there was a big problem with birds living and doing their business in the pools.

What are your thoughts on the Contemporary? Is it worth it?

Thanks!

I'll be honest - i'm not a fan. I know it is a monorail resort but of the deluxes - it is my least fave. I don't care for the decor and theme. I would prefer the Yacht Club over the Contemporary. It is one of my faves! Back door to Epcot is awesome! Especially if you spend almost every night there! ha ha :lol: Wilderness Lodge is romantic as can be - but i don't like how it has no transport really but the buses. That can be a pain. And of course - the GF is my fave! Love that place! Would live there if I could! ha ha I wonder if they would let me??? hmmmm.... :ROFLOL:

 

[goodtimes5286]

Oh wow, I never heard that. If that really is a problem, I'm guessing it's because of all the greenery and the fact tat it's on the water...?

idk, i just always heard cockroaches. I bet that the vegitation is hte main problem though. LIke fort wilderness resort and campground prob has the same problem with bugs. Maybe they've done something recently b/c no one i know has been there in 10-15-20 years

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

idk, i just always heard cockroaches. I bet that the vegitation is hte main problem though. LIke fort wilderness resort and campground prob has the same problem with bugs. Maybe they've done something recently b/c no one i know has been there in 10-15-20 years

Cockroaches?!

Oooh well that was quite some time ago then...I'm sure Disney has an entire "get the bugs out of here" system, which may be why it seems fine now.

 

[wdwfan22]

We love the rooms at the Contemporary and tend to stay there more then the other monorail resorts. Rooms are always clean and since the room upgrade we find them to be more bang for the buck then the other monorail resorts. We love the poly but the last 3 times we have had issues with the rooms not being cleaned properly.

We will be at Baylake Tower August 5th and can't wait to experience a new part of the Contemporary!

 

[goodtimes5286]

Cockroaches?!

Oooh well that was quite some time ago then...I'm sure Disney has an entire "get the bugs out of here" system, which may be why it seems fine now.

lol you missed an oppertunity to kick back a zinger. I thought you were gonna say "Disney had to get the bugs out of the system"