Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a beloved icon to many fans of Walt Disney World, and most fans know the famous story of how this A-frame hotel was built offsite, with the rooms lifted and inserted into the frame by a crane. This was one of the two original resorts built when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971.
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After all these years, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is still an impressive structure in the morning sun when guests are arriving at the Magic Kingdom and a shining beacon at night when guests are exiting after a long day. It’s also a striking landmark visible from Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom or when riding the monorail. Not only is it fun to look at, it’s an exciting resort to actually stay at as well. Here are some outstanding reasons why you will love staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
7. Your Ride In The Sky
It doesn’t get any easier than to walk out the door of your hotel room and be steps away from a monorail station. Located on the fourth floor inside the resort at the Grand Canyon Concourse, guests can hop on the monorail and travel to the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and finally the Magic Kingdom. Visiting Epcot is achieved by taking the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center and then easily transferring to the Epcot Monorail. In my opinion, it never gets old to hear the monorail whooshing by all day long as you stroll around the shops and restaurants inside.
6. Walking path to the Magic Kingdom
A huge selling point of staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is having access to a landscaped walking path to the Magic Kingdom. If you don’t want to wait for transportation, a quick 10-minute walk will have you have the front gates of the Magic Kingdom.
5. Unique Theming
Disney’s Contemporary Resort celebrates Walt Disney’s futuristic vision, similar to the theming found in Tomorrowland. Resort room and suite furniture and amenities have a very modern feel to them. The décor of this resort also features a stunning 90-foot high mural by Mary Blair, who is probably best known for her artistic work in the attraction, “It’s a Small World”. Visit the Contemporary Resort during the holidays and be in awe of their beautiful decorations!
4. Chef Mickeys
Several good restaurants can be found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but the most famous of all is Chef Mickeys, located on the Grand Canyon Concourse. Serving a visit from Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy, as well as buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is a favorite for the entire family. The Fab Five love to celebrate with guests, and there is a delicious sundae bar to enjoy too.
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3. A Whimsical Water Parade
Guests at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are treated to the Electric Water Pageant, which circles Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon every night. Twinkling sea animals and spectacular flags light up the water as electronic Disney melodies entertain everyone. The parade can be viewed from many places, including the beach, the California Grill restaurant, or from the balcony in a theme-park-view room in the Tower.
2. Plentiful Shopping
Several shops are available on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, making it easy to browse for souvenirs without having to deal with park crowds, or if you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend time out of the afternoon sun. Bayview Gifts offers jewelry, perfume, purses, housewares, and a wide selection of clothing. The Fantasia shop offers toys and Disney merchandise for children, while the Fantasia Market supplies snacks, drinks, adult beverages, and newspapers and magazines.
1. Magic Kingdom Fireworks View
Wonderful views of Bay Lake, the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Magic Kingdom are enjoyed from this resort, but the most magic view of all is watching the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show, Happily Ever After, from the grounds of the Contemporary. Guests can be amazed at this fireworks display from the Lounge at the California Grill on the 15th floor (you have to be a dinner guest here to view the fireworks). Tower rooms with balconies facing the Magic Kingdom can view Happily Ever After as well.