Planning a Resort Day at Disney’s Contemporary Resort During Phased Reopening

Deluxe hotels have earned the Disney community’s adoration. Considered the most luxurious accommodations at Walt Disney World, each deluxe hotel provides a unique and immersive experience. So, what designates a “top tier” hotel from the others? On Disney property, these specific hotels offer larger guest rooms, more opulent designs, fine dining, expansive pool/lounge areas, and diverse shopping. Today we’re going to discuss a fan favorite, the Contemporary. From its modern style to its convenience to the Magic Kingdom, it’s easy to see why it’s popular. And now that it’s open again, let’s describe a perfect day on Contemporary property. After all, if you’re going to pay for a room here, you should enjoy everything the hotel has to offer!

  

1. The Most Important Meal of the Day

Sleeping in is wonderful, but don’t miss this popular character breakfast! Conveniently located in the main atrium, Chef Mickey’s is offering a modified character dining experience. While it originally opened with no characters, Mickey and friends are back in their culinary attire. Throughout your visit, they will appear for distanced photos, waving, and magic-making. Plus, you’ll get an autographed card from everyone at the end of your meal. Speaking of your meal, the buffet has been replaced with an all-you-care-to-enjoy skillet featuring eggs, sausage, and famous Mickey waffles.  (Items like fruit, yogurt, and plant-based options are also available.) Even with restrictions, Chef Mickey’s continues to be a fan favorite and if you’re a Contemporary guest, you’ll love the quick walk to breakfast. Take advantage of the proximity. Just make sure you have an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR)!

2. Lounge Poolside

What kind of vacation doesn’t include pool time? The pool area is open, but since capacity limits are still in place, we’d recommend you head there early in the day. Claim a seat and settle in for at least a few hours of relaxation. Enjoy all of the amenities including a large ‘Feature’ pool with an actual beach, hot tubs, a water slide, a play area, a seasonal bar, and the ‘Bay Lake’ pool which is more suited for adults. So regardless of your age, there is something to satisfy everyone here! Don’t miss out on this incredible amenity. Every Disney hotel is not equipped with a mini waterpark.

3. A Shopping Spree

Lugging purchases around the parks isn’t the greatest. (And let’s be honest, haven’t we all forgotten about shipping items to the front of the park?) Fortunately, there are great shops right inside the Contemporary. Unlike some hotels that only offer a small convenience store, Disney takes resort shopping to the next level. Stroll through the concourse until you see the Mickey-shaped arches of the Fantasia store. Inside, you’ll find some of the best park souvenirs including clothes, stuffed animals, hats, and seasonal merchandise. If you’re looking for something a little swankier, head to the nearby Bayview Gifts. There you will find fine jewelry, artwork, artisanal chocolates, and so much more. Best of all, you won’t have to ship items or push through a mob of people to buy them at all! This is truly Disney shopping at its best.

4. Lunch Break

Again, you’ll want to have an ADR because this hidden gem of a restaurant is getting noticed! Check out The Wave… of American Flavors for a lunch that will blow away anything from a food court. This trendy, yet family-friendly restaurant celebrates a melting pot of American cuisine. The menu utilizes only fresh and locally sourced ingredients so there is a distinct quality difference in the crab cakes, succulent hamburgers, and crisp salads. As you indulge at lunch in the sleek surroundings, you’ll wonder why The Wav isn’t the hottest meal ticket in town. Speaking of its outstanding food, try to convince someone to split dessert with you. The trio of chocolate cakes in the Chocolate Flight is on a whole new level of sinful.

5. Take a Monorail Tour

An obvious benefit to staying at the Contemporary is having the monorail stop right in your lobby. Monorail service may currently be modified, but it’s still making regular trips to the Grand Floridian resort and the gates of the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy the thrill of simply riding the monorail and getting off at your leisure. Take advantage of exploring the Grand Floridian shops, restaurants, and common areas. Jump off at the Magic Kingdom just to take the leisurely walking path back to the Contemporary. And best of all, with current restrictions in place, you don’t have to worry about being stuffed into a car with lots of strangers. Your monorail access will be convenient and safe. So, make sure you enjoy one of the best Disney World attractions.

6. A Scrumptious Finale

One of the finest dining experiences in Walt Disney World, The California Grill, is open again and the people have rejoiced. That being said, your perfect resort day at the Contemporary has to include this locale for dinner. This gorgeous restaurant sits atop the hotel featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a birds-eye view of The Magic Kingdom. (Now, while you currently can’t see fireworks, we’d still encourage you to dine once the sun has gone down. Nothing glitters in the night sky like Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A.) Once seated, admire the elegant vibes and stunning sights. Feast on first-class steaks, hand-rolled sushi, and sip wine straight from Napa Valley. And if you time your meal just right, you may even catch the enchanting Electrical Water Pageant down on the Seven Seas Lagoon. We can’t imagine a more perfect ending to a perfect day.

With so many things to enjoy right on Contemporary property, the hotel is a vacation spot itself. If you’re lucky enough to be a guest, we sincerely hope you enjoy everything the resort offers. You’ll never want to leave!