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Is Disney World's Contemporary Resort Iconic… But Cold?

Alex Adventures

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✨ Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic hotels at Walt Disney World… but does it actually feel luxurious? In Episode 8 of my Disney Deluxe Resort Series, I’m staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to find out if this legendary monorail hotel still delivers Disney magic — or if it feels more like a chaotic airport terminal than a Deluxe Resort. ✨

From the Garden Wing water view room… to the surprisingly peaceful pools… to the iconic Mary Blair mural and monorail atrium… I’m giving my honest luxury review of one of Disney World’s most debated resorts.

I also dine at Steakhouse 71 🍔 and revisit California Grill 🌆 to see whether the Contemporary’s dining lives up to the hype.

Is Disney’s Contemporary Resort truly a luxury Disney experience… or is it relying on nostalgia alone?

⭐ Disney Deluxe Resort Series — Episode 8 ⭐

#DisneyWorld #DisneyContemporaryResort #DisneyDeluxeResorts #DisneyLuxuryResorts

✨ TIMECODES ✨

00:00 Intro
01:05 First Impressions of the Contemporary Lobby
02:28 Garden Wing Water View Room Tour
03:18 Room First Impressions
05:42 Bathroom & Incredibles Theming
07:15 Does the Room Feel Luxurious?
08:12 The “Water View” Reveal 😅
10:08 Garden Wing Patio & Atmosphere
11:30 Transportation / Airport Vibes
12:20 The Atrium & Mary Blair Mural
14:18 Contempo Cafe & Chef Mickey’s
15:30 Why the Contemporary Feels Cold
17:12 Steakhouse 71 Review 🍔
19:22 Best Burger at Disney World?
20:05 Main Pool & Bay Lake Views
21:10 Quiet Pool & Beach Area
22:18 Final Thoughts on the Contemporary
24:02 California Grill Thoughts
25:12 Who This Resort Is Perfect For
26:05 Who Should Skip This Resort
27:28 Final Gold Star Rating ⭐

Enjoy the journey!
xoxo,
Alex

20 Comments

@alexadventures88 Creator 4 months ago Pinned

So… am I totally wrong about the Contemporary? 👀

Does Disney’s Contemporary Resort feel like an iconic Disney classic to you… or does it feel more like a hectic convention hotel riding on nostalgia? 🏰✈

And MOST importantly…

Is California Grill still worth that expensive prix fixe menu? 🍽💸

I want to hear your honest takes below ⬇

@CMDR_Elizium51RA 4 months ago

They have some nerve calling that a water view...

@SamanthaFl 4 months ago

If they incorporated mid-century decor from the actual movies into the rooms instead of the Incredibles motifs, the resort would likely receive a higher ranking.

@toddcribbs6844 2 months ago

You have to remember that Richard Nixon did his I'm not a crook speech

@BarrySchklar 3 months ago

Alex, My son and I have stayed at The Contemporary Resort for 28 years. One week every year. We always stay on the 14th floor. Concierge Floor. Same room every year. My son, Jacob, is autistic and the folks at the Contemporary take great care of us! It is Jacob’s home, one week a year. I am so impressed with your enthusiasm and you truly seem to enjoy what you are doing. I enjoy your films. Thanks, Barry from San Antonio.

@Mighty-01 4 months ago

Your Contemporary ‘Water View’ room has no water view… unless the sink counts 💦😂

@Guido-h1o 4 months ago

She is a old resort and starting to show her age. Enjoy your videos and water view from your room was awesome.

@gjxn7920 4 months ago

The problem that I have with the Contemporary Resort at Disney World is that it hasn't been a contemporary decor in 45 years! I see this as a low end Jetsons Resort. It needs to be very updated to be futuristic like in the year 2075.

@MaryAdams-zy3tq 4 months ago

Love the contemporary! It felt like Disney. Watch fireworks from balcony. Gift shops great. Breakfast with Mickey. Stay at magic Kingdom to the end and simply walk back to the hotel. No crowds or waiting. Perfect

@The_Conspiracy_Analyst 2 weeks ago

In its defense, I don't think it was originally intended to be luxury oriented at all. In the beginning it was meant to be a down to Earth modern building that could economically accommodate all of WDWs guests (was it 1971?). But it's undergone tons of corporate "reimagining" since then, with resulting "luxury" prices.

@stephengraham7950 4 months ago

I’ve definitely had a “daddy needs a drink” moment or two at the Outer Rim. Great bartenders there. They make up for a boring motif.

@0405BB 4 months ago

I LOVE your videos and your HONESTY!!! ❤😊

@salvatorezagra864 4 months ago

I agree with you 💯...personally I feel the Contemporary is more utilitarian than luxurious BUT I don't mind it (when trying to keep a budget it is fine)

@TBguitar 4 months ago

You did say right away that you were impressed!

@JenyASMR69 4 months ago

It just feel so motel, and generally all disney deluxe hotels feel like motel except Grand Floridian and animal kingdom

@angelamontclair 2 months ago

I struggle with the assessment of the hotel. I think the Contemporary Hotel meets the expectations of the target audience: Families with children. It’s Disney World, a playground for children and children at heart. Cheesiness is part of that!

@himynameis6502 4 months ago

We stayed in a Garden Room over Spring Break, and it was wonderful! We loved being close to everything while still enjoying the quieter atmosphere of the Garden Wing section. My spouse and I also appreciate clean, sleek design with minimal clutter, so the Contemporary was a perfect fit for us. The spacious room and large bathroom were especially nice after long park days.

P.S. We almost booked Disney’s Old Key West Resort for next month, but after seeing your video, we switched to Disney’s Contemporary Resort instead. I was honestly shocked by how dated OKW looked. It really seems like the resort could use a significant refresh and modernization.

@oboewankenobo8675 4 months ago

My wife and I stayed in the tower room for one of the stops on our honeymoon in January 1977. Our room had a beautiful view of the parking lot but our 3 day stay was very nice. When we got to our room they had a red rose and a small bottle of champagne on the table. That was a nice touch. I believe we paid $120 a night back then.

@robfletcher2454 4 months ago

New subscriber here. I love your channel! You're description of the Contemporary is spot on! An airport? YES!!! I never thought of it that way, but yes 100%. The Outer Rim while nice, feels like an afterthought. I love Steakhouse 71 completely! The rooms (that I've seen anyway) are clean and open but unspectacular. Deluxe? I guess but only due to its proximity to MK, the monorail and nostalgia. -Rob

@k00k 4 months ago

Agree all around. The Incredibles theming is decent, although a bit stark and "Holiday Inn Express", I like the Bay Lake Tower refurb better, those rooms feel a lot more deluxe. In general, I like the Contemporary, it gives me super nostalgic vibes because it was the first place I stayed when I was a kid, but I really think the Contemporary could have better pools and outdoor areas overall. There's something about them that just falls a bit flat. I don't really want to hang out at the resort beyond sleeping there. California Grill used to be sooo nice, upscale, and romantic, now it's a bit too Chili's or TGIFridays. MK access is obviously the best feature. As for the water view room, it is 100% not a water view room. Definitely should give you back your $50.