A Quick Review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The first time I stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort was around February 2001, back in the days of the North Garden Wing (where Bay Lake Tower is presently located) and the décor was the bright yellow, red, black, purple and green. It was a bright and ‘happy’ room and a far cry from the relaxing décor of today. Cast Members wore purple and green and not the soothing neutral wardrobe of today. Alas, this was prior to the popularity of digital photos, so I’ll have to skip the photo trip down memory lane. Suffice it to say, the present incantation of the resort really has stepped things up a bit! I do find Disney’s Contemporary Resort to be a bit less ‘themed’ inside than other resorts, but with so many choices there really is something for everyone.
Rooms in the main Tower are the same décor as those in the South Garden Wing. Difference is location: the Tower rooms are in the main building (the A Frame that you see in most promotional photos) where all of the public services are located and these have balconies. The Garden Wing is the three story building just south of the main tower and tends to be a bit quieter, and there are no balconies. Some rooms overlook the lake area and there’s a parking lot that is close by, and ground floor rooms have a small patio area. Personally I will stay pretty much anywhere in the Contemporary but I do enjoy the Garden Wing area because it is a bit quieter, and can be a shorter walk to the pool. I also don’t mind the walk to the main building, and since I generally have a car at Disney its a convenient hike to the parking lot from the Garden Wing.
For comparison purposes, here’s a photo of the guest room in December 2010:
Back in the old days, Disney resorts had bedspreads. Then some went to duvets as you see from the 2010 photo. Below is the 2013 version of the Contemporary Resort, with the triple sheeted beds.
The triple sheeting really helps with sanitation as everything can be laundered on a regular basis. If you’re worried about being cold there are additional blankets in the closet or you may call Housekeeping for extras. As someone who is usually cold at night I was comfortable in this room.
Carpets and drapes were replaced as well, which is visible in the above photos.
Among my favorite feature of the Contemporary Resort guest room are the large closets. Makes it easy to contain clutter or even unpack:
The mini-fridge and coffeemaker (pod-type) is located between the two closets. I like that the coffee packs are not lying on the counter, and I can hide my snacks.
I think my favorite feature is the big desk, because I generally work when on a trip. Back in the ‘old days’ you had to purchase internet. Now it is complimentary:
Bathroom is not really changed from 2010. Still have those sleek and modern basin sinks. Beware of splashing in those shallow sinks! I like that this resort has a lot of light in the vanity area.
So that’s the “new” Contemporary Resort. Rooms have two queen beds and a daybed and will accommodate five people somewhat comfortably. This is an attractive and functional room and you can’t beat that walk to the Magic Kingdom!
