beccab
Registered: December 2010
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 24
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Review Date: Fri April 12, 2013
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Location, beds
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Cons:
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We checked in on April 3rd, 2013. Arrived via Magical Express at about 10:30pm, were met right off the bus by a hotel cast member, greeted by name and immediately escorted into hotel for check in. Check in was quick, luggage was delivered to our room at about 1:30am at our request (with our late arrival time we had a choice for luggage delivery as soon as it arrived or to wait until morning).
Our room, 5143, was on the first floor of the South Garden Wing with a nice walk out patio and a view of the lake. It was very clean and spacious. Easy walk to main lobby, pool. Beds were very comfortable, rooms were quiet.
Staff friendly and courteous. Only had one issue with housekeeping, in that one day our room was somehow skipped. We called the front desk to notify around 7pm and when we returned to our room at about 10pm, the room had been cleaned, towels replenished.
Did note that the room was in need of a bit of refurbishment, particularly the bathroom which had a few tiles falling off the wall and the shower head needed to be replaced (the only reason I rated the hotel a 9 instead of a 10). On that note, however, 3 days into our trip the first building of the Garden Wing (closest to the main tower) closed for reburbishment. During the rest of our 8 night stay, we witnessed new mattresses, carpets, desk chairs, shower heads and ottomans being brought in to the new rooms.
Location was fantastic. Walked into Magic Kingdom everyday (maybe an 8 minute walk). Found the Contempo Cafe to be efficient and the food decent (although not great). Bus transportation was also efficient, never waited for more than 10 minutes although once picked up we did have to travel to the Polynesian for guest pick up there before traveling to final destination.
Pools were fine, with music and dancing in the afternoons. Adults wished the poolside Sand Bar had later hours and the kids wished the pool slide was a little more exciting 
Overall, we had a very magical stay. Would absolutely recommend and will definitely stay here again very soon.
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docdebbi
Registered: January 2013
Posts: 3
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Review Date: Fri January 18, 2013
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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location location location
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Cons:
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elevator delays
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We stayed here in December 2012 and thoroughly enjoyed this resort. We have stayed at many WDW resorts, this is up there, although mostly for location. It is exciting to know you are staying in one of the original hotels, and I enjoy the "contemporary' theming, although it is not nearly as overwhelming as with Polynesian or Grand Floridian or Animal Kingdom Lodge. They just don't have as much of a theme to work with, it is nicely done for what it is.
The place is clean, well maintained, and the service is excellent. The restaurant choices are great. Nothing better than rolling out of bed and stepping right into Chef Mickey's. The Contempo Cafe has very nice food selections, and is quick and convenient. Cali Grill is a must do for us every trip, enough said.
The view of the Magic Kingdom exceeded our expectations. We just opened the curtains, and sometimes the door, and just enjoyed and enjoyed, truly Magical.
But the main reason we stayed here? Walking to the park. The only resort where you can do this. With three kids in strollers, (yeah, we went with a 3 year old, 2 year old and 4 month old !), there is nothing better than walking out the door and being in the park. No bus, monorail, boat, etc. We know we could take these, but walking was actually quicker.We sometimes took the boat home, but the monorail goes around the entire loop before hitting MK, and we decided the walk over to the monorail station to get home and up that lovely incline with strollers was even more effort than just walking.
The elevators have always been and remain an issue. The wait is seriously an issue. I know there is no where else to add more elevators, but the number of folks waiting on each floor, and the number of times full elevators stop and you can't get on is truly a problem. And having to get off the elevator on one floor and wait for an elevator to get to the monorail level- again, having to wait for several full elevators before it's your turn- really made it untenable. Imagineers- come up with something!
Otherwise, it was a wonderful trip, truly enjoyed our stay- recommend it to everyone.
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JerseyShoregirl13
Registered: November 2012
Location: NJ
Posts: 10
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Review Date: Sun November 25, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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close proximity to monorail from room, concourse level outside your door, walk to MK
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Cons:
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Pool complex nothing special
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Having a room with view of Castle is awesome. If possible request room#4343-Best view! Great view of other MK resorts. Walk to MK is so convenient to enjoy last day of trip before going to airport. Can hear the sounds from Magic Kingdom. Feel like you are always right inside the "Magic".
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tink1970
Registered: October 2012
Posts: 8
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Review Date: Sat October 20, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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location!!!!
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Cons:
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sterile atmosphere
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This was a nice place for my husband and I to stay in Sept 2011.
The location can't be beat-enjoyed walking to the Magic Kingdom and drove to the other parks.
While the rooms have been updated, they still aren't as "themed" as some of the other resorts, but the location, dining and shopping easily makes up for that.
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Marie4
Registered: September 2012
Posts: 2
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Review Date: Tue September 25, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Location
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Cons:
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Storage
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We stayed at the Contemporary 9/14 to 9/22 in a theme park view room. I requested a high floor and far end from Chef Mickeys (to avoid the noise) and got a room on the 11th floor four doors from the end. It was wonderful. The views are amazing and to watch the fireworks from the balcony, it seemed as if you could almost touch them. This was our second time at the Contemporary and I loved it. I enjoy the walk to and from MK and the monorail is so convenient. The things I would consider negative is the storage space. While there are two drawers next to a bed they are small. In the closet, there are two smaller drawers. For a family of four, there isn't enough space for a week of clothes. Also, some of the front desk employees seemed to be unpleasant. I talked with the same woman on two different days and she was the same both times. She seemed cold and never smiled. The concierge workers are much better. I would definitely stay here again.
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John
Registered: December 2010
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 49
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Review Date: Thu August 9, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Great View of Typhoon Lagoon
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Cons:
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Restaurants were always crowded.
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My wife and I stayed at the Contemporary and it was very nice being on a monorail hotel. Traveling to Magic Kingdom and Epcot were a breeze. Bus Service to AK and HS was adequate and very regular. We thought the rooms were very nice and spacious and we had a great view of Typhoon Lagoon and the Light show at night.
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txtinkerbell
Registered: June 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 15
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Review Date: Tue June 26, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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location, restaurants, shopping, monorail
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Cons:
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none
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We stayed at the Contemporary at the beginning of June 2012. We have previously stayed at the GF, AKL and the Poly. I was reluctant to stay here due to reviews of lack of theme and negatives about the bathroom. Let me say we are so glad we stayed here. It is now our new favorite. We did online check in and the packet was presented to us when we pulled up to the valet station. We arrived at 10AM and our room was ready. We had requested a 9th floor or higher room and it was honored. We had a MK view and I cannot say enough about how wonderful that was. Every night we made sure we were back for the fireworks. We have watched Wishes from the Poly beach numerous times, but our own private balcony could not be beat. We hardly could be lured off it. We had breakfast out there every AM before heading out to the parks. It was a thrill to be able to hear the MK steam train whistle and see into the MK. We also loved the convenience of not having to go outside or to another building to board the monorail. It happened to be quite rainy on our visit and this was a definite plus. One rainy afternoon we rode around the loop and ate and shopped our way around the monorail loop. The room was beautiful. I do agree that the shower and sinks would be more convenient if they were seperated, but this was a minor issue. We ate at the Wave and the California Grill. Both were outstanding. Even the Contempo Cafe quick service was quite good. If you have the chance, stay at the Contemporary. It is my new favorite!
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MissWendyBird
Registered: April 2011
Posts: 4
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Review Date: Thu May 3, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Room, location, people, atmosphere
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Cons:
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Overall price, food, pool
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My dad and I stayed at the Grand Floridan last year so it was like coming home when we stayed at the Contemporary the last week of March. The minute we got there, it felt like a dream. I kept having to pinch myself to make sure we were actually there and that I wasn't dreaming.
We stayed five nights on the eleventh floor and spent a lot of time in our room. We spent the first night at Magic Kingdom so our first full day at Contemporary was spent at the resort and mostly in our beds as we were so tired from traveling and being on the go the day before. The beds were divine, especially the pillows. There's nothing like a lazy day with amazing pillows, at Disney World.
The one thing I really didn't like, was that when we got back to the Contemporary at 1 AM after spending the night in the Magic Kingdom, the Contempo Cafe and Room Service were both closed. We had to order Domino's, which wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, but for a resort to not have some kind of food place open when people will be getting back late and could be hungry.
Besides that, it was one of the best trips we've ever had. My dad often whined about the pools being little better than wading pools but I kept telling him he didn't pay for the pools.
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kberl
Registered: May 2009
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Sat April 7, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Location, customer service
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Cons:
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bus service
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My review is a little different, as I did not stay at this resort on my most recent visit (although I have previously). My son and I ate BF @ Chef Mickey's, and immediately after the ATM in the Contemp ate my card! The cast member who assisted me was nothing short of amazing, and the hotel gave me 2 taxi vouchers so that I could travel to a local bank branch and get a replacement card. They could not have been more wonderful, and saved my family's vacation. In addition, we used the Contemporary as our monorail and bus "hub", since my hotel's transportation was not very convenient. The only problem I encountered was the wait time for a bus to Typhoon Lagoon...we waited an extremely long time, and the ride out was very long due to multiple stops at Polynesian and DD, but we handled it. I will definitely stay at the Contemporary on our next visit, as I did many times as a little girl. It is quintissential Disney for me, and I can't wait to return!
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KrazeeK120
Registered: August 2009
Location: Bloomington, IL
Posts: 18
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Review Date: Tue March 27, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Location, convenience, view, decor
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Cons:
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Noise, functionality of bathroom, birds in common areas
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I just returned from staying at the Contemporary for 4 nights (March 23-27, 2012)
This resort has many pros. You cannot beat the location. Walking to Magic Kingdom is amazing, especially after watching Wishes and seeing everyone trying to cram onto crowded buses or the monorail (although that was me on previous trips...). I had a view of Bay Lake from my 11th floor room and it is absolutely breathtaking, especially in the morning. I could also see the pool, Wilderness Lodge, and Epcot. I am also one of the people who appreciates decor that doesn't scream DISNEY!! at me 24/7.
Now for the cons: Noise from Chef Mickey's is at the top of the list. They start singing EARLY in the morning. While the noise wasn't loud enough to wake me up, it was enough to make it impossible for me to fall back asleep if I woke up after they opened. There are also a lot of birds in the common areas on the 4th floor. This is due to the resort not shutting the doors where the monorail enters and exits. It's a little gross, in my opinion, to have birds flying around where people have food. Lastly, the bathroom, while beautiful, isn't the most functional. The towel rack is not within reaching distance of the shower, there is very little counter space, and the sinks are almost flat so the water doesn't all drain.
Overall, I did enjoy this resort and would probably stay there again. It isn't my favorite resort, but it definitely has a lot of worthwhile perks. This would be an excellent place to stay for people with kids who plan on spending much/most of their vacation at Magic Kingdom because it's the only resort with a walking path to this park.
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Jacklyn33
Registered: March 2012
Posts: 4
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Review Date: Tue March 27, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Location, Decor, Amenities
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Cons:
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Transportation, Bathrooms
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My husband and I stayed here for a few days at the end of February. We had a Garden Wing, Garden View room, which was nicely decorated, spacious and quiet. We really liked being able to walk to the Magic Kingdom, though it took at least fifteen minutes from the Garden Wing. We also enjoyed having The Contempo Cafe and The Wave nearby. One thing we didn't care for was the bathroom, which has horrible lighting and oversized sinks with virtually no counter space, which quickly became a pain when getting ready each morning. The other thing we were disappointed with was the monorail system. We didn't realize we had to change monorails to get to Epcot, and it ended up taking far longer than we anticipated. It's nice to have the monorail option I suppose, but I think it would be quicker to drive to Epcot if we stay here again.
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Disneylover25
Registered: March 2012
Posts: 3
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Review Date: Mon March 5, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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View, Service, Setting, Atmosphere, Location, Convenience, Rooms, Monorail
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Cons:
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The noise from Chef Mickey's
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I've gone to Walt Disney World four times. And three out of four of the times I've gone I've stayed at the one and only Contemporary Resort. I think that in it's self says a lot. The second time that me and my family stayed at the hotel we were chosen for family of the day (it was a great experience). Normally, we wouldn't be able to get a room that over looked Magic Kingdom but we were given that room as a surprise. I've had all three types of rooms at the Contemporary and each of them are magical and amazing.
The Garden Wing room was the first room I stayed at. So I think that shows how amazing this room is- it made my family come back to this hotel. The quick walk from the building that the Garden Wing room to the main building isn't to far and it's easy to quickly walk across. You can then quickly hop on the monorail and head over to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or another hotel that the monorail goes too. The pool isn't to far from the Garden Wing so it's very easy to just put on your swim clothes and go swimming.
The Magic Kingdom View Room was the second type of room I was able to stay in. Let me just tell you that the view from that room.....wow. It's amazing. You can see Cinderella's castle, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain from Magic Kingdom, The round golf ball looking thing from Epcot, and in the distance if you look closely you can see the Tree of Life and Expedition Everest from Animal Kingdom. The room was amazing and we all enjoyed being able to just go downstairs and get on the elevator or get milk for our cereal or eat breakfast at Chef Mickey's. The only con about that room was that every morning we had to get up around 6:00 ish because we would hear music, whistles, and screams coming from Chef Mickey's downstairs. The monorail that was right underneath our room was quite though.
The Pool View room (I think that's what it was called) was the third room I stayed at. The view of the pool was amazing. We couldn't hear the noise from Chef Mickey's and it was just as easy to hop downstairs and get the food that we need or take the monorail to a different place.
The gift shops in the hotel were nice and contained many things that I would love to own. While one store contained things like clothes, stuffed animals, jewelry, and scrapbooks the other contained toys and scrapbooks (both had scrapbooks in them).
The buses to other locations (Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and Hollywood Studios) did take a while to arrive but not any slower than they take to arrive at other resorts.
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HydrolatorTech
Registered: March 2010
Location: Maple, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4
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Review Date: Sun February 26, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Walking distance to MK, friendliness of staff
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Cons:
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Overall Price
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We stayed at the Contemporary 02/15/12-02/16/12. Yes, only one night, but it was amazing! Myself, my wife and our 4 month old daughter (who loved her Pack-n-Play).
The staff were absolutely amazing - smiles all around, helpful, attentive, did everything in their power (big and small) to make our lives easier!
We had a MK view room, and it was completely worth it! To see the fireworks as our daughter was falling asleep, enjoying the beautiful sunrise over the park as we could hear the WDW Railroad make its way around the park before anyone was even there was amazing. This - and the fact that from our door to the turnstiles at the park took less than 10 minutes to walk (pushing the stroller, waiting for the fastest elevators I've ever been on, and leisurely walking to the gate) - made the price completely worth it.
If you can afford it - DO IT!!
The only negatives we found: the hotel doesn't have the "pizazz" of the themed resorts, but you're completely surrounded by Disney magic it doesn't matter; yes, the building itself is showing its age, but does that really impact the overall feeling? Absolutely not.
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andrencau
Registered: February 2008
Location: alabama
Posts: 9
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Review Date: Fri February 3, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Location, Cool Factor
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Cons:
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None
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We stayed at the Contemporary January 24-31, 2012. We were on the 10th floor (4626) with a MK view. There were 6 of us in the room. We had a 2 year old in a pack-n-play, so yes it was legal. This was our 3rd stay at the Contemporary and was just as great as the others.
Check-in was great. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Even one of the other cast members not involved with checking us in was doing a great job of entertaining our 2 year old.
The room was clean and just as magical as the last 2 times that we stayed. I need to digress a minute and talk about how "un-Disney" this resort is. I find it to be just the opposite. To me, all of the contemporary details scream Disney. It is the best place to have a view of MK and Cindy's castle. Where else can you walk out your door and watch a monorail run through your hotel? Where else can you go out your door and watch Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald parade around waving their napkins? Where else can you go and look out your balcony and turn right and see MK and turn left to see the peaks of Everest and the top of the Tree of Life? Where else can you go and walk out your front door and see Spaceship Earth and Tower of Terror and the top of the Sorcerer's Hat? Nowhere. It is Disney all over. No the room doesn't have hidden Mickey's in the carpet or the bed linens, but does that make it "un-Disney?"
Sorry about that, but I had to say it. One more thing. There are so many complaints in reviews of this and other resorts about chipped furniture or a stain here or peeling wallpaper here. Is your home in perfect conditions? Mine is not. My home is lived in and so are these resorts.
We had a great stay here. Everyone was very eager to help. We got tips from bellmen, from front desk, from workers at Contempo Cafe. Everyone was on their A game the week we were there.
Again, its a great place to stay and be in the middle of ALL of the magic.
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BenHowell
Registered: January 2012
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Mon January 23, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? No
| Rating: 7
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Pros:
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Location, Most Staff
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Cons:
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Not as family friendly as other Disney Hotels
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We stayed January 4-10 2012 Garden Building. Arrival experience was definitely AAA 4 Diamond Quality. Food options were good, but not great. Cleanliness of the room was very good, no dust on high shelves, etc. Walk to Magic Kingdom is pretty awesome, and the fireworks from the observation deck at the Grand Canyon Concourse were very cool. This hotel definitely caters to a business/convention visitor. Less drawer space than any Disney hotel I've ever been in. Pool is not what I'd expect at a Disney Deluxe hotel, it seems to be a bit of an afterthought. The ubiquitous swim suit drying line in the bath/shower is not present at this hotel. And the monorail was a hassle every time we rode. Eventually we gave up and drove. While still a Disney Deluxe hotel it was my least favorite of the Magic Kingdom Resorts.
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