The Contemporary Resort - Reviews?

[sent]

We are heading back to Disney in January, MLK week. I've decided to split our stay, 5 nights at the Swan followed by 3 nights at the Contemporary. We've stayed at the Swan before. 

I've read over and over that the theming is not strong at this hotel, but I figured that my younger one (DS is only 1) isn't old enough to appreciate theming and it's too cold to enjoy the pool at the Polynesian. I want to be walking distance to the Magic Kingdom so either one of us can take DD whenever she wants without losing too much time and energy to travel. It appears this is the hotel for that.

I think DD is going to find the monorail going through the resort amusing. We ate at California Grill two years ago but she was only 3.5 and doesn't really remember being in the hotel. She asked to do a character meal and I told her we could go to Chef Mickey's.

Anyone stayed there? Thoughts?

[nextbigthing]

I love the Contemporary. Staying at Bay Lake Tower on DVC points in early January and cant wait!

The theming is less, but the location cant be beat.

[irishbride2]

It’s weak in terms of theming but kids love it because of the mo orail. It’s one of my kids favorites.

[lishie]

We bought at BLT at the Contemporary despite the fact that I don't love the theming, because of the convenience. It feels less Disney and more like a nice hotel you'd find anywhere else, but the monorail inside is fun. My kids love eating at the food court or Chef Mickey and seeing the monorail come through. The convenience of being able to walk to the Magic Kingdom or get on the monorail, head to the TTC and hit epcot easily is nice.

Our last stay there my boys didn't swim much, but they spent a good while just building sandcastles at the contemporary beach. They had a lot of fun there.

[Doggy Mommy]

I haven’t stayed there, but have walked through, grabbed an Uber from there etc. It felt very 80s to me. The location is excellent though.

[steamboat185]

We’ve stayed at BLT twice and I love it. Being able to walk to the MK in 10 minutes is awesome and everything we wanted is close by. I don’t really care how many Mickeys are hidden in the wallpaper since I get plenty of Disney everywhere else. We’ve stayed at the Boardwalk too and I like the Contemporary area better. We’ve also run into Peter Pan and Hook several times before they go on the evening cruise and had a nice visit as no other kids were around.

[countthestars]

We stayed at BLT. The theme is boring but you can't beat the location/proximity to MK. We had a rough time with the monorail back from EPCOT (it took us over an hour and a half to get back) but since you're split-staying I'd just do EPCOT during your Swan stay.

ETA: I've heard the Garden Wing rooms could use an update.

[milano]

I love the Contemporary. The "lack" of theming is a non-issue for me. The monorail is the theme, IMO. Food choices are great too, we've done Chef Mickey's twice and had great experiences

I love being able to walk to MK and the rooms are pretty spacious. My 5yo and 2yo kids were thrilled with the pool and splash pad area.