Reviewing EVERY Hotel in Disney World -- Contemporary Resort

[@ThemeParkDelight]

I am a cast member in resort sales and your videos help increase my knowledge so I can better help guests plan their WDW vacations, thank you

[@allaccessentertainment4755]

These videos really are helpful for everybody! Whether it's the guests or the cast members 😊!

[@RhodeIslandDude]

I’m sure all the employees love it there.

[@amydoran9987]

The best videos.

[@Shadooee]

How does one get a job doing sales for the resorts?

[@StephanieLenz71]

Would you guys consider putting all of the "Reviewing Every Hotel" videos into a devoted playlist as we go along? I'd love the easy reference in future. I did find this and Pop Century in the Hotels playlist.

[@vincent412l7]

You can make your own playlist(s) on KZbin.

[@StephanieLenz71]

@@vincent412l7 That's not what I'm talking about.

[@lucasmcdougall4897]

@@StephanieLenz71 they made a video ranking them all

[@StephanieLenz71]

@@lucasmcdougall4897 I'm talking about these videos in a devoted playlist, not a single video about all hotels.

[@Talk2WandaVision]

We stayed at the Contemporary when I was a little girl in the 1970s. Family of five in the original tower. This is bringing back memories long forgotten. I remember seeing the monorail for the first time and feeling like I was transported to the future. Everything really did feel magical. It's actually making me cry right now. How much the world has changed and the loss of childhood wonder.

[@irishgirl4977]

AJ saying "that's the sound of your bank account crying" just made me laugh aloud! Thanks AJ!

[@molybdnum]

I think the choice of the Contempo for the Incredibles rooms is reasonable - it's definitely the hotel that looks most like a supervillain HQ, at least on the exterior. It's too bad they didn't go a little more playful with the interiors.

[@bethanywingenfeld766]

One of my happiest memories as a kid was a birthday party at the Contemporary! My kindergarten best friend had many family members who worked for Disney, and they got a theme park view suite where we ordered room service and watched movies. We also checked out the arcade and did a few laps around on the monorail . This was around 2006, but even with all the changes it's always been a favorite of mine because of that time :)

[@charlab.7838]

We were there about 3 weeks ago and stayed at the Garden View rooms. We've stayed in them before but this was the first time after the renovation. I agree with you. The rooms feel cheap and although the Garden View rooms just opened after renovation in the last month or so, you could already see that the sofa bed was not going to last. The carpet in the hallways was already dirty. The two things I did like was the beds in that you could store suitcases under them and the renovated bathrooms. However, no more tubs in the renovated bathrooms...only showers. It was nice having counter space and storage underneath the bathrooms sinks. So, if you have small children keep the "no tub" in mind for Garden View rooms. All in all, it feels like you're at a room at the Art of Animation resort or one of the cheaper resorts. I think that they made a huge mistake with this theming. You're paying the big bucks (we had 3 rooms for all 12 of our family for 5 nights) and I have to say I won't stay there again. One more thing is that right now you're paying the big bucks for these rooms and only get your rooms serviced every other day. We could never reach the staff for more towels or other necessities. Had to walk and look for room attndants to find what we needed which was not easy either. Awful service considering the money you are spending.

[@amydoran9987]

We stayed in the garden view a couple of years ago. I felt it was not nearly as nice the rooms in the main part of the hotel.There was too much hopping from one building to another, to get a drink etc..

[@weatheredseeker]

It's basically a museum at this point. People are paying for the history more than anything. They're preserving contemporary as it was then. I'm not saying that makes it worth the money though 😅. If I'm going deluxe I'm going to the AK Lodge

[@katstiehm3932]

Nothing says “deluxe” like housekeeping every other day and not affording a microwave in each room. 🤣Especially because the mattresses kept slipping off the weird edgeless beds and Disney doesn’t believe in fitted sheets. My dad needs an ADA room so we requested one ADA and one not, and requested to be close or connecting rooms. Thankfully (though we wanted and paid for garden view near laundry) we were upgraded to the main tower on the 9th floor with a connecting room- one shower one bath! Thanks for the booking tips AJ!

[@himynameiscorey]

Like the other deluxe hotels, the contemporary having expensive stay despite mediocre rooms, while still having nice restaurants, means the only times I’ll be back will be to eat at their California grill or Steakhouse 71 and take the monorail to and from MK. No desire to ever stay here for these prices lol.

[@justsplendacious]

I've never been able to go on a trip like to a Disney park, but it might be in the cards now that I'm older?? So THANK YOU for all your helpful and fun information on Disney World, DFB team!!! Very appreciative of this hotel series specifically

[@sweetblade7]

I'm staying at the Contemporary for the first time this December and I couldn't be more excited! I like the new Incredibles theming. I also think the neutral tones and simple furniture designs are becoming very popular. So I guess you could say the look is contemporary. 😆

[@jeffpriz]

Love all this info, staying at the Contemporary resort has been on my bucket list of things to do ever since I was a kid (so many years ago) and was amazed as the Monorail went through this hotel. One day I am going to make this happen!

[@kristengolicic980]

I've stayed in the new rooms twice now and, they're awful. The lighting is like a shopping mall dressing room, and there's soooo much wasted space in the bathrooms. Also, during the first stay, one of the lights in the closet snapped loose, fell, and dangled loosely for the rest of our stay, and on the second, three of the outlets didn't work so...Its a huge step down in design quality and functionality.

[@dankusoonyt7473]

If Marriott or Hilton does get the rights for both the Bay Lake Tower & Contemporary Resort, then that would a huge domino effect for hotels & resorts which would end up impacting the Swan & Dolphin twin hotels which are under both Sheraton & Westin.

[@katiebenson7747]

Would you be able to do a video on the three Disneyland hotels? I am going to Disneyland for the first time in December and your videos helped me out so much with my last disney world trip!!

[@landonbellamy1287]

I have stayed in the Garden Wing a year ago and had some ups and downs. I did like all the amenities and the stuff to do there, but the room was dated and the elevators in the Garden Wing were scary so I had to take the stairs. The restaurants at the Contemporary is for everyone, while not for everyone (A good example is Chef Mickey's!). If you are looking for a deluxe resort, I would recommend either the Polynesian or Animal Kingdom Lodge.

[@JamesonThomas24]

As a kid, I used to dream I could stay at the contemporary. As an adult, I dream of having a house. With those room prices? It’s the same dream.

[@JasonSterlingRMC]

The Incredibles rooms do look cheap- almost Value resort level of furnishing quality. I want to say Motel Six but that's harsh because they aren't quite that bad but I'm definitely not impressed. I still love the Contemporary overall though.

[@thelisarahman]

My dream suite is a theme park view in Bay lake tower in those two story suites. With the floor to ceiling windows and the fireworks at night. If i had all the money in the world, i would quite literally live there.

[@amydoran9987]

We stayed at the garden view part of the contemporary. It was nice, but I could not get over the feeling that we were cut off from the main hotel. Being right next to the monorail was fun.The food court and restaurants were great.On the rest of our trips, throughout the years, we have stuck with wilderness lodge. It’s far nicer and everything you need is right within the hotel.

[@GrassJelly101]

This is such perfect timing! Just found out we're staying at Bay Lake Tower this upcoming trip 😊🙌

[@heidik411]

Been to Disney World 6 times , have NO intention of going back. But , LOVE these videos. Anyone else?

[@Pumpkinchippy]

Please do Polynesian next

[@paper_pirate]

I LOVE the Incredibles, but they butchered this redesign. I liked the old look better. No way I would pay that much money for those rooms. They look like a Hyatt House, which I could get for a fraction of the price.

[@Dispatcher-kv2im]

Love this video! I can’t find all the other individual hotel videos on the playlist, can you direct me to where they might be or post the links for the other videos in the series? If so, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the content. Keep up the great work.⭐️🇺🇸

[@LauraGlorybelle]

I like the Incredibles, but not enough to want to choose a room with that theme. I took Contemporary off my bucket list when they did the update. Maybe it will go back on at the next room refresh.

[@dinasanchez2118]

I know this is way off in the distant future, but can we get a video for the swan reserve please?? It’s so new there’s just nothing on it!

[@vincent412l7]

AllEarsNet has a review.

[@katielouise3924]

Thank you so much, AJ & Disney Food Blog for these Disney Resort reviews! When I win the lottery, I’ll stay at the Contemporary, lol! It does have its fabulous benefits!

[@veronicajude]

The little blue pool is my favorite spot. 💙💙💙

[@reimagineering.tomorrowlan1505]

Not quite the same as the Contemporary, but the Disneyland monorail does go through the Grand Californian.

[@scottmoore5839]

It's not the Incredibles that make the contemporary garden view rooms bad, It's the oh so cheap and cheesy decorations and style they went with. If these rooms were anywhere else and someone paid more than 200.00 bucks for it, I would say they got ripped off. I feel like they know they are going to get people to stay there due to location, so they can back off on making it a true deluxe hotel. Besides location and the steakhouse71 there is nothing about the contemporary that says deluxe.

[@chipwinter5745]

The Contemporary is one of our favorites. Granted is wasn't as expensive 14 years ago when we stayed there, but with the kids is ideal to be able to walk to MK, and then back easily to get our afternoon nap/swim. Plus our two little ones (little at the time), loved watching and riding the monorail.

[@nickymock]

We’re off to the Contemporary in September, so excited! It’s about our 6 trip there. We usually stay in the tower with a bay lake view. Much prefer the beauty of it to the MK & car park view 👍

[@ratgrle]

The main pool at the contemporary is closing 1/9/23 for refurbishment, so expect construction noise and the bay lake pool to be much more crowded as it absorbs the tower/garden view guests.

[@The_LadyAJ]

It's themed to the incredibles because its contemporary. The style in the movies is like 50s-60s, mid-century modern. Otherwise known as contemporary. I hardcore prefer the incredibles theming. I think it's classy and fun. I'm admittedly a sucker for mid-century modern styles though. Frankly, the redesign is the reason I want to stay a night in the contemporary on my next trip.

[@jenniferzackschewski2189]

Thank you! All the people complaining must have paid no attention to the period in time that it takes place. The aesthetic in the movie perfectly fits with the vibe that the hotel was going for from the beginning. The retro futuristic, mid century modern, whatever you want to call it, theme is awesome, and I would love to stay there.

[@maxpowr90]

It should be noted with club level access, you get free alcohol (cast members do monitor the booze so it's not all-you-can-drink). The club level at the resorts have more of an airport lounge vibe which is great for adults but not as family-friendly. If you do the club level, I'd honestly forego the dining plan. While they're not full-scale restaurants, plenty of snacks, apps, and fingerfoods to keep you full for most of the day. My bro and me are doing the Stone Harbor Club at Beach Club in November and can't wait.

[@xx_mercy_maggie_xx5983]

I loved the contemporary resort so much it was so quiet in the room you couldn’t hear the noise in chefs mickeys

[@samanthalee137]

i know Disney Swan & Dolphin is not an official disney hotel but i’d love if you could review it! My bf and I are staying there next year

[@lisab7955]

My boss loves those two hotels. He can afford to stay at any hotel.

[@jenniferzackschewski2189]

I feel like the only person who thinks The Incredibles theme and colors make so much sense for this hotel. The movie takes place in the 60’s and very much has a mid century modern aesthetic in all the architecture and furniture. Is that not what the Contemporary was going for from the beginning? Now, we call it retro futuristic, and I love it.

[@summermazur3064]

Nixon said, "I am not a crook" at the Contemporary?! The things you learn on DFB Guide!

[@aprieto7998]

Can't see myself paying that kind of money. Normally most people are out and about all day. So a good clean room will do. But if you have that kind of money to burn 🔥 more power to you.

[@lilbatz]

I know exactly 2 people in my life, who can hear these prices and not flinch. WDW is aiming for moneyed overseas travelers with this place.

[@Jewell8219]

a nice experience in this resort, we can watch fireworks outside our balcony And very easy get to magic kingdom as well. The room is newly renovated.

[@katherinegaines9252]

Love love love your videos! They keep me happy 😄

[@downtown_abown]

A man who works at california grill told me that technically overall the pre fix menu is a better value than paying for a 3 course meal as separate plates. There are obvs exception combinations but for the menu as whole? He said enjoy 3 courses for 1 price while you can bc some of the best options are on that menu.

[@vincent412l7]

the monorail- Contemporary is the first stop, when everyone is leaving Magic Kingdom (lunch, end of day), you will not be able to board at the Contemporary. To get on someone has to get off, and it may be a long line.

[@thestoryfactory8429]

Contemporary is my absolute favorite resort. I loathe the new room designs. The rooms used to have personality and character. Now they look cheap and uncomfortable.

[@bridgetclement8167]

I LOVE the Restaurants at the Contemporary. Never stayed there but the Views at the California Grill r Amazing and Very romantic

[@frankcarrillo190]

I stayed Contemporary Club level Nov 2022. Loved it! Highly recommend. Flaw: too many pavers. It needs more grass.

[@ckbarry]

💯 with you on pool time. It makes a vacation a vacation.

[@InMyCruisingEra]

I stayed at the Contemporary in 2009 for a conference and I remember the rooms being very nice, modern and grown up 👍🏽

[@wanted-33]

Just for info's sake I just reserved a Theme Park view at the Contemporary. January's midweek price is $906 a night. It ain't cheap, but as the old saying goes, "you wanna play, you gotta pay". Now, is it worth it. Actually probably not, but there's nowhere else that you can stay at the Contemporary Hotel. However, it's a bucket list thing for me, so yes it's worth ever penny. Which also reminds me of an old saying, "I've never seen an armored car following a hearse".

[@rodrigomacaes254]

Congrets!! Aesome video. Love it.

[@wakeywarrior]

When I see the prices I’m glad I bought DVC (which doubled in value almost in 7 years). I stayed in a 1 bed in BLT over Xmas and it cost me about $200 a night in dues, compared to $1500 cash. You need to stay in BLT/ the Contemporary to really like it - and it helps if you know all about the history etc. My wife always said it looks horrible but she loves it after we stayed.

[@uhuhuh1966]

I really think they’ve improved it, I always thought the original looked really dated instead of retro. Polynesian on the other hand…..

[@disneystarmichaeltownes]

AJ Wolfe I'm Going To Walt Disney World Resort Next Week Hooray 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@djphredpr]

Team what on earth Disney did to these rooms! 😂😂😂 Looks tacky and cheap! Would like to see an extension on Mary Blair’s lobby’s concept! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@patrickday6822]

Are you ever going to finish this series? Especially moderate and deluxe/ Deluxe Villas I love the idea of this series but there’s only 4 ish videos I’ve seen from this series unless I missed them! I love staying Animal kingdom lodge but my family wants to try a different resort next time we go so please finish the series so we can narrow down where to stay!

[@HFPTravels]

Love the Contemporary but hate the new Incredibles rooms. We’ve stayed here several times in the past, but have moved on to other options with better room design.

[@NerdyFamily]

I stayed there back in 95 n remember how cool it was as a kid. Now as an adult I wish it wasn't so expensive.

[@princessmeganelsa9273]

Update love your channel AJ!! 💗💗😉😉💗💗

[@u2bemark]

Can you guys do a story on all the m issing benches? This was a story back in 2019 as the parks were getting ready for larger crowds surrounding teh launches of Star Wars lands. But, dang, there are more and more benches missing every day. The other day I noticed removed benches at the Beach Club boat dock. Why? Everywhere you go you see people sittin gon the ground againt walls... taking up MORE ROOM than they would have had there been a bench there. I needed to wait for someone in the Livign Seas recently and asked a cast member where the nearest benches were.. he meekly admitted the only benches were a ledge inside the large aquariam tank room where the AC grills are.

[@nickymock]

I’m going to miss a lot of the benches. During the pandemic I was pretty much shut in for over a year, barely going out. I’ve lost a lot of mobility and need to sit often. In all the videos I’m making a mental note of where benches are. It’s a shame they’re still removing them.

[@lavetaloca7790]

THIS!

[@u2bemark]

@@nickymock I hear ya, Nicky. In the same boat otherwise I might never have missed them. I honestly do not know what Disney is thinking. Some have suggested they want you to PAY to sit by going to a restarraunt. In the new Starbucks/Cafe in Epcot I saw many tables and people were using them as seating. Then you get teh issue of peopl ein line for food having nowehere to sit when they get their food. So they posted cast members to "work the ropes" at the tables.. no one sits without food. So you cannot even have your family sit while you go get the food. Walt Disney used to talk about "plussing" the guest experience. Current Disney management seems hell-bent to MINUS the guest experience.

[@nickymock]

@@u2bemark totally agree. Plus these days people just seem to sit on the floor, taking more room and getting in the way. I did buy a collapsible stool, that’s so small and lightweight but know these aren’t allowed in the parks. Although people have taken them in. Hopefully I can manage enough to survive a good day at the parks. I’m trying but it’s mega hard to re-build your strength back up.

[@trooper5157]

People do realize, The Incredibles is intended to take place back in the late 1960's, not the modern day. The Contemporary is all mid-century modern so what better movie to theme it with... The Aristocats? And $700/nt? We wish. We just booked a theme park room in the main bldg and paid $1213/night.

[@markthomas6236]

I love what you do

[@Dispatcher-kv2im]

In response to my previous comment, I found the list. Thank you.

[@njt002]

When they say the new contemporary hotel is an Incredible experience...they're not lying.

[@redflamearrow7113]

Love your vids, AJ, and have been following dfg for years. But both my daughter and I have noticed that your voice goes from normal to almost whispering at times. Changing the sound level often in each vid makes it much less enjoyable than they used to be, although the info is still great.

[@Jay-anti-dad-bod]

Disney rooms look like holiday inn rooms but for crazy money

[@BabyBlueRibbon]

Hopefully at some point, you could include the Shades of Green in a hotel review in a series. Shades of Green needs some love. There are some good food / full sit down food places (including a breakfast buffet) there, and they have their own full-service coffee station inside the hotel. Some of my favorite parts of that hotel. I have asked cast members there and I have been told the food places can be anyone (like any other hotels). The only thing that needs to be military or affiliates is to actually stay at the hotel. This hotel also gets extended mornings AND evenings.

[@angelrivera8558]

Great advice

[@dreamtripp]

The Contemporary is a nice hotel to visit, but I wouldn't want to pay there.

[@d.m.barnes9445]

The incredibles make great sense- they have that futuristic yet retro feel that the Contemporary has and the Incredibles even have monorails in their movies as transportation.

[@richardmercer2337]

Rather than renting a boat, just take the (free) boat to Wilderness Lodge and back!

[@rnguyen2516]

To watch fireworks?

[@Shortyd17]

We’re staying there in May. Can’t wait.

[@ratgrle]

The main pool may still be closed for refurb in May, as a heads up.

[@attma12]

Yikes!! Disney world hotel rooms are expensive asf!!!

[@suziq4565]

I absolutely love the updates to the Contemporary’s public spaces, but I strongly dislike the new rooms and I just can’t believe they updated ALL the rooms! It would have made more sense to update just part of the rooms and charge a premium for them (like the pirate rooms at CBR or royal rooms at POR). I mean, you can’t even escape the Incredible mess in the garden wing 😢

[@miranimal]

I really disliked the Incredibles room at first, but after looking at the rooms near the epcot area and grand floridian, I decided I liked the contemporary the most. If it wasnt 30% off, I probably wouldn't have picked it, though.

[@penelopepitstop762]

It used to be my dream to stay at the Contemporary, but since the Incredibles makeover, not anymore. I think I’d rather stay at the Poly.

[@waxabi2336]

Love your videos! It’s my wife and I first time going to Disney without the kids. We’re trying to stay at a Disney resort but not have to fork out so much money. I’m thinking of making a reservation for California grill but staying at the art of animation for 2 nights. Thanks for the info

[@MrsHuss_602]

You should def make a reservation at the California grill if you can get one. My husband and I went there for dinner one night right before the fireworks started and it was an awesome experience watching from above. Highly recommend.

[@waxabi2336]

@@MrsHuss_602 Looks amazing we couldn’t get a reservation for the couple days we went but it’s on our bucket list for sure!

[@AllieMcMinnTravels]

I love your videos very helpful the contemporary is ok I’m not thrilled with new theme but I’d still stay there my kids said WALL·E would’ve gone with contemporary design better 😂

[@Emisop]

Oh did top of the world lounge finally open up again? When my family and I went back in April it was closed we were so bummed about it

[@Bailey.Morgan123]

Absolutely the best hotel ever!

[@bsr6823]

Totally ruined it for me with the renovation. Looks cheap and not a fan of the colors. Oh well plenty of other great hotels and still fun to visit for an afternoon.

[@RiverRev]

The Contemporary architectural style is now called "Mid Century Modern." The hotel was considered very edgy on that style in its day. Maybe it's the only example of "Late Century Modern."

[@kimnied7023]

We will be there in 11 days! Thank you for the bundle of excitement!💗

[@patti9339]

We said it’s a contemporary once and we were not impressed on any level with the staff or the amenities. We prefer the grand Floridian or the Polynesian

[@scrapplejacks8780]

Stayed at Contemporary Tower Park view my last 2 visits. The new rooms make no sense. Other hotels have "themed". All the rooms inn the tower? Horrible. For an IP that has no presence in Magic Kingdom and hardly any, anywhere else.

[@katiecraig6909]

Love to see one on the animal kingdom! ❤️

[@mle8309]

I agree with you, not a fan of the Incredibles theming. Looks very cheap and the overlay at the sliders leading out to the balcony makes the room claustrophobic, in my opinion. I’m actually surprised they themed it like this considering it’s a convention hotel. I wouldn’t book my group there. I wish they had continued either the Mary Blair theming or something similar to what they did for Steakhouse 71. We always stayed here as kids, now it’s the Poly or WL.

[@terraprice8928]

Does the resort do any scavenger hunts or trivia nights?

[@gracecarter1547]

My little cousin said that he thought the cheapest room at the contemporary was 150 per night😭

[@alexishendersoncarrillo4808]

Could you review the double tree Disney springs suites?

[@DessertDivaFL70]

My adult son who has autism and I will be staying in the main tower in September 2022. We were able to snag a lower price thanks to the Disney+/passholder discount. It will be our first time staying in this resort. We will be able to check this one off our list. We are trying to stay at each resort at least once.

[@fist_full_of_bacon521]

$4,200 dollars a night on the high end is absolutely ridiculous! That literally is robbery at its finest. You’ll never catch me in a sub standard room with a price like that. Who cam afford that

[@ckhorrordict5851]

My biggest thing in a hotel room is comfort of bed, I'm sure like many. I am a want to sink into the bed softness person. Which hotel has this or all the beds about the same if anyone knows. Never stayed on property but plan to this fall.

[@williamoleary9330]

This can be done in less than 30 minutes?

[@tmsala59]

Thanks A.J. My family and I stayed there at The Contemporary, Garden Wing room. On July 4th 1976 the year of this country's bicentennial! Yep and it was expensive then! I was a senior in high school that year. We had a blast! Would love to stay at Bay Lake Tower! It's too bad you can't visit Top of the World lounge there unless you're a DVC owner, or know someone! That's what I heard! Thanks again! Stay safe!😉

[@sophiaetka22]

The contemporary is THE Disney Hotel! With Chef Mickey’s being in it, and all of the shops and Disney Magic, there’s no doubt that it’s the most authentic hotel.

[@christyviers9496]

Great vlog! I agree with you it’s not so much deluxe anymore I wish they would have done something different I have stayed there from 1972 now I’m not staying here because of the rooms going to the grand Floridian

[@davidkruse4030]

How much kickbacks are they giving you to write these reviews? There are several other reviewers have shown the truth about Disney and it’s expenses

[@Katesaprincess]

Out of all the deluxe resorts I would never stay here it looks like an outdated value resort unlike the poly and grand flo

[@Katesaprincess]

I love visiting chef Mickey but after that I’ll go back to a better resort😅

[@JaxStravig]

The new rooms are just awful. The Incredibles are a great IP, but the execution feels like a cheap dorm room at summer camp.