Disney World's MOST ICONIC Hotel: Contemporary Resort | Full Review, Room Tour, Chef Mickey's, Food

[@knottynumbers44]

As Iconic as this hotel is, I wish they had done the entire redo in Mary Blair instead of the Incredibles. It would have been gorgeous and timeless and (at least for me) made the $$$ more worth it.

[@dominiquebrown8790]

Agree!

[@jenny71WDW]

yessss agree! hope the BLT reno does not involve incredibles.

[@bryandeason2927]

Agree

[@RTBird2]

The Contemporary Hotel is the bucket list hotel of every kid who has ever rode the Monorail thru the hotel.

[@katierowen3166]

Exactly!!!

[@sandrayates4645]

Yes!

[@charlessumner969]

Yep, that’s where we stayed when I was a kid in the 70s

[@RTBird2]

@@charlessumner969 Good for you! Was it as awesome as it looked?

[@charlessumner969]

yep, it’s one of my fondest memories. We stayed in the main tower because they didn’t have any others, rode the monorail and they had a big fountain waterfall type thing that smelled a little musty, but I liked it. You could get room service back then and I remember we got a fruit and cheese platter. I found those platters last year at Magic Kingdom so they still make them. It’s good to see that it’s decorated brightly again. Even if with the Incredibles, because when I was a kid, it was bright. And then when we stayed there in 2016. It looked very dark in the room and now it’s gone back to being bright again. You can’t beat the monorail when you have someone in a wheelchair. it’ll take you straight to the MK and if you want to go to Epcot, you can get off at the TLC and then go over on the Epcot monorail. but it’s so much better than trying to get a wheelchair on a bus so at least for two of the worlds we get to travel easy

[@KateS1980]

The most iconic duo at the most iconic hotel! Not me crying over the view from California Grill… 🏨

[@TreeChap]

The hospital emoji ? 😂

[@KateS1980]

@@TreeChap lol it’s a hotel

[@charstar137]

I did too 😂

[@kristiehanson3744]

I could listen to the two of you talk about anything, all day long. Your videos are informative while witty and funny. The best all around!

[@emilywills6751]

Agree 💯

[@briannetroyer4931]

The story about Roy Disney doing the opening day speech with Mickey so it felt like Walt was there always hits me in the feels 🥹

[@dianawilcox8173]

This grown woman just died laughing over Mickey and Donald’s disagreement 😅 Loved it!

[@bgo6623]

That was so much fun! Now I want to start some mischief and chaos between Mickey and Donald during our next trip! 😂

[@RockCityCookies]

Listen. Y’all make fun of those massage chairs all you want. But when we went in 2022, there were 18 of us and we were waiting an hour for our Chef Mickey’s reservation. After running around all day at Magic Kingdom - each one of us adults sat down in those massage chairs while the kids played the arcade games. And it was MAGIC. 😂

[@charlessumner969]

how much do they cost? I got a massage at GF, but a quick one would be great too

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

Me: "Oh sweet. This is such an iconic place that I hope this video is a long o.......IT'S AN HOUR? HECK YEAH!"

[@CarlettaSutton-st9je]

47:41 I can't wait to stay at Animal Kingdom in May. I've dreamed about this for the past 20 years. I was at Disney last in 2000. My adult son will arrive on Mother's Day. I am so excited to spend the week at Jambo! Thanks for the tour!

[@yaffarealbeauty6089]

Molly’s face when they did the poor unfortunate souls part of electrical water pageant. 😊 Also Alan singing Dancing Queen muffled voice with his face in the mattress made me laugh. Steakhouse 71 is probably one of the best restaurant redos Disney has done. Thanks you two for another great resort tour. All of the detail and all of the fun!

[@RetroFett]

Fun Fact! The front entrance to the Contemporary used to be OUTSIDE... it was the original porte cochere driveway, where you would drive up to the front door and unload your bags. There were large revolving glass doors into the lobby. But with the lobby renovation, they extended it outwards and made it part of the "inside. " On a recent trip, one of the CR managers took us backstage and showed us the original outside orange tiled wall that is now BEHIND new extended walls (to the right of the Contemporary Grounds lobby coffee shop).

[@tippencows3055]

The tears where flowing when Molly was telling the story of Walt and Roy at Steakhouse 71. That story always touches me.

[@libbyhenderson4920]

The electric water parade is bringing back some 80's Casio synthesizer vibes😂

[@ladyrazorsharp]

reminds me of being 4 (c. 1977) years old at my first Disneyland trip and watching the Main St Electrical Parade!

[@charlessumner969]

ya, I was there in ‘76, i think it was and saw that. It will be so awesome to see again

[@lorimadill9642]

Alan’s facial expression during Guitar Hero = Gold!! I’m here for it!!! 😂

[@philipandrews766]

This is perfect! I’m bringing my 89 year old grandma to Disney in April for her first time and we are staying here! I’ll get to wheel her down to magic kingdom! I’m so excited 😆

[@jennimoyer4857]

My grandchildren don't technically exist yet, but I can't wait for one of them to take me to the Contemporary 🙌

[@philipandrews766]

@@jennimoyer4857I’ve been wanting to take her for years but she had a stroke and is now recovered so we are celebrating 🎉😊

[@alyssaworkman9786]

Playing guitar hero’s Molly:having fun and jamming Alan : hardcore focused

[@emilywills6751]

I laughed at the same thing!

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

Molly the pod building style of building you mentioned is how they build cruise ships. I’ve always found it to be super cool.

[@RoyRStenstrom]

The mural at the contemporary is 90 feet tall, whereas the castle in Disneyland is 77 feet tall!

[@amyvinwonderland]

I died laughing when he was singing facedown on the bed 🤣🤣

[@lindsayw5238]

I was also thrown off by all the massage chairs in Disney resorts, but I gotta say... after 3 full park days the massage chair in the AKL arcade while daughter played some arcade games was pretty great.

[@heidipantaleo7577]

My first thought was wow-that resort has a lot of food options Molly will be in food heaven. Also hilarious to pan to Alan after talking about the colorful murals😂. And don’t knock those massage chairs-after day 3 open to close in the park they are heaven!!! Thanks for another great staycation video!

[@adventureswithjoyceandmatt]

I love how you can really see the perspective on how far away some of the fireworks are shotoff from this view. When you're on Main Street, it feels like they're all right there.

[@321_Cynthia]

I gotta say, I am LOVING short hair Molly 👏🏽 I personally love short hair and think it is underrated.

[@nephony109]

Massage chairs are very popular at kid-geared places (skyzone, other jumpy type places, arcades, etc). It's so parents can relax while kids play. I've spent 45 minutes on one before. Really it's the main reason I'm ok taking my kids to those places 😂

[@baseballgrl]

My bridesmaids at my wedding walked down the aisle to Water Music because of my nostalgia and love for the Electrical Water Pageant!

[@stephenmocanu408]

that sounds like a magical wedding!

[@SerenityNowTS]

Thanks so much for making this video! I’m going there in 2 months. (It will be my 5 year old daughter’s very first Disney trip ever…not sure who’s more excited excited- her or me 😂) I didn’t realize there were so many delectable treats at the Contemporary, so she’s going to be even more excited when we watch the Molly and Alan show this weekend (as per our usual weekend tradition) and she sees all the cookies and cupcakes and treats!

[@tammydeeb6523]

I stayed at the Contemporary for the first time a couple of weeks ago and loved it! The rooms were spacious and the theming was cute. I took your recommendation of eating at the lounge at Steakhouse 71 since I could not get a regular reservation. The burger and cocktail I had was great! I look forward to staying here again!

[@mendymouse]

First: thank you for educating us on Disney history. I love learning new things from you :) Second: I made the same face while watching the Water Pageant from my balcony at Contemporary also. I was trying to sleep for my 5am airport pick up and was startled awake by the parade. I did get out of bed, though, and watched it.

[@TheMontanaWars]

I would personally LOVE to see Mammoth Club branch out to the other Orlando area parks. SeaWorld, Legoland, Busch Gardens. I wanna see it all!

[@KateS1980]

They've got a ton of vids in other locations...

[@DyAnnaBrown]

Branching out to Sea World and Busch Gardens would be awesome!!

[@tanyacox7821]

I want to see a Busch Gardens video too!

[@tarazieminek1947]

Sea World world and Busch gardens are a bit controversial because of their past treatment of animals. (Though they treat the animals better now and the coasters are great!)

[@TheMontanaWars]

@@tarazieminek1947 True, but Universal and Disney have had their share of controversies as well. Harry Potter and all the JKR nonsense being one of them. Sea World is HIGHLY focused on conservation these days. It would be akin to Animal Kingdom

[@AlpineKindOfMind]

Gorgeous view, fun dining, great location and long standing history? You can’t go wrong.

[@denisemcgilvrey3966]

I love your haircut Molly!! But don’t tell anyone about the second floor couches- that’s my nap space!!

[@MeganKClark-wk4nt]

You all should do a new splurge series & stay club level at different resorts! We got to do it once at the Contemporary & once at Coronado and it was a wow experience. Would love to see the other clubs to compare.

[@taylor1018t]

Molly! I know the water is your enemy, but I'd really love to see you and Alan do a day a Typhoon Lagoon! My family and I are going in May, my mom and I have been before, but my brother and step dad have not! We love sitting together and watching yalls videos! ❤ Please and thank you!!! 🙂

[@2012oland]

I remember taking the monorail through this resort as a child, and always wanted to stay here. Now I’m pushing 50 and it’s become a line on my bucket list. Lol.

[@LaciJo16]

I ADORE the Electric Water Pageant ❤️❤️❤️ I try and make time to see it on all Disney Vacays now. Usually noods, pot stickers & bread pudding at the Poly and then Pageant on the beach.

[@JulieYfeaturemom]

Our go-to Disney hotel. Loving it since 1984. ❤

[@kayebakos9991]

❤I love the side bar about justifying the stop for your Shakey Jamaiky 😂 I often follow the same logic 👍🏼

[@michaellennon873]

We stayed in the Garden Wing last year. Loved it so much we can’t think of going to any other resort.

[@lind1107]

This was my dream resort as a kid and I finally got to stay there in 2021 with a theme park view over Thanksgiving. It was so amazing and we got to see 2 firework shows multiple nights because of the xmas parties going on. It was just the best. I love the room redesign and so far it's my favorite resort but I have only stayed at 5..so still many more to try! Awesome video, laughed multiple times as usual.

[@monksbird]

I want to hire Molly to go around the parks and restaurants with me just to help translate character language. Due to her almost telepathic relationship with them, she always gets the best interactions.❤

[@jessicamedaris2593]

Alan laying on the bed, face down, then just laying in the tub….Alan, are you okay? Are you having an existential crisis? 😂😂😂

[@sarahjk1]

It's a thing he does 😄

[@bether67]

So my Grandpa worked for Disney back in the seventies. Whenever he and grandma would take us out there he always made sure to show us the five-legged goat that is still my sister and my favorite thing.

[@LivLiebhart13]

One of my favorite memories with my family happened at Chef Mickeys. Its an annual dinner spot for us and many years ago (prior to covid) they were serving sushi on the cold bar near the salad fixings. We later found out that next to the sushi, they had a large tub of wasabi, alongside tortilla chips and salsa. Now why these were all placed together is beyond me still but it thrilled my mom. So, she walks back over to our table and is beyond ecstatic because she believes the wasabi to be guacamole and in her defense DID look like it. None of us had even been up to the buffet yet so we believed her. So she’s got a big pile of “guac” on her plate with chips and just shovels a MASSIVE scoop of wasabi into her month via a tortilla chip. Needless to say, the waiter refilled her water glass many times over the course of our dining experience 😂 We laugh about this memory often and its just one of the many reasons why Disney is our second home as a family. So much joy and laughter at that place.

[@empresscami]

I love that gitchie gitchie goo is playing in the background

[@erry0h]

Molly looks so good in this video!!

[@leslieeastman3644]

I love that Molly gets emotional watching the fireworks! Same for me…every single time!

[@astroi1987]

The contemporary/ baylake tower was my first disney resort had an amazing time

[@michaellennon873]

Contempo Cafe is fantastic with brilliant cast members. Note: allergy guests should order at the desk rather than mobile order.

[@frankcarey5377]

Steakhouse 71 is by far the best afternoon lunch break from the MK. Then again it’s great for drinks after a park day. Dinner in the evening sure beats a food court meal. Too bad they don’t do breakfast.

[@Tookyclothespin]

They do! It’s also delicious.

[@frankcarey5377]

Great news. We will have to check out the menu. We may never leave the Contemporary. We will have to go back to our hotel at the end of the day. So sad.

[@lizlandes500]

The view from your room was AMAZING! I hope you stay at the Grand Floridian next!

[@c.n.session4638]

Your reviews are the best-short, informative, and to the point. Thank you. I was NOT happy about this hotel but you made me feel a little better about it.

[@BoldmanJohniken]

I still love my LV reverse monogram kislux clutch! It's versatile, fits a variety of items, and is definitely a workhorse! I think seeing it everywhere (like the LV speedy) is proof that it's already a classic.

[@Colleen-f5v]

Old fart here reminding that BVG is the shortened version of the former name BAY VIEW GIFTS so I crack up when folks called it BVG Gifts which is Bay View Gifts Gifts. :) Loved this fun video, thanks!

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

29:30 What's crazier? "I am not a crook" at the Contempo, or The Beatles calling it a career at the Poly?

[@jansimpson8175]

We were just there, and the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich at the Contempo Cafe was one of the best things I ate that week!

[@MicheleKlinger]

I’ve never stayed at the contemporary, but I love this resort so much. It’s so full of Disney history with so many delicious food offerings. I low key love their gift shops too.

[@BC-te9ow]

Chef Mickeys breakfast looked great, but hoping to see you guys at 1900 Park Fare when it reopens soon!

[@jdrew5367]

This was our go to resort, or wilderness Lodge, depending on how expensive these resorts were at the time. I agree with you Molly they were spot on with refurbishing the lobby. Steakhouse 71 is excellent. I really like the refurbishment. The food is always good! This is our go to whenever we go to Magic Kingdom, and need to get something to eat. I never eat anything at Magic Kingdom. I have gotten ill so many times from the food. I enjoy the California Grill and yes, we sit at the bar go watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Electric parade I remember that my children enjoyed it even when we stayed at the Polynesian.❤ It’s funny that you are going to get a coffee in the morning that was my responsibility when staying at any resort. I get up real early 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning and would wait for the coffee shop to open. Pick up a coffee for my husband walk back to the room. 😊 I would take the children if they were up either take a walk with them. Find something for them to play with, or go down to the lobby and let them watch the Disney film, or find a nice relaxing area and watch the sunrise. memories!😢 Disney was also a great place to meet far extended family. My husband‘s family is from Europe. They would come Orlando and vacation at Disney world. We would meet them at a resort and either have a meal or spend the afternoon with them somewhere on Disney property. Thank you Molly and Alan.

[@kathymcel]

I love the contemporary. We were upgraded to a fireworks view and it was fabulous 🎉

[@janessahester7406]

The “yes, chef” shirt for chef Mickey’s is amazing!

[@nikkim449]

Animal Kingdom Lodge remains my personal favorite. Can't beat sitting out on the balcony for some relaxation and animal viewing.

[@barbdreams]

Can't wait, we arrive Saturday and are doing a split stay btwn Kidani and Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary - 1st time staying there so I'm excited! Might need to hit that California Grill lounge after seeing this

[@SashasMom]

So funny!! Great job guys. I laughed so many times.

[@alicemanning5368]

I stayed there last month on my first trip to WDW. Now, I'm not sure I can stay anywhere else as I loved it so much!! Thanks for this wonderful vlog!

[@kevins5259]

We adore Contemporary. We prefer water view. The nostalgia factor is high and my wife is obsessed with the monorail. We were diehard Beach Club and Boardwalk fans, but now truly love the Contemporary.

[@laurenjp1491]

The Guitar Hero segment. 👌❤ Rock you Like a Hurricane also gave me such a nostalgia blast, because our high school mascot was The Hurricane and that was the theme song. 😂

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

Yay!!!!! Love the staycation videos! And Contemporary is so great! Never stayed, but we always try to visit when we are on a vacation! Their arcade is THE BEST❤ 😂 And I mean-who doesn’t love a hotel with the monorail?! It’s awesome

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

Also Alan singing Dancing Queen face-first in the bed made me laugh so hard 🤣🤣🤣

[@nickymock]

Great video ❤ We love this hotel and originally stayed there in 2004 for our wedding at Disneys wedding pavilion . We’ve stayed there many times and class it as our second home. We used to stay in the garden wing but upgraded one time and never looked back. As good as the Magic Kingdom views are for the fireworks. We love the Bay Lake view more. There’s so much to look at and the vibe is just totally different. I’m not overly keen on the Incredibles theming. The previous look was more luxurious and the rooms seemed bigger with loads more storage. Being from the UK 🇬🇧 and staying 2 weeks at a time, storage is very important 😊 We’re going in May but only there for a week then doing a cruise on the Fantasy. We love everything about the Contemporary. Except for the California Grill due to a bad experience but you’ve made us reconsider going again. Steakhouse 71 is fab. I do miss The Concourse Steakhouse that used to be on the 4th floor. Contempo cafe is great and used to be a secret place for cupcakes but looks like they’re changing to cookies now. You missed showing a couple of the 5 legged goats. Theres one on one of the columns as you enter the building. There also another in BVG just behind one of the counters. 😀 Can’t wait for our trip now- it’s so close. Look forward to seeing where you go next 😊

[@kakim4956]

Favorite part… Alan, lying down on his face, singing ‘Dancing Queen.’ 🤣🤣🤣

[@mizuki_1516]

I love these staycation videos

[@Anvilarm07]

Love this video. The Contemporary is my bucket list hotel. Well done. Fireworks and water parade was a very welcome bonus. (My family did Chef Mickeys in the 1990s when the kids were little but we stayed at the CBR.)

[@nicolechapman6440]

We have a picture with us sitting on the metal Mickey from 1991!

[@lovestodive1879]

I'm with you Molly, not my favorite resort but wow did ya'll do a good job showcasing it. My all time favorite is the YC. Love being able to walk to two parks and love the adult feel of it.

[@ClovesDisney]

Our last trip we stayed at yacht club, loved it. Especially the walk to 2 parks and just all the options to get to those parks, boats and skyliner too. We did not love the walk up food selection though. Sit downs at YC/BC were good. But you can not beat the pool area.

[@CarolHeney]

I'm with you, Molly! I hate sickening sweet desserts!! Scrape all the frosting off of your Snickerdoodle!

[@Just_Nita-i2q]

Love all the fun historic facts ❤excellent coverage of the mural This was fun I'll have to make a trip over there

[@amysinclair4901]

Would love to see a staycation at the Grand Floridian! Always been a dream of mine to stay there … and unless I win the lottery, I never will! 🙈 Be great to get a ‘mammoth’ tour of the resort. Also, I know you guys have done a staycation at POFQ, but a Riverside one would be great too! For science, we need to compare! 😉

[@bridgetclement2968]

POFQ and Riverside seem SO BEAUTIFUL. I would love to stay at either of those, but I want to ESCAPE HOME on vacation. ❤

[@marisv2]

Disney aiming to please with those massage chairs lol 😂 Amazing and informative video! Thanks so much!!!

[@aSoldiersGirlieGirl]

Look, I’m not a Disney Adult. I enjoyed Disney lots growing up and teeter taking the fam, my husband and daughter, who have not been, to Disney on a big vacation. I love all of your content, Disney or no Disney. This all being said, if you don’t giggle when the characters banter, who are you really??!! 😂❤

[@hannahwarren3008]

The way the contemporary rooms were added reminds me of how cruise ships build their rooms

[@CoriLopes-s3j]

Where is Molly's shirt from in the beginning of the episode?? I LOVE Steamboat Willie!!

[@christianstrickland5232]

Our last trip was our first trip after my son’s food allergy diagnosis and I was so nervous but Disney makes it so easy and the buffet guides they gave us were THE BEST!!

[@gertyglockenschpitle7711]

The Polynesian was my bucket list and i treated myself for my 50th birthday. Loved the whole experience! We took a break from MK one afternoon, had a late lunch at Steakhouse 71 (as delicious as Molly described) explored and shopped at the Contemporary, then continued on the Monorail to the Polynesian for naps. We're all adults, but rope drop to close we did much better with a nap in the afternoon. It was a wonderful experience! I feel like we did the right amount of Contemporary for me. It's a cool hotel, lots of Disney history, but the Polynesian is my vibe.

[@mattiearchie6913]

Stayed here in august. Even though we didn’t stay in the main building the garden view rooms were just as beautiful. Really enjoyed our stay. Would definitely do again but try the main building.

[@JackieLovesCheese]

The OC theme song popping up as you enter California Grill 😂💀 iconic

[@jamesjudge3891]

At Steakhouse 71, my daughter (current cast member, vegetarian) also really loves the vegetable Wellington, which they only serve in the restaurant.

[@theclambakecottage5478]

Love that you reviewed Contemporary! We just stayed here. I second that you can’t beat proximity, but I think it’s important to mention how loud it is if you stay in the main tower, especially if you are on the same end as Chef Mickeys. We heard the theme song when we woke up and as we fell asleep. Bring a sound machine! If I stay again, I’d choose a bay lake tower or garden room. Also I vote for OKW or Saratoga next based on dvc rental store availability but not the closest to parks.

[@emilywills6751]

Alan face planted on the bed singing ABBA is such a vibe.

[@katiemcenerney7880]

That glowing cocktail is a staple for us on every Disney cruise!!! They have them on the Magic and Wonder in the adult entertainment lounge. So sweet but so iconic

[@ElKay920]

Wish I could give an extra like just for Alan taking the time to count those tiles lol.

[@disneysr9004]

We are Bay Lake Tower dev owners and stay there every year. The best part is being able to walk back from Magic Kingdom after a long day and not go wait for a bus. Just being that close to the MK is what make the Contemporary our favorite ❤️

[@adiemarie]

Right there with you with the tears... every time!

[@AmyHoffman-u7r]

i always want to love Chef Mickey but i never do. You are there for the characters and like you said, it's so big you don't have great interaction. It's nice to hear I'm not the only one who feels this way.

[@beangirl1389]

Bay Lake Tower is my DVC home resort & I was so excited for this staycation video!

[@michelleclauberg8458]

Love the contemporary ❤❤❤. Thanks for visiting.

[@barbarac3879]

Thanks for the tip on which outdoor location is best to view the fireworks - I did not know that!

[@gailharris3640]

Blows my mind that I was five years old when the Contemporary first opened. So, I think it's only fitting that I celebrate my 60th B'day at the Contemporary in March of 2026. 🙂

[@barbsmith7755]

You guys are so fun! Thanks for the memories ❤

[@cathyholt5215]

I love California Grill! The balcony for fireworks is such a bonus.

[@joshuavasquez05]

The water view is actually so underrated it’s so relaxing!

[@nancynicolucci]

Love chef mickeys. Fun fact my brother met Robert Plant from Led zeppelin there in 2010❤