Planning a Disney World vacation with children requires careful consideration of where to stay. After extensive research and firsthand experience, Disney’s Contemporary Resort emerges as one of the most practical choices for families with young kids. This comprehensive Disney’s Contemporary Resort review with kids will help you determine if this iconic hotel is the right fit for your family’s magical vacation.
Why Disney’s Contemporary Resort Stands Out for Families
The Contemporary Resort offers unmatched convenience for families visiting Magic Kingdom. Located within walking distance of the park, it eliminates the transportation headaches that can derail a day with tired toddlers. The monorail access provides quick connections to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, making park hopping feasible even with strollers and diaper bags.
For parents managing nap schedules and meltdowns, the ability to return to your room in under ten minutes is invaluable. This proximity transforms your Disney experience from a marathon into manageable sprints with comfortable rest periods.
Main Tower vs Garden Wing: Which Is Best for Families
The Contemporary Resort offers two distinct accommodation areas, each with unique advantages for families. The Main Tower features the iconic A-frame building where the monorail passes through the lobby. These rooms offer stunning castle and fireworks views but come with higher price tags and more crowded common areas.
The Garden Wing presents a quieter alternative that many families prefer. These rooms are larger at 420-437 square feet compared to 394 square feet in the Main Tower. Ground-floor Garden Wing rooms provide direct patio access to grassy areas where children can play safely. The recently renovated Incredibles-themed rooms feature practical split bathrooms with separate areas for the toilet and shower, making family routines much easier.
Garden Wing rooms typically cost $100-200 less per night while maintaining the same resort amenities and Magic Kingdom proximity. For budget-conscious families seeking deluxe accommodations, this represents exceptional value.
Managing Kids’ Energy and Sleep Schedules
The Contemporary’s location becomes crucial when managing young children’s needs. Parents can easily implement the park-and-nap strategy, returning to the hotel during the hottest midday hours when kids become cranky. This flexibility allows families to enjoy cooler morning and evening park hours while avoiding afternoon meltdowns.
Evening fireworks viewing from select hotel rooms or the lobby area means families can enjoy Disney magic without keeping toddlers out past bedtime. The electrical water pageant, visible from Bay Lake-facing rooms, provides an additional magical touch that delights children without requiring late-night park visits.
Parent-Tested Strategies for Success
Successful Disney trips with kids require flexibility over rigid planning. The Contemporary’s amenities support this approach beautifully. The lobby features continuous Disney cartoon screenings, providing entertainment during unexpected downtime. The arcade offers rainy day activities, while organized kids’ programs give parents brief respites.
Utilize Disney Genie+ and the official app to minimize wait times for popular attractions. Focus on one or two must-do experiences per park rather than attempting everything. The Contemporary’s location makes it easy to return if plans change due to weather, crowds, or tired children.
Family Dining Highlights
The Contemporary Resort excels in family dining options. Chef Mickey’s provides the quintessential Disney character meal experience, perfect for breakfast before heading to Magic Kingdom. Children love meeting Mickey, Minnie, and friends while enjoying familiar breakfast foods.
California Grill offers upscale dining with spectacular Magic Kingdom fireworks views. Despite its reputation as fine dining, the restaurant welcomes families and provides kid-friendly menu options. Reservations during fireworks times book quickly, so plan ahead.
Contempo Cafe serves as your quick-service salvation, offering quality grab-and-go meals when formal dining feels overwhelming. The club level option provides all-day snacks and beverages, eliminating meal planning stress entirely.
Maximizing Park Days with Toddlers
When staying at the Contemporary, start your Magic Kingdom days early before crowds arrive. Popular toddler attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo, and “it’s a small world” have shorter wait times during rope drop hours. Use Lightning Lane reservations strategically for must-do attractions.
Build flexibility into your schedule by identifying indoor attractions for hot afternoons and having backup plans for rainy weather. The Carousel of Progress and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor provide air-conditioned relief while entertaining young children.
Garden Wing Benefits for Families
The Garden Wing offers several advantages specifically beneficial for families with children. The quieter atmosphere allows for better sleep quality after long park days. Larger room sizes accommodate pack-n-plays, strollers, and the inevitable explosion of kids’ belongings.
Ground-floor access eliminates elevator waits with impatient children. The surrounding grassy areas provide safe spaces for kids to burn energy without leaving the resort. Bay Lake views from many rooms offer peaceful scenery that helps everyone relax.
Honest Pool and Theming Assessment
The Contemporary’s pools receive mixed reviews compared to other Disney deluxe resorts. The feature pool includes a waterslide and splash area suitable for young children, but lacks the elaborate theming found at resorts like the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The Contemporary’s appeal lies in its modernist architecture and convenience rather than immersive theming. Families seeking elaborate Disney theming might feel underwhelmed, but those prioritizing location and practicality will appreciate the trade-off.
Planning and Budgeting Tips
Book Garden Wing rooms for the best value while maintaining deluxe resort benefits. Consider club level for families with multiple young children, as the all-day food service justifies the additional cost through convenience and reduced meal planning stress.
Monitor Disney’s construction updates, as ongoing renovations may affect certain areas of the resort. Request specific room locations when booking to ensure you receive the accommodation type that best suits your family’s needs.
Creating Magical Family Memories
The Contemporary Resort’s magic emerges through unexpected moments rather than elaborate theming. Watching the monorail glide through the lobby captivates children of all ages. Surprise fireworks views from your room create spontaneous family memories that last lifetimes.
The key to a successful Disney’s Contemporary Resort review with kids lies in embracing flexibility and focusing on what matters most to your family. The resort’s practical advantages, combined with genuine Disney touches, create an ideal environment for magical family vacations without overwhelming logistics.
Whether you choose the Main Tower for iconic views or the Garden Wing for family-friendly value, the Contemporary Resort provides an excellent base for exploring the magic of Disney World with children. Its unmatched location, solid amenities, and family-focused services make it a top contender for your next Disney vacation.