Disney World’s Contemporary Resort is a long-standing favourite, in fact as day day-one feature of the Florida park it’s been accommodating theme park guests for over fifty years.
Now, in 2025, the Contemporary is an iconic ‘deluxe’ category resort that’s steeped in nostalgia, as well as the modern conveniences you’d expect of a high-calibre hotel - all just a short walk away from the Magic Kingdom theme park.
It is no doubt a popular resort. It is also one of the more expensive places to stay at Disney World.
The question though is whether the Contemporary Resort is good value for money
Choosing and booking the right resort can have a big impact on how a trip to Disney World pans out. Being clear about your priorities and your budget is vital.
So, is Contemporary right for you? And does the premium price deliver a premium experience?
Are guests satisfied?
Generally, guest reviews are positive. Most are happy with their stay at the Contemporary, and most point to the close proximity of Magic Kingdom as the resort’s top feature.
Guests love the convenience of walking or taking a short monorail ride directly to the park, which saves them time and hassle compared to staying offsite. In fact, guest reviews often mention this convenience as the reason they think the resort is worth the cost.
This praise is not unanimous though, as other guests question whether the high price of the resort is really worth it, compared to other ‘deluxe’ level resorts - like the Polynesian Village, or Grand Floridian (the two other monorail-connected hotels) - or some of Disney World’s other similarly priced resorts a bit further away - like Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk Inn.
While the convenience of Contemporary is appreciated, there are a few comments about the dated look of some rooms which some guests believe don’t live up to the luxury price tag.
As one reviewer noted, “You’re definitely paying for location and convenience. The rooms are fine, but I wouldn’t call them luxurious.”
Does premium price equal premium experience?
Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort carry a premium price, on average between $700 and $1,200 per night depending on the time of year.
High prices mean high expectations, and guest opinions vary significantly on whether the resort lives up to them.
Guest reviews generally rave about the resort’s facilities, especially the the monorail access, dining options, and character dining at Chef Mickey’s. These unique experiences contribute to a feeling of getting more out of the vacation than just a hotel stay.
But, another complaint, for guests, is that despite the resort’s iconic aesthetic it is much less immersive compared to the more heavily themed Disney properties, like the Polynesian or Animal Kingdom Lodge.
According to some guest reviews, it’s not clear that the atmosphere at the Contemporary is as ‘premium’ as the price.
Return or regret?
While the majority of guest reviews say they are happy with their stay at the Contemporary, there are a others who perhaps regret their choice of resort - or, would simply try somewhere else next time.
Some reviews mention that for the price, they expected more in terms of room updates or a quieter, more elevated or exclusive atmosphere.
Others noted that they might choose a different resort next time, especially considering the noise levels in certain parts of the hotel - notably, the noise of the monorail as it whizzes through the hotel’s main lobby.
Is it worth it?
Guests generally appear to think so … after all the hotel has a fifty years plus track record!
It is a firm favourite of die-hard classic Disney World fans who love how close it is to Magic Kingdom and the access to the monorail.
Nevertheless, guests who are expecting a premium luxury retreat in return for the Contemporary Resort’s premium price may perhaps look elsewhere on Disney World’s list of deluxe category hotels - some of the resorts slightly further away, with more facilities, maybe a better fit.
Whilst the Contemporary Resort is on the pricier side, most guests feel that the convenience and Disney magic makes it worthwhile - especially for groups whose Disney World trips are centred on the Magic Kingdom.
