We have always stated off site in two bedroom villas and have had wonderful experiences in Orlando. Because this was a weekend trip with just my daughter and me, we decided to stay at the Contemporary, a hotel she had always wanted to try. I was really disappointed in the room, the amenities, and even the grounds. I found service mediocre.
This is not a deluxe hotel and not even as nice as most Marriots, Hyatts and Hiltons. Our room faced the parking lot and had a view of the landscaping equipment and dumpsters. No attempt at a buffer.
Someone tried to open our slider at 2:45 AM. I could hear them at the door, really trying to open it and then they bagan to pound on the door. Although security eventually came, they never let me know what they found. I saw them outside for at least a half hour. The manager the next day was good (it took me all day to connect to her) and insisted that I speak to the head of security to find out what happened. He basicially denied that I had even called , although the manager acknowleged I had called. We lost a day in the park because of it. The food court was disappointing, my daughter's room service meal was inedible, and I was also really disappointed in the early entry-it was way too crowded with only a few attractions open and with one broken down (Rockin Rollercoaster) it was even worse.. Early entry staff at the Studios were quite rude and unpleasant. I feel you get much more off site. I felt like I got a large, clean room but nothing more. Definately not worth the money.

We chose the Contemporary hotel for it's proximity to Magic Kingdom and the fact that it was the one affordable hotel on the Monorail system.
While other reviews have criticized the decor and cleanliness of the hotel, we found the hotel and our room to be clean and very spacious with ample closet and drawer space for a family of 4. Yes, the decor is a bit "over the top", but the hotel is called the Contemporary and is decorated as such. We had a first floor room, in the garden wing, facing the pool and were happy with our proximity to the pool and the main hotel. The hotel staff were friendly. The staff of the Guest and Bell Services on check-in and check-out were quite accomodating and efficient. My only complaint---You have to request a coffee maker AND when you request that coffee/sugar/creamer packs be replenished , you are told "You only get enough for one day". Considering that this is a DELUXE hotel and that you cannot (nor should you have to ) go out and buy coffee packets specifically designed for hotel coffee makers, I was appalled by the staff's response to my request. If you are traveling with young children, and want to stay on the monorail, this is your most affordable option and it is a good one!

This is what disney is about. This hotel encapsules everything I love about disney.I have been a visitor and fan of the contemporary for the past twenty years. My husband has been wanting to stay at the Floridian the past couple times but I just can't make a trip tp disney without staying at the contemporary. Those hotel is massive if you see it through a child's eyes. I remember loving it as a child and now my two children love it. Granted, the contemporary is only worthwhile in my opinion if you stay in the tower. The convenience is priceless and and your walk out of your room to the door of the magic kingdon via the monorail totally solidifies the entire disney experience. This puts you in the heart of the magic. It is important to request a view of the castle from the tower. You can see the fireworks from your balcony at night. You can peak at the castle while you sleep. My husband expected to find my sleeping on the balcony for a better view. The kids almost explode with excitement the night before the day at the park as the watch the park lights from the room. Chef mickeys is alot of fun-pay for the entertainment not for the food. The California Grill is superb-the view, the food and the wine-wonderful. Game room and the water mice are also great for the kids. Pin trading on the concourse is wonderful! Pool with slide is alot of fun as well. If you go to disney-staying in a hotel with the monorail and the view of the park is the way to go-and I chose the contemporary everytime. I read alot of complaints about the hotel being "old"...remember when it was buildt-it was in fact "contemporary"....but remodel?? No way! Let the original disney magic live on!! You want remodel then thel floridian (beautiful prperty) is probably more for you.

I was very disappointed with this hotel. In fact, I thought it had been mistaken for "Motel 6." Our room was dirty and the check-in staff was unfriendly. Although it's proximity to the Magic Kingdom is excellent, it is clearly NOT worth the price tag to stay there. Spend your money on a place worthy of it.