Unlike many of Disney’s “guests”, I was at WDW for a meeting. I have to confess that I really don’t like Disney World, but since the meeting was at the Contemporary. I decided to stay there just to avoid the hassle of getting there and back from anywhere else. Our group rate of $189 per night ended up at about $225 with taxes and the nefarious “resort fee”.
The endless marketing of the Disney Machine started with the “Disney Magic Express”, the bus from the airport to the hotel, which is included in the rate. The Disney hype started even before we got moving. The bus video wasn’t working but that didn’t stop our driver, who provided a nonstop sales pitch, including an exhaustive listing of the sponsors of various Epcot attractions.
The young man checking me in told me I could charge up to $1,500 of heaven-knows-what to my room bill during my stay. I realized later that what he really meant was that they’d put a hold on $1,500 of my credit line for the duration of the stay. I’m never anywhere near the max on my credit cards so it didn’t bother me, but for someone who runs close to the max that could be a problem- and for a solo traveler on a 2-night stay it was far more than necessary.
The room was fine; thoughtful touches included night lights in the bathroom that were activated by motion sensors if you got up to use the bathroom at night and a computer with free Internet access in the room. (“Naughty” sites are blocked; I checked.) I’ve been told the computers are being rolled out as an experiment in some rooms. The Start page, of course, is Disney.com. My room faced a peaceful lake rather than the Magic Kingdom, which was fine with me; some local ducks were always sunning themselves outside my window. The peace was shattered twice a night by music accompanying neon critters across the lake, the second show being at 10:15 PM and identical to the first. OK, it was pretty but once was enough and I was glad I didn’t have little kids who needed to get up early to visit the Magic Kingdom in the morning.
I have to admit I loved the pool. It was huge, well-kept and had a great water slide. although I had to take my turn with the 5-year olds. I saw more lifeguards per square feet than at any other pool I’d visited and they were walking around watching the swimmers. Lifejackets for small children were complimentary. Any time I wasn’t in meetings or sleeping, I was in the water.
Prices were awful. Cokes from the vendng machine were $2.50 (but they take credit cards). I found the in-room coffee maker but apparently no one had thought to supply my room with coffee. Room Service (“Private dining”) forgot silverware when they delivered my dinner. Ever try to eat pasta without silverware? The only alcohol available by the glass from Private Dining is beer; everything else is by the bottle ($50 for standard brands of gin and vodka). The “Food and Fun” restaurant did have wine to go- $7.10 per mini-bottle. I need alcohol to help me deal with WDW, but not $50 worth. Good thing I brought a little of my own. Don’t tell Mickey.
Finally, I have to tell you about Stacy. The TV may have been linked to the hotel alarm clock, which I had set for 6:30 both mornings. Each morning at 6:27 my TV turned on by itself and I was jolted out of bed by Stacy on the screen, telling me about the top “must-sees” at Disney and squealing a lot. Lay off the meth, Stacy. It may keep you skinny but it’s not good for you.
Oh, yes- the Contemporary is at the end of the loop for dropping people off the bus but at the BEGINNING of the loop for the return to the airport, so they pick you up 3 hours before flight time. The bus arrived 10 minutes late and the ride took an hour. This time, unfortunately, the video worked. After being reminded what fun we’d all had, were were subjected to pitches for Disney’s Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Lines, Disney Adventure Tours and a preview of the latest Disney movie.
If you want to stay at a Disney property, this one is a good choice if you can get a good rate. It’s convenient and well-equipped and has recently been updated. Just be prepared for the Disney hard sell 24/7.
