Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gets Updates for Disney World’s 50th

Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the first hotel built at Walt Disney World, is getting a major update in its rooms, public areas and restaurants as Disney World and the Contemporary itself celebrate 50 years

When Walt and Roy Disney dreamed of a future for all to enjoy at Walt Disney World, part of that vision became reality with Disney’s Contemporary Resort. With the Monorail running right through its A-frame tower, the resort was an instant icon at The Most Magical Place on Earth – a tribute to the future of imagination and progress. Retreat to this ultra-modern Disney Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, spectacular views and dazzling pools. Inside, a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair—responsible for the distinct look and feel of the “it’s a small world” attraction—celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest. You can walk to Magic Kingdom main gate or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the tower.

The major update includes all nine floors of guest rooms in the tower being completely refurbished. These new rooms blend a sleek Monorail motif with some favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles films, including Jack-Jack, Frozone and Edna Mode. New custom artwork in Guest rooms and along Guest corridors is modern, futuristic and oh so stylish, "dahling", complementing the resort’s architecture while putting the Supers’ powers on display. Let's take a look...

In the lobby, Guests will see a collection of modern art pieces as well as historical, behind-the-scenes photographs of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in development and under construction. The resort’s lobby restaurant, The Wave of American Flavors, has permanently closed to make way for a reimagined dining experience, Steakhouse 71

Steakhouse 71, which gets its name from the year the resort opened, has a sleek yet comfortable décor with fun design elements from the ‘70s and hints of Florida heritage with subtle sightings of the beloved Orange Bird and citrus groves. Choose from dishes inspired by some of Walt’s favorites, including The Steakhouse 71 Feast or Walt’s Prime Rib Hash for breakfast and French Onion Soup, Prime Rib, 6-oz Filet Mignon or Dry-aged Bone-In Pork Chop for lunch or dinner. Classic cocktails and a portfolio of Disney family wines are also available.

Guests can start their best Disney day with a delicious breakfast at Steakhouse 71. The breakfast menu offers everything from Fresh-baked Pastries and Avocado Toast to Walt’s Prime Rib Hash and Eggs Benedict! Enjoy a variety of wake-up sips like the Steakhouse Bloody Mary and the Bourbon Cold Brew (Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, bourbon, maple, vanilla bean cream), as well as espresso, cappuccino, latte, freshly brewed coffee, assorted teas, and juices.

For lunch, Guests can enjoy soups, salads, speciality sandwiches, burgers and more!

For dinner, Guests can customize their steak entrée with a choice of a side and yummy sauce. Steakhouse 71 offers 6 different steakhouse cuts! Craving something other than a steak? Steakhouse 71 has delicious fish, chicken, and plant-based offerings as well.

Speciality cocktails are available as well as a large selection of beers and wines.

And don't forget to check out the dessert menu. My recommendation is the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake. It is 15 layers of whiskey-infused chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and raspberries – one layer for every floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Kids will enjoy making their selection from their very own kid's menu. The kid's menu also offers kid's specialty drinks!

Other dining options include:

• Steakhouse 71 Lounge Find just the escape you’re looking for! Settle into comfortable lounge seating and sip on beverages reminiscent of the 1970s. Enjoy drinks inspired by the history of the area, including cocktails that evoke scents of citrus groves, and so much more. You can also enjoy modern interpretations of classic dishes, such as PB&J Chicken Wings, Loaded Macaroni and Cheese and the house classic Bacon and Eggs.

• California Grill Savor the finest in Californian cooking, as you take in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park. Experience the flavors of the Pacific Coast at this award-winning restaurant. Via private elevator, ascend to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll discover exquisite panoramic views of the shimmering lagoon, Floridian woodland and Cinderella Castle. Inside, enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of the lively onstage kitchen, where chefs combine global flavors in deliciously inventive new ways.

  • Gourmet Dining Californian cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the international, melting-pot culture of the Golden State. To complement their entrées, Guests 21 years of age and older can select from an extensive selection of hand-picked wines—most of which are from California. Sommeliers are on hand to offer pairing suggestions, as well as a guided 3-course wine pairing.

  • 50th Anniversary Celebration Menu – Limited Time Step into a bygone era as Disney ushers in the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. Evoking the spirit of 1971, California Grill celebrates its past while offering a nod to the incredible future ahead. Sit down to a 3-course tasting experience offering dishes designed to bring this celebration to life. You may choose:

    • One Appetizer Begin your meal with tasty starters like the California Grill Sushi Classics Trio, Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons or Artisanal-style Duck à l'Orange Pizza—inspired by a popular entrée on the menu when Top of the World first opened in 1971.

    • One Entrée Choose from delicious dishes, such as the Oak Fired Filet of Beef served with Chateau Potatoes, the Cast Iron-Grilled Pork Tenderloin or the Florida Coast Black Grouper

    • One Dessert To top off your meal you may choose from delectable desserts such as the 50th Anniversary Celebration Dessert Grand Marnier Soufflé served table-side with a delicious Creamsicle Ice Cream, the 5 Magical Bites 50 Years in the Making dessert that features a tasting of 5 favorite flavors from California Grill Chefs through the years or the Chef’s Selection of California Cheeses.

  • Plus, get a taste of something truly spectacular to go with your delicious meal—a special viewing of Disney Enchantment. Watch this all-new nighttime extravaganza from the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. This fireworks spectacular takes you on a journey beyond the ordinary and to a land of magic.

• Chef Mickey's

  • Chef Mickey’s Family Feast — Character Dining Experience Character Dining and an enhanced all-you-care-to-eat, family-style meal in a bright, happy space. As the monorail whizzes by, soak up the expansive views of Bay Lake and behold the stunning 90-foot-high mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair that overlooks the festive eatery. Each table will receive a special, autographed card keepsake from Mickey and his friends. Throughout the dining experience, Mickey Mouse and some favorite pals will make surprise appearances in each of the dining rooms. See them move throughout the restaurant, waving hello as rollicking music fills the air.

  • Delight in a Bountiful Breakfast and Savor Delectable Dinner Fare For breakfast, enjoy sweet and savory breads, Scrambled Eggs, Smoked Bacon, Slow-roasted Beef Brisket, Mickey Waffles and a collection of Chef Mickey's Signature entrées—including Banana Bread French Toast, “Loaded” Potato-Cheese Casserole and the "Celebration" Mickey Pancake. Dinner offerings begin with a first course including Chef Mickey’s Caesar Salad and Citrus-Poached Shrimp Salad, followed by a second course with signature items such as the Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Garlic Potato Gratin and Plant-Based Faro Wheat Fried Rice, as well as protein selections featuring Prime Rib, Traditional Roast Breast of Turkey and Salmon. And please save room to end your feast with the Pastry Chef’s sensational, family-style desserts!

• Contempo Café (Quick Service) Soak up your surroundings as you ponder your next meal. Situated on the Grand Canyon Concourse, this eatery boasts a prime view of monorails buzzing by—and the 90-foot mural by Mary Blair, the legendary artist behind "it's a small world." You’ll also find a diverse menu of fare, including flatbreads, salads, sandwiches and a tempting array of cupcakes infused with Disney magic.

• Outer Rim Admire stunning views of Bay Lake with specialty cocktails before—or after—dinner. Try a Piña CoLAVA, Watermelon Margarita, Blue “Glow-tini” or more! A full bar menu is also available.

• The Sand Bar Picnic poolside with burgers, hot dogs and more. Tropical cocktails, draft beer, sangria and wine make it even more fun! Or cool off with a full bar menu and some AC inside the enclosed bar. Dessert items are also available.

Also part of the reimagining, the Guest lobby and check-in experience at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has also been updated. The Contemporary’s lobby now features an enhanced check-in experience offering an open, free-flowing layout with enhanced seating locations.

This is just the start of great things happening at Disney’s Contemporary Resort as it looks toward an Incredible future full of hope and promise.

Enjoy More Time in the Parks!

Disney Resort hotel Guests get extra time to play every day.

• Early Theme Park Entry As part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry—available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. Early theme park entry gives you a head start in the parks, so you’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And, you can enjoy this benefit on each day of your stay—in any park (subject to capacity).

• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels (such as The Contemporary) or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours—experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights.

Together with early theme park entry, you’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so you can maximize your time in the parks during The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

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