Contemporary Resort 2021 Construction Report
Walt Disney World has started work on a reimagining of the guest rooms at the Contemporary Resort. In this post, we’ll take a look at photos of the construction, which is strongly rumored to be an Incredibles-inspired IP Injection, plus other commentary on the project and other hotel overhauls at Walt Disney World. (Updated May 6, 2021.)
Right now, the only official detail from Walt Disney World is that from April through September 2021, the A-Frame Tower of Disney’s Contemporary Resort will take its guest rooms out of commission in phases for room overhauls. During that time, most dining and shopping options will remain open, which is necessary for the remaining rooms since Bay Lake Tower and the Garden Wing don’t have sufficient standalone options.
This was a relatively last-minute project, with some guests booked at Disney’s Contemporary Resort being notified that they’d be moved earlier this year. In that regard and a couple of others, this reimagining sounds similar to the Moana-Makeover of Guest Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. After first being scheduled to reopen last fall, the Poly had its reopening delayed until late July 2021 to accommodate that room overhaul and other refreshes to the resort…
It’s almost certainly a similar story with Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Prior to the closure of Walt Disney World, Imagineering mocked up Incredibles-inspired mid-century modern test rooms at the Contemporary. The idea behind that was very similar to the Moana-inspired rooms announced for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Rather than being overt “character rooms,” both are expected to draw inspiration from the animated films. In the case of the Poly, there’s a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette as well as details, patterns and textures from Moana, the Disney animated film that takes place on the Polynesian island of Motunui. No concept art or photos of the new Contemporary rooms have been released, but we’re anticipating mid-century modern designs inspired by the Incredibles, plus character flourishes.
May 6, 2021 Update: Disney has announced that “The Wave… of American Flavors & The Wave Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be unavailable this summer as we refurbish this space in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. Reservations will be available through July 15, 2021.”
Back when rumors of an Incredibles-inspired overhaul to the Contemporary first surfaced, one of the specific rumors was the “Incredibles Steakhouse” replacing the Wave. This doesn’t seem particularly far-fetched to us. Despite being a pretty solid restaurant in our view, the Wave frequently scores low on guest satisfaction surveys, which is likely due to its bland appearance.
In the recent past, Walt Disney World has injected characters into poor performing restaurants, with Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge and Bon Voyage Breakfast at BoardWalk’s Trattoria al Forno being two prime examples. The most significant difference here is that Contemporary Resort already has Chef Mickey’s, but that’s always a hard-to-book ADR, so perhaps the resort could sustain two character meals.
It’s also entirely possible that the overhaul of the Wave won’t involve the Incredibles at all, or it’ll feature a mid-century modern aesthetic inspired by the movies. No matter what the outcome, we’re on board with this project–like so much of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Wave could use a visual refresh and more interesting style.
As for the Incredibles-inspired room reimagining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, work quietly started last this month. The entire west side of the A-frame is now behind construction scrims.
This is something we’ve seen recently at Wilderness Lodge, except it would appear Disney is going to take down half of the Contemporary at a time instead of going floor by floor.
The east side currently does not have any closures, and appears to be operating totally as normal. Elevators are still accessible, with cloth walls blocking access to the construction. These just went up, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re replaced with real walls at some point, like what we’ve seen at the Poly and Wilderness Lodge.
While we heard of some guests being relocated to other resorts, it didn’t appear that was a widespread occurrence. More likely, Contemporary’s occupancy numbers are low enough most of the time right now that it can absorb taking roughly half the A-frame guest rooms out of commission at a time. (The same is probably true at Grand Floridian, which has been running aggressive promotions to boost bookings.)
It’s worth pointing out that Walt Disney World has not yet confirmed the Contemporary overhaul is Incredibles-inspired. It’s our strong suspicion that’s the case, which is based upon the aforementioned test rooms, plus persistent rumors, and the fact that Incredibles soft goods have been spotted being added to the rooms this month.
Even though it’s not officially confirmed, we’re about 95% certain Disney’s Contemporary Resort is getting an Incredibles IP injection. A last minute change of plans is conceivable, as is Imagineering utilizing a variety of styles beyond just the Incredibles, but we’re doubtful that either are the case.
Speaking of the Incredibles test rooms, above is a look at their exterior and hallway where they’re located.
There used to be some graphic character art between the two, but that has been removed.
Contrast that to the regular rooms right next door.
There’s a noticeable difference in the carpeting, tile, wood, and accents around the door.
Speaking of carpet, no photo better encapsulates the visual hodgepodge of the Contemporary better than the above photo.
In this shot, there are 5 different styles of carpet and 4 different types of tiles (that’s not counting the deliberate pattern choices around the buffet at Chef Mickey’s). All presumably installed during different projects over the years.
If you were to stand in the center of the hallway above Grand Canyon Concourse, you could count even more disparate styles, as the various gift shops on the other side have their own styles, as does the center of the atrium.
Add those to the different varieties in the hallways around the guest rooms, and you have about a dozen carpet patterns. I’m a big fan of patterns and textures, but not like this.
These are not part of a coherent aesthetic. They’re the result of Disney’s Contemporary Resort having visual clutter added over the decades, with more and more stuff (PG term) added over the years without any overarching vision. It’s actually a bit ironic that it’s called the Grand Canyon Concourse, because the layers of clutter are very much like the sedimentary rock layers in the Grand Canyon. Except ugly instead of awe-inspiring. Minor detail.
I think a lot of Walt Disney World fans view the Contemporary through the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia. I’ll admit that I did for the longest time. However, I cannot imagine being a first-timer with little knowledge of or history with this resort, booking it based on the “Contemporary” name and paying $700+ per night to stay in the A-frame. To say I’d be probably be disappointed would be a colossal understatement.
While we’re not thrilled by the idea of an Incredibles IP-injection, as stated in our most recent Contemporary Resort Report, the hotel desperately needs something. Our hope was that it would follow the Disneyland Hotel formula, but we’ll take pretty much anything at this point.
The Grand Canyon Concourse looks tired, dated, and visually chaotic. It’s an ugly patchwork of eras, with its style continuing to age and clutter continually added. Ironically, it’s probably the least contemporary resort at Walt Disney World, with very little modernity in its style.
In addition to Incredibles stylization, here’s hoping this refurbishment also includes a decluttering and cleaner design for the common areas. Honestly, I think Disney’s Contemporary Resort needs an overhaul to the Grand Canyon Concourse and lobby much more than it needs a room refresh. The guest rooms aren’t great, but they’re hardly the weak point of the hotel (they’re certainly better than Grand Floridian’s rooms).
Suffering from its own version of the “Tomorrowland Problem,” this would be a good opportunity for Imagineering to overhaul the Grand Canyon Concourse in a sleek, timeless, and clean mid-century modern style. It could be punctuated by decor and art inspired by the history of Walt Disney World, and even have dining concepts fitting within a unifying aesthetic. Just imagine a character breakfast with chic styles–a contemporary twist on Breakfast Á la Art with Mickey & Friends at Topolino’s Terrace!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Excited for an Incredibles IP injection at Disney’s Contemporary Resorts? Think this reimagining could work with the hotel theme, or is it an unnecessary character addition? Have you stayed at the Contemporary in the last few years? Do you think the resort is dated and tired, or still has a contemporary atmosphere? Think the Grand Canyon Concourse, guest rooms, or both need an overhaul? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
OK, Tom. You are right as usual. I checked the old pics. Hope you don’t want to bring back the hideous light green circular couches in the lobby (lol).
Ha, I think if the Grand Canyon Concourse were to be “restored” it would be done in a way that cherry picks the best elements of the 1970s design (like the light fixtures and built-ins) with reinterpretations of the eras most iconic designs. Some things are timeless…others are best left in the past. 😉
“…and paying $700+ per night to stay in the A-frame. To say I’d be probably be disappointed would be a colossal understatement.”
I know complaining about Disney prices isn’t original or very interesting, but I think it is worth highlighting the insanity (esp. since you hit on it). We’ve been exploring some deals/offers at Universal for early December of 2021. The same time frame for Portofino Bay at Universal vs. Riviera at Disney (chose for comparison b/c of shared Italy theme…tenuous at best I know) was astounding. Riviera was ~3,800 more. I’ve never been to Portofino, but from everything I’ve read its objectively a much better resort than Riviera.
I love Disney, but the price to value ratio just seems so out of balance right now.
I’m pretty sure we are looking at an upside-down Incredibles ‘i’ logo in the picture of the new carpet Tom posted (the circle is the top of the ‘i’). With the color scheme it seems like that’s what they are going for anyway.
I can understand the resistance to Disney throwing an IP at *everything* but I think those days are here to stay. At least thematically the mid-century modern style makes sense so, done tastefully, there could be worse ways to handle.
Do agree the concourse needs a lot of love.
I completely agree- the concourse needs a MAJOR overhaul, it is tacky and not at all contemporary. I would hope that at some point, they’d know that color can be fun without being obnoxious at all times. Classic MCM futuristic vibes are needed. Side note, and yes I know, an unpopular opinion with many, but the mural is wayyyy to busy and not attractive either.
Agree with Ash. With respect to Tom, who is awesome, there is significant Disney historical and architectural significance to the Contempo and Grand Concourse lobby. Refresh a possibility but let’s not mess it up. Also, anyone remember the Concourse Steakhouse. Great steaks and fun to watch the monorail whiz by.
I would love to see the Contemporary and Grand Canyon Concourse restored to its opening day aesthetic (with modern amenities). I think that style has aged much better than the junk added in the 1980s and 1990s!
Aside from the mural and basic structural layout, nothing present there today is original.
Your idea to follow the Disneyland Hotel formula is genius. Now that it’s in my head I’m sad that it isn’t coming to fruition! I think that’d be more of a crowd pleaser than The Incredibles, but I know I’m preaching to the choir re: more Disney Park inspired influences than movie IPs 🙂
We just stayed in a Garden View room over Spring Break (free upgrade due to AS Movies not opening early enough). We LOVED our room. I was not happy with having to travel to the 4th floor in order to get a drink refill. It is totally inconvenient when coming or going from the parks. There was probably somewhere near the pool but I am unsure. Wish they had places throughout the resort to get refills, like what they did at CBR.
Definitely an overhaul in the Grand Concourse. Mid century all the way. I saw an earlier look at the Incredibles and thought it tasteful. Never seen the movie so it means little to me, and it could be that way for many.
Am I the only one who thinks there are buildings on WDW property that should be historic landmarks, the Contemporary being one of them? If it was designated as such, would that make changes more difficult for Disney to make? I feel like the original design and decor should be tastefully restored to fit into their original concept. (I’m a huge fan of the plexiglass trees with lights) And, what’s the problem with letting the mural be the star again?
It was my first thought.
It was so very contemporary back in 1971! We stayed at the only other resort then, the Polynesian… Admission was $1.85. But then you bought the A – E tickets. I remember the airport was small enough that our plane from Chicago parked by the building and they brought out a staircase like they do for Airforce One and we went down and walked to the building. Disney Original here.
I don’t understand why they wouldn’t carry on with having the Gang of 5 as their main theme for the hotel. It would fit right in with the Chef Mickey character meal. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is still incredibly popular among young children. Incredibles is a good movie but not deserving of long term overhaul redesign in an iconic main Disney hotel.
Looking down at that scene reminds me of standing on the second floor of a mall. The patterning that isn’t a pattern tilework gave me headache. The clashing carpets had my eyes darting around the scene increasing the headache. I love the flow of the building, mural and monorail. Then there is so much clutter and loudness it makes my head swim.
I’ve never seen the Contemporary in person and have dreamed of doing so since I was a kid, but please reduce the visual clutter for the love of everything.
Keep the metal Mickey Ears though please. Those totally work with the other basic elements. Especially the mural.
Tom, I couldn’t agree with you more. The 4th floor needs to be completely redone. I’m not too keen on an Incredibles themed or inspired room as well. Not sure what IP I’d switch Incredibles out with though, maybe Monsters Inc? Perhaps some doors on tracks floating way up high in the A-Frame? With projection technology, they could do some cool things with that large concourse space. Anyway, given that this resort probably sees more non-guest traffic through it other than the Poly or Grand, they definitely should clean up the public spaces. It’s long overdue.
In a perfect world, Disney would give the Contemporary a mid-century modern overhaul infused with Mary Blair’s art, something along the lines of what they’re doing with Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in Paris. Instead of ignoring the giant mural in the middle of the hotel, they should make it the centerpiece. Bring in “It’s a Small World” concept artwork for the lobby, and then go hard with the IP artwork in the hotel rooms – Cinderella, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Lady and the Tramp, etc. It would be a great combination for the rooms – clean, classy mid-century modern styled furniture with bright pops of color from actual mid-century IP.
Is it because the lobby ceilings are too low?
I am DVC owner in BLT (arriving this Thursday from MA for 9 nights) and I love the Contemporary exactly as you described it, for its nostalgia. I just turned 51 and the Contemporary was the very first hotel my family ever stayed in when I was a kid in the 1970’s (I think first visit was 1977) and I loved it then and I love it now. I remember having orange juice that came in plastic containers shaped like an orange. I love the atmosphere there and we love the open concourse. That being said I understand your point about the concourse design, as long as they keep the same atmosphere I am all for it.
Contemporary also needs a splash pad the is on par with the other resorts. Moderate and Value resorts have better splash areas!
My husband and I stayed in an main tower room a few years ago and I really enjoyed it. I liked our room decor, etc. and totally agree that the common areas need more help than the rooms did. I even would argue that the lobby is fine, but that main concourse is a cluster. Here’s hoping!
My biggest problems with the lobby are not easily fixable, and most of it is “good enough” so I’d take a complete overhaul of the Grand Canyon Concourse above lobby work, room redesigns, or anything else.
anyone else see fried eggs in that carpet design?
Totally!