DisneyDining Disney Dining Plan and Reviews
Since officially reopening in the summer of 2020, Walt Disney World has been back providing magical vacations for all guests, but with safety protocols and rules in place to keep everyone healthy and happy. This special phased reopening has definitely brought back some of the magic, but guests might find themselves a little confused about what experiences are actually available or not and in what capacity. Thankfully a lot of the Disney Resorts, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort, are currently open and welcoming guests during phased reopening, but all of their offerings look slightly different due in part to the safety protocols. Guests who are lucky enough to enjoy a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort during phased reopening are still sure to have an amazing time as there are plenty of ways to have the perfect day exploring all that the Disney Resort has to offer. Here is a wonderful way to spend a day during phased reopening at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!
1. Enjoy Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s
One of the most popular dining options in all of Walt Disney World can be found inside of the main building of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and it is a great location to start any day with at breakfast. Chef Mickey’s is typically an American breakfast buffet where guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat classics and be visited by Chef Mickey and friends at their tables. While Chef Mickey’s is currently open to guests, it is operating in a modified way as to keep safety protocols in place. Guests who start their day at Chef Mickey’s can still enjoy an American breakfast with items including scrambled eggs, Mickey waffles, and smoked bacon, but served family style at their own individual tables. Chef Mickey and his friends are also still available at the restaurant, but they appear at a safe distance and wave and blow kisses to guests instead of coming directly up to tables. A fun and filing breakfast is a great way to kick off a resort day at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
2. Stroll Around Seven Seas Lagoon
After a satisfying breakfast, guests will certainly enjoy taking a leisurely stroll and taking in the sights surrounding Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The Disney Resort is situated on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and various walking paths allow guests to get in a lengthy, yet beautiful, walk. Guests can start at Disney’s Contemporary Resort before moving on to the Magic Kingdom’s exterior courtyard. From there they can enjoy strolling on a brand new walking path that connects the Disney Park with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. From there, guests can continue on the path to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and finally on to the Transportation and Ticket Center. This leisurely walk will not only allow guests the chance to check out the area surrounding Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but also enjoy beautiful views of Seven Seas Lagoon!
3. Enjoy A Monorail Ride Back
After the enjoyable morning walk burning off breakfast from Chef Mickey’s, guests can hop aboard the Resort Monorail Loop at the Transportation and Ticket Center to enjoy a scenic ride around Seven Seas Lagoon to return back to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. One of the biggest perks of staying at or visiting Disney’s Contemporary Resort is its direct access to the monorail, so guests who are enjoying a resort day there definitely need to take advantage of this complimentary Disney transportation. Riding on the monorail and gliding silently through the side of the main building and directly into the lobby of the Disney Resort is an unforgettable memory that guests are sure to always love!
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4. Browse Bayview Gifts
After disembarking the monorail in the heart of the main building of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests should take the opportunity to explore the beautiful architecture and experiences that the concourse has to offer. One stop that guests should definitely make is at Bayview Gifts, a rather large and unique store that offers up Disney souvenirs that guests are sure to love. The modern décor and large interior make shopping for items such as apparel, toys, artwork, jewelry, housewares, and more a completely enjoyable experience that can result in finding the perfect souvenir to bring home!
5. Relax Poolside
After a busy morning eating, exploring, and shopping, guests who are enjoying a resort day at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are sure to be ready for some relaxation, and luckily there is the perfect location to do so. The main pool featured at the Disney Resort features a large swimming area and water play area for young guests that are surrounded with socially distanced chairs and loungers for relaxing in. The pool area also overlooks Seven Seas Lagoon and a white sand beach, making it the perfect place to spend a few hours soaking up the sunshine and relaxing. While enjoying the pool, guests can also venture close by to The Sand Bar to pick up a delicious small bite, cocktail, beer, or wine to enjoy while relaxing.
6. Lunch at Contempo Café
After soaking up the sun and relaxing by the pool, guests should head back inside of the main building and up to the main level to enjoy a quick service lunch at a popular eatery. Contempo Café features an open air seating area with stunning views of the monorail above that guests can enjoy while digging into American favorites with a twist. Some popular lunch options at Contempo Café include the Contempo Caesar Salad with Chicken, Hot Turkey Salad, Grilled Tofu Bowl, Meat Lovers Pizza, and Tomato Soup. Guests should also be sure to leave room for the indulgent Peanut Butter Pie which is served in a tart and accompanied by custard, ganache, and crispy chocolate pearls.
7. Drinks at Outer Rim
After spending some time relaxing in the afternoon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the perfect way to end an evening is with drinks and a delicious dinner which can both be found inside of the main building. Guests looking to enjoy some delicious pre-dinner beverages can head to Outer Rim which is situated along floor to ceiling windows that offer beautiful views of Seven Seas Lagoon, the Magic Kingdom, and the other surrounding Disney Resorts. In addition to a full bar menu, guests who stop by Outer Rim can sip on signature cocktails including options such as a Negroni, Antioxidant Lemonade, Paloma, Rum Swizzle, Kentucky Mule, Blood Orange Margarita, and Raspberry Mojito.
8. Dinner at California Grill
The perfect end to any resort day at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is with a delicious dinner at California Grill which is located at the very top of the resort and can only be accessed via a special elevator for those with reservations. California Grill is a favorite of many guests and, while open, is currently operating in a modified way. The full service restaurant allows guests to exit the restaurant onto a beautiful viewing deck where they can enjoy the music and stunning views of nightly fireworks in the Magic Kingdom. California Grill offers up a unique menu inspired by the flavors and fresh ingredients of the Pacific Coast including popular menu items such as Yellowfin Tuna Tasting, Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Oak-Fired Filet of Beef, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Black Grouper, Braised Beef Short Rib, and Jumbo Scallops. In addition to amazing cuisine options, California Grill also has a lengthy wine list of options from the Pacific Coast that guests are sure to love toasting a perfect resort day with!
