Monorail to Mickey: Review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Editor’s notice: This story is recurrently up to date with the newest data.

If you wish to keep as shut as doable to The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (with out breaking any guidelines to attempt to sleep within the fortress), there’s an excellent likelihood that one of the best resort to your Disney trip is true on the monorail line at Disney’s Modern Resort.

Though Walt Disney handed away a number of years earlier than Disney World first opened its gates in 1971, he performed an enormous function in planning the preliminary design of this magical Central Florida land, together with the two original Walt Disney World hotel concepts that did open: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the long-lasting Modern Resort.

The park (and its unique lodges) have now been open for greater than 50 years, however Disney’s Modern Resort remains to be modern because of a current renovation.

The monorail runs proper by means of the center of the Modern in a means that feels basic with an ever-present nod to a midcentury trendy aesthetic, but the property additionally manages to really feel futuristic in a Tomorrowland kind of means.

Not surprisingly, being as near The Magic Kingdom as doable with the monorail operating proper by means of your resort comes at a value. Which means it requires cautious consideration when determining whether or not that is the fitting resort for you. To assist making a decision here is all you must learn about what it’s like to remain at Disney’s Modern Resort.

Charges for entry-level rooms on the Modern usually vary from about $500 to $700 per evening. There are generally gross sales and reductions for Florida residents, Disney+ subscribers and annual go holders that may knock it down 20% to 30%, however do not count on charges right here to ever dip beneath $300 per evening.

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At most Disney lodges, the particular room sort would not matter all that a lot since a pool view versus a backyard view is fairly irrelevant whenever you spend your days on the park and are solely in your room at evening. Nevertheless, room sort actually issues when staying on the Modern.

The truth is, absent an unimaginable deal, I’d most likely not e book a backyard wing room right here, as these rooms is usually a fairly lengthy stroll to get to the monorail and eating places since they’re bodily disconnected from the primary constructing. Moreover, they are a bit claustrophobic and never almost as particular as staying within the Modern’s true atrium tower, primarily based on my expertise.

To place it one other means, if you’d like the complete Modern expertise, e book the atrium rooms. They are going to price extra, however they’re the explanation why you select this resort over one other Disney property.

If you cannot swing a keep within the Modern’s pricier lodging, I like to recommend choosing one of many extra reasonably priced Disney lodges as a substitute of the Modern’s backyard rooms. For instance, the rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are solely a ship trip away from The Magic Kingdom however price significantly much less — and are arguably nicer — than the Modern’s backyard rooms.

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On the opposite finish of the expense spectrum, in case your finances permits, it is exhausting to beat a club-level room on the Modern. These lodging are normally at the very least $700 per evening, although you may see them price properly above that in busy intervals just like the winter holidays. For instance, our one-night keep in a club-level room in November 2022 price us $999 earlier than taxes and costs.

By paying up for a club-level lodging at Disney World, you may take pleasure in entry to various extras. On the Modern, this implies upgraded service, the usage of a lounge with free drinks (each alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and complimentary breakfast, dinner and dessert small plates, all of which have been tasty. For an enormous splurge Disney journey, it is a next-level providing that’s exhausting to beat.

No matter which room you e book, think about using miles out of your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (which earns you miles value 1 cent apiece) to maintain some money in your pocket whereas visiting. Alternatively, you should utilize your Bilt Rewards factors. They’re value 1.25 cents every and may be utilized towards Disney resort bookings when redeemed within the Bilt Travel Portal.

If you happen to’re a fan of Disney Vacation Club, know that the primary Modern advanced would not have any DVC rooms. Nevertheless, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which has rooms bookable with DVC factors, shares the identical grounds. That is vital to know even in the event you aren’t a DVC member, as you may rent DVC points to scale back your out-of-pocket prices by probably lots of of {dollars}.

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Location

The primary draw of Disney’s Modern Resort is, with out query, its location.

Whenever you keep right here, you are not solely a brief monorail trip away from The Magic Kingdom. You’re additionally inside a 10-minute stroll from the park, must you determine you desire a leisurely stroll.

We timed the journey by making it a household race of types and located that an grownup strolling from the Modern to The Magic Kingdom can usually attain the park sooner than these taking the monorail because it stops on the Ticketing and Transportation Heart, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa alongside the best way.

Going the opposite means is way sooner by monorail, although, because the Modern is the primary cease after leaving the park.

Since Epcot can be accessible through the monorail, you may take it from the Modern to that park as properly. You may switch on the TTC to board the Epcot-designated monorail. Moreover, there are Disney buses and the pay-per-use Minnie Vans available in the Lyft app, must you want to attain different areas of the Disney advanced, resembling Disney Springs or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Whereas it wasn’t operational after I checked throughout my go to, you may generally take a ship to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, too.

That is how we have been in a position to get our room by 1:30 p.m., which is 2 1/2 hours forward of the official check-in time, as we have been heading over from a brief keep on the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. As a result of we have been switching lodges, we did not have to fret about our baggage, as Disney will switch it upon request, even in the event you keep at a property that’s not a full-fledged Disney resort, such because the Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin or Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

By utilizing Disney’s direct-to-room service, you should utilize your cellphone and/or MagicBand to open your room door. Merely look forward to the textual content or notification that your room is prepared earlier than heading on to your lodging. If checking in on the app is not an choice otherwise you desire a standard check-in expertise, you may as a substitute head to the reception space within the resort’s foyer.

If you happen to visited the property previous to its in depth renovation that debuted in 2020, you may discover the adjustments as quickly as you step into the foyer.

As a substitute of the comparatively nondescript colour palette of whites, browns and greens beforehand featured, the resort now showcases a vibrant midcentury trendy design with nods to each “The Incredibles” and the period wherein the resort was constructed. Decor particulars vary from the overt to the delicate and, for my part, restored the grandeur of this resort in a means that feels true to its roots and makes it related at the moment.

Past the refreshed decor, there is a enjoyable characteristic for youths. To maintain the little ones occupied whilst you test in, the resort has a miniature ready space throughout the foyer. There, your youngsters can watch a TV enjoying cartoons from pint-size chairs. I recommend taking full benefit of this house, particularly if there is a lengthy wait whenever you arrive.

Disney does its greatest to accommodate early check-in and late checkout requests, however they’re hardly ever granted, given the quantity of visitors that enter the resorts every single day. You need to assume that you simply seemingly will not have the ability to test in till 4 p.m. and might want to try by 11 a.m. (the Modern’s posted occasions).

It by no means hurts to ask, although, as I lucked into an early check-in slot throughout my most up-to-date keep after initially being turned down.

Room

If you happen to visited Disney’s Modern Resort previous to the 2020 renovation, you may hardly acknowledge the brand new rooms. The darkish, dated rooms of yesteryear are actually mild, ethereal and simply plain enjoyable.

Gone are the darkish wooden furnishings and uninspired decor from our keep in 2018.

As a substitute, you may now discover a mixture of white, beige and light-weight grey hues with colourful pops of orange and blue. As an added bonus, every house additionally comes outfitted with all of the modern-day facilities you could possibly want, resembling a number of retailers, a Keurig espresso maker and a glass-enclosed bathe with a rainfall bathe.

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As you would possibly count on, there are additionally lovely Disney touches that function an ideal instance of why Disney resorts are so particular and several other notches above most different family-friendly lodges.

I will not give away all of those not-so-hidden gems, as they’re enjoyable to come across, however look forward to finding some memorable particulars impressed by “The Incredibles,” together with a themed closet with hanging tremendous fits.

Whereas commonplace rooms face the resort grounds and are quite underwhelming given the value, lodging in the primary tower are strong general. If doable, you may need to pay up for a room in the primary tower’s atrium that faces The Magic Kingdom, as these lodging provide fairly improbable views of the park’s fireworks.

We splurged on this view when my youngsters have been youthful since we knew the littlest one in our crew would not final within the park till Fundamental Avenue U.S.A.’s fireworks go off round closing time. It isn’t an upcharge we usually go for now that the children are older, nevertheless it was a real deal with to observe the present from our balcony with a glass of wine because the accompanying soundtrack performed on our in-room TV.

If you happen to’re like us and have older youngsters who can keep as much as watch the fireworks within the park, don’t fret about springing for a theme park-facing room, particularly in the event you’re touring with a number of individuals. We desire paying slightly extra for an atrium room that may sleep as much as 5 visitors (i.e., one with a settee that simply converts to a helpful single mattress) as a substitute of an area with a view of the fireworks.

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Irrespective of which room we’re in, we discover that we sleep like exhausted infants every time. Nevertheless, there’s one detrimental we have persistently observed: The Modern’s rooms are likely to really feel extra humid than I would like.

On our newest go to, our room was on the finish of the hallway by an exterior door that was propped open at occasions, which most likely did not assist. Nonetheless, even throughout different stays, we have observed the humidity extra whereas in our room. It is by no means been dangerous sufficient to disturb us significantly, nevertheless it’s value noting, particularly in the event you’re planning a summer time go to.

Meals and beverage

Apart from being ultra-convenient to The Magic Kingdom, the Modern shines in relation to eating.

Chef Mickey’s

On the identical degree because the monorail, Chef Mickey’s is likely one of the hottest eating places on the Disney resort grounds — and for good cause. Meals listed here are legendary, as they provide the alternative to hold with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy as you eat.

Whereas Chef Mickey’s character meals can be found for breakfast and dinner day by day, I would argue that the late breakfast hours on a day whenever you’re not heading to the parks is one of the best time to go.

Throughout this block of time, you may keep away from an early wake-up name and spend much less, because the breakfast service — which is on the market from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — prices $45 per grownup and $29 per little one 3 and older (youngsters 2 and youthful dine free of charge). Must you decide to go to throughout dinner, count on to pay $59 per grownup and $38 per little one.

For breakfast, the all-you-care-to-enjoy gadgets embody eggs, Mickey waffles, rooster sausage, slow-roasted beef brisket, loaded potato-cheese casserole and banana bread French toast, amongst different choices. The dinner menu options various plated alternatives, resembling potato gnocchi, roasted salmon, pork loin and child carrots.

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Chef Mickey’s is a vibrant, loud, enjoyable and upbeat expertise, so plan accordingly — and have your digital camera prepared.

When my youngsters have been youthful, consuming right here was the simplest option to meet all these key characters, as we did not have to fret about leaving the resort’s indulgent air con to schlep in regards to the parks seeking our favourite figures. It will not be probably the most cost-effective means to hang around with Mickey Mouse, nevertheless it’s actually probably the most handy choice.

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Steakhouse 71

For a extra refined meal, Steakhouse 71 is a terrific new addition to the Modern. Paying homage to the resort’s 1971 opening in its identify, the restaurant serves a few of Walt’s favorites every single day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For breakfast, you may discover Walt’s Prime Rib Hash ($18), plus a Florida-inspired eggs Benedict ($19) and varied omelets ($17 every).

On the lunch and dinner menus, there are every kind of consolation classics with an elevated twist, resembling gourmand grilled cheese ($17), a burger on a brioche bun topped with lemon aioli ($21), beef tenderloin medallions ($39) and a whiskey-infused chocolate cake ($11).

Steakhouse 71 reservations are usually a lot simpler to nab than these for Chef Mickey’s. So, in the event you do not need to fear about making an attempt to attain a desk as quickly as they turn into obtainable 60 days earlier than your go to, this higher-end choice might be the place to dine.

California Grill

One among the best restaurants in all of Disney World sits on the high of the Modern. With its panoramic view of The Magic Kingdom and its night fireworks, California Grill is a eating venue you must expertise for your self.

Though reservations are robust to get through the prime dinner and fireworks hours, checking 60 days out after they open for reserving is properly well worth the effort. Know, although, that you’re going to have to pack acceptable apparel for meals right here because the venue requires visitors to decorate “in apparel that respects the restaurant’s subtle and upscale aesthetic.”

Costs are excessive, too, so finances accordingly.

The restaurant is often an a la carte institution. Nevertheless, it is presently providing a particular three-course, fixed-price menu in honor of Disney World’s Fiftieth-anniversary celebration, so you may see meals priced at $89 for adults and $39 for youngsters 9 and youthful.

Objects presently on the menu embody classics from when the restaurant (previously often known as High of the World) opened in 1971, resembling duck a l’orange and limited-time dishes like an “EARidescent” creme brulee.

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Contempo Café

The Modern is residence to greater than sit-down institutions, so you may get your meals on the run in the event you’d quite put aside much less money and time for meals.

Contempo Café has an eclectic mixture of choices starting from internationally impressed gadgets like Chef Gina’s lemongrass rooster banh mi ($12.29) and a grilled tofu bowl ($12.99) to consolation classics like a burger with fries ($13.49) and an all-meat flatbread ($12.29). You’ll be able to order forward within the Disney app in order that your meals is prepared whenever you stroll as much as seize it.

Membership lounge

As a result of I stayed in a club-level room, I additionally had entry to a lounge with a wide range of complimentary dishes and drinks. Of the club-level rooms at Disney World that I’ve tried, this one on the Modern stays on the high of my record because of the lounge’s service and various number of gadgets.

Located on the Modern’s twelfth flooring, the club-level lounge is open every single day from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The meals and beverage alternatives rotate all through the day, so you may discover a mixture of gadgets to attempt as you pop out and in.

Espresso comes out at 6:30 a.m., which is vital for these doing early theme park entry as a Disney resort visitor. For one thing extra substantial, you may discover continental breakfast choices obtainable from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Throughout our current keep, breakfast gadgets included tortillas with potato, egg and onion; small items of avocado toast; fried rooster biscuits with bacon pepper jam; shrimp and grits; pastries; and fruit. A lot of the meals is ready within the California Grill kitchen positioned a couple of flooring above, so you may count on some fairly improbable bites whenever you go to.

Between 5 p.m. and seven p.m., extra scorching meals comes out — sufficient to make a meal of it in the event you aren’t with an excellent choosy group of eaters. Or, you may seize one or two hors d’oeuvres to take pleasure in as an appetizer earlier than heading to a full-service restaurant on or off the property.

Whereas we have been right here, the night unfold consisted of miso-braised quick ribs, honey- and soy-glazed salmon, tater tots, corn canine nuggets, a meat and cheese unfold, buckwheat noodles, lemongrass shrimp and a scrumptious Thai peanut rooster salad.

By 8 p.m., the menu shifts to dessert, with savory gadgets swapped out for varied drinks and candy treats. They’re an ideal accompaniment to The Magic Kingdom fireworks, viewable from the lounge’s balcony.

Whereas this can be a strong pool choice, the swimming pools on the Polynesian, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and even the Wilderness Lodge rank greater in my e book as a result of their theming and kid-friendly water options. It is also value noting that this predominant pool might be closed from early January to early April 2023 because it will get refurbished, so if swimming pools are vital to you, it’s possible you’ll need to keep elsewhere.

A smaller round pool often known as the Bay Lake Pool can be obtainable on the Modern, must you need to take a dip with out all of the motion of the Characteristic Pool. It sits behind the primary pool and is open longer (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.), although it doesn’t have a lifeguard and asks that visitors not splash or make loud noises whereas visiting.

Must you want a break from the swimming pools, you may play volleyball on the sand court docket positioned between the swimming pools and the lagoon.

Arcade

Children who love gaming or want a distraction on a wet day will discover an arcade on the Modern’s fourth flooring.

Though video games within the arcade aren’t free, they’re actually cheaper than a park ticket. An array of choices can be found, together with classics like Pac-Man and Skee Ball.

Gymnasium

On the resort’s third flooring, the health club homes an honest number of machines, free weights, drugs balls and extra.

Since many theme park guests stroll 15,000 to twenty,000 steps in a single go to, it is simple to grasp why this health heart stays empty more often than not. It additionally would not assist that the house is not very inviting, because it has low ceilings, is not staffed and sits in a principally unused a part of the resort. The lighting left so much to be desired, too, after I stopped by.

Boat leases

Due to its location proper on Seven Seas Lagoon, the Modern provides boat leases to visitors. Every Solar Tracker Pontoon boat can seat as much as 10 visitors and is on the market for $45 per half-hour.

If you happen to do not need to captain your personal vessel, think about reserving a fireworks cruise that departs from the resort’s dock. It comes full with a captain and snacks and delicate drinks, although it is not low cost at $399 per boat for as much as 10 visitors.

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Then, at check-in, the forged member observed that my youngsters had the brand new Disney MagicBand+ and requested if I had linked the bands to my cellphone. Humorous sufficient, whereas I had activated them, I used to be having bother getting them related to my cellphone, so I used to be in a position to get assist setting them up, all because of this forged member asking a easy query.

Then there’s Dave, one in all my absolute favourite Disney World forged members. We met Dave throughout our first keep on the Modern again in 2018 once we’d beforehand booked a club-level room. My youngsters have been little again then and he made their day — or truthfully, their journey — by busting out a spot-on Mickey Mouse voice that made them chortle so exhausting they nonetheless keep in mind it.

Whereas we did not hear his superior vocal abilities this time round, we have been excited to identify him but once more. Primarily based on conversations I overheard, it seems like he is nonetheless delighting visitors in the identical means he entertained my youngsters a number of years in the past.

Disney is known for being pretty accessible, and this resort isn’t any exception — with one vital factor to notice.

Disney’s Modern Resort is like each different Disney resort in that there’s an accessible path of journey connecting the foyer, rooms, eating places, retailers, swimming pools and services resembling laundry and the health club. Nevertheless, this property actively makes use of extra ranges than comparable Disney lodges.

For instance, there are some noteworthy facilities and providers on the foyer degree and third, fourth and fifteenth flooring, that means you may have to put aside a good period of time ready for an elevator if stairs and escalators usually are not an choice. It isn’t substantial sufficient of a wait to be a deal breaker, however it’s value noting so that you’re adequately ready.

On the swimming pools and poolside scorching tub, you may discover lifts. Moreover, commonplace parking is complimentary for visitors with a legitimate incapacity parking allow. Parking in any other case prices $25 per evening for normal parking and $33 per evening for valet parking.

There are wheelchair- and hearing-accessible rooms, too. To e book one in all these lodging, click on the “accessible room” field if you end up trying to find your dates on Disney’s web site.

Total impression

Disney’s Modern Resort is a Walt Disney World icon.

It has been a part of the advanced because the starting — and, by design, it seems like an extension of Tomorrowland, the closest land within the Magic Kingdom.

Whenever you keep right here, you’re actually within the Disney Bubble, so the magic, comfort and theming are throughout you from the second you wake to the second you drift off into dreamland.

The rooms, foyer and different widespread areas on the Modern have significantly improved lately, although you may nonetheless need to skip the fundamental backyard room choice in favor of a room in the primary constructing’s atrium so you may watch the monorail go out and in as you stroll the halls of the resort — a bucket record expertise for each Disney fan.

It will not be one of the best resort to remain at in the event you plan on having plenty of downtime for on-site facilities, and it is actually not the flashiest choice on the market.

Nevertheless, it continues to be one of the best lodging choice for younger households planning a particular journey to The Magic Kingdom, as its extremely handy location makes it a cinch for visitors to maximise their time within the parks and even pop again for a day nap.

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