Over the years, Disney's Contemporary Resort has solidified its legacy within Walt Disney World, becoming a symbol of the resort's growth and evolution. While other hotels and resorts have been added to the Disney property, the Contemporary Resort has maintained its status as a timeless classic.
Not all seemingly love the Contemporary, as it was just named the "ugliest building in Florida" by Alot Travel. The publication rails by saying, "It looks like a futuristic Aztec pyramid, which is not something you would normally associate with Mickey Mouse." While much of that is very true, one should understand the visionary concept and daring history behind the building before levying such harsh critiques. So today we come to the defense of one of our favorite resorts, filled with history, innovation, and magic.
This grandiose building, characterized by its futuristic design and modern aesthetic, holds a significant place in the history of both Disney architecture and the state of Florida. Its unique construction and forward-thinking concept have made it an enduring symbol of Disney's commitment to innovation and excellence.
The genesis of Disney's Contemporary Resort can be traced back to the early 1960s when Walt Disney, the visionary founder of Disneyland in California, set his sights on creating an even grander and more expansive entertainment complex on the East Coast. The dream of a new Disney destination in Florida gradually took shape, and the ambitious project was officially announced to the public in 1965.
As part of Walt Disney World's initial plans, a resort hotel adjacent to the Magic Kingdom theme park was envisioned. Walt Disney's vision was not only to create a place for guests to stay but to craft a modern, forward-thinking hotel that would blend seamlessly with the futuristic theme of Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom.
For this visionary concept, Disney turned to the renowned architect Welton Becket, whose firm was already involved in other Disney projects, including the design of Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction. Welton Becket's team worked closely with Disney's Imagineers to bring the vision to life, incorporating elements of modernist architecture and the innovative A-frame structure.
The most distinctive feature of Disney's Contemporary Resort is its A-frame structure, which remains an engineering marvel even to this day. The resort comprises two main components: the A-shaped main building and an adjacent garden wing. The A-frame structure was constructed by building two vertical wings, and then a massive steel beam was placed across the top, creating the iconic triangular silhouette.
This design was groundbreaking at the time, and its successful execution was a testament to the expertise of the architects and engineers involved. The A-frame structure allowed for a spacious and unobstructed interior, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the nearby Magic Kingdom theme park.
Construction of Disney's Contemporary Resort began in 1970, with a fast-paced timeline aimed at opening the hotel simultaneously with the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. However, the aggressive schedule presented numerous challenges, and the construction process was far from straightforward.
One of the main challenges was the logistics of constructing the A-frame structure. The steel beams, each weighing several tons, had to be lifted and positioned with precision to ensure the stability and integrity of the building. Additionally, working at such heights required innovative safety measures to protect the construction workers.
The rooms in Disney's Contemporary Resort were constructed using an innovative building technique known as the "modular construction" or "off-site construction" method. This approach involved constructing the rooms off-site in a separate location, away from the actual resort site.
The modular construction method used for Disney's Contemporary Resort was considered revolutionary at the time, as it allowed for faster construction and reduced costs compared to traditional on-site building techniques. It also contributed to the resort's futuristic and modern aesthetic, which was in line with Walt Disney's vision for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) and the overall forward-looking theme of the resort.
Despite these hurdles, the construction team persevered, and the resort began to take shape. As the A-frame structure neared completion, a monorail track was integrated into the design, allowing the monorail system to glide directly left of center but through the building, offering guests unparalleled transportation convenience.
Disney's Contemporary Resort officially opened its doors on October 1, 1971, the same day as the grand opening of Walt Disney World. This date marked a momentous occasion for both Disney and Florida. The resort was the first hotel to open within the vast Walt Disney World Resort, signifying the beginning of a new era for tourism and hospitality in the region.
Its futuristic design, paired with its monorail station that allowed guests to travel directly to the Magic Kingdom, made it an instant hit among visitors. The hotel's prime location, adjacent to the Magic Kingdom, made it a sought-after destination for families and Disney enthusiasts alike.
The iconic mural at Disney's Contemporary Resort was created by artist Mary Blair. The mural, titled "The Grand Canyon Concourse Mosaic," is one of the most recognizable and beloved pieces of art at the resort.
Mary Blair was a talented and influential artist known for her work with The Walt Disney Company. She was involved in the concept art and design of several classic Disney films, including "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland," and "Peter Pan." Her distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes, became synonymous with the "It's a Small World" attraction at Disneyland and other Disney parks around the world.
For Disney's Contemporary Resort, Blair was commissioned to design the massive mosaic mural that adorns the interior walls of the Grand Canyon Concourse. The mural stretches over 90 feet in length and is a vibrant representation of the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest. It features colorful geometric patterns and stylized depictions of desert landscapes, Native American imagery, and wildlife.
The mural is a central focal point of the resort, and its bold and cheerful design complements the modern architecture and futuristic theme of the Contemporary Resort. Mary Blair's artistic contribution to the resort has made the Grand Canyon Concourse a memorable and visually stunning space enjoyed by Disney guests for decades.
Over the years, Disney's Contemporary Resort has solidified its legacy within Walt Disney World, becoming a symbol of the resort's growth and evolution. While other hotels and resorts have been added to the Disney property, the Contemporary Resort has maintained its status as a timeless classic.
The monorail station, a key feature of the resort, remains a popular mode of transportation for guests, providing a convenient and picturesque journey to the Magic Kingdom. It has become an iconic image of Disney's forward-thinking and innovative approach to guest experiences.
Disney's Contemporary Resort has undergone various changes and expansions while maintaining its timeless charm. In 1991, an additional Garden Wing was added to the original A-frame building, providing more accommodation options for guests.
In the early 2000s, the resort received a significant makeover. The rooms were renovated and updated with modern amenities and a refreshed design, ensuring that the hotel remained appealing to contemporary guests while retaining its classic allure.
Furthermore, the resort's proximity to the Magic Kingdom has made it a favorite choice for visitors seeking a truly immersive Disney experience. The ability to step out of the hotel and into the heart of the magic has been a major draw for guests, particularly those with young children eager to meet beloved Disney characters and explore the enchanting attractions.
Beyond its significance within Walt Disney World, Disney's Contemporary Resort has also become an architectural landmark within the state of Florida. Its striking A-frame structure, an architectural wonder in its own right, has garnered widespread recognition and admiration within the architectural community.
