Disney World's Contemporary Resort, celebrating 50 years, reveals a stunning new 'Incredible' design

As we mark the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World opening in 1971, what better reason for a refreshing makeover than this monumental "birthday"?

Disney's Contemporary Resort, one of the original hotels from the park's opening day 50 years ago, has been undergoing significant renovations for several months. While its status as an original resort and its proximity to the Magic Kingdom have always made it special, it has now been given a much-needed facelift.

The Contemporary embraces its classic heritage, combining mid-century modern design with a hint of Tomorrowland's futuristic vibe.

Entering the lobby now exudes a modern, stylish, and welcoming atmosphere that reflects today's trends while echoing the charm of past decades.

But that's not the only transformation. The property now welcomes a few new superheroes.

Characters from the Disney Pixar film "The Incredibles" embody the same "mid-century modern yet futuristic" aesthetic as the hotel, now appearing throughout the iconic monorail resort's rooms.

While we won't provide a full hotel review at this moment since we're guests at the Contemporary, covering the 50th-anniversary unveilings and celebrations, we couldn't resist offering you a glimpse into the hotel's newly revealed rooms, lobby, and restaurant.

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Fresh room designs

As promised by Disney, the rooms "combine a sleek monorail theme with beloved characters from Pixar's Incredibles films, including Jack-Jack, Frozone, and Edna Mode."

Upon entering the room, you'll immediately notice nods to the Pixar film, such as a pillow featuring superhero masks and themed artwork in the bathroom — though some details may take a moment to discover.

For instance, the delicate patterns on the lampshades can easily go unnoticed in bright daylight. You might also overlook the monorail reflected in the bathroom mirror at first glance.

You won't notice the Incredible's suits "hanging" in the closet until you've put away your clothes.

The silhouettes of the characters on the drapes remain largely concealed until you draw the curtains at night, and you won't discover the "accessories" in the bedside table drawers unless you take the time to open them.

A stylish lobby and reimagined dining options

It's not only the rooms that received a makeover. The lobby restaurant, previously known as The Wave, is reopening as Steakhouse 71, celebrating the year when the magic began at Walt Disney World.

Here, you'll discover classic menu items, each with its own story and a connection to Walt Disney himself.

From cocktails inspired by Walt's favorite 5 p.m. drink to a fruitier option reminiscent of the citrus-scented roads leading to Disney World, and the 15-layer chocolate cake that honors the 15-story building where it’s served, every meal at Steakhouse 71 brings a classic Disney story from the past 50 years.

It appears that renovations are still underway on some floors of the tower guest rooms, and once those are finished, the Garden Wing by Bay Lake will also receive updates. This phased approach ensures that certain areas of the resort remain open while different sections of the hotel are reimagined.

With its fresh new look and unbeatable location, The Contemporary firmly holds its place on our list of the Best Hotels at Disney World.