One of the first two resorts to open on Walt Disney World property back in 1971, the Disney Contemporary Resort was named so for its contemporary design – an A frame built with outer walls which slope inwards around an inner atrium. The rooms are similarly modern, with muted colors and dark woods, a suede headboard running the length of the room, a clear glass desk with computers, a light green day bed/couch, LCD television sets, and Kohler flat sinks. Undergoing a refurbishment to this present day look in 2005, the Contemporary Resort is always trying to stay on top of the latest trends, and Disney guests can now see just a few more of their recently unveiled improvements.

One of the most modern changes guests will find is the new Contempo Café in the Grand Canyon Concourse at the resort. This newly opened eatery has taken the fourth floor space originally occupied by the Concourse Steakhouse and is a high-tech venture into dining. Designed for guests who want to grab a quick snack rather than a full sit-down meal, Contempo Café features some particularly neat technology when it comes to ordering. Instead of ordering from a server, guests will order their food from a self-service touch screen.

Guests will start by perusing the menu on electronic boards; they’ll be able to read descriptions and look at color photos of dishes on these boards. When they’re done, they’ll place their orders at touch screens and head to a cashier to pay for their food. When their meal is ready, a pager will blink, signifying that the food is available for pickup at the counter.

For those who think this new technology might make dining harder, Disney has anticipated every request diners might possibly make. For example, a salad can be ordered with the options of having the dressing mixed in, on the side, or not at all. Prices on the screen change according to your choices, and a running total is displayed at all times so guests can see how much they’ll spend. The Contempo Café is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features thin-crust pizzas, hearty deli sandwiches, and house-made soups, among other options.

In addition to the new Contempo Café, Disney’s current revitalization of the Contemporary Resort includes the new Wave Restaurant on the first floor, which opened this past summer, and the construction of a new game arcade on the fourth floor concourse. Also, the area that was once the Outer Rim Lounge is being converted into additional seating for Chef Mickey’s, while the new Outer Rim Lounge is being constructed at a different location in the resort.

And for those who are wondering what that construction is next to the Contemporary Resort, that would be the Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club property that is set to open in fall 2009. The 15-story building will mimic the Contemporary Resort in design and feature a rooftop lounge and fireworks viewing area for seeing the show at Magic Kingdom. Bay Lake Tower will also be connected to the Contemporary Resort via a pedestrian bridge.

Be sure to stop by Disney’s Contemporary Resort sometime soon to enjoy all the latest improvements and changes. At Walt Disney World, fun new additions are being made all the time, which is why you can never go too long without visiting, or you’ll miss out! So score your discount Disney tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com, and see what’s new at your favorite parks and resorts.