A Story of Change and Tradition

Disney's Contemporary Resort is stunning from every angle and is just as impressive on the inside. The cavernous, 10-story high atrium at the center of the A-frame structure is something to behold, with massive glass walls at either end, skylights built into the ceiling and Monorail trains passing straight through the space.

For as much as the key architectural elements of the resort have retained their modern feel, though, the interior spaces have not always fared as well. Here, the Contemporary Resort has always faced the same challenge as nearby Tomorrowland. "Contemporary" taste in fashion and interior design tend to change faster than the resort can keep up.

In an effort to keep the resort looking modern and relevant, several major refurbishment projects have been undertaken over the years. The most recent of these (2005-06) converted the interiors and furnishings from the bold shapes and colors they had sported since the mid-90s to a more muted, Asian-influenced design.

The resort's public spaces now showcase earth tones throughout, with the use of woods, marble, high-tech lighting designs and simple but luxurious furnishings.

Dining at the resort has also changed with the times. Gone are the Fiesta Fun Center, an '80s-era arcade and snack bar on the lower level of the hotel, and the Top of the World Lounge, a spot on the 15th floor where a dinner show was presented in the 1970s. Today, guests may choose from character dining at Chef Mickey's, grabbing a quick bite from the Contempo Cafe, healthful and fresh selections at The Wave...of American Flavors or fine dining up top at California Grill.

With all the change that has come to the interior of Disney's Contemporary Resort, there is one element which has remained exactly the same for nearly 40 years: The 90-foot-high tile mural at the Grand Canyon Concourse. Designed by Disney artist Mary Blair, the mural was intended to complement the American Southwest-inspired decor with which the resort debuted in 1971 (there was a lot of orange, red, yellow and brown back then).

While the appearance of the fourth-floor concourse and its facilities have shifted over the years, the mural has stood the test of time. Its panels cover all four sides of the central elevator shaft, presenting a rich, artistic panorama of the Grand Canyon, its people and indigenous wildlife. There's so much to see, you can sit and stare at the piece for an hour and still not take in every detail.

What's often surprising to guests who have only seen the murals in photographs is the amount of detailed work evident in the design. These aren't merely painted tiles forming a larger image. Each individual tile is hand-crafted and textured, creating an amazing tactile tapestry.

A favorite detail of the Grand Canyon Concourse mural is on the panel facing the Monorail platform. There, you'll find this pair of mountain goats, one of which has five legs. It's a curious error, which some claim was the artist's way of saying nothing made by human hands is quite as perfect as that formed by nature.