Heya Sue!
Welcome to planDisney! How exciting that you'll soon be joining the "coast to coast" Disney fan club! I can't wait for you to experience Walt Disney World for the first time, and add some new favorites in addition to things you already love about your home park Disneyland. I realize you guys have the terrific Cars Land... but there's nothing else quite like exploring the country pavilions in World Showcase at
EPCOT! Woo hoo!
Your trip is coming soon, so let's get you some transportation plans from the airport. Yes there is a shuttle service offered between the Orlando (MCO) airport and Disney World resorts. It's called Mears Connect, and is very easy to locate on the ground transportation level of MCO. You should book a reservation on their website ahead of time, for either one-way or round trip between the airport and Disney Resort of your choice. There may be a couple other stops along the way at other Disney Resorts... but they can take you to the Contemporary. My family has used this shuttle service multiple times, it's pretty slick. Expect to arrive at your resort about 1.5 - 2 hours after your flight arrival time.
During our Disney World vacations, we do not typically have a car. It's one of the stress-free, immersive aspects I love about
staying at a Disney World Resort hotel! We rely on
free Disney transportation during our stay, and this has always worked well for us. That being said, there have been times when we wanted to rent a car during our Disney trip, for a day adventure to see the ocean!
To rent a car, there are a few locations on Disney property where you can pick up and drop off a rental vehicle. You mentioned Alamo, which works well because it's the “official” rental car company of Walt Disney World and can be rented right from the
Walt Disney World Car Care Center. They offer a shuttle service to come pick you up at your Disney resort, and bring you to the Car Care Center to pick up your car (and vice versa, if you'll be returning it to the same location.) To arrange the pick up, just call the Car Care Center up to 24 hours in advance and ask for them to send a shuttle for you at your preferred time. Alternatively, you could go to the front desk of the Contemporary about 30 minutes before your pickup time, and ask them to call the Car Care Center shuttle.
Once your rides are all planned out... get ready to enjoy the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Just promise me you won't miss EPCOT. Ooooh, even better! You're visiting during the
International Festival of the Arts, which features tasty food booths and activities like fun photo opps. Yaaay, you!
Sue, I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can help with anything else for your upcoming vacation.
See ya real soon!
Tami