Hi, Sabrina!
Thanks for visiting us again here on the Disney Parks Moms Panel and for sending me a question directly. First, I have to say that I think you've made a smart decision staying at
Disney's Contemporary Resort, with its unique architecture, fabulous location and excellent dining and transportation options! You can easily access both Magic Kingdom and Epcot via monorail (my favorite method of transport at Walt Disney World!). Complimentary bus transportation is provided from the Contemporary to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney and the two Disney Water Parks. To catch a bus, all you'll need to do is exit the Main Lobby on the ground floor and make a right to head down to the nearby Bus Depot area.
While it is possible that resorts may share buses during less crowded times, you will generally enjoy efficient bus service from the Contemporary Resort. The Contemporary may share a bus with the Polynesian, but since the pick-up and drop-off order is subject to change, it's difficult for me to give you a precise answer. I can tell you that from my own personal experience I have never had to stand on a bus departing from the Contemporary to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios or Downtown Disney. (Then again, I tend not to visit Walt Disney World during national school holidays or during the summer season.)
For your return trip from a theme park back to your resort, I suggest
avoiding trying to catch a bus at theme park closing time when you'll encounter crowded bus depots with potentially long lines. If possible, exit the theme park and head over to the bus depot location at least 30 minutes prior to park closing.
Hoya Saxa!
Kimberly