Few Walt Disney World hotels are as instantly recognizable as Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Its massive A-frame tower has been part of the Disney World skyline since opening day in 1971, and more than five decades later, it still offers something no other Disney resort can replicate.
Two monorails actually travel through the building, with the Resort Monorail making a stop to guests arriving at and departing the resort. That feature alone makes the Contemporary memorable, but location may be the real reason to stay here. Disney’s Contemporary Resort sits within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, giving Disney Adults one of the easiest commutes to a theme park anywhere at Walt Disney World. Add scenic views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom, multiple restaurants, two pools, plenty of recreation, and one of the most interesting lobbies on Disney property, and there is a lot to like about this Deluxe Resort.
Additionally, guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort get all the perks like free Disney transportation, the popular Early Theme Park Entry, and the Deluxe resort-exclusive Extended Evening Hours. Of course, online check-in is also available.
Still, the Contemporary has a very different personality from resorts such as Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. After spending time exploring the resort and staying in the Garden Wing, we found plenty of reasons Disney Adults might want to put the Contemporary on their resort shortlist.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Map
The Contemporary Is Part Of Disney World History
Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened with Walt Disney World in 1971, and that history remains part of its identity. The A-frame Contemporary Tower dominates the resort. The monorail glides right through the Grand Canyon Concourse, aka the 4th floor, giving the building an energy that immediately feels connected to the theme parks.
One of our favorite details inside the tower is the massive 90-foot-tall mural created by Disney Legend Mary Blair. Her work also helped establish the distinctive visual style of “it’s a small world,” making the mural more than lobby decoration. It is another piece of Disney history hiding in plain sight.
One thing you will need to know is that the Contemporary does not surround you with elaborate theming in the same way as some other Deluxe Resorts. Instead, its appeal comes from its architecture, Disney history, transportation, location, and views.
Rooms
When people think about Disney’s Contemporary Resort, they naturally picture the iconic tower. That is not your only option, however.
Guests can stay in the Contemporary Tower or the nearby Garden Wing (there is also a Disney Vacation Club building called Bay Lake Tower). Most rooms in the main tower are either Water View rooms with views of Bay Lake or Theme Park View rooms looking at Magic Kingdom. Club level is also offered. In the Garden Wing there are Resort View rooms which have obstructed views or parking lot views, as well as Water View rooms which overlook Bay Lake, the pools, or the Marina.
About Garden Wing Rooms
MouseHouseNews.net’s Erin recently showed off a Garden Wing room, which is where the cheapest of the Contemporary’s rooms are located. The theming and room layouts in this section are pretty identical what you see in the tower, but it is in a building to the South of the main tower. This means you walk a little farther to get to amenities, however, I believe the savings is worth those extra steps. Be sure to watch the video near the top of this review to see what that walk looks like.
The Garden Wing lacks the excitement of walking out of your room and seeing the monorail moving through the building. The tradeoff is a quieter atmosphere away from the noise of the Grand Canyon Concourse.
Amenities
Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary are themed to Pixar’s The Incredibles. The rooms are a little whimsical, but overall clean and bright. Along with The Incredibles, there is also a bit of monorail decor, which ties into the theming perfectly. Overall, the rooms are pretty roomy, which aligns with most other Disney Deluxe resorts (especially the older ones).
You will find that each room has a variety of amenities including comfortable beds with plenty of pillows, a nightstand, Smart TV, safe, and mini-fridge. There is also a Keurig coffee machine with coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer. Furthermore, most rooms are equipped with a sofa that folds down into a sleeper.
Bathrooms are spacious in these rooms. They are bright and upscale looking with a large mirror etched with a monorail speeding through the Contemporary tower. The vanity has double sinks with hand soap, lotion, mouthwash, shower cap, vanity kit, and a bar of bath soap. There is also a shower with a glass door and waterfall shower head. A pocket door separates the main bathroom area from a water closet where you will find a toilet.
For Disney Adults who like spending some downtime at their resort instead of treating the room as nothing more than a place to sleep, all of these features can add considerable value to your vacation.
Magic Kingdom Is Practically In Your Backyard
Here is where the Contemporary becomes difficult to beat: You can walk to Magic Kingdom. That means when thousands of guests are heading toward buses, boats, and the monorail after a long park day, being able to walk back to your resort can feel like a Deluxe Resort perk that actually matters.
I’ll discuss this more in-depth in the Transportation section.
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Unwind & Dine
One of the great things about Disney Deluxe resorts is the variety of places where you can dine. While a food court is nice, it can get old pretty quickly. The Contemporary offers a few different places that will satisfy your hunger. From the pool bar to a quick service to signature dining (and even a lounge), Disney’s Contemporary has you covered. Let’s take a look at some of the options.
Contemporary Grounds Gets Your Morning Started
Sleepy-eyed Disney Adults who need their coffee in the morning should know about Contemporary Grounds. Located next to the lobby in the Contemporary’s main tower, Contemporary Grounds provides a much quicker option when you do not need a complete breakfast. It is a convenient coffee counter offering coffee, pastries, smoothies, and other snacks.
You can grab your morning coffee and something small to eat before walking to Magic Kingdom as opposed to spending valuable time sitting down in a theme park quick service for breakfast.
Contempo Café Keeps Quick Service Dining Convenient
Contempo Café serves as the main resort quick service option, and its location on the Grand Canyon Concourse puts you right in the middle of the action. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menu options that include flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and other quick service selections. Some of the more unique food options found at quick service locations can be discovered here. Mobile Order is also available.
The location may be just as interesting as the food. You can grab a meal while watching monorails glide through the building, with Mary Blair’s enormous mural providing the backdrop. That makes Contempo Café feel distinctly Contemporary.
Steakhouse 71 Brings Disney History To The Table
Steakhouse 71 is one of the Contemporary’s most interesting dining options for Disney Adults. The name itself celebrates the resort’s opening year, and Disney designed the restaurant with touches inspired by the 1970s and the early years of Walt Disney World. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu featuring steakhouse dishes and selections inspired by some of Walt Disney’s favorites.
You do not necessarily need a full table service meal to enjoy the atmosphere. Steakhouse 71 Lounge offers drinks and food in a relaxed setting, with cocktails and design elements that reference Walt Disney World history and the 1970s. There is even an option to place your order and take it to-go! Steakhouse 71 To Go is available for guests of Disney’s Contemporary in the My Disney Experience app.
California Grill Puts Dinner Above Disney World
California Grill sits at the top of the Contemporary Tower and remains the resort’s top signature dining experience. Disney combines upscale dining with elevated views from the Contemporary’s 15th floor, making the location itself part of the experience. California Grill currently serves dinner, while the neighboring California Grill Lounge provides another option for guests looking to enjoy the setting.
This is the type of restaurant that can serve as a great Disney Adult date night. Spend the afternoon at the pool, return to your room to get ready for your date, then head upstairs for dinner. You can have a full Disney evening without entering a theme park. As a bonus, California Grill diners can get a unique view of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show (weather permitting). Simply bring your same-day receipt from your dinner to the 2nd floor California Grill check-in desk and you will be escorted to the outdoor balcony right before the fireworks show.
Chef Mickey’s Brings Characters Into The Resort
Chef Mickey’s is another Contemporary Resort institution. It is a resort character dining location located right next to Conempo Café. The restaurant serves buffet meals for breakfast and dinner, giving guests an opportunity to add character dining to their vacation and meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, & Pluto without entering a theme park.
Chef Mickey’s also contributes to the energy of the Grand Canyon Concourse. Between the restaurant, monorails, shops, Mary Blair mural, and guests moving throughout the building, the Contemporary Tower can feel like an attraction unto itself.
That energy will appeal to some guests more than others. Disney Adults looking for a quiet, secluded Deluxe Resort might prefer the atmosphere at another property. Those who enjoy feeling connected to the action may love it.
Outer Rim Gives Disney Adults A Place To Unwind
Outer Rim deserves some attention, particularly if you are visiting the Contemporary without plans for a big meal. Located next to Chef Mickey’s, the lounge looks out over Bay Lake and provides a casual spot to enjoy a drink while taking a break from the parks. You can find specialty cocktails, wine, cider, bourbon, and other beverages on the menu.
The Bay Lake views are what really give Outer Rim its appeal. This is a great place to linger as the sun sets over the lake. It is a particularly interesting option for Disney Adults looking to slow the pace of their vacation for an hour.
Outer Rim also works well as part of a resort hopping evening. You could arrive at the Contemporary by monorail, have a drink overlooking Bay Lake, explore the Grand Canyon Concourse, and continue to another monorail resort afterward.
The Sand Bar Makes A Pool Day Even Easier
A Contemporary Resort pool day does not necessarily require getting dressed and heading back inside when you get hungry. The Sand Bar sits poolside and serves as the Contemporary’s pool bar. You will find burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and desserts alongside cocktails, draft beer, and other drinks. There is even an enclosed portion of the bar where guests can escape the Florida heat for a while.
However, if you don’t want to be holed up inside, there are plenty of outdoor umbrella tables with pool chairs. Just select an open table, pull up a chair, and enjoy your food & drink. Instead of getting dressed and wandering too far from the pool, grab some food from The Sand Bar, enjoy a cold drink along Bay Lake, and then head back to your lounge chair. Speaking of pools…
Deluxe-Level Recreation Options
A resort day at the Contemporary gives you plenty of ways to stay busy. The resort has two pools by Bay Lake. The Contemporary Feature Pool includes a 17-foot-high waterslide and a splash-pad area. The nearby Bay Lake Pool provides a quieter swimming option, and private cabanas are available for rental.
However, recreation here goes well beyond swimming. Campfires, Movies Under the Stars, basketball, volleyball, tennis, bass fishing, motorized boat rentals, jogging, and fireworks cruises are all available in the Contemporary resort area. The Game Station arcade is located on the fourth floor of the Contemporary Tower, while the third-floor Olympiad Fitness Center gives guests a full-service workout facility. A jogging trail loops around Bay Lake Tower and the Garden Wing for a route measuring just under one mile.
Those options make the Contemporary a resort where we would recommend deliberately scheduling some resort time.
The Electrical Water Pageant Comes To You
One of the simplest pleasures of staying around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake happens after dark. The Electrical Water Pageant makes its way across the water, bringing illuminated sea creatures and classic Disney nostalgia to the resort area.
It is not a massive nighttime spectacular, but that is part of the charm. There is something distinctly old-school Disney about standing near the water at the end of the night and watching the glowing floats move across Bay Lake. For a resort that opened in 1971, the experience feels right at home.
Shopping Is Easy Without Leaving The Resort
The Contemporary Tower also gives guests convenient access to shopping without making a trip to Disney Springs or a theme park. One of the MouseHouseNews.net team’s favorite gift shops, Bay View Gifts (BVG), is located on the Grand Canyon Concourse (4th floor main tower). BVG carries Disney World and Contemporary Resort apparel and merchandise, Disney ears, home goods, jewelry, and confections. Right across the hall, you’ll find Fantasia. This is your main location for children’s toys, Christmas tree ornaments, and Disney Pins.
These shops make it easy to pick up Disney merchandise, vacation essentials, snacks, and souvenirs during your stay. That convenience becomes particularly useful when you are spending a resort day or realize you forgot something after returning from the parks.
Transportation
Of course, staying at Disney’s Contemporary comes with the added benefit of having multiple transportation options. Let’s take a look at the ways you can get around.
Walking To Magic Kingdom Is Hard To Beat
We already mentioned the walking path to Magic Kingdom, but it deserves another mention when discussing transportation. Being able to leave your room and walk to Magic Kingdom is one of the Contemporary’s biggest advantages.
The benefit becomes even more noticeable at the end of the night. When thousands of guests leave Magic Kingdom following the fireworks or at park closing, Contemporary guests can skip the transportation lines and start walking back to their resort.
For Disney Adults planning late nights at Magic Kingdom for Extended Evening Hours or Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom, that convenience can become a major part of the resort’s value. This definitely applies to holiday events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as well.
The Monorail Comes Right Through The Contemporary
Of course, you cannot discuss transportation at the Contemporary without talking about the monorail. The Resort Monorail stops inside the Contemporary Tower. The loop also serves Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
That makes resort hopping incredibly easy. Want to head to the Polynesian for dinner or drinks? Take the monorail. Want to explore the Grand Floridian before returning to the Contemporary? The monorail makes that easy, too.
Getting to EPCOT requires an additional step. Contemporary guests can ride the Resort Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center, then transfer to the EPCOT Monorail. It is not a direct ride, but we think taking the monorail to EPCOT is considerably more interesting than taking a bus.
Buses Fill In The Transportation Gaps
The monorail cannot take you everywhere, which is where Disney’s complimentary bus transportation comes into play. The Contemporary bus stop sits a short walk from the resort lobby. Buses provide transportation to destinations around Walt Disney World that are not served by the resort’s monorail and walking options.
For example, when heading to Disney Springs, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the bus will generally become your primary complimentary transportation option. Just be aware that, in many cases, bus service is shared at Disney’s Contemporary. Depending on time of day and destination, the bus may be shared with guests from nearby resorts such as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Bus service between Disney Resort hotels and the theme parks generally begins 45 minutes before Early Entry and continues until one hour after park closing. You can check the My Disney Experience app for bus arrival times, or look at the digital signage at the resort bus stop for more information
The bus might not be as exciting as watching a monorail roll directly into your hotel, but it fills the gaps and gives Contemporary guests access to the rest of Walt Disney World.
You Can Travel By Water, Too
The Contemporary’s location along Bay Lake also opens another transportation possibility. Water transportation is an option from the Contemporary via the Blue Flag, including service connecting with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
The boats are not necessarily the fastest way to travel, but speed is not always the point. A boat ride across Bay Lake can become a relaxing part of the vacation, particularly if you are resort hopping or heading somewhere such as Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. It is another option that helps separate the Contemporary from resorts that rely much more heavily on buses.
Getting Around Without A Car Is Surprisingly Easy
Put everything together, and transportation becomes one of the Contemporary’s greatest strengths. You can walk to Magic Kingdom, ride the Resort Monorail around the Magic Kingdom resort area, transfer to the EPCOT Monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center, use buses for destinations such as Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs, and take advantage of water transportation around Bay Lake. That variety matters.
Disney World is enormous, and transportation time can quietly consume a significant portion of a vacation. No Disney resort completely eliminates that problem, but the Contemporary gives you more transportation choices than most.
Is Disney’s Contemporary Resort Worth It For Disney Adults?
The Contemporary will not be the right Deluxe Resort for every Disney Adult. Those looking for immersive theming or a resort that feels completely separated from the parks may find other hotels such as Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort more appealing.
The Contemporary excels somewhere else: convenience. Walking to Magic Kingdom is a huge advantage. Having a monorail station inside your hotel is incredibly convenient. Multiple dining options mean you can spend an evening at the resort without feeling like you are missing out. You can even see Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort! A 4th floor balcony with limited seating directly faces Magic Kingdom with a clear view of Cinderella Castle and the fireworks. You can also see the higher fireworks from the ground level of the resort. Bay Lake adds beautiful views, and the Contemporary’s connection to Walt Disney World history gives the property a personality that goes deeper than its modern exterior.
The Garden Wing can also provide an interesting alternative for guests who want the Contemporary’s location and amenities without necessarily needing to stay inside the famous tower. Our biggest recommendation is simple. Do not book the Contemporary just because it is a Deluxe Resort. Book it because you plan to take advantage of its location.
If Magic Kingdom will play a major role in your vacation, that location can completely change how you experience your trip. An afternoon break becomes so much easier. A late night becomes less exhausting. Dinner at another monorail resort becomes simple. You spend less time worrying about how to get somewhere and more time actually enjoying Disney World.
In our opinion here at MouseHouseNews.net, for the right vacation, that convenience may be the Contemporary Resort’s greatest luxury. You can count on us to bring you comprehensive reviews, so be sure to read our other reviews and subscribe to the MouseHouseNewsNet YouTube channel for more.
