Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic hotels at Walt Disney World because…well…it was one of the first! The Deluxe Resort opened alongside Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in 1971 and has undergone a lot of change since then to keep it feeling “contemporary.” If you’re thinking about staying here during your next Disney World vacation, here’s everything you need to know, from how big the rooms are to all the places you can grab a bite to eat and more!

About Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort combines modern accommodations with the luxury of Deluxe Resort amenities. Located in the Magic Kingdom resort area (just steps away from the main gate!), the Contemporary offers spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake, and is located right on the iconic Disney Monorail, whose track runs directly through the resort’s lobby.

The resort opened on October 1st, 1971, the same day as the opening day of the Magic Kingdom, creating the foundation of Disney resort accommodations that we know and love today. A stunning 90-foot-tall tile mosaic mural was designed by Mary Blair, a Walt Disney Animator and the mastermind behind the design of the “it’s a small world” attraction. The mural towers through three levels of the main concourse, something you can’t (but also don’t want to) miss!

As the original Walt Disney World resort, the Contemporary is filled with nostalgia, blending modern decor with classic memorabilia. And, with so many recent updates happening at the resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is sure to feel “contemporary” and new to you, whether it’s your first or fiftieth time staying here!

Accommodations

Not only is Disney’s Contemporary Resort a deluxe resort, but it is also a Disney Vacation Club property! This means you will find a greater variety of room types here, including standard two-queen or one-king bed rooms, club-level rooms, and multi-bedroom suites.

Being a deluxe resort, the rooms at the Contemporary are some of the largest on property, hovering at 422 square feet! The resort comprises three sections: The Main Building, the Garden Wing, and Bay Lake Tower. Additionally, a recent refurbishment has transformed all rooms into mid-century, modern design with nods to the Disney Pixar film, The Incredibles.

Unlike value and moderate resorts, this deluxe resort offers fully indoor accommodations with most rooms opening to indoor hallways (making it a preferred place to stay during hurricane season!). However, there are a few exceptions. While the main building and Bay Lake Tower both offer indoor hallways, room entry, and walk-out balconies, the Garden Wing does not. The Garden Wing is designed in a “motel style” with outdoor sidewalks leading to the building, as well as a door that opens, but no walkable balconies. Rooms on the first floor of the Garden Wing do offer a small walk-out patio, however.

Here is a complete list of room types offered at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

• Main Tower – Theme Park View
• Garden Wing – Resort View
• Garden Wing – Water View
• Garden Wing – King
• Garden Wing – Deluxe Room
• Main Tower – Water View
• Theme Park View – Club Level
• Resort View – Club Level
• Garden Wing – 1 Bedroom Suite
• Water View – 2 Bedroom Suite Club Level
• Theme Park View – 2 Bedroom Suite Club Level
• Theme Park View – 1 Bedroom Suite Club Level
• Theme Park View – Presidential Suite Club Level
• Theme Park View – 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
• Water View – 1 Bedroom Suite Club Level
• Resort View – King – Club Level
• Deluxe Studio – Preferred View
• Deluxe Studio – Theme Park View
• Deluxe Studio – Resort View

Clearly, there are many room options to choose from here. King Bed rooms sleep up to two adults, while two Queen Bed rooms sleep up to four adults, and some contain a daybed that expands the capacity of the room to five adults. All rooms include standard amenities such as a hair dryer, in-room safe, beverage cooler, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, complimentary Wi-Fi, “Hey Disney!” services, and double sinks in the bathroom.

Club-level rooms offer access to the exclusive Atrium and Tower Clubs, which provide complimentary light refreshments, along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Both clubs offer the same amenities, with the only difference being the location of each club. Club-level guests also gain access to Disney Signature Services, which includes a personal assistant available by phone to assist with reservations, accommodations, or special requests during their vacation.

The multi-bedroom villas are an excellent option for families who want to stay together in the same room. The three-bedroom villa can sleep up to twelve adults. Additionally, all multi-room villas include a washer and dryer, a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a dining area.

Dining Options

A perk of staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort is the wide range of dining options provided to guests, and it’s no different at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Whether you are looking for a fast bite at a quick service location, character dining, casual table service, or fine dining, the Contemporary Resort offers something for every palate.

Table Service Restaurants

Steakhouse 71

Located on the first floor of the Contemporary, Steakhouse 71 is a casual steakhouse open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The restaurant is named after the year the Contemporary Resort and Walt Disney World opened, 1971. With that in mind, the menu is inspired by Walt Disney’s favorite dishes. The decor also pays homage to Walt Disney, featuring pictures and 1970s-style theming, along with a touch of Florida inspiration.

For breakfast, the restaurant offers classic entrees, such as omelets, eggs Benedict, and pancakes, along with a few more upscale options, including avocado toast and Walt’s prime rib hash. This is one of the few places on Disney property where the lunch and dinner menus vary. Lunch options include dishes like grilled cheese, a turkey club, and a prime rib sandwich. The dinner menu transforms into full steakhouse mode, featuring cuts such as beef tenderloin, New York strip, filet mignon, sirloin, prime rib, and a pork chop. For those who may not want a steak, fish, or chicken, and vegetarian options are available.

Reservations are highly recommended; however, a lounge with first-come, first-served seating is available for lunch and dinner, though the menu is limited.

California Grill

Guests dining at California Grill will step into the private elevator and travel to the 15th floor to find panoramic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle. This fine dining restaurant offers an open kitchen experience, as well as one of the best views of fireworks at Walt Disney World outside of Magic Kingdom.

The menu here is seasonal and market-inspired, changing frequently to reflect the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Inspiration comes from California cuisine with a touch of international flair. Also offered is an extensive wine collection, with an on-site Sommelier to assist with any pairing suggestions.

This is a prix-fixe three-course menu, where guests will choose one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert. Appetizer options include a selection of sushi rolls, ravioli, and a salad, while entrees feature dishes such as sea scallops, roasted duck, filet mignon, and market-fresh fish. Desserts include variations of chocolate mousse, panna cotta, and cheesecake.

California Grill is open for dinner only, and reservations are required.

Chef Mickey’s

If you are looking to dine with the Fab Five characters with the iconic monorail passing by, and views of Bay Lake, look no further than Chef Mickey’s! This character dining buffet is open for breakfast and dinner on the fourth floor of the Contemporary Resort and is one of the most popular places for families to eat.

You’ll get to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto as you eat and even dance along to a few songs with them too!

Some dishes off the breakfast buffet include scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, a selection of meats and cheeses, Mickey waffles, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, and more. The dinner buffet offers New York strip loin, BBQ ribs, salmon, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and more. In addition, a selection of breads, salads, and desserts is available.

Reservations are hard to come by here, so be sure to book as early as you can!

Quick Service Restaurants and Bars

Contempo Cafe

Right next to Chef Mickey’s is the Contemporary’s main quick service option, Contempo Cafe. This one-stop shop offers a variety of entrees, as well as grab-and-go selections, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For breakfast, guests can choose from Mickey waffles, croissant sandwiches, and breakfast platters, with a selection of pastries and breakfast beverage offerings. For lunch and dinner, handheld sandwiches including a patty melt, burger, spicy chicken sandwich, and pulled pork sandwich are available, as well as a selection of flatbreads, salads, and chicken strips.

Contemporary Grounds

On the first floor next to the check-in desk is Contemporary Grounds, the gourmet coffee shop featuring Joffrey’s specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, and pastries for guests to kickstart their day before the theme parks!

The coffee shop is open daily from 6:00AM to 1:00PM.

Cove Bar

Over at the Bay Lake Tower pool area is the Cove Bar. Guests can enjoy a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, premade wraps, sandwiches, and salads are available for a light snack by the pool.

Outer Rim

Guests can enjoy a cocktail while relaxing at the Outer Rim. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of Bay Lake, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery while watching a sports game or sipping one of their bourbon varieties. In addition to the bourbon options, beers, wines, and cocktails are available from the full bar.

The Sand Bar

Located at the main pool is the Sand Bar. Similar to the Cove Bar, Sand Bar offers a variety of beers, wines, frozen and on-the-rocks cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. However, the food menu here is more extensive. Options include entrees such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, shrimp baskets, quesadillas, and more.

Additionally, there is an A/C enclosed sitting area where guests can relax and enjoy a break from the Florida heat.

Amenities & Recreation

Pools

Disney’s Contemporary Resort currently offers two pools for guests staying at the hotel.

The Feature Pool is the main recreation pool, featuring a 17-foot-tall waterslide, a hot tub, and a splash pad water playground for kids alongside views of Bay Lake and white sandy beaches. Cabanas are available to rent here, and poolside activities run by the recreation Cast Members are held here daily!

The Bay Lake Pool is the leisure pool on the property, offering a more serene experience for those seeking relaxation.

Activities and Entertainment

The Contemporary Campfire is held nightly in the Courtyard, and Movies Under the Stars is held on the courtyard lawn on select nights. Additionally, every night, guests can enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant, a nighttime water parade that navigates its way through Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon on the beach.

For those who won’t want to miss a workout on vacation, the Olympiad Fitness Center is your spot. This full-service fitness club is available 24 hours a day for guests 14 and older. An adult must accompany guests under 18 years of age.

The Game Station offers arcade fun for all ages on the 4th floor, alongside three shopping centers for guests to pick up souvenirs. Basketball courts, volleyball courts, a jogging trail, and outdoor games are also available around the grounds, including cornhole, Connect Four, and more.

Rentals

Being on the lake, watercraft rentals are available here, including fireworks cruises, fishing excursions, and boat rentals!

Transportation Options

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is located just steps away from Magic Kingdom, and there are plenty of ways to get there — or to any of the other three theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs!

Disney Boat Transportation and Disney Monorail Transportation are available to and from Magic Kingdom. And, to head to EPCOT, guests can take the monorail to Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center and transfer to the EPCOT monorail station. Note that Disney bus transportation is offered to these parks if the monorail or boat happen to be down unexpectedly.

Guests can take the bus to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs. Bus transfers are also available for Disney’s water parks, including Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Additionally, parking is free for guests with a vehicle during their resort stay at all theme parks and Disney Springs.

A walking path is available for guests who want to walk to and from Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which is approximately a 10-minute walk, depending on your pace.

Pricing

Since Disney’s Contemporary Resort is both a Deluxe Resort and a Disney Vacation Club Resort, the prices vary drastically depending on the room type you choose. However, it is one of the most expensive resorts on Disney property, due to its location and popularity.

Standard rooms start around $700 per night in the Garden Wing and can range up to around $950+ per night, depending on the view. Club-level rooms range from $1,100 to $1,500 per night, while multi-bedroom villas can start at $1,300 per night and range up to $2,500+ per night.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is often included in special offers and discounts offered by Disney. Be sure to check Disney’s website for the full list of current discounts to see if anything is being offered during your travel dates.

Guest Benefits

As one of Disney World Resort hotels, you’ll be able to access some extra perks that make your vacation a bit more magical (and convenient). This includes:

• Early Theme Park Entry (allowing you to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before)
• Extended Evening Theme Park Entry (allowing you 2 extra hours in select parks on select nights)
• Free Disney transportation and theme park parking
• Extended dining reservation window (60 days + the length of your stay)
• Early booking window for Disney’s Lightning Lanes services
• Ability to purchase a Disney Dining Plan
• Free water park admission on the day you check-in
• Staying in the “Disney Bubble”

Who Should Stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

So, is the Contemporary the right resort for your next Disney vacation?

Stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort if:

• Being close to the Magic Kingdom is important to you
• You want deluxe or club-level accommodations
• Multiple dining options are important to you

DON’T stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort if:

• You are on a tight budget
• You don’t plan to go to the Magic Kingdom
• You plan to spend the majority of your time in the parks (you want to be able to enjoy the resort you’re spending so much money on, after all!)

Comments

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