Disney’s CONTEMPORARY RESORT HOTEL in 5 minutes. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the two original resorts created by Walt Disney in Orlando, Florida. Classified as a Disney “Deluxe Resort”, the Contemporary occupies an enviable location along Bay Lake, being both on the Disney monorail loop as well as in walking distance to the Magic Kingdom.
Today, the Contemporary Resorts consists of two buildings: the iconic Contemporary Tower and the Bay Lake Tower, together representing over 1,000 guest rooms.
Contemporary Tower
The Contemporary Tower is the A frame building defined by “The Grand Canyon Concourse”, the central atrium which the Disney monorail systems runs through on the 5th floor. There are 383 guest rooms within the Contemporary Tower, as well as an additional 250 in the adjacent garden wing. Standard rooms have two queen beds and a day bed or one king bed and a day bed. There are also a variety of suite options. Most Tower Rooms come with fabulous views of The Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Bay Lake Tower
Opened in 2009, Bay Lake Tower is home to the Disney Vacation Club, offering 428 suites to vacation club members. It connects to the Contemporary Tower through a sky bridge on the 5th floor. Capping Bay Lake Tower is the Top of the World Lounge, an exclusive lounge for vacation club members that offers unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Dining at The Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary is home to eight restaurants, including California Grill, one of Disney’s Signature Restaurants with a stunning view of the Magic Kingdom, and Chef Mickey’s, the popular character dining buffet spot. Other dining includes quick service options like Contempo Café and Contemporary Grounds, the Outer Rim lounge, the Wave bar and grill, and the Sand Bar pool bar.
Activities at The Contemporary Resort
There is plenty to do at The Contemporary, including the “Feature Pool” with a 17-foot high, curving waterslide as well as an accompanying futuristic-themed splashpad for kids and the Bay Lake Pool, open to all guests. Kids can enjoy the arcade or the Movie Under the Stars, complete with smores. For fitness, access the Fitness Center or the basketball, tennis or volleyball courts. Finally, with a location right on Bay Lake, guests can rent motorized boats, kayaks or specialty water vehicles.
Transportation at The Contemporary Resort
Access to the monorail loop makes transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot a breeze. Magic Kingdom is one stop away on the monorail, or guests wishing to walk can access the Magic Kingdom by the pathway outside the resort. For Epcot, guests ride to the Transportation and Ticket Center and then switch to the Epcot monorail. Buses are available to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
Fast Facts about The Contemporary
• Oldest hotel at Walt Disney World, built in 1971
• 655 Main Rooms; 438 Vacation Club Suites
• 8 Dining Options
• 2 pools and 1 splashpad
• 3 gift shops
• Monorail, bus and walking access to the parks
• The mural inside the Grand Canyon Concourse consists of more than 18,000 individually hand-painted and fire-glazed ceramic tiles.
Pros/Cons
PROs
• Proximity to Magic Kingdom
• Monorail access
• Great dining options onside, including a Signature Restaurant (California Grill) and a character restaurant (Chef Mickey’s)
CONs
• Theme is not as “fun” for kids
• Rates can be very expensive
Insider Tips
• If you want Magic Kingdom views, pick a Tower Room on the 9th floor above
• The Garden Wing rooms are substantially cheaper than Tower Rooms (sometimes up to $250 cheaper per night). Garden Wing rooms ending in 01-51 are closest to the lobby, offering a short walk to the monorail and amenities located in Contemporary Tower.
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