Disney’s Contemporary Resort is in the deluxe resort category, just a short walk to the Magic Kingdom. It opened on October 1, 1971, and is one of the original hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort. It offers a, you guessed it, contemporary theme in the guest rooms and its signature A-frame design.

Resort Overview

The Contemporary Resort is a classic and is filled with Disney history, including a 90-foot-tall mural designed by famous Disney Imagineer and artist Mary Blair. The main building at the Contemporary is known as the tower. There is a second three-story building known as the Garden Wing. The Disney Vacation Club property, Bay Lake Tower, is located nearby and shares amenities. The A-frame design allows the monorail to go directly through the resort, making it a popular choice for guests. There are also stunning views of the Magic Kingdom, both from some of the guest rooms and at various spots throughout the resort. There are several different dining options available here too, including the beloved character meal, Chef Mickey’s, and the popular California Grill.

Reasons We Love This Resort:

• Close to the Magic Kingdom
• Convenient monorail access with transfer to EPCOT
• A variety of dining options including a character meal, signature dining, and a delicious, family-friendly steakhouse

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies, and main pools)
• Dining Options (table service, quick service, and poolside service)
• Business Center (computer services, print services, shipping services, office supplies)
• Designated Smoking Area
• Luggage Service (luggage assistance, valet parking assistance, dry cleaning)
• Laundry Services (24-hour self-service laundry room is available)
• Housekeeping Services
• Valet and Self-Parking
• 24-Hour ATM (near the front desk)
• Front Desk Service (banking and mail)
• Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
• Grocery Orders
• Ice and Vending Machines
• Concierge Service (purchase tickets, upgrade tickets, special requests)
• Room Service
• Safekeeping (in-room safes with safe-keeping boxes available at Front Desk)
• Rapid Fill (refillable mugs)
• Wake-up Call Service
• Disability Service (mobility, hearing, visual, and service animal accommodations)
• Resort Airline Check-In

A Full Range of Accommodations

The resort features 655 guest rooms, most of which accommodate up to 5 adults. There are two sections at this resort – the tower and garden wing. The rooms in the main tower have been recently refurbished with a new theme! This sleek new design features The Incredibles. 

 Room Types

Garden Wing – Standard View:

• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

Garden Wing – Garden View:

• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Gardens, Pools, Marina, or Bay Lake
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

Garden Wing – King:

• Sleeps up to 3 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Pool or Parking Area
• 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed

Garden Wing – 1 Bedroom Suite Access:

• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Gardens and Bay Lake
• 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair

Garden Wing – 1 Bedroom Hospitality Suite Access:

• Sleeps up to 7 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• 2 Queen Beds, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 1 King Bed, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Garden Wing – Deluxe Room:

• Sleeps up to 7 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• 2 Queen Beds, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 1 King Bed, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Main Tower – Lake View:

• Sleeps up to 7 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• 2 Queen Beds, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 1 King Bed, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Main Tower – Theme Park View:

• Sleeps up to 7 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• 2 Queen Beds, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 1 King Bed, 1 Day Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Club Level

For guests looking for an elevated level of service, the club level at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the way to go. These room categories include all the standard amenities. In addition, club level guests receive the following amenities:

• Complimentary health club access
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
• Club Level Concierge at the Atrium Club or Tower Club
• Complimentary Newspapers in Club Level lounge
• Daily Housekeeping Service
• Access to Disney Signature Services
• Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services

There are several different room types available at the club level.

These room types include:

Standard Room – Atrium Club Access:

• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Garden or Quiet Pool
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

Standard Room – King – Club Level:

• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Garden or Quiet Pool
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

Lagoon View – Club Access:

• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Seven Seas Lagoon
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

Theme Park View – Atrium Club Level:

• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom Park
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed

Bay Lake View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• Sleeps up to 6 adults
• Views of Bay Lake
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

Theme Park View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• Sleeps up to 6 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom Park
• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Bay Lake View 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• Sleeps up to 8 adults
• Views of Bay Lake
• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 4 Queen Beds, 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Theme Park View 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• Sleeps up to 10 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom Park
• 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Theme Park View Presidential Suite – Club Level:

• Sleeps up to 8 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom Park
• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Dining Information

All Dining & Lounges

Steakhouse 71

The newest addition to Disney’s Contemporary Resort is this stylish, but casual steakhouse named for the year the resort opened. Choose from breakfast, lunch, or dinner with menu options inspired by Walt Disney himself! Take in the 1970’s design and nods to the Sunshine State, including Orange Bird and citrus groves.

Steakhouse 71 Lounge

Celebrate the early days of the Walt Disney World Resort as you sip on cocktails and enjoy classic dishes with a twist such as PB&J Chicken Wings or Loaded Macaroni and Cheese.

California Grill

This signature dining experience is located on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, offering stunning views of the Magic Kingdom area and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Choose from a special dinner menu celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort during this three-course meal. This is a limited-time offering.

California Grill Lounge

Enjoy a drink before or after your meal or opt to dine at the bar as space allows.

Chef Mickey’s

Meet the Fab 5 at this character meal, served family-style, as you watch the monorail sail by overhead. Choose from an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast or dinner and say hello to Mickey Mouse and his pals.

Contempo Cafe

This quick-service restaurant serves a wide selection of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mobile ordering is also available.

Contemporary Grounds

Start your day off right with a choice of gourmet coffees, iced tea, hot chocolate, or smoothies. There is also a variety of baked goods.

Cove Bar

Guests of Bay Lake Tower and Disney Vacation Club members can enjoy snacks and drinks at this private poolside bar.

The Sand Bar

Dine poolside on burgers, hot dogs, and more. Cocktails, beer, sangria and more are available to sip. Dessert items are also available.

Outer Rim

Enjoy beautiful views of Bay Lake as you sip on a variety of different cocktails or options from a full bar menu.

Photo Courtesy Disney

Pools, Grounds, & Recreation

The main “Feature Pool” has marina views and white-sand beaches, along with a 17-foot-high, curving waterslide.  The kids can enjoy the water playground too! Then, if you want a more relaxing retreat, head over to the all-ages leisure pool, Bay Lake Pool.

Cabana Rentals

Relax in luxury beside the Bay Pool in your own private cabana. These cabanas are available to resort guests only. The amenities include:

• Padded furniture, including chairs and couch
• Ceiling fan
• Bluetooth speaker
• Television with cable service
• Phone for internal Resort calls
• Fruit tray
• Mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water
• Safe

Lakeside Yoga

Get your morning started right! On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, enjoy a complimentary 30-minute yoga class in Lakeside Landing. This is for all ages and fitness levels. Class space is limited to 15 guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Bay Lake Tower. Mats and towels are provided on-site.

Movies Under the Stars

After a day at the parks, enjoy complimentary movie screenings under the stars. These screenings are located on the lawn behind the Contemporary Tower.

Motorized Boat Rentals

Head to the Boat Nook Marina to rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing ride around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must be 18 years of age or over and will need to present a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or Military ID to rent a boat.

Contemporary Resort Campfire

Head over to the campfire in the evenings, complete with marshmallows for roasting and family-friendly fun.

Fishing

Guided fishing excursions are available from the resort and are appropriate for all ages. Choose from a 2-hour or 4-hour excursion. The following are included:

• An experienced guide
• Rod & reel
• Tackle
• Artificial and/or live bait
• Non-alcoholic beverages

Please note, all fishing is catch-and-release only and life jackets are required for guests ages 12 and under.

Basketball

Shoot some hoops at this full court located at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It is open to Resort guests and complimentary basketball rentals are available at the Community Hall.

 Volleyball

There is a beach volleyball court located right along the lake. Volleyballs may be checked out at no cost from the Boat Nook Marina with your MagicBand or Key to the World Card.

Tennis

Head to the court for a match! Tennis racquets and balls are available at the Community Hall at Bay Lake Tower, free of charge.

Jogging Trail

There is a jogging path that loops around the Bay Lake Tower and the South Garden Wing. This path is approximately 1 mile long.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Transportation

Get around Walt Disney World Resort with ease using these convenient, complimentary transportation options.

How to get to each park:

While staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you may be wondering how you can get to each park using the free transportation systems offered at Walt Disney World. We have it broken down for you:

• Magic Kingdom: The monorail is available to take guests to the Magic Kingdom. It is also a short walk and there is a walking path, leading guests straight to the park entrance.
• EPCOT: The monorail is available to take guests to the Ticket and Transportation Center, with a transfer to EPCOT.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These buses run approximately every 20 minutes from the resort until an hour after the park closes.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These buses run approximately every 20 minutes from the resort until an hour after the park closes.
• Disney Springs and Water Parks: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Disney Springs and the water parks nearly every 20 minutes from the resort. Buses typically run for an hour after Disney Springs or the water park close.

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Professor Heather

Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?

Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!