Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a premier Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World (WDW) in Orlando, FL. The aesthetic of the resort is very futuristic. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest resort to Magic Kingdom, and there is a quick walking path from the resort to the Magic Kingdom park. Guests who stay here are basically next door. When staying at Disney’s Contemporary, you also have exceptional access to a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from certain rooms, the multi-story lobby windows, and from the fantastic dining offered inside the resort. The interior of the rooms have recently been updated to have a theme inspired by Disney Pixar’s film, The Incredibles. Disney’s Contemporary Resort was built in the 1970s and officially opened back when Walt Disney held WDW’s grand opening. It hardly gets more classic than Disney’s Contemporary.
Exclusive Monorail Access
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is also one of the three Walt Disney World resorts that have monorail service directly to the hotel. Most guests have to take a form of initial transportation to the WDW Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to then board the monorail from there. Guests at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will have the unique opportunity of boarding the monorail from inside the resort. Why is this, you may ask? Well, at The Contemporary, the monorail runs through the resort’s main building.
Bay Lake Tower
Depending on availability, you’ll have the option to stay at the resort’s classic main building or on the more recently constructed Bay Lake Tower – A Disney Vacation Club resort. Bay Lake Tower is adjacent to The Contemporary Resort and has the fabulous Bay Cove pool, which is only available to guests at Bay Lake Tower. If you stay at Bay Lake Tower, however, you also have access to Disney’s Contemporary pool. Although Bay Lake Tower is exclusive to the Disney Vacation Club, depending on availability, non-Vacation Club Members sometimes also have the option to reserve rooms in the tower.
Suites and Grand Villas are available to reserve in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Guests can choose a view of the Magic Kingdom or a view of Bay Lake on the other side of the building. Arguably one of the best rooms in Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the Presidential Suite (Club Level), with a view of Magic Kingdom. This fantastic suite sleeps up to 8 people.
Club Level Rooms & Access at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
At a select number of Disney World resorts, guests have the option to book a Club-Level room, which means special access to an area of the resort that is Club-Level only. The Club Level at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is called the Atrium Club, located on the 12th floor and open to the Atrium, and the Tower Club, located on the 14th floor.
The Atrium Club and Tower Club rooms typically start at about $990/per night and go up in price from there. Upon arrival to your Club-Level stay, a designated lounge staff Cast Member will greet you and show you around.
Guests have access to the Club Lounges every day during the hours that it is open. Delicious snacks, excellent coffee and espresso, breakfast, evening appetizers, and finally to close out your night, desserts and cordials are available throughout the day. It’s smart to continue to check back and see what has been served throughout the day, because it’s often new, exciting, and delicious every hour.
The Clubs (times subject to vary) are typically open from 6:30am – 10:00pm.
Along with access to the Club Lounges, guests will also receive priority access to a concierge staff member who is available to answer questions and assist with any additional reservations or amenities you need during your stay.
Feature Pool & Waterslide
The pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is complete with a 17-foot waterslide, poolside beverages and snacks, private Cabana Rentals, and the beach is just a few steps away! At night, the Electrical Water Pageant arrives outside the resort, and families love to sit on the sand and be entertained by the impressive colorful lights in the shapes of characters on the water. (Check with the front desk for daily show times.)
Relax under the sun or dip in the pool, which is always a comfortable temperature, even on a breezy day, or enjoy the splash area for the kiddos. There’s also a hot tub for luxurious relaxation. Complimentary towels are available and a lifeguard will be on duty.
Private Cabana Rental
Did you know that you can rent a private cabana by the pool? It’s true.
Typically, you will rent a cabana for the full day. Complete with comfortable, padded lounge chairs, a couch, and glorious shade, you’ll find yourself at peak bliss lounging by the pool under a private cabana – just for you and your group!
Pamper yourself and even reserve private dining at the cabana for a luxurious experience. Cabanas at The Contemporary also include a private ceiling fan, bluetooth speaker, and TV. A mini fridge will be included with sodas and water as part of the full day rental. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary fruit tray.
Olympiad Fitness Center
Disney’s Contemporary Resort has an elaborate fitness center with high-quality machines. Get your daily workout in at any time during your stay! The fitness center is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Utilize the treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines, or the bicycles.
Towels are available for guests in the fitness center.
Additional Amenities at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
So, what other bonus amenities and activities can you take advantage of during your stay at the Contemporary Resort?
Not many people realize that guests also have access to the following options, when they stay at the Contemporary Resort:
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Specialty Cruises / Private Pontoon Boats
- Firework Cruises (We highly recommend!)
- Tennis Courts
- Campfires
Each of these amenities can be reserved through Disney Guest Services or Disney Signature Services. The concierge and Cast Members in the resort lobby of the Contemporary are also always available to assist with questions and help book these services upon arrival if you decide not to call before your stay.
Disney Signature Services
With Disney Signature Services, Disney helps you to plan the ultimate perfect Walt Disney World getaway for you and your group. You will receive planning assistance from the best of the best vacation planners – directly from Disney.
One of the things that the Disney World Cast Members can do is help to personalize your vacation to fulfill exactly the dreams you’re hoping for. The Cast Members will assist you with the details that you may not have known were available to you, but will add a touch of magic to your vacation.
You’ll receive access to Disney Signature Services when you book a Private Disney VIP Tour. The other way to access Disney Signature Services is when you book a suite, grand villa, or club-level room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or one of the other included resorts. Your Disney Signature Services assistant will be available to speak with you every day of the week from 9:00a-5:00p (EST).
Conveniences
The Contemporary Resort offers a number of conveniences for guests to access. Because Disney knows that sometimes efficiency is what makes all the difference.
Did you know that any merchandise you purchase throughout the parks or on Disney World property can be delivered to your resort and picked up upon returning to the hotel after your day at the parks or Disney Springs? Be sure to request this convenient service!
Along that same theme, guests can also utilize a home delivery option for an additional fee and have any merchandise they purchase during their stay shipped to their home. This way, it will all be waiting for you when you return! Not only is this a helpful convenience, especially if you are flying to and from Orlando, but also, it eliminates having to carry heavy packages throughout your day.
Guests have the option of using a grocery delivery service from a number of local grocery stores, including Publix and Trader Joe’s. Concierge Services will also bring the groceries to your door upon request.
Something significantly useful is the fact that the Contemporary Resort has a designated business center available in the lobby, which includes computers, desk space, multiple printers in both color and b&w, fax services, photocopying, Wi-Fi, shipping, and postal services, as well as available office supplies and even a notary if needed.
Dry Cleaning services are available for guests as well! More information on each of these convenience services can be found on the Walt Disney World website. Guests can also call the front desk for additional assistance.
Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Fine Dining
Finally, it wouldn’t be one of Disney World’s most fabulous resorts without luxury dining for guests of all ages!
Make your reservations early so that you don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the fabulous culinary options available at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The reservations fill up fast!
The most exceptional (and the most loved) is California Grill. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” experiences. Guests will take an elevator up the entrance of the restaurant and everything after that will be simply magical. The lounge offers an array of wines, beers, and cocktails that are utterly divine.
The service at California Grill is top-notch and the flavors will wow you, without a doubt. A fun fact about California Grill is that if you eat dinner there, even if your reservation is earlier than the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, you’re invited to re-enter the restaurant upon proving your prior reservation for an exquisite view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from a private landing.
Another very popular restaurant is Steakhouse 71, located in the lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Their lounge is a great spot to relax in the afternoon or evening, and their menu is lengthy and impressive. It’s a favorite for many guests!
If you’re traveling with the whole family, we recommend Chef Mickey’s. Dine with your favorite classic Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and sometimes others depending on the day! While the food is actually really tasty at Chef Mickey’s, most guests venture here for the entertainment and interactive parade for the kids. Many guests come to eat at Chef Mickey’s even if they’re not staying at the Contemporary. It’s not one to be missed!
Honorable Mentions:
Outer Rim is a great lounge on the Contemporary Resort’s 4th floor located by Chef Mickey’s. It has a fabulous view of Bay Lake and a wonderful list of beverage options. The bartenders are always very conversational at Outer Rim, which enhances the experience!
Contemporary Grounds
Contemporary Grounds is the coffee and pastry spot in the Contemporary Resort lobby. Order an oat milk latte with Mickey or Minnie-themed latte art on the top!
We also recommend the Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew.
Or, if coffee isn’t your jam, indulge in a Flamingo Frost or Tropical Sunset smoothie, Matcha Latte, or pastry to go.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the perfect resort location to have a relaxing and pleasant stay on the Disney property. There are so many amenities to be enjoyed, and guest services is always a phone call away. Their primary goal is to make your Disney experience extra magical!
So, we hope you’ll sit back, relax, enjoy the shade under a private cabana, and sip a delicious Mai Tai while taking in the view of Bay Lake.
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