Monorail line outside of hotel

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review

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Walt Disney World may be known for its rides, but some Disney resorts are almost as iconic as its attractions. With a distinctive A-frame design and atrium-meets-Resort-Monorail-tunnel, the Disney Contemporary Resort has been turning heads and welcoming guests since Magic Kingdom’s opening day way back in 1971. 

So, how does Disney’s Contemporary Resort compare to other deluxe hotels? Who should stay there? Read on for everything you need to know about this modern Magic Kingdom resort. (Updated October 13, 2023)

Staying at the Disney Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary Resort is one of Disney World’s original hotels, first opening its doors to guests on October 1, 1971, Magic Kingdom’s opening day. Despite its old-school credentials, this deluxe Disney World hotel continues to live up to its name, with new Incredibles-themed rooms fresh off a remodel and the perennially futuristic-feeling Monorail running right through its atrium. 

However, it also stays true to its 1970s roots thanks to a 90-foot-tall mural designed by Mary Blair, the Disney Legend behind “it’s a small world” and films like Cinderella. Even the lobby has received a vibrant, mid-century modern makeover à la the animator. And for even more retro-styled fun, reserve a table at the hotel’s new Steakhouse 71 restaurant, a table-service delight serving up all-American fare inspired by Magic Kingdom’s opening days.  

Mary Blair mural at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Mary Blair mural, Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA by gruntzooki is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Disney Contemporary Resort Rooms & Suites

As befitting its name, the Contemporary Resort offers some of the sleekest guestrooms at Disney World—with some superpowered touches inspired by Pixar’s Incredibles. However, unlike Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or other hotels featuring Disney characters, the Contemporary Resort refurbishment uses just a tasteful sprinkling of pixie dust. 

In the Contemporary Incredibles rooms, you’ll find subtle nods to the Supers like minimalist Edna Mode pillows, Jack-Jack art and even the family’s super suits “hanging” in the closet. (Don’t worry—there’s still plenty of space for your things, too.) The Monorail also makes a fitting appearance on the bathroom mirror. 

Additionally, all standard rooms and suites at the Contemporary Disney Resort come with the following amenities: soaking tub, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail and free Wi-Fi. 

Garden Wing – Standard-View Room

  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of parking areas or obstructed views 
  • Next to Main Tower

Garden Wing – Garden-View Room

  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake, gardens, marina or pool
  • Next to Main Tower

Garden Wing – King Room

  • Sleeps up to 3 adults 
  • Views of pool or parking areas
  • Next to Main Tower

Garden Wing – Deluxe Room

  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake, gardens, marina or pools
  • Next to Main Tower

Monorail line and train coming out of hotel

Main Tower – Lake-View Room

  • Sleeps between 3-5 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake 

Main Tower – Theme Park-View Room

  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom and parking area

Garden Wing – 1-Bedroom Suite

  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake or gardens 
  • Next to Main Tower

Garden Wing – 1-Bedroom Hospitality Suite

  • Sleeps between 5-7 adults 
  • Views of parking areas or obstructed views
  • Next to Main Tower

Bay Lake View – 1-Bedroom Suite

  • Sleeps up to 6 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake 

Theme Park View – 1-Bedroom Suite

  • Sleeps up to 6 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom 

Bay Lake View – 2-Bedroom Suite

  • Sleeps between 8-10 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake 

Theme Park View – 2-Bedroom Suite

  • Sleeps up to 10 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom 

Theme Park View – Presidential Suite

  • Sleeps up to 8 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom 
Monorail into Contemporary Hotel
Disney’s Contemporary Resort © Walt Disney World

Contemporary Resort Rooms With Club-Level Service

Like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the Contemporary has two different Disney club-level lounges: the Atrium Club on the 12th floor and the Tower Club on the 14th floor, both in the Main Tower. 

Club-level guestrooms at the Contemporary offer the same thoughtful amenities as the standard rooms, along with a DVD player, as well as the following benefits: complimentary access to the health club, free newspapers and access to Disney Signature Services. 

Finally (and let’s be honest, most importantly), guests can enjoy refreshments on and off between 7am and 10pm in the club lounge, including continental breakfast, midday snacks and wine, cheese, cordials and dessert.

Standard Room – Atrium Club Level

  • Sleeps between 3-5 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake 

Standard King Room – Tower Club Level

  • Sleeps up to 2 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake

Theme Park View Room – Atrium Club Level

  • Sleeps 3-5 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom

Monorail at night with hotel in background

Deluxe Studios & Villas in Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

While Contemporary Resort rooms undergo a sleek, Incredible(s) upgrade, Bay Lake Tower rooms are colorful and welcoming with subtle nods to Mickey and the Magic Kingdom. Patterned pillows keep things feeling fresh, while abstract art featuring Mickey and Space Mountain lends just the right amount of pixie dust. 

In general, all studios and villas at the Disney Bay Lake Tower have the same amenities as regular rooms, plus a balcony and a cooking area. Studios include a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, paper plates and plastic utensils, while villas come with a fully stocked kitchen and even a washer and dryer. 

Deluxe Studio – Standard View

  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of parking areas and obstructed views

Deluxe Studio – Lake View

  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of Bay lake

Deluxe Studio – Theme Park View

  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom

1-Bedroom Villa – Standard View

  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of parking areas or obstructed views

1-Bedroom Villa – Lake View

  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake

1-Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View

  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom

2-Bedroom Villa – Standard View

  • Sleeps up to 9 adults 
  • Views of parking areas or obstructed views

2-Bedroom Villa – Lake View

  • Sleeps up to 9 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake

2-Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View

  • Sleeps up to 9 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom

3-Bedroom Grand Villa – Lake View

  • Sleeps up to 12 adults 
  • Views of Bay Lake

3-Bedroom Grand Villa – Theme Park View

  • Sleeps up to 12 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Bay Lake Tower….from the lake by CL Photographs is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Disney Contemporary Resort Rates

As a deluxe Disney World hotel with an enviable location right across the street from Magic Kingdom, a room at the Contemporary Resort doesn’t come cheap. The most inexpensive room starts at a little over $500 per night during the slow season. 

Although, your actual hotel price will depend on several factors, namely what size room you need, the view you’d like and when you choose to travel. The low season is the cheapest time to travel, as hotels drop room rates to put heads in beds, while rooms with less-than-desirable views will net you savings all year long. In contrast, rates soar during busy travel times like Christmas and spring break or for guestrooms with covetable views of Magic Kingdom.

Garden wing rooms are the most affordable options at the Contemporary, with rates from the low $500s in the slow season to the upper $800s up to $1,000 during the high season. The priciest options are the 2-bedroom suites in the Main Tower and 3-bedroom Grand Villas in Bay Lake Tower, with rates starting in the mid-to-high $2,000s and climbing to the mid-to-high $4,000s.

Depending on which room type you choose, here is the range of Contemporary Resort rates in 2023 (for those staying in 2022, expect slightly cheaper rates):

  • Garden Wing – Standard-View Room: $550 to $988
  • Garden Wing – Garden-View Room: $557 to $1,074
  • Garden Wing – King Room: $656 to $1,080
  • Garden Wing – Deluxe Room: $663 to $1,127
  • Main Tower – Lake-View Room: $774 to $1,216
  • Main Tower – Theme Park-View Room: $870 to $1,348
  • Garden Wing – 1-Bedroom Suite: $1,456 to $2,670
  • Garden Wing – 1-Bedroom Hospitality Suite: $1,544 to $2,845
  • Bay Lake View – 1-Bedroom Suite: $1,898 to $3,275
  • Theme Park View – 1-Bedroom Suite: $2,013 to $3,674
  • Bay Lake View – 2-Bedroom Suite: $2,770 to $5,114
  • Theme Park View – 2-Bedroom Suite: $2,890 to $5,231
  • Theme Park View – Presidential Suite: $3,277 to $5,594
  • Standard Room – Atrium Club Level: $1,000 to $1,552
  • Standard King Room – Tower Club Level: $1,006 to $1,619
  • Theme Park View Room – Atrium Club Level: $1,059 to $1,797
  • Deluxe Studio – Standard View: $652 to $1,110
  • Deluxe Studio – Lake View: $774 to $1,216
  • Deluxe Studio – Theme Park View: $870 to $1,348
  • 1-Bedroom Villa – Standard View: $956 to $1,565
  • 1-Bedroom Villa – Lake View: $972 to $1,645
  • 1-Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View: $1,127 to $1,840
  • 2-Bedroom Villa – Standard View: $1,253 to $2,719
  • 2-Bedroom Villa – Lake View: $1,411 to $2,834
  • 2-Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View: $1,559 to $3,139
  • 3-Bedroom Grand Villa – Lake View: $2,869 to $4,894
  • 3-Bedroom Grand Villa – Theme Park View: $3,094 to $5,382

Sushi on plate with toppings

Disney Contemporary Hotel Amenities

Like other Disney World deluxe resorts, the Disney Contemporary Hotel offers many guest amenities, from pools and yoga to some of the best restaurants at Disney World hotels. You’ll also find a few kid-friendly activities to keep your little ones busy.  

Restaurants at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary is home to a buffet of restaurants, with something to satisfy whatever you’re craving. (Except for a Disney dinner show – sorry, you’ll need to head over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground for that.) 

California Grill

Located on the 15th floor, the California Grill, Disney World’s original restaurant with a view, overlooks Magic Kingdom Park, making for one of the more memorable meals at Disney World. Along with killer views, the restaurant also serves up a smorgasbord of California-style cuisine, as well as a selection of sushi. Make an advance dining reservation to watch the fireworks during dinner or catch the display from the California Grill Lounge – no reservations required. Open for dinner

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s, Disney World’s quintessential character dining experience, is one hot ticket, so be sure to make a reservation. Here, chefs Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto hobnob with guests while they dine on cozy American dishes. Open for breakfast and dinner

Contempo Café 

The Contempo Café is the resort’s quick-service restaurant. Located in the atrium near Chef Mickey’s, the Contempo Café is the place to go if you’re on the hunt for some fast food – think, Mickey waffles or flatbreads – before heading to the theme parks. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

“Meeting Chef Mickey” by JFGryphon is marked with CC0 1.0.

Contemporary Grounds

Need a caffeine boost before walking to the Magic Kingdom? Located in the lobby, Contemporary Grounds is the resort’s on-the-go coffee stop for a flaky pastry and cup of java. Open for snacks and drinks

Cove Bar

Overlooking Bay Lake and the Bay Cove Pool, the Cove Bar is exclusively for guests staying at Bay Lake Tower and DVC members. This secluded pool bar serves a limited selection of light bites and beverages. Open for snacks and drinks 

Outer Rim

Looking for a nightcap (or perhaps a midday tipple)? The Outer Rim has you covered. While there’s no food here, you will find an extensive drink menu and sweeping views of Bay Lake. Open for drinks

Steakhouse 71

Disney’s Contemporary Resort may celebrate all things modern, but its new restaurant, Steakhouse 71, pays homage to its heritage. This table-service restaurant takes its inspiration from the flavors of the 1970s and some of Walt Disney’s favorite dishes – with a contemporary twist, of course. No reservation? Slide into the Steakhouse 71 Lounge for modern riffs on classic cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

The Sand Bar

For folks looking to refuel by the pool, The Sand Bar offers a selection of light eats and refreshing drinks. As you unwind, catch some shade outside or soak up some A/C from the enclosed bar. Open for snacks and drinks

Pool at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Contemporary mainpool by Csaribay is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Contemporary Resort Pools

There’s no better way to escape that Central Florida sun than by going for a swim. Fortunately, Disney’s Contemporary Hotel has three different pools to choose from (one for Bay Lake Tower guests and DVC members member). While these aren’t the best hotel pools at Disney World, they certainly do the trick when it comes to beating the heat. 

The Feature Pool touts a 17-foot waterslide, along with panoramic views of Bay Lake and the resort’s marina. A water playground is available nearby for the kiddos, while the adults will love the serenity of the nearby Bay Lake Pool. Or, for a taste of Disney luxury, rent one of the private cabanas, complete with a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge and more. 

For guests staying at Bay Lake Tower, there’s also the Bay Cove Pool. Zip down the Bay Lake Tower pool’s 148-foot waterslide, unwind in the hot tub or make a splash in the aquatic playground.

Other Recreation at the Contemporary Disney Resort 

There are many other things to keep you busy at Disney’s Contemporary Resort when you aren’t hanging out in the parks or cooling off by the pool. Kids will love watching their favorite Disney films by moonlight during Movies Under the Stars, testing their skills at The Game Station arcade and roasting marshmallows during the Contemporary Resort Campfire. 

Adults won’t have to worry about keeping their workout routine intact as there are several physical activities to enjoy. Take in the resort grounds and work on your fitness on the just-short-of-a-mile jogging path, find your zen during lakeside yoga or head into the Olympiad Fitness Center.

Hoping for more family-friendly thrills? Battle it out on the basketball, volleyball or tennis courts, or get out on the water with a motorized boat rental or catch-and-release, guided fishing excursion. 

Contemporary Resort Merchandise Locations

Whether you’re searching for a souvenir or needing to replace something you left at home, you’re sure to find it at one of the Contemporary Resort’s shops. Bayview Gifts and Fantasia offer a selection of Disney-branded items like apparel, art, kitchen gear and more. To stock up on a stash of snacks for your room, pop into Fantasia Market for drinks, food items and more. 

Merchandise location at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort by QuesterMark is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Disney Contemporary Resort FAQs

Want to know more about the Contemporary Disney World Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions. 

Can you walk from the Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom?

Yes! Located just across the street from Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary is an easy, 10-minute walk away. In fact, even though the Monorail runs right through the resort, sometimes walking can actually be quicker. 

Can you see the fireworks from the Contemporary Resort?

Yup! With its unbeatable location next to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the best places to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the park. Take in the show from California Grill or California Grill Lounge or, for free fireworks viewing, head to one of the outdoor stairwells overlooking the park. You can even book a Theme Park View Room

Magic Kingdom fireworks from Disney's Contemporary Resort
Magic Kingdom Fireworks by Sam Howzit is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Well, that concludes our roundup of all things Contemporary Resort. Disney World’s original resort offers a convenient location, delicious restaurants and shiny new guestrooms, making the Contemporary well worth the splurge – or at least a bit of resort hopping.  

While you’re there, make the most of your time with our 1-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Then, make up for your spendy hotel room by booking our discounted Walt Disney World tickets

Have you ever stayed at the Contemporary? What do you think of the new Incredibles-themed rooms? Which Contemporary restaurant is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!