Disney's Contemporary Resort Hotel: A Modern Marvel in the Heart of Disney World
Have you ever dreamt of a place that beautifully melds the future with the past and present? Disney's Contemporary Resort Hotel is it. Reminiscent of the sleek, Tomorrowland aesthetics and channeling the vibrant energy of "The Incredibles", this deluxe hotel is truly a sight to behold.
Why might this resort be the right one for you? Firstly, it's a piece of Disney history. Being one of the two original Disney World resorts, it's steeped in nostalgia yet wrapped up in a modern, contemporary design. But that's not all! Imagine waking up, sipping on your morning coffee, and watching the Disney monorail gracefully glide right through the center of your hotel. That's right; the monorail station is conveniently located inside Disney's Contemporary Resort Hotel. Since it's electric-powered, you'll only marvel at its quiet operation without any bothersome fumes. Convenience is key when vacationing, especially with family in tow. So, you'll be thrilled to know that the hotel's location offers prime access. Not only is it one of the only three resorts on the Disney monorail loop, but it's also one of the two from which you can walk directly to the Magic Kingdom. Because of these stellar features, it's a top choice for many visitors, often filling up fast.
Exclusive Benefits of Staying at an On-Site Disney Resort
Early Theme Park Entry: Get in 30 minutes ahead of the general public every day at all four theme parks.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: Extend the fun at select theme parks on select nights.
Complimentary Transportation to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and more.
Free Parking at the resort and throughout Walt Disney World.
Up to 10-Day Dining Advantage: Make dining reservations for up to 10-days starting on the first day of eligibility, putting you a step ahead of off-site guests.
Early Access Individual Lightning Lane reservations: book at 7AM instead of at park opening.
Proximity: Everything is easier when your hotel is close to all Disney World has to offer.
Simplify planning with Vacation Packages that combine room, tickets, and even dining plans for a truly hassle-free vacation.
Disney's Contemporary Resort Hotel promises not just a stay, but an experience. With its close proximity to the Magic Kingdom and the mesmerizing monorail, your family vacation is set to be nothing short of memorable. If you already know THIS is where you want to stay, book your adventure now and let the magic begin! Simply click the Quote Request button below to get started. You may not know all the details now. Fill in as much or as little as you know and your Build A Better Mouse Trip travel advisor will be in contact with you soon.
The first Disney Vacation Club (DVC - Disney's timeshare program) building on the monorail loop is built here. There are other DVC locations but none so close to the monorail nor the Magic Kingdom. The building is called Bay Lake Tower. The North Garden Wing of Disney's Contemporary Resort was torn down to make room for Bay Lake Tower.
Contemporary Resort Hotel Overview Flier
Contemporary Resort Hotel Pros and Cons
The Pros
Advantages - Very comfortable resort with lots of onsite amenities like dining and shopping. You can watch the Electric Water Pageant and Wishes Fireworks from the resort beach. The monorail makes it easy to get to the Magic Kingdom. Proximity to the Grand Floridian & Polynesian Resorts greatly expands your dining options. The Garden Wing -Standard View rooms are often the least expensive rooms within the Magic Kingdom - Monorail Loop resort hotels. The Contempo Cafe food court was recently refurbished and is one of the better food courts on Disney property with a nice selection of food choices.
The Cons
Disadvantages -This resort is expensive, especially the theme park view rooms. At times, the lobby will have a lot of non-resort guest who come for the restaurants or just to check out the resort. The Contemporary Resort doesn't carry as heavy a Disney theme in its decor - this can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your perspective.
Our Opinion
I feel a lot of affection for this hotel because this was the first Disney hotel I ever stayed in (age 13). It is just very cool that the monorail comes right into the resort. My wife, however, doesn't have any nostalgic Contemporary resort memories so she would rather stay in any other Disney resort because this one just doesn't feel "Disney" to her. Some people find this a welcome break from the Disney sensory overload you find in the parks. There tends to be more adults and older travelers in this resort which can be a bonus for those who don't want to be overrun with small children.
Disney's Contemporary Resort Amenities
Both the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower share outdoor movies under the sky bridge
2 Swimming pools - one with a water slide and a quiet pool.
Two whirlpools
A water play area adds extra water fun for kids
Boat rentals available at the onsite marina
Rooms come with mini-refrigerator
On-site Restaurants
On-Site shopping
Free transportation to the Disney Parks
Artificial Beach area
Nightly Electric Water Pageant (floating parade)
View of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, with the accompanying soundtrack played in certain areas
Free self parking
Valet parking available (subject to a daily parking fee)
Coin Laundry available
Disney's Contemporary Resort Dining
The Sand Bar - Pool Bar - Serves burgers, sandwiches, specialty drinks, beer, sodas, etc.
Cove Bar - Bay Lake Tower Pool Bar similar to the Sand Bar
Contemporary Grounds - Coffee Bar
Contempo Cafe - quick service restaurant with sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
The Outer Rim - Concourse Bar - Enjoy the scenery of Seven Seas Lagoon
California Grill - (dinner only) Upscale California style cuisine dining on the 15th floor. This restaurant has a balcony with a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, although reservations at those times go quickly.
California Grill Lounge - Enjoy the lounge prior to your dinner reservation, or dine as space allows
Chef Mickey's Character Breakfast or Dinner Buffet - Enjoy breakfast or dinner with Lilo & Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto. Reservations highly recommended.
Steakhouse 71 - Table service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Steakhouse 71 Lounge - Cocktails and cuisine—with a modern twist—in a lounge that celebrates the early days of Walt Disney World Resort.
In Room Dining - room service.
Disney's Contemporary Resort Shopping
Bayview Gifts (BVG) - a large shop with souvenirs, collectibles, casual fashions, watches, jewelry & more.
Pin Central Contemporary - Disney trading pins
Fantasia - Disney character merchandise & clothing
Concourse Sundries & Spirits - magazines, health & beauty items, snacks & liquor.
Groceries: You can save time and money by having more extensive grocery needs, snacks, and bottled water delivered directly to the resort by Garden Grocer - Click HERE for more information. Regular hotels rooms do have mini-refrigerators but do not have full kitchens. Studio-style units have mini-refrigerators and microwaves. One-bedroom or larger villas come equipped with a full kitchen.
Disney's Contemporary Resort Room Options
Standard View - Garden Wing
Garden View - Garden Wing
King / Garden View
Deluxe Room - Garden Wing
Bay Lake View - Tower
Theme Park View - Tower
Standard Room Atrium / Club Level
Standard Room or King Standard Room / Club Level
1 Bedroom Suite - Garden Wing
Hospitality Suite - Garden Wing
1 Bedroom Suite - Bay Lake View / Club level
1 Bedroom Suite - Theme Park View / Club level
2 Bedroom Suite - Theme Park View / Club level
VP Suite - Bay Lake View / Club level
Presidential Suite - Theme Park View/ Club Level
Garden Wing Rooms - These rooms are in a separate three-story building and are some of the least expensive rooms found in the three Magic Kingdom -Monorail Loop hotels (Disney's Grand Floridian, Disney's Polynesian, and Disney's Contemporary Resorts). The decor of the rooms is just like that of the rooms in the main tower. Most of the first floor rooms have shared patios but the upper floors do not have balconies. These rooms are close to the marina and swimming pools. Standard View rooms overlook parking areas while Garden View Rooms overlook the water or resort.
Walking from Disney's Contemporary Resort's Garden Wing to the Main Tower. There is a covered (but not enclosed) walkway that covers most of the distance between the Garden Wing and the main tower. This is a short walk and you'll stay dry under normal rainy conditions. If you're headed to the monorail, you'll take the walkway to the main Tower building; once inside, you'll take the elevators or escalators up to the 4th floor then take another elevator/escalator to the monorail platform.
Disney Transportation
The monorail travels to the other Monorail loop hotels (Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort), to the Magic Kingdom theme park, and to the Ticket and Transportation Center where you can catch another monorail over to Epcot. Guests also have a water launch/boat option for travel to the Magic Kingdom. There is another boat that will take you to Disney's Wilderness Lodge resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground - this opens up extra dining and entertainment options. Disney buses are available to take Contemporary hotel guests to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom theme parks, Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach Water Parks, and Disney Springs.
Let us help you make a reservation and great memories at Disney's beautiful Contemporary Resort Hotel or Bay Lake Tower
Build A Better Mouse Trip always books directly with Walt Disney World and you will never pay any more than if you booked yourself. Our clients are very important to us and we offer some special services designed to make your trip the best that it can be:
Your travel agent – You have one agent from start-to-finish who knows your name and your priorities and who wants to do everything possible to help you have a wonderful experience.
“Best Days” Vacation Planning – We’ll help you pick the best park for each day based on hours and expected crowd levels then we help with dining reservations and understanding which Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane selections might be right for you.
Saving Money – Of course we watch for discounts and promotion and automatically apply the best available offer to your reservation but we also help you avoid up-sells and options you won’t use.
We Are Fee-Free - We book directly through Disney and we never charge a service fee so you never pay any extra to use our services when you book your trip through us. You can have all the benefits Disney offers PLUS all the services we offer.
Contemporary Resort Address & Phone Number
4600 North World Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407-824-1000
Comments from Guests
"When we stayed there as parents of younger [stroller bound] kids it was really lovely to be able to walk to and from their favorite park MK, no one got the 'bus sleepies' there was no waiting and it was a nice calming beautiful walk - plus it made us feel like the MK was in our 'backyard' - for us that gave it a VERY Disney feeling!"
Cherie