Whether it’s finding Hidden Mickeys throughout all of Disney World or knowing about secret menu items at some of the resort’s restaurants, there are few things more fun at the Walt Disney than discovering elements of the “Most Magical Place on Earth” you may not be aware of, even at one of the resort’s oldest resorts: The Contemporary!
These little things can make your Disney trip special and will be something you talk about well after your trip. That’s why we love sharing these things with you! So today, we’re bringing you a hidden gem hidden in plain sight!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is sandwiched between Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. It is known for having the monorail running through the hotel, in addition to some of the fan-favorite restaurants like Chef Mickey’s and Steakhouse 71. There are a lot of reasons to visit this resort, but we’re going to give you a new reason to visit at night.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
No, we’re not talking about eating at California Grill and watching Happily Ever After, the Magic Kingdom fireworks, from the balcony on the rooftop (although we are big fans of this).

Firework view from California Grill
Instead, if you are looking to watch the fireworks from somewhere outside the park and don’t want to spend $99 per person for a 3-course dinner, we have just the place for you. On the fourth floor, where Contempo Cafe is located, you’ll walk past the Bay Lake View gift shop and head out of the doors to the outside under the monorail track.

Viewing Area Under Monorail
Here, you’ll find a balcony and a few seats with a direct view of Magic Kingdom. They even pump in the music for Happily Ever After here, so you’ll be able to enjoy the full show. If you want to take advantage of this view, you’ll want to head out there early because the secret is out, and chances are, you won’t be the only one out there.

The View of Magic Kingdom
Friendly reminder that you will need to take Disney transportation to the resort if you are not staying at the Contemporary. Security is likely not to allow you to park here without a dining reservation or a resort reservation. Lucky for you, you could take the boat from Magic Kingdom, the monorail from Magic Kingdom, or the Transportation and Ticket Center, hop on a Disney bus, or grab a dining reservation for any of the table service restaurants here.

Monorail at the Contemporary Resort
For more Disney World secrets, be sure to follow us here on the Disney Food Blog!
I Booked a Disney World Hotel Just for the Lightning Lane Perks, and I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Where is your favorite place to watch fireworks at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.


Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

This is where we would watch the fireworks when we stayed at Contemporary and aren’t in the park. We didn’t know about it until we saw people sitting outside watching the fireworks. We love how they pipe in the music as well.