Having opened on October 1st, 1971 — the same date that Magic Kingdom opened — Disney’s Contemporary Resort holds a truly unique place in Disney World history as one of the Resort’s original hotels.

Walt Disney World offers three Resort hotel levels: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Deluxe Resort located near Magic Kingdom. The Contemporary is also home to Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club property.

Deluxe amenities, fun Resort activities and unique options for recreation, a wide range of dining options (including both Signature and Character Dining), relaxing pools, and much more make up this stunning Resort. And it’s all just STEPS away from the Magic Kingdom…

If you’d like to jump to a specific topic, simply click on any of the links below:

• Contemporary Resort Atmosphere
• Contemporary Resort Dining
  
• Contemporary Resort Guest Rooms
• Contemporary Resort Amenities, Activities, and Recreation
• Disney World Resort Hotel Guest Benefits
  
• Contemporary Resort Shopping
• Contemporary Resort Transportation

Let’s EXPLORE!

Contemporary Resort Atmosphere

Disney’s Contemporary Resort combines a modern and sleek feel with touches of classic Disney nostalgia, including a 90-foot-tall mural by artist and Disney Legend Mary Blair.

In addition to its signature A-Frame Contemporary tower, the Resort rooms expand to the nearby Garden Wing, and both buildings are just a short stroll away from the entrance to Magic Kingdom!

The Contemporary has another unique distinction…

The Disney World Resort Monorail literally zips THROUGH Contemporary Resort!

Together with the connected Bay Lake Tower, it’s all nestled on the shores of Bay Lake, which connects to Seven Seas Lagoon.

Contemporary Resort Dining

Guests at the Contemporary have a wide array of dining options to enjoy, from Disney Character Dining to Quick Service restaurants to relaxing lounges, and beyond!

Table Service Restaurants

Table Service — Character Dining

Chef Mickey’s is a Character Meal… and the gang’s all here! Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Goofy all join the Main Mouse — Mickey himself! — at this meal where each of the characters stop by your table in turns for greetings, photos, and hugs.

Chef Mickey’s is a buffet meal and is open for Breakfast and Dinner. 

Table Service — Casual Dining

Steakhouse 71 is a casual dining option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The “71” is a nod to the opening year of Walt Disney World, and the restaurant itself opened on the 50th Anniversary of the Resort: October 1, 2021!

Steakhouse 71 is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. 

The restaurant is accompanied by the Steakhouse 71 Lounge.

Though hours may vary, the Steakhouse 71 Lounge is typically open from Noon through late evening. 

Table Service — Signature Dining

California Grill is the crown jewel of dining at the Contemporary Resort. This rooftop Signature Restaurant features Pacific Coast cuisine, and boasts unforgettable views of the Magic Kingdom.

California Grill is open for Dinner only. 

The California Grill is also home to its own Lounge.

The Lounge, like the restaurant, is typically open starting at 5PM each evening. 

Quick Service Dining

Contempo Cafe is a Quick Service option serving classics such as flatbreads, burgers, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches, alongside some truly tasty desserts!

Contempo Cafe is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. 

Bars and Lounges

Outer Rim is a casual lounge that offers guests views of the Monorail as it zips through the Contemporary Resort.

Though hours may vary, Outer Rim is typically open from Noon through late evening on weekends, and at 4PM through the late evening on weekdays. 

Top of the World Lounge is an exclusive bar open to Disney Vacation Club members only, located at the top of Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary.

Like the California Grill, it offers spectacular views of Magic Kingdom.

Pool Bars

The Sand Bar is the Contemporary Resort’s pool bar, serving options for a poolside meal in addition to tropical cocktails, beer and wine.

Though hours may vary, The Sand Bar is typically open from 11AM through the early evening. 

Coffee Kiosk

Contemporary Grounds is the perfect spot to grab a cup of Joffrey’s coffee or quick pastry before strolling to the Magic Kingdom.

Though hours may vary, Contemporary Grounds is typically open from 6AM until the early afternoon. 

Contemporary Resort Guest Rooms

Disney’s Contemporary Resort features guest rooms in both the Main Tower and the Garden Wing. Options include 2 Queen Beds with 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed with 1 Day Bed. For standard rooms, guests may choose a Theme Park (Magic Kingdom) View (which includes fireworks at Magic Kingdom), a Resort View, or a Water View. Club Level Rooms additionally offer 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites and Presidential Suites along with Resort and Theme Park View Standard Rooms.

In 2021, the guest rooms were refurbished to receive makeovers themed to The Incredibles. In a Standard Room you’ll find 2 beds on elevated platforms. There’s plenty of space underneath the beds for storage of your backpacks or luggage.

Near the beds you’ll find chargers — both traditional and USB ports — making it easy to charge your devices right next to your bed.

One of our favorite details in the room are the lamps that sit between the beds!

These lamps feature a monorail design, combining the Incredibles theme with the Contemporary’s focus on the monorail.

Between the beds you’ll find a central nightstand.

Even if you never store anything in the nightstand at all, this is one feature you’ll want to open!

When you open the drawer for the nightstand, you’ll find some adorable details, including images of a to-do list, a familiar math book, cookie crumbles, sunglasses, and a very special remote!

On the side of the room opposite the beds, you have a TV, a couch, and tables.

The couch itself folds down so it can be utilized as another sleeping space in the room.

Underneath the table is an ottoman you can pull out for additional seating in the room.

In the room, you’ll also find a mini fridge with a clear front so you can store your items and keep them cool.

Hidden details abound. Let’s take the closet, for instance. From the outside, it looks relatively typical…

But when you open up the closet doors, you’ll find a fantastically themed space!

In the closet space, you’ll also find an extra pillow and blanket and a steamer.

The room also features a safe, a blow dryer, and additional storage space.

The coffee area comes complete with a Keurig machine.

You’ll also find coffee cups, coffee pods, sugar, and creamer.

The bathroom also features monorail theming of its own!

There’s a fun monorail design featured on the mirror in the bathroom.

The bathroom also features 2 sinks, several towels, Disney’s signature bathroom products, and a good amount of storage space under the sinks.

Next to the sinks is a shower and tub combo.

Moving on to the window and balcony space, the unique curvature of the opening here really adds to the retro-futuristic vibe that permeates throughout the entire space.

If you’re looking to enjoy some fresh air, you can open the large sliding door and step out into the balcony.

There are some chairs and a small table on the balcony.

It’s the best place to sit back, relax, and just enjoy the view!

Studios and Disney Deluxe Villas

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Disney Vacation Club property that offers Deluxe Studios as well as 1-, 2-, and 3-Bedroom Villas (though you needn’t be a Disney Vacation Club member to book a Studio or Villa in Bay Lake Tower). The photographs you see below are of a 2-Bedroom Villa, which sleeps nine people.

There’s a full dine-in kitchen, complete with refrigerator, oven and stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Since this is a Disney Vacation Club room, it features additional amenities, including a dining table for families to enjoy meals together.

The living area features a small couch with an ottoman/coffee table and an armchair, and Mary Blair-inspired artwork offers beautifully themed touches. This is also where you’ll find an additional pull-down Murphy bed behind the couch.

The first bedroom has two queen beds, along with its own balcony.

You’ll also find a seating area, desk, dresser, mirror, and television in this room. This area also has its own bathroom.

The second bedroom features a large, king-sized bed and its own balcony as well. There are nightstands with storage, plugs, and nightlights, too.

This bedroom also features a seating area with a chair and a dresser, along with a television.

The main living area also features a large television and another pull-down twin bed.

You’ll also find two spacious bathrooms. This one has a separate vanity area with sink, mirror, storage, and toiletries.

There’s a separate room with a shower-and-tub combo and toilet.

Here’s a view of the main living area from the balcony.

Keep in mind that this Villa is able to sleep up to 9 guests! To learn more about Disney Vacation Club properties, click HERE.

Contemporary Resort Amenities, Activities, and Recreation

Guests can enjoy the spacious Feature Pool (complete with a 17-foot waterslide and splash area for kids) and the quieter Bay Lake Pool. Two whirlpool spas can also be found in the area.

Interested guests may also reserve a private Cabana by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. At the Contemporary Feature Pool, Cabanas 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
• a Safe

And the Front Desk will provide you with information about current Resort Activities which may include options like Movies Under the Stars, Pool Parties, evening Campfires, and additional activities.

You will also see signs alerting to the day’s and week’s activities around the Resort so you don’t miss any of the fun!

More opportunities for fun and fitness include the The Game Station Arcade, and the Olympiad Fitness Center.

Additional recreation options include Basketball, Volleyball, and Tennis courts, Boat rentals (such as pontoons and Sea Raycers), fishing excursions, and jogging trails. The Contemporary Resort also hosts Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruises. 

In the evenings, guests can take in a viewing of the classic Electrical Water Pageant when it sails by on Seven Seas Lagoon!

The lights that create the Pageant’s bright and colorful sea creatures are coordinated with music, and you can check the My Disney Experience app or ask the front desk about showtimes and viewing areas at the Contemporary.

Additional amenities for Contemporary Resort guests include complimentary Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping (for guests not staying on Disney Vacation Club membership points), currency exchange, self-service laundry rooms, mail services, and online check-in.

Additional Benefits for Contemporary Resort Guests

MORE Theme Park Hours

Guest staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort have access to ADDITIONAL hours in the Disney World theme parks!

Early Theme Park Entry allows guests to enter any of the parks 30 minutes early to get a head start on their day in the parks!

This benefit is available for ANY theme park every day. Please note that guests need a valid theme park ticket AND a Park Pass reservation for the park they’re planning to visit in order to gain early access.

The Disney World Parks also offer Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for select guests, giving them extra hours in the parks at night! Guests at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower qualify for this benefit, as it is exclusively for guests who are staying at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Walt Disney World Resort hotel for the length of their stay. 

Guests attending Extended Evening Hours need a valid ticket for that theme park. Alternatively, they may visit with a Park Hopper. Click HERE to see the schedule for Extended Evening Hours!

Find out more about EXTRA Theme Park Hours for Disney Resort hotels guests HERE!

Early Access to Lightning Lanes for Theme Park Attractions

Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an optional paid service available through the My Disney Experience app which allows you to bypass standby lines and enter the Lightning Lane at select attractions in the parks by paying a base price for multiple attractions. When purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make up to 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in a park in advance of your visit.

Additionally, guests may opt to purchase Lightning Lane Single Passes via the My Disney Experience app. Lightning Lane Single Pass is essentially a pay-per-ride service. Guests pay a fee to utilize the Lightning Lane for an individual, in-demand attraction.

An additional Lightning Lane option called Lightning Lane Premier Pass is an inclusive option that grants one-time entry into EVERY Lightning Lane entry in a given park for one price, eliminating the need to monitor Lightning Lane availability and make new Lighting Lane reservations throughout the day, and granting the ability to simply show up at an attraction and enter the Lightning Lane (as opposed to booking a specific time).

DISNEY WORLD RESORT GUEST BENEFIT: Those staying at a Disney World Resort hotel (including Disney’s Contemporary Resort) can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass OR select their first 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections and/or Lightning Lane Single Passes up to seven days in advance of their check-in day for their entire stay (up to 14 days), with all other guests being able to purchase and select their Lightning Lane options three days in advance.

Learn everything you need to know about Lightning Lanes in Disney World HERE!

“Hey, Disney!”

“Hey, Disney!” offers “custom voice assistance” to guests staying at Resort hotels in Walt Disney World!

This complimentary service, which works with Alexa on Amazon Echo devices, assists guests with room amenities, guest services, planning, and weather info… AND it brings along LOTS of extra Disney MAGIC to make all of these things a lot more FUN!

Click HERE to learn MUCH more about “Hey, Disney!”

Contemporary Resort Shopping

Of course, you’ll want to grab a souvenir (or ten 😉 ) to remember your Walt Disney World trip and your stay at the Contemporary.

And for that, you can stop by Bayview Gifts and Fantasia!

Fantasia Market also offers food items and spirits.

Looks for items unique to the Contemporary along with other Walt Disney World souvenirs.

Contemporary Resort Transportation

The nearest park to Disney’s Contemporary Resort is Magic Kingdom, and the Contemporary Resort boasts a quick Walking Path directly to and from the entrance to the park.

The Disney World Resort Monorail, which stops INSIDE the Contemporary, provides easy access to EPCOT, too! Guests simply transfer from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to the EPCOT Monorail.

The Resorts Monorail Loop also carries guests to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (as well as Magic Kingdom).

Guests also have complimentary access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks and Disney Springs.

Transfers are available in the system to both Disney World Water Parks, as well.

Those wishing to visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground can enjoy Boat Service to those Resorts (AND Boat Service provides another way to get to Magic Kingdom, too).

DFB YouTube Video — Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Watch our video from our DFB YouTube Channel to help you consider if Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the right choice of Resort for YOUR Walt Disney World vacation!

Considering a stay at the Contemporary Resort? Get the Magic started and complete a request for a price quote. An agent will review your travel preferences and provide you with a no-obligation quote along with their phone number so you can talk with them.