Thinking about staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort? We will give you everything you need to know about staying at this classic, yet modern resort.
History of Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a modern themed resort, designated as one of the Deluxe Resorts and identified as part of the Magic Kingdom Resorts. Unique as being one of the two original resorts built on Walt Disney World property, it opened alongside the Magic Kingdom theme park on October 1, 1971. Don’t let the date fool you though! This resort stays true to its namesake and is constantly changing with the times. In 1991, a convention center was added and the resort completed a big refurbishment in 2009. During this time Disney Vacation Club added Bay Lake Tower to the resort property.
Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is made up of standard rooms as well as suites. The main tower (the building the monorail goes through) features standard rooms and suites with theme park views or views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. One major benefit of Disney’s Contemporary Resort are the room sizes which are amongst the largest on property. Rooms include 2 queen size beds or 1 king size bed plus a daybed. This means one room can sleep up to 5 adult guests. Rooms also feature amenities such as a table and chairs, television, refrigerator, in room safe, hair dryer, ironing board, and balcony/patio.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s south garden wing features rooms which are a more affordable price than the main tower rooms. These rooms have the same amenities as the main tower but offer views of the lagoon or the parking area. These rooms may be further from the monorail and buses, but they are closer to the pool and convention center. Keep this in mind when deciding what will be the best fit for your family.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort also features club level suites offering even more perks such as a club level lounge with small plates, refreshments and snacks throughout the day, turn down service and dedicated concierge planning assistance.
Dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
When it comes to dining options, Disney’s Contemporary Resort does not disappoint! This resort offers restaurants which range from quick service, table service restaurants to signature restaurants.
The Contempo Cafe is located in the atrium of the tower building and offers quick service selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy watching the passing of the monorail as you grab a quick breakfast on your way to the parks. This restaurant will be where you pick up your refillable mug if you purchased a Disney dining plan.
Right next to the Contempo Cafe is Chef Mickey’s which is open for breakfast, brunch and dinner. Chef Mickey’s is a buffet style restaurant which features character interactions at your table where you will typically meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended, as this is one of the more popular restaurants on property.
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining options with arguably one of the best views on property, head upstairs to the California Grill which serves brunch and dinner. If you time your dinner right you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your table. If you can’t get a dining reservation during the fireworks, you can show your receipt from earlier in the day and they will grant you access to their private outdoor terrace to watch the show.
Another table service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner is The Wave of American Flavors. This restaurant is located by the check in area. There are even more quick service options scattered throughout the resort like the Sand Bar at the pool area and snack items for purchase at the hotel gift shop.
Pools and Recreation activities
On the shores of Bay Lake sits a heated pool complete with a 17 foot waterside. There is a poolside bar where you can sit back and relax with some cool refreshments. The resort also features different kinds of water activities such as boat rentals and water tubing.
Proximity to Magic Kingdom
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of this resort is the proximity to the Magic Kingdom… the convenient walk to the most magical place on earth takes approximately 10-15 minutes! You can also hop on the monorail to Magic Kingdom Park or EPCOT. Disney’s complimentary bus service is also available which will take you to the other theme parks.
Conclusion
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the place to stay when you want a variety of dining experiences, the convenience to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, spacious rooms and the traditional feel of a high-rise hotel with bustling activity all around you.
Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort? What did you enjoy most about staying here? Please comment below.