Disney’s Contemporary Resort

When Walt Disney World opened its gates on October 1, 1971, two resort hotels welcomed guests to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” While the Polynesian Resort offered a South Pacific escape, its sister property made an entirely different statement. Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with its striking A-frame design and futuristic aesthetic, embodied Walt Disney’s optimistic vision of tomorrow and remains one of Disney World’s most iconic hotels over 50 years later. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Walt Disney World deluxe resort and lcoated is located in the Magic Kingdom resort area.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Summary

• One of Walt Disney World’s two original hotels from 1971, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is instantly recognizable for its iconic A-frame design and the monorail running through its Grand Canyon Concourse, making it a true architectural landmark.
• Location is a major highlight, being the only resort within walking distance of Magic Kingdom and offering three convenient ways to reach the park: monorail, boat service, or a 10-minute walk along a scenic pathway.
• The resort features the stunning 90-foot-tall Mary Blair mural in the Grand Canyon Concourse, showcasing the same artistic style as “it’s a small world” and serving as one of the world’s largest ceramic murals.
• Dining options include the signature California Grill on the 15th floor with panoramic fireworks views, the popular character dining experience at Chef Mickey’s, and the newer Steakhouse 71 paying homage to the resort’s opening year.
• Accommodations span from standard rooms to luxury suites across both the main A-frame tower and the Garden Wing, with many rooms offering spectacular views of either Magic Kingdom (including fireworks) or Bay Lake.
• The resort was built using an innovative modular construction method where rooms were constructed off-site and slid into place, though the original plan to replace rooms by sliding them out was never realized due to building settlement.
• Modern amenities include two pools (a feature pool with water slide and a quiet pool), multiple gift shops, a full-service marina, and two distinct club level experiences: the Atrium Club on the 12th floor and the more exclusive Tower Club on the 14th floor.

Contemporary Design

The Contemporary Resort’s distinctive architecture was revolutionary for its time. The massive A-frame structure rises 14 stories above Bay Lake, with the monorail gracefully gliding through its central Grand Canyon Concourse. Designed by Welton Becket & Associates in collaboration with Disney’s creative teams, the building utilized a groundbreaking modular construction method where the guest rooms were built offsite, fully furnished, and then slid into place like giant drawers.

This innovative approach allowed for faster construction while maintaining exceptional quality control. Each of the 383 rooms was manufactured locally in a specialized facility, complete with furniture, fixtures, and even artwork on the walls. They were then transported to the construction site and carefully lifted into the steel frame. This method was so ahead of its time that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development studied it as a potential solution for future urban housing developments.

The resort’s modern design was intentionally dramatic, meant to complement the futuristic themes of Tomorrowland in the nearby Magic Kingdom. Its clean lines, geometric shapes, and extensive use of concrete and glass created a striking contrast to the whimsical fantasy of the theme park while still maintaining that distinctive Disney magic.

An interesting quirk of the Contemporary’s modular construction led to the creation of the Garden Wing. The original plan called for rooms to be removable for maintenance and replacement, sliding in and out of the A-frame structure as needed. However, after construction was completed, it became apparent that the building had settled in such a way that the rooms could no longer be easily removed. As a result, several prefabricated rooms that had been manufactured for the tower needed a new home. These excess modules were repurposed to create the Garden Wing, a three-story building that now provides a more secluded lodging option for resort guests. This unexpected challenge in the innovative construction method ultimately led to an expansion of the resort’s room offerings, though the original vision of easily replaceable rooms was never realized.

Disney’s Contemporary Reosrt Location

One of the Contemporary’s greatest assets is its prime location. Situated on the shores of Bay Lake and connected directly to the Magic Kingdom by the monorail, the resort offers unparalleled convenience for park visitors. It’s the only Disney World hotel where guests can actually walk to the Magic Kingdom, with a peaceful pathway leading directly to the park’s entrance in about 10 minutes.

The resort’s position also provides spectacular views. Rooms facing the Magic Kingdom offer breathtaking vistas of Cinderella Castle, particularly magical during the nightly fireworks shows. The opposite side of the hotel treats guests to serene views of Bay Lake, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.

The Main Lobby

Stepping into Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s main lobby sets the tone for the entire guest experience. The recently renovated space showcases the resort’s signature mid-century modern aesthetic while incorporating subtle Disney touches. Soaring windows flood the area with natural light, creating an airy, open atmosphere that immediately draws the eye upward toward the towering A-frame structure above.

The lobby features sleek furnishings in warm earth tones, complemented by dramatic lighting fixtures and sophisticated artwork. A striking metal sculpture behind the front desk creates an architectural focal point, while the polished stone floors reflect the lobby’s clean lines and geometric patterns. Digital check-in kiosks blend seamlessly with the futuristic design, though the resort maintains traditional check-in desks staffed by attentive cast members.

Off to one side, a cozy seating area provides a comfortable space for guests to gather or wait, furnished with contemporary chairs and sofas that pay homage to classic mid-century designs. The lobby also serves as a central hub, with clear sight lines and intuitive wayfinding to the resort’s various amenities. Contemporary Grounds, the resort’s coffee shop, adds a pleasant coffee aroma to the space, while the nearby resort airline check-in desk offers convenient service for departing guests.

Floor-to-ceiling windows along the back wall of the lobby offer views of the marina and Bay Lake beyond, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces. At night, carefully designed lighting transforms the lobby into an intimate space while maintaining its architectural drama.

The Grand Canyon Concourse

The heart of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is its soaring 120-foot-tall Grand Canyon Concourse, a massive open atrium that serves as the hotel’s main gathering space. This architectural marvel is home to one of Disney World’s most impressive pieces of art: a 90-foot-tall mural designed by Disney legend Mary Blair, the legendary Disney artist known for her work on “it’s a small world” and other classic Disney attractions.

The mural tells the story of the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest through Blair’s distinctive style, featuring Native American children, wildlife, and geometric patterns in vibrant colors. The massive artwork contains over 18,000 hand-painted tiles and took a team of artisans more than a year to complete. Today, it remains one of the largest ceramic murals in the world and a beloved symbol of the resort.

The main Concourse also houses several of the Contemporary’s signature dining locations, shops, and the monorail station, creating a bustling hub of activity throughout the day. The sight of monorail trains quietly gliding through the building every few minutes adds to the futuristic atmosphere and never fails to delight guests of all ages.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Accommodations

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers accommodations across two distinct areas: the iconic main A-frame tower and the Garden Wing, each providing unique perspectives of Walt Disney World Resort. These diverse room locations allow guests to choose the perfect setting for their vacation style, whether they prefer the energy and views of the tower or the tranquility of the garden area.

Main Tower Rooms

The A-frame tower houses rooms from the 4th to 14th floors, with views categorized into three main types. The most sought-after accommodations are the Theme Park View rooms, located on the north side of the tower from floors 4-14. These rooms, numbered xx02-xx30 (even numbers), offer spectacular views of Magic Kingdom, including Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain. The higher floors, particularly levels 10-14, provide the most panoramic vistas, especially during the nightly fireworks shows.

On the opposite side of the tower, Bay Lake View rooms (odd-numbered rooms xx01-xx29) overlook the serene waters of Bay Lake and the resort’s marina. These rooms treat guests to beautiful sunrises and the peaceful sight of boats gliding across the water throughout the day. Some guests prefer these rooms for their quieter atmosphere while still maintaining the excitement of staying in the main tower.

Select rooms on the tower’s ends, particularly on lower floors, offer Garden Views overlooking the resort’s grounds, including the pools, marina, and courtyard areas. These rooms provide a more economical tower option while still allowing guests to enjoy the convenience of the main building.

Tower Club Level

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers two distinct club level experiences on different floors. The Atrium Club Level occupies the 12th floor, featuring a lounge overlooking the Grand Canyon Concourse where guests can enjoy continental breakfast, light snacks throughout the day, evening appetizers, and desserts while watching monorails glide past. The more exclusive Tower Club Level is located on the 14th floor, offering enhanced amenities including hot breakfast options, premium alcoholic beverages, and upgraded evening appetizers in a lounge with spectacular views of both Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake.

The 14th floor is particularly exclusive, featuring a mix of standard Club Level rooms and impressive suites. The crown jewel of these accommodations is the Presidential Suite, which boasts a wraparound balcony offering both Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake views. Another unique accommodation is the Tower Suite, cleverly situated inside the resort’s spire and offering an unparalleled Disney World experience.

Garden Wing

The Garden Wing, connected to the main tower, provides a more secluded resort experience in a three-story building. First and second floor Garden View rooms overlook the resort’s beautifully landscaped courtyard and gardens, offering a peaceful retreat from the parks. Pool View rooms face the quiet pool area, while select Marina View rooms provide pleasant views of the boat dock and Bay Lake. Some rooms in this wing face the resort’s entrance area, typically offered at lower rates, making them an economical choice for guests who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.

Room Configurations

All rooms received a complete renovation in 2021, incorporating subtle themes from “The Incredibles” while maintaining the resort’s sophisticated mid-century modern aesthetic. Standard rooms measure 394 square feet and come furnished with either two queen beds or one king bed. Deluxe rooms offer additional space at 476 square feet, featuring an expanded sitting area perfect for families. One-bedroom suites provide 743 square feet of space with separate bedroom and living areas, while two-bedroom suites span 1,029 square feet, ideal for larger families or groups traveling together.

Room Features and Amenities

Every room at the Contemporary offers thoughtful amenities designed for guest comfort. All tower rooms include private balconies, while Garden Wing rooms feature either balconies or patios depending on their location. The rooms showcase contemporary furniture with clever built-in storage solutions and a split bathroom configuration with dual sinks, maximizing space and convenience.

Modern technology features prominently in all rooms, with smart TVs offering Disney streaming content and easy access to park information. Many rooms include a pull-down Murphy bed, providing additional sleeping capacity without compromising daytime living space. Standard amenities include height-adjustable shower heads, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and electronic safes. Interconnecting rooms are available upon request, offering flexible options for larger parties.

For guests hoping to enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks from their room, the best views are found in theme park view rooms on floors 10-14. While these rooms command premium rates, they offer an unparalleled Disney experience, allowing guests to enjoy the nighttime spectaculars from their private balcony, complete with synchronized audio through the room’s television.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Dining

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers an impressive array of dining options, from signature fine dining to casual quick-service locations. Each restaurant provides its own unique atmosphere and culinary experience, creating a diverse dining landscape within the iconic resort.

California Grill

Perched atop the 15th floor, California Grill is the resort’s flagship dining destination and one of Walt Disney World’s most celebrated restaurants. This signature award-winning dining experience features contemporary California-inspired cuisine with seasonal menu changes that highlight fresh, local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. The restaurant’s extensive wine list includes over 250 selections, primarily from California vineyards, curated to perfectly complement the ever-evolving menu.

The dining room’s open kitchen design allows guests to watch the talented culinary team at work, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. A private dining room is available for special events, and all dinner guests receive access to the observation deck for Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing, complete with synchronized music.

Signature dishes at California Grill include the oak-fired filet of beef, artisanal sushi rolls, and their famous chocolate cake. Sunday brunch service offers a more relaxed atmosphere with unlimited mimosas and live entertainment. The restaurant maintains a “Disney casual” dress code, and advance reservations are highly recommended, typically available up to 60 days in advance.

Chef Mickey’s

Located in the Grand Canyon Concourse, Chef Mickey’s is the resort’s beloved character dining restaurant, offering an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet featuring American classics. Throughout the meal, guests are visited by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto, all dressed in their finest chef attire. The restaurant’s energetic atmosphere is enhanced by its unique setting, with monorail trains gliding by as guests dine.

The breakfast menu includes freshly made Mickey waffles, custom omelets, and an array of pastries and breakfast classics. Dinner service transforms the buffet to feature carved meats, fresh seafood, and an extensive dessert selection. The restaurant is particularly popular for special celebrations, with birthday cake options available upon request. Due to its popularity, advance reservations are essential, especially for breakfast seatings.

Steakhouse 71

Opened in 2021, Steakhouse 71 pays homage to the Contemporary’s opening year with sophisticated American cuisine in a stylish setting. The restaurant’s classic steakhouse menu features modern touches while maintaining traditional favorites. Signature items include a tender 6-oz filet mignon, dry-aged bone-in ribeye, and perfectly prepared prime rib. The restaurant’s extensive cocktail menu celebrates classic drinks from the 1970s, expertly crafted by skilled bartenders.

Family-style sides and shareable appetizers encourage a convivial dining experience, while the breakfast menu has quickly become a guest favorite with specialties like eggs benedict and French toast. The restaurant’s décor incorporates historical Disney World photographs and memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that celebrates the resort’s rich history. While more relaxed in dress code than California Grill, Steakhouse 71 maintains an upscale ambiance. The adjacent lounge area offers the full menu along with unique appetizers in a more casual setting.

Contempo Café

This Contempo Cafe is a quick-service restaurant in the Grand Canyon Concourse offering quality casual dining throughout the day. Mobile ordering is available through the My Disney Experience app, making it convenient for guests on the go. Breakfast options include hot sandwiches and fresh pastries, while lunch and dinner feature made-to-order sandwiches, flatbreads, and fresh salads. The café is particularly known for its contemporary resort cupcakes and creative dessert offerings. Its location near the monorail platform makes it a perfect stop for guests heading to or returning from the parks.

Contemporary Grounds

The resort’s coffee shop provides a perfect morning start or mid-day pick-me-up with Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company products. Fresh pastries and breakfast sandwiches are available throughout the morning, while specialty coffee drinks and smoothies can be enjoyed all day. The shop also offers Disney-themed treats and convenient grab-and-go items, all conveniently located in the main lobby level.

Outer Rim Lounge

This stylish lounge offers creative cocktails and light bites in a sophisticated setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views, while contemporary furnishings create a modern, upscale atmosphere. The signature cocktail list features both classic and innovative offerings, complemented by an extensive wine selection. A menu of small plates is perfect for sharing, and no reservations are required. The lounge operates from afternoon through late evening, providing a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap.

Private Dining

The resort offers 24-hour room service with an extensive menu designed to satisfy any craving. The full breakfast menu includes guest favorites like Mickey waffles, while all-day dining options draw from the resort’s restaurant offerings. A dedicated kids’ menu ensures young guests are well catered to, and special occasion packages including cake delivery are available. The private dining team can also arrange custom dining experiences upon request.

Dining Reservations and Planning

Due to the popularity of the Contemporary’s restaurants, advance dining reservations are strongly recommended. California Grill and Chef Mickey’s often book 60 days in advance, while Steakhouse 71 typically requires 30-45 day advance reservations. All locations can accommodate special dietary requests with advance notice, and most participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Annual Passholder and DVC member discounts are available at select restaurants, and celebration cakes can be arranged with 48-hour notice. For truly special occasions, private dining experiences can be arranged through Disney’s dedicated planning team.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Recreation

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a variety of swimming and recreational options spread across its expansive grounds. The resort features two distinct pool areas, each with its own character and amenities.

Feature Pool

The resort’s main Feature Pool, located between the A-frame tower and Bay Lake, provides a vibrant hub of family activity. Recently renovated, this zero-entry pool spans 6,500 square feet and features a 17-foot-tall curving water slide themed to look like a modern art installation. The slide tower provides a perfect vantage point of Bay Lake before swimmers splash into the pool below.

Throughout the day, the Feature Pool area buzzes with energy as cast members lead poolside activities including games, trivia, and dance parties. A nearby splash pad offers interactive water features for younger guests, with small fountains and spray jets perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. The pool deck features premium cushioned loungers, and poolside service is available from the nearby Barefoot Pool Bar, which serves creative cocktails, light snacks, and refreshments.

Private cabanas are available for daily rental around the Feature Pool, offering amenities such as dedicated attendant service, mini-refrigerators stocked with complimentary beverages, fresh fruit, plush towels, and a television. These cabanas provide a luxurious home base for families planning to spend a full day poolside.

Quiet Pool

The Quiet Pool, situated near the Garden Wing, offers a more serene swimming experience. This pool maintains a consistently peaceful atmosphere, perfect for guests looking to swim laps or simply relax away from the more energetic main pool area. The surrounding deck features comfortable lounge chairs and several cozy seating areas with umbrellas for shade.

While smaller than the Feature Pool, the Quiet Pool’s location tucked away in the resort’s gardens makes it a hidden gem for guests seeking tranquility. The pool depth ranges from 3 to 5 feet, making it suitable for both adults and children, though there are no water slides or interactive features here.

Pool Amenities

Both pool areas offer similar basic amenities, including:

Complimentary towel service at attended kiosks Nearby restrooms and changing facilities Life jackets available in multiple sizes Pool lifts for guests with mobility challenges Plenty of seating and umbrellas for shade

Pool Hours and Access

The Feature Pool operates from 7 AM to 11 PM daily, with slide hours typically running from 10 AM to 8 PM, weather permitting. The Quiet Pool maintains 24-hour access for resort guests using their MagicBand or room key. Both pools are heated to a comfortable 82 degrees year-round, allowing for swimming even during Orlando’s occasional cooler periods.

During thunderstorms, pools close temporarily for safety, but typically reopen 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard. The splash pad may remain open during light rain when there is no lightning in the area.

Additional Water Recreation

Beyond the pools, the beach along Bay Lake provides another water-adjacent relaxation spot. While swimming is not permitted in Bay Lake, the beach offers volleyball courts and plenty of loungers for sunbathing. In the evening, the beach provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the Electrical Water Pageant.

For fitness enthusiasts, the resort features a well-equipped health club gym overlooking Bay Lake and a jogging trail that connects to the Magic Kingdom pathway. Tennis courts and a basketball court are available for sports-minded guests, and the nearby Golf Resort provides access to championship golf courses.

Shopping and Entertainment

The Contemporary’s shopping options include the Bayview Gifts shop, offering resort-specific merchandise, Disney souvenirs, and vacation essentials. Fantasia Market provides convenience items and grab-and-go food options, while Contemporary Man and Contemporary Woman offer upscale resort wear and accessories.

Evening entertainment includes the Electrical Water Pageant, a charming floating light show that has been performing on Bay Lake since 1971. The resort’s various lounges, including the Wave Lounge and the California Grill Lounge, offer sophisticated spaces for adult guests to unwind after a day in the parks.

Special Events and Conventions

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is also a major convention destination, with 115,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel’s convention facilities include two ballrooms and numerous breakout rooms, all featuring the latest technology and professional support services. The resort’s proximity to the Magic Kingdom and its unique dining options make it particularly attractive for corporate events and conferences.

For weddings and special celebrations, the Contemporary offers several distinctive venues, including the California Grill’s private dining room and outdoor spaces with spectacular views of Cinderella Castle. Disney’s expert event planners can coordinate everything from intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, incorporating magical Disney touches while maintaining sophisticated elegance.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Transportation

Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s central location and multiple transportation options make it one of the most convenient home bases for exploring Walt Disney World. The resort offers several ways to reach each Disney destination, allowing guests to choose the most efficient route based on their schedule and preferences.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom access is where the Contemporary truly shines, offering three distinct transportation options. The most iconic is the monorail, which stops directly inside the hotel’s Grand Canyon Concourse. Trains arrive approximately every 4-7 minutes during peak times, and the journey to Magic Kingdom takes just about 2 minutes, making it the fastest motorized transport to the park.

Perhaps the resort’s most unique feature is its walking path to Magic Kingdom. This peaceful, tree-lined walkway takes about 10-12 minutes at a leisurely pace, offering a pleasant alternative to motorized transportation. Many guests find the walk particularly enjoyable in the morning or after fireworks when other transportation options are more crowded.

Water launch service is also available from the resort’s marina to Magic Kingdom. While not as quick as the monorail, the boat ride offers scenic views of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Launches typically operate from 30 minutes before park opening until 1 hour after park closing, with boats departing every 15-20 minutes.

EPCOT

Reaching EPCOT requires a transfer but remains relatively straightforward. Guests take the resort monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), then transfer to the EPCOT monorail line. The entire journey typically takes 20-25 minutes, including transfer time. The EPCOT monorail operates until one hour after EPCOT closes.

Direct bus service to EPCOT is also available from the resort’s bus stop, located outside the main lobby. This option becomes particularly useful during off-peak hours when monorail service is less frequent, or during monorail maintenance periods. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Transportation to Hollywood Studios is provided by direct bus service from the Contemporary’s main bus stop. Buses typically begin running 45 minutes before the park opens and continue until 1 hour after closing. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes, with buses arriving every 20 minutes during peak periods.

Some guests opt to take a Minnie Van (available through the Lyft app) or traditional ride share service to Hollywood Studios, which can reduce travel time to about 15 minutes, though this comes with an additional cost.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom access is provided exclusively by bus service from the Contemporary’s main bus stop. The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes, with buses running from 45 minutes before park opening until 1 hour after closing. During peak times, buses arrive every 20 minutes.

As with Hollywood Studios, Minnie Van and ride share services are available as premium alternatives, typically reducing travel time to about 20 minutes.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs transportation is provided by bus service, with a typical journey time of 20-25 minutes. Buses operate continuously from 9:00 AM until 2:00 AM (or one hour after Disney Springs closes, whichever is earlier). During evening hours, service frequency increases to accommodate dinner and entertainment crowds.

After 4:00 PM, guests can also take a bus to any Disney Springs area resort and walk to the shopping and dining district, which some find enjoyable for the scenery. Additionally, water taxi service is available from Disney Springs to several nearby resorts, though not directly to the Contemporary.

Transportation Tips

The bus stop area outside the Contemporary features digital boards displaying real-time arrival information for all destinations. These screens are particularly helpful during off-peak hours when service may be less frequent. The My Disney Experience app also provides up-to-date transportation information and wait times.

For guests with dining reservations, the resort recommends allowing 60-90 minutes for transportation when traveling to any destination other than Magic Kingdom. This buffer ensures plenty of time for any unexpected delays or transportation changes.

During peak departure times, particularly after fireworks at Magic Kingdom, it’s worth noting that the walking path often proves faster than waiting for the monorail or boats. Similarly, early morning walkers frequently arrive at Magic Kingdom before the first monorail riders.

The resort’s location also makes it convenient to explore other monorail resorts. Guests can easily visit the Polynesian or Grand Floridian for dining or shopping using either the resort monorail or a pleasant boat ride around Seven Seas Lagoon.

Complimentary parking is available for resort guests with a car, and valet parking is offered for an additional fee. The resort also provides charging stations for electric vehicles in the main parking area.

Environmental Initiatives

In recent years, Disney’s Contemporary Resort has implemented numerous environmental initiatives as part of Disney’s broader commitment to conservation. The hotel participates in extensive recycling programs, uses water-efficient fixtures, and has installed energy-saving systems throughout the property. The resort’s restaurants increasingly emphasize sustainable seafood and locally-sourced ingredients, reducing their carbon footprint while supporting regional producers.

A hidden Mickey-shaped solar panel installation near the resort helps power the hotel, and electric vehicle charging stations are available for guests. These efforts demonstrate how the Contemporary continues to look toward the future, just as it did when it first opened.

The Contemporary’s Legacy

As Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary, Disney’s Contemporary Resort stands as a testament to Walt Disney’s innovative spirit and optimistic vision of the future. While other Disney World hotels have come and gone, or undergone dramatic transformations, the Contemporary’s distinctive silhouette remains largely unchanged – a beloved icon that continues to capture the imagination of guests from around the world.

The resort successfully balances its retro-futuristic charm with modern amenities and services, proving that truly innovative design can stand the test of time. Its unique architecture, convenient location, and exceptional service have made it a favorite among Disney fans for generations, and its influence can be seen in Disney hotels worldwide.

For many guests, staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is more than just a hotel experience – it’s an integral part of the Walt Disney World story. Whether watching the monorail glide through the Grand Canyon Concourse, admiring Mary Blair’s magnificent mural, or viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks from their balcony, visitors create memories that last a lifetime.

As Walt Disney World continues to evolve and grow, Disney’s Contemporary Resort remains true to its original mission: providing a sophisticated, convenient, and distinctively Disney experience for guests seeking the perfect blend of luxury and magic. It stands as a monument to Disney’s commitment to innovation, quality, and guest service – truly contemporary, yet wonderfully timeless.

Planning Your Stay

For those considering a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, it’s important to note that rooms typically need to be booked well in advance, particularly during peak seasons. The resort’s popularity and prime location make it one of Walt Disney World’s most sought-after accommodations. Theme park view rooms command premium rates but offer an experience that many consider worth the splurge.

Disney Vacation Club members can also access rooms at Bay Lake Tower, the Contemporary’s sister property connected via the Sky Way Bridge. This modern addition, opened in 2009, offers similar amenities and convenience while providing dedicated spaces for DVC members.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Disney fan, Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers an experience that perfectly balances Disney magic with modern luxury. Its iconic architecture, convenient location, and rich history make it much more than just a place to stay – it’s a destination in itself and an essential part of the Walt Disney World story.