Disneys Resort Profiles: Contemporary Resort

 

Retreat to this ultra-modern Disney Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, spectacular views, and dazzling pools. Whether you’re staying in the iconic A-frame Contemporary tower or the nearby Garden Wing, you can walk to Magic Kingdom main gate or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the tower. 

The Contemporary Resort is almost as old as Walt Disney World itself. While its futuristic theming is not as impressive as it is today, its location is what makes this a great option. It is usually lower priced than the other Deluxe resorts on the monorail but the walking path to the Magic Kingdom is priceless when you have napping children. The Garden rooms are a little far away from everything and the rooms in the tower are expensive and noisy. I prefer the Bay Lake Tower. 

Even if it is still a bit higher to stay onsite, the benefits can far outweigh the added cost. I have laid out those benefits for you to see how staying at a Disney resort is a good value for you in my blog “Benefits to Staying at a Disney Resort.”

PROS:

Sleeps 5, Large Rooms

Great Dining

Walking Path

Private Security for Magic Kingdom

CONS:

Theming

Pools aren’t any special.

Good For:

Families with Babies/ Toddlers  

If you would like to book this resort, click here

Room Options:

• Standard View – Garden Wing

• Garden View – Garden Wing

• King / Garden View

• Deluxe Room – Garden Wing

• Theme Park View – Tower

• Bay Lake View – Tower

• Standard Room Atrium / Club Level

• Standard Room or King Standard Room / Club Level

• Hospitality Suite – Garden Wing

• 1 Bedroom Suite – Garden Wing

• 1 Bedroom Suite – Theme Park View / Club level

• 1 Bedroom Suite – Bay Lake 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 ($1975 – $2775 per night, depending on the season.)

Dining:

California Grill (Table Service/ Signature Dining)
Savor the finest in Californian cooking, as you take in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park. Californian cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the international, melting-pot culture of the Golden State. Changing seasonally, the menu may include such specialties as handmade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli and Oak-fired Filet of Beef.

Chef Mickeys (Table Service)
This is the spot for popular character meals at the Contemporary. A buffet breakfast with Mickey and the gang is offered every morning. In the evening a buffet featuring prime rib, seafood, and a variety of other dishes is offered.

The Wave… of American Flavors (Table Service)

Delight in fresh American cuisine at this stylishly contemporary restaurant and lounge. Dine on new American cuisine inspired by a passion for locally and regionally sourced ingredients, accompanied by new world wines and tasty craft beers. 

Contempo Cafe (Quick Service)
At Contempo Cafe, dine in a 90-foot high atrium as you watch the monorail whisk by this fourth floor Grand Canyon Concourse venue. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches and side items and finish off with something from their bakery! When guests place their food order, they will be given a magical puck to put on the tabletop of their choice. When their order is ready, the kitchen will magically know where to deliver the food.

Contemporary Grounds (Coffee Bar) 

This coffee bar serves gourmet coffee drinks, smoothies, beer, wine, and specialty liquors. Contemporary Grounds serves Joffrey’s Coffee.

Outer Rim Lounge

Admire stunning views of Bay Lake with specialty cocktails before—or after—dinner. Try a Piña CoLAVA, Watermelon Margarita, Blue “Glow-tini” or more! A full bar menu is also available.

The Sand Bar (Pool Bar)
At the Sand Bar Pool Bar, picnic poolside with burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches or cool off with a full bar menu and air-conditioning inside the enclosed bar.

In-Room Dining
Whether you’re hungry for a late dinner or you just want some breakfast when you wake, private dining is the ticket. With Disney Resorts Private Dining, you can choose from a variety of American favorites—along with some specialty items particular to your Disney Resort hotel!

Activities 

The Main Pool is 6500 sq ft which includes a 17-foot high curving slide and cabanas are available to rent. The smaller Bay Lake Pool is a round, quiet pool which is shallow on the outside and deeper in the center. Guests may also enjoy Interactive water fountains, 2 whirlpool spas, Children’s playground, and Game Station Arcade or play Tennis Shuffleboard, volleyball, or Bocce Ball. The Marina offers boat rental, water cruises, water sport, or fishing. The resort also offers a Fitness Center and spa services. 

Nightly Disney Movies Under The Stars on the lawn near the Sky Way Bridge

Activities and programs are subject to change. Although the activities vary by day and by resort, here is an example of some of the trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, and bingo you might find. 

Check your tv for the schedule during your stay. 

Services

Self-service laundry facilities

Valet laundry service

Business Center

Convention/meeting space

Salon/barber services

Shopping

Fantasia stocks Disney character apparel and souvenirs as well as logo merchandise. You can also find a large assortment of Disney pins.

Concourse Sundries & Spirits stocks carry newspapers, magazines, snacks, spirits, and health and beauty items.

Bayview Gifts offers homewares, art collectibles, jewelry, clothing, watches, assorted chocolates, and fudge.

Caricature Connection artists create delightful, souvenir caricatures.

Transportation:

Disney’s monorail service is available to the Magic Kingdom and via transfer to Epcot. The monorail station is on the 4th floor of the resort. Disney’s bus service is available to and from this resort to theme parks, water parks, plus Disney Springs. The bus locations are to the right of the lobby as you exit the hotel. A walking path to the Magic Kingdom is also available as you walk past the bus stops.

These times are approximate, provided to give you an idea of average travel times. Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort or theme park transportation stops.

Magic Kingdom – 12 minutes by walking, 19 minutes by monorail

Epcot – 22 minutes by monorail, 22 minutes by car

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 22 minutes by bus, 23 minutes by car

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 25 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car

Disney Springs – 30 minutes by bus, 19 minutes by car

Blizzard Beach Water Park – 24 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 25 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car

Tips

There are two separate check-ins for both Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower.

Also, it’s important to note that you cannot use the pool at Bay Lake Tower unless you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower and only Disney Vacation Club members can access the Top of the World Lounge.

One of my favorite spots to watch Happily Ever After is on the big verandah off of the Grand Canyon Concourse

There is boat transportation to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort.

Rooms with a view of Bay Lake also have a great sunrise view.

NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RESORT FOR YOU?

The right resort can upgrade your entire Disney vacation—but with more than 25 Disney resorts and hotels to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! I can help you so you can choose the perfect-fit resort for your family—based on your budget, travel style, and family’s interests. DOWNLOAD the Guide to Choosing the Right Resort to understand the differences in amenities, how to choose the resort with the right location and which resorts offer the activities you are looking for.

 

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