Ultimate Guide to: Disney's Contemporary Resort

Dining and shopping areas as seen from a higher floor

Overview:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the original Walt Disney World resorts, opening alongside Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. Located just steps from Magic Kingdom, it offers a convenient walking path straight to the park’s entrance. As a Deluxe Disney Resort, the Contemporary is known for its iconic A-frame design with the monorail passing directly through the main tower. Guests can stay in either the Main Tower or the nearby Garden Wing.

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Incredibles themed studio

Rooms:
Room types include standard rooms with 2 queen beds and a daybed, available with views of the theme park, water, or resort grounds. Club Level rooms offer additional perks like complimentary refreshments throughout the day and personalized guest services. Larger accommodations include Deluxe Rooms, 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites, and the luxurious Presidential Suite. Rooms are themed after The Incredibles, blending sleek design with subtle Disney touches.

Pool:
The resort features one main pool area along the shores of Bay Lake. The feature pool includes a 17-foot waterslide, a splash area for kids, and the Bay Lake Pool—a quieter pool with a shallow rim and deeper center. Two whirlpool spas are also available. Private pool cabanas can be rented daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and include padded lounge furniture, a fruit tray, ceiling fan, Bluetooth speaker, cable TV, internal resort phone, mini-fridge stocked with sodas and water, and a safe.

Food from California Grill

Dining:
The Contemporary offers several standout dining options:

• California Grill (Top Floor): A fine dining restaurant with stunning views of Magic Kingdom and the nightly fireworks, complete with music piped in and a private viewing deck. The open kitchen serves a three-course, prix-fixe menu with globally inspired seasonal flavors and an extensive wine list. Dress code is resort casual, and reservations are strongly recommended.
• Chef Mickey’s (4th Floor): A fun, family-friendly buffet for breakfast and dinner where Mickey and friends visit each table for photos and autographs. A must-do for many families and reservations are recommended.
• Steakhouse 71 (1st Floor): A table service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, inspired by Walt Disney’s favorite dishes. Highlights include Walt’s Prime Rib Hash for breakfast and French Onion Soup at dinner. Disney family wines are also featured. Reservations recommended.
• Contempo Café (4th Floor): A quick-service location offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu of sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, kids’ meals, and grab-and-go items.
• Bars: The Sand Bar (poolside) offers food and drinks, while the Outer Rim Bar (4th floor) serves a variety of beverages in a relaxing lounge atmosphere.

Location & Transportation:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is ideally located next to Magic Kingdom. Guests can walk to the park or take the monorail from the station inside the resort. Monorail service also connects to EPCOT via a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Bus transportation is available for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.
Recommendations:
The Contemporary is perfect for guests seeking an upscale, convenient resort with top-tier dining and unmatched proximity to Magic Kingdom. Booking a Theme Park View room adds an extra layer of magic, you’ll wake up to Cinderella Castle and end the day with front-row fireworks, complete with music piped in through your room’s TV. The resort’s compact layout makes it easy to get around, and its nostalgic charm combined with modern updates creates a truly memorable Disney experience.

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Theme Park View with fireworks

Theme Park view from the Club Level