Disney's Contemporary Resort
- May 23
- 8 min read
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most recognizable hotels at Walt Disney World thanks to its bold A-frame design and the monorail that glides directly through the building. As an original opening-day resort, it combines Disney history with sleek, modern style and one of the most convenient locations anywhere on property.
Clean lines, spacious rooms, and incredible views define the experience here. Guests can walk to Magic Kingdom in minutes, enjoy elevated dining, and return to a resort that feels both energetic and refined.
September 2024 Through Late 2027: Refurbishment work will occur in phases throughout select areas of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, including the atrium, Bay Lake Tower and the Main Tower. The Main Tower will undergo exterior maintenance beginning March 23, 2026, which may impact views from various locations throughout the Resort hotel and, at times, require alternate paths of travel. Guests may see or hear construction during daytime hours. The Bay Lake Pool, the feature pool, the water play area and the whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will remain open for Guests to enjoy.
Late March 2026 Through Late May 2026: Exterior elevator landing repairs will take place at Bay Lake Tower.
Resort at a Glance
Resort Category: Deluxe Resort
Best For: Luxury travelers, couples, multigenerational families, Magic Kingdom enthusiasts, guests celebrating special occasions
Price Range: $$$$
Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation Highlight:
Walking path: Magic Kingdom
Monorail: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT
Bus: Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs
Room Style: Interior corridors
Sleeps:
Up to 5 guests in most standard rooms (ages 3+)
Villas accommodate larger parties depending on room type
Standout Feature: Ability to walk to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes from door to door
Who Should Stay at Contemporary Resort and Why
The Contemporary is ideal for:
Guests Who Want Maximum Convenience: Few resorts can compete with the ability to walk back from Magic Kingdom after fireworks.
Families with Young Children: Easy transportation simplifies midday breaks and stroller logistics.
Travelers Who Prefer Modern Style: The aesthetic leans clean and contemporary rather than heavily themed.
Guests Planning Celebration Trips: Theme Park View rooms offer unforgettable castle and fireworks perspectives.
Multigenerational Families: Spacious layouts provide comfort for groups traveling together.
Who Should Consider Another Resort
This resort may not be ideal for:
Guests seeking lush landscaping or a highly immersive theme
Travelers wanting a quieter, more secluded atmosphere
Visitors prioritizing EPCOT-area access
Guests who prefer classic or whimsical Disney decor
Disney's Contemporary Resort Theming
Disney’s Contemporary Resort blends mid-century modern architecture with playful Pixar storytelling following its recent room renovations.
The Main Tower and Garden Wing rooms now feature a subtle Incredibles theme, incorporating clean lines, bold color accents, and stylized artwork inspired by the Parr family. The design feels intentional and modern rather than overtly character-driven, making it appealing to both families and adult travelers.
Throughout the resort, theming highlights include:
The iconic five-story mural by Disney legend Mary Blair
An open central atrium filled with natural light
Sleek architectural details that reflect the resort’s futuristic roots
Incredibles-inspired design elements that add personality without overwhelming the space
The result is a resort that honors its history while feeling fresh, contemporary, and distinctly Disney.
Contemporary Resort Room Types Available
Contemporary is made up of three distinct areas: Garden Wing, Main Tower, and Bay Lake Tower. Together, they create one cohesive resort experience while offering different room types, layouts, and atmospheres.
Garden Wing
The Garden wing is located just steps from the Main Tower, these rooms offer:
Similar configuration as Main Tower rooms
A quieter atmosphere
Short walks to pools and dining
Lower price points than tower rooms
A smart choice for travelers wanting Deluxe benefits with slightly less cost.
Garden Wing- Standard Rooms
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds and a Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed and a Day Bed
Approximate Size: ~344 sq. ft.
Capacity:
Queen Bed Rooms: Sleeps up to 5 guests (3+ years old)
King Bed Rooms: Sleeps up to 3 guests (3+ years old)
Views Available (Differing in Cost)
Resort View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
Water View: Views of Pools, Marina or Bay Lake
Rooms feature an Incredibles-inspired design with clean lines and playful touches.
Garden Wing- Deluxe Room
Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
Approximate Size: ~560 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 3 guests (3+ years old)
View: Views of Gardens, Pools, Marina or Bay Lake
Garden Wing - 1 Bedroom Suite Access
Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
Approximate Size: ~1313 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests (3+ years old)
View: Views of Gardens and Bay Lake
Garden Wing -1 Bedroom Hospitality Suite Access
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
Approximate Size: ~1313 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 7 guests (3+ years old)
View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
Main Tower
The Main Tower at Contemporary is the building that the monorail runs through. This is the building most people think about for rooms at the Contemporary. While it can be louder, it offers the fastest access to the monorail and has some of the best views of the park.
Main Tower Rooms
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
Approximate Size: ~440 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests (ages 3+)
Views:
Water View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park and Parking Area. Ideal for guests who want the magic visible from their balcony
Rooms feature an Incredibles-inspired design with clean lines and playful touches.
Club Level- Room
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed
Approximate Size: ~440 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests (ages 3+)
Views:
Resort View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park
King Room: Views of Magic Kingdom Park or Bay Lake
Enjoy access to Atrium Club
Club Level- 1 Bedroom Suite
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
Approximate Size: ~1,430 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 6 guests (ages 3+)
Views:
Water View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park
Enjoy access to Tower Club
Club Level- 2 Bedroom Suite
Bed Configuration:
Water View: 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
Theme Park View: 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
Approximate Size: ~1,430 to 1,985 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 8-10 guests (ages 3+)
Views:
Water View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park
Enjoy access to Tower Club
Club Level Rooms
Access to the Atrium Club or Tower Club includes:
Personalized concierge service
Daily refreshments
Evening hors d’oeuvres
Desserts and beverages
Excellent for guests who appreciate added service and convenience.
Atrium Club is located on the 12th floor and is for most of the regular club level rooms while the Tower Club is located on the 14th floor and mostly for the guests staying in the suites. The both offer the same food and beverages, but the Tower Club is smaller and quieter.
Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower is where the Disney Vacation Club rooms are located. This is a great option for families wanting larger units.
Bay Lake Tower villas offers:
Full kitchens
Washer and dryer
Extra living space
Deluxe Studio
Bed Configuration: 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Pull Down Bed
Approximate Size: ~339 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 4 guests (ages 3+)
Views:
Resort View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View
Preferred View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park
Has a kitchenette with a small fridge and microwave
1 Bedroom Villa
Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed
Approximate Size: ~803 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests (ages 3+)
Includes 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer
Views:
Resort View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View
Preferred View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park
2 Bedroom Villa
Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed
Approximate Size: ~1,152 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 9 guests (ages 3+)
Includes 3 full bathrooms, full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer
Views:
Resort View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View
Preferred View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park
3 Bedroom Villa
Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Double-Size Pull Down Bed
Approximate Size: ~2,044 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 9 guests (ages 3+)
Includes 4 full bathrooms, full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer
Views:
Preferred View: Views of Bay Lake
Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park
Accessible Rooms
Features may include:
Roll-in showers
Hearing accessibility options
Lowered fixtures
Building or room requests are never guaranteed.
Room Amenities
Beverage cooler
Cuisinart coffee maker with Joffrey’s coffee
H2O bath products
Robes (in select room categories)
Ample outlets and USB ports
Complimentary cribs or Pack ’n Plays upon request
Why Upgrade Your View?
Theme Park View rooms offer a front-row perspective of fireworks, often with music piped into select viewing areas. Watching the show from your balcony allows you to skip the crowds while still enjoying the full experience.
For many guests, this becomes a defining memory of their trip.
Contemporary Resort Location
Located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area and positioned on the shores of Bay Lake, the Contemporary delivers some of the fastest park access at Walt Disney World.
Contemporary Resort Transportation Options
Walking Path: Magic Kingdom
Monorail: Magic Kingdom and EPCOT via transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center
Boat Service: Select nearby resorts
Bus Service: Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs
Estimated Travel Times (once onboard)
Magic Kingdom: ~10 minute walk or ~5 minutes by monorail
EPCOT: ~15 minutes
Hollywood Studios: ~20 minutes
Animal Kingdom: ~20 minutes
Contemporary Resort Dining Options
California Grill
Type: Table Service- Signature Dining
Meals: Dinner
Dining Plan: Not Accepted
Reservations: Recommended
Known for: 3 course meal with seasonal cuisine and panoramic rooftop fireworks views
Chef Mickey’s
Type: Table Service- Character Dining
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Dining Plan Accepted: Table Service
Known for: Buffet service with classic character interactions that are especially popular with families
Characters include Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto
Steakhouse 71
Type: Table Service
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Plan Accepted: Table Service
Known for: Elevated comfort food and relaxed mid-century style
Contempo Cafe
Type: Quick Service
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Plan Accepted: Quick Service, Snack
Mobile Order: Available
Known for: Fresh options and efficient service
The Sand Bar
Type: Pool Bar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Dining Plan Accepted: Quick Service, Snack
Located at Main pool
Cove Bar
Type: Pool Bar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Dining Plan Accepted: Quick Service, Snack
Located at Bay Lake Tower pool
Outer Rim
Type: Lounge
Known for: A comfortable space for cocktails with views of Bay Lake.
Steakhouse 71 Lounge
Type: Lounge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Known for: Libations honoring Walt and Lillian Disney
Contemporary Grounds
Type: Coffee Shop
Known for: Perfect to grab a coffee on the way to the buses
Pools at the Contemporary
Feature Pool
Waterslide
Spacious deck
Splash play area
Poolside activities
Perfect for families looking to unwind after park days.
Bay Lake Pool
Typically quieter, making it a great option for relaxation..
Other Activities at the Resort
Movies Under the Stars: Outdoor Disney movies on select nights
Campfire S’mores: Evening marshmallow roasting
Arcade: Classic and modern games
Jogging Paths: Resort walking/running paths
Laundry: 24-hour self-service laundry throughout resort
Marina Rentals including fireworks cruises
Fishing Excursions
Fitness Center
Electrical Water Pageant Views
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Contemporary Resort delivers unmatched convenience, spacious accommodations, and iconic Disney history. It is usually the most affordable option on the monorail. Few experiences compare to walking back to your resort with Cinderella Castle still glowing in the distance.
One thing about Walt Disney World, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to resorts! We can help you choose the one that best fits your vacation style.
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