So you’ve decided to plan an amazing Walt Disney World vacation; now what? Choosing your resort is one of the most important decisions you make, and you will not be disappointed if you choose Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers unmatched convenience with its direct monorail access to the Magic Kingdom and other Disney parks. Guests also enjoy stunning views of the park’s fireworks from select rooms and easy access to world-class dining and entertainment.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Some rooms offer breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom 
• Music for the Magic Kingdom fireworks show is piped in & can be viewed from this property
• Accessibility to Magic Kingdom & Epcot by Monorail 
• Short walk to Magic Kingdom
• Water taxi option to get to Magic Kingdom
• Popular on-site dining
• Spacious & Incredibles themed rooms
• Wide variety of room type (standard, suites, villas)
• Great for large groups/families traveling together
• Access to beautiful Bay Lake Towers

Cons: 

• Shared buses; potential long rides to Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios
• Pool area isn’t overly exciting for children
• Lobby can be crowded & noisy 
• Walk from Garden Wing rooms can feel long
• Non-Lake or Theme Park views may leave you disappointed

Resort Overview

Location Benefits

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a prime location with unparalleled convenience for guests visiting Walt Disney World!  Situated just a short walk from the Magic Kingdom, it provides quick access to the park via a scenic pathway or the monorail, which has a station right inside the hotel. Its proximity to other Disney resort areas and amenities, such as Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, makes it an ideal base for exploring the entire resort. The Contemporary’s location also places guests close to the Disney Transportation Center, offering easy access to other theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a range of exclusive perks that enhance the vacation experience. Guests enjoy early access to the theme parks with Disney’s Extra Magic Hours, allowing them to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. Additionally, as a Disney Deluxe Resort, it offers premium amenities such as spacious rooms, unique dining options (including the famous California Grill with panoramic views), and access to luxurious pools and recreational activities. The resort’s modern design, combined with Disney magic, creates an unforgettable stay.

Resort Category: Deluxe
Resort Area: Magic Kingdom

Guest Rooms

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a wide range of room types; standard, suites, & Club Level Service rooms. Some rooms on property can sleep up to 8 adults. Rooms are spacious & “contemporary”. You will also have a wide variety of views to choose from; resort grounds, pool area, Bay Lake, courtyards, and Cinderella’s Castle/Magic Kingdom. 

Standard Amenities in each room include: 

• Hairdryer 
• TV
• Free WiFi 
• Keurig coffee maker 
• Beverage Cooler or Mini-fridge
• Telephone
• In-room safe
• Iron & ironing board 
• Outlets and USB ports are scattered throughout the rooms for your convenience
• Ample storage space; closets, drawers, bathroom counter space, & under the bed storage. 

Room Types

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers various room types to suit your preferences & party size, including standard rooms, suites, & villas. Rooms can be located in the Main Tower, the Garden Wing, & even in the adjacent Bay Lake Towers: 

Rooms & Suites

Main Tower- Theme Park View:

• 1 King Bed & 2 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom & parking area
• Includes patio or balcony

Main Tower- Water View:

• 1 King Bed & 2 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Bay Lake
• Includes patio or balcony

Garden Wing- Water View:

• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower
• Views of Pools, Marina, or Bay Lake
• Includes patio or balcony

Garden Wing- King:

• 1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 3 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower
• Views of Pool or Parking Area
• Includes patio or balcony

Garden Wing- Resort View:

• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower
• Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• Includes patio or balcony

Garden Wing- Deluxe Room:

• 1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 3 adults
• Adjacent to Main Tower
• Views of Gardens, Pools, Marina, or Bay Lake
• Larger than Garden Wing Resort View Room
• Includes patio or balcony

Villas

1 Bedroom Villa- Standard View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• 1 King bed, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• 2 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

1 Bedroom Villa- Theme Park View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• 1 King bed, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• 2 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

1 Bedroom Villa- Lake View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Bay Lake
• 1 King bed, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• 2 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

2 Bedroom Villa- Theme Park View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• 1 King bed, 2 Queen Beds, 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 9 adults
• 3 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

2 Bedroom Villa- Lake View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Bay Lake
• 1 King bed, 2 Queen Beds, 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 9 adults
• 3 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

2 Bedroom Villa- Standard View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• 1 King bed, 2 Queen Beds, 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 9 adults
• 3 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

3 Bedroom Grand Villa- Theme Park View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• 1 King bed, 4 Queen Beds, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 12 adults
• 4 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

3 Bedroom Grand Villa- Lake View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• Views of Bay Lake
• 1 King bed, 4 Queen Beds, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 12 adults
• 4 full bathrooms
• Full kitchen 
• Living & dining areas
• Washer & dryer
• Balcony

Deluxe Studios

Deluxe Studio – Lake View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of Bay Lake
• Includes a kitchenette with mini fridge & microwave
• Balcony 

Deluxe Studio – Theme Park View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• Includes a kitchenette with minifridge & microwave
• Balcony 

Deluxe Studio – Standard View:

• Located at adjacent Bay Lake Towers
• 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views 
• Includes a kitchenette with minifridge & microwave
• Balcony

Club-Level Service

Certain rooms and suites at The Polynesian come with Club-Level Service, which includes perks such as evening turndown, secured key access to the club-level lounge, complimentary fax assistance, refreshments served 7am-10pm, access to Concierge service at the Atrium Club or Tower Club, complimentary health club access, complimentary newspapers in the Club Level lounge, and personalized Front Desk and Guest Services.  Who wouldn’t love all of these amazing amenities?!

Rooms and Suites with Club Level Service

Resort View- Club Level:

• 1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Bay Lake
• Patio or Balcony 
• Access to Club Level Lounge

Theme Park View- Atrium Club Level:

• 1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• Patio or Balcony 
• Access to Atrium Club

Garden Wing 1 Bedroom – Hospitality Suite Access:

• Adjacent to Main Tower
• 2 Queen Beds, 1 Day bed, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa OR 1 King Bed, 1 Day Bed, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 7 adults
• Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views
• Patio or Balcony 

Garden Wing 1 Bedroom – Suite Access:

• Adjacent to Main Tower
• 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Size Sofa Sleeper, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Gardens & Bay Lake
• Patio or Balcony
• Access to Atrium Club

Water View 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa OR 4 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 8 adults
• Views of Bay Lake
• Patio or Balcony 
• Access to Tower Club

Theme Park View 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• 4 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 10 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• Patio or Balcony 
• Access to Tower Club

Theme Park View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 6 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• Patio or Balcony 
• Access to Tower Club

Theme Park View Presidential Suite – Club Level:

• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 8 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom
• Patio or Balcony 
• Access to Tower Club

Water View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 6 adults
• Views of Bay Lake
• Patio or Balcony 
• Access to Tower Club

Resort View King – Club Level:

• 1 King Bed
• Sleeps up to 2 adults
• Views of Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake
• Patio or Balcony
• Access to Club Level Lounge

Checking In and Out

There are multiple ways to check in for your stay; all being very easy. You can use the front desk, check-in online through the official Walt Disney World website, or utilize the My Disney Experience app.

After online check-in, you’ll receive a room-ready notification and can use your MagicBand or the digital key feature in the app to unlock your room door.

Using the app tends to be the quickest way to check in; it means you never have to wait in line to check in at the front desk. The MDE app can also be used virtually to chat with a cast member should you need any assistance. 

Guests will be automatically checked out of their rooms upon completion of their stay. Any unresolved charges will be put on the credit card on file & a final statement will be emailed to you. You may also visit the front desk if you wish.

Should you need assistance with your bags you’ll call bell services from your room phone and they will come to your room to assist you with your luggage.

Resort Shops

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers various amenities and themed shops for your enjoyment. This is where you can pick up snacks and souvenirs.  In select shops you may also find wine, drinks, medications, and other small grocery/sundry type items.

The shops include:

• Bayview Gifts: A shop with apparel, accessories, jewelry, gifts, sweet treats, housewares, and framed art.
• Fantasia: Disney inspired gifts, housewares, toys, and stuffed animals.
• Fantasia Marker: Grab & go food and spirits.  

Amenities

• Laundry Services: 24-hour self-service laundry facilities are available.
• Parking: Complimentary parking is available to guests. Valet parking is available at a nightly rate. 
• “Hey Disney!”:  Stay up to date on daily park info, play games, make requests in your resort with your in-room virtual assistant. 
• Dry Cleaning Services: Offers dry cleaning and valet laundry services.
• Movies Under the Stars: Enjoy complimentary Disney movies on select nights on the lawn behind the Main Tower.
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children aged 6 months to 12 years old. 
• Olympiad Fitness Center: Full service gym.
  

Lounges & Entertainment

• Outer Rim: Enjoy the view of Bay Lake while you sip specialty cocktails. This lounge offers an extensive wine, bourbon, and cocktail menu.
• Steakhouse 71 Lounge: Enjoy small plates alongside classic cocktails, inspired by Walt & Lillian Disney in this comfy lounge.
• Celebration at the Top: Indulge in hors d’oeuvres and spirits at a lively cocktail party atop the resort; enjoy music as you wait for the fireworks to erupt!
  

Dining Options

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a range of dining options. Whether you want a character sit-down experience, a romantic steak dinner,  or to grab a treat while headed out to Magic Kingdom, you’ll easily find something to enjoy!

Table Service

Disney World’s Table Service restaurants offer a magical dining experience, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal in a themed setting. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. Table Service options cater to a variety of tastes. Use the Mobile Dine Check-In feature via the My Disney Experience app, and make checking in for your reservation is a breeze.

• California Grill: Located on the 15th floor, this seasonal inspired restaurant offers some of the best views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks on property! California Grill offers a 3 course menu, and you may also add wine pairings from their extensive list. Specialty dining events are common, so check often! 
• Chef Mickey’s: This sought after character dining is not to be missed! Held in the heart of the lobby, families can choose to have an exciting and interactive breakfast or dinner with all of their favorite Disney characters.
• Steakhouse 71: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a classic steakhouse setting. The menu is full of some of Walt Disney’s favorite meals, from a Prime-Rib Hash or a bowl of French Onion Soup. This is the perfect setting for a family meal or a celebration for two.
  

Quick Service

Disney World’s Quick Service restaurants provide a convenient and efficient dining option for guests on the go. Perfect for a quick bite between attractions, these restaurants offer diverse menus, from an afternoon sweet treat to an on theme small plate. 

No reservations are needed; simply order at the counter or on your My Disney Experience app and find a seat. Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app lets you skip lines and customize your meal in advance. Quick Service options ensure you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the magic of Disney.

• Contempo Cafe: Located under the shadow of the monorail, you’ll find the perfect foods to grab and go, or snag a seat and enjoy the sights and sounds of the lobby as you eat your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Great place to grab a quick bite to take back to your room after a long day in the parks. 
• Contemporary Grounds: Coffee is a non negotiable on any Disney trip; so make sure you stop by for a coffee, smoothie, hot chocolate, tea, or pastry on your way out the door. 
• Cove Bar: Private poolside bar for DVC members & guests of Bay Lake Towers.
• The Sand Bar: Poolside bar with burgers, hot dogs, cocktails, beer, & wine. No need to change out of your bathing suit when you can grab a table outside. An indoor bar & seating area is also offered.

Recreation

For guests looking to relax and have fun, The Contemporary offers a selection of recreational activities:

• Swimming: Whether you want a wild waterslide ride or a dip in a spa, this resort has you covered. Want the ultimate day of pampering? Rent a poolside cabana!
• Fishing: Guided catch-and-release fishing excursions are available.
• Jogging: Take a run throughout the property around Bay Lake Tower & the South Garden Wing.
• Tennis & Volleyball Courts: No better way to spend a resort day!
• Contemporary Resort Campfire: Gather around for a nightly campfire at the Courtyard Campfire; 5:30-6:30pm. 
• Motorized Boat Rentals: Enjoy an afternoon of cruising around Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Electrical Water Pageant: Once the sun goes down you enjoy this nightly floating spectacular; watch as the large sparkling displays float by to your favorite Disney songs.
• Fireworks Cruises: Charter a private watercraft & sit back to enjoy an amazing fireworks experience! 
• The Game Station: Located on the 4th floor of the Contemporary, this arcade is not to be missed! 

Transportation

Getting around from Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a breeze with several transportation options:

• Monorail: You can directly access Magic Kingdom on the Monorail & can also travel to Epcot, though you will have to transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). You can also visit the Grand Floridian & Polynesian Resort via the Monorail. 
• Water Transportation: Be transported to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Fort Wilderness via water taxi.
• Buses: Disney buses are available for transportation to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

How to get from The Contemporary to anywhere at Disney World

• Magic Kingdom – Take the Monorail or a resort bus to Magic Kingdom. 
• Epcot – Take the Monorail or a resort bus to Epcot; keep in mind you will have to transfer at the TTC if you take the Monorail.
• Hollywood Studios – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Hollywood Studios. Uber/Lyft is also an option, however you will not be dropped off at the main entrance anymore. 
• Animal Kingdom – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Animal Kingdom. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate.
• Disney Springs – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Disney Springs. Uber/Lyft are an option but they will drop you off at the far end of Disney Springs close to the Rain Forest Cafe area.  It can be a long walk to more central locations.  The bus and Minnie Van will drop you off in a central location.

Resorts

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts – including Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West –

1. Take a bus to Magic Kingdom
2. Use Magic Kingdom transportation to the resort of choice.
   1. Walk to Polynesian or Grand Floridian
   2. Monorail to Grand Floridian and Polynesian
   3. Water Taxi Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness
   4. Bus to all resorts.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Contemporary to any Magic Kingdom area resort.

Epcot Area Resorts – including Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve.

1. Monorail to Magic Kingdom.
2. Take the bus from Magic Kingdom to the resort of choice.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation The Contemporary to any Epcot area resort. 

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts – including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort.

1. Monorail to Magic Kingdom.
2. Take the resort bus from Magic Kingdom to the resort of your choice.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Contemporary to any Hollywood Studios area resort.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts – including Animal Kingdom Lodge, All Stars – Movie, Music and Sports and Coronado Springs

1. Monorail to Magic Kingdom.
2. Take the resort bus from Magic Kingdom to the resort of your choice.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Contemporary to any Animal Kingdom area resort.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Typhoon Lagoon. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bus to Disney Springs and transfer to the Typhoon Lagoon bus there.
• Blizzard Beach – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bus to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the Blizzard Beach bus there.

Mini Golf

• Winter Summerland – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate of Blizzard Beach.  Winter Summerland is next to Blizzard Beach.
• Fantasia Gardens – Take a resort bus to Hollywood Studios and walk to Fantasia Gardens. Fantasia Gardens is next to the Swan Reserve. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off at Fantasia Gardens.

Tips for Your Stay

1. Make Dining Reservations Early: You’ll want to make dining reservations at the ever-popular Polynesian establishments or other Disney restaurants 60 days prior to arrival, especially for character dining experiences.  Table service dining does fill up and it’s not recommended to try to walk up to your favorite restaurant the day of.  Instructions on how to use the My Disney Experience app are here.
2. Enjoy the Lakefront Viewings: Take advantage of the evening entertainment on the shores Bay Lake; nightly views of the fireworks from Magic Kingdom with music piped in as well as the Electrical Water Pageant .
3. Use Mobile Ordering: To save time and avoid lines, use the My Disney Experience app’s mobile ordering feature for quick-service meals.  Best tips on mobile ordering and some of our favorites can be found here.
4. Watch Magic Kingdom Fireworks from the Resort: Some rooms and the shores of Bay Lake offer partial views of Magic Kingdom’s nighttime fireworks, so be sure to check the schedule and plan to watch from the resort or ask about rooms with theme park views. 
5. Plan for Rainy Days: Pack ponchos or umbrellas, as Florida weather can be unpredictable. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities at the resort to keep you entertained.
6. Use the Disney Transportation System: Take advantage of the complimentary Disney transportation options to access all the parks and Disney Springs with ease.

The Contemporary Resort Address & Phone Number

4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8413
(407) 824-1000

Conclusion

Staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a unique blend of luxury, convenience, and Disney magic that makes it an unforgettable choice for any vacation. With its prime location just steps from the Magic Kingdom, guests enjoy quick and easy access to the park while also immersing themselves in modern amenities and spectacular views. Whether you’re marveling at the iconic A-frame structure, enjoying gourmet dining at California Grill, or relaxing by the pool, the Contemporary Resort provides an ideal base for a Disney getaway. The combination of top-tier accommodations, excellent service, and exclusive Disney experiences makes it an excellent choice for families, couples, and Disney enthusiasts alike, ensuring a magical stay that is both memorable and convenient!

Request a free, no-obligation quote from the Love of the Magic Vacations team here.