Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom (With Time Comparison)

Route 1: Taking the Monorail from the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom

The monorail entrance is on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The loading platform is actually one level higher. However, you must walk through security on the fourth floor and then take the escalator or elevator up to the loading zone.

After you pass through the security clearance for the monorail, you’ll remain in a secure area until you reach Magic Kingdom. So you won’t have to walk through security again at Magic Kingdom. Based on our average tracked times, it takes 19 minutes to reach Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary. This route is longer because the resort monorail stops at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian before reaching Magic Kingdom.

Return Route: The Contemporary is the first stop on the return route from Magic Kingdom. This route takes only four minutes. So, if there isn’t a lengthy line for the resort monorail, you should be able to return to the resort quickly. If you would like to learn more, see our overview of how the resort monorail works.

Route 2: Walking Between the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom

While the monorail is great, when we stay at the Contemporary, we like to walk back and forth to the Magic Kingdom. It’s a short walk, and there aren’t any questions about how long the monorail might take if there’s a line. You just start walking and arrive shortly thereafter. The path begins just beyond the Contemporary’s bus stop, and while straightforward, there are directionals along the way.

You’ll walk through a security clearance along the path before you reach Magic Kingdom, so you won’t have to go through security again once you reach the park. This route is 0.42 miles and takes approximately 11 minutes. We have a separate article that details the walking path between the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom. A potential negative for some is that you must cross the parking lot and one road/crosswalk on your way to and from the park.

Return Route: The return route is the same, except you won’t have to make the stop through security on the way back. If you would like to learn more, see our overview of walking paths at Disney World.

The Resorts Gal Spin

Disney’s Contemporary is a controversial resort that guests love or hate. We enjoy its uniqueness, but I can also see why some people don’t care for its style. That said, if you plan on spending a decent amount of time at Magic Kingdom, you cannot beat the convenience. You won’t feel guilty if you visit the park for a few hours and leave, or don’t arrive until the fireworks and stay late for extended evening hours.

We also love to stay at the Contemporary when we plan to attend an extra-ticketed event, such as Disney After Hours or a seasonal party. On those evenings, you’re going to stay until at least midnight (probably). When you leave, the hotel is right there waiting for you. You’ll be back in your room while other guests who left the park around the same time are still on a bus back to their resorts.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it’s an advantage to have the option to walk or monorail between the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom. If you would like to learn more, see our guide to transportation at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  If you would like to compare options, here are a few more ways to get to Magic Kingdom from nearby resorts.

• Disney’s Polynesian to Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom

For more on getting around, see our overview of all transportation at Walt Disney World. Check back with ResortsGal.com.

In the Comments

At the end of the night, I’ll walk back to the Contemporary if there is a line for the monorail. What would you do? Have you ever stayed close to Magic Kingdom? Share your unique spin in the comments below.