Disney's Contemporary Resort Review (By Resorts Gal)

It’s no secret that Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic resorts at Disney World. Between having a major form of transportation running through the heart of the resort and being only a short, ten-minute walk from the magic, there are plenty of reasons to consider staying here.

For this review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, I’ll share details of a recent stay. We’ll preview the resort’s updated rooms, dining, pools, recreation, and other amenities. But a word upfront. Is a stay at Disney’s Contemporary worth it for everyone? Probably not. Unfortunately, the resort gets mixed reviews.

Some people love the Contemporary and find themselves easily swayed by the nostalgia of the once-modern resort. Others complain that the Contemporary reminds them of an outdated and bland airport hotel. The hotel has a distinct vibe and most either love it or hate it. So keep that in mind as we continue because I love this resort and find little fault with it.

Disney's Contemporary Resort with blue sky background

Disney’s Contemporary is an original (OG baby) resort that opened in 1971. Can you imagine staying in a hotel back then that had a monorail running through it? I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t even alive. Nevertheless, it leads one to wonder what might have been if the same level of innovation had continued at such a fast rate. The entire resort exudes Disney’s history. From the minute you step foot into the lobby, you know that you are somewhere special.

Disney's Contemporary Hotel's modern, updated lobby

Disney’s Contemporary is a deluxe resort. Deluxe resorts are considered top-tier and offer amenities not found at moderate or value-category resorts. Two separate resort areas comprise the Contemporary, the main tower, and the Garden Wing. Bay Lay Tower, a Disney Vacation Club, resides next door.

a ground level view of the Contemporary and how it's connected to Bay Lake Tower by a bridge

Those resorts are connected by the Skyway Bridge, which sits on the fourth floor. Bay Lake Tower guests have access to the amenities of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. However, Contemporary guests cannot access the pool and some of the other Disney Vacation Club amenities at Bay Lake Tower.

Related: Bay Lake Tower Review

the Skyway bridge between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower

The lobby of the Contemporary is usually a bustling area.

a seating area with a television and children's area in the Contemporary's lobby

As you enter the lobby, you’ll notice a variety of different spaces. For example, the table with chairs in the picture below offers a great work environment.

a table with chairs and outlets on the side of the Contemporary's lobby

Updates include a tribute to Mary Blair.

Mary Blair artwork and photo tribute in Disney's Contemporary lobby

The lobby is stunning. Before the renovation, it was a dull, monotone space. Now, it feels like a breath of fresh air with fun pops of color and a design that contributes to the resort’s overall theme.

bright colors of the Contemporary's lobby

Grand Canyon Concourse Floor

While the Contemporary’s ground floor is home to the resort’s formal lobby, the fourth floor is the central gathering space for the tower. It’s home to several dining options, gift shops, an arcade, a lounge, and an observation deck. This floor is referred to as the Grand Canyon Concourse. When the hotel was being designed, it was said the inside looked as large as the Grand Canyon. This inspired a stunning ceramic mural designed by Disney Legend Mary Blair.

the Mary Blair mural in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Here is a close-up of a section of the mural. It’s truly a remarkable piece.

a portion of the Mary Blair mural in Disney's Contemporary

Contemporary’s Grand Concourse is home to several dining locations, including the resort’s character dining restaurant and quick service.

the restaurant area on the Grand Concourse at Disney's Contemporary

Three gift shops are also available on the Grand Concourse; the first is the BVG, short for Bay View Gifts.

the Bay View Gift shop at Disney's Contemporary

Bay View Gifts is a large store that carries the latest trends. Inside, you can usually find a selection of Disney Dooney and Bourke bags, the latest Disney Loungefly backpacks, and Contemporary Resort-branded merchandise. Here, we have a Sketchbook ornament themed to look like the resort.

Fantasia Market is across the walkway from Bay View Gifts. This shop offers mainly sundries and pantry items.

Fantasia Market at Disney's Contemporary

Fantasia Toy and Children’s Shop sits between the gift shop and the sundries store.

Fantasia toy shop at Disney's Contemporary with giant Mickey ears

A large seating area is available toward the end of the Grand Concourse. It’s rarely busy and we have found it a great place to take a break and watch the monorails. (Note this seating area is removed during the holidays when the resort’s gingerbread castle is on display.)

Or you can step outside onto the observation deck. The deck is a wonderful place to see the monorails enter and exit the resort. You can also watch Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks from this spot. Several speakers are installed in the area that relay the audio.

an observation deck to watch Magic Kingdom's fireworks from the Contemporary

Like many of Disney’s resorts, the Contemporary has a large arcade called The Game Station.

The Game Station arcade at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Here is a look inside. Arcades are a fun place to explore on a rainy. You might also spend some time here on an arrival or departure day if you have a little spare time.

Lastly, you’ll enter the monorail line on the Grand Concourse floor. You’ll head through security and board an escalator to the monorail’s loading area.

Dining

If you are anything like me, you probably like to enjoy a few good meals while on vacation. Luckily, the Contemporary has several excellent options when it comes to dining.

California Grill
Steakhouse 71
Chef Mickey’s
Contempo Cafe
Outer Rim
The Sand Bar
The Cove Bar

We’ll start with California Grill, one of my top choices for signature dining at Disney World. This modern restaurant is on the resort’s top floor and is open for dinner every evening.

a table setting at Disney's Contemporary Resort's California Grill

California Grill serves California-inspired cuisine. However, it’s most popularly known for its seasonal menu, which features staple items like Sonoma goat cheese ravioli, sushi, and entrees. In recent years, the restaurant has adopted a prix fixe menu. Unfortunately, we don’t think the new menu is anywhere near as good as the former dining experience. However, between the food, scenic views of the Magic Kingdom, and the opportunity to return and see the fireworks from the rooftop deck, the California Grill experience is unparalleled.

Our next stop at the Contemporary is Steakhouse 71, formerly The Wave. Steakhouse 71 serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s located off the resort’s main lobby on the first floor. The restaurant also offers a separate bar and lounge that takes walk-ups based on availability.

the entrance to Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary

Since Steakhouse 71 opened, we’ve dined there on several occasions and have placed many mobile to-go orders for meals to take back to our room.

Related: Steakhouse 71 Breakfast Review

an order of seasonal pancakes from Steakhouse 71

Chef Mickey’s is the resort’s character dining experience, serving breakfast and dinner. It’s a trendy location because of the characters and the monorail coming overhead. However, the food has a reputation for being mediocre.

As far as seeing the monorail, we prefer to enjoy a meal at Contempo Cafe, the resort’s primary counter service. We love to eat at Contempo Cafe. Often, we walk over from the Magic Kingdom to have a late lunch or early dinner. It’s a nice break from the crowds during the day.

Here is a breakfast sandwich I ordered from Contempo Cafe during our last stay. You can tell from the photo it was a yummy cheesy option.

Related: Contempo Cafe Review

a breakfast sandwich from Contempo Cafe at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Outer Rim is on the Contemporary’s fourth floor, adjacent to the other dining options. It is a pretty generic bar that offers Disney’s standard cocktail menu. If you want something a little more custom, pick up a cocktail from the lounge at Steakhouse 71 or see if there’s any available seating at California Grill’s bar.

Guests can also pick up beverages and counter service items at the resort’s pool bar, The Sand Bar. It’s located near the Feature Pool.

the Sand Bar at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Lastly, Contemporary Grounds, a coffee bar off the lobby, is open daily. You’ll want to check their hours of operation, which have greatly fluctuated on our last couple of visits.

Contemporary Grounds on the first floor of the Contemporary

For more details about dining options at the Contemporary, we have a restaurant guide for the resort: Restaurants at Disney’s Contemporary Guide.

the lounge area near Grounds at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Recreation

One of the best things that Disney’s Contemporary Resort has going for it is its tremendous backyard. I have difficulty describing the more-than-ample space. It feels like part of an immense refuge with wide, open spaces and a variety of landscaping. You’ll find tropical palm trees, a sandy beach that has a volleyball court, and places to lounge almost everywhere you look.

the white sand beach behind Disney's Contemporary

The resort has two pools. One is the Feature Pool, which has a 17′ curvy water slide.

the Feature Pool with a water fountain feature in the center

The Bay Lake Pool sits behind the Feature Pool. If you’re looking out toward the lake, this pool looks like it’s floating on it. This pool is considered a quiet pool, and you can’t beat the stunning view of the lake from the pool deck.

Back at the Feature Pool, there’s a children’s water play area.

Two hot tubs are available around the pool area.

a hot tub near the pool at Disney's Contemporary

Private cabanas are available at both of the pools at the Contemporary. If interested, you’ll want to reserve them at the 60-day out mark. We have a review that details more about this type of experience listed below.

Related: Cabana Rentals at Disney World

a cabana rental at Disney's Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary has nightly Movies Under the Stars on the resort’s back lawn. In the event of bad weather, movies are held inside on the 2nd floor. A recreation calendar with the schedule is posted in the hotel’s lobby. If you plan a full resort day during your vacation, I recommend doing one of these movie nights. They are delightful.

a rear view of Disney's Contemporary with a yellow tree in bloom

Moving on, the Olympiad Fitness Center is available to guests of both Disney’s Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower. The gym is located on the third floor and provides a variety of equipment and weights.

the interior of the Olympiad Fitness Center at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Personally, I enjoy getting a jog in when I visit. You just can’t beat the views of Bay Lake in the distance, especially at sunset. They do have a bit of an odd jogging trail. However, it’s pretty well-marked. Just follow the blue Mickey signs to stay on the path.

Related: Disney World Jogging Trails

the marked jogging path at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Other recreation items include motorized boat rentals and fishing excursions. They are available to reserve in advance at the Boat Nook Marina.

The Boat Nook at Disney's Contemporary Resort

A basketball and tennis court (read: Pickleball) is available to all resort guests. It sits on the Bay Lake Tower side of the resort. However, you will need to rent a racquet and balls for either sport from the Community Hall inside Bay Lake Tower.

the tennis court and Pickleball court at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Usually, you’ll find a few games out around the boat rental area. This area is relatively private and somewhat shaded. Sometimes, I enjoy ordering a meal to-go and bringing it out here.

a game table near the pool at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Other Amenities at Disney’s Contemporary

One of the nicest amenities available to guests of the Contemporary Resort is the option to view Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks. There are several spaces where you can view fireworks, but most will gather on the fourth-floor observation deck.

the observation deck at Disney's Contemporary

Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant passes by the resort nightly. You can see the performance from the Contemporary’s Beach.

Learn More>>Seeing the Electrical Water Pageant at Disney World

a cluster of palm trees with landscaping near the beach of Disney's Contemporary Resort

Transportation

The Contemporary has multiple transportation options. Most will enjoy the walk to Magic Kingdom, which takes approximately 10 minutes from the resort. We have a photo post that details walking to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary. If you want to avoid the extra steps, guests can take the resort monorail to Magic Kingdom. There will be a few additional stops going to the park. However, the Contemporary will be the first stop when you leave later in the day.

the monorail as it prepares to enter the Contemporary from Magic Kingdom

Contemporary’s monorail station is accessible from the resort’s fourth floor. After going through security, you can take either the escalator or elevator up to the monorail. Guests traveling to Epcot will take the resort monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center. There, they will board a separate monorail to Epcot. Then, in the evening, they will return the same way to the Contemporary.

the monorail as it exits Disney's Contemporary

Buses run from the Contemporary to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Disney’s Water Parks.

Lastly, the Contemporary has a resort boat launch that travels in a triangular pattern between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. This boat service runs every day, starting at 3:00 p.m. through 10:45 p.m. (You can use the boat service to get to dining reservations at the Fort or the Lodge.)

the boat dock at Disney's Contemporary with two boats docked on each side

Rooms

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a modern A-frame structure. The rooms were originally pre-constructed and inserted into the frame when the hotel was built. It’s pretty cool that the hotel was built in this manner. Imagine each room being lifted off the ground by a crane and tucked into its appropriate compartment. Talk about Imagineering!

Disney's Contemporary A-frame with red flower beds planted

During this stay, we were in the Garden Wing in one of the Incredibles-themed rooms.

an Incredibles themed room at Disney's Contemporary

Since the Contemporary Resort is made up of two buildings, each one offers a variety of room types. The main building is referred to as the tower. Here are the different guest rooms:

Main Tower Standard Room (Bay Lake View)
Main Tower Standard Room (Theme Park View)
One-bedroom (Bay Lake or Theme Park View)
Two-bedroom (Bay Lake or Theme Park View)
Presidential Suite (Theme Park View)
Atrium Club Level (Standard, Theme Park View, Standard King)
Tower Club Level (Bay Lake or Theme Park View)

The second area is the Garden Wing, which consists of the

Standard View
Garden View
One King Bed Garden View
One Bedroom Suite
Hospitality Suite

Most standard rooms come with two queen beds and one futon-style bed. They can accommodate up to five guests.

the layout of our room at the Contemporary with two queen beds and a pull-down sofa bed

Here is a look at the guest bath, which added a nice amount of counter space. However, since this isn’t a split bath, it’s difficult for multiple guests to get ready simultaneously.

the layout of the guest bath at Disney's Contemporary

Pros and Cons of Staying at Disney’s Contemporary

When we started this review, I mentioned that there were typically two sets of opinions about the Contemporary. Suffice it to say most guests either love it or hate it, which leads us to a few pros and cons.

First, the ultimate plus is the proximity to Magic Kingdom. Walking back to your room is always the easiest way to beat the crowds at the end of a long day in the parks. If you’ve ever left after the fireworks, you can completely understand.
On the con side, visiting Epcot from the Contemporary can take a while. First, you must take the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Then, you have to reload at another station to get to Epcot. While I enjoy taking this route, it can easily take a good 30-45 minutes to get to Epcot from the Contemporary. And leaving the park is similar to leaving Magic Kingdom at the end of the night. Only this time, you’ll have to face those long lines for the monorail.
On the positive side, most of the Contemporary has been refurbished. So expect tremendous changes in the hotel lobby, rooms, and Steakhouse 71.
Perhaps the Contemporary’s best aspect is the ample outdoor space that backs up to Bay Lake. Everything looks out to the scenic water views, making it one of the most pleasant areas on the property.
However, many guests see the pools as boring with no themed extras. This is a big difference from a resort like the Beach Club.

If you compare what you pay for at the pool, you’ll always see a discrepancy. On the flip side, not everybody wants or needs a pool with all the bells and whistles. Some will prefer the simplicity of the pool at Disney’s Contemporary.

the Mickey Ears statue with Mickey Mouse at Disney's Contemporary

Final Thoughts

Staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a bucket list item for many guests. Between the design, artwork, location, and dining, the resort has so much going for it. And then there’s the monorail. It’s truly a unique form of transportation.

However, I think the biggest positive is being able to escape the crowds at Magic Kingdom quickly. Imagine being in a crowd of about 10,000 people. Then, imagine walking out of that crowd to a quiet walkway that leads back to the tranquil grounds of the Contemporary. For me, it’s a no-brainer.

I hope this review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort helped give you an overall idea of whether a stay here was suitable for your group. If you visit Disney fairly often, I think the Contemporary definitely warrants a stay at least once.

For more on the resort, check out the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Or, if you’re considering other resorts, you might like to browse our list of Disney World Resort Reviews. Here are a few of our top choices:

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on this review of Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Have you spent any time here? Leave your thoughts or any questions below. I’ll be happy to respond based on our experiences.