Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pool Guide (Photos and Amenities)

If you’re planning a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this guide covers the resort’s pools, including what to expect. The resort offers three unique pool areas: the Feature Pool, the Bay Lake Pool, and the Bay Cove Pool. However, it is important to note that only guests of Bay Lake Tower, the Disney Vacation Club Resort at the Contemporary, can access the Bay Cove Pool. The other two pools are available to all resort guests. As we continue, we’ll discuss the basics, like pool hours, complimentary amenities, and changing areas. Then, we’ll look at each pool in more detail.

With Bay Lake nestled in the background, the pools at Disney’s Contemporary provide a serene spot to relax only minutes from the magic. It’s the primary reason we include it on our rankings for the top 10 pools at Disney World. However, some might consider the resort’s pool area bland compared to other deluxe resorts. Indeed, the pool area leans more on its surroundings. But we find the resort’s entire backyard to be one of the most unique settings at Walt Disney World. So hopefully, by the time we’re finished, you’ll be able to decide whether or not you want to spend a portion of your vacation in the Contemporary’s backyard.

Updated: February 19, 2026

The Three Pools at Disney’s Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower

You’ll find the following pools at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• The Feature Pool is the primary pool that sits directly behind the Contemporary. It features a water slide, a splash pad, and hot tubs.
• The Bay Lake Pool is the resort’s secondary pool or quiet pool. It sits near Bay Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
• The Bay Cove Pool is the feature pool behind Bay Lake Tower. It is exclusive to guests staying at Bay Lake Tower. So, if you’re staying at the Contemporary, your MagicBand will not give you access to this pool.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pool Hours

Pool hours for the Feature Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are typically from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. during the summer months. If you vacation during a cooler month, you might find the pool hours reduced. Generally, after Labor Day, the pool hours are reduced by one hour to a 10:00 p.m. close. Pool hours are posted at the entrance of each pool.

Since the Bay Lake Pool is considered a leisure pool, it’s usually open from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. This pool does not have a lifeguard on duty. These hours are pretty typical year-round.

If you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower, you might prefer to use the Bay Cove Pool. It’s open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. You must scan your room key or MagicBand to access this pool.

The Feature Pool Photos

We’ll start with the “Feature Pool,” the Contemporary’s primary pool. It sits behind the tower and is only a few steps from the Garden Wing. We have a separate review of the garden wing at the Contemporary if you would like to learn more. It sometimes gets a bad rep, but we think it’s convenient and a little more private than staying in the wide-open tower.

It’s a beautiful pool with unique views.

A white sand beach on Bay Lake sits directly behind it.

The pools at Disney’s Contemporary are heated to 82 degrees. So guests can swim in milder temperatures. However, if the outdoor temperature becomes unseasonable (around 60ish degrees or lower), all pools at Disney World temporarily close.

The water is 4′ (feet) deep at the pool’s center, and it’s noted on each side of the pool.

While the pool is simple, it offers fun features, like this water spray element.

The Feature Pool has two whirlpool hot tubs, one of which is in the center. So, you can quickly change from cold to hot water or vice versa.

The other hot tub sits at the base of the waterslide. This is one of many resort pools that offer a water slide at Disney World.

A 17-foot (17′) tall water slide sits at the front of the Contemporary’s Feature Pool.

Rules indicate that only one rider can enter the slide at a time. You’ll wait until the light turns green to enter the slide. The pool depth at the bottom of the slide is 3′ 4″ (3 feet, 4 inches).

It’s a fun slide that curves through a cluster of palm trees.

At the end, you’ll splash into the Feature Pool.

Here are a few more photos of the slide.

You get a good glimpse of the Contemporary’s central tower from the top of the slide.

Complimentary life jackets are available for guests.

Towels are also provided at each pool.

Splash Pad at the Contemporary

Outside the Feature Pool gates, a splash pad is available.

This area is designed for smaller children and features interactive water spray elements. If you want more options, see our list of resorts with splash pads at Disney World.

A few tables and chairs are available nearby. Again, I really enjoy this area and have spent many an afternoon relaxing under one of the tables with umbrellas. There is often a pleasant breeze coming off the lake.

The Sand Bar (Poolside Quick Service)

The Sand Bar is the Contemporary’s poolside bar and quick-service restaurant.

It sits outside the pool gates and was open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on our visit. This location offers a few menu items. We’ve seen options like a cheeseburger, hot dog, turkey sandwich, chicken pita, salad, and quesadilla. They also have beverages, wine, beer, cocktails, and frozen novelty treats.

Cabanas at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Cabana rentals are available at both the Feature Pool and Bay Lake Pool. They can be booked 60 days before your stay and are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Having a dedicated spot and a few extra amenities is nice if you plan to spend a resort day at the pool. However, if I were going to rent a cabana at the Contemporary, I would want to secure one at the Bay Lake Pool. See our overview of Poolside Cabana Rentals at Disney World to learn more.

Here are a few photos of the cabanas at the Bay Lake Pool.

Bay Lake Pool (Quiet Pool at the Contemporary)

Bay Lake Pool is considered a leisure or quiet pool. Bay Lake surrounds it on three sides, giving the illusion that it’s floating out on the lake.

This pool ranges from 3′ to 5′ deep and has more of a quiet, adult vibe.

You can sit in one direction and face the lake or the modern hotels in the opposite direction.

It’s hard to beat sitting out here and taking in all the views–the entire area is gorgeous.

Bay Cove Pool (Bay Lake Tower Pool)

Bay Lake Tower is a DVC Resort, so most guests are Disney Vacation Club members. However, Disney makes rooms available to regular guests. So, if you’re staying in this tower, you can use your room key to access the Bay Cove Pool.

It is a nice pool area and often less crowded than the Feature Pool. The Bay Cove Pool has a zero-depth entry on one side.

It also has a 148-foot (148′) long slide and a mini-slide for toddlers and younger kids.

One of the nicer aspects of this pool is the shaded sitting area around the outskirts. Additionally, the Bay Cove Bar sits inside the pool gates at Bay Lake Tower. So, bar service and quick service items are available at this pool during the busier hours.

The Resorts Gal Spin on the Pools at Disney’s Contemporary

Overall, the pools at Disney’s Contemporary are simple yet delightful. If you enjoy spending time at the lake or prefer the serenity of peaceful surroundings, you’ll love spending time here. However, if you love lots of action, need things to do, or have children of varying ages, a pool like Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club might be a better fit. (That pool is more like a water park than a hotel pool.)

We hope this guide helps you plan a refreshing and relaxing visit to the pools at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. If you’re comparing pool options across properties, you might also want to browse our complete guide to all the pools at Walt Disney World. We hope this guide helps you plan a refreshing and relaxing visit to the pool!

In the Comments

What do you think of the pools at Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Have you ever spent any time here? Let us know your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments below. And make sure to check back with Resorts Gal.