Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the original hotels still standing at Walt Disney World.
It debuted on October 1, 1971, the same day the Magic Kingdom opened its gates. So, you might even say it’s an iconic resort, especially since the Monorail runs straight through it.
This is also 1 of 8 Deluxe Resort hotels (not including Deluxe Villas) on Disney World property. The resort is described as “ultra-modern,” with unforgettable views, an iconic A-frame main tower, and a Garden Wing.
Contemporary is also located next door to Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club Resort.
As a Deluxe Resort at Disney World, Contemporary is more expensive and includes different amenities compared to Value and Moderate Resorts.
Here’s everything you need to know about the resort.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Can walk to Magic Kingdom, easy to get to most other resorts using monorail or MK buses, views of Magic Kingdom fireworks, can view Electrical Water Pageant from hotel, 50-minute specialty cruises for up to 10-12 people available at the dock, large rooms, salon on site, rooms themed to The Incredibles
Cons: Cons: Pool isn’t anything special, theming seems sterile to some people, bus transportation can be shared with other hotels, can be noisy from Chef Mickey’s
Overview
Resort category: Deluxe
Resort area: Magic Kingdom
Address & Phone Number
4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8413
(407) 824-1000
You can find the Contemporary in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area and it’s literally located right across from Magic Kingdom park.
The Contemporary is beloved by many and is a popular choice for guests. Not only does the resort have three forms of transportation and a walkway to the Magic Kingdom, but the Contemporary offers great views of Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain. Also located nearby is Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club resort.
The resort is also filled with history, including a 90-foot-tall mural designed by legendary Imagineer and artist Mary Blair who was responsible for the overall design of “it’s a small world.”
The Contemporary is definitely a classic. Here’s what else you need to know.
Guest Rooms And Bathrooms
The rooms at the Contemporary are, yes, contemporary-themed. They can also sleep up to 8 guests, depending on the room selected.
There are plenty of amenities, including a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, a Keurig coffee maker, telephone, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, and a mini-refrigerator.
The views also range depending on if you’re staying in the Main Tower, the Garden Wing, or a room that offers Club Level Service.
There are outlets and USB ports available as well to charge devices. And if you’re worried about storage, don’t be, because there are closets, drawers, counter space above and below the bathroom sink, and a desk area. Unfortunately, there isn’t space underneath the bed to place luggage.
Let’s go through the types of rooms available to book.
Rooms and Suites without Club-Level Access
Note: The Incredibles-themed rooms can be found in the tower. The rooms inside the Garden Wing on the shore of Bay Lake are also undergoing refurbishment to become Incredibles rooms.
- Garden Wing — Standard View: Adjacent to Main Tower, views of parking area or obstructed views; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
- Garden Wing — Garden View: Adjacent to Main Tower, views of gardens, pools, marina, or Bay Lake; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
- Main Tower — Lake View: Views of Bay Lake; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
- Main Tower — Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom and parking area; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
- Garden Wing — King: Adjacent to Main Tower, views of pool or parking area; 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
- Garden Wing — Deluxe Room (larger than Standard View): Adjacent to Main Tower, views of gardens, pools, marina, or Bay Lake; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
- Garden Wing — Hospitality Suite Access: Adjacent to Main Tower, views of parking area or obstructed views; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Day Bed
- Garden Wing — 1 Bedroom Suite Access: Adjacent to Main Tower, views of garden and Bay Lake; 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service
These rooms and suites have the same amenities provided in the rooms above, in addition to Club-Level Service perks. They include:
- Evening turndown
- Secured key access to the club-level lounge (serves refreshments 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily)
- Complimentary fax assistance
- Access to Concierge service at the Atrium Club or Tower Club
- Complimentary health club access
- Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
- Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
Guests also have access to a DVD Player and Disney Signature Services for personal assistance with your trip.
As for the rooms, they are as follows.
- Theme Park View — Atrium Club Level: Views of Magic Kingdom; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
- Standard Room — Atrium Club Level: Views of Bay Lake; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
- Bay Lake View 2 Bedroom Suite — Club Level: Views of Bay Lake; 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa or 2 Queen Beds, 1 King Bed, and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
- Bay Lake View 1 Bedroom Suite — Club Level: Views of Bay Lake; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
- Standard Room King — King — Club Level: Views of Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake; 1 King Bed
- Theme Park View 1 Bedroom Suite — Club Level: Views of Magic Kingdom; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
- Theme Park View 2 Bedroom Suite — Club Level: Views of Magic Kingdom; 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
- Theme Park View Presidential Suite — Club Level: Views of Magic Kingdom; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms.
You can check out room layouts below.
Contemporary Resort Room Options
| Room type(s) | Bed size | Max people per room | Floor plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Tower Could be Lake View (w/ views of Bay Lake) OR Theme Park View (w/ views of Magic Kingdom Park and Parking Area) | 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed | 5 |   |
| Garden Wing – Garden View Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Gardens, Pools, Marina or Bay Lake | 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed | 5 | |
| Garden Wing – King Views of the Pool, Courtyard or Parking Area | 1 Queen and 2 Queen-size pull down beds | 3 | |
| Garden Wing – 1 Bedroom Hospitality Suite Access Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Parking Area or Obstructed Views | 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 | 7 | |
| Garden Wing – 1 Bedroom Suite Access Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Gardens and Bay Lake | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 4 | |
| Garden Wing – Deluxe Room Adjacent to Main Tower, Views of Gardens, Pools, Marina or Bay Lake Garden Wing – Deluxe Room is larger than Garden Wing – Standard View Room | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 4 | |
| Club Level Access Could be Lake View (w/ views of Bay Lake) OR Theme Park View (w/ views of Magic Kingdom Park and Parking Area) | 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed | 5 | |
| 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Could be Bay Lake View or Theme Park View | 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 10 | |
| 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Could be Bay Lake view or Theme Park View | 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 6 | |
| Theme Park View Presidential Suite Club Level Views of Magic Kingdom Park | 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 8 |
VIDEO: Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Room Tour & Walkthrough)
Checking In And Out
When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.
The front desk is located in the lobby on the lower level of the main building, aka the Main Tower. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.
- Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
- Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.
Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance.
Near the front desk you can find Contemporary Grounds, a Quick Service stand offering Joffrey’s coffee, snacks, and baked goods, and new Table Service restaurant, Steakhouse 71. The lobby also has doors that lead to a garden area and that famous Mickey photo-op.
The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) and the bus stop are both right outside the main lobby. Luggage storage for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in can be found inside near the front desk.
Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.
Package Delivery & Pick Up
You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.
Here’s everything you need to know about having packages delivered and picking them up.
Grocery Delivery
You can have groceries delivered directly to your Disney Resort hotel. Dry-good storage and refrigerated storage are offered (subject to availability).
Important: a $6 fee will be charged to your room account for each grocery delivery order brought to your room by Bell Services or Luggage Assistance. Or, you can pick up these deliveries yourself from Bell Services or Luggage Assistance — at no charge.
Select items will need to be picked up in person, like alcohol. Most grocery delivery services require an individual of age to sign for alcohol and to show valid identification. Disney Resort hotels will not accept these types of orders on behalf of you.
Resort Hotel Delivery (temporarily unavailable)
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can have park souvenirs delivered to your hotel instead of carrying them around with you all day.
Just tell the Cast Member at checkout that you want your purchase delivered to your hotel. You’ll usually pick up these items at your hotel’s gift shop (a Cast Member should tell you the designated pick-up location).
Home Delivery
In-park purchases can also be shipped to your home via UPS or FedEx for an additional fee.
Sending and Receiving Mail
Sending Mail
You can mail postcards, letters, and packages from the theme parks and select Disney Resort hotels.
Letter and Postcards
Postcards and letters with postage already applied can be mailed from any mail box located throughout the theme parks and at the Front Desk of Disney Resort hotels.
Packages
You can ship pre-packed, pre-labeled packages at the Front Desk or Concierge desk of most Disney Resort hotels. Hotels that include an onsite Business Center, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, can also ship packages for you.
Regular shipping and handling fees will apply.
Purchasing Postage
Postage stamps are available for purchase at various gift shops including:
- Art of Disney (Epcot)
- Celebrity 5 & 10 (Hollywood Studios)
- Disney Springs Welcome Center (Disney Springs)
- Disney Traders (Epcot)
- Garden Gate Gifts (Animal Kingdom)
- Heritage Manor (Epcot)
- Main Street Chamber of Commerce (Magic Kingdom)
- Mickey’s Gift Station (Transportation and Ticket Center)
- Mickey’s of Hollywood (Hollywood Studios)
- Movieland Memorabilia (Hollywood Studios)
- Newsstand (Magic Kingdom)
- The Outpost Shop (Animal Kingdom)
- Sundries (Disney Springs)
Receiving Mail
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can receive mail throughout your stay. Occasionally, some guests will ship items in advance of their vacation to help save luggage space.
If you want to receive mail during your vacation, be sure the letter or package:
- Includes the mailing address of your Disney Resort Hotel
- Clearly features the word “Guest” on the front and the date of your arrival
Important: a $6 per package handling fee will apply to all packages that are received through the Front Desk or are delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room.
Parking
Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.
Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.
Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.
We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.
Important: Valet parking might not always be available.
Resort Map
Contemporary Buildings
The Contemporary has 2 sections of rooms. These are separate areas from Bay Lake Tower, which is its own individual Disney Vacation Club hotel, even though it is on the same property.
Bay Lake Tower and the main Contemporary Resort Tower are connected by the Sky Way Bridge, allowing for accessibility especially when it comes to dining and other amenities.
As for the Contemporary rooms, they are located in the following buildings:
Contemporary Resort Tower
This is the main tower, where you can find the lobby, the Monorail station (it enters and exits the tower), gift shops, dining, access to buses, views of Magic Kingdom, and more.
The rooms provide different views, including Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain, Bay Lake, and more.
There are interior hallways, which means as soon as you exit your room, you’ll see the hustle and bustle of the second level that houses Chef Mickey’s, the Monorail, and more.
Contemporary Resort Garden Wing
The Garden Wing is adjacent to the main tower with some rooms offering views of Bay Lake, the gardens, the pool, or the marina.
Depending on the room, you may even be within close proximity to the parking lot, which is perfect for those with vehicles.
While not directly connected, there is a covered outdoor walkway that leads to the main tower where dining, transportation, gift shops, and more are located.
Amenities and Shops
There are several amenities offered to guests at Contemporary, including a gift shop, on-site laundry services, and even the chance to watch movies outside on a big screen!
Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.
- Bayview Gifts: A gift shop featuring your standard Disney souvenirs.
- Fantasia: A smaller gift shop that also sells Disney souvenirs.
- Fantasia Market: A market, where you can buy food and spirits.
- Laundry Services: There are 24-hour self-service laundry facilities available.
- Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.
- Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies on the lawn behind the Main Tower.
- Electrical Water Pageant: A nighttime water parade that sails along on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
- Olympiad Fitness Center: Full-service gym with exercise equipment.
- Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.
Pools and Recreation
There’s a main pool and a leisure pool at Contemporary. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying a Disney Resort pool.
Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.
The pools available are:
- Feature Pool: A heated pool with white-sand beaches, marina views, and a 17-foot high waterslide. You can also rent a poolside cabana (with flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, resort phone, and mini-fridge) by the hour or day.
- Leisure Pool: Bay Lake Pool is for all ages. Loud noises and splashing are “gently” discouraged here.
The pool area also has a second hot tub by the waterslide and a seasonal poolside bar.
Some other recreational options include:
- The Game Station (arcade games)
- Basketball
- Lakeside Yoga
- Fishing
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Jogging Trails
- Campfire to roast marshmallows
There are also specialties for an additional price, including:
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage: A Seven Seas Lagoon dessert party cruise that’s pirate-themed.
- Specialty Cruises: Rent a private pontoon boat or yacht for any occasion.
Restaurant & Dining Options
There are plenty of dining options available at Contemporary, including Quick Service locations, some of the most popular signature dining, like California Grill, and also coffee shops and lounges. Contempo Café also offers Mobile Ordering.
Plus, California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and Steakhouse 71 have Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.
Steakhouse 71 also features Table Service To Go, meaning you can Mobile Order form the Table Service spot. You can read more about the dining options below.
Quick Service
Although you don’t need reservations to dine at the Quick Service locations at Contemporary, you may want to consider using Mobile Order where available.
Contempo Cafe
This is along the lines of a grab-and-go spot for those who want a quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a range of items, like breakfast platters, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.
Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? Yes
- Pros: Diverse options for a Quick Service – everything from good sandwiches to made-to-order salads and some of the best cupcakes ever, many find the onscreen ordering to be fun, view of the monorail
- Cons: Can be quite noisy, due in large part to its proximity to Chef Mickey’s
Table Service
Table Service locations typically require Advanced Dining Reservations. You can make those online or inside of the Disney Experience app.
Steakhouse 71
Steakhouse 71 replaced The Wave and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a casual steakhouse with a range of options, including plant-based menu items and an amazing 15-layer chocolate cake representing the floors of Contemporary.
Location type: Casual dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
- Pros: Really diverse menu with a focus on local and sustainable items, good service, usually easy to get into
- Cons: Can be noisy, sometimes service is slow
Chef Mickey’s
Chef Mickey’s offers character dining featuring The Fab Five in chef attire: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. Meals here are served buffet-style.
Location type: Buffet-style character dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
- Pros: Family favorite due to the fun vibe (and it’s fun to ride the monorail right into the building), good spot to catch the classic characters together
- Cons: Food isn’t particularly good but is sufficient, reservations are hard to get
- Tips: Request to be in the main dining room to get the maximum amount of fun since the other rooms are further from the action.
California Grill
California Grill is a popular location for dinner. Not only are the views fantastic of Magic Kingdom, but the food is top-notch. There’s also a special plant-based menu, so be sure to ask for that option if you need it.
Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: American, Seafood, Sushi
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
- Pros: Great service and ambiance, amazing food (especially if you like sushi) with a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks (if you eat earlier in the day, you can return with your receipt to view fireworks at night from their private balcony area)
- Cons: Expensive, limited options for kids
Everything Else
Looking to grab some appetizers or a cocktail? Here’s where you can do that.
Steakhouse 71 Lounge
Steakhouse 71 Lounge is connected to the main restaurant, Steakhouse 71. You can order drinks and food here, including the restaurant’s signature burger and other small bites. You may be able to order off the main menu as well, so be sure to ask.
Location type: Bar and lounge
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Easy spot to grab a drink and appetizer
- Cons: Can be noisy
California Grill Lounge
If you can’t get a reservation in the main restaurant, the California Grill Lounge is a second great option. Not only can you order off the full menu, but you too will have access to Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American, Seafood, Sushi
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Great service and ambiance, amazing food (especially if you like sushi) with a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks (if you eat earlier in the day, you can return with your receipt to view fireworks at night from their private balcony area)
- Cons: Expensive, limited options for kids
Contemporary Grounds
Contemporary Grounds is a coffee stand serving pastries and a range of baked goods. Plus, you can order Joffrey’s, the official coffee of Walt Disney World, here.
Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast & snacks
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? No
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Great spot to grab a coffee and a pastry
- Cons: Limited seating
Cove Bar
The Cove Bar is located at Bay Lake Tower and is a private pool bar for guests staying at the hotel or for Disney Vacation Club Members.
Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Seating Available: Outdoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? No
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink, view of the pool or Bay Lake
- Cons: Limited menu and hours
The Sand Bar
This pool bar offers burgers, hot dogs, snacks, desserts, wine, beer, tropical cocktails, and more. There’s also an enclosed area with air conditioning.
Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Outdoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink, view of the pool or Bay Lake
- Cons: Limited menu and hours
Outer Rim
The Outer Rim is a bar that strictly serves drinks, but it’s a great way to enjoy the evening with some stunning views of Bay Lake.
Location type: Bar
Type of food: None
Meals Served: None
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? No
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Comfortable seats with a great view make it a great spot to grab a drink, TVs available for watching sporting events
- Cons: Only open in the evenings
How to get from Contemporary Resort to anywhere at Disney World
Contemporary has several different forms complimentary transportation: the Monorail, water transportation, and Disney buses. The monorail can be accessed inside the Main Tower. The water taxi will take guests to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
As for the bus stop, it’s located right outside the main lobby.
There’s also a walkway for guests to walk to the Magic Kingdom. All of the different ways to get from Contemporary to anywhere in Disney World is below.
| wdt_ID | Starting Point | Ending Point | How to get there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All-Star Movies | All-Star Music | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 2 | All-Star Movies | All-Star Sports | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 3 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom | Follow these steps:
Want to get there faster? Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 4 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House (main bldg) | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 5 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 6 | All-Star Movies | Art of Animation | Follow these steps:
|
| 7 | All-Star Movies | Bay Lake Tower | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 8 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club Villas | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 9 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 10 | All-Star Movies | Blizzard Beach | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
Scheduled Refurbishments
Name: Pool Refurbishment
Description: The Feature Pool and whirlpool spas will be closed for refurbishment. Guests can use the water play area and Bay Lake Pool during this time.
From: 01/09/2023
To: 04/30/2023