Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most sought-after hotels at Walt Disney World. It’s one of the original resorts that opened in 1971, and its bold A-frame structure with the monorail gliding right through the center still feels futuristic today.

With unbeatable walking access to Magic Kingdom, updated rooms, lake views, and award-winning dining, it’s a deluxe resort that delivers both convenience and elegance. Whether you’re watching fireworks from your balcony or enjoying brunch in the shadow of Cinderella Castle, the Contemporary blends nostalgia and modern luxury in a way no other Disney resort does.

Where Is the Contemporary Resort?

The Contemporary Resort is located in the Magic Kingdom resort area, sitting directly adjacent to the park. You can walk to Magic Kingdom in about 5–10 minutes, take a monorail, or hop on a boat from the dock. It’s flanked by Bay Lake on one side and Seven Seas Lagoon on the other, offering stunning waterfront views.

How Much Is the Contemporary Resort?

Rates vary depending on the season and room type, but most standard rooms fall between $500 to $750 per night. The resort also offers suites and concierge-level options that exceed $1,000 per night. It’s one of Disney’s deluxe resorts, so pricing reflects location and amenities.

Is the Contemporary Resort Worth the Money?

For many guests, especially those who value proximity to Magic Kingdom, it absolutely is. The ability to walk to the park is a massive perk, and rooms are large, newly renovated, and often offer fireworks views. If you’re looking for a sleek, modern vibe with direct access to everything Disney, the Contemporary delivers.

Why Is the Contemporary Resort So Expensive?

There are a few reasons that the Contemporary Resort is so expensive, including:

  • Prime location: closest resort to Magic Kingdom
  • Monorail access: runs directly through the main tower
  • Upscale dining and shopping on site
  • Spacious, updated rooms with contemporary styling
  • Iconic architecture and Disney history

It’s the kind of place where convenience alone can justify the price tag.

Contemporary Resort Rooms

Guest rooms are housed in two areas: the main tower and the Garden Wing. All rooms feature a clean, modern design inspired by Disney’s Incredibles with updated furniture, smart TVs, and well-lit bathrooms. Many rooms sleep up to five guests, with two queen beds and a daybed or pull-down option. Tower rooms often come with either park views or lake views, both stunning in their own way.

Contemporary Resort Garden Wing

The Garden Wing sits beside Bay Lake and offers a quieter, more secluded vibe compared to the tower. Rooms here are typically a little less expensive and offer easy access to the pool and boat dock. If you’re not worried about a theme park view, the Garden Wing provides the same room quality at a better rate.

Contemporary Resort Vs. Bay Lake Tower

Bay Lake Tower is a separate building operated by Disney Vacation Club but located steps from the main resort. It features villas and studios with kitchens or kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays. While Bay Lake Tower offers lake views and rooftop fireworks from the lounge, the Contemporary’s main tower delivers the classic monorail-through-the-lobby experience and more extensive dining options. Both share access to amenities.

Contemporary Resort Pool

There are two pool areas:

  • The Feature Pool includes a waterslide, splash area for kids, and cabanas.
  • The Bay Lake Pool is more serene, with a quiet atmosphere and scenic views.

Both pools are located along the lake and offer lounges and poolside refreshments.

Are the Contemporary Resort Pools Heated

Yes—all Disney resort pools are heated year-round, including both pools at the Contemporary. They’re comfortable even in cooler months.

Dining at the Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary features some of Disney’s best dining options:

  • California Grill: Signature restaurant on the top floor with panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and fireworks dining.
  • Steakhouse 71: Sit-down restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with American classics and retro flair.
  • Chef Mickey’s: Character dining for breakfast and dinner—Mickey and friends come to your table for photos and hugs.
  • Contempo Café: Quick-service food court with mobile ordering for snacks and casual meals.
  • Outer Rim Lounge and Coffee Bar: Good for cocktails, pastries, and refueling during the day.

What to Do at the Contemporary Resort?

Guests can explore shopping, play at the arcade, book a massage at nearby Grand Floridian Spa, enjoy outdoor activities along Bay Lake, or rent watercraft from the marina. The nightly Electrical Water Pageant floats past the resort each evening.

Contemporary Resort Transportation

Contemporary Resort to Magic KingdomMonorail or Walkway
Contemporary Resort to EpcotMonorail (Transfer at Transportation and Ticket Center)
Contemporary Resort to Hollywood StudiosBus
Contemporary Resort to Animal KingdomBus
Contemporary Resort to Disney SpringsBus
Contemporary Resort to Blizzard BeachBus
Contemporary Resort to Typhoon LagoonBus

How to Get to Contemporary Resort From Magic Kingdom

The Contemporary has its own private walking path to the Magic Kingdom entrance, taking around 5–10 minutes. It’s the fastest way to leave the park, especially after fireworks, when monorail and boat lines are long.

Contemporary Resort Monorail

The resort is a stop on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop, with the station located on the fourth floor of the main tower. It’s an iconic part of the hotel, with the monorail gliding through the middle of the building above Chef Mickey’s and Contempo Café.

Contemporary Resort Comparison

Contemporary Resort Vs. Polynesian

Polynesian is more relaxed and themed, while the Contemporary is sleek and minimalist. Both have direct Magic Kingdom access, but the Contemporary wins for walking.

Contemporary Resort Vs. Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is more formal and opulent; the Contemporary feels more modern and efficient. Both have fine dining and monorail stations.

Contemporary Resort Vs. Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge has rustic charm and boat access. Contemporary has monorail access and a brighter, more urban feel.

Contemporary Resort Vs. Coronado Springs

Coronado is more affordable and has deluxe-level touches in Gran Destino Tower, but Contemporary has an unmatched location and access to the Magic Kingdom.

Contemporary Resort Maps

Interactive maps are available through Disney’s website or app, showing tower and Garden Wing layouts, dining areas, monorail station, pools, and walking paths to Magic Kingdom.

FAQs

Where to Park at the Contemporary Resort?

Guests can use the main parking lot outside the resort. If you’re visiting for dining, you’ll need a reservation to park. However, parking is subject to availability with dining reservations and is sometimes unavailable. Parking is free for overnight guests.

Can You Uber to the Contemporary Resort?

Rideshare apps can drop you off right at the Contemporary resort’s main entrance. During busy times, security may ask to confirm your dining reservation or room confirmation.

How Was the Contemporary Resort Built?

The Contemporary Resort was constructed using a revolutionary technique in the 1970s where pre-assembled rooms were slid into the steel A-frame structure, almost like drawers. This modular building method was cutting-edge at the time and helped shape the resort’s futuristic vibe.

When Was the Contemporary Resort Built?

The Contemporary Resort opened on October 1, 1971, alongside Magic Kingdom. It was one of two original resorts, along with the Polynesian.

When Was the Contemporary Resort Renovated?

Major room renovations were completed in 2021, introducing The Incredibles-themed décor in guest rooms, updated furniture, and refreshed common areas. The resort continues to evolve while keeping its timeless exterior.

Where to Watch Fireworks at the Contemporary Resort?

The best spots to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks at the Contemporary Resort include:

  • California Grill: Dinner comes with a view.
  • Fourth floor observation deck near the monorail station
  • Your room balcony, if facing Magic Kingdom
  • Bay Lake or marina dock offers partial views with audio

Disney pipes in the music from the show, giving you a full experience without entering the park.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *