Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of Walt Disney World’s two original hotels, and its A-frame tower is a true landmark. The monorail glides right through the building’s Grand Canyon Concourse, past a 90-foot mural by Disney artist Mary Blair. It’s the closest resort to Magic Kingdom, just a short walk from the front gate, and next door is Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club resort with views of Cinderella Castle.
| Category | Deluxe (with Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club resort) |
| Location | Magic Kingdom resort area, on Bay Lake |
| Getting to the parks | Monorail through the building; walking path to Magic Kingdom (about 10 minutes) |
| Opened | October 1, 1971 |
| Theme | Mid-century modern |
| Signature dining | California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, Steakhouse 71 |
| 2026 note | Multi-phase refurbishments continue through 2027 |
Why stay here
- Location. Walk to Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail to EPCOT or other monorail resorts.
- Views. Rooms on the Magic Kingdom side and the top-floor California Grill look straight at the fireworks.
- Mid-century style. Clean lines, big windows and a bright, modern feel.
Dining at the Contemporary
- California Grill: a signature restaurant on the 15th floor with fireworks views.
- Chef Mickey’s: a lively character buffet on the concourse.
- Steakhouse 71: a steakhouse honoring the resort’s opening year.
- Contempo Café: the resort’s quick-service spot.
Pools and recreation
The main pool has a waterslide and a view over Bay Lake. There’s also a quieter pool at Bay Lake Tower, a marina with boat rentals, and a white-sand beach along the lake.
Tips
- Ask about theme-park view rooms if fireworks from your balcony matter.
- Walk to Magic Kingdom in the morning. It’s often faster than the monorail.
Featured Photo: Disney’s Contemporary Resort side by Benjamin D. Esham ( bdesham ), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
