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Why Disney’s Contemporary Resort Might Be the Right Choice for Your Next Vacation

Contemporary Resort Exterior Night
Credit: Disney

Nothing beats kicking back at a Deluxe Resort. Walt Disney World Resort has many beautiful Disney Resort Hotel options for Guests. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the original Walt Disney World staples. Right next door to Magic Kingdom theme Park Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened in 1971 and is located near Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Let’s discuss why you will love Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.

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Delicious Dining Options

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has some of the most delicious dining options of any Disney Resort Hotel. Resort Guests can enjoy an array of food styles and prices in any of the Contemporary restaurants. Suppose you are looking for fine dining, a delicious cocktail, or a quick savory bite during a Disney Park day. Contemporary Resort has delicious options that meet any budget or time constraint.

California Grill

Credit: Disney

One of my favorite signature dining spots at Disney World is California Grill. Located on the top of the Resort, California Grill specializes in fresh seasonal food with a great wine list and sushi menu. You’ll dine on some of the best food Walt Disney World Resort offers as you enjoy a breathtaking view of Magic Kingdom Park.

California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Credit: Disney

If you want a quick service meal at this Resort, you can dine at Contempo Cafe or The Sand Bar. Enjoy coffee at Contemporary Grounds Coffee Bar or a delicious cocktail at Outer Rim or Steakhouse 71 Lounge.

steakhouse71

Credit: Disney

Great Transportation Options

Excellent transportation is a no-brainer for Contemporary Guests. Access to the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT is as simple as hopping on the Monorail that runs through the hotel. Walking access to the Magic Kingdom is another excellent way for Guests hoping to log some extra steps to travel to the magic.

Walk-Path-to-Magic-Kingdom-Contemporary-Resort

Credit: Disney Tips

Ferry access to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is available from the Contemporary for Guests hoping to check out dining options at these nearby resorts. Bus access to Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also available.

Bay Lake Beach and Pool

Heated pools with nearby hot tubs and a seventeen-foot waterslide keep Contemporary Guests entertained while away from the parks. Zipping back to the Resort in the middle of a hot Orlando afternoon to relax at the Contemporary pool is a favorite activity for Guests.

bay-lake-sunset

Credit: V Mills

The Contemporary Resort is nestled on the shores of gorgeous Bay Lake. Guests can enjoy the view of the lake and Magic Kingdom Park from the comfort and shade of a cabana or get more hands-on time by taking a guided fishing tour on Bay Lake. If soaking in the sun is more your style, you can relax beside the pool that borders Bay Lake to break from the bustle of Disney Park.

One Word = Monorail

Let’s be honest; the Disney World monorail is so iconic many people think of it when the Parks are mentioned. Over the years, it’s been printed on mugs, shirts, stationery, and more because Guests want to take a little piece of Disney World home with them in the form of monorail memorabilia. Monorail enthusiasts need to book a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort because the Monorail runs right through this Resort.

Credit: Disney

Credit: Disney

This exclusive Resort access is an incredible luxury that makes Guests return to the Resort year after year. Of course, monorail access is convenient, and the sheer thrill of having the Monorail run through your Resort Hotel is pretty awesome. Taking a late-night ride around Bay Lake as fireworks erupt overhead is unforgettable. Enjoying dining and drinking options on the monorail bar crawl is another of my favorite activities when staying at this Disney Resort.

Resort Shopping Options

Disneys Contemporary Resort has some great shopping. Bayview Gifts, Fantasia and Fantasia Market, can be found near Chef Mickey’s under the Monorail.

Upscale Disney gifts, Disney clothing and toys and Christmas ornaments, apparel, and other resort-specific merchandise can be found at Contemporary stores. My family collects Christmas ornaments and magnets from all the Disney Resorts we visit, so snagging an ornament from Bayview Gifts on our last visit was a must!

Bayview Gifts, Disney's Contemporary Resort

Credit: Disney

Character Dining Options At the Resort

Chef Mickey's

Chef Mickey’s (Credit: Disney)

Staying at the Contemporary comes with the amazing convenience of being near a great character dining option, Chef Mickey’s. Guests enjoying breakfast or dinner with Mickey Mouse can benefit from a low-stress commute to the restaurant before or after a busy Park day. You’ll love the food options at this bottomless buffet and have the time of your life celebrating with characters like Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Minnie Mouse, to name just a few.

Beautiful Views

When lodging at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, an evening in is always in order. After all, with a Resort this beautiful, you want the time to slow down and take in the beauty.

California Grill

Credit – Orlando Date Night Guide

The Electrical Water Parade that floats by Bay Lake is a fun-filled way to pass the time as you wait on Magic Kingdom fireworks. Enjoy the beauty and solitude of the evening as you embrace the relaxing rhythm of your vacation.

Iconic Disney Charm

disney's-contemporary-resort

Credit: Conde Nast

As one of the original resorts designed with Walt Disney on the dream team, the Contemporary is something special. When people think of Walt Disney World Resorts, the Contemporary likely comes to mind. This Resort designed to look fresh and modern has been an iconic Disney staple for years. The history and timelessness of the Resort continue to appeal to Guests even after 50 years of Disney magic!

What do you think? Is this Deluxe Resort on your must-visit list?

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.