What is the Contemporary Resort like?

The Contemporary Resort is one of the two original WDW hotels. It is located between Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon on the monorail loop that services the Magic Kingdom. It consists of a large A-frame section (the Tower) and one Garden Wing. The fourth floor of the Tower is known as the Grand Canyon Concourse where you will find a variety of shops and restaurants as well as the monorail station. As of August 4, 2009, there will also be a walkway to Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club resort. The Contemporary offers many recreation options and also houses large convention facilities. 

What are the advantages to staying at the Contemporary Resort?

Location, location, location! As one of the Monorail hotels the Contemporary Resort is very well located. The Magic Kingdom is only a short monorail ride (or walk) away and getting to Epcot simply requires transferring from one monorail to another one.

In addition, the Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts are easily accessed by the monorail and the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness are just a boat ride away.

The rooms at the Contemporary Resort are among the largest at WDW.

There are several dining options within the resort itself such as the popular Chef Mickey's and the California Grill.

One of the largest selections of recreational activities can be found here.

What happened to the North Garden Wing?

What other changes are in the works for the Contemporary Resort?

What room options are there at the Contemporary?

The Contemporary has standard rooms and suites. Standard rooms have two queen beds and a day bed or a king-size bed and a day bed. They can accommodate up to five people plus a child under 3 who would use a crib. Suites, in various configurations and price ranges, are also available.

Where are the rooms located?

The Contemporary Resort has two sections. The Tower is 14 stories tall and has approximately 500 guest rooms. The Tower rooms have 2 views, Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom/Parking Lot. The Garden Wing is located to the South of the Tower has approximately 250 rooms. The Garden rooms have either a water, garden or parking lot view.

So which is better, the Tower or the Garden Wing?

That depends on your taste and budget. The Tower rooms are much more convenient to the shops, restaurants, front desk and monorail station. These rooms also boast fabulous views of either Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. In 2008, the Contemporary began charging more for Magic Kingdom view rooms than those with a Bay Lake View.

The rooms in the South Wing are closer to the marina and swimming pools. The views from the rooms in the wing vary. On the downside, some of the Tower rooms may be noisy as they are located directly above the Grand Canyon Concourse and the rooms in the Wings are a hike from the Monorail station and other facilities. The Tower Rooms are more expensive, so if you want to take advantage of the location for the lowest price, inquire about the Garden Wing. (AllEars Review: Stayed on the sixth floor, directly above the monorail. Once inside the room, I NEVER heard a bit of noise from the Grand Canyon Concourse. The rooms are soundproofed well.)

Are there balconies on the Garden Wing rooms?

No, there are no balconies in the Garden Wing rooms. If you are on the first floor, there is a small patio with two chairs and a table (beware of bird droppings).  These patios are not private, you will share them with your neighbor. However, if you are in a room at the end of the wing, you will get a private patio overlooking the bay or pool area on the first floor.

As of June 1, 2007, all Disney resorts and guest rooms are now smoke free. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

What are the Concierge rooms like?

The Concierge Floors - 12 and 14 - have two types of rooms - standard and suites. The standard rooms are identical to the Tower rooms below, only with a larger balcony area. Standard rooms are available on the 12th floor only. The 14th floor has both standard and suite rooms.

The 12th floor Atrium Club Concierge and the 14th floor Tower Club Concierge offer the same services and food items. At one time there was a difference between the two, but no longer. There is a nightly turndown service, and they leave a little chocolate Mickey (solid chocolate) on your pillow every night. The concierge is available from 7am to 10pm to make dining reservations, plan outings, answer questions, everything

Use the Concierge! They can assist in making your reservations before you arrive at WDW. Remember you are paying for their services so utilize them.

Guest Comments on the Concierge

What are the room prices?

The Contemporary Resort is considered a "Deluxe" resort hotel, and its prices are among the more expensive offered at Disney. There are Value Season, Regular Season, Peak Season and Holiday Season rates. These are regular rate prices and do not include the Florida Sales Tax nor the county resort tax. Rates are based on double occupancy. No charge for children under 17 years old when in the same room as the adults.

2009 RATES
Garden Wing Rooms and Suites

(Resort Tax Not Included)

Dates	Garden Wing Standard View Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Garden Wing Garden View Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Garden Wing King Max Occupancy 3	Garden Wing Deluxe Room Max Occupancy Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Garden Wing 1 Bedroom Suite Max Occupancy 7	Garden Wing Hospitality Suite Max Occupancy 6
Value Jan 1-15	$280	$330	$355	$355	$910	$960
Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-18	$300	$350	$375	$375	$930	$980
Value Jan 19- Feb 12	$280	$330	$355	$355	$910	$960
President's Day Feb 13-15	$380	$440	$460	$480	$1,165	$1,210
Peak Feb 16 - April 3 Weekday Weekend
	$360	$420	$440	$460	$1,145	$1,190
	$380	$440	$460	$480	$1,165	$1,210
Easter April 4 - 18	$380	$440	$460	$480	$1,165	$1,210
Regular April 19 - July 2	$325	$375	$395	$410	$1,005	$1,050
Independence Day July 3 -5	$345	$395	$415	$430	$1,025	$1,070
Regular July 6 - July 18	$325	$375	$395	$410	$1,005	$1,050
Value July 19 - Oct 1	$280	$330	$355	$355	$910	$960
Regular Oct 2 - Nov 24	$325	$375	$395	$410	$1,005	$1,050
Thanksgiving Nov 25 - 28	$345	$395	$415	$430	$1,025	$1,070
Value Nov 29 - Dec 17	$280	$330	$355	$355	$910	$960
Holiday Dec 18 - 24	$435	$485	$505	$525	$1,330	$1,365
Holiday Dec 25 - 31	$455	$505	$525	$545	$1,350	$1,385

2009 RATES
Tower Rooms

(Resort Tax Not Included)

Dates	Tower Bay Lake View Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Tower Magic Kingdom View Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Standard Room Attrium Club Level Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Magic Kingdom View Atrium Club Level Access Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Standard Room King Tower Club Max Occupancy 2	Standard Room Tower Club Max Occupancy 4
Value Jan 1-15	$390	$430	$530	$570	$600	$600
Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-18	$410	$450	$550	$590	$620	$620
Value Jan 19- Feb 12	$390	$430	$530	$570	$600	$600
President's Day Feb 13-15	$520	$575	$690	$745	$750	$750
Peak Feb 16 - April 3 Weekday Weekend
	$500	$555	$670	$725	$730	$730
	$520	$575	$690	$745	$750	$750
Easter April 4 - 18	$520	$575	$690	$745	$750	$750
Regular April 19 - July 2	$445	$490	$600	$645	$655	$655
Independence Day July 3 -5	$465	$510	$620	$665	$675	$675
Regular July 6 - July 18	$445	$490	$600	$645	$655	$655
Value July 19 - Oct 1	$390	$430	$530	$570	$600	$600
Regular Oct 2 - Nov 24	$445	$490	$600	$645	$655	$655
Thanksgiving Nov 25 - 28	$465	$510	$620	$665	$675	$675
Value Nov 29 - Dec 17	$390	$430	$530	$570	$600	$600
Holiday Dec 18 - 24	$555	$615	$755	$815	$810	$815
Holiday Dec 25 - 31	$575	$635	$775	$835	$830	$835

 

2009 RATES
Tower Suites

(Resort Tax Not Included)

Dates	Bay Lake View 1-Bedroom Suite Tower Club Max Occupancy 6	Magic Kingdom View 1-Bedroom Suite Tower Club Max Occupancy 6	Bay Lake View 2-Bedroom Suite Tower Club Max Occupancy 8	Magic Kingdom View 2-Bedroom Suite Tower Club Max Occupancy 10	Bay Lake View VP Suite Tower Club Max Occupancy 8	Magic Kingdom View Presidential Suite Tower Club Max Occupancy 8
Value Jan 1-15	$1,195	$1,275	$1,755	$1,830	$1,940	$2,030
Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-18	$1,215	$1,295	$1,775	$1,850	$1,960	$2,050
Value Jan 19- Feb 12	$1,195	$1,275	$1,755	$1,830	$1,940	$2,030
President's Day Feb 13-15	$1,470	$1,570	$2,140	$2,235	$2,355	$2,515
Peak Feb 16 - April 3 Weekday Weekend
	$1,450	$1,550	$2,120	$2,215	$2,335	$2,495
	$1,470	$1,570	$2,140	$2,235	$2,355	$2,515
Easter April 4 - 18	$1,470	$1,570	$2,140	$2,235	$2,355	$2,515
Regular April 19 - July 2	$1,300	$1,395	$1,925	$2,025	$2,135	$2,250
Independence Day July 3 -5	$1,320	$1,415	$1,945	$2,045	$2,155	$2,270
Regular July 6 - July 18	$1,300	$1,395	$1,925	$2,025	$2,135	$2,250
Value July 19 - Oct 1	$1,195	$1,275	$1,755	$1,830	$1,940	$2,030
Regular Oct 2 - Nov 24	$1,300	$1,395	$1,925	$2,025	$2,135	$2,250
Thanksgiving Nov 25 - 28	$1,320	$1,415	$1,945	$2,045	$2,155	$2,270
Value Nov 29 - Dec 17	$1,195	$1,275	$1,755	$1,830	$1,940	$2,030
Holiday Dec 18 - 24	$1,665	$1,775	$2,440	$2,490	$2,640	$2,865
Holiday Dec 25 - 31	$1,685	$1,795	$2,460	$2,510	$2,660	$2,885

A small, in-room refrigerator should be in each room. If it's not there, request one at the front desk.

A small safe that is activated by your room key-card or credit card.

A coffee maker (with coffee)

An ironing board

The rooms are also wired for High Speed Internet Access, which is available for a daily charge -- a cable is usually available in a bag on a hanger in the closet; if not, request one from Housekeeping.

Flat screen television

Are laundry services available?

There are coin operated laundry machines located in the Garden Wing. Additionally, dry cleaning services are available for a fee. The washing machine costs $2.00, as does the dryer.  There is a small TV in the Laundry Room.

How do I get to the parks?

Magic Kingdom - The Magic Kingdom is the closest park to the Contemporary Resort. Simply board the monorail at the station above the Grand Canyon Concourse for the ride to the park.   You can also walk the short distance to the Magic Kingdom -- simply cross the street (near the guard's entrance gate) and walk along the pathway. Careful, though, this is a busy intersection. At park closing time, walking will usually be your quickest and easiest way back to the resort.

Epcot - To get to Epcot take the monorail from the Contemporary to the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC). At the TTC transfer to the Epcot monorail for the trip to the park.

Bus transportation is available at the bus stop beginning 1 hour prior to park opening to one hour after the park closes.

Disney's Hollywood Studios - There is a bus stop in the front of the hotel, just off of the main lobby. From here catch a bus to the Studios.

Animal Kingdom - There is a bus stop in the front of the hotel, just off of the main lobby. From here catch a bus to the Animal Kingdom.

Downtown Disney - Marketplace and Westside - Bus transportation to The Marketplace begins 30 minutes prior to opening (usually 9am) and the last bus returning to the Contemporary leaves at 12 midnight. There is no direct bus service to Westside. Take the bus to Pleasure Island then walk the remaining distance.

How do I get everywhere else?

Grand Floridian Resort and the Polynesian Resort: The Resort Monorail circles Seven Seas Lagoon, stopping at the Transportation and Ticket Center, the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and returning to the Contemporary. It takes approximately 20 minutes to make the circle.

Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach: The water parks can all be reached by bus which leaves the resort approximately 30 minutes prior to Water Park opening and run until the Water Park clears.

Other Disney Resorts: Other resorts can be reached by taking a bus to Downtown Disney and then transferring to the bus for the resort you wish to visit. You can also walk to the Magic Kingdom bus station and select your desired resort.

Fort Wilderness (for the Hoop Dee Doo Revue) & Wilderness Lodge: These two resorts can be reached by taking a launch from the Contemporary's marina, which is located on the Bay Lake side of the resort. The small watercraft makes a circle between the three locations. Seasonally, a boat also runs between the Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary Resort, ask at the front desk for hours of operation.

Where can I get early morning coffee or a late night snack?

Contempo Cafe, located on the Grand Canyon Concourse (fourth floor) offers beverages, snacks and a few hot items. Limited service is available from 6:00am - midnight. Full service is available from 7am - 10pm.

A Coffee Shop is on the lobby level to the right of the main entrance.

The Contemporary Resort also offers a somewhat limited room-service menu. Items from room-service are, of course, at a premium.

What is the guard at the front gate all about?

Each Disney resort has a Guard Shack at the entrance. Hotel Guests are able to enter the gate on the right side by using their Hotel Room Key Card. Other guests wishing to visit or dine at the Contemporary need to check in with the guard as to your destination.

What are the restaurants at the Contemporary like?

The Contemporary Resort offers three full-service restaurants. To see the menus Click Here.

The California Grill - This is the premiere restaurant of the Contemporary Resort. It is located on the 15th floor of the Tower building and offers California-style cuisine. The views of the Magic Kingdom and surrounding areas are breathtaking and the lounge or outer balcony are perfect spots from which to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.  California Grill serves dinner only. Check-in for the California Grill is located on the second floor next to the escalators.

The Wave - This restaurant is located on the first floor near the check-in desks and offers a variety of upscale dishes including Braised Lamb Shank, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, and Seasonal Vegetable Stew. The Wave offers full service breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Chef Mickey's - This is the spot for character meals at the Contemporary. A buffet breakfast with Mickey and the gang is offered every morning. In the evening a buffet featuring prime rib, seafood, and a variety of other dishes is offered, also with Mickey and Co. 

There are two counter service areas:

The Contempo Café is located on the fourth floor and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with an assortment of snacks and drinks. The Contempo Café also features a refillable mug. Refills can only be obtained at this location. See our refillable mugs page for prices and details.

The Sand Bar is located by the pool and is open with seasonal hours. It serves mainly burgers, deli sandwiches, and ice cream. The Bar serves beer, wine and cocktails.

Is there a pool at the Contemporary Resort?

There are actually two pools at the Contemporary. The large pool is a freeform pool complete with a 17-foot high curving slide. There is also a round, quiet pool which is shallow around the edges and deeper in the center. Two whirlpools have also been added, one of which is located on a peninsula which juts out into the freeform pool area.

Can guests swim in the lake?

Signs are posted stating NO swimming is allowed in the lake.

What else is there to do at the Contemporary?

The Contemporary offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Guests can rent a number of different water craft from the Contemporary's marina. These include Sea Racers, pontoon boats, and bass fishing excursions. Sammy Duvall Water Sports Centre (www.duvallwatersports.com) offers a variety of water experiences at the Contemporary such as water skiing, tubing, wake-boarding and parasailing.

The Contemporary also offers the following:

Olympiad Fitness Center (located on the third floor - Phone: 407-824-3410)

A large video arcade

Two basketball hoops (located near the pool - get a ball from the marina shop - resort ID required)

Beach volleyball (located near the pool - get a ball from the marina shop - resort ID required)

Golf (transportation to and from the various golf courses can be arranged at the concierge desk)

Tennis -- Due to the construction of Bay Lake Tower north of the resort, the tennis courts and playground are temporarily closed.

Are there any shops at the Contemporary?

Bayview Gifts - The front section, just off the escalator, offers refrigerated chocolates and fudge, homewares and photo collectibles. The middle section offers Ladies casual fashions, watches, jewelry and framed art collectibles. The end section offers men's fashions.

Fantasia - Offers Disney character merchandise and clothing. A wide selection of pins is located in the center of this shop.

Fantasia Market (was called Concourse Sundries & Spirits) - Offers a variety of reading material (newspapers, magazines, etc.), liquor and refrigerated items. This shop also stocks health and beauty items guests may need.

Can you see the fireworks from the Contemporary?

The Magic Kingdom Fireworks can be easily viewed from the resort. One of the best spots for this is the 15th floor California Grill Lounge (you must be dining there to view the Fireworks from there). The music which accompanies the fireworks is piped into the lounge so guests don't miss a thing. Guests with Tower Rooms facing the Magic Kingdom can also view the show from their terraces. If you are a guest on the 14th floor Concierge, you can watch the fireworks from the balcony off the lounge.

There is another viewing spot located on the north side of the tower just outside the fourth floor. The area out here is larger and several benches have been placed in facing the Magic Kingdom. However, the monorail tracks can obscure the view in some places.

Can you see the Electrical Water Pageant from the Contemporary?

Yes, the Pageant circles the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake so guests at the Contemporary have ample opportunity to see the show. Again, the California Grill Lounge offers a good view, if somewhat high up. The beach on the Bay Lake side of the resort is also a good bet. Check with Guest Services for the approximate time the pageant will pass by the Contemporary.

Is there a children's program at the Contemporary?

There is no children's program at the Contemporary. There are other children's programs available around WDW, including as close at the Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge. For more details and price information, visit our ChildCare FAQ.

Okay, so how do I get to the Contemporary Resort?

Take Exit 64 off Route I-4. As you approach the toll booths at the Magic Kingdom entrance stay to the right. Show the attendant your confirmation slip and they will not charge you. Once on the other side of the toll booths follow the signs to the Contemporary. It will be straight ahead and on your right.