Since its opening — along with the Walt Disney World Resort — on October 1st, 1971, the Contemporary Resort has been a dream destination for many Disney guests thanks to its proximity to the Magic Kingdom, unique A-frame construction, and the fact that the Disney World Monorail literally passes THROUGH the building.
All that said, if you’re planning to stay at the Contemporary for the first time any time soon, there are some things you NEED to know. Trust me.
2026/2027 Construction
A series of refurbishments began at the resort in 2024 and is expected to last through 2027. Current projects include exterior maintenance on the hotel’s Main Tower, which, according to Disney, may “impact views from various locations throughout the resort and, at times, require alternate paths of travel.”
Furthermore, from March 30th through May 1st, the hotel’s Skyway Bridge — which connects Bay Lake Tower with the Contemporary’s Main Tower — will be closed from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. The bridge will then reopen daily after 5:00 PM, and remain available evenings and weekends. According to Disney, “guests may need to use alternate paths of travel at times and may see or hear construction activity while work is underway.”
Moving from the Main Tower to the Bay Lake Tower, work and repairs on the exterior elevator landings will last from late March through May 2026. These projects join the work on the Bay Lake Tower’s Bay Cove Pool, Cove Bar, and the water play area and whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower, all of which have been closed for maintenance since January 26th. The amenities are scheduled to reopen in early May 2026, and until then, the Main Pool, water play area, and whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be available for guests.
The Rooms are Incredibles-Themed
On the surface, The Contemporary may not seem like it has a distinct Disney character theme. However, within the resort’s rooms, there are references to the Disney/Pixar franchise The Incredibles.
While some do like these touches, other guests are turned off by them. Some wish there was no Incredibles theme and that the hotel had its “classic”1970s decor, while others wish Disney had gone further with the characters. Wherever you fall on that, just keep it in mind when booking.
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Monorail Roundabout
While the Monorail is one of the biggest perks available at the Contemporary, there is something that guests should remember. If you board the Monorail to head to the Magic Kingdom, you’ll need to circle the whole route before arriving at the park, stopping at the Transportation and Ticket Center, the Grand Floridian Resort, and the Polynesian Village. Bear in mind that if you’re in a rush to get to the park, you can use the walking path between the hotel and the park.
Be Wary of the Volume
The hotel’s central Grand Canyon concourse can be quite loud thanks to its multi-story open-air design and the presence of Chef Mickey’s and several shops.
Chef Mickey's Restaurant
Services: Buffet/All You Care to Eat
As sound travels upwards, the sound can be heard in the main tower’s guest room areas.
California Grill Provides Breathtaking Fireworks Views… for a Price
The Contemporary has had some version of a restaurant on the top floor since the beginning. These days, the restaurant is known as the California Grill and offers some of the best views of Walt Disney World, especially the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.
California Grill Lounge Restaurant
Services: Bar/Lounge
However, if you want to see those views, dinner will cost you. Currently, the California Grill offers a prix fix menu that costs $99 per adult, + tax and gratuity.
Keep these things in mind if you’re planning on staying at the Contemporary anytime soon. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney World’s hotels.
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Have you stayed at the Contemporary? Let us know in the comments below.
Stayed there late Jan 2026, many times at WDW but first time at Contemporary. Loved it!
Lovely
Absolutely love this hotel, wouldn’t stay anywhere else
Sunday brunch at CA Grill was amazing!! Every time I’m there I ask when it will return. The bloody mary bar was incredible with shrimp, celery, pickles, olives etc, etc etc Yum!!
Yes many time the California grill should return to a breakfast and evening restaurant for children like the original. It was a perk to stay at the contemporary almost every child had an opportunity to see that view. Also loved the Show at night!!! There should be no fast lines people should wait their turn. It increases rudeness in the lines as people try to cut them two sides assists them and the wait can bc nasty. 1982 Disney person!!! No reservations please I’m on vacation I want to go where I want when I feel like it!!!!