There’s Magic at your Fingertips at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Location, location, location! If you want to stay in the epicenter of the Magic, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are the Disney Resorts for you!

Situated between Bay Lake and the Seven Seas lagoon, this Deluxe Resort and adjacent Disney Vacation Club Resort are within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom. Because of its close proximity to the theme park, guests are treated to prime views of Cinderella’s Castle, evening fireworks and the nostalgic Electric Water Pageant. (Please note not all room types face the Magic Kingdom. All entertainment subject to change).

When you arrive at the iconic “A” frame hotel, the first thing you notice is the monorail zipping through the center of the building! Inside, on the ground floor lobby, the upscale design evokes the feeling of a vintage Tomorrowland, circa 1971. Marble floors, cool light fixtures and chic mid-century inspired couches create a sophisticated space for lounging with friends and family.

The Magic builds as you ascend the escalators four stories to the Grand Concourse. It’s a breathtaking moment as you step off and look up to take in all the sights and sound of the towering atrium. You won’t believe your eyes as the monorail quietly glides in to drop off and pick up guests.

The atrium’s dramatic centerpiece is a 90-foot mural designed by legendary Imagineer Mary Blair who is best known for styling the attraction “it’s a small world.” Created in 1971 when the resort opened, the mural is made of mosaic tile and covers three massive walls in the Grand Concourse. Which member of your family can find the infamous five-legged goat? Legend has it that it was included to remind onlookers that no man-made creation is perfect.

The Main Tower offers two types of guest rooms – “Theme Park View” rooms face the Magic Kingdom and “Bay Lake View” rooms face – you guessed it – Bay Lake. Rooms on both sides have private balconies with stunning views. The approximately 500 guest rooms are 394 square feet each, making them some of the largest rooms on Disney property. Each room features 2 queen beds and a sleeper-sofa, accommodating up to 5 adults plus 1 child under the age of 3 in a crib. The shops, restaurants and monorail station are just a short elevator ride away.

Just south of the Main Tower is the Garden Wing, a three-story structure with another 250 guest rooms. With views of the landscaping and parking lots, these rooms are more economically priced than the Main Tower and offer a cost-saving alternate to make staying at a Deluxe Resort a reality.

Recently, rooms in both the Main Tower and Garden Wing were refurbished with a brand-new Incredibles theme. Artwork with Incredibles characters greet you as you walk down the hallway to your room. Open your door, and you’ll find pops of Incredibles themed colors and graphics in the decor and fabrics. Guests will find character surprises in the curtains, nightstand, and even the closet!

There are suites in both the Tower and the Garden Wing sections of the resorts. The Garden Wing offers one-bedroom and hospitality suites. The Tower offers one- and two-bedroom suites as well as the VP and Presidential suites. Most suites sleep 6 people; 2-bedroom suites can sleep up to 10.

Connected to Disney’s Contemporary Resort via the Sky Way Bridge, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Disney Vacation Club Property offering studios and villas equipped with kitchens and laundry facilities. If you’re looking for a larger space to spread out, this is a great option. Villas offer separate bedrooms and dining areas so you can enjoy meals and family time in the comfort of your own space.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers unparalleled easy access to the Magic Kingdom. For families with little ones, heading back for an afternoon nap or swim can be conquered without ever folding up your stroller. Good news – the Contemporary is the first monorail stop after leaving the Magic Kingdom. (If you don’t feel like waiting for the monorail, it’s just a 10 – 15-minute stroll along a well-lit, paved walk way back to the Contemporary.)

The monorail also offers access to other resorts and theme parks. Heading out from the Resort, the monorail’s first stop is Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).  At the TTC, guests can transfer to the Epcot. Monorail line. After the TTC, it continues on to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and then the Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to a variety of dining options. Atop the 15th floor, the award-winning California Grill offers panoramic views of the lagoon, lush woodlands and Cinderella Castle. Savor seasonal California cuisine ranging from pastas, pizzas, filets and sushi. Enjoy the lively onstage kitchen, where chefs combine global flavors to create signature dishes. Select from over 300 hand-picked wines with sommeliers on hand to offer paring suggestions.

A long time family favorite, Chef Mickey’s is the quintessential Disney dining experience for all ages. Enjoy a lively, buffet meal in a bright, happy setting. Sit back and enjoy the Disney characters while the monorail glides overhead. Mickey Mouse and some of his favorite pals will make appearances in each of the dining rooms, and each table will receive a special autographed card keepsake.

Nearby, the Contempo Café is the resort’s counter service location where you can choose from a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, flatbreads in addition to grab and go items, fountain drinks and delicious desserts. Grab a quick breakfast before hopping on the monorail for a day in the parks. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that.

The newest addition to the culinary delights at this resort is Steakhouse 71. Named for the year Disney’s Contemporary Resort first opened, this table service restaurant is located on the first floor in the tower, replacing the Wave of American Flavors. Featuring a contemporary take on 1970’s design and style, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Chose from a menu of dishes inspired by Walt Disney’s personal favorites, including the Steakhouse 71 and Walt’s Prime Rib Hash, along with crab cake sliders, burgers, turkey clubs and grilled cheese.

If you want to explore dining options at some other resorts, cruise on over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds by water taxi. Boats depart to both resorts from the Contemporary Resort Marina approximately every 20-30 minutes.

When taking a day “off” from the theme parks, you’ll find a variety of fun recreational activities at Disney’s Contemporary Resort including lakeside yoga classes, jogging trails and volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. Ready to get wet? The main pool has a show-stopping feature – a 17-foot high, curving waterslide. Nearby, younger kids can cool off in the water playground, equipped with waterspouts and sprinklers. Grown-ups looking for a quiet place can relax at the nearby Bay Lake Pool. While all ages are welcome at this leisure pool, loud noises and splashing are kept to a minimum.

Pamper your family with a poolside cabana and indulge in a full day at the pool! Lounge in your shaded, furnished cabana equipped with personal electronics and select, limited refreshments. Cabanas can be rented for a full or half-day. Private dining is also available at an additional cost.

Boat Nook Marina offers year-long water-based activities on Bay Lake and Seven Seas. Guided catch-and-release Bass Fishing Excursions include a 21-foot Sun Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to 5 guests, and a tournament-style NITRO® bass fishing boat for one or 2 people. Both 2-hour and 4-hour excursions are offered. Or, charter a private pontoon or yacht for an amazing afternoon or sunset sailing with loved ones.

There’s a reason why guests choose to stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort year after year. With a premium location and a lively atmosphere, your family will have the (Walt Disney) World at its fingertips.

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth Disney Vacation, Small World Vacations, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, is your best resource when planning a Disney Vacation. That’s why we’re recommended by MouseSavers, Disney Food Blog and WDW Prep School.

Small World Vacations is celebrating 27 Years of Magic.
Learn how our experience can help you!
Request your FREE price quote for your Walt Disney World Vacation Today!