Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review
What Works, What Doesn’t, and Who Should Stay Here
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most recognizable hotels in Walt Disney World.
The monorail runs directly through the building, it’s within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, and it’s one of the original Disney World resorts that opened in 1971.
But when you book the Contemporary, you’re actually choosing between three very different experiences:
• The Main Tower
• The Garden Wing
• Bay Lake Tower villas
In this episode of One Slice at a Time, we break down what each section offers and help you decide which one actually fits your trip.
The Three Areas of the Contemporary Resort
Main Tower
The Main Tower is the iconic A-frame building most people picture when they think about the Contemporary.
This is where you'll find:
• the monorail station
• California Grill
• Chef Mickey’s
• Contempo Cafe
• the main pool area
Rooms here are the closest to everything, but they also come with the most activity and noise.
The biggest perk?
Theme park view rooms that overlook Magic Kingdom and the fireworks.
Garden Wing
The Garden Wing is often the most misunderstood option at the resort.
These rooms are located in a separate building connected by a short outdoor walk.
Pros
• Lower price than the Main Tower
• Quieter environment
• Same room layout as tower rooms
Cons
• Slightly longer walk to dining and monorail
For many families, this is actually the smartest way to stay at the Contemporary.
Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower is the Disney Vacation Club section of the resort.
This building offers:
• studios
• one-bedroom villas
• multi-bedroom villas
These rooms include kitchenettes or full kitchens and are great for longer stays or multi-generational trips.
Dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Some of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World are located here.
California Grill
Signature dining with incredible views of Magic Kingdom.
Steakhouse 71
One of the best casual dining values at Disney.
Chef Mickey’s
Classic character dining with Mickey and friends.
Contempo Cafe
Quick service option for sandwiches, flatbreads and pastries.
The Biggest Advantage: Location
The main reason people stay here is simple.
You can walk to Magic Kingdom.
The resort also has:
• Monorail access to Magic Kingdom
• Monorail transfer to EPCOT
• Bus transportation to other parks
That convenience alone is enough to make this resort the best choice for some travelers.
Who Should Stay Here
The Contemporary works best for:
• Magic Kingdom focused trips
• Families with small kids and strollers
• Travelers who want maximum convenience
• Multi-generational families staying in Bay Lake Tower
Who Should Skip It
This might not be the right resort if you want:
• heavy Disney theming
• a quiet resort environment
• a heavily themed pool area
In those cases, resorts like Polynesian Village Resort or Wilderness Lodge may be a better fit.
