It's been a Contemporary Resort since 1971
The Contemporary Resort is a staple at Walt Disney World. You’ve probably seen it at least once without even realizing it! The Contemporary Resort is, in fact, the resort through which the monorail passes when you're visiting Magic Kingdom. Yeah, the one that goes right through the lobby, where you can watch people down below waving or enjoying a nice meal. It’s a classic, and there's a lot of nostalgia tied to it, making it one of the favorite Deluxe hotels for many guests around the world.
There’s a lot to love about the Contemporary Resort, by the way. It's within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, and there's an onsite monorail system that can take you to Epcot and several other Deluxe hotels as well. The Contemporary Resort is also home to Chef Mickey’s, which is probably the most iconic character dining restaurant at Walt Disney World.
The Contemporary Resort offers two main room types: one in the Garden Wing, with a starting cost of about $580, and one in the Main Tower, starting at $820. That’s not cheap, but it's the price you pay for staying at a Disney World classic and being able to ride Space Mountain within minutes of waking up.
What we like about Contemporary Resort
The best thing about the Contemporary Resort? It's within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. In fact, that's the main reason many guests choose to stay at this resort.
The resort is located just 0.5 miles from a side entrance, and it takes only about 10 minutes to walk to the theme park. It's also amazing to wake up, stroll around the Contemporary Resort, and see Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and so many other beautiful attractions right in front of you. It truly feels like you've been transported to a magical place… or, well, to the Happiest Place on Earth.
The location is also fantastic because you can board the monorail right from inside the resort. You don't have to walk much, even if you're staying in the Garden Wing, where rooms are a bit farther from the main lobby. If you don’t want to walk to Magic Kingdom, you can always hop on the monorail. The monorail also takes you to Epcot and other Deluxe Hotels, like the Polynesian Village. This is often considered THE monorail resort, and for good reason.
The dining options are also pretty good. You have three main restaurant choices: Chef Mickey’s, California Grill, and Steakhouse 71. California Grill offers great food and one of the best rooftop views in all of Disney World, while Steakhouse 71 serves some of the best burgers and sandwiches in Disney. Chef Mickey’s has decent food, but it is arguably one of the most iconic character dining venues at Disney, where you can meet Donald, Goofy, Minnie, and of course, Mickey.
The Contemporary also offers two room types: the Garden Tower rooms, which start at $580, and the Main Tower rooms, which start at $800. For that price difference, I’d choose the Garden Tower rooms. The main difference is that the Garden Tower rooms are located on the other side of the hotel, offering views of Bay Lake instead of the theme park. In my opinion, that's actually a perk. Sure, you don’t wake up to Cinderella Castle, and you’ll have to walk a minute or two longer to Magic Kingdom, but these are some of the quietest, most peaceful rooms you can find in a Deluxe Hotel. Add in the great view of the lake, and the Garden Tower rooms become even more appealing.
What we don’t like about Contemporary Resort
There isn’t much to not like about the Contemporary Resort. Some guests think that the rooms are too simple, and the recent update that turned basically every room into an Incredibles-themed room is a bit disappointing. I can see that, since there aren’t any nods anywhere else to the Incredibles inside the Resort.
The pools, however, are the main letdown at the Contemporary Resort. They aren’t exactly themed, and even though there is a waterslide, it’s a bit of a disappointment. There is a splash zone, a kids' pool, and you can rent a cabana, but that's about it. The main issue is that there isn’t a theme, which makes the pools feel very bland, almost like they belong at a Value Resort. There’s no Disney theming, no crazy pirate ship swinging around, and no Mickey statue. In fact, most of the pools at Moderate Resorts are more interesting than the one at the Contemporary, like the one at Caribbean Beach Resort.
Still, this is a great resort, especially if you value location above all else. Love Magic Kingdom and can’t get enough of those beautiful monorails? Then you’ll have a great time here. However, if you plan on spending multiple days enjoying your hotel, you might be a bit disappointed, since the rooms don’t offer anything new and the pools are underwhelming.
Contemporary Resort FAQ
How much is a room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort?
Room rates vary by date and room type but typically start at $580 per night.
Is the Contemporary Resort within walking distance of Magic Kingdom?
Yes! You can walk from the Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes.
Is there a monorail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort?
Yes, there is a monorail system inside the Contemporary Resort that takes you to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and other Disney Deluxe Resorts.
Is there character dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort?
Yes! The character dining experience at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is Chef Mickey's.
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