Disney's Contemporary Resort
Iconic Disney resort with the monorail running through its center, offering a short walk to Magic Kingdom and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fireworks views & dining
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Best Time
Fireworks views & dining
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Disney resort with the monorail running through its center, offering a short walk to Magic Kingdom and stunning views.
"The convenience of walking to Magic Kingdom and the monorail is unmatched!"
🎯 Higher Floors for Quiet
Opt for higher floors to minimize noise from the lobby and surrounding rooms.
🚶♀️ Walk to Magic Kingdom
The walk to Magic Kingdom is often faster than the monorail. Enjoy the convenience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monorail Through the Tower
Main Tower
Witness the iconic monorail glide directly through the resort's center. A truly unique Disney experience!
Walk to Magic Kingdom
Resort walkway
Enjoy the ultimate convenience with a short, direct walk to the Magic Kingdom entrance. Often quicker than the monorail!
California Grill Views
15th Floor
Savor fine dining with breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Chef Mickey's Character Dining
Main Tower
Meet beloved Disney characters over a lively buffet breakfast or dinner. A magical experience for kids!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Monorail Magic & Magic Kingdom Access
Resort Vibes & Room Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Higher Floors for Quiet
Opt for higher floors to minimize noise from the lobby and surrounding rooms.
🚶♀️ Walk to Magic Kingdom
The walk to Magic Kingdom is often faster than the monorail. Enjoy the convenience!
✨ Incredibles Room Fun
Ask for an 'Incredibles' themed room for a fun, modern twist! +1
📱 App for Check-in/Out
Use the My Disney Experience app for quick room check-in and check-out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Higher Floors for Quiet
Opt for higher floors to minimize noise from the lobby and surrounding rooms.
🚶♀️ Walk to Magic Kingdom
The walk to Magic Kingdom is often faster than the monorail. Enjoy the convenience!
✨ Incredibles Room Fun
Ask for an 'Incredibles' themed room for a fun, modern twist! +1
📱 App for Check-in/Out
Use the My Disney Experience app for quick room check-in and check-out.
🎆 Fireworks from Balcony
Some rooms offer fantastic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise the Contemporary Resort for its unparalleled convenience to Magic Kingdom and the iconic monorail experience. The dining options, particularly California Grill and Chef Mickey's, are frequently highlighted. However, some visitors find the resort's decor to be a bit dated and suggest opting for higher floors to avoid noise. +1
"Our family of 4 stayed two days at The Coronado Hotel and 2 at Contemporary recently. The stay at Coronado was a pleasant experience. The room, amenities and service exceeded our expectations. It was busy but didn’t seem too congested and lines were manageable. Only negative might be the longish walk from the room to the main areas to eat and shop. That can be fixed with a little research finding rooms closer. On the other hand, staying at the contemporary was not a great experience. You would think with such a high price tag it would be better. Not in the least. The room was just above the main area downstairs, which includes the bar, and it was loud. We could also hear a lot of noise coming from room above throughout the evening and early morning hours. Make sure you pick a room in the higher floors for sure. Secondly, the rain water pooled on the deck and wouldn’t drain. We needed house keeping to clear the next day. The monorail had a long wait all the time and the place was crowded seeming all the time. It would have a much better experience if we stayed at the Coronado all 4 days!!!"
Jay Zee
"We loved our stay at the Contemporary Hotel. Room was spacious and well suited to 3 Adults.
We loved the access to the monorail and whilst busy at times we never waited long. You just need to remember that it is the last stop. We ended up walking to Magic Kingdom as this was much quicker.
The quick room check-in through the app is great, but we may have missed some welcome information especially as this was our first visit. It was fantastic to be able to checkout on the app.
We loved the luggage transfer between Disney hotels but would have been better if the automatically sent your bag to your room.
Facilities are fantastic.
We would absolutely stay here again."
Karen Geloven
"There’s a lot to love about the Contemporary Resort — first on the list is the proximity to Magic Kingdom. It was amazing to be able to walk back and forth from the park. We also enjoyed the pool and it was never busy when we were there. There are a variety of food options which was helpful. It was also fantastic to be able to watch fireworks from the balcony each night.
The resort on the whole feels a little tired and the rooms are not super spacious or particularly cute/well done. But on the whole, the positives outweighed any negatives."
Sarah Madsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can arrive via Disney's complimentary transportation, including buses from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and other Disney resorts. The resort is also directly accessible via the Monorail line, which connects to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with a transfer). For those driving, there is valet and self-parking available for a fee.
Yes, the iconic Walt Disney World Monorail runs directly through the center of the main tower of Disney's Contemporary Resort, making it incredibly convenient for accessing Magic Kingdom and Epcot. +1
Absolutely! There's a dedicated walkway that allows guests to stroll directly to the entrance of Magic Kingdom. Many guests find this walk to be quicker than waiting for the monorail, especially during peak times.
Besides the Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Disney's Contemporary Resort offers bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
The resort is approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO), depending on traffic. You can arrange for a shuttle service, taxi, rideshare, or rent a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a park ticket to enter the public areas of Disney's Contemporary Resort, such as the lobby, restaurants, and shops. However, you will need a valid park ticket and reservation to enter Magic Kingdom or other theme parks.
The resort itself is open 24/7 for guests. However, individual dining locations and amenities like pools have their own operating hours, which can be found on the Walt Disney World website or app.
You can book a room directly through the official Walt Disney World website, by calling Disney reservations, or through authorized Disney travel agents. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular times.
Yes, the resort offers various room types, including standard rooms with different views (garden, marina, Magic Kingdom), and suites. Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property, is also part of the resort and offers studios and larger villas. Some rooms are themed with 'The Incredibles'. +1
Yes, Disney's Contemporary Resort offers rooms with Magic Kingdom views, which can be a premium option. These rooms often provide excellent vantage points for the nightly fireworks.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Top dining spots include California Grill for upscale dining with fireworks views, Steakhouse 71 for a retro-themed steakhouse experience, and Chef Mickey's for a fun character buffet. Contempo Cafe offers quick-service options.
Yes, the resort features two main pools: the main Feature Pool with a water slide and the quiet Sandcastle Pool. Both offer a great way to relax after a day in the parks.
Beyond swimming, guests can enjoy the marina with boat rentals, the arcade, fitness center, and shopping. The resort also offers unique experiences like the Electrical Water Pageant viewing from the Bay Lake Tower walkway.
Yes, the resort is very family-friendly, especially with its proximity to Magic Kingdom, the 'Incredibles' themed rooms, and character dining at Chef Mickey's. The pools also offer fun for kids. +1
The resort has a unique, modern, and somewhat retro-futuristic vibe, with the monorail running through its core. It's known for its convenience and iconic architecture, though some find it a bit dated.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the monorail as it passes through the lobby, the resort's unique architecture, and the views of Magic Kingdom from various vantage points. The marina and pools also offer scenic backdrops. +1
Yes, many rooms, especially those with Magic Kingdom views, and the California Grill restaurant offer excellent views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The walkway near Bay Lake Tower is also a popular spot.
The sight of the monorail traveling through the resort's atrium is a signature photo opportunity. The 'Incredibles' themed rooms also provide fun, colorful backdrops for photos. +1
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Evenings are perfect for capturing the resort lit up and the fireworks.
Yes, the Electrical Water Pageant is often visible from the resort's Bay Lake shoreline, particularly from the walkway near Bay Lake Tower.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a room with a Magic Kingdom view so your children can enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of your room. The convenience of the monorail also makes exploring other parts of Walt Disney World easier. Remember to utilize the My Disney Experience app for seamless check-in and check-out to save time.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Stroll along the marina in the evening or enjoy a cocktail at one of the resort's lounges. The proximity to Magic Kingdom also allows for easy access to the park's romantic ambiance after dark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Monorail Experience
While the Monorail is convenient, it's worth noting that it can get crowded, and sometimes the walk to Magic Kingdom is faster. However, the sheer novelty of having a monorail station inside your hotel is a memorable part of staying at the Contemporary. Watching the trains pass by from various points in the resort, especially from the lobby or Bay Lake Tower, is a quintessential Disney experience.
For those seeking the ultimate Monorail immersion, consider a stay in Bay Lake Tower, which offers rooms with direct views of the Monorail track and the Magic Kingdom. The Top of the World Lounge in Bay Lake Tower also provides spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Monorail loop.
Dining Delights: From Character Fun to Fine Cuisine
For a more sophisticated dining experience, California Grill is renowned for its upscale American cuisine and breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. It's an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. Reservations are highly recommended, and guests are often allowed to watch the fireworks from the restaurant's observation deck.
Steakhouse 71 offers a more casual yet refined dining experience, inspired by the resort's opening year. It's a great option for delicious steaks and classic American dishes. For quick bites, Contempo Cafe provides convenient counter-service meals with a modern, open-air feel, allowing you to watch the monorail go by as you dine.
Room Views and Theming: Modern Comforts
When booking, consider the view options. Standard rooms offer garden, marina, or Magic Kingdom views. Rooms with Magic Kingdom views are highly sought after, not only for the picturesque scenery but also for the ability to watch the nightly fireworks display directly from your balcony.
It's worth noting that some guests have reported noise issues, particularly in rooms located above the main lobby or near high-traffic areas. To mitigate this, it's often recommended to request a room on a higher floor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit