Disney's Contemporary Resort
Our tips:
- Walking distance to Magic Kingdom
- Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
- Fireworks from California Grill
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort is an icon: the monorail runs straight through its A-frame tower. Inside hangs a 27-metre-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair, known for "it's a small world", depicting the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.
Location and transport
The hotel sits on Bay Lake in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. You can walk to the Magic Kingdom entrance or take the Resort Monorail. The free bus takes you to the other parks.
Rooms and suites
In the Main Tower you get views of Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake. The Garden Wing is lower and quieter. With Club Level you get access to the Atrium Club or the Tower Club. Next door is Bay Lake Tower, with villas.
Early Theme Park Entry
Get into all four theme parks half an hour early on every day of your stay, including your arrival and departure days.
Extended Evening Hours
On selected evenings, one theme park stays open later for guests of the Deluxe hotels and Deluxe Villas.
Buy Lightning Lane earlier
Hotel guests can buy Lightning Lane passes 7 days before their stay, for their entire stay. Everyone else can only do so 3 days in advance.
Food and drink
At the top of the tower is California Grill, overlooking Magic Kingdom. At Chef Mickey's you have breakfast and dinner with Disney characters. There's also Steakhouse 71, Contempo Café for quick meals with a view of the monorail, and the Outer Rim lounge on Bay Lake.
Pools and practical information
On Bay Lake there are two swimming pools, one with a water slide. You can rent a boat, go fishing and, in the evening, watch the Electrical Water Pageant, a light parade on the water. There's also an arcade and a fitness centre.
Address: 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista. According to Disney, construction or renovation work is currently taking place at the hotel. Bear in mind there may be disruption.