Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of two resorts on the property when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. The resort was built on a 55-acre site next to the Magic Kingdom. The resort rises a staggering 14 stories from the shores of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. The Contemporary Tower was built as an A-frame with outer walls which slope inwards around an inner atrium. All guest rooms are modular and were inserted into the Tower’s frame.
There are 655 rooms and suites in this deluxe resort with some rooms being in the adjacent Garden Wing. The resort includes a 90,000-square-foot convention center, three full-service restaurants, tennis center, marina and three swimming pools.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort has two separate club levels The Atrium Club & The Tower Club. Club level guests get access to a special concierge lounge and complimentary food offerings served throughout the day. Our Guide to the Kilimanjaro Club at Animal Kingdom provides more information on what to expect at club level.
The Contemporary Resort has some of the best dining options at Walt Disney World including:
- California Grill
- The Wave…of American Flavors which is equal to many Disney World Signature Restaurants.
- Contempo Café an outstanding quick service site.
- Chef Mickey’s.
Recreational amenities include water skiing, boat rentals, jogging, volleyball, parasailing, playground, Disney movies under the stars, and two swimming pools.
The Pixar Play Zone opened in 2018 which allows supervised kid’s activities whilst parents have an evening off. Kids will enjoy an evening filled with interactive fun, characters, arcade games and dinner.
There is a selection of speciality shops in the Contemporary Tower. The Contemporary tower has a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.
The Walt Disney World monorail makes a stop inside the resort thanks to the monorail extending through the center of the A-frame. In additions, guests can board motor coaches and watercraft to reach the theme parks. The resort is just a short walk to the Magic Kingdom.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
In 2005, Disney began an extensive renovation of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and it was completed in 2009. Bay Lake Tower was built on the site of the former North Wing.
This Disney Vacation Club resort features 295 units (2-bedroom equivalents) including studio, one- and two-bedroom villas. Its fifth floor is connected by a skyway from the main tower’s fourth floor.
Our Opinion
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is not cheap and when we stayed there it was under some degree of protest. Our initial booking was at Wilderness Lodge but due to renovations, we were moved resorts. We had always thought the Contemporary Tower was somewhat cold lacking any Disney atmosphere. despite the Contemporary Resort being a significant upgrade we were not impressed.
We were wrong!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is outstanding. Rooms are luxurious and facilities are first class. The grounds are beautiful and you soon grow to love the tower. In addition, the proximity to The Magic Kingdom is unbeatable.
In our opinion, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the best of Walt Disney World.
Our video has many of the highlights from the resort.
Read More
Visit our Walt Disney World Resort Guide.
Our Essential Guide to Disney World is a great place to visit.
Read our collection of Disney World Planning Tips.
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