Disney Resort Snapshots: Disney’s Contemporary Resort

If modern, contemporary, and cutting-edge make up your style, you’re in for a treat at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! 

Retreat to this ultra-modern Disney Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, spectacular views, and dazzling pools. 

Whether you’re staying in the iconic A-frame Contemporary tower or the nearby Garden Wing, you can walk to the Magic Kingdom’s main gate or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the tower. 

The location and unique, stylish design simply can’t be beaten! 

DINING 

With a tantalizing variety of dining options available, you’re sure to find something to satisfy any craving. Here, you’ll find everything from quick service to buffets to sensational sit-down style restaurants, as well as snack bars for a little pick me up, and a lounge where you can relax and unwind after a long day at the parks.

California Grill (Table Service/ Signature Dining)

Savor the finest Californian dining as you bask in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park. Californian cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the international melting-pot culture of the Golden State. The menu changes seasonally and may include such specialties as handmade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli and Oak-fired Filet of Beef.

Chef Mickey’s (Table Service)

This is the spot for the popular and fun character meals at the Contemporary. A buffet breakfast with Mickey and the gang is offered every morning. In the evening, a buffet featuring prime rib, seafood, and a variety of other dishes is offered.

Steakhouse 71 (Table Service)

It’s here!  The newest restaurant at Contemporary, Steakhouse 71. This stylish restaurant and lounge is a nod to the 1970s when Contemporary Resort first opened. Dine on food inspired by some of  Walt’s favorites, accompanied by beverages inspired by the area. Start your day with a classic a la carte American breakfast such as eggs Benedict or try Walt’s Prime Rib Hash. At lunch, you can choose from various sandwiches, or a burger might suit your fancy, but you may opt for Steak “Frites,” Hanger Steak, Garlic-Parmesan Waffle Fries, Chimichurri, with Truffle Aïoli. Dinner is for steak lovers. Pick one of six Steakhouse Cuts, then choose the sides and sauces to accompany your steak.  If someone in your party is not a lover of red meat, Steakhouse 71 also serves a Vegetable “Wellington” and chicken and shrimp entrees. There is something for everyone to enjoy.  PS Be sure to order the chocolate cake – it’s delish!

Contempo Cafe (Quick Service)

At Contempo Cafe, dine in a 90-foot high atrium as you watch the monorail zoom by this fourth-floor Grand Canyon Concourse venue. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches and side items, and finish off with something from the amazing bakery! When you place your food order, you will be given a magical puck to put on the tabletop of your choice. When your order is ready, the kitchen will magically know where to deliver the food.

Contemporary Grounds (Coffee Bar) 

This stylish coffee bar serves gourmet coffee drinks, smoothies, beer, wine, and specialty liquors. Contemporary Grounds serves Joffrey’s Coffee.

Outer Rim Lounge

Admire stunning views of Bay Lake with specialty cocktails before—or after—dinner. Try a Piña CoLAVA, Watermelon Margarita, Blue “Glow-tini” or more! A full bar menu is also available.

The Sand Bar (Pool Bar)

At the Sand Bar Pool Bar, picnic poolside with burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, or cool off with a full bar menu and air-conditioning inside the enclosed bar.

In-Room Dining

Whether you’re hungry for a late dinner or you just want some breakfast when you wake up, private dining is the ticket. With Disney Resorts Private Dining, you can choose from a variety of American favorites—along with some specialty items particular to your Disney Resort hotel!

ACTIVITIES

Pools: The Main Pool is 6500 sq ft which includes a 17-foot high curving slide, and cabanas are available to rent. The smaller Bay Lake Pool is a round, quiet pool that is shallow on the outside and deeper in the center. Guests may also enjoy Interactive water fountains and two whirlpool spas. 

Additional Fun: Kids can run freely at the children’s playground and Game Station Arcade. Pass an afternoon playing tennis, shuffleboard, volleyball, or Bocce Ball. 

The Marina offers boat rental, water cruises, water sports, or fishing. The resort also offers a Fitness Center and spa services. 

Movies: Nightly Disney Movies Under The Stars play on the lawn near the Sky Way Bridge.

Although the activities vary by day, here is an example of some of the trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, and bingo you might find. 

Look for an activities board near the pool or food court, or check your tv for the schedule during your stay.

SERVICES

The main laundry room at the Contemporary Resort is located on the 2nd floor of the Garden Wing building. At Bay Lake Tower, the laundry room is located in the first-floor lobby.

Each cycle at the self-service laundry facilities costs $3 per wash; the dryers are also $3 for 30 minutes. Credit and debit cards are now accepted at all laundry locations for washers, dryers, and soap vending at most Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In addition, all laundry rooms have the ability to request a text message when a laundry cycle is complete!

Please note: While some locations still contain a limited number of coin-operated washers (with a change machine made available), other locations accept credit and debit cards only.

Walt Disney World Resort hotels also offer dry cleaning and valet laundry services. Select “Housekeeping” on your in-room phone to schedule a pick-up.

SHOPPING

Step into the magic at Fantasia. Offering signature Disney character apparel and souvenirs as well as logo merchandise. You can also find a large assortment of Disney pins, Mickey ears, and other toys and gifts at this fantastic shop.

Fantasia Market features all your favorite snacks, beer, wine and spirits, magazines, newspapers, and travel necessities.

Bayview Gifts offers unique homewares, spectacular art collectibles, modern jewelry, clothing, watches, assorted chocolates, and fudge. Shop for premium Disney souvenirs at this colorful shop.  Here you’ll also find merchandise from special collections such as: 

• Disney Castle Collection
• EARidescent Collection
• Luxe Logo Collection

TRANSPORTATION 

You have three Disney transportation options at Contemporary

• Motorcoach Bus
• Ferryboat
• Monorail (to Magic Kingdom, transfer at TTC for EPCOT) 

These travel times are approximate and provided to give you an idea of the average travel time from the resort to the park.

Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort, or theme park transportation stops.

• Magic Kingdom – 12 minutes by walking, 19 minutes by monorail
• Epcot – 22 minutes by monorail, 22 minutes by car
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 22 minutes by bus, 23 minutes by car
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 25 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car
• Disney Springs – 30 minutes by bus, 19 minutes by car
• Blizzard Beach Water Park – 24 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 25 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car

PRO TIPS 

• There are two separate check-ins for both Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower. Also, it’s important to note that you cannot use the pool at Bay Lake Tower unless you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower, and only Disney Vacation Club members can access the Top of the World Lounge. But Bay Lake Tower guests are free to use the Contemporary Pool. 
• California Grill is one of my favorite spots to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. There is also a wonderful verandah off the Grand Canyon Concourse if you don’t want to commit to a fancy dinner.
• 70% of the wine collection at California Grill is from California vineyards.
• The chocolate layer cake at Steakhouse 71 is ahh-mazing!! If you are dining later in the evening, be sure to order it at the beginning of your meal – it’s been known to sell out. 
• Rooms with a view of Bay Lake also have a great sunrise view.