Disney's Contemporary Resort Overview
Destinations / Disney / Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom area (monorail), Lake Buena Vista, Florida · $$$
Photos courtesy of the hotel.
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The closest hotel to Magic Kingdom, with a monorail through the lobby and a modern, practical feel.
Being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is the top priority.
You want a resort that feels themed and immersive, or if construction would bother you.
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The Contemporary is all about location. You can walk to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes, and the monorail runs right through the A-frame building's Grand Canyon Concourse. The style is clean and modern rather than themed, which some people love and some people find a little plain for the price.
I like it for families who plan to go back and forth to Magic Kingdom for midday breaks. It also has two of my favorite restaurants for a special night, California Grill and Steakhouse 71. Keep in mind the resort is in a multi-phase refurbishment that runs into 2027, so expect some construction walls depending on your dates.
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Walk or monorail to Magic Kingdom
California Grill with fireworks views from the 15th floor
Chef Mickey's character dining
Bay Lake views and the Electrical Water Pageant
Bay Lake Tower (Disney Vacation Club) connected by a skybridge
Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours as a Disney Deluxe resort
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Magic Kingdom-heavy trips with midday hotel breaks
Travelers who prefer modern design over heavy theming
Foodies who want California Grill or Chef Mickey's on site
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About a 10 minute walk to the Magic Kingdom entrance
Resort monorail loop to Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian; EPCOT monorail via the Transportation and Ticket Center
Buses to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs
The stay, in detail
Rooms
Rooms are among the larger standard rooms at Disney, sleep five, and have a clean, modern look; tower rooms with a Magic Kingdom view are the splurge. Garden Wing rooms are cheaper but sit outside the main building.
Pools and beach
The main pool has a water slide and splash area, with a beach area on Bay Lake for lounging; Bay Lake Tower has its own pool.
Dining
California Grill, Steakhouse 71, Chef Mickey's, Contempo Cafe for quick service and the Outer Rim lounge.
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