This week kicks off a weekly Sunday Showcase, were I will showcase one of Disney’s Resort Hotels. Hopefully, this will be informative and showcase some of the great features I love about these resorts. I would be remiss if I didn’t start off with one of Walt Disney World’s original resorts; Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Sunday Showcase: Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This resort is described by Disney as:

“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 Magic Kingdom® Park main gate or catch the monorail as it breezes through the tower. Inside a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair—responsible for the distinct look and feel of the “it’s a small world”® attraction—celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.”

Brief History

Disney’s Contemporary Resort was opened on October 1, 1971 along with Walt Disney World and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. As arguably one of the most iconic buildings, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a 14-Story A-Frame building. The rooms in the main building were built off-site and slid into place by a crane. This resort was the a collaboration between Disney, U.S. Steel Company and Architect Welton Becket. Below, this short video, showcases the building of this resort, which the first of its kind. In addition, this resort features 4 other buildings in the South Garden Wing and Bay Lake Tower to the north. Bay Lake Tower is the Disney Vacation Club part of this resort, which opened in 2009.

Rooms and Facilities

The resort in whole consists of just over 1000 rooms: 428 Villas, 633 Deluxe Rooms and 23 Suites. In addition, some of these rooms are also available in Club Level. Guests choosing Club Level accommodations at the Tower Club or Atrium Club receive personalized concierge service and lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, hors d’oeuvres, cordials and desserts. Unfortunately, at the time ow writing this article, Club Level is unavailable due to the ongoing Pandemic.

Standard Deluxe Rooms can accommodate up to five guests plus 1 child under three years old in a crib. These rooms are available in both the Main Tower and The Garden Wing.

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Currently, rooms at the Contemporary are undergoing an “Incredible” refurbishment.

Bay Lake Tower

Warm luxury meets modern elegance at this lakeside Resort hotel located within walking distance of Magic Kingdom Park. Delight in studios and multi-bedroom villas, kitchens or kitchenettes and dramatic views that may include old-growth cypress trees, the shimmering Bay Lake, the lush courtyard or Cinderella Castle. Enjoy enchanting pools and award-winning dining— plus the extensive offerings of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, connected by the convenient Sky Way Bridge.

Deluxe Studios

Deluxe Studios accommodate up to four Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and have one queen-size bed, full- size sleeper sofa and private porch or balcony.

1-Bedroom Villa

One Bedroom Villas accommodate up to five Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, king-size bed in master bedroom, queen-size sleeper sofa and twin sleeper chair in living room, washer & dryer and private porch or balcony.

2-Bedroom Villa

Two-Bedroom Villas accommodate up to nine Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, king-size bed in master bedroom, 2 queen-size beds in second bedroom, queen-size sleeper sofa and twin sleeper chair in living room, washer & dryer and private porch or balcony.

Activities, Recreation and Transportation

The following offerings and experiences are currently available at this Disney Resort hotel. Hours of operation will be provided during your stay.

Dining

TABLE-SERVICE DINING

• California Grill— Savor the finest in Californian cooking, as you take in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom® Park.
• The Wave… of American Flavors— Delight in fresh American cuisine at this stylishly contemporary restaurant and lounge.
• Chef Mickey’s—Join some favorite Disney friends for a fun-filled feast at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

QUICK-SERVICE DINING

• Contempo Café—Take time out for a tasty, casual breakfast, lunch or dinner! Stave off hunger with steel-cut oatmeal, eggs, French toast, bakery items, burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, pasta entrées and more.

OTHER DINING OPTIONS

• California Grill Lounge —Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and first-come, first-served seating in the lounge offering the same menu as the restaurant.
• Contemporary Grounds
• Cove Bar
• Outer Rim
• The Sand Bar
• The Wave Lounge

Shops

• Bayview Gifts
• Fantasia Marke
• Market Place

Activities – Some activities below may be currently unavailable.

• The Game Station
• Lakeside Yoga
• Cabana Rentals
• Motorized Boat Rentals — Cruise around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon aboard a motorized boat from the Boat Nook Marina.
• Jogging Trails
• Contemporary Resort Campfire
• Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage — Cast off on a Seven Seas Lagoon cruise where pirates, fireworks and tasty treats are just around the bend.
• Specialty Cruises — Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and any important occasion on a private pontoon boat
• Movies Under the Stars
• Fitness Center
• Sports Courts
• Fishing Excursions
• Electrical Water Pageant

Transportation

• Bus transportation is available from this Disney Resort hotel to Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Disney Springs area
• Bus transportation is available from this hotel to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, but Guests will need to transfer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park
• Monorail transportation is available to and from Magic Kingdom park; monorail transportation is not available for Epcot

With all this being said, Disney’s Contemporary is one of my absolute favorite resorts. From the amenities, room size and proximity to Magic Kingdom, there is a lot to enjoy. Especially traveling with small children in strollers, this resort provides you will easy access via a Walking path and the Monorail. With both of these options, you do not need to break down strollers, which at the end of the night is amazing. If you have not experienced this resort, I would highly recommend it.

Finally, if you are looking at traveling to Walt Disney World, contact Far Beyond Infinity Travel. They will help you navigate the inns and outs of Walt Disney World. While their services are always free and they will help as much or as little as you’d like. Contact them today at info@farbeyondinfinitytravel.com or visit them online.

What do you think about Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Let us know in the comments below!

[Source: Walt Disney World, DisneyContemporary.com]