Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the classic, monorail, as close to Magic Kingdom as you can get Disney resort. When guests think of Walt Disney World, this is often the first resort that comes to mind. Alongside of it, is the newest addition, Bay Lake Tower.
What makes these resorts unique, yet similar? I am excited to share some tips with you today for your stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower.
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Where is Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower located?
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the classic, A-frame, modern looking building right next to Magic Kingdom. Off to the side, is Bay Lake Tower. They are connected via a walkway, and offer guests the absolute best proximity to Magic Kingdom. You can even see guests walking down Main Street USA from a Theme Park View room. You are THAT close!
Who would enjoy Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Bay Lake Tower?
Guests who want to be right next to Magic Kingdom would love the location of this resort. It has Disney touches throughout, yet it is very modern. If you are looking for some, but not at all over the top, Disney theming, the Contemporary is a good choice.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is also a good location if you want a Theme Park View Room. All of the monorail resorts offer this room category, but the Contemporary is most “worth it” in my opinion. The views of Magic Kingdom are absolutely stunning.
Guests who need more room and want the amenities of a villa would want to book Bay Lake Tower. This is the building to the side of the Contemporary, and these rooms offer the villa and studio set ups. Bay Lake Tower is the Disney Vacation Club area of the resort. Guests can book these on cash, and you do not have to be a DVC member to stay here.
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Both of these resorts offer the proximity to Magic Kingdom that is convenient and fantastic when you have young children. Many guests with young ones spend a lot of time at Magic Kingdom, and going back for an afternoon break is so easy. Also, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower put you in easy proximity to three other resorts to access dining options.
Dining Options at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Being a Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resort, there are dining options for all budgets. Guests of Bay Lake Tower will want to pop over to The Contemporary to find most of their food options. There’s a casual food court option, several full service restaurants, Character Dining, and several bars, lounges and cafes shared between the two resorts.
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Contempo Café is the grab-and-go, Quick Service option for these two resorts. Located a few steps away from the monorail concourse, Contempo Café offers a large variety of budget friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes including sandwiches, salads, and burgers. There are plant-based menu items as well here. Check out Contempo Café’s menu here and the reviews here.
California Grill is located at the very top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and is perfect for a grown up night out, or a special occasion. This full service restaurant not only offers a stellar dinner menu of unique food and wine inspired by the Golden State, but also amazing views of the Magic Kingdom. Check out California Grill’s menu here and the reviews here.
Top of the World Lounge is at Bay Lake Tower, and offers similar views as well as an observation deck for guests to view fireworks if they are scheduled at the Magic Kingdom. Guests of California Grill can also view from here, if they show their receipt from dinner. Top of the World Lounge is only available to DVC members. Learn more about Top of the World Lounge here and read the reviews here.
The Wave, a hidden gem amongst Disney restaurants, is located in the main lobby of the Contemporary and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by regional ingredients. The breakfast here is outstanding! Check out The Wave’s menu here and the reviews here.
Chef Mickey’s normally offers an all-you-can-eat family style breakfast and dinner with your favorite characters. Currently they’re serving breakfast only. The monorail swooshing over head, and a wave from Mickey Mouse make this a classic, must do dining experience! Check out Chef Mickey’s menu here and the reviews here.
Pools and Other Amenities at Bay Lake Tower and Contemporary Resort
Guests of these resorts are well taken care of! Each resort has several pools – a feature pool and quiet pools. Please note that guests of the Contemporary cannot access the Bay Lake Tower pool, but guests of Bay Lake Tower CAN access the pool at the Contemporary. Each features a water slide, splash area, and a pool bar.
Bay Lake Tower offers a recreational hall for guests. This area, similar to other DVC resorts, has a lot to offer guests. Board games, ping pong tables, DVD rentals, foosball tables, and more. Guests of both these resorts can rent pool cabanas, fishing boats, and even see the Electric Water Pageant!
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Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Not only do you have the recreation amenities, but also the rooms are great. Disney’s Contemporary Resort has the largest rooms of all the Disney deluxe resorts. They are equipped with two queens and a sofa bed to sleep up to 5 guests.
The Contemporary also features a “Garden Wing”, a smaller building adjacent to the main tower that has rooms as well. Guests can book this area specifically if they do not want to be in the main tower. This area is very quiet, and is great if you want to be on the monorail but you want to pay a decent price!
The Contemporary typically prices lower than the other two monorail resorts, and the Garden Wing rooms are even less. The rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are undergoing refurbishment, so look for more details on that!
Disney’s Bay Lake Tower offers studios, one bedroom, and two bedroom villas. These are a home away from home. These offer anything from a kitchenette in the studios to a fully equipped kitchen with a washer and dryer in the villas. These are great for larger families, or those who want more amenities than just a room with beds and a bathroom.
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Transportation Options at Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Obviously, guests choose Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary for access to the monorail. The monorail takes you to the surrounding resorts, as well as EPCOT most of the time. Currently the EPCOT monorail loop is closed. You can walk or monorail to Magic Kingdom. To access Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT (currently) guests will take a Disney motorcoach.
Overall, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower offer everything a classic Disney fan would love. The ambiance and nostalgia of these resorts put you right in the middle of the magic. You cannot get any closer to Magic Kingdom – unless you camped out on Main Street USA. With fantastic dining options, pools, and rooms, you will enjoy your stay at this classic Disney resort.
