Disney's Contemporary Resort

LUXURY September-November, January-February MCO - Orlando International Airport US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category LUXURY $400-700 per person
Perfect For
Luxury Family Romantic All Inclusive
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
10.0/10
Romance
7.0/10
Adventure
8.0/10
Relaxation
8.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
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Best Months to Visit
September-November, January-February
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December, March-April, June-August | Shoulder: January-February, September-November
Airport
MCO - Orlando International Airport
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Disney's Contemporary Resort

Best months
September-November, January-February
Peak season
December, March-April, June-August
Shoulder season
January-February, September-November
Off season
Mid-January through early March
Hurricane season
June-November

Disney's Contemporary Resort quick facts

Main airport
MCO - Orlando International Airport
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$400-700 per person
Budget category
Luxury

Getting around Disney's Contemporary Resort

The resort is connected to Magic Kingdom via monorail running through the hotel lobby, with the station accessible from the fourth floor. Disney provides complimentary bus transportation to other theme parks, Disney Springs, and water parks.

Rental car

A rental car is not necessary as Disney provides comprehensive complimentary transportation throughout the resort property. However, a car can be convenient for off-property dining and shopping.

Public transit

No traditional public transit serves the resort, but Disney's extensive transportation network includes monorails, buses, and boats connecting all Disney destinations.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Disney World with designated pickup areas. Taxi service is also available, though Disney transportation is typically more convenient and cost-effective for Disney destinations.

Local tips for Disney's Contemporary Resort

Insider tips

  • Book California Grill dinner reservations exactly 60 days in advance for the best fireworks viewing tables.
  • The fourth-floor concourse level offers the best monorail photography opportunities and Grand Canyon Concourse shops.
  • Bay Lake Tower rooms often have better Magic Kingdom views than main tower rooms at lower floors.
  • Chef Mickey's character breakfast is extremely popular - book at the 60-day mark or consider the dinner service.
  • The resort's boat transportation to Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge provides scenic alternatives to monorail travel.
  • Contemporary's pools can get crowded during peak times - early morning or late evening visits are more peaceful.
  • The Walking path to Magic Kingdom offers a quieter alternative to the monorail during busy periods.
  • Guests can watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort's beaches and California Grill observation deck.
  • The Electrical Water Pageant passes by the resort nightly around 9:00 PM for a free water show.
  • Room service at Contemporary operates 24/7, unusual for Disney resort properties.

What to pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes for theme parks
  • Swimwear and pool coverups
  • Light layers for air conditioning transitions
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Portable phone charger and Disney app
  • Casual resort wear for dining
  • Light rain jacket or poncho
  • Camera for monorail and fireworks photos
  • Formal attire for California Grill dinner
  • Comfortable day pack for park visits

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Disney's Contemporary Resort

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival and Resort Exploration
Morning: Check into your Contemporary Resort room and explore the Grand Canyon Concourse shops and monorail station. Take photos of the iconic A-frame architecture and monorail passing through.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Contempo Cafe and spend time at the resort pools, including the slide pool and quiet pools. Walk the trail around Bay Lake for scenic views.
Evening: Dine at Chef Mickey's for character dinner, then watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the resort beach around 9 PM.
Day 2 — Magic Kingdom Adventure
Morning: Take the monorail to Magic Kingdom for rope drop and early touring with Early Theme Park Entry benefits. Focus on popular attractions with shorter morning wait times.
Afternoon: Return to the resort for lunch and pool time during the hottest part of the day. The short monorail ride makes mid-day breaks very convenient.
Evening: Return to Magic Kingdom for parades, evening attractions, and fireworks. Watch the fireworks from inside the park or from the Contemporary's California Grill.
Day 3 — Resort Relaxation and Fine Dining
Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Wave restaurant. Spend the morning relaxing by the pool or renting watercraft at the marina.
Afternoon: Take Disney transportation to explore Disney Springs for shopping and entertainment. Experience the variety of dining and retail options available.
Evening: Return for dinner at California Grill with spectacular views and contemporary American cuisine. Request a fireworks table to watch Magic Kingdom's nighttime spectacular from the restaurant.
Day 4 — Other Parks Exploration
Morning: Take Disney bus transportation to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios for a different park experience. Utilize Early Theme Park Entry benefits.
Afternoon: Continue exploring your chosen park, enjoying attractions and dining unique to that location. Take advantage of the full Disney experience beyond Magic Kingdom.
Evening: Return to Contemporary for a final evening, perhaps enjoying drinks at the Top of the World Lounge or a peaceful walk around Bay Lake before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Disney's Contemporary Resort

The best time to visit Disney's Contemporary Resort is September-November, January-February. Peak season runs December, March-April, June-August, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (January-February, September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Disney's Contemporary Resort is $400-700 per person per person. Disney's Contemporary Resort is generally considered a luxury destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Disney's Contemporary Resort, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Disney's Contemporary Resort is MCO - Orlando International Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Disney's Contemporary Resort include: Comfortable walking shoes for theme parks, Swimwear and pool coverups, Light layers for air conditioning transitions, Sun hat and sunglasses, Portable phone charger and Disney app, Casual resort wear for dining, Light rain jacket or poncho, Camera for monorail and fireworks photos. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Disney's Contemporary Resort: Book California Grill dinner reservations exactly 60 days in advance for the best fireworks viewing tables.. The fourth-floor concourse level offers the best monorail photography opportunities and Grand Canyon Concourse shops.. Bay Lake Tower rooms often have better Magic Kingdom views than main tower rooms at lower floors.. Chef Mickey's character breakfast is extremely popular - book at the 60-day mark or consider the dinner service.. The resort's boat transportation to Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge provides scenic alternatives to monorail travel..