Photo by Spmartin15 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Disney's Contemporary Resort

The Resort Overview

Disney's Contemporary Resort is instantly recognizable for its A-frame Tower design, through which the Walt Disney World Monorail glides directly into the fourth-floor Grand Canyon Concourse — a feat of engineering that made it a genuine architectural landmark when it opened alongside the Magic Kingdom in 1971. The building's stark, modernist geometry was a deliberate contrast to the era's more traditional resort hotels, and it remains one of the most photographed silhouettes on property.

The centerpiece of the Grand Canyon Concourse is a massive nine-story ceramic tile mural by artist Mary Blair, depicting Southwestern desert wildlife and Native American children in her signature stylized palette — one of the largest pieces of original Disney art anywhere on property. The 15th-floor California Grill offers panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Dining & Amenities

California Grill is an award-winning signature restaurant on the 15th floor known for wood-fired cuisine and unobstructed Magic Kingdom fireworks views. Chef Mickey's is one of the most popular character buffets at Walt Disney World, and Steakhouse 71 offers all-day dining spanning breakfast through dinner.

Recreation centers on the Feature Pool and a full-service marina on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, including specialty cruises timed to the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The resort's walking path to Magic Kingdom makes it one of the most transportation-flexible hotels on property.

Dining at Disney's Contemporary Resort

California Grill American Chef Mickey's American · Character Dining Contempo Café American Contemporary Grounds American Cove Bar American Outer Rim American Steakhouse 71 American The Sand Bar American

Full menus and prices in the Dining Guide.

Booking Strategy

Request a Magic Kingdom-view or Bay Lake-view room in the Tower for fireworks views from your balcony; Garden Wing rooms are cheaper but lose the iconic monorail-hotel feel.
The resort is walkable to Magic Kingdom (roughly 10-15 minutes), a strong pick for guests who want to skip transportation for that park entirely.
Best fit for guests prioritizing Magic Kingdom proximity and modern design over lush theming — not the pick for anyone wanting an immersive, whimsical pool day.
Book California Grill and Chef Mickey's as early as your 60-day window opens — both are among the hardest reservations at Walt Disney World.