The Contemporary is one of three resorts on the monorail route which takes visitors to and from the Magic Kingdom; the Grand Floridian and Polynesian resort are also on the monorail route. The Contemporary, however, is the only resort where the monorail actually runs right through the lobby of the (15-story) resort.
For those who have never seen or visited the Contemporary, it is located literally within walking distance of the main entrance of the Magic Kingdom, but nearly everyone elects to take the short ride on the famous monorail. It sits overlooking the 7 Seas Lagoon and other Disney lakes and provides a great vantage point to take in the nightly Disney fireworks. (Many people view the fireworks from the balconies of the Contemporary.)
When inquiring on a room at the Contemporary be sure to specify where you want your room. There is the 15-story main section and the two, three-story outer wings. The main section (concourse) is where the monorail slices through the building and where the bulk of the rooms as well as shopping and restaurants are located. There is a significant price difference to be located in the main section; it is more expensive in the main section than the outer wings but it is worth it especially if you have children. Children are mesmerized by the monorails and the overall excitement of the main concourse.
There are advantages to staying “inside Disney,” especially at the Contemporary. First, there are often early park entry programs for Disney resort guests only. You are often able to get into parks one hour before the general public – this program is not available at all times. In addition, you don’t have to fight traffic in and out of the park. You also have the ability to take breaks during the middle of the day to go back to your room and swim in the pool and freshen up, before returning for hours of fun at the park, which in the summer can close as late as 11 pm. Speaking of pools, there are two swimming pools at the Contemporary, both of them located outside.
If you want to have fun and don’t want to go to the Magic Kingdom while staying at the Contemporary, that can be accomplished as well! The Contemporary has its own marina where a variety of boats can be rented, from small speed boats to fishing boats to paddle boats. The Disney Racquet Club is located on site so if you want to take tennis lessons or take on your partner in tennis, you can do so during the day or under the lights.
