Disney's Contemporary Resort

If location is one of your priorities, it's hard to beat this Disney resort, which is right beside the Magic Kingdom, and one of only four resorts on the monorail system (the Bay Lake Tower, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian are the others). The Contemporary offers great views of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon from its west side and Bay Lake on its east. This 15-story concrete A-frame (with a newer garden wing) dates to WDW's infancy, though it's been renovated to bring it into the modern era. Guest rooms were redecorated from top to bottom in 2006, and the resulting improvements brought the resort in line with the others in its class and category. The rooms reflect an upscale Asian/retro look that should appeal to adults (the flatscreen TVs are fabulous, and the color scheme is very appealing); those with kids in tow will appreciate the rounded corners, kid-proof locks on the sliding doors (remember how high up you are here), and breakables placed well above a little one's reach. Public areas were updated and renovated in 2008. Notable changes in recent years include the addition of the Wave of American Flavors, a full-service restaurant; and a high-tech (think touch-screen ordering) quick-service eatery. The pool is far less spectacular than most, though it is large and has a wading pool for toddlers and a small beach area. On the plus side, the rooms can fit up to five people instead of the usual four (though space will be tight). Kid-friendly facilities include a playground with a good-size sandbox and a pretty decent arcade (now located on the main concourse). The best views are from the upper floors of the tower (9th floor and up), where the rooms are a tad quieter than those on the lower floors, which are exposed to noisy public areas and the monorail (which runs right through the hotel). Come here for dinner at Chef Mickey's or the California Grill, but if you have only very young kids, you may be better off checking into accommodations elsewhere.

Note: The Bay Lake Tower, the newest member of the Disney Vacation Club resorts and sibling to the Contemporary, opened in 2009. One-, two-, and three-bedroom villas (the largest with room for up to 12) feature full kitchens, washers and dryers, and unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom. Connected by sky bridge to the existing resort (with its restaurants, shops, and the monorail), the Bay Lake Tower sports a swanky rooftop lounge, a viewing deck (think fireworks), and lakeside pool and water play area. Spacious public areas, modern artwork, trendy suite-style rooms, and an innovative contemporary design add up to Disney chic from top to bottom. Studios run $395 to $655, villas $490 to $2,550.

Note: Just at this guide was being written, Disney announced that rooms on the Contemporary Resort's 14th floor would soon be refit to follow a "health and wellness" theme. In-room amenities will include bamboo floors, low-allergen pillows, specially wrapped mattresses, 100% cotton linens, exercise equipment, and massage tables, while bathrooms will boast tea-tree oils and rainwater showers. Guests will have access to special menus offering organically grown and seasonal foods, and yoga classes (at private studios) and spa treatments at the wellness studio are in the works (at a date yet to be released).

Facilities:
3 restaurants; grill; 4 lounges; babysitting; concierge; concierge-level rooms; golf course (nearby); small health club and spa; Jacuzzi; 2 outdoor heated pools; kids' pool; watersports equipment/rentals; WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee; limited Wi-Fi (fee)

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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