Disney's Contemporary Resort Tour & Comparison - Contemporary vs. Polynesian
Intro
Full walkthrough of Disney's Contemporary Resort (including Bay Lake Tower), filmed July 1, 2026, ahead of the 4th of July weekend. The video builds toward a final verdict: Contemporary vs. Polynesian — which is the better overall resort?
Bay Lake Tower
- Entrance features distinctive art and a notably nostalgic scent
- Check-in available on either side of the main entrance
- Back pool area described as open and spacious; not too crowded since most guests were in the parks
- Standard rooms tend to be cheaper since they don't face Magic Kingdom
- Overall vibe: classic, clean Disney resort — quiet, though not as quiet as Port Orleans or Old Key West
- Biggest advantage: direct walking access to Magic Kingdom — no monorail or ferry required
- Cove area nearby offers adult drinks, food, and grab-and-go options
- Barbecue picnic area near Seven Seas Lagoon (utensils available at Community Hall)
- Bocce ball court available — a rarer amenity at Disney resorts
- Sky bridge connects Bay Lake Tower to the main Contemporary building
Nearby Upcoming Resort: Lakeshore Lodge (Opening Summer 2027)
Visible from parts of Bay Lake Tower. Planned features include:
- Hidden lazy river ("Daydream River")
- Lakeside Lagoon — large zero-entry pool with spiral water slide
- Perspective Pond — quieter leisure pool
- Pocahontas-themed play area
- Dining inspired by The Princess and the Frog
- Nature-inspired evening storytelling
- Secluded location expected to enhance the immersive "Disney magic" feel
The Contemporary Resort — Main Building
General Feel
- One of the more spacious resorts for walking — rarely feels crowded
- Exterior/facade could use a refresh (paint, structural touch-up)
- Interior lobby areas feel modern with abstract/contemporary art
Pool Area — Sandbar / Lakeside Landing
- Standard slide, described as unremarkable
- Small splash area for kids
- Food options: all-beef hot dog ($11.79), Cuban sandwich, chicken bacon ranch sandwich, Impossible Burger, fries, pasta salad
- Beer options: Budweiser, Michelob, Angry Orchard, High Noon
- Classic Mickey ice cream available
- Additional recreation: cabanas, movie under the stars, fishing, pontoon boat cruises, Olympiad Fitness Center, running trail, Community Hall
Dining
- Steakhouse 71 — main sit-down restaurant; dining room was described as underwhelming in appearance ("looked like a fast food restaurant") on first visit, though food quality is reportedly good
- Contempo Cafe — quick grab-and-go; menu items ($12–14) include artisanal burger, bacon cheddar sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, roast beef, roast turkey patty melt
- California Grill — signature restaurant, buffet-style, ~$100/person, panoramic Magic Kingdom views
- Chef Mickey's and Outer Rim also located on the 4th floor
Coffee — Joffrey's
- Popular with the Disney community; rated a solid 8/10 by the reviewer
- Smoother and less bitter than recent Starbucks experiences
Shopping
- BVG gift store: general merchandise plus some resort-specific items (t-shirts, Mickey sweaters, tote bags, ear bands ~$36.99, apparel)
- Second gift store featured a large wall of character plushies (Stitch, Olaf, Sully, Simba, Sven, etc.) and Toy Story 5 merchandise
Arcade (Game Station)
- Noted as one of the better Disney resort arcades — better than Boardwalk's
- Highlights: Avengers and Toy Story pinball machines, Top Gun Flight School, air hockey, basketball games, Nerf Arcade, classic Atari Asteroids and Missile Command, Guitar Hero
- Pricing: $5 for 250 points, $10 for 600 points, etc.
Convention Center
- Very large compared to Boardwalk or Yacht Club's convention spaces
- Hosts mostly insurance, medical, and some tech conventions
- Reviewer tip: a quiet, air-conditioned escape for parents wanting a few minutes alone after kids are in bed
Parking
- Valet and self-parking available
- No charge for self-parking at the Contemporary
Reviewer's Notable Aside
A brief comment expressing concern about young children/toddlers playing unsupervised on room balconies.
Head-to-Head: Contemporary vs. Polynesian
Comparison based on the reviewer's own observations plus feedback gathered from guests over time (via past rideshare conversations).
| Category | Winner | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Logistics | Contemporary | Direct ~5-minute walk to Magic Kingdom vs. monorail/bus/Uber needed from Polynesian |
| Food | Polynesian | Home to Ohana and Dole Whip — widely regarded as some of the most popular dining on Disney property |
| Pool/Amenities | Polynesian | Better kids' splash area and pool; Contemporary's pools felt dated |
| Recreation | Polynesian | Strong Polynesian/island theming; Movie Under the Stars area offers a notable view of Magic Kingdom castle |
| Rooms | Contemporary | Standard Polynesian rooms received more guest complaints about feeling dated; Contemporary rooms consistently described as clean and well-kept |
| Overall Feel/Disney Magic | Polynesian | Stronger immersive theming throughout — described as genuinely transporting guests to a Hawaiian/Pacific island resort feel |
Final Score: Polynesian 5 — Contemporary 2
Verdict: The Polynesian wins by a clear margin, primarily due to food, amenities, and overall immersive feel. The Contemporary remains a strong, clean, functional deluxe resort, but is considered comparatively "plain." (Note: reviewer previously gave a similar edge to Yacht Club over Beach Club in an earlier comparison video.)
Not yet ranked: The reviewer has not placed the Contemporary in their personal top 5 Disney resorts, which currently includes Yacht Club and Fort Wilderness Lodge (with Wilderness Lodge/Campgrounds grouped together).