Few resorts scream the unforgettable magic of Walt Disney World like Disney’s Contemporary Resort. One of Walt Disney World’s original resort hotels, Disney’s Contemporary Resort first opened in 1971; and since then has remained one of the most popular deluxe resort hotels on property — undergoing extensive renovations from 2006-2009 that also saw the addition of Bay Lake Tower.

The main lobby, located on the first floor, has a contemporary design to it, just like the name of the resort. It also has The Wave, a restaurant offering fantastic dining options; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and à la carte menus. The lobby also opens to a pool area with a vast pool, slides, and a sand bar which offers a delightful array of specialty alcoholic beverages.

The second floor hosts the conference centers, ballrooms, and gathering spaces. On this floor, you can find doors leading to Bay Lake. Opposite of that is the room that previously held The Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage. Also nearby is the check-in desk for the California Grill, a deluxe table-service restaurant that features breathtaking views overlooking the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. The California grill views are to die for — perfect for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons and other special occasions.

All your troubles and worries about what to eat vanish when you get to the fourth floor — it’s the dining hub of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Restaurants like Chef Mickey’s (where you can meet the Fab Five over Mickey waffles), Contempo Café (where you can get your quick-service fix), and the Outer Rim (where you can grab a quick beverage) offer a variety of choices for even the pickiest person in your family. You can also find a variety of shopping locations here too — such at the Fantasia Store for kids, the B.V.G for adults, and the Fantasia Market for that tooth brush you forgot to pack. This floor also houses the famed monorail station of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll pass through a temperature check and security entrance before boarding. Outside, this floor has a spectacular view of Bay Lake Tower, Magic Kingdom, and the monorail loop.

While the majority of the rooms in Disney’s Contemporary Resort feature to queen-size beds, there are a handful of king-sized rooms. Recently, a large portion of the rooms have been blocked off for an extensive remodel once again — this time to be re-themed to Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles. Don’t forget to check out Mary Blaire’s artwork that is featured on the prominent wall inside the Contemporary Resort while going to your room. Mary Blaire was one of Disney’s original imagineers who was responsible for the look and feel of It’s A Small World!