Disney's Beach Club Resort vs Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Beach Club Resort

Photo: Disney's Beach Club Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Disney's Contemporary Resort

Photo: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Beach Club

Deluxe

Contemporary

Deluxe

Area

Beach Club

Epcot Resort Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Transportation

Beach Club

Boat, Walk, Bus

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Beach Club

2 restaurants

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Beach Club

2 locations

Contemporary

6 locations

Pool Amenities

Beach Club

Water Slide, Pool, Quiet Pool, Hot Tub, ShipWreck slide on pirate ship (Stormalong Bay)

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Beach Club

Yes

Contemporary

Yes

Top Highlight

Beach Club

Stormalong Bay is widely considered the best resort pool at Disney World

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Overview

Disney's Beach Club Resort

A New England beach-themed deluxe resort beside Crescent Lake with direct access to the shared Stormalong Bay pool complex.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

A flagship monorail resort next to Magic Kingdom, recognized for its A-frame tower and quick walk to the park gates.

Amenities

Disney's Beach Club Resort

Recreation

  • stormalong bay—a 3-acre water wonderland
  • Water Slide
  • catch currents on an inner tube in the lazy river
  • Pool
  • Quiet Pool
  • Marina
  • Playground
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail
  • Tennis Courts
  • Hot Tub
  • ShipWreck slide on pirate ship (Stormalong Bay)
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Ship Shape Health Club (steam room, sauna, massage therapy, Nautilus/Hammer Strength/aerobics)
  • Spa

Rooms

  • rooms and suites with club-level service

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Playground
  • Quiet Pool
  • seven seas lagoon — enjoy fishing, boating and more
  • Marina
  • Children's water play area
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail
  • Tennis Courts
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Fitness Center

Rooms

  • rooms and suites with club-level service
  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities

Transportation

Disney's Beach Club Resort

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Walk

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Boat

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Beach Club Resort

  • Stormalong Bay is widely considered the best resort pool at Disney World
  • Walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via International Gateway
  • Strong table service dining options on site and nearby at BoardWalk
  • Charming New England seaside theming
  • Easy access to multiple resorts in the Crescent Lake area

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom
  • Walking distance to Magic Kingdom, closest hotel to the park
  • Top-tier dining including California Grill atop the resort
  • Iconic A-frame architecture and clean modern design
  • Bay Lake Tower offers direct walkway connection

Cons

Disney's Beach Club Resort

  • One of the more expensive Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World
  • Smaller rooms compared to other Deluxe resorts at similar prices
  • No monorail access, requires walking, boat, or bus to Magic Kingdom
  • Standard rooms can feel dated relative to recently renovated resorts
  • Pool area can get very crowded during peak season

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • One of the most expensive resorts at Walt Disney World
  • Modern design lacks the immersive theming of other Deluxe resorts
  • Standard rooms can feel dated compared to newer renovations
  • Far from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, bus ride required
  • Monorail loop congestion can cause delays during peak times

On-Site Dining

Disney's Beach Club Resort

  • Beach Club Marketplace

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

    Table Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Cape May Cafe

    Table Service

    American, Seafood

    breakfast · dinner

    View menu

  • Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar and Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch

    View menu

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • California Grill

    Table Service

    American, Seafood, Sushi

    dinner

    View menu

  • Chef Mickey's

    Table Service

    American

    breakfast · dinner

    View menu

  • Contempo Café

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Contemporary Grounds

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    dinner

    View menu

  • Cove Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Outer Rim

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Steakhouse 71

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Steakhouse 71 Lounge

    Quick Service

    Steakhouse, American

    snack

    View menu

  • Steakhouse 71 To Go

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Sand Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

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