Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort vs Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Photo: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Moderate 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

Caribbean Beach

Moderate

Contemporary

Deluxe

Area

Caribbean Beach

Epcot Resort Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Transportation

Caribbean Beach

Skyliner, Bus

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Caribbean Beach

2 restaurants

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Caribbean Beach

3 locations

Contemporary

6 locations

Pool Amenities

Caribbean Beach

Pool, Water Slide, Quiet Pool

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Caribbean Beach

No

Contemporary

Yes

Top Highlight

Caribbean Beach

Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Overview

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

A moderate resort spread around Barefoot Bay with island villages, Skyliner access, and easy connections to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

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 Caribbean Beach Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • shipwreck play area
  • Playground
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail (1.4-mile promenade around Barefoot Bay)
  • Water Slide
  • Quiet Pool
  • Marina
  • Fishing around Barefoot Bay
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Spa

Rooms

  • Club Level

Other

  • calypso trading post
  • Laundry Facilities

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 Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Skyliner

    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 Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • Moderate price tier with colorful Caribbean theming
  • Large resort with a central Old Port Royale hub
  • Close to Art of Animation and Pop Century via Skyliner
  • Refurbished rooms are a significant improvement

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 Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Very spread-out layout makes walking distances from rooms very long
  • Dining options are limited and not highly regarded by guests
  • Bus-only access to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
  • Lost much of its lush tropical vibe after recent reimagining
  • Some room buildings are far from the main hub and bus stops

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 Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Banana Cabana

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Centertown Market

    Quick Service

    Latin, American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Centertown Market Grab & Go

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Sebastian's Bistro

    Table Service

    Latin

    dinner

    View menu

  • Spyglass Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    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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