Disney's Contemporary Resort vs Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Photo: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Photo: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
At a Glance
| Contemporary | Grand Floridian | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Deluxe | Deluxe |
| Area | Magic Kingdom Resort Area | Magic Kingdom Resort Area |
| Transportation | Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus | Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus |
| Table-Service Dining | 4 restaurants | 8 restaurants |
| Quick-Service Dining | 6 locations | 6 locations |
| Pool Amenities | Pool, Quiet Pool | Pool, Quiet Pool |
| Extended Evening Hours | Yes | Yes |
| Top Highlight | Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom | Monorail access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT |
Tier
Contemporary
DeluxeGrand Floridian
DeluxeArea
Contemporary
Magic Kingdom Resort AreaGrand Floridian
Magic Kingdom Resort AreaTransportation
Contemporary
Monorail, Walk, Boat, BusGrand Floridian
Monorail, Walk, Boat, BusTable-Service Dining
Contemporary
4 restaurantsGrand Floridian
8 restaurantsQuick-Service Dining
Contemporary
6 locationsGrand Floridian
6 locationsPool Amenities
Contemporary
Pool, Quiet PoolGrand Floridian
Pool, Quiet PoolExtended Evening Hours
Contemporary
YesGrand Floridian
YesTop Highlight
Contemporary
Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic KingdomGrand Floridian
Monorail access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOTOverview
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.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Victorian flagship resort on Seven Seas Lagoon, positioned on the monorail loop west of Magic Kingdom.
Amenities
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
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Recreation
- Pool
- Quiet Pool
- water play area for little ones
- seven seas lagoon — enjoy fishing, boating and more
- Boat Rental
- Playground
- Running Trail (~1 mile loop)
- Tennis Courts
- Marina
Wellness
- Spa
- haircuts, manicures, pedicures and more
- Fitness Center
Rooms
- rooms and suites with club-level service
- Club Level
Other
- Laundry Facilities
- Business Center
Transportation
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
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
-
Monorail
Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT
-
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 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
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Monorail access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
- Flagship luxury resort with Victorian theming and grand lobby
- Top dining including Victoria and Alberts signature restaurant
- Walking path to Magic Kingdom makes it the second-closest resort
- Multiple pools, spa, marina, and extensive resort amenities
Cons
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
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Most expensive Disney-owned resort at Walt Disney World
- Victorian theming feels formal and can be stiff for young children
- Far from Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom by bus
- Main building can feel crowded with non-guests visiting for dining
- DVC villas are in a separate building from main hotel rooms
On-Site Dining
Disney's Contemporary Resort
-
California Grill
Table ServiceAmerican, Seafood, Sushi
dinner
View menu -
Chef Mickey's
Table ServiceAmerican
breakfast · dinner
View menu -
Contempo Café
Quick ServiceAmerican
breakfast · lunch · dinner
View menu -
Contemporary Grounds
Table ServiceAmerican, Quick Service - Coffee
dinner
View menu -
Cove Bar
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Outer Rim
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Steakhouse 71
Table ServiceAmerican, Steakhouse
breakfast · lunch · dinner
View menu -
Steakhouse 71 Lounge
Quick ServiceSteakhouse, American
snack
View menu -
Steakhouse 71 To Go
Quick ServiceAmerican, Steakhouse
lunch · dinner
View menu -
The Sand Bar
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
-
1900 Park Fare
Table ServiceAmerican
breakfast · dinner
View menu -
Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
Quick ServiceAmerican
lunch
View menu -
Cítricos
Table ServiceAmerican
dinner
View menu -
Cítricos Lounge
Quick ServiceAmerican, Mediterranean
snack
View menu -
Courtyard Pool Bar
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Enchanted Rose
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Gasparilla Island Grill
Quick ServiceAmerican
breakfast · lunch · dinner · snack
View menu -
Grand Floridian Cafe
Table ServiceAmerican
breakfast · lunch · dinner
View menu -
Narcoossee's
Table ServiceAmerican, Seafood
dinner
View menu -
Queen Victoria's Room at Victoria & Albert's
Table Servicedinner
View menu -
The Dining Room at Victoria & Albert's
Table ServiceAmerican, Prix Fixe
dinner
View menu -
The Dining Room at Victoria & Albert’s
Table ServiceAmerican
lunch · dinner
View menu -
The Perch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Victoria & Albert's Chef's Table Dinner
Table Servicedinner
View menu
Community Discussions
Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Contemporary Resort is the best resort on property r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Convince me to stay at the Contemporary... r/WaltDisneyWorld
- People often wonder why the Contemporary Resort is a ... r/WaltDisneyWorld
- The Contemporary Resort : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Grand Floridian experience : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Grand Floridian recs? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Grand Floridian vs Other Deluxe Resorts : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Have any of you regretted splurging for theme park view at ... r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Is it worth the price to stay at Grand Floridian? r/WaltDisneyWorld
Videos
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
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