Disney's Contemporary Resort vs Disney's Pop Century Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Photo: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Disney's Pop Century Resort

Photo: Lester Shalloway
Value ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Contemporary

Deluxe

Pop Century

Value

Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Pop Century

ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Transportation

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Pop Century

Skyliner, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Pop Century

None

Quick-Service Dining

Contemporary

6 locations

Pop Century

2 locations

Pool Amenities

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Pop Century

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Contemporary

Yes

Pop Century

No

Top Highlight

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Pop Century

Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Overview

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 Pop Century Resort

A large value resort celebrating late-20th-century pop culture, with Skyliner access shared across Hourglass Lake from Art of Animation.

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 Pop Century Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Playground
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail (1.3 miles around Hourglass Lake)

Other

  • Laundry Facilities

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 Pop Century Resort

  • Skyliner

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • 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 Pop Century Resort

  • Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • Best-value resort among the Value tier with superior amenities
  • Refurbished rooms with fold-down table bed and modern design
  • Does not share bus service, one of the best bus experiences at Value tier
  • Fun decades-themed theming from the 50s through the 90s

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 Pop Century Resort

  • Standard rooms are small at 260 square feet
  • No family suites, only standard double-queen or single-king rooms
  • Skyliner can have long waits during peak park opening and closing times
  • Theming can feel less immersive than Art of Animation next door
  • No table service restaurant on property

On-Site Dining

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

Disney's Pop Century Resort

  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Petals Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

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