Disney's Contemporary Resort vs Walt Disney World Dolphin

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Photo: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Walt Disney World Dolphin

Photo: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Contemporary

Deluxe

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Deluxe

Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Walt Disney World Dolphin

7 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Contemporary

6 locations

Walt Disney World Dolphin

3 locations

Pool Amenities

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Contemporary

Yes

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Yes

Top Highlight

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's 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.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

A large Marriott-operated convention resort on Crescent Lake with Disney benefits and direct access to the Epcot-area walkway network.

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Jogging Trail
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Camp Dolphin for children ages 4-12 from 5pm to midnight with themed activities, video games, arts and crafts
  • Swan paddleboat rentals on the white sand beach

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Rooms

  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Child Care
  • Business Center
  • Boat launch courtyard between Swan and Dolphin; Friendship launches to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
  • Gift Shop

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, 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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Can be booked with Marriott/SPG hotel points for potentially free nights
  • Crescent Lake location with boat service and BoardWalk access
  • Shula's Steakhouse and Il Mulino are top-tier dining options on property
  • Often cheaper than equivalent Disney-owned Deluxe resorts

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Not a Disney-owned resort, so no Early Entry or advance booking perks
  • Resort and parking fees are high in addition to the nightly rate
  • Dated exterior design with the iconic dolphin statues divides opinion
  • Rooms were historically smaller and less updated than Disney Deluxes
  • Bus service to non-walkable parks is less reliable than Disney buses

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Bourbon Steak - A Michael Mina Restaurant

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    dinner

    View menu

  • Bourbon Steak Lounge

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    snack

    View menu

  • Cabana Bar and Beach Club

    Table Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Fuel

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Phins

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano

    Table Service

    Mexican

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano Lounge

    Quick Service

    Mexican

    snack

    View menu

  • The Fountain

    Table Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo

    Table Service

    Seafood

    dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo Lounge

    Quick Service

    Seafood

    snack

    View menu

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