Disney's Contemporary Resort vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Disney's Contemporary Resort

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

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

At a Glance

Tier

Contemporary

Deluxe

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Deluxe

Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Contemporary

6 locations

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

None

Pool Amenities

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Contemporary

Yes

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Yes

Top Highlight

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex

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 Swan Reserve

The newer tower within the Swan and Dolphin complex, positioned near Crescent Lake and marketed as a more boutique-style Marriott option.

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 Swan Reserve

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; water taxi access to parks

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Other

  • Water taxi dock for park access
  • Resort shops available

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 Swan Reserve

  • 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 Swan Reserve

  • Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex
  • Spacious tower rooms with contemporary design and updated amenities
  • Same Crescent Lake location with walking access to EPCOT
  • Marriott Bonvoy points redemption available
  • Quieter and more upscale feel than the larger Swan and Dolphin hotels

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 Swan Reserve

  • No Disney on-site perks such as Early Entry or booking advantages
  • High resort fees on top of nightly rate increase true cost
  • Smaller pool exclusive to Swan Reserve guests, main pools are at Swan/Dolphin
  • Limited dining within the Swan Reserve itself
  • No direct transportation to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom

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 Swan Reserve

  • Amare

    Table Service

    Mediterranean

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Grounds

    Table Service

    Bakery, American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Stir

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Tangerine

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

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