The hotel we now know as Disney’s Contemporary Resort was originally opened in 1971, and a lot has changed over the decades. The Contemporary is one of two original hotels on Disney World property; the other is Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It’s located between Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon and is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom.
The hotel is also on the monorail loop for easy access to both Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and it’s considered a deluxe resort. The Contemporary was once considered the frontrunner of Disney World Resorts. That title now belongs to the Grand Floridian, according to most Disney experts. Richard Nixon delivered his infamous “I am not a crook” speech from the Contemporary, and the hotel has seen lots of other interesting events over the years.
1. It was almost called the Tempo Bay Hotel
Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened as the Contemporary Resort Hotel. Before that, however, Disney was going to name it the Tempo Bay Hotel. The problem was, everyone had gotten used to calling the resort by its working title, the Contemporary Hotel. When Roy Disney heard that the official name was the Tempo Bay Hotel, he said it was “phony” and that the simpler name was better.
The original idea for the Contemporary was much like Walt’s idea for Epcot. In fact, Disney adapted the building design idea for the Contemporary from a model that was originally going to be a shopping center in Epcot. The original design was to be the center of Epcot, complete with a monorail going directly through its center.
When the Contemporary was built, a unique design idea was used. Steel frames were constructed by U.S. Steel. The rooms were created off-site and lifted by crane to fit into the frames. This wasn’t a completely smooth process. The idea was to build the rooms and the frame at the same time, which would save Disney time and money. Unfortunately, fitting the rooms into the structure wasn’t quite as easy as they expected and costs were much higher than anticipated. US Steel’s dreams of using the resort as a proof-of-concept for its new modular construction techniques were dashed, and Disney took full control of the hotel.
2. It has been home to a number of high-end restaurants over the years
Which brings us to the next thing that’s changed at the Contemporary over the years—the food. This resort has seen its fair share of restaurants, both quick service and table service.
Top of the World was once the most popular Contemporary Resort restaurant. This Supper Club-style restaurant was located on the 15th floor of the resort. It served Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner and hosted a popular show each night. This show was called “Broadway at the Top,” and it featured various Vegas-style performers. The most popular dish at the restaurant was perhaps the “Make Your Own” Strawberry Shortcake, which was served during Sunday brunch.
Sadly, the restaurant was removed in 1993, but it was replaced by The California Grill, another popular Disney restaurant. You could see the fireworks from the rooftop access at Top of the World, and The California Grill retains that aspect of the dining experience. The California Grill is a fine dining establishment and serves a seasonal menu that features many market varieties. It’s better-suited for adults, much like the Top of the World, but children are allowed to eat here.
The Concourse Steakhouse opened in the Grand Canyon Concourse of the Contemporary in 1994. It was the main restaurant at the hotel when it opened and breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all served. You could watch the monorail as you dined, and many guests raved about the steak served here. In 2008, the Concourse Steakhouse was removed, and the Contempo Café, a quick service restaurant, was added in its place.
3. It used to feature a movie theater, giant arcade, and 24-hour snack bar
The Fiesta Fun Center was an area on the first floor that was dedicated to a quick service eatery and giant arcade, complete with movie theater. This space was originally a convention area, but the need for late night entertainment for kids was more important at that time. Children (and adults) could play arcade games, watch classic Disney movies on the screen, and have their portrait sketched by a caricaturist who was sometimes available. There was also a snack bar that was open 24 hours for all those late night cravings.
As the Disney parks started staying open later and more entertainment options became available for families around Disney World, the need for an arcade and theater lessened. The Fiesta Fun Center was gradually scaled back into a regular arcade, which was finally replaced by a new restaurant, The Wave…of American Flavors.
Image: Disney
This casual, full service restaurant offers healthy alternatives to traditional Disney World food. It also has a bar area and signature cocktails. The resort’s arcade is now called The Game Room and is located on the 4th floor with the gift shops. It’s still large, but it doesn’t quite rival the old Fiesta Fun Center that children of the 70s and 80s knew and loved.
4. The North Garden Wing was upgraded into what is now Bay Lake Tower
The original Contemporary Resort had three main buildings—the Tower, the North Garden Wing, and the South Garden Wing. The Tower housed the shops, restaurants, lobby, and monorail area. Guests could stay in any of the three buildings, and the Tower was arguably the most popular choice.
However, many guests preferred one of the two Garden Wings because of price and a longing for quiet. (The Tower rooms could be quite noisy with all the activity in the area.) In 2007, Disney decided to convert the North Garden Wing to a special building for Disney Vacation Club rentals only. It opened in 2009 as Bay Lake Tower.
This new area was a big step up from the rather basic North Garden Wing that preceded it. There’s a walkway that connects Bay Lake Tower to the Grand Canyon Concourse of the main Tower. Bay Lake Tower shares most of its services with the rest of the Contemporary, including the front desk area, bell services, and transportation options. However, it does have its own concierge and check-in desk for DVC guests.
The rooms in Bay Lake Tower are a bit unique because they’re shaped like wedges, due to the design of the building. Guests who stay in Bay Lake Tower have their own pool with a spiral waterslide. Neon lights and glass bricks adorn the area, and a separate water play area and pool bar are also available.
The Top of the World Lounge was recreated atop Bay Lake Tower, but only DVC members are allowed entrance after 5 p.m., so regular guests won’t be able to watch the fireworks show here. Bay Lake Tower guests are allowed to use the services at the main Contemporary Resort, but Contemporary guests aren’t allowed at Bay Lake Tower facilities.
Some rooms at Bay Lake Tower feature stunning views of the fireworks via full-length windows. A few rooms were even designed so guests could watch the display from the comfort of the room’s bathtub. How’s that for a unique feature?
Overall, the changes at the Contemporary Resort have been positively received, with maybe one or two exceptions. Guests who have stayed here many times over the years will always have fond memories of the past, and there will almost certainly be more changes to come in the future.
