10 Secrets Most People Don’t Know About Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary resort is a deluxe resort, and was one of the two original resorts at Disney World. Most people know that the Contemporary is within walking distance to Magic Kingdom, that the monorail glides right through the resort, and it’s home to Chef Mickey’s. But here are 10 secrets that most people don’t know about Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

10. The Butterfly Garden

If you head behind the resort, next to the metal Mickey ear structure, there is a little butterfly garden. You’ll see plants, flowers, butterflies of course, and some information is also provided about the life cycle of a butterfly. It’s a nice little hidden gem in the Contemporary.

9. Water Recreation

Being so close to Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon, there are a ton of water activities to partake in when staying at the Contemporary. Many of these recreational activities do come with an extra charge though, so it’s good to plan ahead a bit. You can arrange to go tubing on Bay Lake, there are motorized boat rentals, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing! We can’t think of a better place to go parasailing than at Disney with Magic Kingdom and the resorts in the background.

8. Resort Campfires

Despite being known for it’s modern flair, the Contemporary does offer some good old traditional fun in the form of campfires! As the sun goes down, gather round the campfire with your family and roast marshmallows. It’s a nice, relaxing way to end your day.

7. Mary Blair Mural

The Mary Blair mural located in the resort is so colorful and big that it’s not much of a secret, but not everyone knows just what the artist behind the mural contributed to Disney. Blair created concept art for Disney classics such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, to name just a few of the films and projects she worked on. She also contributed heavily to ‘it’s a small world’. So next time you admire the mural, know that it was created by an amazingly talented Disney Legend.

6. Take a Boat to Wilderness Lodge

At the marina you can hop aboard a boat and sail over to Wilderness Lodge. The Hoop Dee Doo Revue is a great dining experience, and this is the best way to head over there from the Contemporary. It’s also just a fun way to travel and check out some of the other resorts and what they have to offer in way of dining, and theming.

5. Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage

If you’re a fan of pirates and fireworks, this specialty cruise is for you. This cruise is open to all guests, but does disembark from the Contemporary. It provides snacks and beverages, like Pirate Punch, before you set sail on this pirate themed cruise which includes singing, stories, trivia and of course a spectacular view of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

4. Cabana Rentals

If spending time lounging in luxury by the pool sounds like heaven to you, then consider renting a cabana at the Contemporary. They can be rented for a half-day, full day or the evening. They have lounge chairs, a television with cable access, and even a mini fridge. These cabanas offer guests a way to relax with all you need at your fingertips.

3. Electrical Water Pageant Viewing

The Electrical Water Pageant is a classic Disney attraction, but one often missed because people are in the parks. The Contemporary offers some great viewing spots of the brightly lit water floats that glide across Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. The pageant typically begins shortly after the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, and tends to pass by the Contemporary just after 10pm, but it’s best to check with the front desk if this is something you don’t want to miss.

2. Tennis Courts

If you like to stay active during your vacation, there are tennis courts at the Contemporary. The courts are available to resort guests, and tend to be open from approximately 8am until 10pm. Racquets and balls are also made available, so no need to bring your own, though you will need to bring proper tennis attire. Private lessons are even offered, but the courts are open to those of any level.

1. Cupcakes at The Contempo Café

The Contempo Café is a quick service dining location in the Contemporary and they have some of the best cupcakes around. The cupcake flavors are always changing so make sure you stop to see what creative and decadent cupcakes they’re featuring. In the past they have had such flavors as Hot Chocolate, Churro, Pumpkin Spice and Root Beer Float, among many others. So don’t just pass by this amazing dining spot, stop and see what cupcake concoctions they’re serving!