Disney’s Magic Kingdom Resorts

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Resort area consists of four of the Deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts. These resorts offer guests walking, monorail, or boat access to Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park. Guests can also take the monorail to EPCOT from three of these resorts. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Resorts offer a unique blend of luxury, a great location, and Disney charm. Each with its own distinct personality, these resorts provide an enchanting escape for visitors literally right outside the gates of Magic Kingdom!

Just outside the gates of Magic Kingdom, you will find the 7 Seas Lagoon, sprinkled with Disney’s Magic Kingdom Resorts. Here you will find Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Each of these is unique and beautiful, offering its own unique amenities to guests.

These Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts are also home to Disney Vacation Club villa properties at each. For the purpose of this post, I am considering the resort and its villa properties as the same location in regards to amenities and such things.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the absolute classic of ALL the Walt Disney World Resorts. This Magic Kingdom Disney Resort opened the same day as Magic Kingdom in 1971! Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the famous A-frame structure with the monorail track going right through the middle of the atrium. Guests who want to practically stay inside Magic Kingdom will find the location of this resort ideal!

Bay Lake Tower is adjacent to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This complex was built as a villa / DVC property for guests. It connects to Disney’s Contemporary Resort via a Sky Bridge, and guests of Bay Lake can use the Contemporary amenities, but not vice versa.

Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower

Disney’s Contemporary Resort recently underwent a huge room refurbishment. The standard rooms, both in the Main Tower and the Garden Wing, are themed after the Incredibles. These rooms are AMAZING! Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers rooms that sleep up to five guests in the standard rooms. These consist of two queens and a sofa that converts to a standard size twin bed.

Guest rooms in the Main Tower of the Contemporary are going to offer guests lake view, as well as Theme Park View categories. This area is also more convenient to the dining and transportation options at the resort. The Garden Wing is not connected to the Main Tower. It is a smaller, 3-floor wing outside the main tower. It is VERY easy to access, and having stayed in both the Main Tower and the Garden Wing, you do not feel far from anything in the Garden Wing. The rooms are also standard rooms that sleep up to 5, and are Incredibles themed.

Guests access the Garden Wing via a small walkway. While it may not be the MOST convenient location at the resort, it’s a good option for guests who want to stay at the Contemporary on a budget. Rooms in the Garden Wing are priced lower than those in the Main Tower.

The rooms at Bay Lake are set up as Studios and Villas. This is the DVC property on the Contemporary grounds, and it also offers rooms to cash guests as well. As with ALL the Disney Vacation Club properties, Disney will book non DVC, cash guests, in these rooms. These range from studios to 3-bedroom villas. Guests who book a studio or villa have different amenities than standard rooms. These offer a kitchenette or full kitchen. Another feature is the washer/dryer in the studios and villas. These do not have an Incredibles theme to them. They are more modern decor and amenities.

Recreation at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

As with all of Disney’s Magic Kingdom Resorts, these offer great amenities to guests. Both have a feature pool. However it is important to note that Contemporary guests cannot use the pool at Bay Lake. However, Bay Lake guests CAN use the Contemporary’s pools.

The Contemporary is home to a Mickey shaped feature pool with a water slide. In my opinion, there are better pools on Disney property. It does the job, and is fun and relaxing. The theming of the pool is very understated, but it also fits with the overall elegance and modern theming of the resort itself. The feature pool has a 17-foot high water slide, and if you are in the Garden Wing, you have the best and easiest access to this pool! This pool also has a fun splash play area for kids.

The Contemporary’s pool is definitely enhanced by its surroundings. It is one of the more quiet pool areas on Walt Disney World property. The Contemporary also offers a quiet pool.

Over at Bay Lake, you will find the Bay Cove Pool. This is also fun for everyone, and there is a kids splash area here as well. The water slide here is 148 feet long, and the pool is zero entry. One of the nicer aspects of this pool is there are some shaded areas with lounge chairs around the pool.

Both pool areas of these offer a pool bar with food and drinks. If you prefer a quiet, basic pool option, the Contemporary or Bay Lake would be a great resort option.

Additionally, both resorts offer movies under the stars, access to Seven Seas Lagoon for fishing, and a great view of the Electric Water Pageant. The Contemporary houses a fitness center, which can be accessed by guests of the Contemporary.

Dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower

Overall, the majority of the dining options at Disney’s Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower are all going to be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Guests will find signature dining, character dining, quick service, and pool bar options at the Contemporary.

One of the classic character meals on all of property, Chef Mickey’s, is found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here you will find the entire “Fab Five” at a buffet for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald all show up to have a good time and interact with guests. Chef Mickey’s is found in the atrium of the Main Tower, and offers a fun character dining experience for guests.

Steakhouse 71 is quite possibly the best hidden gem on Walt Disney World property. Having dined here several times, it has quickly made its way to the top of my “must dine” list for every trip I make to the Disney Parks. Steakhouse 71 is a nod to 1971, and the nostalgic decor and atmosphere are something any long time Disney fan will love. This location serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This location is relatively “new”, having opened on October 1, 2023-the 50th anniversary of the Contemporary Resort.

The Contemporary is also home to California Grille. Located at the very top of the A-frame building, offering STUNNING views of Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom it is one of the most sought after Disney Dining reservations. The Pacific Coast cuisine at this rooftop restaurant is perfect for a special celebration meal, and to take in the views of Happily Ever After.

Over at Bay Lake Tower, guests will find a small selection of dining locations. The DVC Member only, Top of the World Lounge, is located on the top floor of Bay Lake Tower. Also, Bay Lake Tower is home to the Cove Pool Bar.

For any Quick Service options, you will need to be at the Contemporary. The Outer Rim, Sand Bar, and Contempo Cafe are your quick service options.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort is also one of Disney’s Magic Kingdom resorts. It is also home to Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins. This makes it a very diverse resort, tucked away in the trees from Magic Kingdom. This is NOT a monorail resort. Instead, guests can access Magic Kingdom via the ferry. This stunning, Pacific Northwest themed resort, is not to be missed when considering a Walt Disney World Resort for your next stay.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is especially popular at Christmas. The stunning, cozy, inviting lobby sets it apart from so many others. The theming is very “lodge”, so it may not be for everyone. In turn, it is worth visiting especially if you are traveling to Walt Disney World over the holidays.

As one of Disney’s Magic Kingdom resorts, Wilderness Lodge offers guests easy access to the theme park via a ferry.

Rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge, and Copper Creek

Rooms in the main lodge are are standard guest rooms with two queen beds. This is one of the few Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts that does NOT sleep 5 guests in the standard rooms. If you need room for more than 4, the Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas are going to be your option.

The guest rooms are very woodsy, Native American patterns, and rustic details. These are on point with the theming of the entire resort-I mean, the lobby has giant totem poles and so many nods to American craftsman and America’s west.

The standard guest rooms house up to 4 guests. Families who need more space will want to consider the villa or large cabin set up of the Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek villas and cabins. Keep in mind, Boulder Ridge is an adjacent building to the main lodge. Copper Creek Villas and studios are housed in the main lodge

Recreation at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the most stunning of Disney’s Magic Kingdom resorts, in my opinion, when it comes to outdoor landscaping and areas. It is a very outdoorsy themed resort, and the outdoor areas are proof to that! The trails, trees, walking paths, and the geyser modeled after Old Faithful make it such a peaceful retreat from the theme parks.

Wilderness Lodge is home to some great pool areas, and water play areas for kids. I feel as if Wilderness Lodge is one of the more well rounded resorts, and even though the pools aren’t over the top entertaining, they are still great. Also, that adds to the quieter ambiance and theming of the resort overall.

Guests will also find the standard amenities of Walt Disney World Resorts. Early Park Entry, movies under the stars, campfires, a health club, arcade, and jogging trails. The Electric Water Pageant also passes by nightly.

Dining at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Wilderness Lodge offers guests many dining options. One of the most popular character dining experiences is found at Artist Point. Here you can dine with Snow White, the Evil Queen, and two dwarfs. Often you will see Dopey and Grumpy. They will visit tables, and sign autographs, much like all the Disney character dining experiences.

Whispering Canyon Cafe is also a Table Service Dining location at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This popular dining location is one of the more fun, lively restaurants at Walt Disney World. Whispering Canyon serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is situated off the lobby, and offers guests a view of the lobby in an “open air” set up. The servers like to initiate jokes and interact with guests. The menu offers some more “down home”, American foods. The pulled pork is especially good!

Roaring Fork is the Quick Service Dining location at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Here you will find your traditional breakfast platters, grab and go options, refillable mug stations, and lunch and dinner offerings. Guests will also find two lounges at Wilderness Lodge. Territory Lounge and Geyser Point are both great options for a drink and some food at the end of the day. People even trek to Geyser Point from various areas of Walt Disney World just for the burgers. Territory Lounge is more of an upscale bar that serves drinks. Geyser Point takes Mobile Order, and has a more thorough food menu.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort is located on the monorail, and guests will recognize the brown and orange longhouses as they gaze across Bay Lake. For me, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is where I truly feel as if I am on vacation. The ambiance and theming are a tropical paradise, with a magical view of Cinderella’s Castle from the pool. For guests who want to splurge on one of Disney’s Magic Kingdom resorts, and feel as if they have been transported to a tropical destination, this is the best option. This is one of the original resorts to Walt Disney World property, and has a long history of being very popular and splurge worthy.

While this is considered a monorail resort, it is also now connected via a walking path to Disney’s Grand Floridian. Which in turn, guests can continue walking this path and end up at Magic Kingdom. I highly recommend the monorail, but walking is an option.

Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Along with several other Walt Disney World Resorts, the Polynesian’s standard rooms have recently finished a beautiful refurbishment. The standard rooms are themed after Moana, with gorgeous jewel tones and subtle Moana touches through the rooms. These rooms sleep up to five guests. They house two queens along with a pull down Murphy bed.

The Polynesian also houses DVC studios in some rooms, and the famous Bungalows along Bay Lake. They are also undergoing an addition of more DVC buildings at this resort. The Bungalows are very, very difficult to book. However, cash guests may find a Studio to be a great set up for their family. They are also mixed in amongst the longhouses, so they are conveniently located to most things at the resort. Studios offer a kitchenette, a split bathroom set up, and more space for families. They often price the same as a Resort View room, making them very appealing when you consider the extra amenities.

Recreation at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort does offer guests amazing pool options. The Lava Pool has a straight on view of Cinderella’s Castle-who doesn’t want to sit poolside gazing at the castle?! The volcano themed waterslide is awesome, and the zero entry pool area alongside the detailed and AMAZING splash play area for kids really steps it up as one of the best pools on property. Guests who need a quiet area can find a beautiful quiet pool steps away, along side the Oasis patio “cabanas”. These are not full cabana rentals, but do offer guests a quiet, shaded place to enjoy the quiet pool.

Along with pools, the Polynesian offers a stunning beach area, very popular for watching Happily Ever After. Also, campfires, movies under the stars, and Early Park Entry are some of the perks of this Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort.

Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is home to many popular dining locations. Guests visit this resort to take in the theming and relax in the Grand Ceremonial House while also enjoying some of the best food on Disney property. One of the most popular is ‘Ohana, of course. This Table Service Dining location is popular in two ways. First, guests can enjoy breakfast here with Mickey, Lilo, Stitch ,and sometimes Pluto. If you have a Stitch fan in your family, this is your best option for meeting him up close.

‘Ohana also serves dinner-the menu including the famous pork dumplings and noodles. Guests can enjoy fire pit smoked meats, and the famous bread pudding for dessert. If you time it correctly, you can have a great meal and a view of Happily Ever After.

Kona Cafe is a second Table Service location at the Polynesian. Located on the upper floor, overlooking the lobby, this is best known for its breakfast. Kona Cafe is also a great value for your money, and fairly easy to get into when booking Disney Dining reservations. The Asian inspired dinner menu offers guests unique options such as Pan Seared Duck Breast, Curry Crusted Lamb Chops, and sushi. Breakfast you’ll find the famous Macadamia Nut Pancakes!

Captain Cook’s is your Quick Service dining option, along with the pool bar. The Tambu Lounge and Trader Sam’s are both very popular lounge locations-Trader Sam’s being where you find the Lapu Lapu. And no worries, guests who are Dole Whip fans will find several options at Pineapple Lanai.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is considered the most luxurious hotel at Walt Disney World, and I would say the most popular of Disney’s Magic Kingdom resorts. It often gets some flack for the heavy Victorian theming in the lobby, but it truly is gorgeous. As with most Disney resorts, the theming is going to either speak to you or it isn’t going to speak to you. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has also finished a room refurbishment, perfect for the Mary Poppins fan. As per the theming of the resort, the subtle Mary Poppins touches in the rooms have really added some much needed freshening up to these rooms.

The Grand Floridian is famous for the life size gingerbread house, and is at the top of the list of resorts to enjoy while visiting Walt Disney World at Christmas. We were lucky enough to score a room here on our trip over the holidays, and it was SO worth it! It truly is a gorgeous, holiday experience.

Guests can access EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and the other monorail resorts via the monorail very easily. There is also a walking path to the Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is the first monorail stop when departing the Grand. Conversely, when taking the boat to the resort from Magic Kingdom, it is the first stop on the boat route. The Grand is also home to the famous Disney wedding pavilion, which hosts many, many Disney weddings each year.

Rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

I have stayed at the Grand several times, and never had a bad experience. However, I also am a realist and know that this resort’s rooms were in a MAJOR need of a refresh. Disney has finally delivered on this with a muted Mary Poppins theme in the guest rooms, fresh linens and floors, and updated decor. Being on the top end of pricing for the Walt Disney World resorts, the rooms are finally in a place where they are “worth” the cost-in my opinion. Standard guest rooms at the Grand house five guests, with two queens and a sofa that converts to a twin bed.

Guests can also find studio and villa set ups in various buildings around the property. These house larger families. And, as per all the DVC options offer guest more amenities. Full kitchens, kitchenettes, larger space and washer/dryer allow the comforts of home in the villas.

Recreation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

The Alice in Wonderland play area at the pool is perfect for kids. The Grand sometimes has a reputation of not being a “kid friendly” resort. I respectfully disagree. The pool area speaks to it being very kid friendly, along with the feature pool. The feature pool is the Beach Pool, and it is well rounded and perfect for families. It does offer full cabana service, and it is super fun for kids and adults alike. Guests will also find the Courtyard Pool, which is the original pool structure before the addition of the villa buildings. The Beach Pool is typically busier, and it is also much bigger.

Guests of the Grand will also find a fitness center, movies under the stars, and the Electric Water Pageant. The beach area is also gorgeous, and a great place to watch Happily Ever After.

Dining at the Grand Floridian

As of the writing of this post, Victoria and Albert’s and 1900 Park Fare currently remain closed. Many believe these will reopen with an overhauled area when the lobby construction is finished.

Citrico’s does have a Mary Poppins theme, and is considered Signature Dining at Walt Disney World. It is only open for dinner, and after this most recent refurbishment and menu overhaul, it is now even better than it was before. It’s now a subtle Mary Poppins theme, focusing on the animated scenes in the movie. It makes thematic sense this resort, and is worth considering when booking your Disney Dining reservations.

Narcoossee’s is also a signature dining experience at the Grand Floridian. It is often regarded as one of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World. It does specialize in seafood, and offers guests a waterfront dining experience. It can be fairly busy, and makes a great spot for a dress up, special occasion meal.

Just off the lobby, the Grand Floridian Cafe is a hidden gem at this resort. Much like Steakhouse 71, the menu offers guests some unique options in a beautiful environment. This beautiful garden setting offers guests some of the best breakfast and brunch options at Walt Disney World. It’s a charming, Victorian restaurant that has beautiful views of rose gardens and the courtyard pool. The Eggs Benedict and Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles are guest favorites.

Gasparilla Grille is your quick service option at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It offers a nice atmosphere, and all three meals of the day. This is also where you will find your refillable mug station.

Beauty and the Beast Fans will find the Enchanted Rose lounge at the Grand Floridian. This is located on the monorail level of the resort, serving drinks and small plates.

It’s important to note that all four of these resorts offer a Club Level experience for guests. Club Level rooms are on separate, keyed off floors of the resorts, and guests of those rooms have access to the Club Level lounge. This offers guests continental breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and light hot and cold appetizer offerings and desserts in the evening. Club Level guests also have access to Disney’s Concierge services for any planning and guest service situations that may arise. Club Level is a nice splurge at Walt Disney World, and all of these resorts offer this. For the most part, the actual room is not any difgerent than a standard room. But it’s the extra amenities that sets Club Level apart at these resorts.

Overall, staying at one of the Magic Kingdom resorts is a win win. These resorts are in a prime location to Magic Kingdom and the monorail resorts offer easy access to EPCOT as well. Staying at one of these Deluxe Disney Resorts puts guests in prime location to easily access nearby resorts for dining and shoppping. Just a quick monorail or ferry boat ride, and you are at a nearby resort!

Also, guests of the onsite Walt Disney World Resorts are entitled to the following;

• Early Park Entry
• Continuous Complimentary Transportation
• Booking dining 60-days from arrival for your entire stay
• Early access to booking Individual Lightning Lane selections at 7AM

Has your family enjoyed a Magic Kingdom resort on a recent stay? If so, which is your favorite? Are any of these on your Disney “bucket” list?