So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!).

But how do you choose between Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Choosing between the Contemporary and the Beach Club, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…😂), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip.

Common Ground

Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks.  They both have close proximity to the Disney Parks, and are even within walking distance! And both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations.

For the Contemporary, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $550 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,594 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

For the Beach Club, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $534 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,763 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Theme/Rooms

Just like our ol’ Friend, Chandler Bing, would say, “Could these resorts BE any more different?” Both the Contemporary and the Beach Club are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same!

The Contemporary

As the name suggests, the Contemporary has a very modern theme. It feels a little less immersive and more upscale and sleek. The lobby recently got an upgrade with colorful artwork and more modern furniture, which sets the tone for the resort. Ok, so maybe it is immersive if you’re looking to be immersed into an art museum.

All of the rooms have recently been renovated and updated with an Incredibles-inspired theme. So even though this beauty is 50 years old, she’s gotten some TLC and looks better than ever!

And the Top of the World Lounge in the neighboring (and newer!) Bay Lake Tower has also recently reopened with a new Villains-themed look and refreshed menu.

Since the rooms face in on the hotel, it can be a bit noisy because all of the action is in one spot. From the rooms, you can look down and see Chef Mickey’s (which opens pretty early and gets noisy, so it can be hard to sleep in), and the Monorail runs through the resort.

There’s also a massive mural on the wall created by Mary Blair, a famous Disney artist. This is a super fun touch for Disney history fans. Remember that art museum vibe we mentioned earlier… um, yeah.

Beach Club

Not to be confused with its up-tight and snooty sister resort, the Yacht Club, the Beach Club is where you can relax, let your hair down, and wander through the lobby in bare feet with your bucket of collected seashells.

The Beach Club steers clear of those bold nautical colors and embraces pastels and the soft tones of the beach at sunset.

Though, we wouldn’t mind some more Disney touches, these rooms are soft, cozy, and embrace the beach cottage vibe of New England.

The Beach Club renovated and updated the rooms in 2016, for a more sophisticated appearance with simple features and softer coloring.  These rooms don’t have the personality that you can find at the Contemporary and Polynesian. So, if you’re looking for a room with some “character,” the Beach Club may not be your jam.

Results

This is a difficult decision because both resorts or so different. The Contemporary is a bit more modern and sleek with some extra Disney theming and touches, but still has that odd art museum feel in the lobby. The Beach Club is casual and fun all of the way through, but as comfortable as the rooms are, they don’t really have a distinctively Disney touch to them.

Why You Should Add Disney’s Yacht Club to Your Resort Hopping List Right NOW

Pools

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

The Contemporary

There are two pools at the Contemporary: the aptly named Feature Pool and the quieter Bay Lake Pool. There is a waterslide, lounge chairs, and private cabanas to rent, but otherwise, it’s your standard resort pool. So the creativity for the names pretty much sums up any creativity with the pool area.

If you’re looking for a spot to cool down, these pools deliver, and there’s a splash area for the smaller kiddos.

For those post-swim munchies, the Cove Bar and the Sand Bar will provide you with access to some basic quick service vittles and cocktails to enjoy poolside.

Beach Club

The Beach Club may be understated when it comes to its lobby and resort rooms, but it is not to be outdone in the pool category. Disney’s Beach Club shares a pool complex with its neighboring resort, the Yacht Club, Stormalong Bay.

Stormalong Bay is a destination on all its own. This pool complex is almost like its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom and even a lazy river! So, your kiddos can take advantage of the ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide, while you leisurely float around the lazy river, so just relax on of the many lounge chairs.

Stormalong Bay is also nestled in close to Beaches and Cream, an iconic ice cream shop, providing over-the-top milkshakes, sundaes, and comfort junk food essentials like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Results

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Beach Club, because that pool is just epic!

Toes in the sand, relaxing down a lazy river with a shipwreck-themed water slide. We’ll take the Beach Club’s pool oasis over the Contemporary’s cement pond, any day. Plus, Beaches and Cream, need we say more? Oh, we haven’t mentioned food, yet? Well, let’s get right to it, then!!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see who these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

The Contemporary

The Contemporary has ten (10!) dining options, including lounges and pool bars (because those count!)!

The Sand Bar is a modern poolside counter located in the Contemporary Resort’s marina and pool area. While the food menu is limited (you can grab a burger or hot dog here, or a snack like an ice cream treat), there is a full bar menu along with classic beachy cocktails like Mai Tais and Banana Cabanas up for grabs. A few stools are available right at the bar, or you can grab a seat at an umbrella-covered outdoor table. The Sand Bar is a great place to let the breeze blow on your face as you watch the watercraft move around Bay Lake or just enjoy your time by the pool. Or if you’re visiting the Bay Lake Pool, then the Cove Bar serves a selection of quick service meals (think wraps and salads), snacks, and cocktails.

The Contemporary Resort is one of the few resorts to host their own Joffrey’s Coffee bar. Contemporary Grounds is your go-to location. You’ll find coffee, pastries, and specialty coffee drinks. This spot also offers options for Disney-inspired Latte Art! Those early morning dashes to the parks won’t feel so taxing when you have tasty coffee so conveniently located.

Contempo Cafe is the main fast food spot here, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are some lighter options, including salads and grilled chicken, as well as your typical fast food fare like chicken fingers and burgers. This is also home to one of our favorite treats — the Peanut Butter Pie. It’s a must-try if you love peanut butter as much as we do!

If you need something to wash down your meal or seasonal cupcake from the Contempo Cafe, just a few steps away is the Outer Rim lounge. The Outer Rim is a great place to go for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxing evening right in the middle of all the action of the Contemporary Resort’s 4th Floor Grand Canyon Concourse. Indulge in one of the Outer Rim’s draft beers, wines, bourbons, martinis, or specialty cocktails.

Still considered part of the Contemporary offerings, The Top of the World Lounge, exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members, is perched on the top floor of the Contemporary Resort’s Bay Lake Tower. Top of the World is open daily from 6PM to midnight, with seating available on a first come, first served basis. Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras and who are staying in Disney World Resort hotels can enjoy this exclusive spot, and guests staying on Members’ reservations are also eligible! Grab a drink, an appetizer, and the best view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks here!

The Contemporary is home to one of the most iconic character meals on property. Chef Mickey’s is one of the most difficult reservations to get on property, and the reason is that at this all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant, you can meet every single one of The Fab Five character set: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.

Steakhouse 71 is a NEW restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The “71” is a nod to the opening year of Walt Disney World, and the restaurant itself opened on October 1, 2021, which is the 50th Anniversary of the Resort! Steakhouse 71 offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with varying menus for each meal and a steakhouse focus in the evenings) just steps away from the Magic Kingdom. And if you opt for dessert (which is always a good idea),  you may want to try the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake, made with “15 layers of whiskey-infused chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and raspberries – one layer for every floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.” The accompanying Steakhouse 71 Lounge also provides a spot to enjoy a few bites and unique cocktails.

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is truly a masterpiece of fine dining, and has been recognized by the Michelin Guide. California Grill is currently presenting a new, special dining experience for a limited time in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! The 3-course prix fixe menu was created to “evoke the spirit of 1971″ — the opening year of Walt Disney World (and also the opening year of the Top of the World!). Disney has shared that the meal celebrates the past while offering a nod to the incredible future ahead, featuring dishes such as Braised Short Rib Wontons, Florida Coast Black Grouper, and a 50th Anniversary Celebration Dessert Grand Marnier Soufflé.

With two iconic Disney meal experiences and the rapidly growing popularity of a reasonably priced steakhouse, the Contemporary sure packs a 1-2 punch when it comes to food.

Read all about the Contemporary Resort Restaurants here!

Beach Club

Hurricane Hanna’s is a pool bar, tucked under the Stormalong Bay waterslide that provides fixes for your hunger without having to wander too far from the pool.

The Beach Club is home to one lounge, one quick-service market, a table service option, and a Character dining restaurant. Not to mention its close proximity to Yacht Club and all of those dining options.

The Beach Club Marketplace is the quick service location and gift shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Once you make your way through the gift shop you’ll find yourself in the quick service dining area, complete with a sandwich counter. Guests will find basic staples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to a dry goods section (think boxes of cereal, peanut butter, and other essentials you might need). This is also the location for filling your Refillable Resort Mugs.

Hot breakfast choices include a breakfast platter, pastries, and oatmeal. Lunch and dinner options include sandwiches, salads, and some truly tasty baked mac and cheese dishes. Oodles of tempting sweet treats are often found in the refrigerated cases, so keep an eye out for specialty cupcakes and more!

Ah, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop… THIS is the place to go for classic diner eats and GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes in Walt Disney World! Tucked between the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, this authentic soda counter restaurant is decked out in pastels and is complete with a jukebox! Though the sundaes and shakes here are sizable no matter which sweet treat you order, Beaches & Cream is especially well known as being home to the famous Kitchen Sink: an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house! Beaches and Cream underwent a renovation to expand the dining space and reopened in late 2019, so this formerly small spot can accommodate many more guests these days. And you can always grab some ice cream (or hard shakes & floats for adults) at the Beaches & Cream To Go Window, too!

Cape May Cafe is located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, just inside the lobby! Cape May Cafe currently features an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with Disney pals! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks. Though characters may vary, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy can often be found at Cape May Cafe, all dressed up for a day at the beach!

Though Disney characters are not present during Dinner, the evening meal serves up something unique, as all-you-can-eat surf-and-turf gets the spotlight, with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy!

Located directly next to Cape May Cafe near the lobby of the Beach Club Resort, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours. Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. And, like Cape May Cafe, the cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings.

Sometimes, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge will also host drawing or painting activities, so be on the look out for those.

Has Disney World Gone TOO Far With Their Creative Drinks?! You Tell Us!

Results

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! Both resorts have dining options that have mastered the comfort casual food, like burgers, sandwiches and treats at either Steakhouse 71 or Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary or at Beaches and Cream or the Marketplace at Beach Club. They both offer fun character meals as well, and let’s be honest, it’ll probably be easier to snag a reservation at Cape May Cafe, than it will be over at Chef Mickey’s. But not matter which you end up at, you’ll get to hug your favorite friends.

The Beach Club really embraces the casual vibe of its setting with over the top sundaes and milkshakes at Beaches & Cream, and the casual fun of a clambake with your favorite Disney pals over at Cape May Cafe. Nothing hoity-toity here, just good ol’ fashioned family-beachy fun! But Contemporary does have that classy, upscale option of California Grill with those amazing views!

New DFB Video: Join Us For the Monorail Crawl!

Transportation

Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

The Contemporary

The Contemporary is on the Monorail loop. It’s the fourth stop after the Transportation & Ticketing Center (TTC) on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, guests can also walk a quick 7-10 minute jaunt right up to the front gate.

If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.

But if EPCOT is your park for the day, here is where the difference sets in. Because the Contemporary is just one monorail stop away from the Transportation & Ticketing Center, if you don’t mind transferring monorails at the TTC, you can board a Monorail to whiz you off to EPCOT.

Beach Club

The Beach Club is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, next to Yacht Club Resort, and across the lake from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.  This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, Beach Club guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Results

These neighboring resorts are pretty much a tie when it comes to transportation. They both have pretty quick access to TWO Disney parks, and have the options of busses, boats, and even direct walkways to help you get around.

The Contemporary is right on the Monorail loop, and the Beach Club gives you access to the Skyliner, so they both have some unique offerings as well. It might just boil down to which parks do you plan to spend more time in, Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom?

Why You Should Skip the Monorail on Your Next Magic Kingdom Trip

The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Contemporary vs. Beach Club battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The Contemporary may seem like a clear choice because of its fun themed rooms, the abundance of dining options and close proximity to Magic Kingdom. If the Beach Club seemed like the clear choice to you, it is a great hotel, it has an awesome pool and is just a quick walk from EPCOT’s World Showcase. It’s up to you and your group to decide what makes the most sense for you using all that we talked about above.

Keep following DFB for more articles like this, and sign up for our newsletter below to get them straight into your inbox!

Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide for Disney World in 2023

What do you think? Is the Contemporary or Beach Club Resort better? Let us know in the comments!