So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you know you want to stay close to Magic Kingdom, but might want something a little outside a more traditional hotel vibe.

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

Choosing between the Contemporary and the Wilderness Lodge 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 the same resort layout with a central lobby building and outer buildings with rooms, and they are both considered Magic Kingdom area resorts, offering transportation to Magic Kingdom and the other resorts. 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 Wilderness Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $453 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $1,740 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

Wow. In the cheapest room, during the cheapest season, Wilderness Lodge is about 20% less than the Contemporary. And for those more expensive options, it’s about 70% less than the Contemporary! Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts!

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Theme/Rooms

These are not your standard hotels. You can stay in the sleek sophistication of the Contemporary, or “rough it” in the woods of this Pacific Northwest-styled Wilderness Lodge. But whether your stay takes you into the heart of modern midcentury modern or into the rustic ambiance of a national forest cabin, you’ll find that both of these options provide top-of-the-line Disney amenities.

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.

And the Top of the World Lounge in the neighboring Bay Lake Tower, has also recently reopened with a new Villains-themed look and refreshed menu. So even though this beauty is 50 years old, she’s gotten some TLC and looks better than ever!

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.

Wilderness Lodge

Welcome to the beauty and grandeur of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Towering redwoods, pristine free-flowing creeks, artifacts, and monuments to American history and its inhabitants. The inspiration for this resort is pulled from various lodges and resorts of the national parks like Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park and Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park. Guests feel the full majesty of nature once they enter the grand lobby, soaring ceilings, the massive 82-foot tall Grand Canyon-inspired fireplace, and 55-foot totem poles.

And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays).

The Wilderness Lodge standard rooms received a little facelift, like the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, when you stay here, you’ll get to experience a bit more streamlined and updated decor that is both modern and rustic.

Wilderness Lodge also has two different Disney Vacation Club accommodations, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, which include villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room cabins overlooking Bay Lake.

Some of these cabins face the Contemporary Resort and may provide some obstructed views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Results

When it comes to immersive theming, the Wilderness Lodge wins out. The Contemporary is lovely, the Contemporary is striking, the Contemporary doesn’t really distinguish itself from any other non-Disney resort, like Marriott or Hyatt. And if you enjoy that experience of staying at a Marriot or Hyatt, then you can do so and save yourself quite a bit of dough. Disney had added some Disney flare with the incorporation of The Incredibles in the resort rooms, but we wouldn’t recommend paying those prices just for some nifty Incredible graphics in your room, you better enjoy a lot more of what this unique resort has to offer. So keep reading to see what it has in store!

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Pools

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, a vacation just doesn’t feel complete without spending some time soaking in some sun by that ol’ cement pond. 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.

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge brings its A-game to the pool smackdown; it hosts two pools as well: the Copper Creek Pool and the Boulder Ridge Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a natural spring. Copper Creek is the main pool, complete with a water slide and the Copper Creek splash area.

Copper Creek pool overlooks the serene Bay Lake and resort-iconic geyser, Fire Rock Geyser, which spouts off every hour on the hour between 7am and 10pm. But they will turn it off for inclement weather or on particularly windy days. Boulder Ridge pool is a quieter pool closer to the Boulder Ridge section of the resort with rusticly themed cabanas, and close proximity to the Geyser Point Bar & Grill. And don’t sleep on Geyser Point, it’s a destination-worthy eatery with amazing burgers, queso, and unique cocktails, all in a serene atmosphere.

Results

Both have two pools, and both have pool bars, a pool slide, lounge chairs, and splash areas. And that’s where the similarities end.

As straightforward as their names imply, the Contemporary’s Feature Pool & Bay Lake Pool are concrete holes filled with water for guests to splash in. They are clean and provide all of the fun a respite you might expect at any hotel or public pool, but there’s not much special about it. And you may ask yourself, who needs a special theme for a pool when you’re visiting Disney World for the theme parks and not the pool? But, if you’re gonna pay that nightly rate, you might want a bit more to your resort leisure experience than rows of lounge chairs staring at a cement waterlogged crevice.

Or would you rather soak in a natural spring with lakeside views, a majestic geyser, and surrounded by serene wooded trails? Wilderness Lodge has two beautiful pools that at least attempt to disguise its concrete with beautiful landscaping It boasts that geyser and close proximity to one of the best burgers on property and unique cocktails.

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Wilderness Lodge!

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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 how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

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 its 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 quick service 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 was 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.

This limited-time celebration menu will soon be replaced. Starting on April 1st, 2023, things change…slightly. On that date, California Grill will start to serve a 3-course selection menu that they say will feature “contemporary, market-inspired cuisine.” We’ll be on the lookout for more details about the menu, so stay tuned.

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!

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge has five dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill is located near the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — it’s a unique space in that it offers two different kinds of service for guests… all in one cozy and lovely setting.

It blends two different dining styles (a Table Service lounge and a Quick Service walk-up counter) and two different menus. The Featured Cocktail list at the lounge boasts beverages unique to Geyser Point, featuring spirits from Northwest distilleries in keeping with the theme of the Resort. Hearty appetizers can be ordered from the lounge as well, while full entrees are available at the connected Counter Service.

The open-air restaurant offers gorgeous waterfront views and a fireplace for cool evenings.

Formerly a signature restaurant, Artist Point’s setting and menu have been entirely transformed with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme for a different experience. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is a Character Meal at Disney World’s beautiful Wilderness Lodge! Guests enjoy a prix-fixe meal and can look forward to Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy stopping by throughout the dinner. And The Evil Queen is even present for a unique photo opportunity.

Shhh…..don’t tell anyone our secret. Territory Lounge is one of our favorite hidden gems at Disney World!  If your idea of a good lounge is one with cozy seating, specialty cocktails (as well as beer and even wine flights), and some of the best lounge eats on Walt Disney World property, then Territory Lounge is your place.

Boasting its own unique menu of lounge noshes, the Disney Food Blog gives it a hearty thumbs-up. You’ll enjoy items like Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie, Oregon Chardonnay Fondue, and even a Cobbler if you’re in the mood for dessert. The Territory Lounge is a great place to grab a light dinner and drinks with friends in an atmosphere that’s warm and inviting.

Hearty comfort food in a warm, rustic setting…. Welcome to Roaring Fork! Roaring Fork offers a variety of stick-to-your-ribs entrees and counter service basics (along with grab-and-go options) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a serene atmosphere, with seating both indoors and out.

Guests will even find specialty coffee drinks available, and fans of Disney cupcakes will often find some really fun and unique options here that change with the seasons.

The other Table Service option at the Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon. Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge is one of Disney World’s “funnest” restaurants 😉 ! With a crew of wayward servers with their minds made up to make you laugh and all-you-can-eat down home grub served skillet-style (guests may also choose from a la carte selections), this restaurant is a great one to book for a casual good time — especially if you’re with a group!

Whispering Canyon is renowned for its raucous hijinks like wooden pony races, massive straw drops, and tables overloaded with ketchup bottles. It is one of Disney’s dining options that put the fun front-and-center, and also provides some consistently tasty eats.

Review: Why Aren’t ALL Disney World Breakfast Foods Mickey-Shaped? Asking For a Friend.

Results

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! When it comes to sheer quantity, the Contemporary wins handily, with practically double the dining options. Top that off with two of the most popular and iconic restaurants, Chef Mickey’s and California Grill, and the Contemporary extends the lead. The Wilderness Lodge has a small but mighty team of contenders. In fact, of the five dining options, we hold each of them in high regard.

As much as we might want to declare a tie, the edge for food goes to the Contemporary. We love every spot at Wilderness Lodge, but Contemporary offers a wide variety and delicious and iconic eats. But you can have the best of both worlds and just eat at both since they’re just neighbors across Bay Lake.

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Transportation

Do these Magic Kingdom area 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.

And if EPCOT is your park of the day, you can take a bus over or take the monorail over to the Transportation and Ticketing Center and transfer to the EPCOT monorail loop. So, there are some options available to get to two Disney parks without having to set foot on a bus.

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge is not on the Monorail loop. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is boat transportation that sails through Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. There is also a bus option at peak times or when the weather doesn’t permit boat travel.

If EPCOT, 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.

Guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will have to rely primarily on bus transportation for the free option to navigate around Disney property, though ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans are also available at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.

Results

These Magic Kingdom area resorts are both deluxe and some of the best of what Disney has to offer in terms of luxury and amenities. The Contemporary is the winner of the Food and Transportation categories, and interestingly winning both categories by the number of options and how iconic those options are. Is there anything much more distinctly Disney than eating at Chef Mickey’s and riding on the Monorail?

And Wilderness Lodge has taken home the categories of the Theme and Pools. The Wilderness Lodge is a triumph of Imagineering and Disney storytelling, stepping into this resort transports guests to a rustic lodge of the classic national parks and relaxing by natural springs, lakes, and creeks.

But do beauty and storytelling beat out food variety and convenience? And when it comes to price (the unspoken comparison), the Wilderness Lodge is significantly cheaper! So, which one is the clear winner?

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The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Contemporary vs. Wilderness Lodge battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The Contemporary may seem like a clear choice because of its iconic Disney experiences and convenient transportation, but that price tag can be daunting when compared to Wilderness Lodge. If you’re looking for that serene escape from the stimulation of Disney parks while staying in the magic and being immersed in the tranquility of nature, the Wilderness Lodge might be the oasis you seek.

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What do you think? Is the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge better? Let us know in the comments!