The Resort Report
See how these two Deluxe Disney resorts compare.

Disney’s Contemporary vs Grand Floridian: Which Resort Is Right for You?

Choosing between Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian isn’t just about location — it’s about the kind of stay you want.

Both are deluxe monorail resorts within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, but they deliver very different experiences once you’re there.

  • Contemporary is modern, fast-paced, and built for convenience — with the quickest access to Magic Kingdom
  • Grand Floridian is elegant, quieter, and more refined — with a more relaxed, upscale atmosphere

This guide breaks down the real differences that matter — including transportation, rooms, dining, and overall feel — so you can confidently choose the right resort for your trip.

Best Resort for Your Trip

Resort Overview

Both resorts sit in the Magic Kingdom resort area, but there are key differences.

Choose Contemporary for the fastest access to Magic Kingdom, and Grand Floridian for a more refined, upscale experience.

Quick Comparison

Category
Contemporary
Grand Floridian
Walk to Magic Kingdom
⭐ Yes (shortest walk)
Yes (longer walk)
Monorail to Magic Kingdom
Nonstop monorail
Nonstop monorail
EPCOT Access
1 transfer required
1 transfer required
Overall Vibe
Modern & Sleek
Classic & Elegant
Signature Dining
California Grill
Victoria & Albert's
Pool Energy
Active & Fun
Calm & Relaxed

Choose Contemporary for a more efficient, easy-to-navigate stay, and Grand Floridian for a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere.

Jump to:

Which Should You Choose?

Both resorts are exceptional deluxe options — the right choice depends on your vacation style.

Choose Contemporary if you:

  • Want the simplest, most efficient park days
  • Prefer a compact resort layout with everything close together
  • Like a modern, clean design over themed environments
  • Plan to spend more time in the parks than at the resort
  • Want easy access to quick dining and grab-and-go options

Choose Grand Floridian if you:

  • Want a quieter, more relaxing resort atmosphere
  • Prefer a classic Disney feel with detailed theming
  • Plan to spend more time enjoying the resort itself
  • Value upscale dining and a more refined experience
  • Want a resort that feels less busy and more spread out

Park Access Details

Polynesian is better for split park access, while Contemporary is unmatched for pure Magic Kingdom convenience.

Category
Contemporary
Grand floridian
Walk to Magic Kingdom
⭐ ~5-10 minutes
~10-15 minutes
Monorail to Magic Kingdom
Nonstop
Nonstop
EPCOT Access
1 Transfer required
1 Transfer required
Park Access Verdict:

Both resorts offer very similar transportation options. Contemporary has a slightly shorter walk. Deciding between these two resorts may come down to other priorities, like room layouts or overall vibe.

Rooms & Layout

Both resorts offer deluxe-level rooms, but they differ in size, layout flexibility, and overall design style.

Feature
Contemporary
Grand Floridian
Avg Room Size
⭐ ~400 sq ft
~353 sq ft
Sleeps 5 Option
Yes (very limited)
Yes (very limited)
Balcony
Most rooms
Most rooms
Room Style
Modern minimalist
Traditional & Upscale
Building Style
Tower & Garden Wing
Victorian resort buildings
Bathroom Layout
Traditional bath
Traditional bath
Rooms Verdict:

Contemporary has slightly larger rooms but overall the rooms and layout are very similar.

Dining & Food Experience

Both resorts offer memorable dining, but the style and atmosphere are very different.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Dining at the Contemporary tends to be more modern and upscale, with several restaurants known for high-quality food and views of Magic Kingdom.

  • Home to California Grill, one of Disney’s top signature restaurants with fireworks views
  • Chef Mickey’s character dining with Mickey and friends
  • Steakhouse 71, a highly regarded steakhouse and lounge
  • Contempo Café for convenient quick-service dining
Overall feel: modern, upscale, and culinary-focused.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Grand Floridian offers some of the most elevated dining on Disney property, with a stronger focus on signature and fine dining experiences. The atmosphere leans refined and quieter.

  • Home to Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s most upscale dining experience
  • Signature restaurants like Citricos and Narcoossee’s
  • Character dining at 1900 Park Fare
  • More formal, date-night friendly atmosphere
Overall feel: elegant, upscale, and culinary-focused.
Dining Verdict:

Grand Floridian wins for overall dining depth and upscale options, while Contemporary offers excellent dining highlighted by California Grill and added convenience.

Pools & Recreation

Feature
Contemporary
grand floridian
Main Pool
Feature Pool
Beach Pool
Waterslide
Modern Slide
Waterfall Slide
Fireworks Views
Limited
Limited
Pool Atmosphere
EnergeticActive & Fun
Relaxed
Pools Verdict:

Contemporary has a more active, kid-friendly pool, while Grand Floridian offers a quieter, more relaxed experience.

Still Deciding? Compare More Disney Resorts

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FAQ

Which resort is closer to Magic Kingdom?
Contemporary is closer, with a shorter 5–10 minute walk. Grand Floridian is also walkable, but typically takes about 10–15 minutes.
Which resort is better for EPCOT?
Neither has a direct monorail to EPCOT. Both require a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), so access is essentially the same.

See also The Best Resorts for EPCOT
Which resort is better for Families?
Contemporary is typically better for families thanks to its simple layout, quick park access, and easy navigation.

See also The Best Resorts for Families
Is the monorail access the same at both resorts?
Yes for Magic Kingdom — both are on the direct resort monorail loop. For EPCOT, both require a transfer at the TTC.