So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you know you want to stay at a deluxe resort, 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 BoardWalk Inn? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Choosing between the Contemporary and the BoardWalk 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. 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 BoardWalk Inn, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $597 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,455 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

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Theme/Rooms

These are not your standard hotels. You can stay in the sleek sophistication of the Contemporary, or take a stroll on a New England boardwalk pier. But whether your stay takes you into the heart of midcentury modern or the whimsical fun of a boardwalk, you’ll find that both 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, setting the resort’s tone. 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.

BoardWalk Inn

Welcome to the charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk themed resort, aptly named BoardWalk Inn (so sometimes Disney creativity pales in comparison to a straightforward resort naming).

The BoardWalk brings in vibrant colors of a carnival without feeling like you’re staying in a circus.

So, you won’t find oversized Disney character decors that you might find at the more festive Value Resorts, but this turn-of-the-century New England esplanade does have some vibrancy and fun that makes it a great retreat from the parks. In essence, the BoardWalk balances the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort. The rooms last received a bit of a touch up and spruce back in 2016 and with the ongoing construction and other resort renovations may see some TLC, soon.

The BoardWalk Inn has been updating and renovating many of the common areas, like the dining options on the actual boardwalk, like the rebranding of the BoardWalk Deli (formerly the BoardWalk Bakery), and the soon-to-open Cake Bake Shop.  Inside the BoardWalk lobby, the fan-favorite Belle Vue Lounge reopened with new furnishings, that received some humdrum remarks from loyal guests for losing its charm and looking like it was furnished by Wayfair.. And Carousel Coffee recently opened, serving up pastries, Joffrey’s Coffee, but a rather subdued vibe for joint named after a bright and vivacious carnival attraction.

We hope the room updates and renovations keep with the classic Disney charm we’ve come to love and aren’t watered down to look like other standard hotels.

Results

When it comes to immersive theming, the BoardWalk Inn 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!

4 BIG Changes (Including New Restaurants) Announced for Disney’s BoardWalk

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

The Contemporary has two pools: the aptly named Feature Pool and the quieter Bay Lake Pool. There is a waterslide, lounge chairs, and private cabanas to rent; 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.

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn has three pool, the main pool is called Luna Park, and two “leisure” pools for folks that are looking for more chill than thrill for their watery adventure.

The Luna Park pool used to be the home of the nightmare-fuel clown water slide that lit up at night and may have caused an entire generation to need therapy. Luckily for you fine folks, you get to enjoy the renovated model of the Keister Coaster pool slide — where the trauma-inducing clown was replaced with a fun mural of Mickey, Minnie, and the gang enjoy a pool adventure with you on this 200-foot long slide.

This fun pool is 184,217 gallons (yep, we here at DFB painstakingly measured each ounce for full accuracy just for YOU — we care that much) and is just step away from the fun of the boardwalk where you can easily grab a quick ice cream or margarita and then jump right back in the pool.

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 are you craving a walk down memory lane with childhood snack favorites nearby and festive carnival music? Then the BoardWalk’s Luna Park pool may be just what you’re looking for in your refreshing relaxation zone.

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

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, comfortable plastic cheese and 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 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 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 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.

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!

BoardWalk Inn

If you were impressed with the Polynesian’s 10 dining locations, look out, because the BoardWalk has 16!

AbracadaBar, according to the story, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!

Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Shake your groove thang, and get your dance on with a group of friends! Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.

The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has nice touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks, or even to take a quick snooze in a comfy chair to recharge in late afternoon. Guests can also stop here for coffee or pastries in the morning.

Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.

Step back in time to a seaside boardwalk village on Crescent Lake where turn-of-the-century charm meets savory eats and sweet treats at the BoardWalk Deli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels, an “overstuffed warm pastrami Reuben” or a hand-piped cannoli. In Disney’s words, the menu takes us on “a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore,” and you can check it out here. 

Craving a cool treat while strolling along the Disney World BoardWalk? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up simple sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream. The treats here are said to be inspired by the beloved Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the nearby Beach Club Resort.

BoardWalk Joe’s is a stand on Disney World’s BoardWalk that is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! A selection of snacks such as pretzels and roasted nuts is also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.

Stop by the Pizza Window on Disney World’s BoardWalk for a piping hot pizza pie! One of those most relaxing and fun things to do at Disney World is stroll along the Disney BoardWalk, taking in all the sights and smells around Crescent Lake. With 9,000 square feet of entertainment, shops, and restaurants, there are several options for a quick bite to eat. Why not grab some fresh pizza from the BoardWalk Pizza Window? They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or stroll while you eat.

If you happen to be walking down Disney World’s BoardWalk and you’re in the mood for a quick snack, be sure to stop at the BoardWalk To Go kiosk. At the kiosk you’ll find baskets of deep fried treats including fried mac and cheese bites and corn dogs. You can even grab a meal combo built around a hot dog, cheeseburger, or pulled pork sandwich.

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! Disney notes that the new eatery will present a “whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.” And guess what? Guest will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case!

You can find Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This spot is located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on offer. Keep an eye out for seasonal drinks and unique options like a Dark Cherry Mocha Frozen Blended Coffee (which Disney shares is a flavor staple of “coffee shops, family-owned delis, and ice cream parlors along the shores” in keeping with the BoardWalk’s vintage seaside theme). As far as the eats, you can grab classic snacks such as the Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie, Banana Bread, Croissants, Muffins, NJ Crumb Cake, Bagels, and a Mickey Brownie up for grabs.

Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood to guests on Disney World’s BoardWalk. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.

You’ll find a truly classic carnival treat on Disney World’s BoardWalk: Funnel Cake! The Funnel Cake Stand also serves the rather unexpected offering of Fried Ice Cream. Enjoy your “Tasty Sensations” (as the sign says) while you stroll or pull up a bench on the BoardWalk while watching the people go by! PLEASE NOTE: The BoardWalk Funnel Cake is currently closed. We will keep you updated when a reopening is announced!

Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! The raucous bar on Disney’s BoardWalk brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). So be thinking of your favorite Billy Joel, Mariah Carey or Elton John song to request! A cover charge of $18.00 to enter Jellyrolls is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!

Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! Out at the Luna Park Pool, its given name) at this Deluxe Resort, you’ll find a poolside bar with all the basics you need for an afternoon in the sun — cold drinks, snacks, and even a few lunch items to get you through your Florida sun-and-pool afternoon! Look for fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl, and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.

You’ll find Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk. This eatery serves dinner daily and is an “original Italian restaurant.” The dinner menu features regional specialties with classic preparations. Many ingredients are crafted in-house, including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines.

So many amazing places to eat, how can you choose? Or you don’t have to, just systematically eat your way through the BoardWalk!

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! When it comes to sheer quantity, the Contemporary definitely starts off strong, by simply just providing more 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. And Steakhouse 71 has proven itself time and time again with us and has fast become one of our favorites.

The BoardWalk Inn really embraces the casual vibe of its carnival setting with nostaglic, approachable snack foods like pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream to craft beers and fine Italian fare! One thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry at the BoardWalk!

The edge for this one goes to the Contemporary, but remember that the BoardWalk is within walking distance to all of the options in EPCOT’s World Showcase, so that’s nothing to discount too soon!

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Transportation

Do these deluxe 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.

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, across the lake from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.  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, BoardWalk 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 deluxe resorts are both deluxe and some of the best of what Disney has to offer in terms of luxury and amenities. 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 the winner of Food category. BoardWalk secured the Theme/Room and Pool categories. And interestingly, both resorts are neck-and-neck when it comes to Transportation.

The Contemporary really has the edge when it comes to food and proximity to the Magic Kingdom. But the BoardWalk is a bit less expensive and offers access to TWO Disney parks. So, which one is the clear winner?

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The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Contemporary vs. BoardWalk battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The Contemporary is an amazing choice for those who want that close proximity to Magic Kingdom, but that price tag can be daunting when compared to BoardWalk Inn. If you’re looking for that whimsical escape from the stimulation of Disney parks while staying in the magic and being within walking distance to TWO Disney parks, then the BoardWalk might be the resort you’re looking for.

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

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

The post Contemporary vs. BoardWalk Inn Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.