Why We Love The Grand Canyon Concourse At Disney's Contemporary Resort

We first posted our top 5 Reasons to Love Disney's Contemporary Resort
Back in 2013, but that doesn't mean we can't continue to sing the praises of Disney's Contemporary Resort! Not only is this landmark one of the original Walt Disney World Hotels, but it remains a premier destination for Disney fans both staying at the property or just coming for a visit. While there are a lot of reasons to love this property, today we're singing the praises of the Grand Canyon Concourse.





The Contemporary's modern A-frame design sets the stage for the massive Grand Canyon Concourse which not only holds much of the shopping and dining at the resort, but also offers access to a most unique feature - the monorail. Yes, Disney's highway in the sky, passes right through the center of this classic Disney Resort Hotel. Rising to a towering 90 feet above the 4th floor Guests will find the centerpiece of the Grand Canyon Concourse, an original Mary Blair mural depicting charming scenes of animals and children from the southwest.


The Grand Canyon Concourse Is A Hub of Activity


Nestled at its base you'll find a selection of shopping and dinning options like the Contempo Cafe - the Contemporary's Quick Service spot, where Guests can choose from a freshly prepared menu or pick something from the grab-and-go. The Contempo Cafe is also known as a great stop for a rotating selection of fun Disney Cupcakes. Though it didn't make the list for the Disney Food Blog's famous Cupcake Crawl - it's always on our list of spots to snack.

Chef Mickey's is also located on the 4th floor, it's a fun buffet style restaurant where Disney's Fab Five play host and make sure that everyone is having a napkin-swinging good time. This fan favorite Character meal is great for families traveling with young kids, and reservations can be hard to get, so if you want to have dinner with Mickey make sure you reserve at the 180 day mark.

Finally, the Outer Rim Lounge has ample seating in comfortable chairs overlooking panoramic windows onto Bay Lake. It's a lovely, low-key spot to grab a beer, wine, or specialty cocktail and relax with friends. Early-birds love grab coffee from Contempo and then head over to the Outer Rim's windows to watch the sunrise over Bay Lake.


Family Fun at Chef Mickey's


A popular stop for monorail hotel hopping Disney's Contemporary Resort also offers a couple of sizeable gift shops. Fantasia is the place for Character merchandise, toys, and clothing for kids. BVG (Bay View Gifts) is located just across the walkway from Fantasia and carries a more mature selection of goods for all ages. I'm fond of BVG for Disney Housewares and Contemporary Resort Logo Gear.

Tucked away on the Grand Canyon Concourse near the Fantasia Gift Shop, is one more fun find for folks looking to kill a bit of time. The Game Station is a worthwhile visit where classic arcade video game enthusiasts can get in a fix before heading out for more family time.

And least we not forget, at Christmastime the Grand Canyon Concourse is a seasonal delight as it plays host to one of the loveliest gingerbread displays and sweet shops on property. A must for holiday hotel hopping.


Past Contemporary Gingerbread Displays


There's just so much to do at this Resort - can you believe that all this is just on the 4th Floor Grand Canyon Concourse!? If your interest is piqued, be sure to go back and read our 5 Reasons to Love Disney's Contemporary Resort, because that will share even more of the fun this resort holds. Guests visiting Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom are just a short walk, or monorail ride away from Disney's Contemporary Resort, which offers Guests a quick escape from the heat of the day - or an afternoon nap. You just can't beat the location of this stunning classic Disney Hotel.

Are you a fan of Disney's Contemporary Resort? Leave a comment below and let us know if you've made friends with the five legged goat!