Trying to pick between Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge?
As someone who has known, loved and stayed at these resorts more than once, I understand!
These two Disney hotels couldn’t be much more different if they tried.
One’s got sleek lines and monorails, while the other is all about rustic charm and hidden nooks.
We’re breaking down exactly what sets each apart, so you can figure out which vibe actually works for your next Disney World stay.
Whether your travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or family, either the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge could be your ideal resort.
This post is all about helping you decide if Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge is better for you.
Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge
Overview & Theming: Disney’s Contemporary Resort VS Wilderness Lodge
What is Disney’s Contemporary Resort?
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is an opening day Disney World resort (it opened back in 1971).
Despite being called the “Contemporary”, this resort feels kinda 70s (based on the architecture). Not necessarily a bad thing, but something very noticeable about this resort.
This is also known as the monorail resort (as the monorail goes through the main tower).
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Bay Lake Tower is the Disney Vacation Club property that sits right next to the iconic Contemporary Resort.
RELATED POST: Your Ultimate Guide to the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort [& When to Stay There]
It has similar theming to the hotel side of the Contemporary.
However, I’d argue that it feels a little more upscale – especially with their refurbished Studios and Villas (the refurb is scheduled to take place September 2024 – September 2025).
RELATED POST: Bay Lake Tower Refurbishment: Every Crucial Thing You Should Know [it’s a major refurb]
What is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge?
This Deluxe Resort (which opened in 1994) has a massive log cabin vibe, with lots of stone and wood everywhere.
The lobby that tries pretty hard to make you forget you’re in Florida. The style is full-on “Pacific Northwest”, and it is incredible.
Although this resort is also in the Magic Kingdom area, it feels like you’re a million miles away in a tranquil forest setting.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge is actually home to two DVC resorts. The first to open was Boulder Ridge Villas in 2000.
These DVC Studios and Villas are in a separate building just a minute’s walk away from the main hotel building.
It has it’s own scaled-down but charming lobby – with a fireplace and cute places to sit and relax.
Boulder Ridge was known for its run down rooms for a while, but since their recent refurb, they have looked amazing!
Copper Creek Cabins & Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
In 2017, Copper Creek opened. The Studio and Villas are converted hotel rooms, so they’re conveniently located in the main building at Wilderness Lodge.
They also added luxurious (and EXPENSIVE) two-bedroom cabins.
At the time of publishing this post, Copper Creek is currently undergoing a refurbishment (expected to take place May 2025 – September 2025).
RELATED POST: Disney’s Copper Creek Refurbishment – Will this Short Refurb Make a Big Difference?
I stayed in a Deluxe Studio at Copper Creek in 2024, and was surprised by how good it looked, considering it was 7 years old – but the updated rooms should be a nice upgrade.
Does the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge have better theming?
For a more relaxed, “far away from the parks” feeling, Wilderness Lodge (and Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek) are better for you. Wilderness Lodge if you want stronger theming (without just seeing Disney characters) that all ages can appreciate.
If you want a resort that feels like an extension of Magic Kingdom, you can’t get much better than the Contemporary. It feels like it’s in the heart of the action (especially with the Monorail). Just be aware that the theming is less immersive (unless you love The Incredibles theming in the rooms on the hotel side 😂).
Wilderness Lodge VS Contemporary Prices
What tier is Contemporary Resort and Wilderness Lodge?
These resorts are Deluxe, which makes them expensive.
Whilst there not Grand Floridian expensive, they are hardly cheap. Let’s compare the prices of Standard room rates to see just how expensive we’re talking!
Wilderness Lodge & Contemporary Room Rate Comparison:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Garden Wing – Resort View Room (the cheapest hotel room at the Contemporary): $609 – $1,090 per night (based on 2025 pricing, including tax, without discounts – sleeps up to 5 guests and is located close to the Main Tower at the Contemporary).
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Resort View Room(the cheapest hotel room at Wilderness Lodge): $546 – $1,008 per night (based on 2025 pricing, including tax, without discounts – sleeps up to 4 guests).
So, the difference may not be DRASTIC, but Wilderness Lodge is the less expensive option, at around $63 – $82 less per night (this price difference will change depending on the date, and discounts available).
Bay Lake Tower, Boulder Ridge & Copper Creek Studio Price Comparison:
So, what if you want to use or rent DVC points to stay at one of these DVC resorts?
Let’s see if there’s much of a difference in points for a stay in a Deluxe Studio (the cheapest room category at these DVC properties).
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Resort View Deluxe Studio – 13 – 29 points per night ($325 – $725 per night if renting points at $25 per point based on 2026 points chart. This room sleeps up to 4 guests).
RELATED POST: 3 Significant Reasons Why Most People Shouldn’t Book a Bay Lake Tower Studio [2025 Guide]
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Deluxe Studio – 13 – 28 points per night ($325 – $700 per night if renting points at $25 per point based on 2026 points chart. This room sleeps up to 5 guests).
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Deluxe Studio – 13 – 28 points per night ($325 – $700 per night if renting points at $25 per point based on 2026 points chart. This room sleeps up to 4 guests).
Surprisingly, the difference in price is VERY minimal here. On many nights, you’ll be using the same number of points whether you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower, Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek. So, if you’re using or renting DVC points, pricing doesn’t have to be a factor in your decision.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Which is Cheaper?
Most of the time, Wilderness Lodge will be a little cheaper, but this can vary depending on:
- The season (Wilderness Lodge is usually more sought over during the Christmas period, so it may be more costly than the Contemporary then).
- The dates you stay
- Availability of discounts – there may be more/better discounts at one resort or the other.
This said, Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary are two of the cheaper Deluxe Resorts (if you’re staying in the Garden Wing at the Contemporary).
Rooms at the Contemporary VS Wilderness Lodge
Room Theming – Is Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge Better
The Contemporary is home to the wildly unpopular Incredibles-themed rooms. If you *really* love The Incredibles, you may love these rooms.
But if not, there’s just no escaping these characters in this room!
Wilderness Lodge, on the other hand, has very minimally themed rooms (and are reminiscent of the average “Standard Rooms” you’ll find at many Deluxe Resorts in the 2020s).
Here, you’ll find more muted colors – with a more relaxed vibe.
Room Theming – Bay Lake Tower VS Boulder Ridge VS Copper Creek
Bay Lake Tower has subtle Magic Kingdom theming in its rooms – reminding you how close you are to the incredible park!
Both Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek have cosy cabin-inspired theming (with Boulder Ridge having more colorful studios and villas. Though Copper Creek will see some changes after its refurbishment).
Room Sizes
Standard rooms at Wilderness Lodge are 340 square feet on average.
In comparison, the standard rooms at the Contemporary are considerably bigger – at 437 square feet
Here are the room sizes for Deluxe Studios at the Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge:
- Bay Lake Tower Deluxe Studio: 339 square feet (approx)
- Boulder Ridge Deluxe Studio: 356 square feet (approx)
- Copper Creek Deluxe Studio: 338 – 345 square feet (approx)
If you’re staying on the hotel side, the Contemporary is a better choice for spacious rooms.
However, if you’re using DVC points and want a larger studio, Boulder Ridge is your best option in this case.
Room Types
Maybe you don’t just want a Standard Room. Here are all the room & view types you can find at these resorts:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Room & View Types:
- Garden Wing Rooms (resort view or water view) – sleeps up to 5 guests
- Garden Wing King Rooms – sleeps up to 2 guests
- Garden Wing – Deluxe Rooms – sleeps up to 3 guests
- Main Tower (water view or theme park view) – sleeps up to 5 guests
- Club Level Rooms & Suites (standard rooms & king rooms, as well as 1 and 2 bedroom suites).
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Room & View Types:
- Standard Rooms (resort view, water view of fireworks view – this is a ONLY a PARTIAL Magic Kingdom fireworks view) – sleeps up to 4 guests
- Standard Rooms – King Bed (resort view or water view) – sleeps up to 2 guests
- Club Level Rooms (standard rooms, king rooms & deluxe rooms – which sleep up to 6 adults)
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Room & View Types:
- Deluxe Studios (resort view, preferred – lake – view & theme park view) – sleeps up to 4 guests
- One-Bedroom Villas (resort view, preferred – lake – view & theme park view) – sleeps up to 5 guests
- Two-Bedroom Villas (resort view, preferred – lake – view & theme park view) – sleeps up to 9 guests
- Three-Bedroom Villas (preferred – lake – view & theme park view) – sleeps up to 12 guests
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Room & View Types:
- Deluxe Studios – sleeps up to 5 guests
- One-Bedroom Villas – sleeps up to 4 guests
- Two-Bedroom Villas – sleeps up to 8 guests
You can’t book a specific view type at Boulder Ridge.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Room & View Types:
- Deluxe Studios – sleeps up to 4 guests
- One-Bedroom Villas – sleeps up to 4 guests
- Two-Bedroom Villas – sleeps up to 8 guests
- Three-Bedroom Villas – sleeps up to 12 guests
- Two-Bedroom Cabins – sleeps up to 8 guests
Similarly to Boulder Ridge, you can’t book a specific view type at Boulder Ridge.
For the most diverse choice of room types and room views, the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower can offer far more than Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek.
Wilderness Lodge VS the Contemporary: Location & Transportation
A higher priced Disney Resort usually comes with better transportation. So, let’s compare
| Feature | Contemporary & Bay Lake Tower | Wilderness Lodge & Boulder Ridge & Copper Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to MK | 🚶♀️Walkable (~10 min) or 1 stop on monorail 🚝 | ⛴️ Boat (~10 min) or 🚎 bus (~15 min) |
| Monorail Access | ✅ Direct (inside Main Tower) | ❌ No monorail; only boat/bus |
| EPCOT Access | 🚝 Monorail transfer at TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center) | 🚎 Bus only |
| Buses to Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Which is Better for Transportation?
Opt for Contemporary for fast, direct Magic Kingdom access and monorail convenience.
Choose Wilderness Lodge for a quieter, more slow-paced and scenic arrival—boat rides feel magical.
Dining at Disney’s Contemporary VS Wilderness Lodge
| Feature | Contemporary | Wilderness Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Dining | California Grill (with Magic Kingdom fireworks views) | ❌ No Signature Dining locations at Wilderness Lodge |
| Table Service / Buffet Dining | Chef Mickey’s (buffet, character dining) & Steakhouse 71 (table service) | Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (table service, character dining) & Whispering Canyon Cafe (table service) |
| Quick Service Dining & Bars/Lounges | Contempo Café (quick service), Contemporary Grounds (coffee shop), Cove Bar (pool par), Outer Rim (bar/lounge), The Sand Bar (pool bar) & Steakhouse 71 Lounge | Geyser Point Bar & Grill (with table & quick service options), Roaring Fork (quick service) & Territory Lounge (bar/lounge) |
Is the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge Better for Dining:
Contemporary wins on luxury dining & fireworks views & quick service variety
Breakfast Tofu Bowl from Contemporary Café .
Wilderness Lodge wins for cozy lounges like Geyser Point.
Amenities & Atmosphere at the Contemporary & Wilderness Lodge
| Feature | Contemporary | Wilderness Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Pools | One main pool, one leisure pool (& one just for guests staying at Bay Lake Tower) | One feature pool & one leisure pool |
| Other Recreation | Nightly campfire (with roasting marshmallows ), 🎬 Movies Under the Stars, Arcade, Fitness Center, 🏀 Basketball Court, 🎾 Tennis Court, 🏐 Volleyball, 🏃 Jogging Trails, Cabana Rentals by the Bay Pool, 🎣Fishing, 🎆 Fireworks Cruises 🛳️, Electrical Water Pageant Viewing | Campfire activities, 🎬 Movies Under the Stars, Arcade, Fitness Center, 🏃Jogging Trails, 🎣 Fishing, Electrical Water Pageant Viewing, |
| Holiday Decor | Minimal but usually has a castle made from gingerbread 🏰 | Absolutely stunning at Christmas 🎄 |
Wilderness Lodge excels in ambience, serenity, and seasonal decor.
Contemporary feels busier and more energetic—and is better if you’re athletic!
Frequently Asked Questions about Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge
Is the Contemporary Resort worth it?
Yes, if you want:
- Lots of dining options at both budget-friendly and more expensive prices
- The Incredibles theming
- The easiest Monorail access
- To be located SO CLOSE to Magic Kingdom
- Large rooms on the hotel side
Is Disney Wilderness Lodge worth the money?
Wilderness Lodge can be worth it if you want:
- To stay in the Magic Kingdom area, but don’t need Monorail access
- To stay at a resort that feels a million miles away from theme parks
- The perfectly decorated resort at Christmas
- A choice of two DVC properties at one resort
- To stay at one of the cheapest Deluxe Resorts
How can I stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge for less?
You can cut costs at Disney’s Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge by renting DVC points through rental companies like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. This often beats Disney’s rack rates by a mile (sometimes 50% + less).
You get access to some deluxe perks (like Extended Evening Theme Park Hours twice a week), but you usually pay a lot less for the same rooms or villas.
You can rent DVC points by requesting a reservation (specific dates, resort and room type), or by booking a confirmed reservation (with set dates, resort and room type) if you’re more flexible with your travel plans.
You can also watch out for discounts – which tend to be best for Annual Passholders and members of the U.S. Military for example.
Is the Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge better for families?
The Contemporary Resort puts families steps from Magic Kingdom, so you can walk or take the monorail in minutes.
The rooms are decent sizes and the theming may appeal to younger kids. The restaurants offer plenty of kid-friendly options.
That said, the Deluxe Studios are on the smaller side – especially if you have 3 or 4 people in your room (why are the bathrooms in particular SO SMALL?!).
Wilderness Lodge, on the other hand, gives you a cozy woodsy setting, and lots of activities.
It feels quieter but has space to explore.
Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge which is better for solo travelers?
As someone who has stayed solo at both Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge, I’ll share one thing I learned: both of these resorts are some of the all time best options for solo travelers.
Technically, I stayed at Bay Lake Tower and Copper Creek on a solo trip. I loved that these resorts were compact and easy to navigate alone.
From a safety aspect, I felt super secure at both of these resorts.
I would say that the Contemporary has a slight edge because of its more convenient location, but you really can not go wrong with either of these resorts on a solo trip.
Should you choose Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge for couples?
Disney’s Contemporary Resort puts you right next to Magic Kingdom, with modern rooms and great views if you like a lively vibe.
You can walk to the park or hop on the monorail, which makes it simple to enjoy long days and late nights.
Wilderness Lodge feels quiet and cozy, wrapped in tall trees and rustic charm. The lobby has a warm fireplace and soft lighting, perfect if you want somewhere peaceful to relax after a busy day.
Which park is closest to Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary?
The closest park to Wilderness Lodge at the Contemporary is Magic Kingdom.
Can you walk from Contemporary to Wilderness Lodge?
How to get from Contemporary to Wilderness Lodge:
- Take the bus (these resorts often have shared buses)
- Take the boat (though be aware that a direct boat service between these resorts only runs at select times)
- Drive or take an Uber/Lyft
Can you get a boat from Contemporary to Wilderness Lodge?
Yes, at select times. Make sure to check before your visit 🙂
What is the difference between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World?
Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World may sound similar, but they offer very different stays.
Fort Wilderness is a campground with cabins and campsites, so you can sleep close to nature, enjoy rustic trails, and even go horseback riding.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness is the newest DVC property at Walt Disney World.
Wilderness Lodge is a deluxe hotel with a grand lobby, rooms with full amenities, and easy access to dining and pools.
What happened to The Wave at the Contemporary Resort?
The Wave, a modern American restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, closed in July 2021.
Disney made this change to refresh the space just in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
The restaurant location didn’t stay empty long. It reopened as Steakhouse 71, a spot that honors Disney’s history with classic steakhouse dishes.
Final Thoughts & Ta Ta For Now
Best For…
| If You Want… | Pick… |
|---|---|
| 🚶Walk to Magic Kingdom 🏰 | Contemporary |
| Modern design & monorail access 🚝 | Contemporary |
| 🌳 Peaceful, nature-inspired escape | Wilderness Lodge |
| 🌲 Cozy winter holidays or cabin-inspired theming | Wilderness Lodge |
| 🎇 Firework views | Contemporary |
| 🍴 Better dining options | Contemporary
|
Which resort do you prefer?
And if you’ve never stayed or visited these Disney World Resorts, which would you rather stay at after reading this post?
Thanks for reading, and please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂
This post was all about helping you decide if Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge is better for you.
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A Definitive Ranking of the Disney World Monorail Resorts in 2025
Why Can You Save So Much Money if You Rent DVC Points? [Is it too good to be true?]
The Ultimate DVC Face-Off: Disney’s Old Key West VS Saratoga Springs – Which Resort Wins?
