Disney's Contemporary Resort Family Activities

Main Pool Area
Refurbished in 2009, the resort's main pool features jets, sprayers and a winding tube waterslide. There's no kiddie pool, but a new interactive water sprayground is suitable for little ones. Staff-led activities include Disney Trivia contests, Family Picture Scavenger Hunts and Jammin' Pool Parties. Swim vests and towels are complimentary and swim diapers (available at Fantasia Market) are required for non-potty trained children. (Open 24 hours; lifeguards and slide 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Quiet Pool and Cabanas
Behind the Main Pool, a three- to five-feet-deep round Quiet Pool provides peace and luxury. For $110 per half day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 to 7 p.m.) or $185 for a whole day, you can rent one of a handful of poolside Cabanas. Each stylish shelter features two padded lounge chairs, a flat panel TV, plush towels and a mini refrigerator stocked with water and soda. DVD's are available upon request and private dining (407-824-1786) and poolside massages (407-824-3410) can be arranged. Call 407-939-7529 for advance or 407-824-2464 for same day reservations.

Beach
A white, sandy beach fronts Bay Lake and features a sand volleyball court and daily activities ranging from Jumbo Croquet to "What's in Your Beach Bag?" games. Lounge chairs and strategically hung hammocks are ideal for watching the nightly Electrical Water Pageant (10:10 p.m.). A campfire with S'mores is held select nights starting at 6 p.m., and family-friendly Disney films are shown nightly at 7 p.m.

Pirate and Pals Fireworks Cruise
Appropriate for the entire family, a two-hour Pirate-themed night lights adventure begins with a greeting from Captain Hook and a land-based buffet of snacks like cotton candy, chips, baked treats and trail mix. The journey continues with an onboard sing-along, storytelling and a trivia contest with Pirate Patch, followed by a viewing of the Wishes fireworks show. Reservations (407-939-7529) are a must. Departs one hour, 15 minutes prior to scheduled fireworks on Fridays through Mondays. Cost: $53.99 adults, $30 ages three to nine; under three free

Contemporary Marina
Check out sand toys, volleyballs and tennis racquets for free and for a fee, you can borrow boats ranging from small SeaRaycers ($32 per 30 minutes; $45 per hour; must be 12 years old and 5-feet tall to operate) to Boston Whalers and Sun Trackers (both $45 per 30 minutes or $90 per hr). Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 407-824-2464

Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre
Experienced instructors will teach you and your kids how to water ski, slalom, wakeboard or tube, or lead you on a jet ski or parasailing adventure. Ski boat rates ($85 per 30 minutes; $165 for first hour; $135 per hour following; five-person maximum) include a driver, instruction and equipment -- a good value for the whole family. Complex hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (opens 10 a.m. in winter) weather permitting. Call 407-939-0754 for advance reservations.

The Game Station
At this sprawling fourth floor arcade -- one of the best on Disney property -- your kids can play over 80 games, then trade in winning tickets for prizes like Play-Doh, stuffed animals and Hello Kitty lunchboxes (8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.).

Bikes and Playgrounds
If you want to ride bikes or let your kids burn off some steam, board a boat to Fort Wilderness or Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Both properties have playgrounds and offer bike rentals, and you can travel from one resort to the other along a peaceful three-quarter mile path, where you might spot deer, wild turkeys, rabbits or even armadillos. Bike rentals: $9 per hour or $18 per day; baby bike seats available; surrey bikes: $20 to $22 for 30 minutes.