One of two original Disney World lodgings opened in 1971, Disney's Contemporary Resort has long been a popular spot to stay for families and since the debut of an on-site convention center in 1991, it's been a busy base for business travelers, too. Built around an A-Frame and overlooking Cinderella's Castle and Seven Seas Lagoon, the 655-room, 15-story Deluxe category resort touts easy access to the Magic Kingdom as its major selling point, though many say that spectacular theme park views come a close second. In less than 10 minutes, visitors can travel by walkway or boat to the Magic Kingdom, or be on a monorail bound for the Transportation and Ticket Center and Epcot.

Unlike most other Deluxe Disney resorts, the hotel doesn't offer a childcare center or a playground (See "Family Activities" and "Planning & Tips" for alternatives), but many travelers are happy to forgo these features in favor of convenience and tradition.

Along with a renovated feature pool (re-opened in 2009), recent family-friendly improvements include a high-tech quick-service restaurant and a new interactive water sprayground. The splash pad is located on the main deck next to the Contemporary Marina and Sammy Duvall's -- a top-notch water sports center where your kids can learn to water ski, wakeboard and tube, or even soar over Bay Lake on a sky-high parasailing adventure.

Today, the Contemporary still features a monorail running through its center, and since 1995, the property has played host to Chef Mickey's -- perhaps the most endearing classic character experience in all of Walt Disney World. From 2005 to 2007, rooms and common areas were refreshed to evoke a more soothing aura and in 2009, Bay Lake Tower -- a Disney Vacation Club property -- opened next door, expanding the array of spacious spots to sleep.

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