Resorts Gal Reveals: An Afternoon Lunch at Disney’s Contemporary

When I started Resorts Gal in 2019, I had all these ideas I wanted to write to help others plan their visits to Walt Disney World. So, with a gleam in my eye, I hastily began to share my experiences. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Over the years, most of the old content from that “first launch” has disappeared or been crafted into need-to-know blog posts that are now more concise (hopefully) with better images. During the last two years, I’ve taken the time to replace the majority of images on the site to provide better quality for anyone who visits. As long as I can, I will continue to do so because I care that you benefit from this website.

What does this have to do with an afternoon lunch at Disney’s Contemporary? Well, a lot, and yet nothing at all. I like to think of Resorts Gal as Epcot. The website will always be in a state of becoming. By that, we plan to continue updating our old content, photos, and videos. As you can imagine, the pandemic, mixed with a year-and-a-half-long 50th anniversary celebration, was all a bit of a doozy when it came to vacation planning. We still have bits and pieces mixed in here and there. But I’ve got that gleam in my eye again. And this time, I don’t have to worry so much about all the specifics.

So today, we’re starting a new series of posts called Resorts Gal Reveals. I don’t have a major plan for this series, a set day of the week when I’ll publish them, or really any kind of structure laid out at all. But I can promise that they’ll share my (sometimes ours) experiences in a way that you might enjoy reading about them and hopefully get that same sparkle in your eye. You know, the one where you know about a hidden spot or insider information only a true Disney pro knows. We’ll start with an afternoon lunch at Disney’s Contemporary.

I started my day at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom’s parking lot. Even though I didn’t have any real plans to visit the parks, I nearly always park at the theme park closest to where I’m going. Disney doesn’t usually let you park at the resorts unless you’re staying there or have a confirmed dining reservation. So, I try to go with the flow, and I can always use the extra steps. I walked to the Polynesian from the TTC to take a few photos and then took the monorail to the Contemporary. Someone had recently mentioned that the Sand Bar at the Contemporary had some good lunch options, and I decided to investigate.

Resorts Gal Reveal #1: Below is a photo of one of my favorite dining spots at Walt Disney World. This is a row of tables and chairs on the Grand Concourse at Disney’s Contemporary (the resort’s 4th floor). If you’re facing Contempo Cafe or Chef Mickey’s, you’ll find this area to the immediate left along a window that looks out to Bay Lake. You can even see the Four Seasons in the distance. We have had many breakfasts and lunches at this very spot. It’s peaceful and calm. You also get the advantage of seeing the monorail come through and the stunning views of the lake. The picture of the view doesn’t do it justice. We usually order to-go from Steakhouse 71 or pick up something from Contempo Cafe when we dine here. I have also seen families staying at the resort order pizza and bring it up here to eat. They know what’s up.

Since I was going outside to the Sand Bar, I took the escalator down one floor and then took the stairs to the Contemporary’s big backyard. Wow, it’s always a beauty! If needed, you can take the elevator down to the lobby and exit near the escalator to reach this area.

But taking the stairs adds an elevated view of the serene backyard. If you’ve read any of our posts about the Contemporary, you know that I think this area is a soothing paradox compared to the bustling of Magic Kingdom, a short 10-minute walk away.

On this visit, the Mickey-shaped florals were red. Sometimes, they are yellow.

Resorts Gal Reveal #2: Directly behind the Contemporary Resort, you’ll find a metal sculpture with Mickey Mouse sitting on a pair of ears. This is a fun photo spot. It even has a stand where guests can set the timer on their cameras and hop in the photo. If you’re on a resort hop, make sure to get a photo out here to commemorate your visit.

Behind the Mickey sculpture, we’ll continue to the Sand Bar for lunch.

They had a couple of items that looked interesting, like the Turkey Cuban Sandwich, the Chicken Pita, and the BBQ Pork Quesadilla. Even better, they were all freshly prepared to order. I decided to go with the Turkey Cuban Sandwich, which consisted of turkey, ham, swiss cheese, sweet and spicy mustard, and house-made pickles.

After placing my order, they provided a pager, and I was off to find a table and chairs. It was about 85 degrees, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky, so I knew I needed a spot in the shade. However, with the lake only a couple of yards away and a gentle breeze blowing, it was absolutely divine.

Several places are immediately available at The Sand Bar, but I wanted something a little closer to the lake. Most of the area in the photo below was sunny. So, I walked toward the resort’s boat dock.

I found a long row of tables and chairs—all empty! About that time, my pager went off. I picked up my order and brought it here.

Resorts Gal Reveal #3: This is my other favorite dining spot at the Contemporary. When the weather is pleasant, I could sit out here all afternoon! It’s a peaceful setting with the modern resort in the backdrop and the lake opposite.

Now, about that sandwich: It was so tasty, but it was huge! If you are a party of two, you might consider sharing it. I appreciated that it was freshly made, served warm, and customizable if desired. The sweet and spicy mustard added the perfect kick, and the pickles were delicious. It was pressed like a panini and came with a side of fries.

After my leisurely lunch, I lingered until the resort boat service returned. The Contemporary’s boat service begins at 3:00 p.m. each afternoon. You can take a boat from the resort to the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. We have complete details in our Resorts Gal Guide to Transportation at Disney’s Contemporary. This is the quickest way to get to Hoop Dee Doo Revue from the Contemporary.

It wasn’t long before I was sailing away from the Contemporary to Fort Wilderness.

I’ll leave you with a little haiku inspired by an ancient Japanese one. “In Disney World, seeing the boats sail, I long for Disney World.” I’m sure you understand the sentiment.

I hope you enjoyed our simple afternoon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It’s always the little things that tend to make our hearts swell. What little things do you enjoy at Walt Disney World? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts, questions, or experiences. We enjoy hearing from you, and I take the time to read all of your responses.