History of Disney's Contemporary Resort in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 15, 2025

Disney's Contemporary Resort, a deluxe-priced hotel at Walt Disney World, opened on October 1, 1971, as one of the resort's original properties along with the Polynesian Village Resort. Located adjacent to Magic Kingdom Park, its defining characteristic is its A-frame main building. Originally planned to be named Tempo Bay Hotel, it offered modern amenities at its debut and remains a popular destination for park visitors seeking convenient access and unique architectural design.

October 1, 1971: Disney's Contemporary Resort Opens

On October 1, 1971, Disney's Contemporary Resort, originally planned as the Tempo Bay Hotel, opened at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. It was one of the two original resorts at the complex, along with Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

1971: Resort Opening

In 1971, Disney's Contemporary Resort was one of two resorts that were open on Walt Disney World property.

1971: Resort's Opening Year Inspiration

In 1971, Steakhouse 71, was inspired by the resort's opening year.

November 17, 1973: Nixon's "I am not a crook" Statement

On November 17, 1973, at the Contemporary Resort, President Richard Nixon famously declared, "I am not a crook" during a press conference at the Associated Press Managing Editors Association annual convention amidst the Watergate scandal.

August 8, 1974: Nixon Resigns

On August 8, 1974, Richard Nixon announced his resignation in a national speech. The resignation became effective the following day.

November 11, 1991: Convention Center Opens

On November 11, 1991, a convention center opened at the Contemporary Resort, providing over 90,000 square feet of convention space.

2005: Extensive Renovation Begins

In 2005, Disney began an extensive renovation of the Contemporary Resort, including demolishing the North Garden Wing for a new Disney Vacation Club resort.

2006: Disney Files Plans for Bay Lake Tower

In 2006, Disney filed plans for a project on the site of Contemporary's North Garden Wing, which would become Bay Lake Tower.

January 9, 2007: Condominium Association Incorporated

On January 9, 2007, Disney incorporated a condominium association to manage timeshare units at Bay Lake Tower, in preparation for future sales.

January 30, 2007: Disney's Racquet Club Demolished

On January 30, 2007, Disney's Racquet Club was demolished as part of the Contemporary Resort's extensive renovation.

April 6, 2007: North Wing Demolition Completed

The North Wing demolition, which started on January 31, was completed on April 6, 2007, as part of the Contemporary Resort renovation.

October 2007: Florida Green Lodging Program Designation

In October 2007, the Contemporary Resort was designated as part of the Florida Green Lodging Program.

September 16, 2008: Bay Lake Tower Project Unveiled

On September 16, 2008, the Bay Lake Tower project was officially unveiled by Disney.

September 28, 2008: Timeshares Begin for Disney Vacation Club Members

On September 28, 2008, timeshares at Bay Lake Tower became available to existing Disney Vacation Club members.

October 5, 2008: Timeshares Begin for New Members

On October 5, 2008, timeshares at Bay Lake Tower became available to new Disney Vacation Club members.

August 4, 2009: Bay Lake Tower Officially Opens

On August 4, 2009, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, part of Disney Vacation Club, officially opened.

2009: Bay Lake Tower Opens and Renovation Completed

In 2009, the extensive renovation of the Contemporary was completed and the Bay Lake Tower opened.

June 2021: Room Redesign Announced

In June 2021, the Disney Parks Blog announced that the rooms at the Contemporary Resort had been redesigned with monorail motifs and Incredibles characters.