3. It used to feature a movie theater, giant arcade, and 24-hour snack bar 

The Fiesta Fun Center was an area on the first floor that was dedicated to a quick service eatery and giant arcade, complete with movie theater. This space was originally a convention area, but the need for late night entertainment for kids was more important at that time. Children (and adults) could play arcade games, watch classic Disney movies on the screen, and have their portrait sketched by a caricaturist who was sometimes available. There was also a snack bar that was open 24 hours for all those late night cravings.

As the Disney parks started staying open later and more entertainment options became available for families around Disney World, the need for an arcade and theater lessened. The Fiesta Fun Center was gradually scaled back into a regular arcade, which was finally replaced by a new restaurant, The Wave…of American Flavors.

Image: Disney

This casual, full service restaurant offers healthy alternatives to traditional Disney World food. It also has a bar area and signature cocktails. The resort’s arcade is now called The Game Room and is located on the 4th floor with the gift shops. It’s still large, but it doesn’t quite rival the old Fiesta Fun Center that children of the 70s and 80s knew and loved.

4. The North Garden Wing was upgraded into what is now Bay Lake Tower

The original Contemporary Resort had three main buildings—the Tower, the North Garden Wing, and the South Garden Wing. The Tower housed the shops, restaurants, lobby, and monorail area. Guests could stay in any of the three buildings, and the Tower was arguably the most popular choice.

However, many guests preferred one of the two Garden Wings because of price and a longing for quiet. (The Tower rooms could be quite noisy with all the activity in the area.) In 2007, Disney decided to convert the North Garden Wing to a special building for Disney Vacation Club rentals only. It opened in 2009 as Bay Lake Tower.

This new area was a big step up from the rather basic North Garden Wing that preceded it. There’s a walkway that connects Bay Lake Tower to the Grand Canyon Concourse of the main Tower. Bay Lake Tower shares most of its services with the rest of the Contemporary, including the front desk area, bell services, and transportation options. However, it does have its own concierge and check-in desk for DVC guests.

The rooms in Bay Lake Tower are a bit unique because they’re shaped like wedges, due to the design of the building.  Guests who stay in Bay Lake Tower have their own pool with a spiral waterslide. Neon lights and glass bricks adorn the area, and a separate water play area and pool bar are also available.

The Top of the World Lounge was recreated atop Bay Lake Tower, but only DVC members are allowed entrance after 5 p.m., so regular guests won’t be able to watch the fireworks show here. Bay Lake Tower guests are allowed to use the services at the main Contemporary Resort, but Contemporary guests aren’t allowed at Bay Lake Tower facilities.

Some rooms at Bay Lake Tower feature stunning views of the fireworks via full-length windows. A few rooms were even designed so guests could watch the display from the comfort of the room’s bathtub. How’s that for a unique feature?

Overall, the changes at the Contemporary Resort have been positively received, with maybe one or two exceptions. Guests who have stayed here many times over the years will always have fond memories of the past, and there will almost certainly be more changes to come in the future.