There are multiple gates now installed on the fourth floor observation deck of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in an effort to prevent guests from accessing higher level landings, which some guests have used for fireworks viewing, possibly as a safety measure.
Contemporary Resort Gates
The fourth floor observation deck is considered a not-so-hidden-gem location for Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing. People also use the fourth floor to go up the stairs and watch fireworks from different landings, as well as the roof observation deck at California Grill.
However, the new gates signify Disney may be trying to move away from that.
Disney Cast Members confirmed with WDWNT that the stairwells are supposed to remain clear for emergencies. The gates could be acting as a deterrent for going up the stairs—hopefully to keep them from using the higher-level landings and California Grill deck.
There are two gates—one on each stairwell leading to the observation deck.
Update 6/10/26: On a more recent visit, we noticed the gate on the fireworks-viewing side was unlocked for guests going down the stairs, but locked for those going upstairs.
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