Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Standing tall alongside its iconic A-frame neighbor, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort represents a perfect fusion of Disney magic and modern luxury. This stunning addition to the Walt Disney World landscape offers Disney Vacation Club members and guests an elevated resort experience that honors the Contemporary Resort’s forward-thinking legacy while creating its own distinct identity. Bay Lake Tower is a Disney Deluxe Villa resort located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, and is one of the most popular Disney Vacation Club resorts, due to the great views of the Magic Kingdom, access to the monoaril and the short walk to the Magic Kingdom.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Summary

• Bay Lake Tower, opened in 2009, stands as a modern 15-story Disney Vacation Club resort adjacent to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, featuring a distinctive crescent shape that maximizes views of both Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake while maintaining the original resort’s midcentury modern aesthetic.
• The resort offers a range of accommodations from Deluxe Studios (339 sq ft) to impressive three-bedroom Grand Villas (2,044 sq ft), each featuring contemporary design elements, full kitchens or kitchenettes, and private balconies with either Theme Park, Lake, or Standard views.
• Location serves as one of the resort’s strongest assets, with multiple transportation options including monorail service to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT (via transfer), boat service to Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge, bus service to other Disney destinations, and a unique walking path that allows guests to reach Magic Kingdom in approximately 10 minutes.
• The exclusive Top of the World Lounge, reserved for Disney Vacation Club members, crowns the tower’s 16th floor, offering panoramic views of Walt Disney World Resort and a premier location for viewing Magic Kingdom’s fireworks displays with synchronized audio.
• While Bay Lake Tower features its own zero-entry pool complex with a 148-foot waterslide and interactive water play areas, guests also enjoy access to all amenities at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, including its diverse dining options ranging from the signature California Grill to the beloved character dining at Chef Mickey’s.
• The intimate lobby creates a sophisticated arrival experience with its modern design elements, while the climate-controlled Sky Way Bridge provides convenient access to the Contemporary Resort’s Grand Canyon Concourse, restaurants, and transportation options.
• Distinguished by its combination of luxury accommodations, prime location, and exclusive amenities, Bay Lake Tower represents one of Disney Vacation Club’s most sought-after properties, particularly appealing to guests prioritizing Magic Kingdom proximity and modern resort amenities.

A Vision of Tomorrow, Today

The moment guests arrive at Bay Lake Tower, they’re greeted by a striking porte-cochère that sets the tone for the contemporary elegance found throughout the resort. This covered entrance features clean architectural lines and geometric patterns that echo the building’s modern design aesthetic. The space provides welcome shade during check-in while offering protection from Florida’s occasional afternoon showers.

The lobby itself presents an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere that distinguishes it from the grand, soaring spaces found at some other Disney Deluxe Resorts. Instead of overwhelming height, the designers opted for a more personal scale that creates an immediate sense of coming home. The space features a harmonious blend of materials including sleek marble floors, warm wood accents, and metallic details that reflect the resort’s contemporary theme.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the lobby with natural light while offering glimpses of the lush landscaping outside. The seating area provides comfortable furniture arranged in conversational groupings, perfect for families to gather while one member handles check-in. Modern chandeliers cast a warm glow across the space, while subtle Disney touches in the artwork and decorative elements remind guests they’re in a magical setting.

The front desk continue the modern aesthetic with their clean lines and backlit panels. Disney Vacation Club members will appreciate the dedicated check-in area that streamlines the arrival process. The lobby’s cast members station themselves at podiums rather than behind a traditional desk, creating a more personal welcome experience.

Beyond the main lobby, guests find the resort’s convenient security key access points that lead to the elevator banks. These high-speed elevators, designed with the same attention to contemporary styling, efficiently whisk guests to their floor. The elevator lobbies on each floor feature distinct color schemes and artwork that help guests orient themselves while maintaining the resort’s sophisticated atmosphere.

A particularly convenient feature of Bay Lake Tower’s design is the covered Sky Way Bridge that connects the lobby level to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This climate-controlled walkway makes it easy for guests to access the dining, shopping, and transportation options of the main resort while staying protected from the elements. The bridge itself offers spectacular views of the resort grounds and Bay Lake, making even this transitional space part of the overall Disney experience.

Bay Lake Tower: Location, Location, Location

One of Bay Lake Tower’s most compelling features is its prime location within Walt Disney World Resort. The property enjoys the same exceptional proximity to Magic Kingdom that has made the Contemporary Resort a sought-after destination for decades. Guests can reach the park via a pleasant 10-minute walk along a dedicated pathway, making it one of the few resorts that offers walking access to a Disney theme park.

The resort’s position on the shores of Bay Lake provides not only stunning views but also convenient boat transportation to both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Meanwhile, the covered Sky Way Bridge connects Bay Lake Tower to the main Contemporary Resort building, giving guests easy access to the monorail station, dining options, and other amenities.

Bay Lake Tower Accommodations

Bay Lake Tower’s vacation homes exemplify Disney’s dedication to sophisticated comfort and thoughtful design. The resort’s crescent shape ensures that each accommodation category offers memorable views, while the interior spaces blend practical amenities with upscale touches that create a true home-away-from-home experience.

Deluxe Studios: Efficient Luxury for Smaller Parties

Deluxe Studios serve as comfortable retreats for up to four guests, offering 339 square feet of well-designed space. Each studio includes a queen-size bed, a full-size sleeper sofa, and a convenient kitchenette equipped with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and sink. The kitchenette’s granite countertops and modern appliances make simple meal preparation a pleasure.

Studios come in two view categories:

• Lake View studios provide serene vistas over Bay Lake, with some offering glimpses of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge across the water
• Theme Park View studios showcase an incredible Magic Kingdom view, with many rooms offering direct views of Space Mountain, Cinderella’s Castle and the nightly fireworks spectaculars

A standout feature in these studios is the split bathroom configuration, with one space containing a shower and sink, and another housing a sink and toilet. This thoughtful design allows multiple guests to prepare for the day simultaneously.

One-Bedroom Villas: Space to Spread Out

One-bedroom villas expand to 803 square feet, comfortably accommodating up to five guests. These villas feature a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a living room with a queen-size sleeper sofa and sleeper chair, and a fully equipped kitchen that would please any home chef.

The kitchen includes full-size appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer combination. Abundant counter space and a complete set of cookware, dishes, and utensils make dining in a practical option.

View categories for one-bedroom villas include:

• Standard View, overlooking the resort grounds and parking area
• Lake View, providing peaceful Bay Lake vistas and stunning sunsets
• Theme Park View, offering prime viewing of Magic Kingdom, including Space Mountain, Cinderella Castle, and the surrounding area

The master bathroom features a whirlpool tub, separate shower, double vanity, and private water closet. The living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows maximize the views while flooding the space with natural light.

Two-Bedroom Villas: Perfect for Extended Families

Two-bedroom villas come in two configurations, both sleeping up to nine guests:

• Dedicated two-bedroom villas (1,152 square feet) feature two distinct bedroom spaces
• Two-bedroom lock-off villas combine a one-bedroom villa with a connecting deluxe studio

Both configurations offer the same view categories as the one-bedroom villas, with Theme Park View being particularly impressive due to the extended window frontage. The dedicated two-bedroom villas feature a second bedroom with two queen-size beds, while lock-off units provide more flexible sleeping arrangements with the studio’s queen bed and sleeper sofa.

The additional space makes these villas ideal for multi-generational families or friends traveling together, offering privacy while maintaining communal areas for gathering. The full kitchen and dining area can accommodate family meals, while two full bathrooms prevent morning rushes.

Grand Villas: Ultimate Luxury in the Sky

The crown jewels of Bay Lake Tower are the Grand Villas, offering an impressive 2,044 square feet of living space spread across two levels. These three-bedroom, four-bathroom accommodations can host up to twelve guests in ultimate comfort and style.

The first floor features:

• A spacious living room with double-height windows
• A dining room that seats eight
• A premium kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
• A master bedroom with king-size bed and ensuite bathroom
• A second bedroom with two queen beds and attached bathroom

The second floor includes:

• A third bedroom with two queen beds and ensuite bathroom
• A media room with comfortable seating and entertainment options
• A fourth bathroom for added convenience

Grand Villas are available in both Lake View and Theme Park View categories. The Theme Park View Grand Villas offer some of the most spectacular views in all of Walt Disney World, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing sweeping vistas of Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, and the surrounding resort area. During fireworks shows, these villas become private viewing platforms for Disney’s nighttime spectaculars.

Room Features Across All Categories

Every accommodation at Bay Lake Tower includes:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Flat-panel smart TVs with cable and streaming capabilities
• Individual climate control
• In-room safe
• Pack ‘n Play playard available upon request
• H2O+ bath products
• Plush bathrobes in one-bedroom villas and larger
• Private balconies or patios with seating
• Contemporary décor featuring subtle Disney touches
• Blackout curtains for comfortable sleeping

The thoughtful design of each villa category, combined with the choice of views and premium amenities, ensures that every guest finds their perfect vacation home at Bay Lake Tower.

Bay Lake Tower Design Elements

The interior design throughout Bay Lake Tower pays homage to the Contemporary Resort’s modernist roots while incorporating contemporary touches. The color palette features warm neutrals accented by bold splashes of color, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming. Custom artwork throughout the resort celebrates Disney characters and themes in subtle, artistic ways that appeal to both children and adults.

Each room features innovative storage solutions and multi-functional furniture pieces, maximizing the available space without sacrificing comfort. The kitchens and kitchenettes are equipped with high-end appliances and finishes, making meal preparation a pleasure rather than a chore.

Bay Lake Tower Amenities

While Bay Lake Tower guests have access to all Contemporary Resort amenities, the tower features several exclusive offerings that make it special:

Top of the World Lounge

Perhaps the most coveted amenity is the Top of the World Lounge, a magnificent space perched on the tower’s 16th floor. Reserved exclusively for Disney Vacation Club members, this lounge offers breathtaking panoramic views of Walt Disney World Resort. The lounge is particularly popular during evenings, as it provides an incomparable vantage point for viewing Magic Kingdom’s fireworks spectacular. The accompanying music is piped in through the lounge’s sound system, creating an intimate and magical experience.

Bay Cove Pool

The zero-entry Bay Cove Pool area is another exclusive retreat for Bay Lake Tower guests. This water complex features a 148-foot waterslide, interactive water play area, and separate wading pool for young children. The surrounding deck area includes a hot tub, comfortable lounge chairs, and private cabanas available for rental. The pool’s design includes subtle nods to the Contemporary Resort’s monorail theme, with curved forms that echo the famous transportation system.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resorts Dining

While Bay Lake Tower doesn’t house its own full-service restaurants, its connection to Disney’s Contemporary Resort via the Sky Way Bridge provides convenient access to some of Walt Disney World’s most celebrated dining venues. From signature fine dining to casual cafes, the Contemporary Resort offers a diverse array of culinary experiences that cater to every palate and occasion.

California Grill

Perched on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort, California Grill stands as one of Disney World’s premier dining destinations. This signature restaurant combines sophisticated cuisine with breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, and Bay Lake. The restaurant’s modern design features floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize these spectacular vistas, while the open kitchen adds theatrical flair to the dining experience.

The menu at California Grill showcases seasonal ingredients with a focus on California fusion cuisine. Guests can enjoy fresh sushi, oak-fired steaks, and innovative seafood dishes, along with an award-winning wine list featuring extensively curated California vintages. The restaurant is particularly famous for its fireworks viewing experience – during Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular, the lights dim and the soundtrack is piped through the restaurant’s sound system, creating an unforgettable dining moment.

Chef Mickey’s

Located on the Grand Canyon Concourse, Chef Mickey’s offers one of Disney World’s most beloved character dining experiences. This vibrant, family-focused restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a setting that celebrates the resort’s iconic monorail theme. Guests can enjoy their meals while meeting the “Fab Five” – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto – all dressed in their chef’s finest.

The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner buffets that feature classic American favorites. Breakfast includes Mickey waffles, fresh fruits, made-to-order omelets, and pastries, while dinner offers carved meats, seafood, pasta stations, and an extensive dessert selection. The restaurant’s energetic atmosphere, complete with periodic napkin-twirling celebrations, makes it a particular favorite among families with young children.

Steakhouse 71

Located on the first floor of the Contemporary Resort, Steakhouse 71 pays homage to the resort’s 1971 opening year. The restaurant offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience, with a menu that focuses on quality steaks and modern American cuisine. The décor features subtle nods to Walt Disney World’s history, including archival photographs and design elements that celebrate the resort’s rich heritage.

For breakfast, guests can enjoy everything from classic American breakfast platters to unique offerings like Walt’s Prime Rib Hash. Lunch features gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and salads, while dinner showcases premium steaks, fresh seafood, and plant-based options. The restaurant’s lounge also offers a curated selection of craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Contempo Cafe

The Contempo Cafe, situated on the Grand Canyon Concourse, provides quick-service dining in a modern, casual setting. This counter-service restaurant offers made-to-order meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with grab-and-go options perfect for guests heading to the parks. The electronic ordering system helps streamline the experience, while the varied menu includes everything from freshly prepared sandwiches and salads to hot entrees and specialty desserts.

Contemporary Grounds

Located in the main lobby, Contemporary Grounds serves Joffrey’s Coffee and specialty beverages, along with pastries and light snacks. This convenient spot is perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

Outer Rim Lounge

The Outer Rim Lounge, located on the Grand Canyon Concourse, provides a relaxing spot for cocktails and light bites. The lounge’s elevated position offers views of the resort’s interior and passing monorails, making it an ideal location for people-watching while enjoying specialty drinks and small plates.

Private Dining

For guests preferring to dine in their villa, the Contemporary Resort offers private dining service available during extended hours. The menu features selections from various resort restaurants, allowing guests to enjoy quality cuisine in the comfort of their accommodation.

Dining Tips and Reservations

Given the popularity of the Contemporary Resort’s restaurants, advance dining reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and Steakhouse 71. These can be made up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app or website. California Grill also offers a special dining experience during Magic Kingdom fireworks, which typically requires booking well in advance.

For guests with dietary restrictions or special requests, all restaurants offer accommodating options and can work with guests to ensure a satisfying dining experience. The culinary team is well-versed in handling common allergies and dietary preferences, from gluten-free to vegan options.

Bay Lake Tower Transportation

Bay Lake Tower’s strategic location and multiple transportation options make it one of Walt Disney World’s most convenient home bases. The resort’s sophisticated transportation network exemplifies Disney’s commitment to seamless guest experiences, offering multiple ways to reach every Disney destination.

The Magic of the Monorail

The resort’s most iconic transportation option is the world-famous Disney monorail system. Guests access the monorail via the Contemporary Resort’s Grand Canyon Concourse on the fourth floor, easily reached through the connecting Sky Way Bridge. The monorail actually glides through the interior of the Contemporary Resort, creating a spectacular sight and unique photo opportunity.

The Resort Monorail loop provides direct service to Magic Kingdom Park, with the entire journey taking approximately seven minutes. The loop also connects guests to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, making dining reservations at these locations easily accessible. During peak hours, monorails typically arrive every four to seven minutes.

For guests heading to EPCOT, the resort’s monorail access offers a two-step process. First, take the Resort Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), then transfer to the dedicated EPCOT Monorail line. The EPCOT Monorail provides a scenic, elevated journey with spectacular views of EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth as you approach the park.

Water Transportation

Bay Lake Tower’s waterfront location enables convenient boat transportation via the resort’s boat launch. The water launch service operates on two routes:

The Magic Kingdom route provides direct service to and from the park’s entrance. This peaceful journey across Seven Seas Lagoon takes approximately 10 minutes and offers unique views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resorts. Boats on this route typically run every 20 minutes throughout the day.

The Blue Flag route connects Bay Lake Tower guests to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. This scenic ride across Bay Lake operates throughout the day, typically every 30 minutes. The route is particularly convenient for guests with dining reservations at either resort, especially those heading to the popular Storybook Dining at Artist Point or Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

Bus Service

Complementing the monorail and boat service, Disney’s bus transportation system connects Bay Lake Tower guests to numerous destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The air-conditioned buses depart from the covered bus stop area located near the resort’s entrance.

Direct bus service is available to:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (approximately 20-25 minutes)
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios (approximately 15-20 minutes)
• Disney Springs (approximately 20 minutes)
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (seasonal service)
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (seasonal service)

During peak hours, buses typically arrive every 20 minutes. The MyDisneyExperience app provides real-time bus arrival information, helping guests plan their departures efficiently. Each bus stop features digital displays showing expected arrival times for the next bus to each destination.

Walking Path to Magic Kingdom

One of Bay Lake Tower’s unique advantages is its proximity to Magic Kingdom, allowing guests to reach the park entrance via a dedicated walking path. This well-maintained pathway offers a pleasant 10-12 minute walk, providing a reliable alternative when other transportation options are busy, particularly after fireworks shows. The path is well-lit at night and offers several scenic photo opportunities of the resort and Seven Seas Lagoon.

Transportation Tips

For maximum convenience, guests should consider the following transportation strategies:

• The walk to Magic Kingdom is often faster than waiting for the monorail or boat during peak times
• Early morning recreational runners can enjoy the walking path before park opening
• The last boats typically run about an hour after Magic Kingdom closes
• During thunderstorms, boat service may temporarily suspend while monorail and bus service continue
• The Resort Monorail operates until one hour after Magic Kingdom closes
• Express monorail service (direct to Magic Kingdom) is available during peak morning hours

With this comprehensive transportation network, Bay Lake Tower guests can easily access every corner of Walt Disney World Resort, making it an ideal home base for park hopping and resort exploration.

Bay Lake Tower Environmental Consciousness

In keeping with Disney’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Bay Lake Tower incorporated numerous sustainable design elements and practices. The building’s orientation and window placement maximize natural light while minimizing solar heat gain. Energy-efficient systems and appliances reduce resource consumption, while water-saving fixtures help conserve this precious resource.

The Disney Vacation Club Experience

As a Disney Vacation Club resort, Bay Lake Tower offers members the flexibility to create their perfect vacation experience. The points-based system allows members to choose their preferred accommodation size and season, with the resort’s popularity making it one of the most sought-after DVC resorts for point usage.

Special Touches That Make Magic

What truly sets Bay Lake Tower apart are the countless small touches that create magical moments. The Community Hall offers games, crafts, and activities for families to enjoy together. During holidays, the resort features special decorations and programming that enhance the celebratory atmosphere. Cast Members consistently provide the legendary Disney service that makes every stay memorable.

Planning Your Stay

Whether you’re a Disney Vacation Club member or a guest booking through Disney directly, planning ahead is essential for securing your preferred dates at Bay Lake Tower. The resort’s popularity, combined with its relatively modest size compared to other Disney World properties, means that rooms often book well in advance, particularly during peak seasons.

Looking to the Future

As Bay Lake Tower approaches its fifteenth anniversary, it continues to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. Regular refurbishments keep the accommodations fresh and current, while maintaining the timeless design elements that make the resort special. The property’s enduring popularity among Disney Vacation Club members and cash guests alike speaks to its successful blend of luxury, convenience, and Disney magic.

Why Bay Lake Tower

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort represents the best of what Disney accommodations can offer: prime location, thoughtful design, exceptional amenities, and that special Disney touch that transforms a vacation into an unforgettable experience. Whether watching fireworks from the Top of the World Lounge, enjoying the sunset over Bay Lake from your villa balcony, or simply appreciating the convenience of being steps away from Magic Kingdom, guests at Bay Lake Tower find themselves immersed in a truly magical resort experience.

For those considering a stay at Bay Lake Tower, whether as Disney Vacation Club members or cash guests, the resort offers a compelling combination of luxury, convenience, and Disney magic that’s hard to match elsewhere at Walt Disney World. Its continued popularity and guest satisfaction speak to its success in delivering on the promise of a premium Disney resort experience.