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Complete Guide to Bay Lake Tower (w/ review)

Complete Guide to Bay Lake Tower (w/ review)

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort can be found right next door to the Contemporary. You might even say they are sister resorts.

The difference is that Bay Lake Tower is a Disney Vacation Club Resort and a Deluxe Villa Resort, instead of just a Deluxe Resort. It’s 1 of 12 Deluxe Villas at Disney World.

Bay Lake is a lakeside resort that’s within walking distance to Magic Kingdom and also where “warm luxury meets modern elegance.”

Here’s everything you need to know about Bay Lake Tower.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Can walk to Magic Kingdom, views of Magic Kingdom fireworks, can view Electrical Water Pageant from hotel, 50 minute specialty cruises for up to 10-12 people available at the dock, salon on site,

Cons: Pool is not anything special, theming seems sterile to some people, bus transportation is shared with other hotels, Bay Lake Tower rooms are smaller than at other properties

Overview

Resort category: Deluxe Villa

Resort area: Magic Kingdom

Address & Phone Number
4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8413
(407) 824-1000

Bay Lake Tower is in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. Actually, it sits right across from the iconic park and offers views of Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain.

sky way bridge bay lake tower contemporary

Since the DVC resort is right by the Contemporary, the two resorts share a lot of the same features and amenities, including dining and transportation. Bay Lake Tower even has the super convenient Sky Way Bridge connecting it to the Contemporary.

All guests have to do is take the short walk across the bridge to access restaurants and transportation, including the Monorail. 

Bay Lake Tower has a lot to offer. Here’s what you can expect.

Guest Rooms And Bathrooms

Bay Lake Tower offers rooms that can hold up to 12 guests, depending on your room selection. The rooms also feature in-home amenities, including a kitchen, washer, dryer, and separate bedrooms. 

These types of rooms are perfect for large parties and those who want more space with a homey feel. You can choose from either one or two bedroom villas. 

You can also expect the traditional amenities, like a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, a coffee maker, telephone, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, and a mini-refrigerator. Plus, there are some extras, including a toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and more.

The views also range depending on what you book, but you might look out upon either Bay Lake, Magic Kingdom, or possibly an obstructed or parking lot view.

There are plenty of outlets and USB ports available as well. And if you’re worried about storage, don’t be, because these villas are designed to give guests plenty of space for luggage and other items.

There are also some important details to note about housekeeping services.

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decide to decline the service. Rental Guests (non-Members or DVC Members not booking through Membership) receive Full Cleaning Services every day.

Let’s go through the types of rooms available to book.

Studios

  • Deluxe Studio — Standard View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa; Balcony; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave 
Bay Lake Tower Deluxe Studio room
Bay Lake Tower deluxe studio room
  • Deluxe Studio — Lake View: Views of Bay Lake; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa; Balcony; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave
Bay Lake Tower deluxe studio ktichenette
  • Deluxe Studio — Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa; Balcony; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave
Bay Lake Tower deluxe studio bathroom

Villas

  • 1 Bedroom Villa — Standard View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair; Balcony, 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen with an island
Bay Lake Tower villa bedroom
  • 1 Bedroom Villa — Lake View: Views of Bay Lake; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair; Balcony, 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen with an island
Bay Lake Tower villa bedroom and bathroom
Bay Lake Tower villa bedroom
  • 1 Bedroom Villa — Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair; Balcony, 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen with an island
  • 2 Bedroom Villa — Lake View: Views of Bay Lake; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair; 3 full bathrooms and full kitchen with an island
Bay Lake Tower villa living area
  • 2 Bedroom Villa — Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair; 3 full bathrooms and full kitchen with an island
  • 2 Bedroom Villa — Standard View: Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair; 3 full bathrooms and full kitchen with an island
Bay Lake Tower villa bathroom
Bay Lake Tower villa view
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa — Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom; 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa — Lake View: Views of Bay Lake; 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms.

You can check out room layouts below.

Bay Lake Tower Room Options

Room type(s)Bed sizeMax people
per room
Floor plan
Deluxe Studio – Standard View
Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa4Disney World floor plan
Deluxe Studio – Lake View
Views of Bay Lake
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa4Disney World floor plan
Deluxe Studio – Theme Park View
Views of Magic Kingdom Park
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa4Disney World floor plan
1 Bedroom Villa – Standard View
Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View
1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair5Disney World floor plan
1 Bedroom Villa – Lake View
Views of Bay Lake
1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair5Disney World floor plan
1 Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View
Views of Magic Kingdom Park
1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair5Disney World floor plan
2 Bedroom Villa – Standard View
Views of Parking Area or Obstructed View
1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair9Disney World floor plan
2 Bedroom Villa – Lake View
Views of Bay Lake
1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair9Disney World floor plan
2 Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View
Views of Magic Kingdom Park
1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair9Disney World floor plan
3 Bedroom Grand Villa – Lake View
Views of Bay Lake
1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa12
3 Bedroom Grand Villa – Theme Park View
Views of Magic Kingdom Park
1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa12

VIDEO: Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Room Tour & Walkthrough)

Checking In And Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

bay lake tower lobby

The front desk is located in the main lobby. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

  • Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
  • Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

bay lake tower lobby

The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) is also right outside the main lobby. The hotel also offers luggage storage for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

Package Delivery & Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.

Parking

Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.

Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

Important: Valet parking might not always be available.

contemporary parking

Resort Map

contemporary resort and bay lake tower map walt disney world

Bay Lake Tower Building

bay lake tower contemporary resort

Bay Lake Tower rooms are located in the Bay Lake Tower, which is located directly next to the Contemporary Resort Tower. The 2 towers are connected by the Sky Way Bridge, allowing for accessibility especially when it comes to dining and other amenities.

Amenities And Shops

Bay Lake Tower guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including several gift shops, on-site laundry services, and even the chance to watch movies outside on a big screen! 

fantasia store contemporary

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

  • Bayview Gifts: A gift shop featuring your standard Disney souvenirs.  
  • Fantasia: A smaller gift shop that also sells Disney souvenirs.
fantasia market contemporary resort
  • Fantasia Market: A market, where you can buy food and spirits.
  • Laundry Services: There are 24-hour self-service laundry facilities available on the first floor.
  • Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.
contemporary resort fitness center
  • Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies on the lawn behind Contemporary’s Main Tower.
  • Electrical Water Pageant: A nighttime water parade that sails along on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
  • Olympiad Fitness Center: Full-service gym with exercise equipment.

Pools And Recreation

There are several pools available for guests at Bay Lake Tower, in addition to the pools at Contemporary Resort. We recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying a Disney Resort pool, especially if you need a non-park day.

contemporary resort pool

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

The pool available is:

  • Bay Cove Pool: Features a 20-foot-tall waterslide, whirlpool spa, and a poolside bar, the Cove Bar. There’s also a water play area for kids. This pool is exclusively for Bay Lake Tower guests and Disney Vacation Club members. Cabanas are also available for rental.

You can also access the pools at the Contemporary.

contemporary resort pool

Some other recreational options include:

  • The Game Station (arcade games)
  • Basketball
  • Lakeside Yoga
contemporary recreational shedule
  • Fishing
  • Motorized Boat Rentals
  • Volleyball
the game station arcade contemporary
  • Tennis
  • Jogging Trails
  • Campfire to roast marshmallows
  • Community Hall: complimentary pool, ping-pong, video games, board games, DVDs, and more
ping pong contemporary bay lake tower

Guests can also enjoy the following for an additional price:

Restaurants & Dining Options

Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower share the same dining options.

There are plenty of dining options available, including Quick Service locations, some of the most popular signature dining, like California Grill, and also coffee shops and lounges. Contempo Café also offers Mobile Ordering.

Plus, California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and Steakhouse 71 have Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.

Steakhouse 71 also features Table Service To Go, meaning you can Mobile Order form the Table Service spot. You can read more about the dining options below.

You can read more about the dining options below.

Quick Service

Although you don’t need reservations to dine at the Quick Service locations at Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower, you may want to consider using Mobile Order where available.

Contempo Cafe

This is along the lines of a grab-and-go spot for those who want a quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a range of items, like breakfast platters, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.

contempo cafe contemporary resort

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Diverse options for a Quick Service – everything from good sandwiches to made-to-order salads and some of the best cupcakes ever, many find the onscreen ordering to be fun, view of the monorail
  • Cons: Can be quite noisy, due in large part to its proximity to Chef Mickey’s

Table Service

Table Service locations typically require Advanced Dining Reservations. You can make those online or inside of the Disney Experience app.

Steakhouse 71

Steakhouse 71 replaced The Wave and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a casual steakhouse with a range of options, including plant-based menu items and an amazing 15-layer chocolate cake representing the floors of Contemporary.

steakhouse 71 contemporary

Location type: Casual dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Really diverse menu with a focus on local and sustainable items, good service, usually easy to get into
  • Cons: Can be noisy, sometimes service is slow

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s offers character dining featuring The Fab Five in chef attire: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. Meals here are served buffet-style.

chef mickey's contemporary resort

Location type: Buffet-style character dining
Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Family favorite due to the fun vibe (and it’s fun to ride the monorail right into the building), good spot to catch the classic characters together, food has improved with many plant-based options
  • Cons: Reservations are hard to get, can be loud
  • Tips: Only 4 of the characters come to your table; you’ll meet either Chef Mickey or Chef Minnie at the separate PhotoPass meet and greet after you’ve paid

California Grill

California Grill is a popular location for dinner. Not only are the views fantastic of Magic Kingdom, but the food is top-notch. There’s also a special plant-based menu, so be sure to ask for that option if you need it.

california grill contemporary

Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: American, Seafood, Sushi
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Great service and ambiance, amazing food (especially if you like sushi) with a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks (if you eat earlier in the day, you can return with your receipt to view fireworks at night from their private balcony area)
  • Cons: Expensive, limited options for kids

Everything Else

Looking to grab some appetizers or a cocktail? Here’s where you can do that.

Steakhouse 71 Lounge

Steakhouse 71 Lounge is connected to the main restaurant, Steakhouse 71. You can order drinks and food here, including the restaurant’s signature burger and other small bites. You may be able to order off the main menu as well, so be sure to ask.

steakhouse 71 contemporary

Location type: Bar and lounge
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Easy spot to grab a drink and appetizer
  • Cons: Can be noisy

California Grill Lounge

If you can’t get a reservation in the main restaurant, the California Grill Lounge is a second great option. Not only can you order off the full menu, but you too will have access to Magic Kingdom fireworks.

california grill contemporary

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American, Seafood, Sushi
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great service and ambiance, amazing food (especially if you like sushi) with a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks (if you eat earlier in the day, you can return with your receipt to view fireworks at night from their private balcony area)
  • Cons: Expensive, limited options for kids

Contemporary Grounds

Contemporary Grounds is a coffee stand serving pastries and a range of baked goods. Plus, you can order Joffrey’s, the official coffee of Walt Disney World, here.

contemporary grounds joffrey's

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast & snacks
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great spot to grab a coffee and a pastry
  • Cons: Limited seating

Cove Bar

The Cove Bar is located at Bay Lake Tower and is a private pool bar for guests staying at the hotel or for Disney Vacation Club Members.

cove bar

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink, view of the pool or Bay Lake
  • Cons: Limited menu and hours

The Sand Bar

This pool bar offers burgers, hot dogs, snacks, desserts, wine, beer, tropical cocktails, and more. There’s also an enclosed area with air conditioning.

the sand bar contemporary resort

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink, view of the pool or Bay Lake
  • Cons: Limited menu and hours

Outer Rim

The Outer Rim is a bar that strictly serves drinks, but it’s a great way to enjoy the evening with some stunning views of Bay Lake.

outer rim contemporary resort

Location type: Bar
Type of food: None
Meals Served: None
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Comfortable seats with a great view make it a great spot to grab a drink, TVs available for watching sporting events
  • Cons: Only open in the evenings

How to get from Bay Lake Tower to anywhere at Disney World

contemporary monorail

Bay Lake Tower has several different forms complimentary transportation to choose from: the Monorail, water transportation, and Disney buses.

contemporary resort bus stop

The monorail can be accessed inside the Main Tower of the Contemporary. Bay Lake Tower guests can simply walk across the Sky Way Bridge to hop on the Monorail. The water taxi will take guests to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

contemporary walkway to magic kingdom

As for the bus stop, it’s located right outside the main lobby of the Contemporary. There’s also a walkway for guests to walk to the Magic Kingdom. All of the different ways to get from Bay Lake Tower to anywhere in Disney World is below.

wdt_ID Starting Point Ending Point How to get there
1 All-Star Movies All-Star Music Follow these steps:
  • Walk (takes about 5-7 minutes)
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
2 All-Star Movies All-Star Sports Follow these steps:
  • Walk (takes about 15 minutes)
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
3 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom
  • Arrive at your destination
Headed to an early morning breakfast reservation at Animal Kingdom? Buses to Animal Kingdom from Disney resorts usually start running around 7-7:15 a.m. daily.
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
4 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House (main bldg) Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (both resorts are closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village bus stop
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
5 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village
Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (both resorts are closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village bus stop
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
6 All-Star Movies Art of Animation Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, and Art of Animation is closest to Hollywood Studios, so those buses will likely be your best choices)
  • Skyliner (from Hollywood Studios) or    Bus to Art of Animation
  • Arrive at your destination
7 All-Star Movies Bay Lake Tower Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Magic Kingdom
  • Walk (takes about 10 minutes) or    monorail to Bay Lake Tower
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
8 All-Star Movies Beach Club Villas Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Beach Club
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
9 All-Star Movies Beach Club Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Beach Club
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
10 All-Star Movies Blizzard Beach Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Blizzard Beach
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
Starting Point Ending Point

Scheduled Refurbishments

None scheduled right now.

Other Info

Bay Lake Tower Trip Reports