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.
Overview
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.
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 Skyway 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.
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.
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
- Deluxe Studio — Lake View: Views of Bay Lake; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa; Balcony; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave
- 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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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.
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.
Magical Express pickup is also right outside the main lobby. The hotel also offers Resort Airline Check-In and luggage storage for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in. (Be sure to check with the resort to see if airline check-in and luggage storage services are available.)
Parking
Parking is available at Contemporary. There is a standard $25 overnight self-parking fee (including tax) that is applied to guests’ hotel folio upon check-out. (If you made resort reservations before June 18, 2020 for an arrival in 2020, the parking fee is only $24 per night.)
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.
Pros And Cons
Resort category: Disney Vacation Club
WDW Prep Favorite: Yes
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
Bay Lake Tower room options
Room type | Bed size | Max people per room | Floor Plan |
Deluxe Studio - Standard View | Queen | 4 |  |
Deluxe Studio - Lake View | Queen | 4 |  |
Deluxe Studio - Theme Park View | Queen | 4 |  |
1 Bedroom Villa - Standard View | King | 5 |  |
1 Bedroom Villa - Lake View | King | 5 |  |
1 Bedroom Villa - Theme Park View | King | 5 |  |
2 Bedroom Villa - Standard View | King | 9 |  |
2 Bedroom Villa - Lake View | King | 9 |  |
2 Bedroom Villa - Theme Park View | King | 9 |  |
3 Bedroom Grand Villa - Lake View | Queen | 12 | |
3 Bedroom Grand Villa - Theme Park View | Queen | 12 |
Resort Map
Scheduled refurbishments
None scheduled right now.
Other info
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!
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: 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.
- 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.
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.
Some other recreational options include:
- The Game Station (arcade games)
- Basketball
- Lakeside Yoga
- Fishing
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Jogging Trails
- Campfire to roast marshmallows
- Community Hall: complimentary pool, ping-pong, video games, board games, DVDs, and more
Guests can also enjoy the following for an additional price:
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage: A Seven Seas Lagoon dessert party cruise that’s pirate-themed.
How to get from Bay Lake Tower to anywhere at Disney World
Bay Lake Tower has several different forms complimentary transportation to choose from: the Monorail, water transportation, and Disney buses.
The monorail can be accessed inside the Main Tower of the Contemporary. Bay Lake Tower guests can simply walk across the Skyway Bridge to hop on the Monorail. The water taxi will take guests to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
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:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
2 | All-Star Movies | All-Star Sports | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
3 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom | Follow these steps:
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:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
5 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
6 | All-Star Movies | Art of Animation | Follow these steps:
|
7 | All-Star Movies | Bay Lake Tower | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
8 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club Villas | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
9 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
10 | All-Star Movies | Blizzard Beach | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
Dining options at Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary share dining locations. There are several Table Service and Quick Service options to choose from, including Contempo Café, which offers Mobile Ordering.
Plus, California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and The Wave 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.
The Wave… of American Flavors also has Table Service To Go, which allows guests to Mobile Order and take their meal back to their room. You can read more about the dining options below.
Breakfast
Contempo Café (breakfast)
Quick Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
Pros: Diverse options for a Quick Service, many find the onscreen ordering to be fun, view of the monorail while you dine, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
Cons: Can be quite noisy, due in large part to its proximity to Chef Mickey's
The Wave (breakfast)
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
Pros: Really diverse menu with a focus on local and sustainable items, good service, usually easy to get into
Cons: Can be noisy
Chef Mickey’s (breakfast) – Modified Experience
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
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 (Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie & Pluto)
Cons: Food isn't particularly good but is sufficient, reservations are hard to get
Note: Currently only open for a modified breakfast served family style with no characters
Lunch
Contempo Café (lunch)
Quick Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Quick Service credit(s)
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, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
Cons: Can be quite noisy, due in large part to its proximity to Chef Mickey's
California Grill (brunch) – Temporarily Unavailable
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
Pros: Great service and ambiance & amazing food with a fantastic view of the Magic Kingdom
Cons: Expensive, limited options for kids
Chef Mickey’s (brunch) – Temporarily Unavailable
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
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 (Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie & Pluto)
Cons: Food isn't particularly good but is sufficient, reservations are hard to get
Tips: Request to be in the main dining room to get the maximum amount of fun since the other rooms are further from the action.
The Wave (lunch)
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
Pros: Really diverse menu with a focus on local and sustainable items, good service, usually easy to get into
Cons: Can be noisy
Dinner
Contempo Café (dinner)
Quick Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
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, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
Cons: Can be quite noisy, due in large part to its proximity to Chef Mickey's
The Wave (dinner)
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
Pros: Really diverse menu with a focus on local and sustainable items, good service, usually easy to get into
Cons: Can be noisy
Chef Mickey’s (dinner) – Modified Experience
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
WDW Prep Favorite: Yes
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 (Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie & Pluto)
Cons: Food isn't particularly good but is sufficient, reservations are hard to get
Tips: Request to be in the main dining room to get the maximum amount of fun since the other rooms are further from the action.
California Grill (dinner)
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
WDW Prep Favorite: Yes
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
The Wave Lounge
Quick Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Quick Service credit(s)
Pros: Easy spot to grab a drink and appetizer
Cons: Can be noisy
Contemporary Grounds
Quick Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? No, Quick Service credit(s)
Pros: Great spot to grab a coffee and a pastry
Cons: Limited seating
The Sand Bar
Quick Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
Pros: Great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink, view of the pool or Bay Lake
Cons: Limited seating
Outer Rim
Table Service
Location: Contemporary Resort
On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Table Service credit(s)
Pros: Comfortable seats with a great view make it a great spot to grab a drink
Cons: Only open in the evenings
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