Bay Lake Tower is one of Walt Disney World’s deluxe villa accommodations, an extension of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Connected via a sky bridge to the main Contemporary building, Bay Lake Tower offers the luxury of villas, an incredible location near Magic Kingdom, and modern amenities. It’s a favourite for those looking to combine convenience with the perks of Disney’s on-site offerings.
Key Features of Bay Lake Tower
1. Unmatched Proximity to Magic Kingdom
One of the major selling points of Bay Lake Tower is its prime location. It is one of the closest resorts to Magic Kingdom, offering guests the luxury of a short walk—about 10 minutes—from their room to the park’s entrance.
- Walking Distance: The walking path to Magic Kingdom is well-lit and convenient, making it easy for families with small children to avoid waiting for buses or monorails.
- Monorail Access: Guests can also easily board the Monorail at the main Contemporary building, just a short skywalk away. The Monorail connects Bay Lake Tower to EPCOT and other Magic Kingdom resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Key Tip: Many guests choose Bay Lake Tower specifically for its proximity to Magic Kingdom, making it a perfect resort for park-hopping between the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
2. Modern Villa Accommodations
Bay Lake Tower offers a range of villa-style rooms, from Deluxe Studios to Three-Bedroom Grand Villas. These rooms are perfect for families or groups who want more space and a modern design aesthetic.
- Studio to Grand Villa: The Deluxe Studios are well-suited for small families, with kitchenettes and queen beds. For larger groups, the Two-Bedroom and Three-Bedroom Grand Villas offer full kitchens, separate living spaces, and in-room laundry.
- Theming: The rooms are sleek, modern, and styled with subtle Disney touches, maintaining the contemporary feel of the resort. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer some of the best views on Disney property, particularly if you opt for a Theme Park View.
Key Tip: Book a Theme Park View room for a breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Many guests also enjoy watching from their private balcony without the crowds.
3. Incredible Views and Fireworks
One of the standout features of Bay Lake Tower is its views. Guests can choose between Bay Lake Views, showcasing the serene water and lush landscape, or Theme Park Views, providing a direct line of sight to Magic Kingdom and the nightly fireworks.
- Top of the World Lounge: For Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members staying at Bay Lake Tower, the Top of the World Lounge offers a private rooftop space with unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The lounge has recently reopened and is a favourite among DVC members.
Key Tip: Even if you aren’t a DVC member, booking a Theme Park View room will allow you to enjoy the fireworks from your balcony. The view from the resort is often described as one of the best on property.
4. Access to Contemporary Resort Dining and Amenities
While Bay Lake Tower has its own amenities, guests can easily access all the dining and recreational options of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Dining: One of the best features of staying at Bay Lake Tower is the direct access to some of Disney’s top dining experiences, including California Grill and Chef Mickey’s.
- California Grill: A signature dining restaurant located at the top of the Contemporary Resort, California Grill offers an upscale dining experience with panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom.
- Chef Mickey’s: This classic Disney character dining experience is ideal for families, where you can meet characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy while enjoying a buffet.
- Pools: Bay Lake Tower features its own exclusive pool, known for its zero-entry feature and water slide. Guests can also enjoy the Contemporary Resort pools, including the main pool with a slide and hot tub.
Key Tip: Make reservations at California Grill around fireworks time to enjoy dinner with a view, or use the skybridge to head over to Chef Mickey’s for breakfast or dinner with the characters.
5. Easy Access to EPCOT and Other Resorts
In addition to its close proximity to Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower provides quick access to EPCOT via the Monorail system.
- Monorail Loop: Guests can transfer from the resort’s Monorail to the EPCOT line, making it incredibly easy to travel between these two parks.
- Resort Hopping: Staying at Bay Lake Tower allows you to easily visit other Monorail resorts, such as the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resort. These resorts offer additional dining and recreation options, making it convenient to explore Disney World beyond just your hotel.
6. Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere
While the Contemporary Resort can sometimes feel bustling with activity due to the Monorail, restaurants, and shopping areas, Bay Lake Tower is typically much quieter. Its location provides guests with a peaceful escape from the high-energy environment of the theme parks.
Key Tip: If you prefer a quieter stay, consider booking a room in Bay Lake Tower rather than in the main Contemporary Resort building. The tower offers a more relaxed environment without sacrificing proximity to park access.
Benefits of Staying at Bay Lake Tower
1. Walking Distance to Magic Kingdom
The short walk to Magic Kingdom is one of the biggest draws for families with small children who want to avoid waiting for transportation. You can be back at your room for an afternoon nap or snack in no time.
2. Fireworks Views
Booking a Theme Park View room allows guests to watch the fireworks from the comfort of their room, making it an amazing and memorable experience, especially for young children or those who want to avoid crowds.
3. Monorail Convenience
Being on the Monorail loop makes Bay Lake Tower incredibly convenient for park hopping, as well as for dining at nearby resorts like the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.
4. Top of the World Lounge
For DVC members, the Top of the World Lounge offers a private spot to unwind and take in incredible views of the Magic Kingdom and its fireworks, adding a special touch to your stay.
Downsides of Bay Lake Tower
1. Price
Bay Lake Tower, especially with a Theme Park View or in larger villas, can be one of the more expensive deluxe villa resorts. The convenience and luxury come at a cost, and budget-conscious travellers may find the nightly rates a bit steep.
2. Noisy in Main Contemporary Building
While Bay Lake Tower itself is generally quiet, the Contemporary Resort can be noisy, particularly in the Grand Canyon Concourse where the Monorail passes through. The constant activity in the lobby and dining areas may not appeal to those seeking a quieter vacation experience.
3. Limited Dining in Bay Lake Tower
Though Bay Lake Tower has access to Contemporary’s dining, there are no full-service dining options directly in Bay Lake Tower itself. This can be a downside if you prefer to dine closer to your room.
Final Thoughts: Is Bay Lake Tower Worth It?
Disney’s Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort is one of the most convenient and luxurious places to stay at Walt Disney World, especially for those looking for quick access to Magic Kingdom and the benefits of the Monorail system. The modern, spacious villas make it an excellent choice for families or larger groups who want both comfort and proximity to the parks.
While the price can be high and there are limited dining options directly within Bay Lake Tower, the resort’s perks—such as fireworks views, the quiet atmosphere, and easy access to EPCOT and other resorts—make it a top pick for many Disney World visitors. The Top of the World Lounge is an added benefit for DVC members, providing a relaxing space with unbeatable views.
If you’re looking for a balance of convenience, modern accommodations, and luxury, Bay Lake Tower is an outstanding choice. Its location near Magic Kingdom is one of its greatest strengths, ensuring that you’re always in the heart of the Disney magic.
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