Relish the modern theming of these lake-side towers. Walk to Magic Kingdom® Park and to nearby amenities at Disney's Contemporary Resort. View all amenities for this hotel and compare all Disney Resort Hotels here>
Early Theme Park EntryResort guests are able to enter each theme park daily a half an hour before the general public. Valid theme park admission, park reservation and Resort ID are required.
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What we love
Spectacular views of Magic Kingdom® Park, Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon
One of the most convenient villas on property with some of the newest, nicest rooms
Sleek, minimalist design and vibrant Disney-themed art
Walking path to Magic Kingdom® Park, the quickest way to get there (10-minute walk); monorail access to Epcot® via the Sky Way Bridge
Great shopping in the 4th floor Tower stores at the main resort hotel
Character dining with Mickey and the gang at Chef Mickey's
Multiple table-service dining options, including one of the best restaurants on property at California Grill
Watching the fireworks from park view rooms and the observation deck at California Grill
On-site tennis and volleyball courts
Keep in Mind
Hotel charges $25 per night (sales tax included) for overnight self-parking
Hotel charges $33 per night (sales tax included) for valet parking
Minimalist theming doesn't feel very "Disneyish" (aside from artwork)
Among the most expensive Deluxe Resort Villas on property
Theme Park View includes the parking lot
Pool doesn't have a discernible theme, other than modern
Deluxe studios only sleep 4 plus an infant in a crib; some of the other deluxe villas sleep 5
Notable Facts
The Top of the World Lounge on the 16th floor is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members staying at Bay Lake
Bay Lake Tower was the last work of architect Charles Gwathmey
The award-winning California Grill underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2013, adding a sleek design and lighting, onstage kitchen, sushi bar and more than 250 wine selections
Frog Family Tips
For the shortest transport time, walk to Magic Kingdom® Park, but take the monorail back to the hotel
For transport to Epcot®, take the Monorail to Transportation and Ticket Center and then transfer to the Epcot® line
Consider upgrading to a Theme Park View; request a higher floor for a better view of Wishes Nighttime Spectacular
If you're watching Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, turn to channel 20 to hear the show
If you're dining at California Grill on the 15th floor of the Tower, watch Wishes Nighttime Spectacular from the roof viewing area; earlier diners can show their receipt and come back up for the show
Best For
Families, especially larger families, who appreciate modern design, being right next to Magic Kingdom® Park and on the monorail, and plenty of amenities
*The views and opinions expressed here are those of Undercover
Tourist.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort Information
The tower blends modern architectural sensibilities with the visual cues of its neighbor. The exterior mimics the original resort’s A-frame structure and the building’s shape also creates tremendous views. The pool has a unique water slide, wrapped in a glass block. The two-story lobby is filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns. The accommodations offer sweeping views. A Sky Way Bridge links the tower to the original resort.
EXCLUSIVE THEME PARK BENEFITS:
Early Theme Park Entry for Resort Hotel Guests - guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry—available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks—for each day of your stay, subject to capacity
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours – guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas and other select hotels can enjoy extended evening hours—experiencing select attractions, shops, and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort Refurbishments
Select recreation offerings, amenities and services at Bay Lake Tower, including Top of the World Lounge, are temporarily unavailable.
The Bay Cove Pool splash pad area at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be closed for a brief refurbishment beginning in mid-February. During this time, Guests staying at Bay Lake Tower and Disney Vacation Club members may use the Bay Cove Pool nearby or the feature pool and water play area at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
You may see and hear construction noise while these refurbishments are underway, but you should not hear noise from guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. Disney Resort hotels will begin a phased reopening. As these hotels open, a number of health-and-safety measures will be in place. Additionally, some experiences such as housekeeping services and resort activities have been modified or may be unavailable.
Face coverings are optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations, as well as Disney transportation. It is recommended Guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters, and on enclosed transportation.
Some imagery shown throughout our website does not represent current operational and safety guidelines.
The following resort amenities are unavailable at this time:
Disney Minnie Van™ Service Connected by Lyft - Temporarily Unavailable
In-room celebrations - Temporarily Unavailable
For more information about Walt Disney World reopening read here.
Transportation Pick-Up Locations
Bus Transport
The bus stop is located by the main lobby.
Monorail Transport
The monorail station is located inside on the second floor. When going to EPCOT a transfer is required.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort Amenities
General Resort Info:
Check In/Check Out - 4:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.
Free Wi-Fi
428 Villas
Disabled accessible villas available
All villas non-smoking
Buildings offer elevators and interior corridors
Dining at Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Steakhouse 71 & Lounge, full-service restaurant and lounge
California Grill & Lounge, full-service restaurant and lounge
Chef Mickey's, character dining all-you-can-eat feast
Contempo Café, quick-service cafe
Contemporary Grounds, quick-service cafe
Outer Rim, lake-view bar and lounge
The Sand Bar, poolside quick-service bar
Dining at Bay Lake Tower:
Cove Bar, poolside quick-service bar
Recreation at Disney's Contemporary Resort:
2 Pools - Feature Pool - 6,500 sq ft with waterslide and waterfalls and a leisure pool
Interactive water playground with fountains
2 whirlpool hot tubs
Cabana rentals
Arcade
Basketball
Volleyball
Tennis
Lakeside yoga
Fishing
Motorized boat rentals
Jogging trail
Contemporary Resort campfire
Movies Under the Stars
Nighttime water parade across Seven Seas Lagoon
Olympiad Fitness Center
Recreation at Bay Lake Tower:
Bay Cove Pool - Feature Pool with waterslide (exclusive to Bay Lake Tower guests)
Community Hall with foosball, air hockey, pool, ping pong, darts, and more! (Bay Lake Tower guests)
Motorcoach transportation:
Epcot®
Disney's Hollywood Studios®
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Disney Water Parks
Disney Springs™
Official Walt Disney World® Hotels (requires one transfer at a Disney Theme Park)
Water launch to:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Walking Distance to:
Magic Kingdom® Park
Monorail Transportation:
Magic Kingdom® Park
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Epcot® (requires a Monorail change at the Transportation & Ticket Center)
Other Services:
ATM
Mail services
7 Merchandise locations (gifts, sundries)
Self-service laundry facilities
Valet laundry service
Club Level concierge
Business Center
Convention/meeting space
Salon/barber services
Hotel charges $25 per night (sales tax included) for overnight self-parking
Hotel charges $33 per night (sales tax included) for valet parking
General Walt Disney World® Resort Benefits
Staying on-site at an Official Walt Disney World® Hotel gives you several great complimentary benefits, including free transportation and more.
The Frog Family absolutely loves staying on-site not just for the fun themes and Disney atmosphere of the hotels, but also for the convenient amenities. Some of the other complimentary benefits include:
Convenient Proximity - You can easily go back to your hotel from the parks if you need a break or want to relax at the pool. It's just as easy to head back to the parks after relaxing at your hotel for a couple of hours.
Free Park Transportation - Depending on which Official Walt Disney World® Hotel you stay at, you'll have access to the Skyliner, Monorail, water launch and/or bus transportation. Many of the Official Walt Disney World® Hotels are also within walking distance to the parks and other resorts.
Free Wi-Fi - When staying on-site, you'll have access to complimentary wi-fi, available in your room and select public areas, such as the pools, arcades, restaurants, and more.
Merchandise Delivery and Pickup – Merchandise delivery is available for purchases made in-store at select Walt Disney World® shops and through the Shop Disney Parks mobile app (for in-stock merchandise).
Want to learn more about other Walt Disney World® properties? Compare all Disney properties here.
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Early Theme Park Entry
Resort guests are able to enter each theme park daily a half an hour before the general public. Valid theme park admission, park reservation and Resort ID are required.
