What DVC Members Love About Bay Lake Tower

“It will be bold! Dramatic!” is something we might expect Edna Mode to say about Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This Disney Vacation Club property showcases modern design with classic Disney touches, just steps away from one of the world’s most beloved theme parks. Let’s head into the gorgeously sleek lobby and explore all this resort has to offer!

Location

The feature that makes Bay Lake Tower incredibly popular among guests is its proximity to the Magic Kingdom. Simply walk out of the lobby, take a left, walk ten minutes…and you’re there! Along the walkway to the Magic Kingdom, guests can also take advantage of a shorter security line, because the pathway has its own station.

Bay Lake Tower is also great for guests wanting to enjoy EPCOT, as it is located on the Disney Monorail Loop. Simply take the Monorail to the Transportation & Ticket Center and transfer to an EPCOT Monorail!

Room Features

Bay Lake Tower villas have three booking categories based on their views: Standard, Lake, and Theme Park. Standard Views are located on the lower floors, with some enjoying a view of the pool behind the resort. Lake Views look onto Bay Lake to the back and sides of the resort, but sometimes guests are lucky enough to enjoy a partial view of Magic Kingdom. Theme Park Views face Magic Kingdom and are especially popular with guests who love fireworks!

Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog

The villas at this resort feature a modern aesthetic, matching the mid-century modern vibe of the rest of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The One-Bedroom Villas are ideal for families or friends traveling together, as they feature two full bathrooms. Only Kidani Village shares this unique feature!

Dining

Most of the dining at this DVC property is actually located in the main tower of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. But don’t worry, it’s just a short walk across the sky bridge away!

Guests looking to grab a quick bite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner can stop by Contempo Café. Enjoy classics like Mickey waffles for breakfast, sandwiches and flatbreads for lunch and dinner, and specialty cupcakes for dessert. The signature dessert here is the Peanut Butter Pie, so if you have a sweet tooth, make sure you add it to your Mobile Order!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort features three lounges within its main tower. Outer Rim is located in the main concourse, just beside Contempo Café. Here you can enjoy sipping on your favorite beer or wine while looking out onto Bay Lake. Steakhouse 71 and California Grill both feature lounges, so if you decide not to book a dining reservation, you can still enjoy some of their signature drinks and dishes. At Steakhouse 71 Lounge, we recommend the French 71 cocktail and the Bacon & Eggs. If you venture up to the lounge at California Grill, definitely order the Sonoma Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned.

Looking to enjoy your cocktails and snacks by the pool? This resort features two pool bars. The Sand Bar is beside the Feature Pool. Guests can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, and salads. Those over 21 can order from a menu of beer, wine, sangria, and signature cocktails. The Cove Bar is beside the Bay Cove Pool, just behind Bay Lake Tower.  The menu is a bit smaller than the one at The Sand Bar, but still features a good selection of beer, wine, signature cocktails, and snacks.

If dining with Mickey and his pals is a must-do on your vacation, definitely book a reservation at Chef Mickey’s! While enjoying an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast or dinner buffet, you can say hi to Mickey and a few other Disney friends in chef attire. (PS. You’re going to want to set up a dining reservation alert for this one in Unlocked Magic!)

One of the most coveted reservations at Walt Disney World is located on the top floor of the Contemporary, California Grill. This restaurant offers a signature pre-fixe menu and sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon. California Grill is perfect for a date night, celebration, or if you just want to feel a little fancy on your magical vacation. Try to book a reservation around the time of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and you’ll be treated to an amazing view!

Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members (and their guests) can also enjoy a breathtaking fireworks view from Top of the World Lounge. Currently showcasing your favorite Disney villains, this lounge serves signature cocktails and amazing appetizers against the backdrop of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. If you’re lucky enough to find a spot in this swanky, yet comfy lounge, do not pass up the chance to enjoy the famous Seven Lair Cake (and save me a piece)!

Resort Activities & Amenities

Guests at Bay Lake Tower have access to three pools. Just behind Bay Lake Tower is the Bay Cove Pool, which features a 148-foot-long waterslide, zero-depth entry, and a water play area for children. This pool is exclusive to guests of Bay Lake Tower. Behind the Contemporary’s main building, guest can enjoy The Main Pool or Bay Lake Pool. The Main Pool features a 131-foot-long waterslide, two Whirlpool spas, and a water play area for children. Bay Lake Pool is the resort’s leisure pool, lined with cabanas available to rent.

If your group is looking to enjoy a resort-only day, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep everyone busy! The Game Station on the 4th floor of the Contemporary offers classic and modern arcade games. Bay Lake Tower has its own Community Hall, which features arts & crafts, games, movies, and other activities throughout the day. Beginner and expert anglers can enjoy fishing off the shores of Bay Lake during guided fishing excursions. Wind down at the end of this fun resort day with Movies Under the Stars.

Active guests will find plenty of ways to stay fit on vacation at Bay Lake Tower! Play a pick-up game of basketball, tennis, pickleball, or volleyball on one of the resort’s courts. Take a little journey around the resort’s jogging trail. Guests can also enjoy the Olympiad Fitness Center, which features cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights.

If Bay Lake Tower sounds like your ideal destination for a magical vacation, check out our listings!