Bay Lake Resort Guide
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary
Our tips and tricks to make your trip magicalFrom Magic Kingdom views and room layouts to dining and DVC perks — everything you need to plan the perfect stay, from owners who know this resort best.
What’s In This Guide
Why We Love Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower is the best choice for families who want a front-row seat to the magic of Magic Kingdom.
With an easy walk across the street, you can go from your villa to inside the park in less than 10 minutes — making it one of the best resorts for families with small children. If you want a modern feel with bright, fun Disney touches, Bay Lake Tower is the resort for you.
Surrounded on two sides by Bay Lake and connected to Disney’s Contemporary Resort by a sky bridge, you get the best of both worlds: a quiet, relaxing resort with easy access to great restaurants and the iconic monorail loop.
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Room View Categories
Bay Lake Tower’s three view categories offer everything from peaceful landscaping to a front-row Magic Kingdom fireworks show right from your balcony.
Each room size is available in multiple view categories. The Theme Park View is truly special — you can watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from your own balcony and even sync the soundtrack on your in-room TV.
- View of resort landscaping
- Lowest point cost
- View of Bay Lake
- Peaceful, scenic setting
- View of Magic Kingdom
- Watch fireworks from your balcony
- Sync the soundtrack on your TV
If you stay in a Theme Park View studio or villa, you can watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from your room — and tune into the soundtrack on your TV so it’s perfectly synced with the show. It’s one of the most magical experiences in all of Walt Disney World.
Room Sizes & Floor Plans
DVC villas range from deluxe studios to grand villas — here’s exactly what each room includes.
One of the biggest advantages of renting DVC at Bay Lake is the space and amenities. Even a studio includes a separate kitchenette, and one-bedroom and larger villas come with full kitchens, washer/dryers, and separate living and dining areas.
- One queen bed / queen sofa
- One bathroom
- Separate kitchenette
Kitchenette only — no full kitchen. Perfect for couples or small families.
- One king bed
- One queen sofa bed
- One sleeping chair (toddler-sized)
- Full kitchen (see below)
- Washer / dryer
- Two bathrooms
- One king, two queens
- Sofa bed & chair
- Full kitchen (see below)
- Washer / dryer
- Three bathrooms
- One king, four queens
- Sofa bed
- Two floors
- Full kitchen (see below)
- Washer / dryer
- Three bathrooms
Kitchens have: sink, dishwasher, fridge and freezer, microwave, coffee maker, toaster. Plates, cups, silverware, frying pan, sauce pan, cooking utensils. Also included: one roll of paper towels, one dishwasher tablet, travel size dishwashing soap, and sponge.
Restaurants, Bars & Quick Service
Bay Lake Tower gives you access to the full dining lineup at Disney’s Contemporary — some of the best food on all of Walt Disney World property.
Via the fourth-floor sky bridge, Bay Lake guests have easy access to Chef Mickey’s, Steakhouse 71, California Grill, and more at the Contemporary. Reservations are recommended for the sit-down restaurants.
Character meals with Mickey and friends. This buffet is a great choice for a break from the parks — a fun, memorable dining experience for the whole family.
One of our favorite restaurants on property! Breakfast is the best value for a sit-down meal, and it has one of the best burgers in all of Walt Disney World.
Quick Service & Other Options
The Contemporary offers a great range of casual options, all accessible via the sky bridge. Whether you need a quick coffee before the parks or a cocktail with a view, there’s something for every moment.
- California Grill — Signature dining on the 15th floor with a stunning view of Magic Kingdom. Reserve early.
- Contempo Café — Quick service at the Contemporary. Great for a fast, affordable meal.
- Contemporary Grounds — Coffee bar with pastries. Perfect for an early park morning.
- Outer Rim — Bar on the 4th floor with beautiful views of Bay Lake. Great for a sunset drink.
As a DVC / deluxe resort guest, you can make all your dining reservations 60 days before you check in. You can also walk your reservations forward each morning. Book California Grill and Chef Mickey’s first — they fill up the fastest.
Activity Highlights & Getting Around
From fireworks on your balcony to movies under the stars — Bay Lake Tower packs in a surprising amount of on-property fun.
Pools & Splash Pads
There are two pool areas available to Bay Lake Tower guests: the Bay Lake Tower main pool and the Contemporary pool. The main pool features a great water slide and a kids’ splash pad right next to it — a big hit with little ones.
Firework Viewing
Even if you don’t have a Theme Park View room, you can watch Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks from the fourth-floor sky bridge connecting Bay Lake Tower to the Contemporary. It’s one of the best free viewing spots on all of Walt Disney World property.
Movie Under the Stars
Each night Bay Lake Tower shows a Disney movie under the stars. Times vary by season — check the My Disney Experience app or ask at the front desk for the current schedule.
Campfire & S’mores
Located in the courtyard area, you can roast marshmallows seven days a week. S’mores kits are available for an additional fee. Times vary, so check the My Disney Experience app under “My Resort” for the current schedule.
Transportation — Walking to Magic Kingdom
The walking path from Bay Lake Tower to Magic Kingdom is one of the biggest perks of staying here. It has its own dedicated security checkpoint, meaning you’ll often get through faster than guests arriving from other resorts. From your villa to the park entrance in under 10 minutes.
Transportation — Monorail & Bus
The monorail at the Contemporary connects you to the Transportation & Ticket Center and EPCOT. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are also served by Disney buses. Check estimated bus times under “My Resort” in the My Disney Experience app.
Buses start arriving roughly an hour before the parks open each morning. For Magic Kingdom, skip the bus entirely — the walk is faster and more magical.
Perks from Staying at Bay Lake Tower & Renting DVC
Renting DVC points unlocks a full suite of benefits that standard hotel bookings simply don’t include.
What You Get
These perks apply to all guests staying at Bay Lake Tower through a DVC rental — included in the cost, no extras needed.
