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Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Located just outside Magic Kingdom, the modern Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has some of the best fireworks views of all the DVC resorts. The Sky Way Bridge on the fifth floor connects Bay Lake Tower to the Contemporary Resort and all of its restaurants and amenities, including the monorail. Bay Lake Tower opened in 2009, and DVC contracts there end on January 31, 2060.
Bay Lake Tower completed its first full refurbishment in 2025. The refreshed villas feature a mid-century modern design with nods to Space Mountain, the Monorail, and Mary Blair’s iconic Contemporary mural, plus new pull-down beds with Cinderella Castle artwork. The Bay Cove Pool also reopened in spring 2026 after a refurbishment, and exterior work on the Contemporary’s main tower is expected to continue through late 2027.
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The DVC Show is a weekly podcast that discusses and reviews the experience of being a Disney Vacation Club Member.
Room Details
Room categories at Bay Lake Tower include Standard View, Lake View, and Theme Park View. Standard View villas go quickly at the 11-month mark due to their low point value, followed by Theme Park View since there are fewer of them. Lake View tends to have the most availability. Photos of the different balcony views can be found on the DISboards.
Villa types at Bay Lake Tower include Deluxe Studios, One-Bedroom Villas, Dedicated Two-Bedroom Villas, Two-Bedroom Lock-Off Villas, and Three-Bedroom Grand Villas. One-Bedroom Villas and larger have full size kitchens stocked with pots, pans, and kitchenware, plus washers and dryers. Detergent is provided. Deluxe Studios have kitchenettes with a microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, mini-fridge, and sink, along with paper plates, bowls, towels, and cups as well as plastic cutlery and dishwashing liquid.
Deluxe Studios
Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower are compact but packed with style, and they put you just a short walk from Magic Kingdom. They’re a great choice for couples and small families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.
At 339 square feet, they’re among the smallest Deluxe Studios at any DVC resort. Each accommodates up to 4 guests with one queen size bed, one queen size pull-down bed, one bathroom, and a kitchenette. The 2025 refurbishment swapped the old sleeper sofa for a pull-down bed featuring Cinderella Castle artwork, which frees up floor space during the day.
Though there are 147 Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower, they’re typically the first rooms to book up.
One-Bedroom Villas
One-Bedroom Villas at Bay Lake Tower are a fan favorite, thanks to a roomy kitchen with an island and a second bathroom, which is a rare perk for a one-bedroom at DVC.
At 803 square feet, these villas accommodate up to 5 guests with one king size bed, one queen size pull-down bed, one twin size pull-down bed, and two bathrooms, plus a full kitchen, living and dining areas, and an in-villa washer and dryer. The refurbishment replaced the sleeper sofa and sleeper chair with a Murphy-style pull-down bed that has a twin bed tucked underneath.
There are 147 One-Bedroom Villas at Bay Lake Tower, and they tend to have better availability than the Deluxe Studios.
Dedicated Two-Bedroom Villas
Bay Lake Tower offers two styles of Two-Bedroom Villas. Dedicated Two-Bedroom Villas are a single, purpose-built villa (not a One-Bedroom and a studio connected together), giving larger families plenty of room to spread out.
At 1,152 square feet, Dedicated Two-Bedroom Villas accommodate up to 9 guests with one king size bed, two queen size beds, one queen size pull-down bed, one twin size pull-down bed, and three bathrooms, plus a full kitchen, living and dining areas, and an in-villa washer and dryer.
There are about 120 Dedicated Two-Bedroom Villas at Bay Lake Tower. Standard View Two-Bedroom Villas tend to book up before the 7-month mark, but availability for Lake View and Theme Park View may be better.
Two-Bedroom Lock-Off Villas
Two-Bedroom Lock-Off Villas combine a One-Bedroom Villa with an adjoining Deluxe Studio. The connecting door gives you one big villa for the whole group, while still letting each part of the family have its own space. DVC Members can also book each side separately.
At 1,142 square feet, Lock-Off Villas accommodate up to 9 guests with one king size bed, one queen size bed, two queen size pull-down beds, one twin size pull-down bed, and three bathrooms. The One-Bedroom side has the full kitchen and washer and dryer, and the studio side has a kitchenette.
There are about 147 Two-Bedroom Lock-Off Villas at Bay Lake Tower. Because they include a Deluxe Studio, their availability tends to follow the same patterns as the Deluxe Studios.
Three-Bedroom Grand Villas
Grand Villas at Bay Lake Tower are two-story homes away from home, and they’re some of the most dramatic accommodations at any DVC resort, with sweeping views from high up in the tower.
Each Grand Villa is about 2,044 square feet and accommodates up to 12 guests with one king size bed, four queen size beds, a pull-down bed in the living room, and four bathrooms, plus a full kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, and an in-villa washer and dryer.
There are just 14 Grand Villas at Bay Lake Tower, available in Lake View or Theme Park View (none are Standard View). Grand Villas have limited availability at the 7-month mark.
User Reviews
Pros
Cons
Pros
Location! Walking distance to MK [Magic Kingdom], monorail access to Epcot. With young kids in a stroller, those things are invaluable. The view is fantastic. Great food options, especially Steakhouse 71. –Emily S.
5 minute walk to Magic Kingdom (and the bus depot), 20 minute walk to Grand Floridian, 30 minute walk to Poly. Or 5 minute walk to Magic Kingdom and a 10 minute boat ride to Poly or Grand Floridian. Or the monorail would work also, I guess. The view from almost every room is fantastic in their own way. Even if you are facing into the center courtyard. Because of the curve of the building, the outside rooms make you feel like you are the only people on property. –Jason R.
Walk to MK [Magic Kingdom] (really all you ever need). Extra bathroom in anything over a studio. Dining options are really unique. Our family loves Steakhouse 71 breakfast and dinner. Bonus: pretty nice community hall. Lots of crafts and games for kids to play. –Ryan L.
I loved this kitchen layout and being able to move around the island. I also love having a 2nd bathroom in the one bedrooms. Biggest pro for parents of littles is being able to walk to MK [Magic Kingdom], monorail to Epcot and not having to fold a stroller. –April H.
I love that all of the rooms are in one tower building. Once you arrive at your Resort, you’re practically to your room, instead of other Resorts where you then have to trek to your room. This is especially great on those Florida rainy days….get off the monorail and stay under cover for the short walk to your room. –Mandy D.
Cons
1) The layout of the studios feels super cramped. 2) The Contemporary feel isn’t for everyone. –Heather K.
Vastly overrated. The walking path is a pro in general, but it is fraught with traffic – nothing like the safe, peaceful walking paths at GF [Grand Floridian] and the Epcot resorts. The theme/park fireworks view is really a view of a parking lot view (contrast with GF and Poly which have beautiful water views with theme park/fireworks in the backdrop.). There is nothing in BLT [Bay Lake Tower]. You have to go to the Contemporary for literally everything. Don’t get me started on the size and quality of the studios: Tiny and embarrassingly outdated. –Karen M.
The studios are small and cramped. I don’t mind it, but others complain about the theming. The pool is passable but nothing to write home about. –Ryan C.
Contempo Café really is “meh” at best if you need quick serve dining. The breezeway from the Contemporary can blow you away and/or get you soaked at times. Some people just don’t like the style. –Ann R.
Monorail to & from Epcot feels like it takes forever! –Melissa O.
Dining
Quick Service
Pastries, cupcakes, breakfast platters, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and resort mug refills.
Coffee, tea, and pastries to start your morning.
Casual Table Service
Join Mickey and friends for breakfast and dinner at this all-you-care-to-eat restaurant.
Dine on omelettes, pancakes, and steak and eggs for breakfast, burgers and sandwiches for lunch, or classic steakhouse favorites for dinner.
Signature
Enjoy gourmet dining at this award-winning restaurant atop the Contemporary, with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Bars and Lounges
This Bay Cove Pool bar offers cocktails, beer, wraps, and salads.
Located on the fourth floor of the Contemporary, this lounge offers cocktails, wine, and beer with views of Bay Lake.
Find beverages inspired by the 1970s in this lounge next to Steakhouse 71.
This pool bar near the Contemporary Resort Main Pool offers burgers, hot dogs, cocktails, beer, and wine.
This villains-themed rooftop lounge atop Bay Lake Tower is open to DVC Members with Membership Extras and features fireworks views, cocktails, wine, beer, appetizers, and desserts. Members can reserve complimentary fireworks viewing up to 60 days in advance through Member Services.
Amenities
Pools
Bay Cove Pool
Bay Lake Tower’s feature pool has a 148-foot-long waterslide, whirlpool spas, and a splash pad.
Contemporary Resort Main Pool
This pool features a 131-foot-long waterslide, whirlpool spas, and a children’s play area.
Bay Lake Pool
The Contemporary’s quiet leisure pool, with cabanas available for rental.
Shopping
Recreation
Transportation Options
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Disney Springs
Magic Kingdom
- Walkway or Monorail
- Magic Kingdom is about a 5-minute walk from Bay Lake Tower, or you can hop on the Resort Monorail at the Contemporary.
Epcot
- Monorail
- Take the Resort Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center, then transfer to the Epcot Monorail.
Hollywood Studios
Bus
Animal Kingdom
Bus
Disney Springs
Bus
Additional Details
Points Charts
2025
2026
2027
Dues
- As of 2026, the Annual Dues at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are $8.7415 per point.
Rent DVC Points
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