So, you want to stay at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but want to find out more about the refurbishment before booking your stay?
Who wouldn’t want to stay just steps away from the Magic Kingdom?
Staying at the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a dream come true for any Disney fan.
This unique Disney Vacation Club property option offers stunning views, easy monorail access, and awesome amenities.
But, let’s face it: this resort is looking a little outdated. And, if you’ve visited or read/watched any Bay Lake Tower reviews lately, this is no surprise to you.
I stayed there twice in August 2024 (in Standard and Theme Park View Studios), and I can attest to that!
But that’s okay: the Bay Lake Tower refurbishment is happening!
That being said, this resort is charming – and as long as the Studios/Villas aren’t replicas of the Incredibles rooms at the Contemporary – it will be amazing after the refurb.
If you’re wondering, ‘is Bay Lake Tower worth it?’ and when the best time to stay there is – to avoid staying there during the Bay Lake Tower refurbishment 2024 – 2025 – don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
This post is all about the refurbishment at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and helping you to decide when you should stay there.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Bay Lake Tower Overview
The Bay Lake Tower DVC building is a modern, sleek, and beautifully designed Disney Vacation Club property that opened in 2009.
Here’s a fun Bay Lake Tower history fact: it was the first Disney Vacation Club property on the Monorail!
That’s right; Bay Lake Tower was open a good few years before the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian (in 2013) and the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (in 2015).
That probably explains why Bay Lake Tower has the best points chart of these Monorail DVC Resorts (it is always the cheapest to stay at!
RELATED POST: A Definitive Ranking of the Disney World Monorail Resorts
Whether you’re using or renting Disney Vacation Club points, Bay Lake Tower is going to cost you the least – even though it’s the closest of all Disney World accommodations to Magic Kingdom!
You can walk from Bay Lake Tower to Magic Kingdom within 5 minutes!
Although this is a Disney Vacation Club resort, you can still book through Disney (though it’s usually significantly cheaper to rent DVC points instead).
It offers a unique experience for guests with its contemporary style and prime location near Magic Kingdom. Let’s explore what makes it so special.
Architecture and Design
I’d argue that the design of Bay Lake Tower is outdated – and it has since opening.
That being said, it fits in well with the distinct 1970s Main Tower at the Contemporary.
Bay Lake Tower Amenities and Facilities
When staying at Bay Lake Tower, you’ll find a variety of amenities and facilities that make your stay comfortable and fun. Here are some highlights:
- Bay Lake Tower Pool Options: The Bay Cove pool is exclusive to DVC members and guests at Bay Lake Tower. This has a waterslide, whirlpool spa and a pool bar, Cove Bar. If you stay at Bay Lake Tower, you can also use the other two pools at the Contemporary: The Main Pool (the feature pool) and Bay Lake Pool (the leisure pool).
- Dining Options: There’s no shortage of dining choices here. You can experience fine dining at the California Grill, enjoy casual meals at The Wave of American Flavors, or grab quick bites at the Contempo Café. Each option offers delicious food that caters to various tastes and preferences.
- Recreational Activities: Guests can enjoy various activities such as movie nights under the stars, the Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis & Pickleball courts, the Olympiad Fitness Center and more (discussed in this post).
Bay Lake Tower Room Types and Accommodations
The Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is known for its modern design and close proximity to Magic Kingdom. This section will walk you through the various room types available and their unique features.
Bay Lake Tower Room Features and Views
At Bay Lake Tower, you can choose from studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and Three-Bedroom villas. Each type offers a special blend of comfort and luxury.
Bay Lake Tower Studios:
- Kitchenette: Perfect for quick meals and snacks, you’ll find a microwave, mini-fridge, and a small sink. Great for families who want to keep some food in the room.
- Balcony: Each studio comes with a private balcony, ideal for enjoying morning coffee or an evening wind down.
- Views: Studios offer three view types: Standard, Lake View or Theme Park View.
Bay Lake Tower One-Bedroom Villas:
- Full Kitchen: Unlike the studios, one-bedroom villas offer a full kitchen with a stove, oven, full-sized refrigerator, and cookware. This makes it possible to create full family meals in your room.
- Living Room & Dining Area: These villas have a separate living and dining area that adds more space and comfort.
- Balcony: Like the studios, these also have a private balcony.
- Views: The one-bedroom villas also provide Standard, Lake View and Theme Park View options.
Bay Lake Tower Two-Bedroom Villas:
- Room for Everyone: These villas are huge and can comfortably sleep up to nine people. They include all the amenities found in the one-bedroom villas plus an extra bedroom and bathroom.
- Balcony: A larger balcony off the living room gives plenty of space for everyone to sit and enjoy the view.
- Views: Guests can choose from standard views, lake views, or even a Magic Kingdom view.
Three-Bedroom Grand Villas at Bay Lake Tower:
- Lots of space: A kitchen, living area and three bedrooms. This is great for a large family vacation!
- Balcony: A large balcony, which is great for enjoying the views.
- Views: In Bay Lake Tower Grand Villas, you can only choose between Lake and Theme Park Views.
When is Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Getting Refurbished?
The hard-goods refurbishment (a major refurbishment that can include changes to flooring, furniture etc.) of the Bay Lake Tower Disney Villas and Studios is scheduled to take place between September 2024 and September 2025 (assuming all goes to plan … let’s face it, Disney aren’t exactly known for getting things done on time!).
Is the Bay Lake Tower Pool Getting Refurbished?
There is currently no news of a pool refurbishment at Bay Lake Tower.
When is the Best Time to Stay at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort?
As the refurbishment is meant to take place between September 2024 and September 2025, this is the period you’ll want to avoid – if you don’t want to potentially hear and see construction during daytime hours.
However, if you don’t mind these constructions, this may not be an awful time to stay at Bay Lake Tower.
Bay Lake Tower availability may be better than usual, as less people usually want to stay at resorts that are being refurbished.
So, if you’ve struggled to make a reservation at this resort before, now might be your chance.
Also, the Bay Lake Tower room rates and points chart will remain high, but there is a chance that it could receive better discounts during it’s refurbishment period, when booking direct.
Of course, Disney will only do this if they have to, so check Disney’s website for the current offers, and see which apply to stays at Bay Lake Tower.
Will Bay Lake Tower Transportation Be Affected by the Refurbishment?
Is the Disney Monorail Service Getting Refurbished?
The monorail system offers a quick and scenic route to some of Disney’s most popular destinations.
Bay Lake Tower is ideally located for easy access to the monorail. Just a short walk from your room, you can hop on the monorail and be at the park entrance in minutes.
While there are occasional refurbishments for the monorail, there are none in progress or scheduled as of now.
RELATED POST: Every DVC & Deluxe Resort Located on the Monorail at Walt Disney World You Should Know About!
Will the Bay Lake Tower Bus Service be Affected by the Refurbishment?
No, the buses to the Disney Parks and Disney Springs will continue as usual.
Ta Ta For Now
So, do you plan on staying at Bay Lake Tower during or after the refurbishment?
And, do you think the refurbished rooms and villas will be a huge upgrade (as long as they don’t add too much/any Incredibles theming 😂).
This post was all about the refurbishment at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and helping you to decide when you should stay there.
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