If you’re considering a stay at a Bay Lake Tower Studio at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you might want to think twice.

Nestled close to the magic of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, this DVC property offers stunning views and a convenient location. Yet, it often falls short of the quality you might expect.

That’s right; the Deluxe Studios here might not provide the spacious retreat you’re hoping for.

Before booking a stay in one of the Bay Lake Tower Studio rooms, it’s crucial to weigh these factors to ensure it fits your needs for a magical Disney experience.

This post is all about why most people should not book a stay in a Bay Lake Tower Studio.

Bay Lake Tower Studio

What are the different types of Bay Lake Tower Studios Available?

There are three different Deluxe Studio room view types to choose from at Bay Lake Tower:

Bay Lake Tower Standard View Studio

bay lake tower studio theme park view — A view from one of the Standard View Studiosat Bay Lake Tower

Bay Lake Tower Studio Lake View
Bay Lake Tower Studio Theme Park View

bay lake tower studio layout — Watching sunset from the balcony of one of the Theme Park View Studios at Bay Lake Tower is an experience like no other!

1) High Bay Lake Tower Studio Prices

If you’re considering a stay in one of the Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower, you’re probably already aware that it doesn’t come cheap.

The prices are on the higher side of Disney World DVC Resorts.

Whilst Bay Lake Tower is cheaper than Riviera Resort and the other DVC Monorail Resorts (the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian), it is hardly affordable.

Studios here can be quite considerably more than Old Key West, Saratoga Springs & Spa, Animal Kingdom and BoardWalk.

Studios at Bay Lake Tower are similarly priced to those at Beach Club, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek.

Bay Lake Tower Standard View Studio Price (in Points – 2025): 13-29 points per night

Bay Lake Tower Studio Lake View Price (in Points – 2025): 16-32 points per night

Bay Lake Tower Studio Theme Park View Price (in Points – 2025): 18-38 points per night

See the Bay Lake Tower 2025 points chart for more information.

Point rental prices are now as high as $25 per point (at David’s Vacation Rentals), so if you’re renting points, this is not a cheap resort to choose!

If you’re looking for Bay Lake Tower Studio deals, it’s worth checking Confirmed Reservations – especially if you’re booking last minute.

That being said, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that there will be Bay Lake Tower Studio availability that is well-priced last minute.

You can check Confirmed DVC Reservations on sites such as DVC Rental Store, David’s Vacation Rentals and DVC Shop Rentals.

Unfortunately though, your best bet for booking Bay Lake Tower is by using your DVC points (though 7-month availability can be a little hit and miss, if this is not your Home Resort – especially if you’re looking for a Standard or Theme Park View Studio).

Or, by renting points 11 months out – at a premium price, so there aren’t many ways to stay here on a budget.

On the bright side, Bay Lake Tower is the cheapest of the DVC Monorail Resorts.

2) Space Constraints in Bay Lake Tower Studios

What is the Bay Lake Tower Studio Size?

When it comes to room size, Bay Lake Tower Studios offer 339 square feet of space.

DVC Studios are often 355-365 square feet, so the Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower are certainly on the small side.

Is a Bay Lake Tower Studio for couples okay? Sure. A solo traveler. Not a problem.

But if you’re staying as a family, the Studio may feel a little cramped.

This is also due to the unique Bay Lake Tower Studio layout, shown in this Bay Lake Tower Studio floor plan:

The kitchenette is more separate and larger than most DVC Studios. This is a pro if you’re preparing a lot of food in your room (though keep in mind that you only have a microwave and toaster).

But, it does make the room feel smaller than it really is.

How many does Bay Lake Tower studio sleep?

Wondering ‘how many people can a Bay Lake Tower Studio accommodate?’.

The Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower can sleep up to four people. The sleeping setup includes one queen bed and a double-size sleeper sofa.

While this might work for a family of four with younger children, it could be a squeeze for families with older kids or multiple adults. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you might find that the sleeping arrangements are somewhat limited.

Considering the sleeping arrangements, if you’re looking to have ample sleeping space without the hassle of folding out a sleeper sofa each night, it might be worth exploring other room types.

We will talk more about the Bay Lake Tower refurbishment later on, but we can assume that the sleeper sofa will be replaced with a Murphy bed. After all, this has been a trend in DVC Studios over the last few years.

3) Noise Levels and Location Issues

Staying in one of the Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower sounds like a dream, right?

But before you pack your bags, there’s something you should know: Noise levels and location can really impact how enjoyable your stay will be. Let’s explore how these factors might affect your relaxation.

Views vs. Noise

One of the main attractions of staying at Bay Lake Tower is the stunning views of the nearby attractions. Waking up to a picturesque view of Magic Kingdom is no doubt a highlight.

But here’s the question: Are those views worth the noise?

Rooms facing the theme park offer spectacular sights, but they come with a catch—additional noise. Fireworks, parades, and other events might be charming to watch, but not everyone enjoys the sounds that come with them.

But these problems are not exclusive to Theme Park View Studios.

When I stayed in one of the Standard View Studios at Bay Lake Tower in August 2024, I heard the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

So, if you have kids that are sleeping early – or you’d prefer a quieter resort – Bay Lake Tower probably isn’t the best for you.

Is Bay Lake Tower Being Renovated?

Yes, Bay Lake Tower is gearing up for a significant renovation. This news might be exciting for some and a deal-breaker for others, especially if you’re considering booking one of the Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower.

From September 2024, a refurbishment project will unfold over the course of a year, revamping guest room interiors. Whether you’re looking forward to fresh designs or worried about potential inconveniences, this could influence your decision.

The Renovation Timeline

The renovation at Bay Lake Tower is set to start in September 2024 and is expected to last a full year, concluding around September 2025. What does this mean for those considering a stay?

For more details on the refurbishment, you can visit this site – for the refurbishment plans in detail, and a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Lake Tower Deluxe Studio Rooms

Is Bay Lake Tower DVC only?

Bay Lake Tower is the DVC property at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but you don’t need to be a DVC member to stay here.

You can rent DVC points or book Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower directly through Disney (though this is probably going to be the most expensive booking method).

Can you walk to Magic Kingdom from Bay Lake Tower?

Yes, one of the best things about Bay Lake Tower is that it’s only a 5-minute walk from Magic Kingdom!

What transportation are available to the Disney Parks?

You can take the Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot and catch buses to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Parks.

Do Bay Lake Tower Studios offer views of the Magic Kingdom?

If you book a stay in one of the Theme Park View Bay Lake Tower Deluxe Studios, you will have views of the Magic Kingdom.

Which means … views of the fireworks! 🎆

Do Bay Lake Tower rooms have private balcony/patio?

Yes, they all have a private balcony or patio, depending on which floor you stay on.

How close is Bay Lake Tower to the main Contemporary Resort building?

Bay Lake Tower is just a quick walk from the main Contemporary Resort building.

They’re connected by the convenient Sky Way Bridge, so it’s easy to get between the two.

bay lake tower studio dvc — View of Bay Lake from the Sky Way Bridge

Can guests use the pool and other recreational facilities?

Yes, Bay Lake Tower can use the amenities at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Bay Lake Tower guests can also go to the exclusive Bay Cove Pool.

Please note that other guests staying at the Contemporary Resort (on the hotel side) do not have access to Bay Cove Pool.

bay lake tower studio prices — Bay Cove Pool

Is there a kitchen in the Bay Lake Tower Studio?

There is not a full kitchen in any DVC Studios, however, there is a pretty large kitchenette, with these amenities:

A microwave
Toaster
Small refrigerator
Coffee maker
Plates, cups and utensils.

Are there laundry facilities at available at Bay Lake Tower?

You can find a self-service laundry room on the first floor at Bay Lake Tower. The laundry room is open 24 hours a day.

How many toilets are in Bay Lake Tower Studio?

There is just one toilet in Deluxe Studios here, which is the normal for a DVC Studio.

Is Bay Lake Tower Studio bigger than DVC Grand Floridian Studio?

Grand Floridian has 2 types of studios: Deluxe Studios and Resort Studios.

Deluxe Studios at the Grand Floridian are 374 square feet – 35 square feet bigger than the Studios at Bay Lake Tower.

Resort Studios are even larger at 440 square feet – a considerable 101 square feet greater than Bay Lake Studios.

That being said, Studios at the Grand Floridian are more expensive.

Ta Ta For Now

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for an unforgettable Disney experience. Sadly, staying in one of the Studios at Bay Lake Tower may not be the best fit for everyone.

If you’re looking for affordability and vibrancy with more immersive Disney touches, exploring other resort options might offer better value (hello, BoardWalk Villas and Animal Kingdom Villas).

Think about what truly matters to you in a resort experience. Is it proximity, modern amenities, or a more thematic atmosphere?

Feel free to share your own experiences and Bay Lake Tower Studio review, as they could help others in their decision-making process. Happy travels!