DVC Resort Tips and Tricks: Bay Lake Tower
Just steps from the Magic Kingdom, sits the sleek and contemporary Bay Lake Tower. Whether you are a repeat guest at Bay Lake Tower or you’re thinking of renting a stay at Bay Lake Tower for the first time, here are some tips and tricks for a great stay.
Booking and Availability
Bay Lake Tower has three different booking categories: Resort View, Preferred View, and Theme Park View. Resort View is the lowest point value with views of the resort grounds and locations on the first through fourth floors. While it may be tempting to save points (and thus money when renting points) with the Resort View, this category has limited availability and is often hard to book even at the 11-month mark.
If you want to increase your chances of booking at Bay Lake Tower, it helps to broaden your search to a Preferred View room. The more point-expensive Preferred View has views of the beautiful Bay Lake and the most room inventory. Theme Park View rooms are worth the most points at Bay Lake Tower but have views of the Magic Kingdom! To get the fireworks soundtrack piped into your room, tune into channel 105 on your TV.
Getting Around
Walking
Bay Lake Tower’s proximity to the Magic Kingdom is one of the biggest perks of staying there. Following the walking path, you can get from Bay Lake Tower to the Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes! This comes in clutch when trying to get to Magic Kingdom first thing in the morning for rope drop or when staying until park close or for a late night party. If you’re traveling with little ones, it’s also great to be able to easily walk back to your room in the middle of the day for nap time.
Monorail
While you’ll need to take a bus to Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom, the monorail is the main mode of transportation for EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. They’re great when you’re traveling with a stroller or ECV. You won’t need to collapse your stroller–not even double strollers!
Boats
If you’re looking to explore the other resorts along Bay Lake, don’t forget that you can take a boat directly to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. However, note that this “blue flag” boat route only runs around 3pm to 10:45pm.
Treats and Eats
Top of the World Lounge – A Villain’s Lair
At Bay Lake Tower itself, the only place to eat is Top of the World Lounge – A Villain’s Lair, which is only available to eligible DVC Members. Along with fireworks views of the Magic Kingdom, the lounge offers drinks and light bites in a lightly villains-themed setting.
California Grill
Bay Lake Tower is just a short walk across the Skybridge from the Contemporary’s amenities and restaurants, including the signature restaurant California Grill. Here, the 3-course meal features market-inspired dishes inspired by California. From the restaurant, you can view Happily Ever After from the observation deck or even from a window table since the restaurant lights are dimmed during the fireworks show.
Chef Mickey’s
Also at the Contemporary is Chef Mickey’s, one of the quintessential Disney character dining experiences. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Chef Mickey’s offers a buffet of American cuisine with plenty of variety for even the pickiest eaters. Of course, the highlight here is the Fab Five! At Chef Mickey’s, you’ll see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.
Steakhouse 71
For casual dining, there’s Steakhouse 71 on the first floor of the Contemporary. The restaurant has some great photos of Disney World in its earliest years, and its menu is even inspired by some of Walt Disney’s favorite dishes such as the prime rib hash, prime rib, and pork chop. Steakhouse 71 also offers dining at its bar or dining to go, which can be ordered through the My Disney Experience app.
Contempo Cafe
For quick service dining, there’s Contempo Cafe on the fourth floor of the Contemporary for crowd pleasers like Mickey waffles, burgers, flatbreads, and chicken strips. There are even some heartier rice bowls with either shrimp or chicken for dinner. While you can dine in and watch the monorail as it glides on through the Contemporary, it’s also convenient to take a meal back to your room.
Recreation and Entertainment
Along with the Bay Cove Pool with its 148-foot-long waterslide, there’s a water play area for younger kids. Guests at Bay Lake Tower can also enjoy the Main Pool and Bay Lake Pool at the Contemporary.
Outside the resort you’ll find basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball courts. On select days, you can take a complimentary pickleball clinic and compete in the Pickleball Challenge at the end of the clinic. From the Boat Nook Marina, you can also rent a motorized boat to cruise around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon or go on a guided bass fishing excursion.
Bay Lake Tower has a great Community Hall that was newly refurbished. You’ll find all sorts of activities from video games and board games to crafts like ceramics and canvas art. Whether it’s a rainy day or you just want a resort day, pop by the community hall for some fun!
Enjoy the views and prime location of Bay Lake Tower for your next Disney World trip! Browse the confirmed reservations, or request a free quote to rent DVC points and save up to 65% compared to booking directly through Disney.
