A sleek, modern tower connected to Disney's Contemporary Resort via a sky bridge, offering unmatched proximity to Magic Kingdom.
Bay Lake Tower opened in 2009 as the first modern DVC resort built from the ground up at Walt Disney World, and it remains the closest accommodation of any kind to the Magic Kingdom. Connected to the original Contemporary Resort via a third-floor sky bridge, the curved 16-story tower offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls and modern, minimalist interiors that contrast nicely with Disney's more themed properties.
The location is the headline feature: a flat, lit, walking path takes you to the Magic Kingdom's main entrance in roughly 8–12 minutes. That alone is a transformative perk — no monorail, no bus, no boat, no parking shuttle. After fireworks, you simply walk back to your room. The monorail also stops at the connected Contemporary Resort for trips to the Transportation & Ticket Center, and the resort's location on Bay Lake means easy boat access to Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and Discovery Island.
Rooms come in three primary view categories: Bay Lake View (looking east over the lake), Theme Park View (looking west toward Magic Kingdom — the most coveted), and Standard View (looking down at the Contemporary's parking and entrance). Theme Park View rooms see the castle, the parade route, and the nighttime fireworks from a private balcony. The rooftop Top of the World Lounge (recently relocated to The Tower Club lounge) is a DVC-member perk with skyline views.
Walk to Magic Kingdom (~10 minutes on a paved path). Monorail from the connected Contemporary Resort to the Transportation & Ticket Center and EPCOT. Boats to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. Buses to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks.
Magic Kingdom devotees, families with young children who tire easily on parks days, and anyone who wants the convenience of walking back to the room mid-afternoon for a nap or pool break.
Contempo Café (in the Contemporary) is a quick-service spot perfect for grab-and-go breakfast. The Wave is a sit-down restaurant with farm-to-table California cuisine. California Grill, on the Contemporary's 15th floor, is a signature-dining destination with sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks — book at least 60 days in advance.