Resorts / Bay Lake Tower

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Sleek modernist architecture with panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake. Connected via skywalk to the Contemporary Resort, and a 5-minute walk to the Magic Kingdom entrance β€” the most park-connected DVC resort in existence.

🚝 Monorail β›΅ Boat 🚌 Bus 🏰 Walk to Magic Kingdom
🌊 72 Pool
🚌 99 Transport
πŸ‘Ά 78 Young kids
🚢 95 Walkability
🍽️ 80 Dining
πŸ“ˆ 88 Value
πŸ“… 85 Booking
🧘 85 Low Stress

About this resort

Bay Lake Tower is the only DVC resort where you can walk to Magic Kingdom in minutes. The monorail connection at the adjacent Contemporary Resort, the member-focused Top of the World Lounge, and fireworks views from select balconies make it unique in the DVC portfolio.

Score breakdown

🌊 Pool Quality
Great
🚌 Transport Convenience
Excellent
πŸ‘Ά Young-child Friendliness
Great
🚢 Walkability
Excellent
🍽️ Dining Quality
Great
πŸ“ˆ Value Retention (resale)
Excellent
πŸ“… Booking Difficulty
Very Hard

11-month booking window almost essential

Room types

Deluxe Studio

Sleeps up to 4

13–38 pts/night
β˜…

Resort, Preferred, or Theme Park view (2026 renames the former Standard and Lake views)

βœ“

Best for: Couples and small groups who prioritise location above all

One-Bedroom Villa

Sleeps up to 5

24–75 pts/night
β˜…

Full kitchen with Resort, Preferred, or Theme Park view categories

βœ“

Best for: Travellers wanting space and unbeatable Magic Kingdom convenience

Two-Bedroom Villa

Sleeps up to 9

35–98 pts/night
β˜…

Multiple balconies β€” lock-off or dedicated

βœ“

Best for: Larger groups

Grand Villa

Sleeps up to 12

82–207 pts/night
β˜…

Three-bedroom villa with Lake or Theme Park views

βœ“

Best for: Special celebrations and group reunions

Honest pros & cons

πŸ‘ Pros

  • βœ“ Walk to Magic Kingdom in 5 minutes β€” no transport needed
  • βœ“ Resort monorail at the adjacent Contemporary to EPCOT via TTC
  • βœ“ Top of the World Lounge β€” member-focused rooftop lounge with Magic Kingdom fireworks views
  • βœ“ Fireworks visible from many room balconies
  • βœ“ Connected via skywalk to Contemporary Resort's dining and amenities
  • βœ“ Lowest transport stress of any DVC resort

πŸ‘Ž Cons

  • Γ— Architecture is functional rather than immersive β€” less 'Disney magic' theming
  • Γ— Higher point costs
  • Γ— Pool is modest β€” not a destination pool by WDW standards
  • Γ— Contemporary Resort can feel busy and impersonal during peak periods

This resort is best for

Magic Kingdom devotees Early rope-drop travellers Low-transport-stress trips Fireworks and special occasion trips

Quick facts

Opened 2009
DVC units 295
Location Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Ideal stay 3–6 nights

Points per night

Studio 13–38 pts
1-Bedroom 24–75 pts
2-Bedroom 35–98 pts
Grand Villa 82–207 pts