Description
The new, curvilinear Bay Lake Tower atDisney’s Contemporary Resort is designed to complement the fabled styling of the original building, which opened with the Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1, 1971, and featured comedian Bob Hope as master of ceremonies. Mimicking the color palette and strong horizontal lines of its iconic predecessor, the new structure even sports a rooftop lounge inspired by the original resort’s A-frame architecture.
The tower’s crescent shape, hugging lush landscaping, planned recreation options and a lakeside pool, promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. Some villas face scenic, undeveloped stretches of Bay Lake, while others offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom Park, located a short walk away.
The views promise to be equally appealing inside the tower’s 295 two-bedroom-equivalent villas, where visionary design meets Disney chic to define the vacation experience. As the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom Park, Bay Lake Tower guests can easily return to their rooms for quick breaks from their busy day in the Park, where they can relax in an inspiring setting offering many of the conveniences of home.
Most of the rooms in this iconic resort will feature innovative touches, such as modern artwork designed specifically for Bay Lake Tower, flat-screen TVs, full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities. Plus, to accommodate larger families or families traveling together, many Bay Lake Tower vacation villas are designed to sleep up to nine, though some units can also be divided into one-bedroom villas that sleep five and studios that accommodate four, creating flexible options for smaller groups.
“These vacation homes will be furnished with some amazing custom pieces that are works of art unto themselves,” said Imagineer Brian McFarland. “It’s all about maintaining that feel of clean lines and open spaces, with plenty of Disney touches.”
Add to the plans a spacious lobby filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns, sweeping views from a rooftop lounge and fireworks viewing deck, and the convenience of a sky bridge linking families to shops, restaurants and the monorail station, and you have a Disney Vacation Club destination that is both practical and fashionable.
Disney Vacation Club Expansion - Bay Lake Tower
The newBay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is scheduled to open in August 4 2009.
Sneak peak photos inside at one of the 3 bedroom Grand Villas
Details
- Opening Date: August 4, 2009
- Resort Area: Magic Kingdom
- Resort Category: Deluxe Disney Vacation Club
- Address: 4600 North World Drive Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
- Phone: (407) 824-1000
- Fax: (407) 824-3539
- Resort Map
Room Information
Number of Rooms: 295 two-bedroom villas
Check In/Check Out: Check in 3:00 PM, check out 11:00 AM. Check in will be at the main Contemporary Resort lobby and not in Bay Lake Tower.
Internet Access: DialUp modem data connection using in room phone and high speed internet access point. Click here for details of high speed internet.
Room Types and Sizes
Bay Lake Tower features Studios, One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom, and Three-Bedroom Grand Villa units.
The Three-Bedroom Grand Villa units are two-story accommodations that feature floor-to-ceiling views spanning both stories.
Sneak peak photos inside at one of the 3 bedroom Grand Villas
Dining
At Bay Lake Tower, dining options will include Cove Bar, a pool bar located near Bay Cove Pool, and Private In-room Dining. All other Dining is located inside Disney's Contemporary Resort which is accessible via the 5th floor Sky Way Bridge.
Counter Service
Contempo Cafe (6:00am-12:00am)
Counter service featuring flat breads, burgers, and sandwiches. Located on the Grand Canyon Concourse - 4th floor.
Contemporary Grounds (7:00am-9:00pm)
Counter service coffee featuring lattes, flavored coffees espresso, and pastries. Located on the lobby level- 1st floor.
Refillable Mugs: Can be purchased at Contempo Cafe, Cove Bar The Sand Bar for $12.99 +tax and are refillable at those locations for the length of your stay.
Lounges
Cove Bar
Located at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
The Sand Bar (operates seasonally- 10am-6pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Pool side snack bar featuring beverages, burgers, and snacks.
The Wave lounge (12pm-12am)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
wine and cocktails. Located inside the Wave on the first floor near the lobby.
Table Service
Chef Mickey's (7am-11:20am, 4pm-9:30pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Character dining buffet featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Advanced dining reservations are recommended. Located on the Grand Canyon Concouse- 4th floor.
The Wave (7:30am-11am, 12pm-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
American style breakfast, lunch featuring sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and salads, Dinner featuring chicken, steak, seafood dishes, and pick and mix desserts. Located on the 1st floor near the lobby. Advanced dining reservations recommended.
California Grill Lounge (5pm-11:30pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
located inside the California Grill on the 15th floor. Full service bar.
The California Grill (5:30-10pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
California cuisine served 15 stories above the Magic Kingdom, featuring seasonal menus which can include flat breads, sushi, goat cheese ravioli, pork tenderloin, and creme brulee. Check in is on the 2nd floor. The California Grill is a signature dining location and requires two table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Advance dining reservations are strongly recommended. Proper attire is required.
Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.
NOT permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While t-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics are not acceptable.
Fireworks policy: Guests who have dined prior in the evening may return to California Grill to view the fireworks. Guests will need to present their receipt from dinner to gain re-entry to the restaurant.
In-Room Dining (24 hour)
Requires two table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan
Top of the World Lounge
Located on the top floor of Bay Lake Tower, Top of the World Lounge is an exclusive rooftop lounge and deck offering sweeping views of the resort and a dramatic look at Magic Kingdom Park’s fireworks by night. Availability is limited to DVC Members staying at Bay Lake Tower.
As an homage to the original, Bay Lake Tower’s rooftop lounge is named for Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s former restaurant of the same name, now home to California Grill. DVC Members staying at Bay Lake Tower will see the Top of the World Lounge Host/Hostess in the lobby on the ground floor. The Cast Member will verify eligibility for access and grant access on a space available basis. The Top of the World Lounge is only open during evening hours.
Recreation
Pools
Bay Cove Pool
Located at Bay Lake Tower. The feature pool, a whirlpool spa, and a children’s interactive water play area. Only DVC Members and Guests staying at Bay Lake Tower may use Bay Cove Pool.Bay Lake Pool (7am-12am)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Quiet pool on the edge of Bay Lake with two hot tubs
Contemporary feature pool (7am-12am)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
pool area featuring water slide, hot tubs, fountains, and kiddie wet play area
More Recreation
Olympiad Fitness Center: Open 24 hours, attendant available from 6:00am-9:00pm. Massage, facial, and body treatment services available. Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
Also available: Two lit tennis courts, two shuffleboard courts, two bocce ball courts, a barbeque pavilion, and a community hall.
Watercraft Rentals
(10am-5pm) Boston Whaler 170 Montauk, Sun Tracker pontoon boat, or Sea Raycer by Sea Ray, sailboat, kayak, or pedal boat are all available for rent at The Boat Nook on Bay Lake.
Jogging Trail
A 1.1-mile trail around the resort.
Beaches
Located along Bay Lake. Swimming is not permitted.
Arcades
The Game Station: (7am-12am) Located on the 4th floor- Grand Canyon Concourse
Shopping
Bayview Gifts (7:30am-11pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Gift shop selling apparel, swimwear, gifts, souvenirs, and a selection of chocolates and treats. Located on the 4th floor- Grand Canyon Concourse
Concourse Sundries & Spirits (7:30am-11pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Shop selling bottled beverages, snacks, spirits, newspapers, magazines, and travel necessities. Located on the 4th floor- Grand Canyon Concourse
Fantasia (7:30am-11pm)
Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Shop selling Disney merchandise including childrens apparel, games, and plush. Located on the 4th floor- Grand Canyon Concourse
Transportation
All transportation arrives and departs from the main Contemporary Resort.
Bus: The bus stop is located in front of the main Contemporary Resort
Resort Monorail: (7am- 2 hours after the Magic Kingdom or Epcot closes- whichever is later) Monorail service is available to the Ticket and Transportation Center (transfer to Epcot monorail or busses to the other theme parks), the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort and the Magic Kingdom. The monorail loading platform is located one level above, overlooking the Grand Canyon Concourse
Water Taxi: (6:45am-11:30pm) Water taxi to Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge located in the rear of the resort on Bay Lake. This service may be interrupted due to inclement weather.
Walkway: The Contemporary is located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom.