Disney Friends for Change Sep 2009 Part 2
Bay Lake Tower Highlights:
- Walking Distance to Magic Kingdom
- Villa-style accommodations
- Top of the World Lounge offers incredible Fireworks Views
What is the Bay Lake Tower?
Bay Lake Tower is the Disney's Vacation Club's seventh offering of home-away-from-home accommodations available to Members and guests of the Walt Disney World Resort. It is located directly next to, and is part of, Disney's Contemporary Resort.
Having opened to guests on August 4, 2009 the Tower is home to 295 two-bedroom equivalent villas.
Wait – I am not a DVC Member. Can I stay here?
Yes! Anyone can stay at a DVC Resort as long as there is space available. You can book it like any other Disney hotel room — either on Disney's website, calling Disney's Reservation Line, or with a travel agent.
What is the difference between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower?
The main difference between the rooms at Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary are the amenities. Stylistically they are similar however the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Villas are outfitted with kitchens, in-room laundry, multiple bathrooms, pull-out sleepers, and all the comforts of home. The rooms at the Contemporary are more geared to full-service and luxury, a traditional hotel.
Bay Lake Tower boasts an exterior private Observation Deck to watch fireworks at the Magic Kingdom on the 16th floor. Inside the viewing area is the 77-seat Top of the World lounge, offers a full service bar and light appetizers. (Scroll down for more information about access to the Observation Deck and Lounge.)
Bay Lake Tower is a Disney Vacation Club Resort and is the first Disney World resort with secured access. Only persons staying in Bay Lake Tower with a Magic Band are able to enter the Bay Lake Tower area.
How can I access the Bay Lake Tower from the Contemporary?
Guests of Bay Lake Tower can either walk across the way to enter on the lobby floor or access the Sky Bridge from the 4th Floor concourse of the Contemporary. This actually connects to the 5th floor of Bay Lake Tower.
What are the different room types?
Room types include Studios, One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Grand Villas.
Studio Rooms:
- Sleeps up to four adults
- Queen Size bed, plus full-size sleeper sofa
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- small refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.
- Square footage measuring in at about 300 feet.
- Laundry facilities are located on the first floor off the lobby area.
For more photos of Studio Rooms, visit our Photo Gallery!
One-Bedroom Villa :
- Sleeps up to five adults
- Master bedroom suite with king-sized bed
- Master bathroom with walk-in shower, whirlpool tub
- Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room
- Sleeper chair in living room
- A second bathroom just off of the living area
- Master bedroom suite with king-sized bed
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat panel TV in master bedroom.
- Full kitchen includes: coffee maker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, cookware, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.
- Laundry area contains a stacked washer and dryer
- Private balcony
For more photos of One Bedroom Villas, visit our Photo Gallery!
Two-Bedroom Villa:
- Sleeps up to nine adults
- Master bedroom suite with king-sized bed
- Master bathroom with walk-in shower, whirlpool tub
- Additional bedroom with queen sized bed and double sleeper sofa
- Private bathroom attached
- Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room
- Sleeper chair in living room
- A second bathroom just off of the living area
- Master bedroom suite with king-sized bed
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat panel TV in master bedroom.
- Full kitchen includes: coffee maker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, cookware, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.
- Laundry area contains a stacked washer and dryer
- Private balcony.
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa:
- Two-level Floor Plan
- Sleeps up to twelve adults
- Master bedroom suite with king-sized bed
- Master bathroom with walk-in shower, whirlpool tub
- Two Additional bedrooms with 2 queen sized beds
- Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room
- Four bathrooms (including master)
- Master bedroom suite with king-sized bed
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat panel TV in master bedroom.
- Full kitchen includes: coffee maker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, cookware, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.
- Dining room with large table
- Laundry area contains a stacked washer and dryer
- 4 Private balconies — one of each bedroom and the kitchen
What are the rooms like?
Guest rooms are modern and stylish, with unique Disney artwork . Similar artwork is scattered throughout common areas.
What types of views are available?
Three views are available at booking: Standard, Bay Lake, and Magic Kingdom.
What are the room prices?
Room Rates vary based on the season, with the Christmas and Easter holidays being the most expensive. Your view — Standard, Lake View, or Theme Park View —
Room nightly rates range:
Studio Room: $591 – $1202
One Bedroom Villa: $861- $1554
Two Bedroom Villa: $1126 – $2649
Is there a fee to park at Bay Lake Tower?
Disney Vacation Club Members – will not be charged for standard overnight self-parking when staying at a DVC Deluxe Villa, regardless of whether they use vacation points or another form of payment. Members also will not be charged to park when using vacation points to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Click HERE for current pricing and other parking-related information.
How does the Housekeeping work in Disney Vacation Club resorts?
Housekeeping is different using Disney Vacation Club points than when you pay nightly for a hotel room.
Trash & Towel Service – For stays of seven or less nights, Trash & Towel Service is provided on day four. With Trash & Towel service, Housekeeping will: Empty trash and replace liners in trash bins, provide fresh bathroom linens, replace shampoo, facial soap and bath soap, replenish facial tissues, paper towels and toilet paper, replenish coffee, sugar, cream and sweeteners, replenish dishwashing liquid, dishwashing detergent, sponges and laundry detergent as needed in one-, two- and three-bedroom Vacation Homes.
Full Cleaning Service – For stays of eight or more nights, Full-Cleaning Service is provided on day four and Trash & Towel Service is provided on day eight. After that, the cycle begins again on day 12. With Full-Cleaning service, Housekeeping will provide everything included with the Trash & Towel Service, plus: Change the bed linens, vacuum and dust, clean the bathroom(s), clean the kitchen/kitchenette and wash the dishes.
You may also choose to pay for daily housekeeping or have additional towels etc. Check with the front desk for information and pricing.
If you are not using Disney Vacation Club points and paying "cash" you will have daily housekeeping.
I hear that there are no more room key cards at Disney resort hotels. How do I get into my room?
Walt Disney World has converted their room keys and admission tickets from plastic cards to MagicBands, flexible plastic wristbands, resembling a watch or bracelet, that use Radio Frequency (RF) technology. Your MagicBand is linked to your My Disney Experience (MDE) account and acts as your Disney resort room key. Simply touch the Mickey symbol on your MagicBand to the RFID reader near your room door to gain entry. Read about using MagicBands for park admission, FastPass+ and more here.
When is check-in/check-out time? What if I arrive early?
NOTE: Bay Lake Tower has its own Check-In desk in the lobby.
The desk is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Guests arriving via Magical Express will be dropped off at the main Contemporary Resort entrance and will check-in at the Contemporary front desk.
Online Check-in is available through the My Disney Experience App. Look for the special Online Check-in line at the resort's front desk.
Check-in is at 4pm. Upon arrival head to the front desk to check-in. Rooms are not guaranteed to be available until 4pm, but you can request Early Check-in when you do Online Check-in.
Early check-in allows you to leave luggage with bell services, get your Magic Bands (if you don't already have them) and head off to the parks or relax around the resort. You will be get a notification on My Disney Experience when you Room is ready. You will then be given your room number and your Magic Band will open your door! You can also use the app on your phone to open your door.
Check-out time is 11am.Express Check-out is available to all guests paying with a credit card, arrange for this service at check-in. A detailed hotel bill is delivered to your door by 7am. If the bill is correct you simply leave. Your Magic Band serves as aDisneysouvenir. Late Check-out of noon can be requested without additional cost (very limited availability). If you need Late Check-out, request it at Check-In and as soon as possible the morning of check out (the number of eligible rooms are limited).
Resort Airline Check-In Service at your Disney resort is only available if you are flying domestically (includes Puerto Rico) on specific airlines It is a complimentary (free) service and allows you to check your luggage.
What are the dining options?
The only dining options at Bay Lake Tower are the Top of the World Lounge and the Cove Pool Bar.
The Cove Pool Bar serves soft-drinks, alcohol, and light snacks. Food delivery is also available poolside via room service. Phones are located at the bar.
Top of the World Lounge (on the 16th floor) offers limited appetizers and is open 5pm to midnight — as well as an incredible view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks!
How do I make access Top of the World Lounge?
Advanced reservations can not be made for Top of the World Lounge. Space is offered on a first-come-first-served basis on any given day. Check-in takes place at a podium in the lobby of Bay Lake Tower. Be sure to have your Magic Band with you! From here, you will be escorted to the 16th floor. Currently it is only open to Disney Vacation Club members.
Just next door, The Contemporary Resort offers three full-service restaurants, a quick service restaurant, and a variety of lounges.
California Grill – This is the premiere restaurant of the Contemporary Resort. It is located on the 15th floor of the Tower building and offers California-style cuisine and sushi. The views of the Magic Kingdom and surrounding areas are breathtaking and the lounge or outer balcony are perfect spots from which to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. California Grill serves dinner only. Check-in for the California Grill is located on the second floor next to the escalators. Reservations are a must.
The Wave – This restaurant is located on the first floor and offers a variety of upscale dishes including Braised Lamb Shank, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, and Seasonal Vegetable Stew. The Wave offers full service breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Wave Lounge – A lounge connected to the Wave, featuring cocktails, wine, and small plates. You can also order off the full Wave menu!
Chef Mickey's – This is a character buffet serving breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Feast on American classics while Mickey and the gang come to your table.
The Contempo Café is a quick service restaurant located on the fourth floor and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with an assortment of snacks and drinks. You can purchase Rapid Fill Mugs at the Cafe.
Across from Contempo Cafe, is theOuter Rim. This cocktail lounge serves wine, beer, and cocktails. There isn't any food on the menu, but you're welcome to bring over food from Contempo Cafe.
Room service is available for guests staying in Bay Lake Tower.
What are Rapid Fill Mugs?
The Rapid Fill beverage program allows Disney Resort guests to buy (or receive as part of the Disney Dining Plan) a resort mug that can be refilled for a certain period of time as designated at time of purchase. These mugs are enhanced by an RFID bar code that enables the mug to deactivate when the designated time is complete. For complete details visit: Our Rapid Refill Mug Page.
Tell me about the pool area.
The pool at Bay Lake Tower offers zero-entry, a pool slide, and Mickey shaped kid's splash area. A hot tub overlooks Bay Lake. Ping-Pong tables and picnic tables are available near the pool bar. There are a limited number of lockers at the pool.
What other recreational facilities are available?
At check-in be sure to ask for a Recreation Activities flyer! Movies under the stars, pool fun and crafts may be offered during your stay.
Community Hall (located in Bay Lake Tower) offers a variety of recreational activities – board games, coloring, video games, foosball tables, Wii, computer terminals, and DVD rentals (free for members otherwise $5 charge).
Bocce ball and Shuffleboard courts can be found in the courtyard area.
Tennis courts are located just to the left of the main entrance of the lobby.
Where is the best place to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks show?
Breathtaking views can be had of the fireworks show from the 16th floor Fireworks Viewing Area adjacent to the Top of the World lounge. They can also be seen from rooms overlooking the Magic Kingdom. The Sky Bridge also boasts spectacular views of the festivities.
If you have a Magic Kingdom View room, you can listen to the music on your TV (currently Channel 20).
How do I get to the parks?
For all Disney transportation you must go to the Contemporary Resort. The covered bus depot is just outside the lobby of the Contemporary. The Monorail station is accessible via the 4th floor escalator in the Contemporary.
Magic Kingdom – The quickest and easiest way is to walk. There is a path from Bay Lake Tower and it's about a 10 minute walk.
You can also take the Monorail from the Contemporary 4th Floor. Keep in mind, the Magic Kingdom is the 4th stop so it could take upwards of 30 minutes to get there.
Epcot – To get to Epcot take the monorail from the Contemporary to the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC). At the TTC transfer to the Epcot monorail for the trip to the park.
Bus transportation is also available at the Contemporary bus stop beginning 1 hour prior to park opening to one hour after the park closes. There is no separate bus stop for Bay Lake Tower, use the Contemporary's bus depot.
Disney's Hollywood Studios – There is a bus stop at the Contemporary where you can catch a bus to the Studios.
Animal Kingdom – There is a bus stop at the Contemporary where you can catch a bus to the Animal Kingdom.
Disney Springs – There is a bus stop at the Contemporary where you can catch a bus to Disney Springs.
How do I get everywhere else?
Grand Floridian Resort and the Polynesian Resort: The Resort Monorail circles Seven Seas Lagoon, stopping at the Transportation and Ticket Center, the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and returning to the Contemporary. It takes approximately 25 minutes to make the circle.
Fort Wilderness (for the Hoop Dee Doo Revue) & Wilderness Lodge/Villas: These resorts can be reached by taking a boat launch from the Contemporary's marina, which is located on the Bay Lake side of the resort. The small watercraft makes a circle between the three locations. Seasonally, a boat also runs between the Wilderness Lodge/Villas and the Contemporary Resort, ask at the front desk for hours of operation.
Other Disney resorts can be reached by taking a bus to Disney Springs and then transferring to the bus for the resort you wish to visit. You can also walk to the Magic Kingdom bus station and select your desired resort.
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach: The water parks can all be reached by bus which leaves the resort approximately 30 minutes prior to Water Park opening and run until the Water Park clears.
For more information on the Contemporary Resort, including shopping and additional amenities, visit the Contemporary Resort Fact Sheet.
Other interesting tidbits…
There are 167 miles of post-tensioning cable running through the concrete slabs. These cables could stretch from Bay Lake Tower to Disney's Vero Beach Resort and back.
There are 1,398 tons of reinforcing steel, known as rebar, within the structure. This is equal to the weight of 254 full-grown elephants.
Bay Lake Tower rests on a foundation of more than 800 concrete piles that are 16" in diameter and extend 70' into the ground. Stacked on top of one another, these would reach more than 10 miles into the sky.
Although demolition of the North Garden Wing of the Contemporary began in the spring of 2007 and construction began in the summer of 2007; it wasn't until September 16, 2008, that the Disney Vacation Club officially announced Bay Lake Tower!
Owners of Bay Lake Tower were able to begin making reservations on February 8, 2009. All other Disney Vacation Club members began making reservations on February 22, 2009.
Places to Eat in Contemporary - Bay Lake Tower
Overview
- Phone: 407 824-1000
- Address: 600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Transportation Options (3)
- Bus
- Boat
- Monorail
Activities & Recreation (8)
- Boat Rental
- Splash Playground
- Arcade
- Running Trail
- Poolside Movies
- Tennis Courts
- Gym
- Health Spa
Room Options (9)
- Deluxe Studio - Standard View
- Deluxe Studio - Lake View
- Deluxe Studio - Theme Park View
- 1 Bedroom Villa - Lake View
- 1 Bedroom Villa - Standard View
- 1 Bedroom Villa - Theme Park View
- 2 Bedroom Villa - Standard View
- 2 Bedroom Villa - Lake View
- 2 Bedroom Villa - Theme Park View
Disney Friends for Change Sep 2009 Part 2
Source: https://allears.net/walt-disney-world/wdw-accommodation/bay-lake-tower-at-the-contemporary-disney-vacation-club-resort/
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