Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The new, curvilinear Bay Lake Tower at Disney’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.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Resort, will complement the strong horizontal lines of the original resort while adding its own unique touches, including a fireworks viewing deck, a rooftop lounge, a lakeside pool and much more. Add to that a sky bridge linking the tower to the original resort’s monorail station, restaurants and shops, and you’ve got a new classic Disney resort that allows guests to blow Tinker Bell a kiss goodnight as they relax after a fun day of theme park experiences.

Building upon a Beloved Icon
Bay Lake Tower builds on the celebrated legacy of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, hailed as a modern marvel of American architecture when it opened alongside the nearby Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1, 1971. While its innovative design drew early crowds, it was Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s unparalleled convenience that kept families coming back. Today, Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers conveniences unavailable at any other resort hotel, including a monorail station right inside the building, the fine dining and amazing views of the Walt Disney World Resort available at the California Grill, the innovative and healthful dining options served at new restaurant The Wave and the new game arcade and quick-service eatery located on the resort’s fourth floor. Plus, the proximity to the Magic Kingdom Park continually proves to be among the resort’s most popular “amenities,” allowing families to easily return to their rooms for quick breaks from their busy day in the Park.

Bay Lake Tower will take that experience one step further, adding the conveniences of “home” to this world-class vacation destination. Most rooms feature full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities that will add even more comfort and convenience to the unique experience offered by Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Unparalleled Views
Bay Lake Tower’s crescent-shaped tower will boast some of the most dramatic Walt Disney World views available, offering open sightlines to an amenity-filled courtyard, the picturesque lakefront or one of the most beloved theme parks on earth. The view will be equally appealing on the other side of the window, with rich woods and warm fabrics complementing interior spaces and creating a welcoming, family friendly environment.

Planned Rooftop Lounge and Fireworks Viewing Area
The only view better than the one families will enjoy from their rooms may be the one available* from the exclusive rooftop deck, offering sweeping views of the resort and a dramatic look at Magic Kingdom Park’s fireworks by night. Plus, as an homage to the original, Bay Lake Tower’s rooftop lounge, Top of the World Lounge, was actually inspired by Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s former restaurant of the same name.

*Availability is limited and usage guidelines do apply.

Planned Spacious Lobby
After checking in at the original resort, Guests’ first glimpse of the tower’s interior will be revealed in the lobby area filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns. From the area, guests can catch their first look at Bay Lake Tower’s lakeside pool area and outside pool bar.

Planned Bay Cove Pool
Nestled in the shadow of Bay Lake Tower, the resort’s zero entry pool includes a water slide, separate whirlpool spa and an interactive children’s water feature – all overlooking picturesque Bay Lake.

Planned Resort Amenities
Beyond the rooftop lounge, spacious lobby and lakeside pool, Bay Lake Tower will feature a covered outdoor sky bridge that connects to the original resort so that guests can access the monorail as well as the restaurants and merchandise shops Guests love at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Plus, Bay Lake Tower Guests can pamper themselves with room service available through the original resort or make use of Community Hall, an activity center.

Quick Facts 
Date Announced:

September 16, 2008

Targeted Completion Date:
Fall 2009

Location/Geography: 
Bay Lake Tower is ideally situated between the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Contemporary Resort with easy access to the monorail

Room Mix:
Bay Lake Tower offers studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The majority of room categories include views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom Park

Number of Units:
295 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Planned Resort Amenities: 
Zero entry pool with water slide, separate spa and interactive children’s water feature. Exclusive lounge on the top floor with outdoor fireworks viewing area* (* availability is very limited and usage guidelines apply). Covered outdoor sky bridge connects Bay Lake Tower to the existing resort so that guests can access the monorail.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cost: $$ – $$$$$$

Saratoga Springs Studio Layout
Saratoga Springs One-Bedroom Layout
Saratoga Springs Two-Bedroom Layout
Saratoga Springs Grand Villa Layout

Saratoga Springs Map

Description: Saratoga Springs sits where the famed Disney Institute got it’s start, and end. Most of the institute buildings were torn down, and Saratoga Springs is an all new Deluxe Villa resort. Saratoga Springs features studios, one, two and three bedroom villas. Non-members are welcome to stay here just like any other WDW resort, The resort has the feeling of the upstate New York town of Saratoga, complete with horse racing themes.

Amenities: The resort features a large main pool and child’s play area as well as several quiet pools throughout the resort. There is also watercraft and bicycle rentals, tennis courts, a basketball court and a large arcade. Saratoga Springs is built across the lake from Downtown Disney, and is within walking distance of the Marketplace, or you can take the boat over to either side of Downtown Disney.

Rooms: Studio rooms are approximately 355 Square Feet, and feature two Queen size beds, a small desk and sitting area and a balcony, and a small kitchenette including small refridgerator, microwave and coffe maker. One bedroom rooms are 714 Square Feet and include a full size bedroom with a King Size bed, full living room area with fold out couch, eating area, laundry room with full sized washer and dryer and a full sized kitchen. Two bedrooms are approximately 1,075 Squre feet, and comprise a studio and one-bedroom unit combined. A three-bedroom Grand Villa is approximately 2,113 Square Feet, and features two bedrooms on the second floor, plus a larger living room and kitchen. 

Transportation: The Saratoga Springs Resort is not far from Downtown Disney, and many units are close enough to walk. Bus service is available to the Ticket and Transportation Center, the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom Park. There is also a water bus that seasonally runs to Downtown Disney.

Cost: Studio rooms start at $249 during value season up to $359 during the Holidays. One-Bedrooms start at $335 during value season up to $495 during the Holidays. Two-Bedrooms start at $469 during value season up to $775 during the Holidays. Three-Bedroom Grand Villas start at $1,015 during value season up to $1,410 during the Holidays.

Restaurants:

Turf Club Bar & Grill: Full service restaurant with views of the Lake Buena Vista golf course and Downtown Disney. Serves lunch and dinner

Artist’s Palette: Lighter fare, featuring sandwiches, pizza and soup.

Official Disney Link: Saratoga Springs Resort

Cost: $$ – $$$$$$$

Boardwalk Villas Studio Layout
Boardwalk Villas One-Bedroom Layout
Boardwalk Villas Two-Bedroom Layout

Boardwalk Villas Map

Description: Disney’s Boardwalk Villas are associated with the Boardwalk Inn and has access to all the amenities associated with the Boardwalk INn. It is now a large timeshare type resort, with studios, one, two and three bedroom villas. Non-members are welcome to stay here just like any other WDW resort, The resort features a feeling of living on the boardwalk. There are great restaurants on the boardwalk, as well as entertainment and activities that run well into the night..

Amenities: Disney’s Boardwalk Villas features a wonderful pool complete with boardwalk style rollercoaster water slide, a health club and watercraft and bicycle rentals. Childcare is available at Harbor Club, for children aged 4 – 12.

Rooms: Studio rooms are approximately 359 Square Feet, and feature one Queen size bed, a fold out couch, a small desk and sitting area and a balcony, and a small kitchenette including small refridgerator, microwave and coffe maker. One bedroom rooms are 712 Square Feet and include a full size bedroom with a King Size bed, full living room area with fold out couch, eating area, laundry room with full sized washer and dryer and a full sized kitchen. Two -bedrooms are approximately 1,021 Squre feet, and comprise a studio and one-bedroom unit combined. The Three-Bedroom Grand Villa is approximately 2,142 Square Feet, and features a gigantic living room and kitchen area, as well as three bedrooms and four balcanies. All rooms have either a view of the boardwalk, a swimming area or the parking lot. Some rooms have views of EPCOT from their balcanies.

Transportation: The Boardwalk Villas are located in the boardwalk area and are within walking distance or EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios and the Boardwalk. Bus service is available to the Ticket and Transportation Center, the Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom Park and Downtown Disney directly from the resort. Boat service is available to EPCOT, Beach and Yacht Club Resorts and Disney-MGM Studios.

Cost: Studio rooms start at $289 during value season up to $434 during the Holidays. One-Bedrooms start at $385 during value season up to $560 during the Holidays. Two-Bedrooms start at $535 during value season up to $990 during the Holidays. Three-Bedroom Grand Villas start at $1,300 during value season up to $1,865 during the Holidays.

Restaurants:

Flying Fish Cafe: Upbeat seafood restaurant
Spoodles: Mediterranean food with a special flair
Big River Grill and Brewing Works: brewpub featuring standard fare
ESPN Club: The ultimate family sports bar

Official Disney Link: Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

Cost: $$ – $$$$$$

Old Key West Studio Layout
Old Key West One-Bedroom Layout
Old Key West Two-Bedroom Layout

Old Key West Map

Description: Disney’s Old Key West resort was originally name the Disney Vacation Club. It is now a large timeshare type resort, with studios, one, two and three bedroom villas. Non-members are welcome to stay here just like any other WDW resort, The resort features a tropical ambiance of a quaint Key West resort at the turn of the century.

Amenities: The resort features a large main pool and child’s play area as well as several quiet pools throughout the resort. There is also watercraft and bicycle rentals, tennis courts, a basketball court and a large arcade.

Rooms: Studio rooms are approximately 376 Square Feet, and feature two Queen size beds, a small desk and sitting area and a balcony, and a small kitchenette including small refridgerator, microwave and coffe maker. One bedroom rooms are 1,016 Square Feet and include a full size bedroom with a King Size bed, full living room area with fold out couch, eating area, laundry room with full sized washer and dryer and a full sized kitchen. Two bedrooms are approximately 1,392 Squre feet, and comprise a studio and one-bedroom unit combined. A three-bedroom Grand Villa is approximately 2,265 Square Feet, and features two bedrooms on the second floor, plus a larger living room and kitchen. All rooms have views of either the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course or a swimming area.

Transportation: The Old Key West Resort is not far from Downtown Disney, and many units can see the backside of EPCOT, but are not close enough to walk. Bus service is available to the Ticket and Transportation Center, the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom Park and Downtown Disney directly from the resort. There is also a water bus that seasonally runs to Downtown Disney.

Cost: Studio rooms start at $249 during value season up to $359 during the Holidays. One-Bedrooms start at $335 during value season up to $495 during the Holidays. Two-Bedrooms start at $469 during value season up to $775 during the Holidays. Three-Bedroom Grand Villas start at $1,015 during value season up to $1,410 during the Holidays.

Restaurants:

Olivia’s Cafe: Casual dining with a Key West feeling

Official Disney Link: Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Cost: $$ – $$$$$$$

Beach Club Villas Studio Layout
Beach Club Villas One-Bedroom Layout
Beach Club Villas Two-Bedroom Layout

Beach Club Villas Map

Description: Disney’s Beach Club Villas are Dinsey’s newest resort, opening in July, 2002. It is associated with the Beach Club Resort, and has access to all the amenities associated with the Beach Club. It is now a large timeshare type resort, with studios, one and two bedroom villas. Non-members are welcome to stay here just like any other WDW resort, The resort features a feeling of being at the seaside near the turn of the century.

Amenities: The resort features Stormalong Bay, the fantastic pool at the Beach Club Resort, a child’s play area as well as several quiet pools throughout the resort. There is also watercraft and bicycle rentals, tennis courts, a basketball court, a large arcade. There is also a white sand beach and a sand volleyball court. Childcare is available at the Sandcastle Club.

Rooms: Studio rooms are approximately 359 Square Feet, and feature one Queen size bed, a fold out couch, a small desk and sitting area and a balcony, and a small kitchenette including small refridgerator, microwave and coffe maker. One bedroom rooms are 712 Square Feet and include a full size bedroom with a King Size bed, full living room area with fold out couch, eating area, laundry room with full sized washer and dryer and a full sized kitchen. Two -bedrooms are approximately 1,021 Squre feet, and comprise a studio and one-bedroom unit combined. All rooms have either a view of the swimming pool or a wooded area. Some rooms have views of EPCOT from their balcanies.

Transportation: The Beach Club Villas are located in the boardwalk area and are within walking distance or EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios and the Boardwalk. Bus service is available to the Ticket and Transportation Center, the Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom Park and Downtown Disney directly from the resort. Boat service is available to EPCOT, the Boardwalk and Disney-MGM Studios.

Cost: Studio rooms start at $289 during value season up to $434 during the Holidays. One-Bedrooms start at $385 during value season up to $560 during the Holidays. Two-Bedrooms start at $535 during value season up to $990 during the Holidays.

Restaurants:

Cape May Cafe: North East style clambake buffet
Yachtsman Steakhouse: Disney’s signature steakhouse
Beaches and Cream: Ice cream parlor featuring great shakes and burgers

Official Disney Link: Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Cost: $$ – $$$$$$$

Villas at Wildreness Lodge Studio Layout
Villas at Wilderness Lodge One-Bedroom Layout
Villas at Wilderness Lodge Two-Bedroom Layout

Villas at Wilderness Lodge Map

Description: The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened November 1, 2000, and is built adjacent to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The rooms and lobby are similar in design to those at the Wilderness Lodge, as is the feel of being at a grand lodge in the Northwest.

Amenities: The resort features a quiet pool adjacent to the villas, as well as use of the large pool at Wilderness Lodge. There is a health club, beach, arcade, kids playground and water and bicycle rentals. The restaurants, and most of the amenities are located in the Wilderness Lodge. Childcare is available at the Cub’s Den for children aged 4-12.

Rooms: Studio rooms are approximately 356 Square Feet, and feature one Queen size bed, a fold out couch, a small desk and sitting area and a balcony, and a small kitchenette including small refridgerator, microwave and coffe maker. One bedroom rooms are 727 Square Feet and include a full size bedroom with a King Size bed, full living room area with fold out couch, eating area, laundry room with full sized washer and dryer and a full sized kitchen. Two -bedrooms are approximately 1,080 Squre feet, and comprise a studio and one-bedroom unit combined. All rooms have either a view of the swimming pool, Bay Lake or a wooded area.

Transportation: The Villas at Wilderness Lodge are not far from the Magic Kingdom, but you must access it, and everything else, by bus. Bus service is available to the Ticket and Transportation Center, the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom Park and Downtown Disney directly from the resort.

Cost: Studio rooms start at $269 during value season up to $414 during the Holidays. One-Bedrooms start at $370 during value season up to $545 during the Holidays. Two-Bedrooms start at $520 during value season up to $920 during the Holidays.

Restaurants:

Artist’s Point: Cuisine inspired by the Northwest
Whispering Canyon Cafe: All you can eat BBQ restaurant, participation a must

Official Disney Link:
The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney World’s Deluxe Villa Resorts come in all styles, and many different locations. Technically though they are all part of Disney’s timeshare resorts (Disney Vacation Club), they are available to rent by the general public most of the year. Fantastic if you are a family looking for space, or a group all wanting to stay in one room. The one, two and three bedroom villas all feature a full kitchen and full laundry facilities, which are great for families. This is Disney’s fastest growing resort segment, with the recent additions of Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom Villas and the newest, Bay Lake Tower.

Animal Kingdom Villas – Part of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Animal Kingdom Villas comprise the fifth and sixth floors of the Lodge, as well as their own building. Most villas feature a Savanna view, and the studios at Animal Kingdom Villas are the only villas that will sleep 5.

Bay Lake Tower – Disney World’s newest resort, scheduled to open sometime in 2009. An extension of the Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower will be the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom, and will offer great views of nighttime fireworks as well as the Magic Kingdom in general. 

Beach Club Villas – Part of the Beach Club resort, the Beach Club Villas are within walking distance to Epcot, and many rooms have a decent view of fireworks at Epcot. The Villas also have access to Stormalong Bay, the best pool on Disney property.

Boardwalk Villas – Located across the lake from the Beach Club Villas, the Boardwalk Villas are part of the Boardwalk Inn, though really quite a bit larger than the Inn itself. Great location, and grand villas available, something the Beach Club Villas do not offer.

Old Key West – Disney’s original timeshare, Old Key West has the largest rooms of all the Disney Deluxe Villa resorts, and is by far the most laid back, peaceful of all the Disney resorts.

Saratoga Springs – Located where the Disney Institute used to stay, Saratoga Springs is a nice, laid back resort located near Downtown Disney.

Villas at Wilderness Lodge – Located next to the Wilderness Lodge, the Villas at Wilderness Lodge feature a rustic theme in a great location. You have access to all the Wilderness Lodge amenities, including boat service to the Magic Kingdom.