Bay Lake Tower: The Magic Kingdom DVC Resort Most Renters Skip

Bay Lake Tower is the DVC resort connected to Disney's Contemporary Resort, positioned on the western shore of Bay Lake about 200 feet from the entrance to Magic Kingdom. The walking path from the resort to the park gates takes about 10 minutes. The monorail takes 3 minutes. No other DVC resort puts you this close to Magic Kingdom.

High point costs and smaller room sizes push most first-time renters toward other resorts. That's understandable. But the location advantage is real, and the math works better than it looks on paper.

The Location Advantage

Every DVC resort at Disney World has bus access to every park. But Bay Lake Tower is one of only two DVC resorts (the other being the Polynesian) with monorail access to Magic Kingdom, and the only one with a true walking path.

For families with young kids who spend most of their time at Magic Kingdom, this matters a lot. You can walk back to the room for nap time and return in an hour. You can leave after the evening parade without fighting for a bus. During peak seasons when buses have long wait times, the ability to walk to and from the park is worth the point premium to many families.

Bay Lake Tower also shares amenities with the Contemporary Resort next door, including access to the Chef Mickey's character dining buffet at the Contemporary.

Top of the World Lounge

This is the detail that surprises most people. Bay Lake Tower has a private rooftop lounge on the fourth floor (confusingly named "Top of the World" despite not actually being the highest point). DVC members and their guests have access, which includes DVC renters.

The lounge has a full bar, light food, and a terrace with a direct view of Magic Kingdom across the lake. During evening fireworks, this is one of the best viewing spots on all of Disney property. No crowds, no stroller traffic, no jockeying for position. You watch the show from a private lounge with a drink in hand. Access is only for guests staying in a DVC room at Bay Lake Tower, which means renters qualify.

Room Types

Studios at Bay Lake Tower are on the smaller side compared to newer resorts, roughly 288 square feet. They include two queen beds (no sofa bed in most configurations), a kitchenette, and a bathroom with a split layout that's practical for families. A 7-night studio during regular season costs about 105 points, or around $2,100 at $20 per point.

One-bedrooms are 942 square feet with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, king bed in the master, and a sofa sleeper in the living room. Two-bedrooms and grand villas are also available.

Some rooms have direct Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon views. These are Magic Kingdom View studios and one-bedrooms, which cost additional points above the standard room rate. The view of the castle across the water, especially during fireworks from your own balcony, is something many guests consider worth the premium.

Point Costs and Availability

Bay Lake Tower has some of the highest studio point costs at Walt Disney World. During peak weeks, you'll need 11-month home resort priority from a Bay Lake owner to book studios. Magic Kingdom view rooms sell out particularly fast.

For standard-view studios during off-peak travel, the 7-month window often has availability. For one-bedrooms and larger rooms, booking is generally more accessible across most of the year.

If Magic Kingdom is the centerpiece of your trip, Bay Lake Tower is worth the extra points. Browse listings from Bay Lake Tower owners on our marketplace.