We just returned from Disney's Bay Lake Tower. Couple of things we learned that may be of help to anyone visiting or thinking about staying there... in no particular order.



Check-In as at The Contemporary. Access to anything Bay Lake Tower is strictly controlled. You will need a key card for every door and entry point including the front door, pool and Skyway Bridge.

Fireworks audio can be heard on channel 20 (the resort information channel). This is the only resort to offer in room fireworks audio.

Community Hall on the first floor has lots to do. They offer activities 9-10 daily including crafts, PlayStations (4 of them), Wii games, tons of board games, shuffle board, boccie ball and movie rentals.

The Skyway Bridge to the Contemporary is very convenient. The Contemporary serves as your market place, arcade and other usual resort amenities.

The observation deck and Lounge on the top floor is only available to DVC members that are staying at The Bay Lake Tower. The hostess is located in the lobby and your escorted to the the lounge. There are no exceptions, no amount of begging or bugging will get you up there. Not even cast members are permitted.

The pool area has several features such as a zero entry area (an area of the pool you can simply walk into like a beach), a big slide, a short ADA approved slide, a Pool bar, a place to fill up your mugs, a beach, hot tub, BBQ grills (you will need charcoal), towels, shuffle board, boccie ball and rest rooms.

All rooms have a kitchen or kitchenette and some have laundry.

Theme park view is like this (our room on the 10th floor had this view):

But, don't worry if you don't want to spend the extra cash on a theme park view, each floor, near the elevators has a nice wide set of windows that will give you a very nice view for fireworks but of course, watching from your room is more comfortable.

My family spent most of their time in the Community Hall and had a lot of fun making jewelry and playing games. They are actually bugging me to go back as soon as we can. We usually enjoy the resorts but this is the first time they all raved about how much fun it was.

I know a lot of people are upset about the placement of this building and the architecture but I really liked the hotel style building. I felt as if everything was only a short distance away and getting to and form the Magic Kingdom was very convenient.

Well, I'm off to try and book another stay at Disney's Bay Lake Tower!

I think the architecture is fine. It looks snazzy. It's not cute in any way. Nor does it have instantly recognized theming like a lot of other resorts. It's kind of a run of the mill really nice condo building. They have them in lots of cities, in vegas, on beachfronts, etc... This one happens to be THE closest you can be to the magic kingdom.

Frankly, I think there should be more hotels within easy walking distances of the front door to a theme park. As it stands, the only ones where you can actually walk are boardwalk hotels, and the contemporary and bay lake tower.

It's too bad you can't sneak in and look around like all the other resorts, but we all know what a mess that would create.

It would be completely worth a short weeknight stay with rented points to experience it, but it seems like one could never truly get enough of that experience.

Even though I don't know if I'd every get to stay there, it's a real attractive property. I think it's a real hit for Disney and a good decision despite the economy. The question for disney isn't whether they will fill up rooms at Bay Lake Towers. The question is will this just divert people from other resorts, or will they be able to fill the increase in total rooms that they've added with this property.

Nice pictures.

The pictures are so-so at best. I was without my beloved 18-200mm lens.

Back to the topic... the themeing is subtle, like you said it's almost none existent but in some ways the the resort is nice because it's not loud on themeing. I don't want to offend anyone but the resort almost had the feeling of a retirement community in some ways (just the vibe I got). Like I said already though, my family loves this place even more than Beach Club now. I'm going to book a room again for the October which will make going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party much more enjoyable. Nice long nap until 6 and off to the party.

Sounds like you had a great trip, Michael! I was also surprised how controlled this resort is compared to all of the other Disney Resorts. You really have to have a room key for Bay Lake Tower to get onto the bridge, to get into the pool, to get out of the pool area to go back into the building. You really have to by a Bay Lake Tower guest to even see this resort. For guests staying at this resort, great security!

I love the fireworks show is on the TV. I did not know that one!

I loved the Community Room, too. One of the best ones on Disney property with lots of pottery classes, beadmaking, etc. I made a couple bracelets with my kids. Loved it!

I was able to get into the Key to the World deck and lounge with my tour. Here is a link to view pictures from this area and other pics around Bay Lake Tower.

bit.ly/2JGP2Y

Glad you had such a great trip!

Hello all!
I'm new to this forum, I actually found this place by doing a search for info on staying at BLT!
We just bought at BLT and will be staying there for the first time this coming May.

My question is in regards to security. My grandmother is coming but only as a 'guest' as she will only be staying 3 out of the 8 days with us. Does that mean she will not have access to the pool, the lounge, etc.?
Thanks for your help!

She will as long as she has a room key... is she on the reservation? The only people that have access to lounge are owners that are currently staying at Bay Lake Tower and their guest(s) (must accompany the guest as well).