As one of the closest resorts to Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower is a treasure of views, convenience and great eats. This resort is located on Bay Lake and overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon. Bay Lake Tower is considered part of Disney’s Contemporary Resort with many shared amenities. Most of the dining is found in the Contemporary building. Let’s take a look at the Bay Lake Tower dining options.
Bay Lake Tower Grab and Go, Quick Service and Mobile Order
Contempo Café has one of the most fun atmospheres of any quick service restaurant at Disney World. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered and you’ll find classics like Mickey waffles and mouse inspired ice cream bars and sandwiches. On this eventful fourth floor with a monorail view, you can dine on some of the prettiest themed desserts you’ll find. Contemporary Grounds is a coffee and pastry counter in the lobby of the Contemporary. There is a small seating area but it’s a great pick for grabbing the first meal of the day on the go.
Honorable mention goes to the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. When offered, this one of a kind experience includes a snack and dessert party with character meet and greets and a fireworks cruise with a pirate! It’s a best kept secret and only found at this resort.
Bay Lake Tower Lounges
Lounges at Disney World usually consist of a bar, tables and chairs and some more secluded seating areas. The California Grill Lounge is located in the middle of the signature dining spot with dreamy views of the castle. It’s an availability based offering and you don’t need reservations. Guests can order from the full menu at the bar here and catch the fireworks if the timing is just right. Steakhouse 71 Lounge is a spacious bar and lounge area at the entrance of this Contemporary lobby restaurant. Outer Rim on the fourth floor of the Contemporary has fantastic views of the Bay Lake side of the resort.
Top of the World Lounge is the one to know. This incredible venue just for DVC members tops Bay Lake Tower with a view of Magic Kingdom from the sixteenth floor. Let’s say it together: firework views. This is a must visit when staying at Bay Lake Tower. Also, check eligibility at the time of your trip but DVC members can usually visit even when staying at another Disney resort hotel.
Bay Lake Tower Poolside Dining
Cove Bar is located at the Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower and offers lite bites and grown up drinks. The Sand Bar is the offering at the pool next door at the Contemporary. Guests staying in the DVC tower are welcome to use the pool at the main building.
Bay Lake Tower Table Service and Signature Dining
Chef Mickey’s creates memorable dining experiences in the open atrium on the fourth floor of the Contemporary. You feel like you’re in the heart of the magic with monorails coming into the building throughout your meal. This character dining meal features visits from classic Disney characters. The Fab Five appear in kitchen inspired attire. Along with Chef Mickey, guests usually see Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto on their visit.
Steakhouse 71 pays homage to Disney history with black and white vintage photos and menu items inspired by Walt himself. The burger has been raved about. You’ll find it in the Contemporary lobby in place of the former The Wave restaurant.
California Grill is one of the most praised signature dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. The food is some of the best you’ll find in Orlando with culinary delights for all tastes. What makes California Grill extra special is its top floor location with floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views. Sunsets from here are awe inspiring! The Magic Kingdom is lively and colorful down below and this is where you’ll find some of the best firework views. Tip: You can still enjoy the fireworks view here even if you dine early in the evening before show time. Save your receipt to gain access to the outdoor observation deck as the night sky over Magic Kingdom is filled with sparkles.
For menus, pricing and more information see Bay Lake Tower dining.
Aside from the restaurants and dining locations mentioned above, guests can easily access many other options by taking the monorail. The Skyway Bridge is accessible from Bay Lake Tower’s fifth floor and provides an amazing view of Magic Kingdom on the way to the Contemporary’s fourth floor where the monorail station entrance is located. Monorail loop resorts include Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. A tip: Remember to consider Magic Kingdom’s operating hours when planning to dine on the monorail loop. A Tonga Toast breakfast at the Polynesian’s Kona Cafe is fantastic but you may need to add in a little extra travel time when the masses are headed to the park for opening.
If you’re ok with the extra steps, there is a beautiful walkway from Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary that will take you all the way to the Grand or Polynesian. Note that it’s not a complete circle around the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Disney water transportation opens even more possibilities from the Contemporary boat launch. A lovely boat ride across Bay Lake takes you to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. And, of course, Magic Kingdom is just a short walk or monorail ride away.
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