A Reimagined Top of the World Lounge Will Open 'Soon'

The Walt Disney Company continues to rebuild after closing due to the pandemic and, at this point, efforts seem to really be speeding up! We have confirmation of another beloved place at Walt Disney World Resort reopening. Disney Vacation Club sent an email to Members in April of 2022 stating the following:

'The reimagined Top of the World Lounge will reopen soon for Members and their Guests! Perched atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, this one-of-a-kind space boasts can't-miss views of Magic Kingdom_® Park. Stay tuned for more details.'

Top of the World Lounge Reopening

How exciting that Top of the World Lounge will soon be back! The 16th floor, bar and lounge exclusive DVC Member venue closed with the rest of Walt Disney World Resort in March of 2020. A Member of the planDisney panel shared, 'The observation deck did reopen for just a few short days in July to allow Members staying at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to view the return of Happily Ever After and the Independence Day fireworks shows.' The Disney Vacation Club Member venue did also reopen for just a few nights around New Year's Eve in 2021. While these sporadic openings were surely a delight for those who were able to attend, now we're getting the real deal reopening!

There was also a firework view image from the venue included in the email but it did not appear to be recent and had no visual updates of the reimagining mentioned. The Top of the World Lounge outdoor observation deck is just an open space perfect for taking in the scenery and I wouldn't anticipate any changes there. However, the interior has had mostly the same decor since the space opened along with Bay Lake Tower. The interiors were aptly contemporary and featured historic, yet futuristic looking, Disney monorail sketches into the interior design. Guests enjoyed the famous Top of the World Lounge layered cake under the oversized modern chandelier. Will all of this still be there to enjoy?

Reimagined is a fun word Disney likes to use in place of refurbishment or concept change for space. It doesn't seem like the purpose or serving method will change but it's likely we'll see updates to the interior. The adjacent Disney's Contemporary Resort recently underwent an extensive refurbishment. The lobby was updated to a colorful vision reminiscent of Imagineer Mary Blair's art and aesthetic. Steakhouse 71 replaced The Wave and regular guest rooms now have decor inspired by The Incredibles. Next up, the main pool at the Contemporary will close for refurbishment in January of 2023. It seems fitting the Top of the World Lounge would also receive a refurbishment along with these other spaces at this property. It's an especially good time since it's been closed already.

When will Top of the World Lounge reopen?

So when is soon? Soon is a tricky word. Disney stated last summer that the Disney Dining Plan would be back 'soon' and, nearly a year later, the discounted meal program has not returned. Aside from the Dining Plan, Disney announcements and reopenings have actually been moving fairly quickly as of early this year. It's almost certain Top of the World Lounge will reopen in 2022, just a matter of when exactly. The DVC discounts, perks and offers page says to 'Check back soon for more details including opening dates.'

Can DVC resale go to Top of the World Lounge?

Before it closed, those who purchased Disney Vacation Club resale did have access to Top of the World Lounge. With the words reimagining and potential changes that could bring, we're not able to confirm at this time if resale DVC Members will be able to visit Top of the World Lounge when it reopens. Check back here on the DVC Resale Experts blog to find out because we'll absolutely be covering that.

DVC Resale Experts

DVC Resale Experts is a licensed real estate broker that specializes in resale DVC. Our team of Experts can help you buy or sell DVC points. You can count on our licensed real estate agents, who are also former Disney Vacation Club Guides, for insight and expertise. Take a look at resale DVC listings to see what's available right now.