What's the difference between Disney's Contemporary Resort and the Bay Lake Tower?

So my friend and I have decided we are going to Disney World before hitting college, we have never been to Disney. We have already decided to stay at Disney's Contemporary but do not know the difference between the contemporary building and the bay lake tower building. Is there a difference? We want to have the best and most memorable trip and was wondering which one you think we should stay at?





Thank You.|||Yes, there is a big difference.





They are really both the same resort, the Contemporary resort. The Contemporary itself was one of the first WDW resorts, it was there when Disney World opened, and it still is today. It is a theme of modern contemporary styles and is a very enjoyable place to stay (I am staying there myself later this year). Disney's Bay Lake Towers was just created over the past few years, and finished about a year ago. This new building is not open to everyone, but is for only Disney Vacation Club members.





Disney Vacation Club is like a time share, but has many more benefits. You buy into a home resort, such as mine of Old Key West, but now there are spots open at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Saratoga Springs and Bay Lake Towers. Most Disney Vacation Club resorts today have separate buildings for regular and DVC members to stay in, like the Bay Lake Towers/Contemporary resort.





In your case, you will have to stay at the main Contemporary building, since you are not a Disney Vacation Club Member. The stay is similar in both places, but I myself find that the Main building itself would be better, as you have the monorail right near by (it passes through the resort building). If you are looking for a great place to eat, I suggest the Wave right at the contemporary, which serves modern food and you will not leave hungry. The Contemporary is a great place to stay because it has great and easy access to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot by taking a monorail. I hope you have a magical and memorable vacation.





If you have any other questions about your Disney vacation, please feel free to contact me by email or message. Have a magical day!|||The Bay Lake Tower is a timeshare property that opened in 2009. It features large rooms and suites with very functional kitchenettes. It has it's own pool and a bar on the top with a great view of the Magic Kingdom. It is VERY nice. It is attached to the main Contemporary Resort by an above ground ramp and it is a short walk to the restaurants, shops, and transportation systems of the main building.





Disney's Contemporary Resort opened in 1971 but went through an extensive renovation of the interiors and all the rooms in the late 2000s. So it is a bit more dated - but it does has a cool retro/future vibe. The huge atrium, the monorail that runs through the building, and the 'stepped pyramid' interior are all signature features. The advantage of staying in the main hotel is that the restaurants/shops/etc are a bit closer.





In short, if you have the choice (and I have) I would stay in the Bay Lake Tower.|||Leo J gave you the correct answer, but these resorts are expensive. If money's not a problem that's fine. Disney has value resorts too that are very nice. If you're mainly going to the parks %26amp; just sleeping at a hotel it doesn't matter. If you want spend more time around the resort then that's different. You can also rent speed boats at the Contemporary. That's fun. Have a great time!|||The contemporary is a great choice!! Like the others said the tower is for the Disney vacation club. ..


*** Just make sure you get the view of the magic kingdom ( I think they call it theme park view) ! Ive always wanted to stay there, but money is an issue for me so we go every year and stay at a more affordable place ( with two kids).. Doesn鈥檛 matter thou Every Disney resort is clean and beautiful! But that one has the BEST view of allll.. enjoy your time!! Definitely GO! Have a magical time!