Bay Lake Tower: When Is Theme Park View Worth It?
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a popular resort choice for families looking to spend much of their time at Magic Kingdom. Between the monorail and walkway, getting to and from Magic Kingdom is a breeze, even for families with stroller-age children.
At Bay Lake Tower, there are 3 booking categories: Resort View, Preferred View, or Theme Park View. While Resort View is the most economical category, and Preferred View offers a peaceful view of Bay Lake, the Theme Park View rooms face Magic Kingdom. Since Theme Park View rooms cost more DVC points than Resort View or Preferred View rooms, which translates into a more expensive rental price, is the upgraded view worth it?
Worth It
You Plan to Be in Your Room in Time for Fireworks
The Theme Park View rooms do face the parking lot since Magic Kingdom is just beyond the lot, so the theme park view is best appreciated at night when the buildings and attractions at Magic Kingdom are lit up and the fireworks fill the sky.
Having your own private fireworks viewing area from your balcony is such a treat! You don’t have to worry about finding a spot, fighting crowds, or waiting for transportation at the end of the night. The fireworks view is also great for families with young kids who normally can’t stay in the park late enough to watch the nighttime spectaculars.
You Are Visiting During New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July
Happily Ever After is a fan favorite, but during holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, Magic Kingdom has special fireworks shows to celebrate! These spectacles are typically heavy on pyrotechnics and rely less on the projections on Cinderella Castle. Plus, they are 360 degree fireworks shows, which means you get a stellar view from outside Magic Kingdom! With New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July being some of the most crowded days of the year at the theme park, you’ll be very glad to avoid the crowds and the long line for transportation from Magic Kingdom at the end of the night.
You Are Traveling with Friends or Family Who Are Not Frequent Visitors
Part of the beauty of DVC is being able to share it with others! With larger accommodations, you can easily bring friends or family with you. If you are going on vacation with friends or family who either haven’t been to Disney World before or don’t visit often, the fireworks view truly has that wow factor and is the perfect setting for making magical memories together!
Not Worth It
You Are Happy to View Fireworks Elsewhere
Some guests prefer to view Happily Ever After from inside Magic Kingdom where you can better see the details of the projections on Cinderella Castle. Also, the Contemporary Resort has several good spots to watch fireworks, such as the Skyway Bridge, California Grill, and Top of the World Lounge at the top of Bay Lake Tower. If you’re content to watch fireworks from any of these areas, the Theme Park View isn’t really necessary.
You Like to Go from Rope Drop to Park Close
If you plan to spend most of your time in the theme parks, you may not make it back to your room in time to enjoy the fireworks view. With the room itself being the same across the different booking categories, you are really paying extra for the balcony view. Without taking the time to enjoy that view, it’s not worth spending the extra points.
You Want to Save Money or Points
As noted in the introduction, Theme Park View is the most expensive booking category at Bay Lake Tower. To put it in perspective, a Resort View One Bedroom Villa starts at 24 points per night, and a Preferred View One Bedroom Villa starts at 29 points per night whereas a Theme Park View One Bedroom Villa starts at 35 points per night. That 6 or 11 point difference may not sound like a lot, but over the course of a weeklong trip, that can certainly add up. If you’re looking to stretch your points, you’re better off booking Resort View if available or Preferred View.
Book a stay at Bay Lake Tower for your next Disney World vacation! Browse the confirmed reservations, or request a free quote to find availability and pricing for your desired dates.
