Just Announced: First Major Bay Lake Tower Refurbishment

Hey Disney Vacation Club members! If you’re planning your next Disney World adventure and thinking about staying at Bay Lake Tower, here’s some big news for you! Disney Vacation Club (DVC) has officially announced a significant room refurbishment project for Bay Lake Tower, a DVC resort adjacent to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Mark your calendars, as this refurbishment will be extensive, lasting from September 2024 through September 2025. Let’s dive into what we know about the Bay Lake Tower refurbishment and what you can expect.

What We Know So Far

According to the announcement, this will be the first comprehensive refurbishment since Bay Lake Tower opened its doors back in 2009. Here’s Disney’s official announcement:

“From Sept. 2024-Sept. 2025, room refurbishment work will take place in Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. During the refurbishment, Guests will see and hear construction work throughout Bay Lake Tower. Please allow extra time for travel as alternate paths may be utilized.”

Disney has not yet shared specific details on the scope of changes for this project, but we know some exciting upgrades may be in the works.

Expected Upgrades and Challenges

Given that this is a full-scale refurbishment (i.e. hard goods replacement), it’s expected to include new floor and wall coverings, updated furniture, fixtures, and linens, bringing a fresh new look to Bay Lake Tower’s rooms. Over the last few years, Disney has moved toward replacing sleeper sofas with pull-down Murphy Beds in many DVC resorts. While no confirmation has been made for Bay Lake Tower, this popular upgrade is a possibility.

Alison Armor, Vice President of Resort Operations, shared that a model room has already been renovated and is under review as part of the design approval process. The refurbishment is set to proceed one floor at a time, which comes with logistical challenges like re-routing plumbing and utility lines to ensure uninterrupted service to other floors.

Incredible Possibilities

Given that the nearby Contemporary Resort has already embraced an Incredibles-themed reimagining of its guest rooms, there is speculation that Bay Lake Tower might follow suit. Historically, Disney aligns the themes between DVC and their companion resort areas. For example, the Polynesian Resort and its DVC counterpart both adopted Moana-inspired themes.

Plan Ahead for Your Stay

If you’re considering Bay Lake Tower for your stay, be prepared to see and hear some construction activity throughout the building during the refurbishment period. Disney advises guests to allow extra travel time due to potential alternate paths and temporary adjustments. Stay tuned for more updates as Disney reveals further details on this exciting Bay Lake Tower refurbishment.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!