I stopped by the Contemporary Resort today to buy a gift for someone. While there, I thought I’d check out the progress of Disney’s Bay Lake Tower, a new Vacation Club scheduled to open August 4th of this year.
For the most part, the exterior of the building hasn’t changed much since our last update.
I can report that most of the parking lot has been completed and much of it has reopened to hotel guests.
Also, glass panels are being added to the elevated walkway between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Towers.
In the distance, I could see a large expanse of smooth concrete. I was wondering if this might be a tennis court. But this is just speculation on my part.
Inside the Contemporary I found a few new items to report on.
First, there is now a temporary DVC sales office at the north end of the fourth floor of the Grand Canyon Concourse. I spoke to a representative and was told that guests can take care of all paperwork needed to purchase a Disney DVC at this location. However, she did note that they have no room mock-ups to view. For that you would have to visit their primary sales office located at Saratoga Springs.
Also new is Fantasia Market. This shop replaces Concourse Sundries & Spirits and will serve both the Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Towers.
For the most part, this shop is much like it was before. It sells reading material, snacks and liquor, and a variety of sundries. The major difference is the addition of several refrigerators. Like other DVC’s, a limited number of groceries are always within an easy walking distance of your room. Fantasia Market also will offer the convenience of in-room grocery delivery service to Bay Lake Tower Guests beginning in the summer.
Hi Jack…Question…my brother is a DVC member and staying at Bay Lake this Nov. We are staying at All-Star Movie resort and will be renting the car for all of us. My brother will not be renting a car under his name but will be using it with us. Is it possible for me to use his parking at Bay Lake?
Jack’s Answer,
If you have a Disney parking permit, the gaurds will easily pass you into any hotel. They may ask you why you’re entering, but just say to see your bother in room xxx. You’ll have no problem.
Thanks for the postings. My wife and I recently purchased at BLT but won’t be able to visit until 2010. We appreciate all the updates since we won’t be there to experience in person for a while.
I have read that the rooftop lounge at Bay Lake Towers is available for viewing fireworks, but on a limited basis. Will people have to make reservations for this, or will it be a first-come, first-served basis? Thanks.
Jack’s Answer.
To my knowledge, Disney has not released any specifics about how this will work. I’m sure in the beginning, procedures will change multiple times until they figure out what works best for Disney and the guests. I have heard that admittance will be restricted to guests staying in BLT. But like I said, everything is subject to change at the moment.
I will be at the BLT when it opens and this is one of the items I will be addressing.
Thanks so much for the update. My family of five will be staying there for ten days – September into October – this is getting so exciting – you have heightened the anticipation – planning and dreaming is a big part of the trip for me, so you have just given me more to dream about – thanks again!
I have reservations for BLT in October and was wondering if you happen to know if there will be a zero depth pool for kids?
Thanks
Jack’s Answer:
Guests at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will have access to their very own Bay Cove pool, which is planned to include a zero-entry pool with water slide, separate whirlpool spa and interactive children’s water feature.
Can you tell me if i can rent a few night or a wk at Bay Lake the new resort.Help.for two adults, looking at Sept or into first wk of Oct 09..
Jack’s Answer:
Non-DVC members can book longer lengths of stays. I personally know of someone who has booked a stay there for ten nights.
As far as specific availability, you’ll need to call 407-WDISNEY.
Will BLT have similar recreation type activities for guests (crafts, games, etc).
Just curious as I travel solo a lot and enjoy taking advantage of some of those things.
Thanks!
Jack’s Answer:
I’m sorry. But I don’t have an answer for you. I’ve not seen any advance material on Bay Lake Tower. Hopefully, I’ll be invited to a preview of this resort in the same way I was for Kidani Village. Then I’ll be able to answer your questions. 🙂
Great update, Jack!!! Congratulations!!!
My warmest greetings, all the way from Brazil!
Theresa Konno
We are staying at BLT-Lake View in mid-August. Will we be sharing the gym with Contemporary or will BLT have its own gym? Will the Community Hall be ready by then?
Jack’s Answer:
The Bay Lake Tower does not have its own gym. You will be using the Olympiad Health Club at the Contemporary.
To my knowledge, all of the facilities will be available on opening day, including Community Hall. Of course, this is always subject to change.
Thank you so much for the update. This is our new homebase. My husband and I are going for opening day, August 4, for three night. We will be celebrating early our 30th Wedding Anniversary. It is great to see the pictures. I can’t wait.
We are booked in a 1 bedroom in late august with a bay lake view. I notice the three available view otions are of the Magic Kingdom,Bay Lake or the parking lot. What about he courtyard and pool views? Are those available?
Jack’s Comment: I’m sure you’re going to enjoy your stay at the BLT in August. It looks like an awesome resort.
As to you question, I’m sorry, I really don’t have any knowledge about the various views and their availability. You’re best bet is to contact your DVC representative.
Have a super vacation.
I love the update. Staying at BLT January 2010 for the marathon weekend.
I was wondering if you have any new pictures and updates on Kidani Village. I have Kidani and Bay Lake Tower as my home resorts. Love the updates on BLT, but looking for something visual for Kidani Village!
Jack’s Response: I’m going on a special “sneak-peek” preview of Kidani Village tomorrow (April 22). I will be posting an update later in the day or Thursday.
My sister Bunnie and her 2 kids and myself and my 3 kids have a 2 bedroom suite booked for AUGUST 4-11 THE FIRST DAY IT OPENS!!!!! We can’t wait, we are all so excited. Do you know if the walkway will be air conditioned??
Jack’s Answer: When I first saw the walkway, I thought it might be open-air. But on my last visit, I saw that glass was being installed. I’m certain it will be air conditioned. It would be a greenhouse in the summer if not.
I am dying to know what is going on with the two glass structures on either end of the tower! They appear to be at the top of the staircases? Are they going to be apart of the “Top of the World” Lounge as firework viewing areas? What are they?!? Anyone?
Thanks for the update
getting really excited about our stay there at the end of August
please keep up the great updates
Looks great now that they have all the windows in and the walkway completed! 🙂 Now i just need to win the lotto so i can pay off student loans and get a DVC membership hehe 😉
Does the Fantasia store have any Sorcerer
Mickey merchandise?
Jack’s Answer: I’ve been in this shop a dozen times over the last several months, but I really can’t say with any certainty that it carries Sorcerer Mickey merchandise. But this I can say. This shop sells nothing unique. Every other shop around property carries almost the exact same items.
Thanks for the great update. I have my room booked in January and I can’t wait to stay here. Guess I’ll just have to suffer at the Boardwalk in September.
Thanks for the update! My family of 4 and my sister’s family of 3 have booked a 2-bedroom suite at the Bay Lake Towers in September. We are so excited! Do you know if the pool will be ready? Will there be a counter service restaurant at the Towers or is everything, including shops, to be at the Contemporary itself?
Jack’s Answer:
As far as I know, the pool will open with the resort. There will also be pool bar that will offer some food.
The Bay Lake Tower will have a rooftop lounge, but other than that, guests will use the sky bridge to access the 4th floor of the Contemporary for dining and shopping options. Note, room service is available in the new tower via the Contemporary.