Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to one of the most jaw-dropping hotel rooms you can book at Walt Disney World.
If you’ve ever dreamed about waking up with a direct view of Cinderella Castle right outside your window, this is the room that makes that happen. With Disney’s COOL KIDS’ Summer season in full swing and more guests than ever looking for ways to level up their Walt Disney World stay, we figured it was the perfect time to walk you through exactly what a 1 Bedroom Villa Preferred View at Bay Lake Tower actually looks like. From the layout and amenities to the views that will genuinely make your jaw drop, here’s everything you need to know about this incredible room.
The View Alone Is Worth It
Let’s start with the obvious, because ignoring the view would be a crime.
The Preferred View villa at Bay Lake Tower gives you two stunning sightlines: Cinderella Castle and Bay Lake. During our tour, the sun was setting right over the Castle, painting the sky in the kind of colors that don’t feel real. Bay Lake stretches out alongside that, giving the room a resort feel that goes way beyond your average hotel stay.
The balcony is the star of the show here. It’s spacious enough to actually spend time on, not just peek out from. Watching the sun go down with that view is the kind of moment that sticks with you long after you’ve checked out. If you’re someone who prioritizes the view in a hotel room, this villa delivers in a big way.
A Living Room That Actually Feels Like Home
Once you step inside, the first thing you’ll notice is how much space there is.
The living room is genuinely roomy, and the theming is fantastic. We’re talking thoughtful, intentional Disney design, the kind you wish carried over into more rooms across the resort. The color palette, the artwork, and the details all feel cohesive and elevated without being overdone.
One of the standout features is the Murphy bed tucked into the living room wall. It’s a clever use of space that makes this villa work for a wider range of travel groups.
Whether you’re bringing the kids, traveling with another couple, or just want a dedicated sleeping area separate from the main bedroom, that Murphy bed adds real flexibility to the floor plan.
A Full Kitchen That Means Business
This is where Disney Vacation Club rooms really separate themselves from standard hotel rooms.
The kitchen in this 1 Bedroom Villa is fully equipped: full-size oven, full-size refrigerator, microwave, the works. This isn’t a kitchenette with a mini fridge and a coffeemaker. This is a kitchen you can actually cook in.
For families or anyone staying more than a few nights, that changes the whole dynamic of your trip. You can stock up at a grocery store, make breakfast in the villa before heading to the parks, and skip the expense of dining out for every single meal.
It’s a practical perk that adds up fast, and it makes the villa feel less like a hotel room and more like a vacation home.
The Dining Area and the Art You’ll Want to Take Home
Right off the kitchen is a proper dining area, and it’s a nice one.
There’s enough seating to actually gather around a table, which feels intentional and welcoming. The art throughout this space is genuinely great, with pieces featuring Roy and Mickey that have a warmth and character to them.
It’s the kind of décor that makes you pause and appreciate the thought that went into the room design.
Two Bathrooms, a Fancy Tub, and That Mirror
Yes, two bathrooms. The 1 Bedroom Villa comes with a full second bathroom, which is a game-changer for any multi-person trip.
The main bathroom features a large, beautiful soaking tub, a spacious sink area, and a gorgeous oversized mirror that honestly deserves its own appreciation post. This particular room is also set up as an accessible room, so it includes accessible railings and additional tub features, making it a great option for guests who need those accommodations.
Both bathrooms are well-appointed and feel more like a spa setup than a typical hotel bath situation. Nothing cramped, nothing basic.
The Bedroom: King Bed, More Views, and a Mickey Towel
The main bedroom is where it all comes together.
There’s a king bed, plenty of closet space, and yes, that same stunning view you’ve had from the living room and balcony follows you right into the bedroom. Waking up and seeing Cinderella Castle from bed is not something most people get to experience, and it’s one of those moments that genuinely makes this villa feel special.
And because Disney is Disney, there’s a Mickey Mouse towel sculpture waiting for you on the bed. It’s a small touch, but it’s a classic one.
The Laundry Situation Is a Real Bonus
In-unit laundry. Full-size washer and dryer, right inside the villa.
For a longer Disney World trip, this is enormous. You can pack lighter, rewear outfits, and not stress about hauling a bag to a laundry facility. It’s one of those amenities that sounds minor until you actually need it, and then it becomes one of your favorite things about the room.
Final Thoughts
The 1 Bedroom Villa Preferred View at Bay Lake Tower is genuinely one of the most impressive rooms at Walt Disney World. The views are unmatched, the space is generous, the kitchen and laundry setup make it feel like a home base rather than just a place to sleep, and the theming throughout is warm and well-executed. If you’re considering a villa stay at Walt Disney World, this room makes a strong case for itself.
Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.
Keep checking back with DFB for more hotel tours, room reviews, and everything you need to plan the best possible Disney World trip.
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Have you ever stayed at Bay Lake Tower, and if so, did you splurge on the Preferred View? Let us know in the comments!



















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I don’t know who has FINALLY had a chance of heart when designing these rooms but DELIGHTED they aren’t the usual cookie cutter dull beige generic designs Disney has been doing on all other renovations!!! As many people have said, we go to specific hotels for the atmosphere otherwise we would spend a lot less & stay at a Holiday Inn!!
As someone who has designed kitchens for 25 years, I have some critiques for that kitchenette. It’s a huge waste of space to use a countertop microwave. They could have freed up needed counter space by using a combination micro/hood above the range. In the current configuration, the green backsplash tile should have been taken all the way up to the bottom of the hood. It looks cheap to stop it at 18” tall. The hood is mounted too high. It should be no more than 30” above the range. I’m sad that Disney didn’t put more thought into an otherwise nice design, especially at what they are charging for that suite!
Outstanding design. The artwork and subtle touches like the monorail on the bathroom mirror are outstanding. Great color palette with this one.
Hi –
We stayed in a Preferred View 2-Bedroom Villa in September 2025, room 8144. Our view was from the 11th floor on the opposite side of Bay Lake Tower and was just as spectacular as the view from your room. Bay Lake and the Lakeside Lodge, Spaceship Earth (which is even more amazing at night from farther away), the water bridge to/from the 7 Seas Lagoon, the Contemporary and a view straight down the Monorail beam into the TTC. Plenty to see and enjoy!
BayLake doesn’t get enough credit in general. I have stayed in that room with my family. It was stunning.