Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection?

Well, we’re here to walk you through the differences between Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

It takes a lot of research to plan a Disney vacation, but we’re here to help.

Common Ground

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Bay Lake Tower and BoardWalk Villas have in common. First, both are Deluxe Villa Resorts offering many of the same perks. These hotels can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests.

Both resorts offer bus transportation to Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World.

And, they have similar price points for studio rooms.

For Bay Lake Tower, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $641 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,382 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

For BoardWalk Villas, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $596 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,672 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Theme/Rooms

Bay Lake Tower has villa-type accommodations with studio (sleep up to four), 1-bedroom (sleep up to five), 2-bedroom (sleep up to nine), and 3-bedroom (sleep up to 12) layouts.

BoardWalk offers studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to nine), and 3-bedroom (sleep up to 12) layouts.

Three-bedroom Grand Villas are available first for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date).

If you’re looking for convenience, a villa’s amenities might make your trip a whole lot easier!

Unfortunately, neither resort stands out for the theming inside the villa rooms.

Bay Lake Tower

Opened in August 2009, the villa accommodations are in a separate building, however there is a covered walkway leading to the resort’s main building.

Outfitted with kitchens, in-room laundry, multiple bathrooms, and pull-out sleepers, the villas offer many comforts of home. As the least expensive accommodations, Studios are 339 square feet.

With unique Disney artwork, guest villas are modern and stylish. If you can justify the splurge in price, we love looking out at Magic Kingdom from the theme park view rooms!

BoardWalk Villas

Welcome to the charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk themed resort, aptly named BoardWalk Inn. The BoardWalk brings in vibrant colors reminiscent of a seaside amusement park. In essence, the BoardWalk Inn balances the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort.

As the least expensive accommodations, BoardWalk studios are 359 square feet.

Villas were first opened in 1996. The rooms last received a bit of a touch up back in 2016 and with the ongoing construction and other resort renovations may see some TLC, soon. We hope the room updates and renovations keep with the classic Disney charm we’ve come to love and aren’t watered down to look like other standard hotels. Villa renovations are scheduled to begin in fall of 2023.

4 BIG Changes (Including New Restaurants) Announced for Disney’s BoardWalk

Results

What location and price point do you prefer? If you will be spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom, we recommend Bay Lake Tower. Guests spending most of their time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, should take a closer look at BoardWalk. If your budget is the number one concern, opt for BoardWalk for cost savings.

NEWS! MAJOR HOTEL CHANGE Announced for Disney World

Pools

When the weather is HOT or you just need a break from park queues, head to your resort pool! After all, the pools have their own unique features and special theming. Feature pools at Walt Disney World hotels usually have at least one slide and also offer poolside activities. Look at the hotel’s recreation schedule for more information. Some Disney resorts are so spread out that they also offer leisure pools. These swimming spots are family-friendly with at least one whirlpool spa. Leisure pools are quieter than the more crowded and active feature pools.

Note that poolside towels are always complimentary.

Bay Lake Tower

The Contemporary has two pools: the aptly named Feature Pool and the quieter Bay Lake Pool. There is a waterslide, lounge chairs, and private cabanas to rent; otherwise, it’s your standard resort pool.

If you’re looking for a spot to cool down, these pools deliver, and there’s a splash area for the smaller kiddos.

For those post-swim munchies, the Cove Bar and the Sand Bar will provide you with access to some basic quick service vittles and cocktails to enjoy poolside.

BoardWalk Villas

The BoardWalk Inn has three pools — the main pool called Luna Park and two “leisure” pools for folks that are looking for more chill than thrill for their watery adventure.

The Luna Park pool used to be the home of the clown water slide that lit up at night and may have caused an entire generation to need therapy. Luckily for you fine folks, you get to enjoy the renovated model of the Keister Coaster pool slide.

Mickey, Minnie, and Friends enjoy a pool adventure with you on this 200-foot-long slide.

This pool is 184,217 gallons and is just steps away from the fun of the boardwalk where you can easily grab a quick ice cream or margarita and then jump right back in the pool.

Results

Both have two pools, and both have pool bars, a pool slide, lounge chairs, and splash areas. And that’s where the similarities end.

With no appreciative themeing, the Contemporary’s Feature Pool & Bay Lake Pool are lackluster compared to other pools on Walt Disney World property.

Our heart leans towards the BoardWalk Inn for the festive carnival music, variety of nearby snacks, and a more relaxing atmosphere.

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Park days can be exhausting. Whether you’re taking a whole day to enjoy your resort, or you are relaxing after a shopping excursion at Disney Springs, once you’re at your Disney World hotel, you might not want to get back on a bus or boat for nourishment. So, you’ll want to know about the best options at your Disney World resort!

Take a look at the menus and decide which resort has the food that best suits your family.

Bay Lake Tower

The Contemporary has ten (10!) dining options, including lounges and pool bars (because those count!)!

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is truly a masterpiece of fine dining and has been recognized by the Michelin Guide.

The Contemporary is home to one of the most iconic character meals on property. Chef Mickey’s is one of the most difficult reservations to get on property, and the reason is that you can meet every single one of The Fab Five character set: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.

Contempo Cafe is the main quick service spot here, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are some lighter options, including salads and grilled chicken, as well as your typical fast food fare like chicken fingers and burgers. This is also home to one of our favorite treats — the Peanut Butter Pie. It’s a must-try if you love peanut butter as much as we do!

The Contemporary Resort is one of the few resorts to host their own Joffrey’s Coffee bar. Contemporary Grounds is your go-to location where you can order coffee, pastries, and specialty coffee drinks.

The Outer Rim lounge is a great hang-out right in the middle of all the action of the Contemporary Resort’s 4th Floor Grand Canyon Concourse. Indulge in one of the Outer Rim’s draft beers, wines, bourbons, martinis, or specialty cocktails.

The Sand Bar is a modern poolside counter located in the Contemporary Resort’s marina and pool area. While the food menu is limited, there is a full bar menu along with classic beachy cocktails like Mai Tais and Banana Cabanas up for grabs. Or if you’re visiting the Bay Lake Pool, then the Cove Bar serves a selection of quick service meals (think wraps and salads), snacks, and cocktails.

Steakhouse 71 opened on October 1, 2021, which was the 50th Anniversary of the Resort! Steakhouse 71 offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner just steps away from the Magic Kingdom. And if you opt for dessert (which is always a good idea), you may want to try the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake, made with “15 layers of whiskey-infused chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and raspberries – one layer for every floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.” The accompanying Steakhouse 71 Lounge also provides a spot to enjoy a few bites and unique cocktails.

Still considered part of the Contemporary offerings, The Top of the World Lounge, exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members, is perched on the top floor of the Contemporary Resort’s Bay Lake Tower. Top of the World is open daily from 6PM to midnight, with seating available on a first come, first served basis. Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras and who are staying in Disney World Resort hotels can enjoy this exclusive spot, and guests staying on Members’ reservations are also eligible. Grab a drink, an appetizer, and the best view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks here!

With two iconic Disney meal experiences and the rapidly growing popularity of a reasonably priced steakhouse, the Contemporary sure packs a 1-2 punch when it comes to food.

Read all about the Contemporary Resort Restaurants here!

BoardWalk Villas

The BoardWalk Inn has been updating and renovating some of the dining areas. Let’s take a look…

AbracadaBar, according to the story, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!

Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.

The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has nice touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks. Guests can also stop here for coffee or pastries in the morning.

Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.

Step back in time to a seaside boardwalk village on Crescent Lake where turn-of-the-century charm meets savory eats and sweet treats at the BoardWalk Deli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels or a hand-piped cannoli.

Craving a cool treat while strolling along the BoardWalk? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up simple sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream.

BoardWalk Joe’s is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! A selection of snacks such as pretzels and nachos are also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.

Stop by the Pizza Window for a piping hot pizza pie! They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or stroll while you eat.

If you happen to be walking down Disney World’s BoardWalk and you’re in the mood for a quick snack, be sure to stop at the BoardWalk To Go kiosk. At the kiosk you’ll find baskets of deep fried treats including fried mac and cheese bites and corn dogs. You can even grab a meal combo built around a hot dog, cheeseburger, or pulled pork sandwich. (Note: BoardWalk To Go has permanently closed.)

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! And guess what? Guest will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case!

You can find Carousel Coffee located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on the menu.

Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood to guests. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.

Flying Fish

You’ll find a truly classic carnival treat on Disney World’s BoardWalk: Funnel Cake! The Funnel Cake Stand also serves the rather unexpected offering of Fried Ice Cream.  PLEASE NOTE: The BoardWalk Funnel Cake is currently closed. We will keep you updated when a reopening is announced!

Funnel Cake Stand is closed

Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! The raucous bar on Disney’s BoardWalk brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). There is a cover charge of $18.00 to enter Jellyrolls, which is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!

Jellyrolls

Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations at the Luna Park Pool. This poolside bar serves fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.

Leaping Horse Libations

You’ll find Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk. This eatery serves dinner daily featuring regional specialties with classic preparations. Many of the ingredients are crafted in-house including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines.

Trattoria al Forno

So many amazing places to eat, how can you choose? Or you don’t have to, just systematically eat your way through the BoardWalk!

Click HERE to find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!

Results

BoardWalk Villas has a LOT of dining and a lot of variety. The BoardWalk Inn really embraces the casual vibe of its carnival setting with nostaglic, approachable snack foods like pizza, sandwiches and ice cream to craft beers and fine Italian fare.

Plant-Based Rigatoni Bolognese at Trattoria al Forno

However, Bay Lake Tower guests get the choice of some fan favorite restaurants, including California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and Steakhouse 71.

We suggest looking at the menus and deciding which resort offers the better dining options for your traveling party. One thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry at either resort!

Transportation

Bay Lake Tower and BoardWalk Villas provide bus transportation to Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. Let’s see what other transportation options are available!

Bay Lake Tower

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is on the Monorail loop. It’s the fourth stop after the Transportation & Ticketing Center (TTC) on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, guests can also walk a quick 7-10 minute jaunt right up to the front gate.

Contemporary Walkway

If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

Contemporary Resort’s Bus Stop

And if EPCOT is your park of the day, you can take a bus or utilize the monorail over to the Transportation and Ticketing Center and then transfer to the EPCOT monorail loop. So, there are some options available to get to two Disney parks without having to set foot on a bus.

BoardWalk Villas

The BoardWalk Inn is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, across the lake from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.  This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks — EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. We love walking to EPCOT’s International Gateway. Not having to worry about fighting EPCOT’s post-fireworks crowds? Yes, sign us up, please.

EPCOT Boat

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

Disney buses can get you just about anywhere!

And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, BoardWalk guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Walt Disney World Skyliner

Results

There’s no clear winner since they both offer exceptional transportation options as well as close proximity to theme parks. If your travel plans include more time at the Magic kingdom, then staying at Bay Lake Tower would be ideal. Monorail access to EPCOT as well as the other resorts is also a huge convenience.

Inside Chef Mickey’s

However, if you plan to spend more time at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then BoardWalk Villas should be on your radar!

Learn all about WDW Transportation

The Winner!

So, where do we think you should stay? Sorry, that decision has to be up to you. It depends on the people in your traveling party and what your plans are during your stay at Walt Disney World. In fact, both resorts have very loyal fans!

Use the International Gateway in EPCOT’s World Showcase

If you want to be steps away from late night entertainment, BoardWalk Villas would be a great choice. The EPCOT resort area is truly one of the most convenient locations on Walt Disney World property. 

Walkway to the Magic Kingdom from Contemporary Resort

However, if your family wants to be steps away from the iconic Magic Kingdom, no resort will get you closer than Bay Lake Tower!

Contemporary vs. BoardWalk Inn Disney World Resort Guide 2023

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