Disney ParksNews

Disney’s Luxury Resort Is Getting a Massive Upgrade

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been a staple of Walt Disney World since it first opened in 1971. Known for its futuristic design, prime location on the monorail loop, and stunning views of Cinderella Castle, this resort has remained a favorite among Disney guests for decades. Over the years, it has undergone multiple refurbishments, including a recent redesign that introduced The Incredibles-themed rooms. However, the latest wave of changes has left some areas of the resort completely off-limits.

Fireworks in the daytime behind Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom at Disney World
Credit: Disney

A Major Overhaul at Bay Lake Tower

Guests planning to stay at the Contemporary may need to adjust their expectations. Disney has officially closed off sections of Bay Lake Tower—the resort’s Disney Vacation Club (DVC) wing—for a large-scale refurbishment. Originally slated to run through September 2025, the construction timeline has been adjusted, and work is now expected to wrap up by summer 2025.

The Monorail exiting Disney's Contemporary Resort.
Credit: Disney

According to Cast Members, significant progress has already been made. Rooms on the south side of the tower, specifically those between floors 7 and 16, have been fully renovated and are available for booking. However, guests should be aware that other areas remain under construction, and daytime noise disturbances should be expected.

How This Impacts Your Stay

If you have a reservation at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Bay Lake Tower in the coming months, here’s what you need to know:

  • Certain floors and sections of Bay Lake Tower are blocked off due to construction.
  • Guests staying in other parts of the resort may hear construction noise during the day.
  • If you want a renovated room, you can request a higher-floor south-side room, but availability isn’t guaranteed.
  • Disney is known for handling refurbishments smoothly, but some disruptions are unavoidable.
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort / Credit: Flickr

While the inconvenience is temporary, this refurbishment will ensure that Bay Lake Tower remains one of Disney’s most sought-after resorts for years to come. Once work is completed, guests can expect refreshed accommodations that blend modern luxury with the Contemporary’s signature aesthetic.

For now, guests should plan accordingly and keep an eye on updates regarding the project’s progress. Disney’s resorts are always evolving, and while these changes might cause short-term frustration, they’re all part of keeping the magic alive.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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