Disney Files Bay Lake Tower Permit to Begin Refurbishment

Hey Disney Vacation Club Members! Disney Vacation Club (DVC) has recently unveiled plans for an extensive refurbishment of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This exciting update follows the renovation trends seen at other Disney properties, promising a fresh and modern twist for the beloved resort. Here’s a detailed look at what the refurbishment entails, based on the recent Bay Lake Tower permit filing and Disney’s announcements.

Understanding the Permit Filed for Bay Lake Tower

In a significant step forward for the refurbishment project, a notice of commencement permit has been filed. This document is crucial as it officially marks the start of the renovation work. The permit lists Friedrich Watkins Company, a reputable contractor known for their work on various Disney projects, as the lead on this endeavor. Their most recent Disney project, are the new DVC Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Disney Vacation Club retains ownership, overseeing the project to ensure it aligns with their high standards and vision.

Interestingly, this permit deviates from the usual one-year expiration policy. Instead, it extends until the end of September 2025, which syncs perfectly with the timeline Disney previously announced. This extended timeframe indicates the scope and scale of the refurbishment, highlighting Disney’s commitment to a thorough and thought-out upgrade.

What to Expect During the Refurbishment Period

Scheduled from September 2024 to September 2025, the refurbishment will involve a series of updates to the rooms at Bay Lake Tower. During this period, guests staying at the tower will notice construction activities. Disney has been transparent about this, advising guests to anticipate some noise and possible disruptions during normal hours (9 am to 5 pm). Additionally, there might be changes to the usual pathways within the resort to accommodate construction work.

Despite the ongoing construction, Bay Lake Tower will remain open to guests (with limited availability). Disney plans to execute the renovations in phases, working on different sections one at a time to minimize the impact on the guest experience. This is a similar approach DVC used with updates to Disney’s Boardwalk Villas.

Possible Design Inspirations and Themes

While Disney Vacation Club has not released any official concept art for the refurbished rooms, there are speculations about the potential design themes. Drawing parallels from recent renovations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, it is anticipated that Bay Lake Tower might embrace a theme inspired by popular Disney franchises such as The Incredibles.

This would be a similar approach to the resort themeing that Disney used at the Polynesian Resort. Where they updated to main resort rooms to a Moana-theme, then followed that up with the DVC rooms getting a similar look.

A Bright Future for Bay Lake Tower

The refurbishment of Bay Lake Tower is set to enhance the overall guest experience, aligning it with the modern, immersive themes that Disney resorts are known for. With the permit in place and a clear vision from Disney Vacation Club, guests can look forward to experiencing a refreshed and revitalized Bay Lake Tower by the end of 2025.

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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!