The Bay Lake Tower December 2024 Condominium Meeting was an important opportunity for Disney Vacation Club members to learn about upcoming plans and changes to the resort. Topics discussed included the ongoing room refurbishment project, temporary closures like the Skybridge, and updates on the 2025 budget. Here’s a detailed recap of the discussions for DVC members and those interested in the management of Disney properties.
Progress on Room Refurbishment
A central point of discussion during the meeting was the extensive refurbishment project at Bay Lake Tower. The project, divided into four phases, will gradually update all guest rooms. The first set of refurbished rooms is expected to be completed and available for use within a couple of weeks. The entire refurbishment will take over a year to finish.
Notable features of the updated rooms include new pull-down Murphy-style sofa beds and the addition of twin sleepers in One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Villas. However, Deluxe Studios will not receive twin sleepers, maintaining their current sleeping capacity of four guests. Other updates include the installation of USB charging ports and interactive TVs, though no significant changes will be made to room layouts.
Additionally, the unique kitchenette design in Deluxe Studios will remain unchanged. Enhancements will also extend beyond rooms, with updates planned for the lobby and the Community Hall, though no modifications are slated for the Top of the World Lounge.
Temporary Skybridge Closure
Members were also informed about the Skybridge that connects Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Beginning in January 2025, the Skybridge will be closed temporarily as part of the refurbishment process. During this time, guests will need to access the Contemporary’s main tower via ground-level walkways outside. This closure is anticipated to cause some inconvenience, but it is necessary to complete the refurbishment efficiently.
Budget Approval and Dues Increase
The meeting also covered the 2025 budget, which was approved by the board. DVC members at Bay Lake Tower will see an annual dues increase to $8.02 per point, up from the previous year by $0.43 or 5.6%. Members questioned the reasons behind this rise, especially with national inflation at 2.5%. The board explained that the largest contributing factors were increased property taxes and staff wages. They also clarified that insurance costs have decreased slightly from 2024 to 2025 and did not impact the budget significantly.
Member Q&A Session
The meeting ended with a Q&A session, giving members the opportunity to raise additional questions. Several questions focused on the refurbishment, including whether removed room décor could be sold to members—a suggestion the board noted for consideration. Members also inquired about the lack of Electric Vehicle (EV) parking at Bay Lake Tower. While no plans currently exist for EV parking at the resort, DVC members can use EV spaces at nearby Disney resorts even if they are not staying there.
Closing Thoughts
The Bay Lake Tower December 2024 Condominium Meeting served as a valuable forum for updates and member feedback. From room refurbishments to the temporary closure of the Skybridge, the board provided clarity on upcoming changes and how they might impact guests. The budget approval highlighted the financial considerations necessary for maintaining the quality and operations of the resort.
For DVC members, staying informed about these updates is key to planning future stays and understanding how dues are managed. While some adjustments, like the Skybridge closure, may require temporary changes to routines, they are aimed at ensuring Bay Lake Tower remains a comfortable and well-maintained option for Disney guests.
Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney fans, whether that’s what’s happening in the Disney theme parks or around Disney Vacation Club resorts!