Disney Vacation Club members planning a stay at Bay Lake Tower in early 2025 will encounter a temporary change in access to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The Skyway Bridge, which connects Bay Lake Tower to the main Contemporary Resort building, is currently closed to accommodate an extensive refurbishment of the villas. This project marks the first significant update to the accommodations since Bay Lake Tower opened in 2009.
Below, we’ll cover the details of the closure, alternative routes for guests, and a preview of the villa refurbishments.
Skyway Bridge Closure Details
The Skyway Bridge officially closed in January 2025 and is expected to remain inaccessible for at least three months, possibly extending into April. The decision to close the bridge aligns with the villa refurbishment project in the lower-level rooms on the south side of Bay Lake Tower. Construction activity in this area has necessitated the temporary suspension of the bridge’s use.
While the closure is inconvenient for those accustomed to the elevated and direct walkway between Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary Resort, Disney has provided clear alternative pathways to ensure guests can still access vital resort amenities with minimal disruption.
Alternative Routes for Guests
During the closure of the Skyway Bridge, guests will need to move between Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary at ground level. Here are the recommended steps to reach the Contemporary Resort’s main building:
- Exit Bay Lake Tower at the ground level.
- Walk across to the main building of the Contemporary Resort.
- Use the elevators or escalators in the A-frame tower to reach the fourth floor.
The fourth floor is where you’ll find key amenities, such as the monorail platform, dining options, and shopping venues. This route involves a slight detour compared to the Skyway Bridge, but it ensures continued access to the Contemporary’s features.
Refurbishment Updates
These updates aim to provide an elevated experience for Disney Vacation Club members and guests, offering refreshed accommodations that blend convenience with elevated design elements. The refurbishment project is expected to continue through September 2025.
What to Expect as a Guest
Guests staying at Bay Lake Tower during this time can expect to witness some construction activity, particularly during daytime hours. While the work may result in occasional noise or visual disruptions, Disney aims to complete the work as efficiently as possible to minimize guest inconvenience.
Tips for Your Stay
- Plan for Additional Travel Time: With the Skyway Bridge closed, it might take a few extra minutes to travel between Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary Resort.
- Stay Updated on Progress: Check with resort staff for the latest updates on the refurbishment and Skyway Bridge reopening timeline.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of the Skyway Bridge at Bay Lake Tower is an unfortunately important step in the larger effort to upgrade the villa accommodations. While the detour to access the Contemporary Resort’s amenities may require a bit of adjustment, the enhanced guest experience that will come from refreshed villas is sure to make the changes worthwhile.
For more updates on the latest developments at Walt Disney World, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
