Top of the World Lounge at Disney World's Bay Lake Tower

This Disney World Bar Has the Most Spectacular View of the Park, but There's a Catch

Aug 4 2018 by Megan duBois

Overlooking Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and high above Seven Seas Lagoon, is one of Disney's most exclusive bars. In fact, most guests don't even realise it's there unless someone points it out. Disney's Top of the World Lounge is available only to Disney Holiday Club members and their guests. This swanky little lounge is open only in the evening with a capacity of less than 100 guests. With some of the best views of Magic Kingdom, the monorail resorts, and more, this is the perfect spot for watching Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks show, Happily Ever After, or just enjoying their speciality dessert! Click through to see more of Disney's Top of the World Lounge and some incredible views of Walt Disney World.

Image Source: Flickr user Frank Phillips

The View in the Afternoon

The Top of the World Lounge technically opens at 6:00 p.m. every night. If you get there early, head to the wrap around viewing deck to check out some of the scenery that's not the Magic Kingdom. You'll get to see monorails driving into Disney's Contemporary Resort while you hang out with your family and friends and having a drink at the bar.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Megan duBois

Parking

Parking at the Top of the World Lounge is limited to guests staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower. If you're a guest staying at a different hotel, you're going to want to park at Magic Kingdom's parking lot and jump the resort monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Centre over to The Contemporary. You can then take the covered walking bridge to Bay Lake Tower and head upstairs to the Top of the World Lounge!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Megan duBois

When to Arrive

Top of the World Lounge is open from 6:00 p.m. until midnight every night. If you're wanting a seat inside the bar, you're going to want to get there as early as possible, since seating is very limited. If you're OK with taking in the view outside, arrive about an hour before Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks show!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Chase Russell

Get the Cake

The cake at the Top of the World Lounge is practically famous. While it's called Seven Layer Cake, it's really more like 12 delicious layers of chocolate and yellow cake, mousse, and ganache with salted caramel sauce.

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The View at Night

While the view in the afternoon and evening are pretty spectacular, you are not going to want to miss the view of Magic Kingdom at night. You can see everything from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Seven Seas Lagoon to the very back edges of Walt Disney World property and beyond. The glow from the lights at Magic Kingdom really make it seem like you're in a whole different world when you're at the Top of the World Lounge.

Image Source: Flickr user Frank Phillips

Stay For the Fireworks

If you've made the trek up to the Top of the World, you should definitely stay for the fireworks. The lounge pumps the music from Magic Kingdom into the bar and out on the observation deck so guests can enjoy the show fully.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Chase Russell

Bay Lake Tower Is the Place to Be

You'll find the Top of the World Lounge at the very top of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. If you're trying to get up to the bar, you're going to need to be a Disney Vacation Club member staying at a Walt Disney World resort, or know a Disney Vacation Club member to bring you up as their guest.

Image Source: Fliker user Frank Phillips

Access Is by Elevator Only

If you're bringing guests, you're going to want to be sure to have everyone in your party with you at the time of check-in. There is a special Cast Member manned elevator where you will scan your MagicBand and be taken to the lounge. Once upstairs, go outside and enjoy the incredible view!