Disney Vacation Club Members have been waiting for years to find out the Top of the World Lounge reopening date! The gem of a venue is perched on top of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and offers incredible views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. This observation deck, bar and lounge type setting previously had a simple yet comfortable interior featuring historic, artistic Disney renderings. The floor to ceiling windows have wide open views of the neighboring theme park and dreamy sunsets over the Seven Seas Lagoon area. Disney Vacation Club recently shared details of a re-theming upon the grand reopening as well as when Members can retreat to this beloved spot again.
Top of the World Lounge Reopening Date
Top of the World Lounge reopens on July 11th, 2022! This space might be different than you remember as its opening with some changes to the decor and menu along with a new name.
Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair
Prior to closing, the Top of the World Lounge decor was simplistic and let the views be the eye candy. Now, after some Disney Villains are said to have enjoyed this venue while it was closed, we can expect to see light touches of decor and such. The official Disney Vacation Club wording:
“For when we returned to reopen this picturesque place to mingling Members, we found stuff left behind by these hustlers in a hurry. Curious couture from their wicked wardrobes. Artwork befitting their ghastly galleries. And rebellious recipes for their cunning concoctions.”
Based on this I wouldn’t expect to see the monorail art behind the bar or other Disney renderings in the seating nooks anymore. It sounds like the menu will have Villain inspired drinks, appetizers and desserts including a Seven-Lair Cake.
Is Top of the World Lounge Resale Eligible?
Unfortunately, upon reopening, Top of the World Lounge seems to only be a perk for those who have access to all Disney Vacation Club Membership Extras. Based on the wording Disney Vacation Club has shared, it appears those who are Members through buying resale alone are no longer eligible to visit Top of the World Lounge. This is a big change and surely a bit of a disappointment for those who own resale DVC only and looked forward to enjoying or returning to Top of the World Lounge. This is of course not an issue for those who own resale and have the blue card and are eligible to receive Membership Extras. The exact wording regarding eligibility and access from Disney Vacation Club’s site:
“Access to Top of the World Lounge requires an eligible Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation, valid photo ID, and digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card.”
“To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective June 3, 2021, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.”
Do you have to stay at a disney resort to go to Top of the World Lounge?
Technically, yes, you need to have a Disney resort reservation in order to visit Top of the World Lounge. Based on Disney’s own words, it seems this includes all Disney resorts, though, not just Disney Vacation Club properties. Your resort reservation can also be booked with cash. It doesn’t need to be a room booked with vacation points. This seems fair and gives a bit more flexibility to Members. I’m thinking of a scenario where a Member books a room on cash on arrival day before checking into their DVC resort the next day. In this case, they would still be eligible to start their vacation off with a visit to the Top of the World Lounge. This makes even more sense considering many choose to settle in with a meal at a resort on their arrival day, visit Disney Springs or do something else outside the parks, especially if they arrive later in the day. Here is what Disney Vacation Club says specifically:
“Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras––who are staying at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with Vacation Points or cash)––may enjoy access to this exclusive space just outside Magic Kingdom park.”
And as for how many people Members can bring with them to Top of the World Lounge? That depends on their reservation. DVC says:
“Eligible Members and their guests staying on that Member’s reservation are eligible. Each eligible Membership can enjoy Top of the World Lounge access for one party per day—which can include eligible Members and guests staying on that Member’s reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present their current MagicBand, digital Membership card and government-issued photo ID in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck. A Digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card is also required to verify Membership eligibility.”
How to Visit Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair
Here are some important tips to help you plan your visit to the re-themed Top of the World Lounge. Parking at Bay Lake Tower opens at 5:00 p.m. Members can begin checking in for Top of the World Lounge in the Bay Lake Tower building lobby at 5:45 p.m. The Top of the World Lounge specifically opens at 6:00 p.m. and stays open until midnight. It can fill to capacity. Remember to check the schedule for the time of the Magic Kingdom fireworks show around your visit. During the summer of 2022, Disney Enchantment usually starts at 9:20 p.m. but this time changes throughout the year. For those interested in fantastic Florida sunsets from sixteen floors up, those summer days are long and the sun can set pretty late, like around 8:30 p.m. Sunset times change drastically through the year so check in advance and plan accordingly. The sunset and fireworks are close together during the summer season but it will require a longer stay at the lounge to enjoy both in other seasons. Also note that there will be blockout dates during special events throughout the year. Before your visit, check the Disney Vacation Club Top of the World Lounge page in case of any changes and for the most up to date information.
DVC Resale Experts
DVC Resale Experts is a licensed real estate broker with a team specializing in selling DVC points. The Experts were once Disney Vacation Club Guides, making magic for thousands of guests over their decades of experience. Now, as independent licensed real estate agents, the Experts continue to help families, couples and individuals buy and sell DVC points on the resale market. See our resale DVC listings for a look at what’s available right now and start dreaming of the possibilities.
