
Caribe Royale Orlando
Best for families or groups who want larger suites, full kitchens and resort-value outside Disney property lines.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Caribe Royale Orlando is a 4.5-star suite resort in Lake Buena Vista with spacious one- and two-bedroom villa suites and family-friendly pool features. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is a 3.5-star Disney Vacation Club tower beside the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom—best for Disney-focused travelers who want on-site resort benefits.
Updated · about 1.5 miles apart

Best for families or groups who want larger suites, full kitchens and resort-value outside Disney property lines.

Best for guests prioritizing immediate access to Magic Kingdom-area parks and Disney Resort benefits.
When Caribe Royale Orlando wins: choose Caribe Royale if you need more living space (one- and two-bedroom villa suites with full kitchens and in-suite laundry), big on-site pool features (75-foot waterslide, cabanas) and meeting or event space for groups at a lower price point off Disney property.
When Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort wins: pick Bay Lake Tower if you want the convenience of staying next to the Contemporary and very near Magic Kingdom (short walk or monorail access via the Contemporary), Disney theming and Vacation Club–style villa options with complimentary theme-park shuttles and on-site Disney services.
Bottom line: both suit families who want villas rather than standard hotel rooms—Caribe Royale gives more suite space and resort amenities at a value off Disney property, while Bay Lake Tower gives unmatched location and Disney integration at the cost premium that usually brings.
| Category | Caribe Royale Orlando | Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort-sized villa complex that doubles as a convention and family resort. | Disney Vacation Club tower integrated with Disney's Contemporary Resort and close to Magic Kingdom. |
| Location | Lake Buena Vista, about 1.5 miles from Magic Kingdom; Good Neighbor Hotel with scheduled Disney shuttle. | Bay Lake (adjacent to the Contemporary), extremely close to Magic Kingdom and Disney transport. |
| Size (rooms) | 1,337 rooms across multiple towers with one- and two-bedroom villa suites. | 428 guestrooms (DVC tower); room types include Deluxe Studio and 1–2 bedroom villas. |
| Who it's for | Families and groups needing larger suites, kitchens and on-site activities. | Disney-focused families and DVC members who want immediate proximity to Magic Kingdom and Disney services. |
| Pools & signature amenity | Three outdoor pools including a tropical pool with a 75-foot waterslide, kiddie pool, private villa pool, cabanas and two hot tubs. | Multiple outdoor pools (3 listed) and poolside amenities; close to Bay Lake water and Contemporary Resort facilities. |
| Restaurants & bars | Five+ on-site restaurants and bars including The Venetian Chop House (AAA Four Diamond), Stadium Club, Calypso's Pool Bar & Grille, Tropicale, Rum Bar and Starbucks. | Five restaurants and multiple lounges on-site; room service (limited hours) and Disney dining options nearby. |
| Spa & fitness | The Island Spa on-site (massage, facials, sauna/steam, outdoor treatment area) plus a two-story, 3,500 sq ft fitness center. | Not published |
| Signature perks | Full kitchens in villa suites, daily resort fee includes in-suite WiFi, shuttle to Disney parks and many recreational credits. | Disney Vacation Club benefits, proximity to Magic Kingdom, complimentary theme-park shuttle and Disney check-in services. |
| Accessibility & family features | Accessible paths, wheelchair-accessible rooms and many family facilities (children’s pool, playground). | Wheelchair-accessible rooms and multiple accessible public areas; family-friendly Disney services. |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive: large ballrooms and convention center (hundreds of thousands sq ft) for meetings and weddings. | Smaller meeting footprint compared with Caribe Royale; convention space is limited compared with a full convention resort. |
Caribe Royale sits in Lake Buena Vista, outside Disney property but close to the parks.
Good choice if you want easy park access without staying on Disney property and prefer more local shopping and driving options.
Bay Lake Tower is a Disney Vacation Club tower beside Disney's Contemporary Resort, immediately adjacent to Magic Kingdom-area services.
Choose Bay Lake Tower for the shortest transfer times to Magic Kingdom and integrated Disney services.
Caribe Royale centers on villa-style one- and two-bedroom suites built for family stays.
Better if you want full kitchens, more living space and explicit two-bedroom villa choices.
Bay Lake Tower offers Disney Vacation Club–style villas and Deluxe Studio options for families.
Great for Disney fans who want villa layouts while remaining on Disney property and using DVC-style units.
Caribe Royale has a larger on-site dining mix with family casual, sports bar and a AAA Four Diamond steakhouse.
Broader variety for families and groups who want both upscale dinner and casual poolside dining without going off-site.
Bay Lake Tower shares Contemporary Resort dining options and has multiple on-site restaurants and lounges.
Best if you plan to use Disney's broader restaurant roster and want Disney dining experiences steps away.
Caribe Royale emphasizes large family pool features and recreational courts.
Pick Caribe Royale if a big resort pool complex and waterslide are priorities for family downtime.
Bay Lake Tower has multiple outdoor pools and access to Contemporary Resort/Disney recreation by the lake.
Choose Bay Lake Tower if you want pool access paired with immediate Disney-lake surroundings and short park transfers.
Caribe Royale offers a full spa, a two-story fitness center and on-site evening entertainment in its dining outlets.
Good for guests who want a full-service spa plus robust fitness facilities on-site.
Bay Lake Tower guests can use Contemporary Resort public amenities and nearby Disney entertainment.
Best if you value Disney-themed evening experiences and easy access to Contemporary Resort services (spa details not published).

Caribe Royale — full kitchens in one- and two-bedroom villas and larger suite footprints for families.

Bay Lake Tower — immediate access to the Contemporary and very near Magic Kingdom and Disney transport.

Caribe Royale — three pools including a 75-foot waterslide, kiddie pool and rentable cabanas.

Bay Lake Tower — Disney Vacation Club tower with Disney check-in services and resort integration.
Bay Lake Tower is closest—it's the DVC tower beside the Contemporary and offers the shortest transfers to Magic Kingdom.
Caribe Royale has full one- and two-bedroom villa suites with full kitchens and in-suite laundry, making it better for families and longer stays.
No. Caribe Royale is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel outside Disney property but offers a complimentary scheduled Disney shuttle (reservation required).
Caribe Royale publishes an on-site Island Spa with treatments and hours; specific spa details for Bay Lake Tower are not published in the supplier listing and should be confirmed with Disney/Contemporary Resort directly.
Explore how Caribe Royale Orlando stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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