
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Best for travelers who want resort amenities (golf, a large spa) and multiple high-end restaurants on a single property.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is a 5-star, 500-acre luxury resort with a large spa, golf course and family programming; read this if you want a full-service resort focused on wellness, golf and upscale dining. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is a Disney Vacation Club tower beside the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom; read this if you want villa-style accommodations and immediate access to Walt Disney World parks.
Updated · about 10 miles apart

Best for travelers who want resort amenities (golf, a large spa) and multiple high-end restaurants on a single property.

Best for families and Disney fans who prioritize being steps from Magic Kingdom and want villa-style rooms with kitchenettes.
When The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes wins: pick the Ritz-Carlton for spa-focused stays, golf, and a broad set of resort facilities (multiple restaurants, tennis, a large fitness club) on a large private estate.
When Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort wins: pick Bay Lake Tower if you want direct convenience to Magic Kingdom, villa-style 1– and 2-bedroom layouts for families or longer stays, and Disney property benefits like the complimentary theme-park shuttle.
Bottom line: Choose The Ritz-Carlton for a full-service luxury resort experience centered on wellness and golf; choose Bay Lake Tower for location-first Disney access and apartment-style rooms that make park days easier.
| Category | The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes | Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Luxury resort focused on wellness, golf and multiple on-site venues | Disney Vacation Club tower with practical villa-style accommodations and park access |
| Location | Located on Central Florida Parkway, ~9–12 miles from Walt Disney World | Beside the Contemporary Resort and very close to Magic Kingdom® Park |
| Size | 582 rooms on a 500-acre resort estate | 428 guestrooms (tower-style; mix of Deluxe Studios and 1–2 bedroom villas) |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family-friendly with Ritz Kids plus some adults-only spa spaces | All ages; family- and park-focused (Disney-friendly services and shuttle) |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools: family pool, kids pool and an adults-only spa lap pool; pool cabanas (fee) | Three outdoor pools, waterslide and poolside bar; wheelchair-accessible pool(s) |
| Restaurants & bars | Seven on-site venues including Knife & Spoon and Highball & Harvest | Five restaurants, 4 bars/lounges and a coffee shop/cafe; room service limited hours |
| Spa & fitness | The Ritz-Carlton Spa (40,000 sq ft, 40 treatment rooms) and 24-hour athletic club | Not published |
| Known for | Large spa, Greg Norman 18-hole golf course, farm-to-table dining and event space | Proximity to Magic Kingdom, villa-style rooms with kitchenettes and Disney conveniences |
| Parking & transport | Valet-only parking; resort shuttles to theme parks included via resort fee (reservation required) | Self parking available (surcharge); complimentary theme park shuttle |
| Accessible rooms & services | Accessible rooms and paths; accessible spa and fitness policies (age limits apply) | Multiple wheelchair-accessible room types and accessible public spaces |
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes sits on a 500-acre estate on Central Florida Parkway, a short drive from major Orlando attractions.
Better if you want resort seclusion with easy highway access to Orlando attractions.
Bay Lake Tower is attached to Disney's Contemporary Resort, placing you within walking distance or a short monorail ride of Magic Kingdom.
Better if park proximity and Disney logistics are your top priority.
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton are traditional hotel guest rooms and suites with luxury finishes and resort views across 21 named types.
Choose the Ritz for formal hotel rooms and suites with luxury service rather than in-unit kitchens.
Bay Lake Tower offers Deluxe Studio and 1– and 2-bedroom villas typical of Disney Vacation Club properties, useful for families and longer stays.
Choose Bay Lake Tower for apartment-style rooms with kitchens and layouts that simplify family or extended stays.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes emphasizes upscale and farm-to-table dining across several venues.
Better for food-focused travelers wanting multiple high-end and casual on-site options.
Bay Lake Tower provides on-site dining as part of the Contemporary resort complex with several restaurants and lounges.
Better if you want convenient, family-oriented dining close to the parks and resort transportation.
Pools and outdoor amenities are a central part of the Grande Lakes experience, combined with golf and outdoor activities.
Better if you want a variety of water options plus golf and outdoor recreation on a large property.
Bay Lake Tower offers several pools and family-focused water amenities as part of the Contemporary complex.
Better if your priority is quick pool access between park days and family-friendly pool features.
The Ritz-Carlton centers wellness around a large spa and a 24-hour athletic club, while nightlife is low-key and on-property dining is the main evening draw.
Better if you plan spa treatments, fitness classes and quieter upscale evenings.
Bay Lake Tower’s evening life is driven by Disney resort entertainment and on-site bars; formal spa details are not published in the supplied listing.
Better if evenings will be spent at the parks or exploring Disney dining and entertainment; spa details should be checked with the property.

The Ritz-Carlton — a 40,000 sq ft spa, extensive treatment menu and a 24-hour athletic club.

Bay Lake Tower — steps from Magic Kingdom with Disney transportation and park convenience.

Bay Lake Tower — 1- and 2-bedroom villas and Deluxe Studios give families kitchen/living space for longer stays.

The Ritz-Carlton — multiple signature and casual restaurants (including Knife & Spoon and Highball & Harvest).
Both welcome families: The Ritz-Carlton offers Ritz Kids and family pools plus on-site activities; Bay Lake Tower is more convenient for park days with villa layouts that help families spread out.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes—its 40,000 sq ft spa and Greg Norman 18-hole golf course make it the clearer choice.
Bay Lake Tower is adjacent to the Contemporary Resort and very close to Magic Kingdom; The Ritz-Carlton is about a 20-minute drive away (roughly 9–12 miles).
Bay Lake Tower offers 1- and 2-bedroom villas (typical DVC-style layouts with kitchens or kitchenettes); The Ritz-Carlton is hotel-room and suite oriented without full villa kitchens in standard room types.
Explore how The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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