Top of the World Lounge Archives - Living a Disney LifeLiving a Disney Life

Ever wondered where you can find the best views at Walt Disney World? Want to take in the most scenery? See the big picture? Here are a few of our favorite spots:

WDW – Best Top of the World Views!

Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) – Hands down (or hands up, if you prefer), this attraction offers the very best (in my opinion) view of any other Disney World attraction. As my little tea train sets off on an amazing Himalayan adventure, I look forward to so many special moments along the way. Among these is the spectacular view offered on the way up the Forbidden Mountain. The going is slow enough for guests to take in the breathtaking, really spectacular scenery. There’s so much to love about this attraction, this view is often overlooked (hahaha) and underappreciated.

The PeopleMover – If you have not taken a spin on this Tomorrowland attraction (Magic Kingdom), you do not know what you’re missing. It’s a tour of Tomorrowland and a tunnel of love all in one. You’ll go inside for some fantastic behind-the-scenes looks at Tomorrowland attractions and outside for a bird’s-eye view of others. A smooth, relaxing ride, exceptional scenery, and a couple of kiss-stealing opportunities – what more could anyone ask for? Some of you may remember the old Skyway gondola ride in Magic Kingdom (1971 – 1999) , it was (to me) once the very best way to see the World.

Top of the World Lounge – This little corner of the World is especially reserved for Disney Vacation Club members and guests. Like the next location on this list, it offers exceptional Magic Kingdom views and is a fantastic place to end the evening at Walt Disney World. The interior is a tribute to the monorail offers a unique and different atmosphere.

California Grill – Yes, you can see Wishes from the balcony of this signature dining restaurant atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The views from the windows that surround the dining room are always awesome – with or without Magic Kingdom fireworks. I particularly love sunset while enjoying the Cali Grill’s excellent food and service. (Full review here.)

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – It’s a fleeting view, but whoa! It’s a haunted hotel, you’re in a crazy service elevator with a mind of its own and there – for a mere moment at a time, your elevator allows you a glimpse outside from high atop the tower! Scream all you want to, but do try to keep your eyes open so you won’t miss the view!

Cinderella’s Royal Table – The one and only time we went, our table was in the middle of the room and it was dark outside. My friend Heather and her family LOVE this Magic Kingdom dining experience, though, and find the views to be particularly enchanting. Catch all the details here.

Where are your favorite views at Walt Disney World? Your resort room balcony? Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse? Characters in Flight? Tell me what I’ve missed.

Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe not. On the very top floor of Bay Lake Tower is a cozy little lounge with a heck of a view. It’s a special little corner of the World, reserved for Disney Vacation Club members, and we recently stopped in to see what all the hubbub’s about.

The view from the “balcony”, which is actually more of an outdoor walled walkway, is absolutely grand – it’s what makes this an especially popular spot during the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. From the 15th floor, Bay Lake Tower’s proximity to Magic Kingdom is breathtaking. For Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, we found ourselves enjoying studio accommodations at Bay Lake Tower about four doors down from the Top of the World Lounge. Note: For guests not staying at Bay Lake Tower, a Cast Member will ask to see a DVC membership card before allowing visitors up to the Lounge.

We’d come straight from a big dinner and only wanted coffee and dessert. We didn’t spend a lot of time pouring over the menu, but there are both sweet and savory snack offerings along with a variety of specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. Lots of folks only come for the view and a cocktail. The food is okay, but not the main draw here. We ordered specialty coffees and a gigantic slice of cake. The coffees were tasty, but the cake was a little disappointing. Not horrible, but lacking flavor – the dessert was mainly just very sweet. (I’m sorry I didn’t take a picture of it before we’d tried a couple of bites.)

If you’re a DVC member and want to visit the Top of the World Lounge for the atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed. You can expect a great view, super décor, mediocre food, decent service, and Disney World prices. The Lounge has a cool, modern theme and the monorail wall art is amazing! The Top of the World Lounge would make a fun stop on the Resort Loop Pub Crawl.