Not sure I like BLT. What do you think?

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Looked at the model of BLT and loved it and then went to Comtemporary and looked around and wasn't at all impressed with the pool area or grounds of the Contemporary itself. Very stark!!!!

DH was ready to purchase add on until we checked out the Comtemporary property especially by their pool area. We were disappoiinted. What do you think of buying BLT? It is on the monorail and near water but the Contemporary leaves a lot to be desired IMHO.

Will there be a GF DVC in the near future?

Thanks:)

[SpoonfulofSugar]

They are going to add a new pool area with a new slide to BLT, and supposedly are going to rehab the CR pool -- but it still won't be the greatest compared to SAB or even the POLY and GF

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Well that is at least encouraging!THE Contemporay pool area is not at all atractive. No real landscaping etc. I think it effects the value of BLT so I am glad they are going to redo this area:)Any more thoughts by anyone would be appreciated.

They are going to add a new pool area with a new slide to BLT, and supposedly are going to rehab the CR pool -- but it still won't be the greatest compared to SAB or even the POLY and GF

[Tigger031266]

I thought it looked great. I will not buy there but I will surely stay there. The pool, the location, the restaurants, views, bay lake, fireworks....

I love the style. I think it is hard to do contemporary (or futuristic). I think they did very well.

[RweTHEREyet]

I liked it well enough to do an add-on and wish I had enough disposable income to do another add-on there before January 15. :lovestruc

[DebbieB]

I saw the models, they were interesting. I might stay there but I would not want to buy there. The dues are cheaper but the points per night are high. I wasn't crazy about the bathroom sink/kitchenette placement in the studio. You are making breakfast back to back with someone who is brushing their teeth or shaving. I would love to see a GF DVC.

[Boardwalk Tigger]

The model looked great but the Contemporary itself isnt great looking in my opinion. We walked to the pool area and there was no landscaping etc. Didnt look like the other deluxe resorts at all. The location is great. Just hope they keep the Contemporary up to date as to not detract from BLT. I think if they redo the Contemporary pool area too it will make that area much better. We are ready to buy at BLT but the look of the Contemporary is making us pause:surfweb:

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When it comes to the main pool at the Contemporary I was speaking with a Cast Member who works there as a baker and he said once the pool renovations are finished they expect it to look better then the volcano pool at the Polynesian.

[SpoonfulofSugar]

The model looked great but the Contemporary itself isnt great looking in my opinion. We walked to the pool area and there was no landscaping etc. Didnt look like the other deluxe resorts at all. The location is great. Just hope they keep the Contemporary up to date as to not detract from BLT. I think if they redo the Contemporary pool area too it will make that area much better. We are ready to buy at BLT but the look of the Contemporary is making us pause:surfweb:

We waited for almost a year and a half to buy at BLT, didn't even think of adding on anywhere else, we were set on a monorail resort. Then we went to look at the models last month and did an add on at AKV. I think the AKV rooms blow the BLT rooms away, though I do like the multiple shower heads in the bathroom at BLT, if it makes it to the finished room plan. I just have to keep telling myself my points are still good at BLT at 7 months, even if it may be a little harder to get some dates.

[jeanninepl]

We just bought at BLT. We stayed at the GF this July and it was too "stuffy" for us but my kids have always loved the Contemporary because it has a more modern feel. Disney really does have something for everybody!

[Deb & Bill]

We stayed at the CR a few years back on points and thought it was marvelous. We were in a South Wing room before they were renovated. The pool was great, the resort was great, the dining was great, access to the MK was great. We would have done it again, but now with BLT, we won't be staying in a South Wing room again.

[spiceycat]

the big thing for me is being able to walk back to the rooms from the MK.

been there a few nights (and with Disney cutting back can see it happening again) - when it took 45 minutes to get to the monrail/ferry/buses - then another 1 hour to get to the ferry - then another 1 hour to get to the cars (really, really silly I drove that day)

you could actually be in your room (if you walked) than some other guests could be in their buses....

like BW or BC except for the MK instead of Epcot.

so if you love the MK - then definitely buy at BLT.

might see one at GF long before Polyn. depends upon how the GF takes the competition from a 5-star hotel - really expect Four Seasons to put up a real 5-star hotel. Since it will be across the lake from the BLT - it can be competition for GF.

so instead of trying to upgrade the entire hotel - just sell to DVC part of it. then upgrade the rest of GF.

but that won't be anytime soon - 5 years maybe even 10 years.

[skylynx]

We toured the BLT model at WDW, and have visited the new BLT model at Doorway to Dreams here in Chicagoland twice, trying to warm up to it. I know a big selling feature is that it's a monorail resort, but from where it is located, you could walk faster to Magic Kingdom than you could queue up for the monorail! It would be more convenient to get to Epcot if you didn't have to completely transfer monorail platforms at the TTC, but it is nice to have that option, especially if you are not renting a car. The views of Magic Kingdom (if you can get them) will be spectacular, but not at all unlike the view from the Contemporary on the public outdoor observation deck. Not private like a balcony, of course, with piped in music, but pretty much the same view.

We are log home kind of people, so it isn't surprising we can't quite get past the large amount of plastic, vinyl and thinly-veneered pressed wood furnishings and 70's-ish colors. I am skeptical about how the cabinetry and vinyl upholstered banquettes will hold up to heavy use. To us, the rooms are too much like the floor displays at our local Ikea and (minus the Mickey wall pictures) are short on theming. The galley kitchen/bathroom combo is a bit unsavory, too. Seems weird you could be spraying hair spray touching backs with someone preparing food.

That's the beauty of DVC, though...many people think AKV and WL (which we adore) are too dark and heavy. DVC works because we can all find a home to love. If you like modern decor, BLT will appeal to you in a way we just can't get to. We'd probably stay there a night some time when the hype dies down, but would never buy there.

We'll save our points for the treehouses!

[spiceycat]

go here to see pictures and video of the new pool at BLT.

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member/miniSite/index?name=CrystalMinisitePage

surposely it will be for guests at BLT only - not sharing with CR or anyone else.

don't know if it still shaped like Mickey's head or not.'

or if this is a different pool than the one between the building.

go look on the map to understand what I am talking about - there is a big Pool between blt and the MK.

[starbox]

In my experience with DVC - I've been a totally terrible judge on what resorts I'd like most and least. I say give it a try before deciding if it's for you or not.

[JasonDVC]

It looks modern but, imo, lacks charm. That's why I like resorts like AKV and BCV (next on my list), or GF. If/when GF ever does announce a DVC, I will be on the list to buy ASAP. BLT, not so much.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

go here to see pictures and video of the new pool at BLT.

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member/miniSite/index?name=CrystalMinisitePage

surposely it will be for guests at BLT only - not sharing with CR or anyone else.That's not true according to a Cast Member I spoke with and several DVC Cast Members. Earlier this month on December 19th I was at an event in the Contemporary called Mickey's Pin Trading Night and a pin trader who was there is a Cast Member who happens to work as baker for the Contemporary. Anyway when I asked him about the Bay Lake Tower pool he told me Contemporary guests can also use the Bay Lake Tower pool, just like the way Wilderness Lodge guests can use the DVC pool at the Wilderness Lodge Villas section. He also happens to be a member of Disney Vacation Club and sounded very confident in what he was telling me. If you still don't believe me I asked several DVC Cast Members and each of them said Contemporary guests can use the Bay Lake Tower pool, so this information did not come from one person.

[kmintheville]

What I like is whoever it was who said Disney has something for everyone.
We are empty nesters, and the pool is one of the lowest things on our list. We also probably won't make many real meals in our room, so the idea of making breakfast while someone is brushing their teeth or teh size, shape, color, texture and who is sharing the pool - both don't matter to us. We didn't like the pictures of BLT, but wanted to see it, so did the tour while down there a couple of weeks ago. And we did a 25 point add on! Just enough to stay for a few days once every three years, to get the flavor. The rest of the time, we will be happy at quiet and secluded SSR or OKW, or loving the atmosphere or BWV or WL. truly something for everyone

[Lynn5700]

I fell in love with the models. I think they are so much nicer to look at in person. I was blown away.

[spiceycat]

That's not true according to a Cast Member I spoke with and several DVC Cast Members. Earlier this month on December 19th I was at an event in the Contemporary called Mickey's Pin Trading Night and a pin trader who was there is a Cast Member who happens to work as baker for the Contemporary. Anyway when I asked him about the Bay Lake Tower pool he told me Contemporary guests can also use the Bay Lake Tower pool, just like the way Wilderness Lodge guests can use the DVC pool at the Wilderness Lodge Villas section. He also happens to be a member of Disney Vacation Club and sounded very confident in what he was telling me. If you still don't believe me I asked several DVC Cast Members and each of them said Contemporary guests can use the Bay Lake Tower pool, so this information did not come from one person.

I would love the BLT to be shared - less - DVC are so :snooty: - but the sales people are saying it is only for guests at BLT.

Since DVC tries to do what their sales people say - it might be - despite what the CM think.

the sales person says there will be a fence around it - like BC/YC.

[DVC Mike]

What do you think of buying BLT?

We loved BLT enough to do a 300-point add-on there.

[LVSWL]

We stayed at the CR a few years back on points and thought it was marvelous. We were in a South Wing room before they were renovated. The pool was great, the resort was great, the dining was great, access to the MK was great. We would have done it again, but now with BLT, we won't be staying in a South Wing room again.
Ditto! We were in a garden wing room this summer and LOVED it. My DH could not wait to add on to BLT! We had such a great time enjoying the water sports and the pool and the "Wave" and the CG. The only thing I missed was all the room I am used to in a villa and a king size bed and now I will have that.:)

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would love the BLT to be shared - less - DVC are so :snooty: - but the sales people are saying it is only for guests at BLT.

Since DVC tries to do what their sales people say - it might be - despite what the CM think.

the sales person says there will be a fence around it - like BC/YC.Well since I believe that Contemporary guests will also have access to the Bay Lake Tower pool, then a lot of DVC members who thought it would exclusive to them will be disappointed.

[Scraper]

We will stay there because just like BWV and BCV it is all about location location. When we bought in we were told to buy where you want to stay but we got more then our money's worth by buy into the saratoga. Our favorite place is BCV or BWV. We do not have any problem getting them at 7 months out.

[rkwier]

We were debating between AKL and BLT for our recent purchase. Most of the advice that we found was to buy where you love to stay, which is difficult to tell for sure if the location is not built yet. We are more Tuscany/old world in our taste, so the decor at BLT was really not what we would consider "us." However, we ultimately decided on BLT simply for the location, location, location. We felt that the home resort advantage would be beneficial since we felt that this resort will likely be in high demand. We loved the decor at AKL, but felt that we would likely not stay there very often since it seems to be the furthest away from everything else.

[disneynutz]

"Contemporary" styling isn't for everyone, it's not our favorite.

The placement and design of the building could better. 15-20% views of the MK is from the upper floors only, lower floors overlook trees, rooftops and service areas. Lake views are limited because all of the rooms on the inside of the curve face the courtyard and each other. Other views are of the Contemporary and the parking lot.

We like to stay in a resort before we buy, that way we can decide for ourselves if we love it.

Remember the rules for pools and other amenities can change at anytime so don't let that be a deciding factor.

[dianeschlicht]

It just doesn't look like something I'd be interested in at all. I'm not a very urban person, and high rises leave me cold. Top that off with the fact that of the 4 parks, MK is the one I go to least, and there is little reason for me to stay there. Sure, I would like to have a MK view for one night just to get that great Wishes view, but it would probably be just that...one night. No thanks, I'll stick to my OKW and AKV.

[spiceycat]

Well since I believe that Contemporary guests will also have access to the Bay Lake Tower pool, then a lot of DVC members who thought it would exclusive to them will be disappointed.

I don't think anyone likes exclusive pools - it does upset other guests. but DVC can use it as a marketing tool.

since it is pretty plain that 'Top of the World lounge' won't be a ours for very long.

this is the thing at the top of the building to watch the fireworks from.

dvc has say in all the papers that this place does NOT belong to DVC - (Yea who paid for it) - but Disney and can be taken back at anytime. So in 2010 if not sooner - expecting it to go to Disney - just like the one we had at BWV.

that will get members more upset than the pool - my opinion.

It will probably go like (the attic) to wedding receptions and other things that Disney can charge big bucks to use them.

[dianeschlicht]

I don't think anyone likes exclusive pools - it does upset other guests. but DVC can use it as a marketing tool.

since it is pretty plain that 'Top of the World lounge' won't be a ours for very long.

this is the thing at the top of the building to watch the fireworks from.

dvc has say in all the papers that this place does NOT belong to DVC - (Yea who paid for it) - but Disney and can be taken back at anytime. So in 2010 if not sooner - expecting it to go to Disney - just like the one we had at BWV.

that will get members more upset than the pool - my opinion.

It will probably go like (the attic) to wedding receptions and other things that Disney can charge big bucks to use them.
I think you are absolutely right about that Pat!

[photobob]

I really like the fact the there is such a variety of themes for us to choose from with DVC resorts. I plan to experience them all.

[wildernessDad]

One man's drink is another man's poison.

Some love BLT, some don't. Some must have it, some don't.

I'm personally happy being a lodge animal.

[anonymousegirl]

For me, BLT pushed all the right buttons. I love a contemporary, modern feel (I live in a high-rise condo in a small city). I like being able to walk home from MK. I love the monorail since DH is a foodie and I can see us eating at GF a lot. I love that I am just a walkway away from the Wave and CG.

The rooms "spoke" to me, unlike AK. I thought AK's were nice, but I didn't get a thrill until I walked into BLT's models. I was also not impressed with the restaurants at AK. I know many ppl love Jiko and Boma, but the African-flavor isn't our favorite and AK's remote location would make going elsewhere for dinner more complicated and time-consuming.

DH isn't a huge Disney fan so the understated Disney theming is perfect for us. SSR would work for us too in that respect, but it will be easier to get a room there at 7 months out than at BLT.

My next points will be a resale at one of the Epcot resorts, again, for the awesome location and proximity to great restaurants.

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I agree that we all have our own tastes. I love the BC/BW area. My favorite so I am glad I bought at the BC. We love being near Epcot. I wanted to do an add on soon and DH loves being near water. Our chilldren are older now and maybe we shouldnt add on at all LOL. I would love to buy at the GF or Poly and would to it without question because I love these resorts. The Contemp is very cold and concrete looking to me so maybe we will just skip doing an add on here. When we met with DVC they did not tell us that add on were limited to 150 points after the 15th. Is this a definite? He also said that the BLT dvc was the size of BCV. After looking at BLT I would say that this is going to be much larger. Anyone know?

[Chellymouse]

DH and I toured the models also and while we might stay there at some point, we have no intention of buying there. We can add on elsewhere and make better use of our cash. Our guide mentioned that BLT wasn't selling as quickly as DVC had hoped but that may be due to the ecomony in general. I think it's the price and the point chart.

[thelionqueen]

There are so many attractive factors at all DVC locations and Disney resorts as well in my opinion. Something for everyone. I think buying where you want to stay is the best advice I got before I bought. After this current economic recession dies down, and travel picks up again, in 5-10 years and especially beyond, unless you own at BLT you will likely have a very hard time getting a MK view @ 7 months, just my .02.

[Tink-n-Belle]

For us the convenience of being so close to the MK is what made us buy. Disney is totally exhausting and Location is the #1 reason to own at the BLT. Plus the view won't be hard to take either!! The decor will change 6 or 7 times during the 50 year contract and I'm sure the pool will change too.

We also own at the BW and being so close to Epcot is priceless. In less then 10 minutes from our room door we can be in the WS at Epcot. 15 minutes to Disney Studios. It takes us 30 minutes and 3 hotel stops to take the bus to the MK so we plan on doing split stays.

After I leave the parks, the last thing I want to deal with is the crowds and waiting for the buses under the canopy inhaling the bus fumes from the other buses. Now we don't have to, we can just hop on the monorail and be home in 5 minutes.

[CarolA]

I know I don't like it.

But that's the nice thing about DVC. Lots of choices at the same place!

[pilgrimr]

When BLT came out I looked at the pictures they had online and I was not impressed. We went through the models they had at SSR a couple of weeks ago. It looks a lot better than it did online. But it was not for us, and to be honest we just joined last year so it will be a while before we add on points. I would like to stay at BLT to be within walking distance to MK. We also liked AKL model enough to make changes to our trip in May to stay there at Kidani village.

[Kmango]

When BLT came out I looked at the pictures they had online and I was not impressed. We went through the models they had at SSR a couple of weeks ago. It looks a lot better than it did online. But it was not for us, and to be honest we just joined last year so it will be a while before we add on points. I would like to stay at BLT to be within walking distance to MK. We also liked AKL model enough to make changes to our trip in May to stay there at Kidani village.

We had the same experience -- we were fairly ambivalent towards BLT from the online pictures/tour, but then we went and saw the models and liked it enough to do a 180 point add on. Also a 135 at AKV. It's nice to own at several different places, so that you can be at home wherever the spirit leads.

[spiceycat]

When we met with DVC they did not tell us that add on were limited to 150 points after the 15th. Is this a definite? He also said that the BLT dvc was the size of BCV. After looking at BLT I would say that this is going to be much larger. Anyone know?

the new add on is 100 points.

expect resales smaller than a 100 points to be brought back by Disney after Jan 15 - if this is really their new policy.

now it is true for BLT - but not sure about the other resorts.

BCV has 282, blt has 353 (?) BLT is definitely bigger - besides it has 14? GV - BCV has none.

think 7 on BL and 7 on the MK side.

[spiceycat]

One man's drink is another man's poison.

Some love BLT, some don't. Some must have it, some don't.



I agree completely. like all the DVC resorts it is a personally choice.

[Boardwalk Tigger]

so how many points can you buy now and how many after the 15th of January( as a minimum)?

[spiceycat]

25 points as add on now, after Jan 15- 100 points