***New Pics of the BLT pool & Grand Villa*** 5/18

[LuvAriel]

I am not sure if these have been posted but I remember reading a thread where there was a concern that the curve of the building might cast a shadow on the pool.

Well according to the new picture it looks like it is completely in the sun!!!

It does however look small & I am thinking this could be the reason why only BLT owners & guests have access to it.

What do you all think?

http://www.travelagentcentral.com/luxuryta/theme-parks/top-suite-disneys-new-bay-lake-tower-766

[Tara]

And grand villa pics, too!!

The pool looks a little small - but looks nice and the slide seems bigger than I expected!

I assume the Mickey head on the left is the children's play area and the smaller one on the right is the hot tub. Is that the pool bar to the right of the hot tub? And what's the longer building to the right of that? I assume lockers, bathrooms, etc?

[jade1]

That is a nice update-thanks. It does look small though-a shuffleboard is 6 feet wide, looks like the pool is about 50 feet across in the wide spots?-it appears they will have a sand beach which will be nice.

[LuvAriel]

I think I wil edit the title to include Grand Villas!!

Thanks

[fla4fun]

What are the kind of turquoise green strips in the bottom left of the pool picture? They look like shuffleboard courts.

[Tara]

What are the kind of turquoise green strips in the bottom left of the pool picture? They look like shuffleboard courts.

Yes, that's what they are.

[LuvAriel]

What are the kind of turquoise green strips in the bottom left of the pool picture? They look like shuffleboard courts.

Yeah, it does look like shuffleboard courts, does any other resort have them?

It also looks like the mickey shape pool is a hut tub. It doesn't look like there is not much room for lounge chairs...

[LuvAriel]

And grand villa pics, too!!

The pool looks a little small - but looks nice and the slide seems bigger than I expected!

I assume the Mickey head on the left is the children's play area and the smaller one on the right is the hot tub. Is that the pool bar to the right of the hot tub? And what's the longer building to the right of that? I assume lockers, bathrooms, etc?

I don't know the answers to your questions but I am just so excited to finally see some "live" pics I had to post!!!

[monkeyknuckler]

I've never seen a shuffleboard before. I'll have to play when we go Mar 2010. At least that'll keep 4 people out of the pool.:thumbsup2

[LuvAriel]

I've never seen a shuffleboard before. I'll have to play when we go Mar 2010. At least that'll keep 4 people out of the pool.:thumbsup2


:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks for the link - it's nice to see those pics!

I'm still not certain about the pool shade though. It appears to my eyes by the shadows being cast that this picture was taken in the morning. That still leaves the question of what happens in the afternoon.

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I am not sure if these have been posted but I remember reading a thread where there was a concern that the curve of the building might cast a shadow on the pool.

Well according to the new picture it looks like it is completely in the sun!!!
As the earth rotates, the sun moves to different locations in the sky. So there will be different shadows cast. Sometimes the pool will be in the sun - but where will be times when it's in shadow.

I would know - I took a picture of BLT several months ago that shows BLT's shadow on the (under construction) pool. This was from 1:45 pm.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii106/DoleWhip/Parasailing/138favcroppedagain.jpg

[tink,too]

BLT looks great. :thumbsup2

I was amazed to read that the GV's will have 5 balconies! :eek::worship:

[Pirate Jack]

Thanks Luvariel and DonaldDolewhip! The finished pics are great to see! I can't wait to go there in person and see it myself. The pic of BLT under construction gives a great scale as to size. DonaldDolewhip, you must have a great camera ..... and a good eye!

[Sandisw]

Great pics! Anyone else notice the comment about the observation deck. It says that it is going to be a "reservation only" bar (available for nightcaps!).

Interesting,?!

[Crystal_27]

Great pics! Anyone else notice the comment about the observation deck. It says that it is going to be a "reservation only" bar (available for nightcaps!).

Interesting,?!

That's exactly what I was about to post, Sandi...here's the specific quote from the website:

When it’s time for a nightcap, a top-floor, reservations only bar provides even more dazzling views of the area. We expect Bay Lake Tower to be open later this summer and we hear it may command upwards of $10,000 a night, though that hasn’t been confirmed. If this suite is booked when you call, relax. There are 14 villas with similar layouts.

Uhhhhhh - they hear *what* may command upwards of $10,000 a night...??? You think that's what they are saying the lounge will rent out for...or the grand villas?? :confused3

[LuvAriel]

That's exactly what I was about to post, Sandi...here's the specific quote from the website:

When it’s time for a nightcap, a top-floor, reservations only bar provides even more dazzling views of the area. We expect Bay Lake Tower to be open later this summer and we hear it may command upwards of $10,000 a night, though that hasn’t been confirmed. If this suite is booked when you call, relax. There are 14 villas with similar layouts.

Uhhhhhh - they hear *what* may command upwards of $10,000 a night...??? You think that's what they are saying the lounge will rent out for...or the grand villas?? :confused3

I think the 10K is for the Grand Villa not the lounge. How I understand what it says is that the lounge is reservations only...interesting...

[Crystal_27]

I think the 10K is for the Grand Villa not the lounge. How I understand what it says is that the lounge is reservations only...interesting...

Yeah, that's how I read it too, but $10K for a VILLA knocks me off my feet even more than the thought of that being for the lounge rental. I can't wait until August when we start hearing live reports...and, of course, I'll be adding my own in September!! :banana:

[dianeschlicht]

Yeah, that's how I read it too, but $10K for a VILLA knocks me off my feet even more than the thought of that being for the lounge rental. I can't wait until August when we start hearing live reports...and, of course, I'll be adding my own in September!! :banana:

Yes, and I think you have the reason right there as to why the GVs at BLT cost so many points. They are thining they'll have them for rentals instead of point reservations.

I thought all the DVC resorts had shuffleboard. I know OKW does.

[LuvAriel]

Yeah, that's how I read it too, but $10K for a VILLA knocks me off my feet even more than the thought of that being for the lounge rental. I can't wait until August when we start hearing live reports...and, of course, I'll be adding my own in September!! :banana:

ITA, I can't wait until Aug. 4th to hear the live reports!! I arrive on Aug. 8th & I can't wait!!!:banana:

[tjkraz]

Uhhhhhh - they hear *what* may command upwards of $10,000 a night...??? You think that's what they are saying the lounge will rent out for...or the grand villas?? :confused3

Probably the lounge. The writing is a bit lacking.

For its current upper-tier suite rooms (CR Presidential Suite, GF Grand Suite, etc.) Disney charges about $2800 per night during peak Christmas week. I don't think even Disney is going to be able to fetch 4x as much per night for a comparable room at the Bay Lake Tower.

The BLT lounge is not owned by DVC/DVD and I think that folks should expect to find it rented out on times.

[jade1]

Probably the lounge. The writing is a bit lacking.

For its current upper-tier suite rooms (CR Presidential Suite, GF Grand Suite, etc.) Disney charges about $2800 per night during peak Christmas week. I don't think even Disney is going to be able to fetch 4x as much per night for a comparable room at the Bay Lake Tower.

The BLT lounge is not owned by DVC/DVD and I think that folks should expect to find it rented out on times.

I agree, that would be like $40 a point for a XMAS weekend night ($65 during XMAS week) otherwise.

[Nennie]

Thanks for the pics!!!!

I can't wait til September (staying in a GV w/ MK view)! Will probably be the only time I ever splurge for a GV, so thought I'd make it a good one!

[eliza61]

Yeah, that's how I read it too, but $10K for a VILLA knocks me off my feet even more than the thought of that being for the lounge rental. I can't wait until August when we start hearing live reports...and, of course, I'll be adding my own in September!! :banana:

Probably the lounge. The writing is a bit lacking.

For its current upper-tier suite rooms (CR Presidential Suite, GF Grand Suite, etc.) Disney charges about $2800 per night during peak Christmas week. I don't think even Disney is going to be able to fetch 4x as much per night for a comparable room at the Bay Lake Tower.

The BLT lounge is not owned by DVC/DVD and I think that folks should expect to find it rented out on times.


I'm willing to bet that they will get that kind of money. One thing I've learned in the luxury travel business is that "If you charge it, they will come". I've seen people drop buckets of money on a lot of things that were sheer nuts. :rolleyes1

[BWV Dreamin]

The pool looks really small......:surfweb:

[LuvAriel]

Thanks for the pics!!!!

I can't wait til September (staying in a GV w/ MK view)! Will probably be the only time I ever splurge for a GV, so thought I'd make it a good one!

Are you using points ar a cash ressie? That might help clear up the question of the 10K per night.

The pool looks really small......:surfweb:

ITA, I really believe that is why they are limiting access to BLT owners/guests only.....I could be wrong, I have been before...

[Nennie]

Are you using points ar a cash ressie? That might help clear up the question of the 10K per night.





I'm using points! LOL! I wish I had $10K a night to spend!! ha ha! Even if I had that kind of money, I'm waaayyyyy to cheap for those prices!! :goodvibes

[tubtruck]

The pool looks rubbish.

[fla4fun]

I've never seen a shuffleboard before. I'll have to play when we go Mar 2010. At least that'll keep 4 people out of the pool.:thumbsup2

I haven't played shuffleboard since the 70's, when we used to stay at a little mom and pop motel in St. Petersburg Beach. I've mostly seen them at condos for seniors recently, so I guess I was just a little surprised to see them at BLT. I remember the matches could get quite heated at times, so it should be fun to watch.

[La2kw]

Yeah, it does look like shuffleboard courts, does any other resort have them?

It also looks like the mickey shape pool is a hut tub. It doesn't look like there is not much room for lounge chairs...

OKW, SSR, Kidani Village, and HHI, all have shuffleboard courts. I'm not positive, but I think Vero also has shuffleboard.

[Crystal_27]

I haven't played shuffleboard since the 70's, when we used to stay at a little mom and pop motel in St. Petersburg Beach. I've mostly seen them at condos for seniors recently, so I guess I was just a little surprised to see them at BLT. I remember the matches could get quite heated at times, so it should be fun to watch.

DH is going to be PUMPED about the shuffleboard!! (Guess that means I'm going to be learning the game.) :lmao:

[dr&momto2boys]

I think I'll show my extended famly this article! We plan to reserve a GV in May 2010. Wait until they find out the value! They'll think we're rich! ;)

[Tara]

I think the $10,000 is bogus...a little luxury mag hype. If it is for real, it can only refer to the cost of renting the lounge. I suppose that could be right...I don't recall what other sites cost for events. But it's definitely not referring to the grand villa IMO.

Just using the shuffleboard courts as scale (regulation shuffleboard court is 6'5" wide, the pool looks to be maybe 50' wide at the widest point. That's a pretty rough measurement, but seems likely to be close to correct. In comparing pictures, it doesn't seem any smaller than the main pool at SSR. It also looks like the zero-entry area is at the lower left "lobe" of the pool, the part obscured by trees.

[RJAYL]

If the $10K a night is true I have just recouped the cost of all the points I bought in BLT as well as some of my BCV points as we will be in a GV with MK views for 10 nights next April!:thumbsup2

Hey we we might even have made some interest!:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2::laughing:

Pictures were beautiful big big space, my family will freak as we have only stayed in 2BR before at BCV & VWL!!:lovestruc:love::banana::yay::woohoo::dance3: :grouphug:

[LuvAriel]

If the $10K a night is true I have just recouped the cost of all the points I bought in BLT as well as some of my BCV points as we will be in a GV with MK views for 10 nights next April!:thumbsup2

Hey we we might even have made some interest!:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2::laughing:

Pictures were beautiful big big space, my family will freak as we have only stayed in 2BR before at BCV & VWL!!:lovestruc:love::banana::yay::woohoo::dance3: :grouphug:

That's great, ENJOY IT!!!!!

[monkeyknuckler]

Looks like a GV at BLT with MK view is gonna be $1,600 a night at the most.
Seems reasonable. Sign me up for a few weeks...:sad2:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/bay-lake-tower-at-contemporary/rates-rooms/

[RJAYL]

Looks like a GV at BLT with MK view is gonna be $1,600 a night at the most.
Seems reasonable. Sign me up for a few weeks...:sad2:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/bay-lake-tower-at-contemporary/rates-rooms/


That was for value season Holiday is close to $2500 per & regular is a little over $1900 per night!:rolleyes1

[monkeyknuckler]

That was for value season Holiday is close to $2500 per & regular is a little over $1900 per night!:rolleyes1

Well, if DVC eventually lets us all accumulate points for the entire length of the contract, and I live to be 90, maybe we'll stay a few nights.:idea:

[bobbiwoz]

Beautiful pictures, thanks for posting.

The pool does look small, and compared to what the DGC just used at Kidani, a disappointment. However, I am STILL trying to decide...add on at AKV (more, we own 140 there) or begin with 125 at BLT.

It's the amenities in the villas at Kidani that made our stay there very special, and I know that BLT will be the same, huge master baths, showers, plus the decor in the 1-2 bedrooms really appeals to us. No animals....but lower maintenance fees. I truly don't know how to decide. DH is waiting for an answer!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[DisneyBrideToni]

Wow it is a small pool but I am still excited to see some pics. The shuffleboard looks pretty fun.

I was told by our guide that the lounge was reservations only since not many people could fit at once. I asked about this when I made my reservations but they had no idea about the lounge. I was going to wait and call with the resort actually opened to see what was up.

[corpcomp]

I am not sure if these have been posted but I remember reading a thread where there was a concern that the curve of the building might cast a shadow on the pool.

Well according to the new picture it looks like it is completely in the sun!!!

http://www.travelagentcentral.com/luxuryta/theme-parks/top-suite-disneys-new-bay-lake-tower-766


I believe the sun rises on the pool side of the property which is easterly. Any shadows should be in the afternoon.