BLT - Great location but its a morgue!

[Disney On The Bayou]

I haven't posted here in quite sometime, but I had to report on the general mood I felt recently visiting BLT. I love the location.... always have! However, the walking around the building reminded me of the hospital in the movie "Coma". In addition, the security is definitely post 911 type, you must have a room card to use the public restrooms. It was spooky.... However, the studios are by far the best designed to this date and we plan on using them for short trips. Anyone else has thoughts on this?

[Maistre Gracey]

I personally have not seen a studio at BLT, but the general consensus has been they are terribly laid out.

I don't understand why the security is so tight. I enjoy visiting the different DVCs, but this one will be off limits I guess.

MG

[6mouselovers]

my husband and i went down for an adults only trip last weekend and stayed at the boardwalk, but visited our new home to report back to the kids. we walked right through the lobby, up to the 15th floor, looked around, down out to the pool and even into the pool area as the gate into the pool was ajar!!! this was on a friday am, around 10:30 so maybe the timing had something to do with it (middle of the park day):confused3.

[Reddog1134]

When I bought my DVC membership this past May, I got to tour the model rooms for BLT and AKV. I chose AKV as my home resort because the room felt warm and inviting. I thought the BLT looked cold and sterile.

[Tara]

Funny, I saw not one dead body the entire time I was there. I'm so glad Disney finally created a resort that isn't a mish-mash of overly-loud patterns but instead a soothing blend of color, shape and texture that is much more appealing to my tastes. Plus I'll take an all-white cotton duvet over a stain-hiding polyester bedspread any day!

That's the good thing about Disney - there's something for everyone! I just wish a few more people had felt it was so awful looking so that my wait list would have come through!

As an owner, I love the extra security - it helps minimize the traffic and therefore wear and tear. That, coupled with the reduced need for staff helps keep my dues low. :thumbsup2

[rentayenta]

Love the location but not thrilled with the decor. I think I may have to try it one day to make sure. ;)

[schewy]

My buddy was staying at OKW this week. He went to BLT and ran into the same situation. The doors required keys and a passcode to get to the roof observation. They wanted to see the fireworks from the BLT rooftop. Our guess is this is the reason for the extra security at the BLT.
I will arrive at BLT tomorrow so I will find out for myself.

[DisneyBrideToni]

I haven't stayed at BLT yet but I will in January. We loved the model room. I loved the contemporary clean look of BLT. The pictures we saw before the tour didn't do the rooms justice. I am just hoping the rooms are the same as the model rooms when we get there! :lmao:

[podsnel]

We just came back from BLT- thought it was extremely luxurious and we loved it! Very nice CMs in the TOW and downstairs in the lobby. The kitchen was excellent- the pantry has so much space to store food. And the laundry room was a big bonus. :worship: We all felt lucky to have stayed there, and hope to be able to get in again. :goodvibes

[Goofy's apprentice]

We stayed in BLT this past October, in a studio and just loved it!!

We had a Bay Lake view and really enjoyed the balcony overlooking the lake. I do admit that the galley kitchen/sink arrangement is odd, but it is a studio and we were willing to accept that. The TOW lounge is wonderful, viewing the fireworks from the top was terrific. Loved the pool area and the general feeling around the resort.

I have never had any desire to stay at the Contemporary but gave this a try and really loved it. Taking the monorail to the various nearby resorts, watching the fireworks from the lounge, relaxing at the pool, everything was wonderful. We wish that we were owners as well!

As a final thought, we were on the waitlist for the magic kingdom views but decided to stay with the bay lake view. We were glad we did as the view from our room was fabulous and we spent a lot of time (adults only trip) just sitting on the balcony relaxing. More even then when we stay at BWV's and watch the activities on the Boardwalk!

[quirty30]

Funny, I saw not one dead body the entire time I was there. I'm so glad Disney finally created a resort that isn't a mish-mash of overly-loud patterns but instead a soothing blend of color, shape and texture that is much more appealing to my tastes. Plus I'll take an all-white cotton duvet over a stain-hiding polyester bedspread any day!

Amen to that. We were at BLT in September and I loved the clean fresh albeit boring white linens on the bed. Last month I stayed in an unrenovated studio at BWV and the first thing I did was pull the nasty pilled old polyester bedspread off the bed and threw it in a corner.

[Tara]

We just came back from BLT- thought it was extremely luxurious and we loved it! Very nice CMs in the TOW and downstairs in the lobby. The kitchen was excellent- the pantry has so much space to store food. And the laundry room was a big bonus. :worship: We all felt lucky to have stayed there, and hope to be able to get in again. :goodvibes

The kitchen is a huge plus! We moved from SSR to BLT and not only is the entire living space much, much larger, the kitchen is so much easier to deal with because of the island and open plan. Plus the pantry is ideal - we end up with food all over the place at SSR because there are so few cabinets and some of the cabinet space is very shallow.

We didn't have a laundry room - I'm assuming you were in an odd-numbered room? Seems those have laundry room but no overhang on the island with bar stools.

I need to write up my trip report this weekend...

[MouseMomx2]

In addition, the security is definitely post 911 type, you must have a room cad to use the public restrooms. It was spooky....

I do agree that the security at BLT is tight but I don't mind it. However, I did want to comment on the above point. I visited BLT in September during the Member visiting hours. The DVC rep used her key card to let me in and told me how to get to the model units. On my way out I used the public restroom off of the first floor lobby. No key card was required.

[work2play]

BLT, love it, love it, love it! It is so different that my decor at home that I really feel I am on vacation. Some of the other DVCs have more of a condo feel to them.... It is all about the views for me, so I couldn't be happier. I was there in August, and honestly the views are incredible.

[BeccaG]

We didn't have a laundry room - I'm assuming you were in an odd-numbered room? Seems those have laundry room but no overhang on the island with bar stools.

I need to write up my trip report this weekend...

No laundry room? Only certain 1 BR and up rooms at BLT have them?

[auntsue]

Are you saying that some 1 bedrooms do NOT have a washer and dryer?

[Tara]

Are you saying that some 1 bedrooms do NOT have a washer and dryer?

Some have a laundry room and some have laundry closet- that's the difference.

[DVC Mike]

BLT, love it, love it, love it! It is so different that my decor at home that I really feel I am on vacation. Some of the other DVCs have more of a condo feel to them.... It is all about the views for me, so I couldn't be happier. I was there in August, and honestly the views are incredible.

We love BLT too! It has a slick, modern, urban feel to it.

[pixie921]

My buddy was staying at OKW this week. He went to BLT and ran into the same situation. The doors required keys and a passcode to get to the roof observation. They wanted to see the fireworks from the BLT rooftop. Our guess is this is the reason for the extra security at the BLT.
I will arrive at BLT tomorrow so I will find out for myself.

You have to be staying at BLT to have access to the rooftop and lounge. That's exactly why it's keycard only -- to keep those who aren't supposed to be there (like your buddy, in this case, who wasn't a BLT guest) from accessing it.

[podsnel]

The kitchen is a huge plus! We moved from SSR to BLT and not only is the entire living space much, much larger, the kitchen is so much easier to deal with because of the island and open plan. Plus the pantry is ideal - we end up with food all over the place at SSR because there are so few cabinets and some of the cabinet space is very shallow.

We didn't have a laundry room - I'm assuming you were in an odd-numbered room? Seems those have laundry room but no overhang on the island with bar stools.

I need to write up my trip report this weekend...

Some have a laundry room and some have laundry closet- that's the difference.

Wow, Tara, you are gooooood! :goodvibes We were in room 7427. I didn't realize the laundry room was a special gift! I have to say, i never in my LIFE thought I would be so excited to see a laundry room on vacation, LMAO!!! It was PERFECT to throw all the dirty clothes in (that I washed before I brought home) AND store the golf clubs in. A DOUBLE bonus!!

And I was wondering where those orange counter chairs were....but I have to admit, i didn't miss them as there were 5 of us and we were in a 1 BDRM. Are the dedicated 2 BDRMS the ones with the counter chairs?

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/podsnel/WDW%20Nov%2009/2009_111006summer0418.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/podsnel/WDW%20Nov%2009/2009_111006summer0429.jpg

See the open door beyond the table?

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/podsnel/WDW%20Nov%2009/2009_111006summer0439.jpg

End-of-vacation Heaven...

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/podsnel/WDW%20Nov%2009/2009_111006summer0438.jpg

:rotfl: Oh crap! I've become my Mother!! :rotfl:

[AllyBri]

Bay Lake............my new love. I can't wait for my second stay.
The bedding alone is so wonderful, not to have the itchy comforters at the other DVC resorts and the art work, love all the art work. :goodvibes

[donutz022]

sterile i dont think so. we stayed at blt in a standard view studio we were on the fifth floor and had a view of the mk the first week of november this was my first trip as a dvc member my home resort is akv. first night we stayed at akv in a one bedroom thought my wife would love it, well when we check into blt the next day i knew she loved blt especially when she asked me how much does it cost to buy in here. mind you she wanted nothing to do with dvc. security was tight could not get into front or rear doors without room cards, but i liked that since i have two young girls i like that at least there was some form of security to who just comes and goes into the hotel. my personal opinion on blt is i think disney was going for the concept of how the contemporary would have been built today, i like akv because its different than a regular hotel, but i like blt for the modern feel and location. we almost added on but the price was to high so im waiting till january to see if it goes down in price cause i want to be able to book there for dec 2010.

[ssawka]

I really do not get the animosity towards BLT. It seems that every week or so someone needs to add a thread on why they don't like BLT. If you don't like it don't stay/buy there! I'm new to DVC so I'm just wondering, does this go on every time a new DVC resort opens up? or, is it that Disney hyped up BLT so much that people feel the need to "burst their bubble"?

On another note, as an owner at BLT and especially when I'm staying there, I'm glad that security is tight. With the resort being so close to the MK, I don't want every tom, dick, and sally coming in to get a better look at the fireworks, find a bathroom, etc.

[kevmag]

On another note, as an owner at BLT and especially when I'm staying there, I'm glad that security is tight. With the resort being so close to the MK, I don't want every tom, dick, and sally coming in to get a better look at the fireworks, find a bathroom, etc.

I'm totally with the PP. I'm also a new owner, so maybe my suspicions are off base...but with the proximity to MK, I think if access to BLT was loose, it would be easy for people to stroll over from MK for the pool...bathrooms..etc..

[sillykid]

Great answers so far. I understand both sides. I guess to most it just seems so weird/unique that you may not enter a Disney Hotel. At the same time, wow have they been able to cut down cost. Think about check in. No need for a second desk, just have the existing crew do double duty. Sure they may add on a person or two, but no need for a front desk manager. The cost savings they have done with resort is incredible. Think about the cost that goes into running the lobby of AKV or SSR vs BLT. It's night and day. I get the logic, I also don't care for it, but that's me. The security may be a good thing 300 yards or so from MK. Maybe you would feel un-important, or lack of importance if the doors where open. Being that close to the park, I could see a feel of unhappiness cause everyone wanders your Home. You are buying membership, a club, exclusiveness, and when there are no gates or hedges to hide and keep nosey people away, I understand the swipe issue. But remember, at the end of the day, this was done to create an effiecient, high productive resort in place, not to make you feel secure or bother you by requesting a swipe.

[DVCPAT]

I haven't posted here in quite sometime, but I had to report on the general mood I felt recently visiting BLT. I love the location.... always have! However, the walking around the building reminded me of the hospital in the movie "Coma". In addition, the security is definitely post 911 type, you must have a room card to use the public restrooms. It was spooky.... However, the studios are by far the best designed to this date and we plan on using them for short trips. Anyone else has thoughts on this?


If the resort reminded you of a morque and locked bathroom doors spooked you….why would you plan a vacation at BLT??

[Lil' Grumpy]

us too!...we're new @ this, & we prefer security to be tight,
for our family sakes....

when we stayed @ the contemp., there were locals @ the 4th
story.."outlook"....every night, crowding guests..out of space. this
we hope to avoid...with btl.


..& i hope..there are no unescorted groups...inside the building.
[we have things stolen , even on dcl..when housekeeping left the
door opened].

...& if your not staying there..why should one be wandering around?

* last time- @ one of my favorite resorts..the ( c. springs ), had
alot locals..coming in "partying"..@ the pool, i think "making friends
with those staying...{ some kind of conference within the state &
they came just to take advantage...& making it unsafe...when one
guy "dunk" this young lady..who didn't ..,almost leading to a "brawl".

very uncouth...., & making it difficult to "just relax."

[Maistre Gracey]

I'm totally with the PP. I'm also a new owner, so maybe my suspicions are off base...but with the proximity to MK, I think if access to BLT was loose, it would be easy for people to stroll over from MK for the pool...bathrooms..etc..
I don't understand why people would come from MK to use the commode?.. There are much closer ones in the park.
I also don't think people would wear their suit to the MK in order to take a dip at BLT on their way to... where ever it is they may be going.

PS- I don't see any slamming of BLT in this thread as some have implied, but perhaps I've missed something...

MG

[ssawka]

I don't understand why people would come from MK to use the commode?.. There are much closer ones in the park.
I also don't think people would wear their suit to the MK in order to take a dip at BLT on their way to... where ever it is they may be going.

It was a figure of speech, meaning there is no reason for anyone other than people staying at BLT to be at BLT, so what is the problem with security at BLT?

PS- I don't see any slamming of BLT in this thread as some have implied, but perhaps I've missed something...

MG

It is not specific to this thread, but these types of threads have been going on since BLT opened in August.

[justwinnie]

And I was wondering where those orange counter chairs were....but I have to admit, i didn't miss them as there were 5 of us and we were in a 1 BDRM. Are the dedicated 2 BDRMS the ones with the counter chairs?


I had a dedicated 2 BR with a laundry room but no counter chairs. It was an odd-numbered room, so we were on the inside of the crescent.

I loved having the laundry room!

[kaffinito]

I liked the security there too. It made me feel very comfortable walking around knowing that no one could get into the building without a key card. We had a 1 bedroom with the laundry closet and the chairs at the kitchen island. I agree that the atmosphere (except for BLT's lobby) is rather sterile. It did remind me of an office building or a hospital.

I really loved the bed and the bedding (I want one of those comforters!) but wasn't too thrilled with the overall room layout. It seemed kind of boxy to me. The decor is great though and I'm still glad we're owners there. :goodvibes

There's going to be good and bad that we can find with any DVC resort though. I think it's just a matter of taste.

[Crystal_27]

I'm an owner of BLT as well and, after having stayed there in September I, too, like the tight security. Because of its proximity to MK, the fact that it's on the monorail, its newness, and the Lounge, it's going to be a big draw for people not staying there. And, people have been complaining for years about pool hoppers (particularly those who use the monorail resorts) and I for one am glad that Disney has finally done something about it. I have to believe that most who are clammoring about how tight the security is are probably the ones trying to access something they shouldn't be accessing. :rolleyes1

[Deb & Bill]

I haven't posted here in quite sometime, but I had to report on the general mood I felt recently visiting BLT. I love the location.... always have! However, the walking around the building reminded me of the hospital in the movie "Coma". In addition, the security is definitely post 911 type, you must have a room card to use the public restrooms. It was spooky.... However, the studios are by far the best designed to this date and we plan on using them for short trips. Anyone else has thoughts on this?

Well, I was wondering about you with your first comments. Then when you said the studios were the best designed? You are definitely off your little rocker!!;) Maybe too many oysters during warm months or PTSD from too many hurricanes???

Seriously, with the views from BLT of the MK (especially at night time), I can see many non-BLT guests trying to view fireworks from there. Trying to turn it into another Polynesian beach or CR 4th floor roof top patio. I think the security measures are deserved.

[DVC Mike]

I really do not get the animosity towards BLT. It seems that every week or so someone needs to add a thread on why they don't like BLT. If you don't like it don't stay/buy there! I'm new to DVC so I'm just wondering, does this go on every time a new DVC resort opens up?

Yes, this happens with every resort. This is a discussion board, so folks will come back from a trip and tell us why they [hated/loved] [insert DVC resort name here].

Some posters use harsher language than others. If you love the resort the person is trashing, you may not like to hear it.

If you love a resort that someone is dumping on, you just gotta learn to ignore those posts. After all, you love it, so what does it really matter that someone else doesn't?

This is not a popularity contest, but you getting enjoyment from your DVC stays. If you love [insert DVC resort name here], but others hate it, does it really matter?

:goodvibes

[BCV23]

Add me to the list of those who appreciate the security.:thumbsup2

We really enjoyed our first BLT stay and are looking forward to many more.

[dizfan]

Well, I was wondering about you with your first comments. Then when you said the studios were the best designed? You are definitely off your little rocker!!;) Maybe too many oysters during warm months or PTSD from too many hurricanes???

Seriously, with the views from BLT of the MK (especially at night time), I can see many non-BLT guests trying to view fireworks from there. Trying to turn it into another Polynesian beach or CR 4th floor roof top patio. I think the security measures are deserved.

Great point. Prior to BLT opening, lots of people were talking about watching the fireworks from the top and the skybridge. I remember plenty of posts where people feared the bridge would collapse or there would be no room for people to get by on the skybridge.

Yes, this happens with every resort. This is a discussion board, so folks will come back from a trip and tell us why they [hated/loved] [insert DVC resort name here].

Some posters use harsher language than others. If you love the resort the person is trashing, you may not like to hear it.

If you love a resort that someone is dumping on, you just gotta learn to ignore those posts. After all, you love it, so what does it really matter that someone else doesn't?

This is not a popularity contest, but you getting enjoyment from your DVC stays. If you love [insert DVC resort name here], but others hate it, does it really matter?

:goodvibes

Well put. We're all different people with different backgrounds. Some will like it, some won't.

Best part of DVC is that there are lots of options to meet various preferences. BLT hit a segment that was missing from the DVC product line.

BLT has no shops and no restaurants. Unless I'm missing something, other then trying to get in for fireworks viewing or pool hopping, it's like visiting the Contemporary garden wing.

[DVC Mike]

BLT has no shops and no restaurants.

Neither does VWL or BCV.

[dizfan]

Neither does VWL or BCV.

True. Guess we're in the minority. When we visit those resorts, we go to WL and BC (shops, restaurants, and Christmas decorations).

[mommacat56]

I know a lot of people really adore the boxy lines and the muted natural tones of the BLT decor, and I totally respect that, but I'm more certain than ever that BLT is not for me. As a resident of the northeast for my entire life (I'm still refusing to join AARP!), when I go on vacation, I need to see something different than steel grays, blacks, browns, beiges, etc. A small piece of art work on the wall or a yellow throw pillow here or there, just doesn't cut it for me. The color palette is totally lacking in "magical" inspiration. :confused3 The designers certainly could have used brighter colors and still kept it fresh and with clean lines. As for whites (as mentioned to be the color of the comforter on the bed), we get almost 6 months of that color liberally falling from the sky! I go on vacation to escape the never-ending white, see sunshine, smell flowers in bloom, and feel warmth on my face! :cool1:

I never wanted to stay at the Contemporary Resort because it was so very drab...and was, IMHO, outdated shortly after it opened (I lived through the 70's and really don't want to see them repeated...just the colors of harvest gold, avocado, burnt orange, and brown make me shiver!). I fear the current decor of the BLT will meet the same fate...out of style as soon as something more contemporary or trendy comes along. Let's hope the designers keep up with changes.

Just my opinions...not really worth much if you ask my kids :lmao: but always happy to share them (requested or not ;))! :goodvibes

[Disney On The Bayou]

Wasn't expecting all the comments! When I viewed the model rooms I was really impressed by their layouts. I guess when I arrived at the resort I expected more activity, such as a grand piano in the lobby and a little bar are something. (Please don't lecture me on "that was never included in the plans"... I know that...just something I visioned after visiting the models) After going in with those expections I was taken back at how low key the resort was... Which is fine by me. That's what I love about VWL, the lobby is quite and peaceful. The positives about the resort is definetely its location and the room layout. As I said I look forward to using my points on the studios!

Take it easy... it's just an opinion....:cool1:

[kent285]

I'm new to DVC so I'm just wondering, does this go on every time a new DVC resort opens up?
Pretty much. You should have been here for the SSR bashing of '06...now that was a doozie! ;)

[DVC Mike]

Pretty much. You should have been here for the SSR bashing of '06...now that was a doozie! ;)

What, has it ever stopped?

[liznboys]

We loved our stay at BLT! It is beautiful and fresh there. :thumbsup2

[ssawka]

Yes, this happens with every resort. This is a discussion board, so folks will come back from a trip and tell us why they [hated/loved] [insert DVC resort name here].

Some posters use harsher language than others. If you love the resort the person is trashing, you may not like to hear it.

If you love a resort that someone is dumping on, you just gotta learn to ignore those posts. After all, you love it, so what does it really matter that someone else doesn't?

This is not a popularity contest, but you getting enjoyment from your DVC stays. If you love [insert DVC resort name here], but others hate it, does it really matter?

:goodvibes

Exactly! That was my point. I have no problem with anyone posting anything they want on these boards. That is why it is a discussion board. I just don't get what drives people to take the time to post these "I dislike XYZ because" posts. Pointing out areas where a resort can improve is one thing, but most of the posts I've seen have not been that constructive.

[Ramsfan28]

I love the freshness of the BLT and the security was one of the big selling points to me. It is just an incredible resort.

I will try to deal with the "post 911 security" as I sip a nice drink at the TOW lounge. :rotfl2:

[TinklednPants]

I was not impressed by BLT although I do like it better than SSR.