8 days to go - Strengths and Weaknesses of BLT

[DVC_Dreamer]

Can't wait to judge this for myself in 8 days but here's a list of strengths and weaknesses as published in the "Unofficial Guide - Walt Disney World 2011" for BLT and Contemporary.

Weakness

- Sterility of theme and decor in public areas - I've seen this mentioned on the DIS as an issue. If this is the only weakness, I can live with it.
Like Paul McCartney said on the Beatles Anthology, "It's the bloody White Album; Get over it!" <substitute Contemporary for White Album>

Strengths

- On MK monorail -

- 10 minute walk to MK - "I wonder what the poor people are doing today?" This is a quote from my father whenever we were doing something cool. I shall remember and be grateful as I casually make my way back and forth from this glorious place.

- Interesting A-Frame architecture - Yeah, ok, it's cool the monorail goes right through the middle.

- Nicest guest rooms at WDW - The confusing part for me is how they link the two together - BLT and Contemporary. Do they mean the rooms in the newly refurbished Garden section of Contemporary because this is mentioned in the write up? Or, do they mean the whole complex? This is the area I'd like to explore some more because I've heard you all complain about the size and condition of the rooms. Such diverse opinion in this area confuses me. We're in a 2 bedroom with a lake view. Hope we get a high up/even numbered room. Our first time in a 2 bedroom so I'm sure we'll be excited.

- Great views of MK or Bay Lake - Some of the pictures I've seen are amazing. Looking forward to coffee or beer on balcony depending on time of day. Fireworks on TOTWL !!!

- Character meals - Um....ok. We're a party of 6 adults. Love Chef Mickey's and I can get into it like a kid. But, I'm ok with Character in parks where I will indulge and get excited. How goofy we adults act when we see characters?

- Excellent children's pool - No children on this trip, yet. Not sure I care about the depth of the pool one way or the other. Like to read a book and lounge around a bit. Really like to try the slide too.

- Marina - My youngest said he'd like to do the Mickey boats because he was too young last time we stayed at Poly. Do the Mickey single rider boats still exist for renting? Cost?

- Recreational options, including super games arcade - I wonder what else this refers to other than the super games arcade. I mean, MK is right down the street. Can you get more recreational than that?

- Restaurant selection via monorail - Nice... we shall partake. Would like to pool hop too via monorail.

- On-site child care - My childrengoodvibes) are 16, 18, and 20(well, in Sept. they will be) I hope they go off on their own and give me and DW some private time.

Any others left off list? Great thing about DVC is that we hope to try all the resorts and they're benefits but this is our maiden voyage.

 

[pluto2417]

Your so lucky to be staying there. I want to stay there my next trip with a MK view. Hopefully I can get it.
I did a DVC tour of it. There is a bridge on one floor ( I forget which floor) that goes across to the 5th floor of the Contemporary. It's all enclosed, really cool!
I can't wait to hear how you like it.

 

[BoomNLeon]

We own at BLT and we were surprised at how much we liked it when we stayed there. It is very relaxing and a wonderful private oasis right next to MK. BLT is more "homey" than CR which has the air of an international convention hotel. I am sure you will have a great trip!

 

[supersuperwendy]

I completely loved it. It reminded me of staying at the contemporary as a kid. I liked the modern decor. On the other had, it reminded my husband of Ikea.

To each their own!

 

[Sandisw]

I love you daily countdowns!! You have some great info there about the CR and BLT.

It is our favorite place on property and I do think that you will love it. One other plus not mentioned is that you can walk to the Mk Bus Depot and get on a bus to any other resort.

For dining purposes, this is a good option, not really available as easily from any of the other DVC resorts.

I really like the hotel feel of BLT--of course, we liked the CR so much that we only bought because of BLT so that plays a role.

Have fun!

 

[DVC_Dreamer]

I love you daily countdowns!! You have some great info there about the CR and BLT.

It is our favorite place on property and I do think that you will love it. One other plus not mentioned is that you can walk to the Mk Bus Depot and get on a bus to any other resort.

For dining purposes, this is a good option, not really available as easily from any of the other DVC resorts.

I really like the hotel feel of BLT--of course, we liked the CR so much that we only bought because of BLT so that plays a role.

Have fun!

Thanks Sandisw for the kudos. It's been fun doing the countdown. I wonder if I can be as faithful for a live trip report. I know how tired I get at the end of a WDW day.
Nice to know about MK bus area. Thanks again.

 

[n2mm]

We like BLT and will be there in 2 weeks from tomorrow. We've been in early May and late October and one of the weaknesses for this resort is the size of the pool. Too small for the size of BLT. Since the other times we've been there were in May and October, I'm not thrilled about how packed the pool will be this trip. Last time we walked over to the CR pools just for some relaxation. I really wish they would build a "quiet" pool out near the tennis court (or in place of the tennis courts). We love being able to walk to MK from BLT. As for views, we've never had a great one. Both times on the inside C and looked down on the pool/garden areas. We did request outside C for this upcoming trip.

 

[mrsswat]

DH and I enjoyed walking over to the pools at the hotel side - there is a cool circular pool that is built to extend out on the lake which was never crowded when we were there - nice and relaxing! So be sure to walk around the hotel grounds as well.

 

[Bullseye]

We did our first DVC stay there last month.

I didn't get that feeling of sterility, in fact I thought it was a contemporary modern look. It was really nice and we had standard view that allowed us to watch fireworks from the room every night. In fact from where we were (7312) I could sit in my jacuzzi tub and watch fireworks. That proximity to MK makes it all worth it too.

 

[psac]

One note, the comment about "poor people" is a little tacky. We say the same thing, but we always say the "little people". Sounds much better. . Ha!

 

[spiceycat]

hope you love it.

the rooms - well the CR has the biggest hotel rooms.
the studio at BLT are tiny is comparison.
that say the 1 bedroom is very large - not quite as large as OKW - but pretty close.

the TOWL is one of the best things. you as a DVC member staying there on points - can watch the fireworks from its balcony - and that makes my day while there.

yes from some rooms you can see the fireworks - standard rooms only go to the 5th floor - and I have been luck twice to get one that you can see the fireworks.

that say - going to TOWL is FUN! the views from it are great - some of the best that Disney has to offer - you can see Epcot from the other side (I think)

plus you can also walk to the dock (you don't have to go that far) and see the EWP - if your room does not face the dock.

love BLT!!!

 

[Disney Man]

For anyone with small girls in tow here his something to keep in mind about BLT that I totally underestimated.

We stayed there in March for the first time. My sister was there with her five year old daughter and we brought our three year old granddaughter. I booked a Bay Lake View figuring it would be nice and also because it was a lot less points than a MK view. This was an error not to be repeated with small girls....

The reason being that once they saw the way the castle changes colors every few minutes at night they constantly wanted to leave the room and go to a lookout up the hall where we could see it. Papa was "volunteered" for these walks and after a couple of days I vowed to get us a MK view when we bring the girls again.

 

[spiceycat]

oh the lack of decor - well found Mickey all over the place. the ones that say lack of decor are not looking.

 

[castleri]

When my daughter, grandaughter and went to the presentation at BLT in Dec. they both commented on how the lobby area and first floor felt like they were in some sort of hospital or sterile institution and didn't think they would like to stay there. I am staying for the first time in just 28 days and hope that the people traveling with me will like it. I just felt it was important to stay there so I know first hand what the pros and cons are and am really looking forward to the TOWL experience. It may be a good place to get away when the two DGSs are settling down for the night. By that time I am sure I will appreciate one of those adult beverages they serve.
Glad to know the 1 BR is big as that is where DD and DGSs will be sleeping. We made the reservations in May and I was trying to save a few points so didn't ask about a 2 BR. That is a plus to me that the 1 BRs have the 2 bathrooms which is good with 5 in the villa.

 

[queendarvet]

I am not the biggest fan of BLT mainly because I love the Epcot area but we have stayed there twice and I would gladly stay there again. You will love the 2 bedroom, especially if you get an outer villa. I think they are a bit bigger. The third bathroom will come in handy with your group. Your kids are about the same ages as mine. One thing I loved about staying at BLT was how easy it was for the kids to do late nights at MK. It's nice that they are old enough to go off alone and give DH and I time to do our own thing! The proximity to many restaurants on the monorail line is also a great perk as are the recreational options at the marina. One night we enjoyed a boat ride over to Wilderness Lodge to check out the resort. The ride back took us to the campground and then around the old Discovery Island. I love doing these types of things. Have fun you will have a great time.

 

[appleorchard]

We're trying BLT again in March for a few days. On our first go-around in Dec. 2009 we came home ready to sell BLT, because we definitely preferred BWV. But on our last BW trip, we had an end of the hall room and numerous problems, mostly associated with the guests we had coming and going and room changes. So we may end up liking BLT better this time, who knows! I think the walk back from Epcot at night to BW is magical and the walk from the MK didn't hit me the same way. I like the monorail but don't know WHY it's so hard to get to--it takes me three times to find the darn thing and then I usually get in the line wrong, somehow. Extra bath at BLT was nice--we had a 2BR that trip--but the door gaps almost drove us nuts. Hopefully fixed now. We also found the furniture very uncomfortable. But we're still giving it another try lol.

 

[DVC_Dreamer]

We're trying BLT again in March for a few days. On our first go-around in Dec. 2009 we came home ready to sell BLT, because we definitely preferred BWV. But on our last BW trip, we had an end of the hall room and numerous problems, mostly associated with the guests we had coming and going and room changes. So we may end up liking BLT better this time, who knows! I think the walk back from Epcot at night to BW is magical and the walk from the MK didn't hit me the same way. I like the monorail but don't know WHY it's so hard to get to--it takes me three times to find the darn thing and then I usually get in the line wrong, somehow. Extra bath at BLT was nice--we had a 2BR that trip--but the door gaps almost drove us nuts. Hopefully fixed now. We also found the furniture very uncomfortable. But we're still giving it another try lol.

We struggled with purchase of BWV, BCV or BLT. I agree the walk from EPCOT is magical. We
stayed at BC a couple times. I doubt any weakness of BLT will dampen my excitement for our
first DVC stay.l
Leaving on a jet plan in the morning!

 

[Suellen]

Have fun! We had our first BLT stay back in May and we just loved it. The kids adored being so close to MK and the TOWL fire works was an awesome experience!