Access to Top of the World Lounge

[abner1776]

We just returned from OKW and spent one evening at the Top of the World watching wishes. DW and I are DVC members.

Our daughters are going to OKW in April...can they use our member cards to visit Top of the World ?

 

[Sandisw]

No, it's only open to DVC members staying at other resorts.

 

[GoofyLo]

So you can go to Top of the World lounge even if you're not staying at BLT? We'll be at VWV in June & Nov. I'd love to go since we didn't get a chance when we did stay at BLT.

 

[nezy]

So you can go to Top of the World lounge even if you're not staying at BLT? We'll be at VWV in June & Nov. I'd love to go since we didn't get a chance when we did stay at BLT.

This was not always the way. Is this always or remotest thing? WE WILL BE THERE IN march so I would like to go up and check it out

 

[erionm]

So you can go to Top of the World lounge even if you're not staying at BLT? We'll be at VWV in June & Nov. I'd love to go since we didn't get a chance when we did stay at BLT.

DVC has extended access to all DVC members staying on property until the end of 2013. Details from the member website:

Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort through December 29, 2013 (blockout dates in 2013 are July 3 and 4, and December 30 and 31). Current operating hours are 6 p.m. to midnight.

This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current Key to the World card displaying a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge. If the Member's Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is required in addition to the Key to the World card to verify Membership.

Note that Members traveling from other Resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking is unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, Members must walk to the Bay Lake Tower main lobby entrance on the ground floor and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

This special Top of the World Lounge access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. As the lounge is particularly popular during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving as early as possible will give Members the best chance of gaining admission.

 

[GoofyLo]

DVC has extended access to all DVC members staying on property until the end of 2013. Details from the member website:

Thanks for clarifying! I guess I missed that one!

 

[Shellandscott]

From what I understand your daughter is not eligible for any DVC perks since she is not the member. If you are there with her you get the perks and they extend to her as part of your party, but if she is on her own she will not have DVC Member printed on her card and she does not have a member ID. Somewhere in the rules it states the DVC member must be present to get access to the Top of the World.

 

[RobynPrincess]

We stayed on rented point last October in AKL and we used the lounge with our room keys, we weren't asked for the membership card?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We stayed on rented point last October in AKL and we used the lounge with our room keys, we weren't asked for the membership card?

Sometimes you are asked for it, and sometimes you are not. You are supposed to be members. So you were lucky.

 

[RobynPrincess]

Ah ok, I didn't know that. I have a question then, you might be able to answer? We are staying at BLT in September on rented points, does that mean we shouldn't really use it then also? Even though we are staying at BLT? I don't know the answer. Thank you x

 

[brettcw23]

AS of May 2012...
Due to anticipated high demand for this location, access is available only to Disney Vacation Club Members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower using their Membership (Vacation Points or cash), guests staying in the room with that Member, and guests who are staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points. Access is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

***I pulled that from DVCnews.com

 

[Sandisw]

Ah ok, I didn't know that. I have a question then, you might be able to answer? We are staying at BLT in September on rented points, does that mean we shouldn't really use it then also? Even though we are staying at BLT? I don't know the answer. Thank you x

As mentioned, they have asked to see the DVC card so as a renter, you won't have that if they ask for it. So, all you can do is try and see what they say.

 

[RobynPrincess]

Thanks very much for your replies we have a MK view room so we are only planning on using the lounge in the day time or early evening

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks very much for your replies we have a MK view room so we are only planning on using the lounge in the day time or early evening

It doesn't open until around 5PM.

 

[E2ME2]

It doesn't open until around 5PM.

It opens at 6 - I found out the hard way
We were staying at SSR, and the concierge told me I could go over to BLT and visit the TOWL. So I did, taking about 45 minutes to get there on Disney Transportation from SSR. I got there at 2:00, and they told me the lounge did not open until 6pm. 45 minutes later, I returned to the SSR concierge and let her know I had just wasted almost 2 hours of my day.

Initially she looked at me as if to say :"so what"?
Then, when she saw that I was not being demanding or abusive, but wanted to let her know that she should not send any other guests over there before advising them that it doesn't open until 6, she actually gave me a couple fast passes.

We wound-up going over much later that night with my son & his girlfriend, in his car, and we got there so late that it was after the fireworks so they let us park in the resort's parking lot. It was a nice view, but a much smaller lounge than we expected.

Did not expect to write such a lengthy response - just wanted to share our TOWL experience

 

[erionm]

Current access information as posted on the member website under 'Destinations' (drop down menu) > Bay Lake Tower:

Top of the World Lounge

Top of the World Lounge is located at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort through December 29, 2013 (blockout dates in 2013 are July 3 and 4, and December 30 and 31). Current operating hours are 6 p.m. to midnight.

This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current Key to the World card displaying a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge. If the Member's Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is required in addition to the Key to the World card to verify Membership.

Note that Members traveling from other Resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking is unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, Members must walk to the Bay Lake Tower main lobby entrance on the ground floor and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

This special Top of the World Lounge access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. As the lounge is particularly popular during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving as early as possible will give Members the best chance of gaining admission.