Access to Top of the World Viewing Area

[pixiedustfairy]

My family is currently booked at Bay Lake Tower thru Disney. I've read that at opening the Top of the World area was only available to DVC members. Is this still the case?? I don't necessarily want access to the lounge, just to the viewing area for fireworks viewing or photography. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[disneynutz]

TOTW is still restricted to DVC Members staying at BLT.

Bill

 

[erionm]

You can view the fireworks from the Sky Bridge or one of the observation decks at the Contemporary.

Access to the BLT Observation Deck and the TOTWL is controlled by a check-in desk on the first floor of BLT.

 

[goofy4tink]

There is one elevator that is designated for ToTW access. When you check in, at the ground floor podium, you will be taken to that elevator, the CM will swipe a card which opens the elevator door, and in and up you go. Other than that, you can't get up there. So, you must stop at the podium and get okayed before heading up.
Of course it's up to that particular CM if you qualify for access.

 

[n2mm]

We were just there 2 weeks ago and checking in to verify you are a DVC members staying at BLT is still the process. You have to give them your room card to show "DVC member" on the card and that the card is for BLT prior to your party being escorted to the special elevator. My family did it several times and they verified our membership each time.

 

[pixiedustfairy]

Thanks all!! now I can give hubby a reason to buy

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks all!! now I can give hubby a reason to buy

Don't use TOTW as a reason to buy. There is a very strong probability that DVC Members will loose access as soon as BLT sells out.

Bill

 

[robertdangelo]

You can get a good view of fireworks on an upper floor North elevator lobby. There is a settee in them as well.

 

[Brandis]

here is a very strong probability that DVC Members will loose access as soon as BLT sells out.

What do you mean? That the lounge will be closed once BLT sells out? Or that it will become some sort of concierge lounge?

 

[n2mm]

What do you mean? That the lounge will be closed once BLT sells out? Or that it will become some sort of concierge lounge?

One rumor is it will be used to rent out for private parties. All speculation and numor. Another rumor is is that all DVC members staying on points might be allowed to use it during their visits, not just BLT members. DVC perks are great, but they do come and go. There are many DVC perks, but they should never be the reason to buy, though I do love that $100 discount on my yearly AP.

 

[mickey mouse lover]

I also love that $100.00 off the annual pass.

 

[disneynutz]

What do you mean? That the lounge will be closed once BLT sells out? Or that it will become some sort of concierge lounge?

TOTW and TOTWL does not belong to the DVC or the BLT owners it belongs to Disney and they are free to do with it as they wish. The general consensus is that DVD is using it during the marketing phase at BLT.

BWV had a similar set up with "The Attic", a room at BWV. The Attic was turned into a venue for private parties and special events. I expect that the same will happen at BLT.

Bill

 

[ldietiker]

While we can't take for granted access to the TOTW, I'm hoping that it would still be accessible to DVC members at some points, on some basis. Complete lack of access would probably generate a lot of grumbling and anger!

 

[disneynutz]

While we can't take for granted access to the TOTW, I'm hoping that it would still be accessible to DVC members at some points, on some basis. Complete lack of access would probably generate a lot of grumbling and anger!

Despite what we would like to think, Disney is in the business to make money. If the TOTW costs Disney money to maintain and service and if the TOTWL isn't turning a profit, Disney will most likely close it down except to rented events like private parties.

Bill

 

[DebbieB]

There is wording in the BLT contract that specifically says Top of the World is not part of the timeshare ownership. So Disney can do with it what they want. On the flip side, members do not pay dues on it.

 

[Brandis]

There is wording in the BLT contract that specifically says Top of the World is not part of the timeshare ownership. So Disney can do with it what they want. On the flip side, members do not pay dues on it.

But since it is located in "our" building, I sure hope they pay rent for it...

 

[Psav74]

Was there last week for our first stay.

We went up to the TOTWL almost everynight and it was never crowded.

Holiday Wishes was awesome.

 

[rlovew]

We were there last night- it was just our party of 2 and then 6 until 9pm when the lounge filled up and people ordered drinks before the fireworks. It seemed to empty back out quite a bit after the fireworks as well. In talking with the workers they said it was normally dead until soon before the fireworks and then some nights it would stay busy after them and some it would be dead again afterwards.

 

[pixiedustfairy]

OP here, thanks everybody for your help. I'm making my itinerary for May. I'm hoping this stay will push my husband over the fence for purchasing. I come from a long line of hem and hawers. My parents hemmed and hawed and then never purchased the OKW DVC back in the day. I'm usually not back in the room by fireworks time anyway, lol

 

[ldietiker]

Despite what we would like to think, Disney is in the business to make money. If the TOTW costs Disney money to maintain and service and if the TOTWL isn't turning a profit, Disney will most likely close it down except to rented events like private parties.

Bill

Yes, so true. This is why I really appreciate this board and the things I learn through it... I'm not sure I would have known that DVC did not own the TOTWL as part of the building. I'm not a BLT owner (I own points in VGC) but I know I have considered becoming an owner due to its proximity to MK, monorail access, beautiful rooms, etc. Since the TOTWL is beautifully shown in the 2010 vacation planner (pp. 30-31), I had just assumed it was part of DVC. I don't know if others might have calculated their needed points based on this assumption, but I would have. That is, I don't need or even would want a view of the MK during my entire stay... knowing I'd be able to go up to the lounge to take in the view of the park would be enough for me. Then I might only buy enough points for a standard view generally (although of course that could change).

I'm just wondering all the other aspects that I assume are included... like the bridge to the Contemporary? The use of the elevators? The pool? Likewise, at the VGC, is there something that might be misconstrued as available to DVC members that is not?