Access to Top of the World

[nonnasally]

Can someone please tell me if you are a DVC member and are staying at BLT ( not using your points) can you still access the Top with your family. thanks so much. We are going in October but not using points. Its our first time staying at BLT and I feel totally rookie after all these Disney years.
Also, I am aware of the great thread on rooms views here on the boards but wondering if anyone can narrow down a room location for me. DH has major heart issues so I want to be close to elevator and skybridge -- We booked Lake view. Thanks again.

 

[erionm]

From DVCMember.com:

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.

 

[nonnasally]

THANKS SO MUCH for getting back to me. I thought I read that somewhere but DH said I was wrong! Hope you are safe from all the bad weather. We are getting a great amount of rain here in Philly but nothing like our friends south.
Thank you again!

 

[jimaok]

Was just there last month. We stayed at Carribean Beach Resort (not on points). Went to BLT- main door- on left there is a desk. (concierege) Lady there asked to see our DVC membership card AND room key. You must be a DVC member AND staying on property (doesn't matter where and not necessarily on points). She gives you a slip of paper which you give to the CM manning the elevator. The CM swipes their card and away you go to the Top of the World Lounge.

Was well worth it- My wife and I had a drink in the lounge and then went out and enjoyed wishes from the balcony. Very nice.

 

[angey77]

Well, that stinks! We are finally staying BLT and were looking forward to a cozy place to watch Wishes in November. Now it looks like we should have just gotten a later ADR at CG'

 

[mama03]

We just had our first stay at BLT. Six pm is the open time for Top of World. All you need to do is have your room key and dvc membership card. Go to first floor at dvc promo stand and they will take you up. Also, to be close to the elevator you should put in request for 5th floor rooms starting at 7544(this is at very end toward right and great view of lake) on up to number by elevator. We had a 2 bedroom dedicated on 4th floor and loved It! 7444.
Enjoy!!

 

[bats]

Could I ask if the TOTW lounge is over 18 or could we take our grandchildren (5 and 9)?

Thanks

 

[Minniesgal]

Well, that stinks! We are finally staying BLT and were looking forward to a cozy place to watch Wishes in November. Now it looks like we should have just gotten a later ADR at CG'

Why does that stink, if you are staying at BLT you have access to the lounge by showing your DVC membership card as has always been the case since the lounge opened. What is new is that people staying elsewhere can also visit.

 

[wilma-bride]

Could I ask if the TOTW lounge is over 18 or could we take our grandchildren (5 and 9)?

Thanks

Joa, I have seen children in the lounge there before - it is an adult-oriented area but, as long as they are well behaved, there shouldn't be a problem. You can't actually see Wishes very well from within the lounge anyway so, if you were going to watch the fireworks, you are better off stood outside.

 

[Minniesgal]

Little children don't do so well outside though because there is a high wall

 

[catherines_mama]

When you receive your slip of paper before heading up stairs does it have a time stamp? Can you leave and return?

Also, which view is better TOTW or Cali Grill?

Thanks! Trying to best plan our kid-free trip in April!

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

I think the view at Cali is slightly better. It's a different angle so the fireworks look more like they're actually coming from behind the castle.

Also, I find that Cali is a little more adult - especially if the fireworks are late.