Any BLT Owners Bummed?

[islandtimect]

We're about to do an addon at BLT because I want a monorail/water hotel. But I'm disappointed that there won't be a seperate bus stop, check in desk or dining options. Is anyone else upset about this, especially considering the high number of pts need to stay here?? DVC confirmed that none of these will be offered. I'm hoping that the pool bar will at least offer lunch items and have a refillable mug station, like Kidani's pool.

 

[Disnead]

We're about to do an addon at BLT because I want a monorail/water hotel. But I'm disappointed that there won't be a seperate bus stop, check in desk or dining options. Is anyone else upset about this, especially considering the high number of pts need to stay here?? DVC confirmed that none of these will be offered. I'm hoping that the pool bar will at least offer lunch items and have a refillable mug station, like Kidani's pool.

I'm not too disappointed. We are pretty much a 5 minute walk to the Magic Kingdom bus area...which will get us pretty much anywhere in "the World" during park hours.

 

[lugnut33]

The walk to the Contemporary bus stop is very very short.

 

[Tara]

We're about to do an addon at BLT because I want a monorail/water hotel. But I'm disappointed that there won't be a seperate bus stop, check in desk or dining options. Is anyone else upset about this, especially considering the high number of pts need to stay here?? DVC confirmed that none of these will be offered. I'm hoping that the pool bar will at least offer lunch items and have a refillable mug station, like Kidani's pool.

Goodness, no! I am in no way disappointed. And I don't consider the number of points needed to stay at BLT as an indicator that there would be extra services like you mention - the points are what they are because of the location.

*We are a walkway away from some of the most sought-after restaurants at any resort (California Grill - my favorite, and Chef Mickey's). There's also the Wave restaurant, which I suspect is going to be a great option for a quiet, walk-in-anytime meal.
*We have easy access through the walkway to (no going out in the heat or rain) counter service that has a pretty good menu - way better menu that SSR or BCV, for instance.
*We have easy monorail access to GF and Poly, which is another 7 restaurants, all without getting in a car, on a bus or going out in the weather. (Well, Narcoossee's would require walking outside.)
*The only DVC attached to a hotel that has a separate check-in is AKV Kidani, but I think that's necessary given the building size and distance from Jambo. I didn't expect another check-in and am glad it isn't there since it would raise our MFs.
*The Contemporary bus stop is not far - it isn't really any further than the walk from any room at BCV or BWV or VWL or SSR (using the resorts I've stayed in either in DVC rooms or in the hotel rooms). Again, no need for an extra bus stop which would only raise MFs. (And how crazy would it be for a bus to stop at the Contemporary and then drive what, 500 feet? to the front of BLT?)
*I'm betting the pool bar will have a mug station, but for me that's no big deal anyway since we aren't soda drinkers and never use the mugs anymore. (DH drinks coffee but makes good coffee in our room.)
*We are literally steps away from Magic Kingdom, which not only means easy access to that park, but easy access to any other resort by MK bus.

 

[Slakk]

We're about to do an addon at BLT because I want a monorail/water hotel. But I'm disappointed that there won't be a seperate bus stop, check in desk or dining options. Is anyone else upset about this, especially considering the high number of pts need to stay here?? DVC confirmed that none of these will be offered. I'm hoping that the pool bar will at least offer lunch items and have a refillable mug station, like Kidani's pool.

I am not unhappy at ALL.

I never buy mugs anymore when I have a 1 BR and since it is on the monorail there are tons of options for meals and as for walking since I have been at the very end of the hall at VWL, AKV and BWV the walk to the bus stop is not a big deal.

I think the location and views set BLT apart and I am glad that it is set up as it is - I think it is more on its own then the other attached properties and that makes me VERY happy!

 

[jco_direwolf]

But I'm disappointed that there won't be a seperate bus stop, check in desk or dining options.

To quote Ms. Montana.... BLT has the best of both worlds.

Most resorts to go from Resort to Resort takes a bus change at TTC or a park. To go BLT to a park or resort is either a walk to the MK Front gate, or walk to the MK Buses and access to every other park, resort and DTD or a monorail for the the poly and the GF.

Sounds perfect to me.

johno

 

[rkwier]

It really does not bother me one bit. I was aware of these items when we purchased at BLT, so I would not expect anything different. I would actually prefer it to be set up the way that it is if having those things would result in higher annual fees. There are plenty of dining options at the Contemporary, and the short walk is not a problem. Transportation will also not be a problem IMHO.

 

[disdad09]

This does not bother me at all.
The use of the monorail and the closeness to MK and some of the greatest dining places in WDW ar the major attractions for me as a BLT owner.
My family is so excited to be owners of BLT.

 

[islandtimect]

Thanks everyone for your comments - I'm feeling a little better! The only reason I care about the dining at BLT is for days spent by the pool - don't want to interrupt a pool day with a long walk somewhere. I like how Mara is next to Jambo's pool. On rainy days we can take the walkway to pick up the monorail, and use MK's buses on good days.

 

[jade1]

We dont mind walking, but even then its closer than you think. The front of BLT to the current CR bus stop is about 0.05 miles. VWL front entrance is about the same, BWV lobby to the bus is further (0.07) and from the farthest room can be 0.20, BCV pool to the bus is about 0.10.

Its about 0.10 from the start of the bridge to Chef Mickey (the furthest CR dining). The farthest room at BWV to say Big River Grill is about 0.15. VWL front to Roaring Forks or AP is about 0.10 as well (but the far rooms can be 0.20).

So other than the Townhome style DVC's (and AKV) it looks like BLT is the shortest walk to buses and dining.

Never checked on the check in distance, but I know many rooms are further at VWL/BCV/BWV than BLT will be, and SSR/OKW are way further. (not sure about AKV).

I may be missing something but maybe some Google Earth experts can get closer details.

Maybe you should retitle as "Any BLT owners surprised how much closer the buses/dining and checkin will be than most other DVC's?"

 

[Mississippian]

But I'm disappointed that there won't be a seperate bus stop, check in desk or dining options.

I'm not sure where you want them to put an extra bus stop, but would it enhance your riding experience for them to let you get on and then ride out of the way for a few minutes and then stop, open the door, wait several minutes, then close the door, ride out of the way for several more minutes, and then be on the way?

 

[monkeyknuckler]

You're right, it does require more points, but if you value ease of travel (monorail, boat, bus), lots of restaurants (poly/CR/GF), then you should be set. We're staying at BLT in Feb '10...so excited.

 

[La2kw]

It is a very short walk to all the facilities at the CR. There's even a skybridge to the 4th floor concourse where most of the facilities are located, including monorail access. It doesn't get much better than that, IMO. We used to stay in the garden wing that was located where BLT now stands. It is a very quick walk to get to the bus stop, monorail stop, and restaurants. It will be even easier with that skybridge. Don't worry, everything is steps away and it feels like one resort.

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

Beautiful isolation from buses, hungry diners, and folks pleading for room upgrades? Nope, I'm good with BLT as-is!

 

[sweeney60]

i agree with Mickey. i can't wait to get into the BLT!!! we have a december trip planned there. I guess i will know more after a full stay there. I actually heard that there was a possibility of another BLT on the other side of the contemporary. I'm not sure how true that is, but i did hear it from someone at the parks when we were there two weeks ago.

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

i agree with Mickey. i can't wait to get into the BLT!!! we have a december trip planned there. I guess i will know more after a full stay there. I actually heard that there was a possibility of another BLT on the other side of the contemporary. I'm not sure how true that is, but i did hear it from someone at the parks when we were there two weeks ago.

Must've been a bus driver that got a temporary reassignment for park duty

 

[Crystal_27]

Beautiful isolation from buses, hungry diners, and folks pleading for room upgrades? Nope, I'm good with BLT as-is!

I wholeheartedly agree. I mean, we already walk in excess of 10 miles per day at Disney...what's another tenth of a mile??