Anyone else see the DTD Long Island Preview Center?

[DeeCee735]

I was there yesterday with DH. We went to the mall to check it out, knowing it was open. IMHO tucking it away in a far corner of the mall isn't a great idea. I know they probably took the space they could get, but walk by business isn't going to be popular since you have to know where it is and specifically go to it. It's not even in the main hallway, it's in a side hallway.

That being said, it is pretty. JMHO here, but I don't like the studio at BLT. It's just plain weird that theres no bathroom sink, it's in the kitchenette area. Who wants their kids brushing their teeth in that narrow space while mom or dad are trying to make breakfast? Again, JMHO, but weird. Not to mention not wanting to leave the bathroom just after a shower (and maybe not dried off yet??) to brush one's own teeth Odd, can't believe they did that.

The one bedroom is gorgeous, and the bathrooms in the one bedroom are gorgeous! The MK view rooms will be beautiful.

I was hoping for some glimpse (model, or something) of treehouses or AKV Kidani. This is a huge push for BLT. I had to ask for info on AKV and SSR.

There are incentives for current members for add ons. 100 point add on was $20.00 off a point at AKV!!! (I priced this specifically) If I remember correctly same for a 100 point add on at BLT. It's $10 off a point at AKV for a 50 point add on. I left the sheet at home, so these are the only ones I can remember. The catch is you MUST go to the preview center to get these incentives. I'd love 50 more at AKV. We were close at the LI event but backed out, with two in the middle of their college years, it isn't realistic. But then again, when I looked at the financing, it makes it so easy! We never financed and don't want to do so now.

Anyway, just wanted to know if anyone else was there and what you think of it. I'd be surprised if it does as well as they hope being the location that it's in. There is going to be a grand opening event on October 17th, but it's open to visit now as well.

 

[MikeNY]

Hi Diane - I stopped by the DTD store last Thursday evening on the day of the 'soft open'. I had the same impression about the location of the store - being tucked away into a corner of the mall - but as I thought more about it, their business is probably geared more toward folks who are already aware of, and informed of DVC, with at least somewhat of an intention to buy. It's also great to have our DVC Guide's (Kim Ziemak) 'home base' located so near to us.

As for the BLT models, I thought they were gorgeous. It's just my wife and I, so if we do stay in a studio, we consider it to be like a typical hotel room, and usually do not eat/prepare meals in the room. From that perspective, the location of the sink doesn't bother us. But for a family with children that tends to cook in a Studio, I see your point. As you said, the 1 bedroom is much more functional as a vacation home - we can't wait to make our first reservation at our new add-on home!

I also got to meet some really nice fellow DVC'ers when I was there that night, and could see that being an added bonus to having the store close to home.

 

[DeeCee735]

You are right that if its just two adults the studio's would work fine. I just prefer my bathroom sink in the bathroom I guess

I didn't realize there was a soft opening last Thursday. Must have missed that, but I would have liked to have gone. Mostly to meet the other LIer DVCers!

I must say I look forward to the day when we get a one bedroom at BLT. We don't usually look to try the other DVC resorts, but this one is a must somewhere down the line.

Enjoy your new home away from home!

 

[MikeNY]

Thanks Diane! I get the impression that many of the LI DVC'ers will stop by the store from time to time when they're in the mall to get their "fix" between visits. You'll probably run into some no matter when you're there.

 

[cogero]

I want to go visit the store to check out the BLT model as we just added on there at the LI event. I want to get a feel of the 2BR as that is what I am booking in about a week for next August.

Am I right in thinking it is upstairs near the Apple store and Nordstroms?

 

[MikeNY]

Hi Chiara - yes that's right. The store is on the 2nd floor to the left of Nordstrom's and the Apple store, just down the hallway.

 

[nu2dvc]

I thought the location was decent considering the market that patronizes Nordstrom can likely afford DVC. I mean, if I were DTD, I'd rather have Nordstrom's foot traffic than JC Penney's. KWIM? There are also several other higher-end stores in that section of the mall, so this may have been strategic. I also think if it were smack in the middle of the mall the lobby area would just become an unmanageable zoo of "lookers". I think it's kind of good that it's a bit off the beaten path and that you need to actually go to it instead of it just being there. I noticed they did have abundant signage both outside of the mall as well as inside.

 

[thepops]

We stopped by over the Christmas holidays and I was plesantly surprised by the BLT rooms. They were much nicer than the earlier pictures. The CMs there were very nice. If you stop in, ask for Kim. She was very helpful, outgoing and really has the Disney magic (you can just tell by talking with her).