Bay Lake Tower perks

[jtheodore]

What is the process of using the observation deck for fireworks. Anytime?

 

[Missyrose]

What is the process of using the observation deck for fireworks. Anytime?

Right now, any DVC member staying on points at any DVC resort is allowed to use the lounge. This is billed as a "limited time offer," but it's already been extended once.

Prior to this, you needed to be a DVC member staying at BLT on points to gain access to the lounge.

 

[erionm]

From the Member Website:

Top of the World Lounge perk extended through Dec. 29!
The popularity of a special perk originally slated to end on Aug. 25 has prompted its extension! From now through Dec. 29, 2012, Disney Vacation Club® Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at the Walt Disney World® Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy complimentary 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.

Note that Members traveling from other resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking will be 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 (the typically locked front door will be unlocked during this time, or a Cast Member will be at the door to assist) and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

The sleekly designed bar and lounge, typically available only to Members staying at Bay Lake Tower, operates from 5 p.m.-midnight daily and offers spectacular rooftop viewing of Wishes™ – the Magic Kingdom® fireworks spectacular – complete with the show's stirring musical soundtrack. The ability to access the lounge has been a frequent request from Members staying at other Walt Disney World Resorts since Bay Lake Tower opened in 2009, and Disney Vacation Club is thrilled to make that "wish" come true during this extended period.

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.

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.

 

[jtheodore]

Thanks that sounds great. What are your thoughts on a bay lake resale purchase. Is it worth the upfront money?

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks that sounds great. What are your thoughts on a bay lake resale purchase. Is it worth the upfront money?

That's all up to you. Beauty and value are in the eyes of the beholder.

We own at 5 DVC resorts and BLT is our least favorite.

Bill

 

[jtheodore]

Why is that?

 

[disneynutz]

Why is that?

Highest priced resort on property.

Dues increased 8% plus this year.

Resort was built with materials and colors that are prematurely wearing which will result in ever higher dues.

There isn't any restaurants or Bell Services at BLT. They are currently trialling a check in desk in the BLT lobby but it's a trial.

TOTWL my close if bar sales are not profitable enough for Disney to keep it open.

MK view is mostly Disney hype. View of the Space Mountain roof and castle in the distance beyond the parking lot. Lake view from a even numbered room is nice, the odd numbered rooms are across from each other with the lake visible from the balcony.

On the plus side if you want to walk to the MK, BLT is really close. If you like to ride the monorail, you can walk to the Contemporary to board.

Bill

 

[jtheodore]

What is your favorite. And what are your thoughts on BCV. I have a 1 and 5 year old so not having to use a bus is a plus at the end of a long day

 

[dvcterry]

What is your favorite. And what are your thoughts on BCV. I have a 1 and 5 year old so not having to use a bus is a plus at the end of a long day

for not having to use a bus after a long day, unfortunately, VGC. Disneyland and CA were so close, steps. no bus needed. WDW is so big, but children grow fast. before you know it, they won't have those tired little feet & they will be as big as you!

 

[disneynutz]

What is your favorite. And what are your thoughts on BCV. I have a 1 and 5 year old so not having to use a bus is a plus at the end of a long day

As a DVC owner you shouldn't have long days. You will be vacationing at WDW every year for years and years to come. There isn't any reason to rush to the parks anymore. You will have seen every inch of everything at WDW many times over. This isn't a marathon where you try to cram everything into one vacation. Maybe you visit only one park each vacation or maybe you don't even visit a park.

BCV has Storm-A-Long Bay pool, the best resort pool on property. Close to Epcot and DHS, Boardwalk area is wonderful, but views from the room are only average.

Bill

 

[dizfan]

There are rumors that TOTWL may move the opening time back one hour to 6pm.

For a family with children, having Chef Mickeys at the resort is a big bonus. Additionally, the Contempo Cafe offers some monorail entertainment for them while they eat.
The walk to the Contemporary is shorter than the walk for many other DVC resorts to the main resorts restaurants.

Other perks we enjoy include the lake activity, nightly movie, fire pit, beach, Electric Water Pageant, and the short distance to MK for our favorite events MNSSHP and MVMCP.
Monorail ride to Poly and GF restaurants.
Boat ride to the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness restaurants and activities.

Bill is right that BCV has the best pool. However some parents find the pool layout difficult to watch small children. As your children grow, they would love the BCV slide.

We own at BLT and BCV is our second favorite resort. Stayed at BCV twice.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Deb & Bill]

As a DVC owner you shouldn't have long days. You will be vacationing at WDW every year for years and years to come. There isn't any reason to rush to the parks anymore. You will have seen every inch of everything at WDW many times over. This isn't a marathon where you try to cram everything into one vacation. Maybe you visit only one park each vacation or maybe you don't even visit a park....
Bill

I second what Bill says. No need to spend all day in the parks. I really enjoy spending time at the resort, watching a little television, using the pool, reading, etc. And then maybe visiting a park to dine and see a show or try an attraction. My son? He's sun up to sun down. But he's 19 and only here for three nights.

 

[Blondie1973]

Many of the resorts have an owners/lovers thread. I get from a couple of the comments, the lovers part might be a stretch...but is there a similar thread for BLT? I searched and couldn't find.

 

[dvcterry]

Many of the resorts have an owners/lovers thread. I get from a couple of the comments, the lovers part might be a stretch...but is there a similar thread for BLT? I searched and couldn't find.

try:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2027988&highlight=blt+lovers+thread

 

[Bullseye]

As a DVC owner you shouldn't have long days. You will be vacationing at WDW every year for years and years to come. There isn't any reason to rush to the parks anymore. You will have seen every inch of everything at WDW many times over. This isn't a marathon where you try to cram everything into one vacation. Maybe you visit only one park each vacation or maybe you don't even visit a park.

BCV has Storm-A-Long Bay pool, the best resort pool on property. Close to Epcot and DHS, Boardwalk area is wonderful, but views from the room are only average.

Bill

So true Bill as I'm starting to learn. Although we're only three years into DVC, we've been going to WDW the past nine years. And yes we have "seen every inch of everything at WDW many times over" and now I look forward to just enjoying nicer accommodations and hitting the parks when we feel like it. The last couple years I've spent half my vacation evenings watching Stanley Cup finals in my villa...and it was great!! No need to rush around any more!

 

[Blondie1973]

try:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2027988&highlight=blt+lovers+thread

Thanks!

 

[dvcterry]

You're welcome.

 

[smacky1]

Do you have to make a reservation to see the fireworks from the lounge? I'll be staying at BLT on Friday and thought it would be nice to watch the fireworks from the Christmas Party, but I havent made any reservations for it. Also, can my 6 and 8 year old watch it as well or is it adults only?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Do you have to make a reservation to see the fireworks from the lounge? I'll be staying at BLT on Friday and thought it would be nice to watch the fireworks from the Christmas Party, but I havent made any reservations for it. Also, can my 6 and 8 year old watch it as well or is it adults only?

Anyone can go up to the lounge as long as you are DVC member staying on points or a cash reservation through MS or the guest of the member who staying through Dec 29. Kids can go up, too, but the wall around the edge is rather high. No reservations are needed.

 

[spiceycat]

What is the process of using the observation deck for fireworks. Anytime?

you go down to the front desk - in the lobby - and tell them you want access to the TOW - they will take you to an elevator - and you just walk in.

before the fireworks think up until 5 or 6pm - you can get up there unaided and go out on the deck.

the lounge does not open until the front desk thing starts.

gone up there during the day - it does not look the same in daytime as a night.