Bay Lake Tower refurb dates

[ehh]

I had all of these same thoughts looking at the photos. Why wouldn't they install the new TVs while during the refurb? Also don't recall seeing any exposed cords in any of the other Murphy bed set ups.

Overall, huge improvement and I'd be happy to stay here. The dark wood cabinets with the frosted glass cabinet doors along with the frosted glass bathroom door (pretty sure I saw that in a photo, not sure which room type) are a swing and a miss for me as those design choices make the refurb immediately look dated.

Still an unquestionable improvement though.

For the smart TVs, they have installed TVs that appear to support the smart TV features, but possibly haven't turned on the resort/building-wide system that delivers the smart features to the rooms.

Maybe this is coming closer to the end of the refurb when there's no more TVs that need the old system active? Or maybe when the Wi-Fi/network gets its improvement? Feels weird to me not go live with it now, though.

I have seen other murphy beds with exposed cords (though not that exposed) at VDH and one other resort.

 

[kgou]

I wonder if the bathroom door was changed. It looks the same with the frosted glass

ahh, I was wondering if maybe the door wasn't changed. huge missed opportunity to swap in favor of something ...less frosted. by far my least favorite design feature of early 2000s hotel design!!

 

[eticketplease]

Overall I like the refurb but there are a few things I will miss.

We liked the desk in the one bedroom and the sleeper chair.

When DS was younger we would get out our furniture sliders from the owners locker and move it into the master so we would be able to relax in the living room.

DS is taller than me already so not sure how long the flip down twin will last where an adult could sleep in the chair.

 

[eticketplease]

What in the world.

Did you see the picture with the Murphy folded down? I have never seen one like that!!

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

Did you see the picture with the Murphy folded down? I have never seen one like that!!

Tacky! Did Disney plug in the toaster oven, tv, and coffee maker behind there?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Eh sure you can make that argument but the cash prices still reflect what Disney thinks of it IMO /shrug

It's just history, not an argument.

 

[starsaber25]

Well I guess based on the feedback here you will never make everyone happy. People hated the Boardwalk refurb and then some people love it. People hate this refurb and some people love it. I'm sure when AKL does theirs then some people will hate it and some will love it. Guess that is the best part about DVC. If you don't like a certain resort then you have plenty more to choose from.

The way I see it? I think they have done a very nice job and have updated the rooms just as they should. Is Bay Lake tower comparable to the Poly or Grand Floridian? Based on people's comments it appears not. But the one thing I like is the BLT point chart is much better then the other two. And if that means that I can't stay in the grandest of grands but can stay in a point cheaper resort closer to a park and on the monorail loop then that is what makes me happy. I am staying at BLT next month in a 2 bedroom and it is costing me 227 pts. To stay in the same category at poly is 316 pts and VGF would be 313 pts.

I think I will be just fine in my aqua colored tiled kitchen if I get a refurbished room.

 

[Kenito]

After much deliberation, I have decided that I will no longer vacation at BLT. For my vacations, I require my hotels to have a cohesive color scheme and crown molding. I can't imagine waking up in the morning, my eyes adjusting to the new day, only to stare up and be greeted with the sight of naked space joining wall to ceiling. Mary Blair? That's right Mark, amateur!! Clap all you want seals, but I can't imagine exposing my little ones to such visual nonsense either. No more BLT resale contracts for me. Also, I'd like to share with all of you that I will no longer be flying business class. The last 2 times I flew business class the nuts were not warmed to my satisfaction (tepid at best) and the hot towels were cold (tepid at best). Only first class with *fully* lie-flat seats from now on. Of course, I suspect I might have to pay more for more elevated experiences in life, but I think that's how it's supposed to work.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

After much deliberation, I have decided that I will no longer vacation at BLT. For my vacations, I require my hotels to have a cohesive color scheme and crown molding. I can't imagine waking up in the morning, my eyes adjusting to the new day, only to stare up and be greeted with the sight of naked space joining wall to ceiling. Mary Blair? That's right Mark, amateur!! Clap all you want seals, but I can't imagine exposing my little ones to such visual nonsense either. No more BLT resale contracts for me. Also, I'd like to share with all of you that I will no longer be flying business class. The last 2 times I flew business class the nuts were not warmed to my satisfaction (tepid at best) and the hot towels were cold (tepid at best). Only first class with *fully* lie-flat seats from now on. Of course, I suspect I might have to pay more for more elevated experiences in life, but I think that's how it's supposed to work.

Funny and of course all of this is just commentary and subjective person to person. Though I'd like to have Mickey and Minnie still on the walls above the beds in the 2nd bedroom it's just a preference from old to new. It also can of course be dangerous to have such items hanging above your head. I've been going to WDW for a long long time and poor Disney has had a difficult time in figuring out theming for the CR resort rooms. Overall this is a nice mix of CR history (Mary Blair) and in keeping with the original BLT.

Except the tables and desk. Honestly DVC. I just don't understand that continuing choice. And it was time for the studios to get sheers. Looks like it should work now with the Murphy bed. That's all function which has been lost or never installed (studio sheers).

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

After much deliberation, I have decided that I will no longer vacation at BLT. For my vacations, I require my hotels to have a cohesive color scheme and crown molding. I can't imagine waking up in the morning, my eyes adjusting to the new day, only to stare up and be greeted with the sight of naked space joining wall to ceiling. Mary Blair? That's right Mark, amateur!! Clap all you want seals, but I can't imagine exposing my little ones to such visual nonsense either. No more BLT resale contracts for me. Also, I'd like to share with all of you that I will no longer be flying business class. The last 2 times I flew business class the nuts were not warmed to my satisfaction (tepid at best) and the hot towels were cold (tepid at best). Only first class with *fully* lie-flat seats from now on. Of course, I suspect I might have to pay more for more elevated experiences in life, but I think that's how it's supposed to work.

Nice. I just don’t think they did that great of a job
but I’m happy for you that you feel differently! A little Mary B covers lots of sins (but not 3 random cords, clearly )

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Nice. I just don’t think they did that great of a job
but I’m happy for you that you feel differently! A little Mary B covers lots of sins (but not 3 random cords, clearly )

What did you think about the old decor? It was more muted and I liked it probably a bit better but am thankful they didn't make it like Poly tower or VGF which I also like but it shouldn't all be the same.

Regarding the cords. This is a refurb and it's consistent to see things they run into that they had never thought of. Worst was incorrectly sized fridges in some of the early updates. I wouldn't be surprised that they'll end up doing something about the TV power cords once it's pointed out. Maybe not but it's obviously not a good spot for the outlet now with the murphy bed installed.

 

[Kenito]

Nice. I just don’t think they did that great of a job
but I’m happy for you that you feel differently! A little Mary B covers lots of sins (but not 3 random cords, clearly )

Ok, I concede that they could have done a little better and I'm holding out hope that they will be making some final tweaks, including the dangling Murphy bed cords. I have a 2 BR VDH this Saturday. I can’t remember if it has a Murphy bed and I’m too lazy to google the answer at the moment…but if it does I’m def gonna pull it down and compare..

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

What did you think about the old decor? It was more muted and I liked it probably a bit better but am thankful they didn't make it like Poly tower or VGF which I also like but it shouldn't all be the same.

It definitely felt dated before. No doubt. It was comfortable, though.

I don’t love the two tone wood (Murphy and side table), rug, lighting, frosted glass, table instead of banquette… I could go on. The art is really the only redeeming feature IMO.

It’s one thing to not feel “cohesive” — that’s somewhat subjective. But it’s another thing to not be cohesive AND look cheap and uncomfortable.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

I’m sure the Murphy bed is an upgrade over the pullout, but man those couches are not very comfortable. I enjoyed the floor to ceiling windows on the couch and big pullout chair… the ottoman will help some

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It definitely felt dated before. No doubt. It was comfortable, though.

I don’t love the two tone wood (Murphy and side table), rug, lighting, frosted glass, table instead of banquette… I could go on. The art is really the only redeeming feature IMO.

It’s one thing to not feel “cohesive” — that’s somewhat subjective. But it’s another thing to not be cohesive AND look cheap and uncomfortable.

I liked the banquette as well and am sorry that is gone.
DVC has an issue when they go with the wood look vs all white or something like that but it tends to be better in person than in pictures. I found BRV to be that way so am waiting until I see it. Not that it will affect me staying there though.

 

[KPeterso]

Agreed. I know I’m not the biggest BLT fan but I was hoping this refurb would change my mind. Aside from the artwork, which is definitely a 10/10 (I really hope they sell them), nothing else moves the meter for me. I almost prefer the previous style, it felt more cohesive at least. But if owners are loving it, that’s what matters most!

Completely agree. Love the art. The rest is just not for me. And since I was never a BLT fan, I am ok continuing to skip staying there. MK is my least favorite park, so the location doesn't even redeem it for me.

 

[itr452]

If i have a stay coming at end of jan for a LV do u think its possible that i could request a refreshed room 9; have those not been done yet?

 

[AstroBlasters]

Completely agree. Love the art. The rest is just not for me. And since I was never a BLT fan, I am ok continuing to skip staying there. MK is my least favorite park, so the location doesn't even redeem it for me.

Completely fair, but why jump into a thread to yuck others people’s yum?

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Completely fair, but why jump into a thread to yuck others people’s yum?

Isn’t this just a thread about the refurb? I think people are just giving their opinions just like everyone did on the BWV refurb and will eventually will do to the AKV Refurb and the VGC refurb. I don’t think people shouldn’t be able to state their opinion especially as it isn’t an owners and lovers thread where maybe it would seem like people are coming in and purposefully doing what you’ve said.

 

[ClaraOswald]

For those that don’t clap like seals for Mary Blair artwork, this refurb is in the bottom half of recent refurbs.
Which stinks, because I have small children and was looking forward to staying at BLT (and even contemplating a resale contract).

Curious which resorts you think would be best for young kids? I don't think I would have put BLT at the top, even before the refurb, I guess.

Personally, I really like the new look of these rooms! Never had any desire to stay at BLT before but now it's looks more inviting to me. Maybe we'll give it a try someday.