Bay Lake Tower--Seems like Disney cut corners with this resort

[Doc and Family]

Hello all,
Just back from BLT. Bought there when it first came out--seemed like a nice complement to our BCV. Just stayed there, and while we liked it, we wondered if Disney wasn't cutting corners when they built it.

Example #1: Walkway to Contemporary. Open to the elements. It was cold and rainy and waling across the walkway offered NO protection from the weather. I saw several people slip. I wonder how long before someone slips and sues because of their injuries? I think the walkway should have been enclosed with glass windows to preserve the views you get while walking on it. No, they are not "spectacular", but they are pretty nice and provide a different aspect with which to see the grounds and the resort. There are some panels on the north side of the walkway, which are opaque, and only cover a small portion of the walkway.

Example #2: NO locks on the bathrooms!!! May seem like a small, petty thing; however, having walked in on several family members, I think not.

Example # 3: Not sure this is cost thing, but definitely a poor planning item.
The bathroom doors slide--and they are on the outside of the bathroom on the bathroom in the main living area. People walking by the bathroom can see in it--the crack between the door and the wall is at least 2 inches wide and provides NO privacy. (One would think that Disney could put some insulation or stripping on the end of the door to seal it a little better)

That's about the worst of it. We have been DVC members for 8 years and have come to expect a certain level of excellence from Disney that we feel this resort falls short of. Will we stay there again--absolutely. Will we sell our points there--Nope. Would we like to see some things improved--Without a doubt.

Overall, the stay, and the resort, were good and there are plenty of positives, most of which have been posted on these boards. And these issues may have been brought up as well--I have not been around on the boards much lately, so I apologize if this has been discussed before.

With that said, we hope everyone has a Happy New Year, and we will see y'all in May at BCV!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

There have been reports that new locks will be installed on the bathroom doors. Management is also looking at sheers for the windows. Any positive things about the resort?

 

[robertdangelo]

We bought BLT as a compliment to our BCV too. Both offer the ability to walk to a park. We actually walk to DHS from BCV occasionally too! We're looking forward to our MK view in 2010.

Bob

 

[mikron]

Open walkway I can except as a short sight in design. 2" gap on bathroom door is something else. I have seen this posted since BLT opened, I would have thought it was fixed by now.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney does a good job of cost cutting and especially when it comes to DVC proprieties.

I don't believe that mistakes are made, I feel that most of the issues with the DVC are intentional by Disney.

Their goal is to build a property that looks nice for selling purposes but costs as little as possible to build. Why? Because construction costs are paid for by Disney.

Is Disney concerned if a property is lacking in amenities like food locations, locks on the doors or sheers on the windows, not really because it keeps their construction costs down.

Does Disney care if their design or selection of material creates a maintenance issue, not really, because the Members pay for the maintenance and if they add food locations, locks on the doors or sheers on the windows the owners will pay for those items too.

Bill

 

[yitbos96bb]

We bought BLT as a compliment to our BCV too. Both offer the ability to walk to a park. We actually walk to DHS from BCV occasionally too! We're looking forward to our MK view in 2010.

Bob

I got back from BLT in October. The views are AMAZING!!!! And watching the fireworks from the roof was very enjoyable as well. I enjoyed my lake view and could see Expedition Everest, TOT and the top of Spaceship earth. I watched the Electric Light Lagoon show (can't remember the actual name) and also watched some of the illuminations fireworks from our balcony.

It's a nice place and nice rooms, that being said, I still think I prefer BCV and BWV. Maybe its because I like Epcot a little better or maybe it was that while I like the "toaster" I've never been a huge fan of the theming. Of course, I would stay there again... but if there were DVC at all 3 monorail hotels, I thinK I'd prefer the Poly or GF.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Disney does a good job of cost cutting and especially when it comes to DVC proprieties.

I don't believe that mistakes are made, I feel that most of the issues with the DVC are intentional by Disney.

Their goal is to build a property that looks nice for selling purposes but costs as little as possible to build. Why? Because construction costs are paid for by Disney.

Is Disney concerned if a property is lacking in amenities like food locations, locks on the doors or sheers on the windows, not really because it keeps their construction costs down.

Does Disney care if their design or selection of material creates a maintenance issue, not really, because the Members pay for the maintenance and if they add food locations, locks on the doors or sheers on the windows the owners will pay for those items too.

Bill

Fair points... I'd say the gaps are oversights... I mean I didn't notice it at all... it could also have been that posters room.

The locks and the windows on the walkway... yes I agree was cost cutting... although the open air walkway is nice to see.

My biggest complaint is actually with the automatic doors on the first floor especially. They take WAY too long to shut and I swear I thought I walked into Its tough to be a bug several times on the first floor. Scary disgusting and believe me I called the front desk ASAP.

 

[lmshaggard]

We just stayed there the 1st part of December and loved it! We were in a standard view studio and had a great view of Magic Kingdom as well as the monorail which our little guys loved!! The TOTW lounge was awesome - we put our guys in pjs and headed up for fireworks and a nightcap - such a great way to end the day. The bathroom doors do slide (it is a modern theme) and don't lock, but there wasn't a 2" gap in our room - my husband never would have used them if there was They do need locks though. I will never look back on this investment - great location and great views!!

 

[DVC Mike]

Example #1: Walkway to Contemporary. Open to the elements.
Example #2: NO locks on the bathrooms!!!
Example #3: The bathroom doors slide--

That's about the worst of it.

If that's the worst complaints about BLT, then it has to be a great resort.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Same feeling, I guess never even thought about the locks. We don't lock the doors at home, so not really an issue. We just knock? If the door is closed, assume someone is in it!! Didn't notice a gap? We had a one bedroom first floor unit. As for the walkway, imagine when it's 110 degrees out, would you want that walkway enclosed??? but the could have vinyl draps during bad weather. We have pocket doors in our house, so I guess I just never thought twice about the sliding doors.

 

[ssawka]

OP, thank you for the feedback. Just one question, did you compose a letter to DVD expressing your concerns? It's helpful for DIS members to know of the issues at the DVC resorts, but unfortunately the majority of DIS readers are powerless to do anything about it.

As for the "no locks" on the bathroom door, I wouldn't give it much thought. We don't lock doors in our house and if a glimpse is actually caught by a family member, are people really that modest to be mordified by the experience? I guess it would be different if I had teenagers, but I have been seen naked by family members and it was not the end of the world. Should DVD add locks? Sure! But, I also think the whole issue has been blown out of proportion on these boards.

 

[JandT'smom]

When we were there over Thanksgiving found the 2inch gap a problem also. I have sent a letter. Lets hope they fix the issue. It is not a big deal to myself as much as it is a very big deal to my 15, 18, and 20 year old sons. They do not want any family members walking in or being able to see them.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I can certainly understand the reason for not enclosing the walkway. I don't think anyone wants the cost of air conditioning the walkway added to their dues. They may find it necessary to put some type of non-slip finish on the walkway if they do indeed have a problem with the surface getting slick when it gets wet.

 

[CNPHILLY]

I agree with the OP on his/her points. There is a gap in the door in all rooms, whether it be 1/2 inch or two inches. Locks would be nice on those doors as well.

The OP isn't saying that Bay Lake is not a great resort, but just pointing out some annoying minor things that a lot of people have noticed. I think it is valid to question, when Disney is designing a resort like this, how these little things were overlooked in the first place. I know that when we stayed we noticed a couple others that made us go "hmmmmm."

That said, Bay Lake tower is a great resort with a lot of great amenities, and I am sure these minor annoyances will be fixed over time. Anyone who purchased there I am sure is, and should be, thrilled with their investment.

We happen to prefer BCV and/or BWV, probably because of Epcot and because the resorts are "warmer" to us (it just feels more like a resort and less like a business hotel). But if modern is your thing, Bay Lake Tower can't be beat.

 

[Lexxiefern]

OP, thanks for posting. I had no idea that the walkway was not enclosed. I thought there was glass! I hope DVC fixes the gap in the bathroom door. I would be bothered by that as well.

 

[tjkraz]

Disney does a good job of cost cutting and especially when it comes to DVC proprieties.

I don't believe that mistakes are made, I feel that most of the issues with the DVC are intentional by Disney.

Their goal is to build a property that looks nice for selling purposes but costs as little as possible to build. Why? Because construction costs are paid for by Disney.

Is Disney concerned if a property is lacking in amenities like food locations, locks on the doors or sheers on the windows, not really because it keeps their construction costs down.

Does Disney care if their design or selection of material creates a maintenance issue, not really, because the Members pay for the maintenance and if they add food locations, locks on the doors or sheers on the windows the owners will pay for those items too.

Bill

That strikes me as very disingenuous criticism. Looking beyond issues like door locks and window shears, there are many, MANY areas in which Disney could have cut substantial costs. They could easily have made the BLT and AKV rooms with the smaller floorplan like SSR, BWV, etc. DVC sold millions of points in two bedroom villas with just two bathrooms, but still added the third full bath in new resorts. Having stayed in the Treehouse villas and Kidani this year, it's clear to me that more money was spent on higher grade furniture, fixtures, appliances and other amenities than some prior developments.

Buying cheaper countertops & faucets or eliminating that extra bathroom would have saved far more money than adding bathroom door locks.

No matter how well designed any resort hotel may be--DVC or non-DVC--unforeseen issues are bound to arise. Not to minimize the complaints but if these are the biggest issues at BLT, I'd say owners have a great location on their hands.

 

[Doc and Family]

In response to a couple of posts:

1--It really is a great resort--these were things that really bugged us--we realize not everyone will have the same feelings.

2--Bathroom locks--if it were just us, no big deal. But my 12 year old niece was with us and my SIL had her sister (45) with her. Imaging being in the shower, or on the toilet at any age and having a stranger able to look in on you, without really trying. It is not about knocking when a door is closed--it is about having no privacy when there are people other than family members in one unit--and we typically bring friends on vacation with us. These are not typcial pocket doors. The doors can be completely seen and the end of the door leaves a gap between the door and the wall.

3--Yes, we have written a letter to DVC.

4--As far as enclosing the walkway--it is attached to the interior of BLT. Ducts could have been run to keep the temp the same as the inside of BLT.
Part of the idea (maybe my stupidity) for the walkway, I thought, was to allow people to avoid the elements. Hell, I could walk outside just as easily as take the crosswalk and experience the hot, cold, wet, etc. weather. Again, it is not something everyone in my family agreed about, so I don't expect everyone to agree, it is just how we feel about it.

5--We also find the BCV to have a more "home-like" feel. It may just be that we have stayed there so many times. Regardless, we will be back at BLT next year and plan on enjoying for as long as the Good Lord will allow us.

6--TOTW lounge--FANTASTIC. We also watched the fireworks in our jammies as well.

7--That's about it for now!! Hope everyone has a GREAT DAY!

 

[Bob Price]

As for the "no locks" on the bathroom door, I wouldn't give it much thought. We don't lock doors in our house and if a glimpse is actually caught by a family member, are people really that modest to be mordified by the experience? I guess it would be different if I had teenagers, but I have been seen naked by family members and it was not the end of the world. Should DVD add locks? Sure! But, I also think the whole issue has been blown out of proportion on these boards.

But what if you just went swimming in that incredible pool and there is shrinkage?

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

As far as enclosing the walkway--it is attached to the interior of BLT. Ducts could have been run to keep the temp the same as the inside of BLT.
Part of the idea (maybe my stupidity) for the walkway, I thought, was to allow people to avoid the elements. Hell, I could walk outside just as easily as take the crosswalk and experience the hot, cold, wet, etc. weather.

I agree. I had no idea that the walkway wasn't enclosed. Part of BLT's appeal to me was the idea that I could walk to all the restaurants and shops at the CR in climate controlled comfort ... especially in the heat and rain of August.

 

[smjj]

When we stayed there the only complaint we had were the locks(lack of) on the bathroom doors. The crosswalk to the Contemporary, we like it just as is and thing it does not need any changes. Other than that, no complaints at all. Vey nice resort...smjj