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

[rkwier]

We stayed in a LV studio in September. It is a lovely resort and the convenience of the monorail is a true plus. My favorite thing about the room was the balcony. I really liked that it was enclosed on the sides for more privacy. We enjoyed sitting out there in the evening. I also thought that this had by far the best drawer space and kitchen storage that I have seen in the units. My biggest issue, which I did voice to MS, is the lack of sheers on the windows. We could see very clearly into the rooms that were across the "C" from us. The bartender at TOTW told us that they have seen "a lot of things going on" in the rooms. You really cannot have an expectation of privacy unless the full drapes are drawn. I would really love to see that corrected.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

During a visit to BLT we stopped to talk to the DVC CM and asked why there was no place to eat at BLT. His reply was that Disney cut out a few things when the bulit BLT to keep the price of membership dues low since the cost per point was over $100.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

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.

I respectfully disagree.
If we are griping about air conditioning in a hallway (that's essentially what it is), than why are we purchasing a high end timeshare?
I for one, did not purchase DVC hoping they would cut corners in order to save me a few bucks a year on dues.

That said, I don't know if the walkway is wide enough to stay out of the blowing rain.
I'm thinking of the VWL walkway, and unless it's a typhoon you can dodge the weather.

MG

 

[DenLo]

There have been reports that new locks will be installed on the bathroom doors. Management is also looking at sheers for the windows. . . . .

I haven't seen these reports. Could you post them or a link?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I haven't seen these reports. Could you post them or a link?

Sorry, the powers to be here will not allow me to post the link. However it was from a reliable source who actually attended the annual meeting earlier this month.

 

[JandT'smom]

Over Thanksgiving you could not stay out of the rain on the walkway as it was blowing and the floors were slippery so just beware and be careful.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We stayed in a LV studio in September. It is a lovely resort and the convenience of the monorail is a true plus. My favorite thing about the room was the balcony. I really liked that it was enclosed on the sides for more privacy. We enjoyed sitting out there in the evening. I also thought that this had by far the best drawer space and kitchen storage that I have seen in the units. My biggest issue, which I did voice to MS, is the lack of sheers on the windows. We could see very clearly into the rooms that were across the "C" from us. The bartender at TOTW told us that they have seen "a lot of things going on" in the rooms. You really cannot have an expectation of privacy unless the full drapes are drawn. I would really love to see that corrected.

We are balcony/ view people. So glad to hear your comments about the porch! We too love sitting out in the evening!

 

[DenLo]

Hello all,
. . . .

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.
. . . . .

Walkways in Florida are usually exposed to the elements. They would hot and stuffy if enclosed. If slippery then the DVC needs to fix it. Hopefully you've had a chance to notify member satisfaction of your observations.

 

[disneynutz]

I haven't seen these reports. Could you post them or a link?

I also attended the Member meeting and publicly it was stated that Disney would look into the lock and sheer issue. That doesn't mean that they will make any changes.

If they do make changes, the changes will probably be paid for by the owners, not by Disney.

I was told by Jim Lewis that I would be contacted about the defective refrigerators that were installed during the BWV rehab and thus far I haven't heard a thing. Only time will tell.

Bill

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I would think it would be very difficult to put locks on pocket/sliding doors. Wonder how many little kids already lock themselves in the bathrooms in the other units!!!

They should put a non-slip coating on the walkway, but other than that, I can't see them closing it up.

Didn't notice the gap, is the gap in the door only because the door slid too far forwards???

 

[Doc and Family]

Clarabelle,
The gap wasn't because the door slid too far forward. It is a design problem with the door on the outside of the bathroom. The bathroom inside the bedrooms have the door inside the bathroom, and these cannot be seen into.

We had 2-2BR units and a 1-BR unit for our family and all of them had the same situation with the bathroom NOT located inside one of the bedrooms.

I am not trying to start a debate over enclosing the walkway or not. I just posted our views and thoughts. I agree with Maistre Gracey--I did not buy with the hopes that disney would be cutting corners and still think a glass enclosed walkway with HVAC ducts would be much better--regardless of the weather.

I am glad to see others with the same experience and now know that I am not completely insane (although my kids would differ with this sentiment).

For those who may have gotten the opinion that we didn't like the resort--nothing could be further from the truth. Like someone said, if these are the only problems I have with it, it must be a great resort--and it really is. Looking forward to our next stay there in just under 11 months--hey the booking window is open--gotta go call MS.