Bay Lake Tower - Wishes & Fireworks

[N4niner206]

We are new DVC members, and have yet to take our first DVC trip. In two weeks, we will be taking a non-DVC trip (was planned before we purchased our membership) but wanted to celebrate our new purchase by adding one night to the beginning of our trip at a DVC resort. We were persistant and were able to get our first night at BLT with a Lake View (we are on wait list for kingdom view). We are only staying one night before transferring for 8 nights at one of the non-DVC resorts.

We travel to WDW a couple times each year. We don't plan on staying at BLT again anytime soon, but we thought this would be a great one for one night, as its close to MK.

Here is my question... the observation level at BLT... should we make a point of seeing Wishes from there? In other words, is it something extra special, or is it just an alternative for those who want to see the show but are retired for the day? It will be our first night, so I wouldn't mind being in the park. But we have many more days to see the show and this will be our only night at BLT. Any thoughts?

Also, if we do see it at BLT... any recommendations on things to do to make it extra special? That night will be the fourth wedding anniversary for myself and DW. Still keeping my fingers crossed for MK View!!

 

[MouseMomx2]

We are new DVC members, and have yet to take our first DVC trip. In two weeks, we will be taking a non-DVC trip (was planned before we purchased our membership) but wanted to celebrate our new purchase by adding one night to the beginning of our trip at a DVC resort. We were persistant and were able to get our first night at BLT with a Lake View (we are on wait list for kingdom view). We are only staying one night before transferring for 8 nights at one of the non-DVC resorts.

We travel to WDW a couple times each year. We don't plan on staying at BLT again anytime soon, but we thought this would be a great one for one night, as its close to MK.

Here is my question... the observation level at BLT... should we make a point of seeing Wishes from there? In other words, is it something extra special, or is it just an alternative for those who want to see the show but are retired for the day? It will be our first night, so I wouldn't mind being in the park. But we have many more days to see the show and this will be our only night at BLT. Any thoughts?

Also, if we do see it at BLT... any recommendations on things to do to make it extra special? That night will be the fourth wedding anniversary for myself and DW. Still keeping my fingers crossed for MK View!!

I thought it was a nice experience to see it from the Top of the World lounge. It was especially nice not to have to fight the crowds. One note, however...the view is different from the lounge. It is a much different perspective. That said, we really enjoyed the experience. Since it's your only night there I would suggest giving it a try. As you said, you'll be able to see it in the park on other nights.

My suggestion for your anniversary would be to have a nice dinner either at the Contemporary or somewhere on the monorail loop. Then head back to the lounge for a drink and some fireworks viewing. If you can get a reservation at the California Grill I'd go with that but Narcoosees at the Grand Floridian is also very nice. We also enjoyed our dinner at the Wave (Contemporary) and always love the Kona Cafe (Polynesian).

Have a great trip and Happy Anniversary!

 

[disneynutz]

The MK view is nice but no big deal to us. A parking lot in the foreground and the tops of MK buildings at a distance.

Viewing from the TOTWL is worth the effort at least once and since you will be there, I say go for it. Who knows, you may not be back for years and by then we may not have access.

Bill

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you think you will be eating in the Cali Grill sometime, than you could miss going to the TOTW on this trip. It's seeing the fireworks from a different perspective, not necessarily a better one. DH doesn't like it that much, but as someone said, it's great seeing fireworks and not having to deal with crowds.

 

[AmandaRG]

If I am not mistaken, it is reserved for DVC members staying on points, so it may be a moot point.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[N4niner206]

Thanks, everyone! I'm sold!

Mousemom - thank you for the info and the kind wishes! Your ideas are fantastic!

Disneynutz - I think you're right... I think we'll do it, just because its something we may not do again anytime soon, and we have many other trips planned where we can see it from inside the park and other views.

Bobbi - Different is good Keeps things interesting! I think it will be a great way to start off the trip.

Amanda - Yep, I think you're right about the limited access. I may not have been clear about it, but luckily we are DVC members and we will be staying on our points. We basically had an 8-night non-DVC reservation made already. We simply added a second (DVC member) reservation for one night on. Its really just a great excuse to start our vacation a day early!

 

[castleri]

If your WL doesn't come through you might request a high floor, north side, even numbered room. We had a 1 BR and could see the MK quite clearly from the living room and balconey. The studio side would have had an even better one. As others have said the fireworks have a totally different perspective than from in the park. If you get up there early enough you could have a drink and a piece of that 7 layer cake to celebrate the anniversary. Then go outside to watch the fireworks from the observation deck if you don't get a table by the window. Have a lovely trip and happy anniversary.

 

[OKW Lover]

If you've seen Wishes from the MK (which I assume you have since you visit frequently) then seeing it from the top of BLT is a good take. Yes, its a different perspective and it will seem strange that the fireworks appear off to the side, but it is still magical. Go up early and have some appetizers in the lounge.

 

[ssawka]

The MK view is nice but no big deal to us. A parking lot in the foreground and the tops of MK buildings at a distance.

Especially considering that a MK view room can be on the third floor! Just not worth the points! IMHO

 

[N4niner206]

Especially considering that a MK view room can be on the third floor! Just not worth the points! IMHO

Yeah, I wondered about that! I'm not into the idea of a MK Parking Lot view. Is it possible to waitlist for something like "MK View only if above the fifth floor"? Or do they only waitlist for all rooms for a specific view category?

 

[ssawka]

Yeah, I wondered about that! I'm not into the idea of a MK Parking Lot view. Is it possible to waitlist for something like "MK View only if above the fifth floor"? Or do they only waitlist for all rooms for a specific view category?

Nope, the categories are MK View, Lake View, and Standard View. You can request a higher floor, but that is not guaranteed. And, seeing how everyone requests "higher floor", a request may not even help.

 

[spiceycat]

I happen to love the fireworks from TOWL - it is pretty wonderfully.

you can see all the fireworks - not just the ones you can see from main street or behind the castle or frontierland, or anyplace else.

so you get a better picture (at least to me) of all the stuff and work it takes.

really love them from the roof. you can heard the music clearly!!! and it is just amazing.