Best DVC resort lounges

[rentayenta]

In an endless effort to solidly my choices, I'm curious as to who has the best resort lounge? DH and like to pop down for a drink (or up if we decide to do concierge and are lucky enough to score it) and have a drink after the kids are settled in.

What resort has the best atmosphere, drinks, general vibe? We really enjoyed the Hearthstone Lounge at the GCV this past November.

I'm specifically looking for opinions on the lounges at AKV and SSR. All are welcome though as nothing is set in stone but the dates.

Hmm....my own post made me realize that SSR is going to take more than popping down as its condo style.

 

[disneynutz]

What kinda vibe are you looking for, quiet and relaxing or busy and party like.

Meet other people or sit and stare into each others eyes?

 

[Judique]

In an endless effort to solidly my choices, I'm curious as to who has the best resort lounge? DH and like to pop down for a drink (or up if we decide to do concierge and are lucky enough to score it) and have a drink after the kids are settled in.

What resort has the best atmosphere, drinks, general vibe? We really enjoyed the Hearthstone Lounge at the GCV this past November.

I'm specifically looking for opinions on the lounges at AKV and SSR. All are welcome though as nothing is set in stone but the dates.

Hmm....my own post made me realize that SSR is going to take more than popping down as its condo style.

AKV has the option of Victoria Falls. It's kind of nice in the fact that it's in the middle of all the action.

Never been to the lounge at SSR.

Top of the World wins for atmosphere and view at BLT, plus you have the one on the main concourse at the Contemp and the bar upstairs at the restaurant that I've suddenly forgotten the name of.

 

[rentayenta]

What kinda vibe are you looking for, quiet and relaxing or busy and party like.

Meet other people or sit and stare into each others eyes?

A combination. We're not the type to stare into each others eyes and tune the world out but I'm not 21 anymore so don't need to be doing tequila shots or dancing on the bar top. I'm looking for relaxing but alive. Nothing where I'm three deep waiting for a drink.

AKV has the option of Victoria Falls. It's kind of nice in the fact that it's in the middle of all the action.

Never been to the lounge at SSR.

Top of the World wins for atmosphere and view at BLT, plus you have the one on the main concourse at the Contemp and the bar upstairs at the restaurant that I've suddenly forgotten the name of.

Is Victoria Falls in Jambo or Kidani? After I wrote this I immediately thought of the Top of The World Lounge. It looks perfect but BLT is near the bottle of our list for resorts this trip.

 

[TDC Nala]

Sanaa lounge at Kidani, Top of the World Lounge (you can only access it if you are staying there), at BCV you can walk over to the Crew's Cup at the Yacht Club, the Turf Club has a nice lounge although it doubles as the waiting area for the restaurant, and the Gurgling Suitcase at OKW has that corner bar where we all know each other vibe. Even if we don't all know each other. Likely it's not the place for a romantic tete a tete. I also love, love love the Territory Lounge at WL.

I am not a fan of Victoria Falls. If I want to drink at Jambo I do it at the little wine bar outside Jiko.

 

[rentayenta]

Sanaa lounge at Kidani, Top of the World Lounge (you can only access it if you are staying there), at BCV you can walk over to the Crew's Cup at the Yacht Club, the Turf Club has a nice lounge although it doubles as the waiting area for the restaurant, and the Gurgling Suitcase at OKW has that corner bar where we all know each other vibe. Even if we don't all know each other. Likely it's not the place for a romantic tete a tete. I also love, love love the Territory Lounge at WL.

I am not a fan of Victoria Falls. If I want to drink at Jambo I do it at the little wine bar outside Jiko.

Loved the Gurgling Suitcase, isn't that the one by the pool? We had a fabulous afternoon there. It had a very Cheers like atmosphere.

What didn't you like about Vicotoria Falls? I didn't know Saana had a lounge. I think I read they close at 9:00 though?

Not looking for romantic. Just not overly loud where we can't chat. We don't want to be the only ones there while the staff is half asleep either.

What's great about the Territory Lounge?

 

[disneynutz]

BCV, BWV, or VWL. All three have or have close access to what you are looking for. Feel like a good hamburger or nachos and beer, ESPN Club close to BCV and BWV.

We also like to sit on the porch at Fort Wilderness, watch people, and have a couple of drinks.

Bill

 

[rentayenta]

BCV, BWV, or VWL. All three have or have close access to what you are looking for. Feel like a good hamburger or nachos and beer, ESPN Club close to BCV and BWV.

We also like to sit on the porch at Fort Wilderness, watch people, and have a couple of drinks.

Bill

Thank you Bill.

 

[Brian Noble]

Gurgling Suitcase (OKW): it's appropriately named, as it is about suitcase sized. But, a fun vibe if the weather is cooperative. Really more of a pool bar than a lounge.

Belle Vue Room (BWV): very comfortable. A little too quiet most nights for my tastes, but if you are looking to get away from it all, this works.

Territory Lounge (VWL): More of a "clubby" sort of place---as you'd expect, lots of wood, a little dark. There is a TV (plus or minus, you decide). Sort of between Gurgling and Belle Vue in terms of "active" vibe.

 

[rentayenta]

Gurgling Suitcase (OKW): it's appropriately named, as it is about suitcase sized. But, a fun vibe if the weather is cooperative. Really more of a pool bar than a lounge.

Belle Vue Room (BWV): very comfortable. A little too quiet most nights for my tastes, but if you are looking to get away from it all, this works.

Territory Lounge (VWL): More of a "clubby" sort of place---as you'd expect, lots of wood, a little dark. There is a TV (plus or minus, you decide). Sort of between Gurgling and Belle Vue in terms of "active" vibe.

The Gurgling Suitcase is worth staying at the OKW again. That and the room size and Olivia's. In fact I enjoy the whole vibe there. Does the GS close when the pool closes? Might be option to grab a drink and enjoy the jacuzzi.

Belle Vue might work.

DH would like the Territory Lounge. He likes tv and alcohol together.

 

[bwvBound]

After I wrote this I immediately thought of the Top of The World Lounge. It looks perfect but BLT is near the bottle of our list for resorts this trip.

A funny typo given the context of the conversation. Almost as if the text editor was reading your mind ...

 

[Cee]

We've enjoyed all the lounges quite a bit. The lounge outside of the Turf Club at SSR was nice and comfy. We LOVE the Territory Lounge at WL and the Wave lounge at CR. Belle Vue is nice because you can take your drinks out on the porch/balcony.

 

[rentayenta]

A funny typo given the context of the conversation. Almost as if the text editor was reading your mind ...

That's good! And true. We enjoy our after parks night cap.

 

[rentayenta]

We've enjoyed all the lounges quite a bit. The lounge outside of the Turf Club at SSR was nice and comfy. We LOVE the Territory Lounge at WL and the Wave lounge at CR. Belle Vue is nice because you can take your drinks out on the porch/balcony.

Okay, cool, so SSR does have a lounge! Belle Vue keeps coming up. I think having the lounge be a factor in choosing resorts......

 

[luckyman_apd]

Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of the Top of the world lounge at BLT. SSR didn't cut it for me for the bar. We spent a lot of time at the pool at night while the kids watched the movie under the stars, and it was a bit of a walk up the steps to the lounge side of the turf club to get a few drinks and go back down to the pool. I think the pool side bars need to stay open later It did seem like a nice little lounge to have a small meal and a few drinks. Top of the world lounge worked for me, because I didn't have to leave the building. I didn't even have to leave the floor as our room was on the top floor about 500ft from the lounge!

 

[rentayenta]

Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of the Top of the world lounge at BLT. SSR didn't cut it for me for the bar. We spent a lot of time at the pool at night while the kids watched the movie under the stars, and it was a bit of a walk up the steps to the lounge side of the turf club to get a few drinks and go back down to the pool. I think the pool side bars need to stay open later It did seem like a nice little lounge to have a small meal and a few drinks. Top of the world lounge worked for me, because I didn't have to leave the building. I didn't even have to leave the floor as our room was on the top floor about 500ft from the lounge!

I agree. The pool bars should stay open as long as the pool. Why don't they? It doesn't make any sense.

Not leaving the building is a huge perk. Unfortunately SSR doesn't offer that option. Seriously doing some reconsidering......

 

[disneynutz]

I agree. The pool bars should stay open as long as the pool. Why don't they? It doesn't make any sense.

Not leaving the building is a huge perk. Unfortunately SSR doesn't offer that option. Seriously doing some reconsidering......

Money. If the amount of revenue doesn't cover the cost of operation and expected profit, they close. I don't think that Members want their dues increasing to cover the cost of pool bars staying open later.

I expect something to happen at BLT TOTWL. Last time I talked to the CMs there, sales were not paying expenses, never mind profit.

Bill

 

[TDC Nala]

I love the Territory Lounge because the awesome bartenders would get me food from Artist Point and stuff martini olives with blue cheese for me.

 

[rentayenta]

Money. If the amount of revenue doesn't cover the cost of operation and expected profit, they close. I don't think that Members want their dues increasing to cover the cost of pool bars staying open later.

I expect something to happen at BLT TOTWL. Last time I talked to the CMs there, sales were not paying expenses, never mind profit.

Bill

What do you think will happen? What are the TOTWL hours now?

I wouldn't mind my dues increases covering that cost. I haven't been a member for very long and haven't seen some the maintanence issues others have.

I love the Territory Lounge because the awesome bartenders would get me food from Artist Point and stuff martini olives with blue cheese for me.

I love martini olives and a dirty martini. Stuffed with bleu cheese sounds heavenly. I don't think we'll be anywhere neat VWL though. Maybe we can such the kids one night and pop over for a drink.

 

[DVC Doc]

1. Top of the World Lounge - Bay Lake Tower
2. Green Cabin Room - Vero Beach Resort
3. Olelo Room - Aulani