BLT 1st Visit - Impressions

[pearljim]

Just returned from our first stay at BLT. I had done a lot of research, read all of the posts on the DIS, etc. prior to visiting. The reviews had been mixed and we went with an open mind, not sure what to expect. So, for what it's worth - here goes, sorry if it's too long for some:

We arrived at 10:45 am on Saturday, 11/14. We were greeted in the lobby immediately by Judy who welcomed us and ushered us to Lindsey who checked us in. First class all the way!

We had a dedicated 2 bedroom Bay Lake view for six of us - daughter, SIL and 2 grandsons. We wanted an upper floor but I said we'd trade that to get in early (well, maybe trade ). Lindsey said she had a room on the 12th floor (8212) that was a BL view but also had a "partial" view of the MK - BINGO! We were in and unpacked by 11:30 am.

The room was immaculate. Nothing missing, out of place, broken - no issues detected other than a very small stain on the master BR carpet. The view was spectacular - we could see the entire MK as well as a portion of BL and had a great view of the fireworks every evening !

The living area was a pleasant surprise, larger than other DVC properties (except OKW). The second BR was also nicely sized. The Master BR did seem a bit cramped but we made due. However, the MBR bed was very low to the ground and the mattress was lumpy - that took some getting used to.

The kitchen area was small but functional. The pull-out pantry was a nice touch. However, the frig had no ice maker and the only ice machine was on the 4th floor. Big miss in my mind.

Couple of other observations:

Closet space is limited. In the MBR, you can't hang anything straight - the door pushes the hangers in. The safe takes up half of the hanger space as well. Also, I was surprised that the sink in the MBR had no stopper. I know Disney recycles but I had to leave the water running during shaving, etc and that didn't feel right ! I really missed a walk-in shower as well. We had no problem with the bathroom doors although I can see why some do.

We didn't realize until about half way through our 1 week visit how close the BLT free parking was to the entrance. It paid for us to valet and have help with luggage, groceries upon arrival but after that, the free lot was much closer.

Where we were located, it was a pretty good jaunt to the monorail and resturants. So, the in-room dining option was a nice back-up. Also, we ordered pizza one evening. Not sure where it's made (The Wave perhaps?) but it was loaded with toppings and was delicious.

The Wave is a wonderful addition. Excellent food and good service (ask for Jesus or Giselle). We were also pleased with the Contempo Cafe. It's touch screen ordering and we experienced very little wait time.

The pool is excellent, wonderful slide. However, where its positioned, you don't get any afternoon sun and it got chilly after 4 pm - probably welcome in the summer but not so much in November.

BTW, I don't get people saying that the resort doesn't feel like Disney. I don't think it had any less Disney feel that any other resort. Hello, it's CONTEMPORARY. Pleanty of Disney art, carpets in the hall, Mickey soap, etc. Just like the Grand Floridian is turn of the century, the Wilderness Lodge is Pacific Northwest, and the Polynesian is well, Polynesian. But, that's what makes the world go round!

All in all, we had an excellent visit. We are partial to DVCs that are not linked with existing hotels but the monorial access and the view helps overcome that. We would definitely stay here again.

Hope this is helpful to some. I'd be glad to try and answer any questions.

 

[toniosmom]

Sounds like you had a great time and enjoyed BLT quite a bit. I can't wait until I can make my first BLT visit -- hopefully in late 2010.

Did you make it up to the TOTW lounge?

 

[Dee77]

Thanks for the very thorough report. Which other DVC resorts have you been in that you can compare the kitchen in BLT to? I would have figured that it would feel spacious but I guess the pictures can be deceiving.

A few more questions- How was the walk to MK? Did anyone sleep on the sleeper chair? If so how was it? The pull out couch etc?

Was there noise from the hallways? The rooms to the sides of yours?

I would also be interested in hearing about the lounge if you went there.

Thanks,
Dee

 

[DVC Mike]

Glad to hear you enjoyed BLT!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Nice write up! I'm confused though about no walk in shower? I'll admit it's been almost a year since I toured the models but I was pretty certain the master had a separate shower........

 

[DebbieB]

Nice write up! I'm confused though about no walk in shower? I'll admit it's been almost a year since I toured the models but I was pretty certain the master had a separate shower........

There definitely should have had a walk-in shower in the master. There are 3 bathrooms in a 2 bedroom, the master should have the jacuzzi tub & walk-in shower.

Regarding the icemaker - OKW is the only DVC I've stayed in that has icemakers. At BWV, they have trays in the freezer and there are a couple of ice machines per floor.

 

[dizfan]

However, the MBR bed was very low to the ground and the mattress was lumpy - that took some getting used to.

I really missed a walk-in shower as well.

Any chance this was one of the handicap accessible rooms?
I've heard they have a bed that is low to the ground and have a different bathroom configuration.

I've read elsewhere that 8412 was a handicap (ADA) room that had the low bed just like your description of 8212.

 

[spiceycat]

the walk in shower is with the toilet in the master bath at BLT.

there is an ice marker in the 1-bedroom at the models that they are showing at BLT - so that would disapoint me too.

 

[pearljim]

Thanks for the feedback. I will try to address the ?s

No, we didn't make it to the lounge - no one was interested since we had a good MK view for fireworks and the menu was limited for kids. My only disappointment of the trip.

Didn't walk to the MK. My wife had recent back surgery and she was using a scooter. It did look like a pretty good jaunt.

I understood that the master had a walk in shower as well. Ours only had a jacuzzi and a bathtub/shower combo. Don't know the story - is that how all dedicated 2BDRs are fitted? The 3rd bathroom also had a tub so we were well covered

Kitchen looks bigger as it opens toward the living area. I don't count the dining area as part of the kitchen so maybe that's confusing. As I said, it was functional and not a problem.

You are correct, now as I recall it, OKW is the only DVC with ice makers. Would be nice if there were more ice machines in BLT however.

Grandsons used the sleeper chair and the pull out sofa bed a couple of evenings just for jollies - no complaints. The sleeper chair was very comfortable to sit in.

We didn't notice any hall noise, nothing above or below either. We only had neighbors on one side and only heard them when we were both on the balcony for fireworks.

Hope this is helpful,

 

[dizfan]

Here's a thread with pictures of someone else's 1BR 7620 which shows the walk in shower

 

[Rob S.]

there are a couple of ice machines per floor.

Not true. I stayed on the 10th floor in September and had to go down a few flights of stairs for ice. I don't remember exactly what floor.

 

[pearljim]

Dizfan, you could be right although having stayed in handicap accessible rooms in the past, this one didn't have that feel about it. It would explain the low bed. However, every handicapped room I've seen in the past had a walk in/wheel in shower - still a mystery

FYI, looking at the pics in your thread, our kitchen island was the thin one with no seating.

 

[djh597]

Not true. I stayed on the 10th floor in September and had to go down a few flights of stairs for ice. I don't remember exactly what floor.

You must be a politician. Taking half of someones sentence as a fact. What she said was.....(notice the BWV)

At BWV, they have trays in the freezer and there are a couple of ice machines per floor.

 

[dizfan]

However, every handicapped room I've seen in the past had a walk in/wheel in shower - still a mystery

Thanks, I wondered about that part of it. Yep, still a mystery.

FYI, looking at the pics in your thread, our kitchen island was the thin one with no seating.

From what I've read, the even # rooms have one living area style, odd # rooms have the other living area style. I think I've read the stools and the laundry areas are the main differences between the even/odd side.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I understood that the master had a walk in shower as well. Ours only had a jacuzzi and a bathtub/shower combo. Don't know the story - is that how all dedicated 2BDRs are fitted? The 3rd bathroom also had a tub so we were well covered

Now that is just weird! So, just to clarify. The master bathroom had only the jacuzzi. The 2nd bath in the living area had the tub/shower combo and the 2nd bedroom/bath had another tub/shower - correct? And zero shower at all in the master? I would not like that at all!

Another thing contrary to what I thought I had been observing is that your even number room did not have the island chairs. My impression had been that was something in many of the odd numbered rooms.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

To the OP that was a great review and it's nice that you all enjoyed staying there.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We're going to have a dedicated 2 bedroom, lake view in January. I hope we have a walk in shower. Has anyone here had a walk in shower in a dedicated 2 bedroom at BLT? We had one in AKV, dedicated 2 bedroom.

Bobbi

PS. OP, I'm glad you got to the room early and you had a high room!

 

[jdg345]

Did you check in at the A-Frame or is there a separate Check-In on the DVC Side?

 

[dizfan]

Did you check in at the A-Frame or is there a separate Check-In on the DVC Side?

Checkin for BLT is at the Contemporary.

BLT requires a room card to access it.

 

[DebbieB]

Not true. I stayed on the 10th floor in September and had to go down a few flights of stairs for ice. I don't remember exactly what floor.

You must be a politician. Taking half of someones sentence as a fact. What she said was.....(notice the BWV)

At BWV, they have trays in the freezer and there are a couple of ice machines per floor.

Yes, BWV for the 2 ice machines per floor. I know there's one in the standard view wing and one in the boardwalk view wing. Also trash rooms in each wing. Not sure about the wings between the pools, I've never stayed there.

That's strange about the walk-in shower, that's one of my favorite things about a 1 bedroom or larger.