BLT access bridge closed for 1 week

[1967 shelby gt 350]

My sister-in-law just checked in today and called to tell me the bridge is closed for the week. Anyone know what type of work they are doing to it? I feel really bad for her. No advance notice this was happening during her stay.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

My hope would be something like modifying the flooring so that it isn't so slippery when wet or else something to enclose it more so it can't get wet. I don't actually know what is happening though.

 

[TiaMaria]

When we stayed there this spring, we heard that they were going to take additional steps this summer to eliminate the "non-guests" from gaining access to the building on that level. Apparently it has been getting out of hand, especially at fireworks viewing time, from what one of the Lobby CM's told us.

I don't know, I didn't really find it comfortable to stand on the bridge or in the elevator lobbies to watch the fireworks when we stayed there, but I guess some people think they are gaining some advantage? Or maybe some still don't realize there is no access to TOTWL from that level?

Maybe they are doing that work now?

 

[spiceycat]

that scary sounds like they are doing away with the automatic door opening - which I definitely appreciate.

love that part. would hate for them to complete enclose the skywalk - because it has some great views.

although though it was to be enclosed and the winds were the reason it was not done?

 

[AlexTina]

They definately need to do something with the flooring it is super slippery when it rains. My son wiped out and we saw 2 other kids fall on different occasions during the same trip, they were walking with their families too so it's not like they were running and fell, it's just so slippery that if your not paying attention to each step your feet can easily go out from under you.

Tina

 

[djh597]

Can't enclose it unless they air condition it. That's not going to happen in a week

 

[MinnieGirl33]

that scary sounds like they are doing away with the automatic door opening - which I definitely appreciate.

The automatic door would be fine if it worked properly. Hopefully they are doing something about it but I can't see that taking a week Also agree that the tile floor in the elevator lobby is hazardous & should be changed out.

We arrive on 8/29 so I guess we'll see soon enough

 

[McCrae]

Currently staying at BLT. My guess is that they are stopping the door automatically opening when the disabled access button is pressed and they are making sure that you must have a key to enter the walk way.

No point having key access requirement for other areas if you can bypass it on the walkway by simply pushing the disabled button.

 

[liznboys]

I'm sorry it's unexpectedly closed for your sister. That would be a bummer.

I also hope they are redoing the floor. It is slippery!! I'll take plain old concrete over something pretty and slippery.

 

[njtinkmom]

Currently staying at BLT. My guess is that they are stopping the door automatically opening when the disabled access button is pressed and they are making sure that you must have a key to enter the walk way.

No point having key access requirement for other areas if you can bypass it on the walkway by simply pushing the disabled button.

It's funny you should say this. We were at AKLV 2 weeks ago and went to Chef Mickey's for breakfast and then walked outside to check out our "home" that I never get to stay in. My husband noticed the key card to the door on the walkway right away and my 8 yo dd said but look and hit the handicapped button and magically the doors opened! We did not go in - but I bet plenty of people do!

 

[walkdmc]

We stayed at BLT in June. We never once used our KTTW room card to enter that bridge. The door was always either, open already, or the kids in the party pushed the handicapped door open button. I never even realized there was a card/entry device!

While we were staying at the BLT, one day we got "home" in the evening and found a pizza delivery flyer under our door. It bothered me a little that someone handing out fliers could have access to the resort building. I've stayed at a lot of hotels/resorts and don't recall receiving any promotional materials slid under my door.

 

[Snurk71]

Another DISer has a live trip report going and 'by the way' mentioned that the skyway was closed for resurfacing - didn't mention in a speeculative way, more matter of factly.

FWIW...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Another DISer has a live trip report going and 'by the way' mentioned that the skyway was closed for resurfacing - didn't mention in a speeculative way, more matter of factly.

FWIW...

That's very good to hear. It really was a terrible safety hazard. With the wind that blows thru that area even the slightest amount of precipitation would make the flooring wet and slippery.

 

[Checkers]

Just returned last evening and they are resurfacing the walkway. One of the workmen told my DH that it could possibly be closed for 2 weeks. Hope for those staying at BLT right now that is does not take that long!

 

[DISFANSHAN]

I emailed Member Services to ask about the walkway being closed and here is their response:

Thank you for contacting DISNEY VACATION CLUB®.

We appreciate your interest in a DISNEY VACATION CLUB Resort. Per the
Front Desk, the Walkway Bridge between Bay Lake Tower at Disney's
Contemporary Resort and the Main Building at Disney's Contemporary
Resort is currently closed for repairs. They do not know when the
bridge will be reopening. To get to the Main Building, you will have to
walk from Bay Lake Tower to the Main Building and you can take the
elevators or the escalator to the 4th Floor where there Merchandise
Shops and Monorail Station is located.

Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

 

[Cyndibear]

Thank's for the info DISFANSHAN!! OP--hope your Sis-in-law is not too inconvenienced by this and I hope it's done by the time we arrive!!!

Cyndi

 

[1967 shelby gt 350]

OP--hope your Sis-in-law is not too inconvenienced by this and I hope it's done by the time we arrive!!!

Thanks for the nice thought. She called me the other night and said it was not too bad. They are enjoying their first visit there. They love watching the fireworks from the TOWL. She said what other posters have said- re-doing the floor. She also mentioned the glass panels along the wall. She thought they were new as well- but they were there when we were, the last week of July. Cyndi, is this your first time there? It was ours and we really were impressed with the whole place. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Darla

 

[DenLo]

The automatic door would be fine if it worked properly. Hopefully they are doing something about it but I can't see that taking a week Also agree that the tile floor in the elevator lobby is hazardous & should be changed out.

We arrive on 8/29 so I guess we'll see soon enough

Never noticed the tile in the elevator lobby being slippery, just the skywalk in fact just the opposite. Footing was much better in the lobby. We saw more than one child fall on the skywalk after it rained during the week we stayed there in March.

 

[Cyndibear]

Cyndi, is this your first time there? It was ours and we really were impressed with the whole place. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Darla

It is and we are soooooo excited beyond belief!!! We stayed at the CR years ago as a Bday surprise for my DH's 30th and I know how great that was. Now we have a DVC resort to enjoy!!!! We will be in a 1 bedroom MK view. Can't wait to sit on the balcony and enjoy the view and Wishes! I also want to go to TOTW and enjoy that too. Thanks!!!

Cyndi

 

[smjj]

Not only are non-quest taking advantage of this bridge, they are also trashing it when they leave. We have walked back over it and the place is a mess with trash just tossed on the floor after the fireworks. The non-guest have figured out you can gain access to this area by hitting the blue handicap button or following in quest who have just opened the door with their key...smjj