BLT DVC Rental

[Etch]

Hello All,

Inquired on availability with a DVC broker for last week of November. I was hoping for Poly, CCV or BRV but would also have taken BC, BW or GF. Not interested in AKL, SSR or OKW.

The one I was on the fence about was BLT and of course a BLT - Studio Lake View came up.

Two questions: Do you think two boys (6 & 11) would enjoy this resort? We plan on being there two days when we're not in the parks. The only other resort we've stayed at is AKL. I realize that being able to walk to MK and take the Monorail to Epcot are nice features. We plan to do one day at each of the parks.

What are the chance any of the other resorts I listed come up available at the 7 month mark? I'm guessing not likely. I would probably have to stay at a moderate otherwise, most likely POFQ.

Thanks.

 

[disneynutz]

We own BLT and find it sterile and not Disney like. Feels like a high-rise condo found anywhere. Being able to walk to the MK and access the monorail is nice.

Bill

 

[crisi]

Last week of November, your choices are disappearing fast. By seven months you are likely to have few options - SSR, OKW or VAKL are likely - but none of them are assured, the rest not likely at all. I'd just book your moderate if you don't think you'll like BLT.

 

[Ecstatic Eeyore]

I too own BLT and agree with disneynutz that it seems sterile compared to the other resorts. We bought it for the sole reason of being so close to the Magic Kingdom and monorail. Every time I’ve stayed at BLT the pool isn’t really busy like the Polynesian or Beach Club, but I think those pools are much better themed for kids. Depending on the lake view room you get, you may be able to see the night time water electric parade from your room. Plus there’s the nightly resort movie outside and arcade next door at the contemporary if you are interested.

 

[Marionnette]

Hello All,

Inquired on availability with a DVC broker for last week of November. I was hoping for Poly, CCV or BRV but would also have taken BC, BW or GF. Not interested in AKL, SSR or OKW.

The one I was on the fence about was BLT and of course a BLT - Studio Lake View came up.

Two questions: Do you think two boys (6 & 11) would enjoy this resort? We plan on being there two days when we're not in the parks. The only other resort we've stayed at is AKL. I realize that being able to walk to MK and take the Monorail to Epcot are nice features. We plan to do one day at each of the parks.

What are the chance any of the other resorts I listed come up available at the 7 month mark? I'm guessing not likely. I would probably have to stay at a moderate otherwise, most likely POFQ.

Thanks.

Do you think two boys (6 & 11) would enjoy this resort? We plan on being there two days when we're not in the parks. The only other resort we've stayed at is AKL.

The best thing going for BLT is its proximity to the MK. The studios themselves are small and (IMO) more cramped than any of the other DVC studios. I don't feel the pools at either BLT or CR are anything special and are more like a run of the mill hotel pool. Dining options at BLT are almost non-existent but you will have plenty of options at CR. There is a community hall with daily activities and of course, the outdoor movies. The lake view is okay but not something that a 6 or 11 year old is going to get excited about.​

What are the chance any of the other resorts I listed come up available at the 7 month mark? I'm guessing not likely.

I would put your chances of getting any of those other resorts in the realm of "highly unlikely". CCV has not been completely sold out, so there are not a lot of owners there and those that do own there are very likely to want to stay there themselves during the holiday season. Just looking at availability today shows scattered nights at the other resorts you've listed and we still have more than 3 months to go until the 7-month window opens.​

 

[Fleuristic]

How can BLT be “sterile” as many have called it when there’s Disney art at every elevator, in the rooms, hidden mickeys on the hallway carpets plus a line of sight view of the castle? Perhaps not as in your face as some other resorts but far from sterile. Sheesh.

 

[bobbiwoz]

BLT has a nice Community room.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

How can BLT be “sterile” as many have called it when there’s Disney art at every elevator, in the rooms, hidden mickeys on the hallway carpets plus a line of sight view of the castle? Perhaps not as in your face as some other resorts but far from sterile. Sheesh.

I and all my family and friends like it a lot. These days it's one of the few remaining themed resorts left that isn't brand new!

Do I think 2 younger boys would like it? Yes. It's different than AKV but the Bay Lake area is my favorite for location at WDW.

 

[ktmo]

We love BLT. I have two girls, 12 and 10. I will agree that the studios are small. The three of us stayed in a studio and I felt cramped. This summer I booked a 1 bedroom.

As for your resort days, it is a great location. You can take the monorail over to the Poly or GFV to explore or have a meal.

Make a decision fast, because I bet it will be gone quickly.

 

[Ecstatic Eeyore]

We love BLT. I have two girls, 12 and 10. I will agree that the studios are small. The three of us stayed in a studio and I felt cramped. This summer I booked a 1 bedroom.

As for your resort days, it is a great location. You can take the monorail over to the Poly or GFV to explore or have a meal.

Make a decision fast, because I bet it will be gone quickly.

ktmo, I think you will enjoy the 1 bedroom. Probably one of the best things at this resort is that you get two bathrooms in the one bedroom. Extremely useful when you have multiple people, especially once the kids are older.

 

[Etch]

We own BLT and find it sterile and not Disney like. Feels like a high-rise condo found anywhere.

This is really my only concern. Opinion really seems divided on this. To be honest, I have no idea if the boys will care or not but it is the polar opposite (in location and theme) to AKL for sure.

 

[Etch]

Just looking at availability today shows scattered nights at the other resorts you've listed and we still have more than 3 months to go until the 7-month window opens.

What I find strange is that you can book any of the DVC resorts (at much higher prices) through Disney's website for the last week of November right now. Do they hold some of these units back and release them to DVC members later?

 

[Etch]

You can take the monorail over to the Poly or GFV to explore or have a meal.

I was thinking of this last night as well. We didn't use the monorail on our previous trip so it will be a novelty to the kids just to go on it. I also noticed there is a boat to Wilderness Lodge from Contemporary.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I own at BWV but BLT is my favorite DVC. If you request an even number room you would be on the MK side of the building with possible views of MK or monorail & CR.

You might want to view a video of the studios. The kitchenette is galley style so it takes up more room than at other studios. I actually like that kitchenette as I find it offers more storage but you might find the unit small with two boys. I think you'ld have more floor space in a moderate room.

As for being able to book a DVC room with cash-that is because Disney owns those units-they aren't available on points.

 

[Ben E N]

What I find strange is that you can book any of the DVC resorts (at much higher prices) through Disney's website for the last week of November right now. Do they hold some of these units back and release them to DVC members later?

Yes. They own about 3% of each property and sell it for cash.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Yes. They own about 3% of each property and sell it for cash.

And they do not release these to DVC members later. They are already, so to speak, booked on points. Cannot book the same unit on points twice.

 

[disneynutz]

How can BLT be “sterile” as many have called it when there’s Disney art at every elevator, in the rooms, hidden mickeys on the hallway carpets plus a line of sight view of the castle? Perhaps not as in your face as some other resorts but far from sterile. Sheesh.

While there are Disney elements, it just doesn't do it for us. The colors, plastic, ultra modern looks are in great contrast compared to VGF or CCV/BRV.

Bill

 

[Ben E N]

While there are Disney elements, it just doesn't do it for us. The colors, plastic, ultra modern looks are in great contrast compared to VGF or CCV/BRV.

Bill

That's something that appeals to me about DVC. Some people may find BLT sterile ,VGF stuffy, the Poly cheesy, AKV too far away, etc, but other people love everything about the each resort.
You really don't know how you will feel until you try it out.
One thing is a little more objective, BLT, BCV, and BWV all have the best locations.

 

[Etch]

As for being able to book a DVC room with cash-that is because Disney owns those units-they aren't available on points.

Yes. They own about 3% of each property and sell it for cash.

Ahhh. I see. Good to know.

 

[crisi]

Yes. They own about 3% of each property and sell it for cash.

That's unlikely to be happening here. The 3% (or so) they own pretty much covers maintenance. While they can sell it, it is most likely used for when rooms go out of service, or they close a floor to replace the carpet in the hall or refurbish rooms.

They also own all the points they've acquired through ROFR or foreclosure. Those are their points to do what they wish with them, and obviously they want to monetize them.

The greatest number of points CRO probably holds is those that have been used to book non-DVC vacations by members (except RCI, for RCI trades DVC deposits rooms with RCI). DVC must sell those for cash in order to cover the costs of member trades. Members cannot recoup those. Its probably best to think of these rooms as rooms members have already booked - they've just traded them for a room on the Disney Wonder.

The final group of points they have access to is any rooms not booked by members 60 days out. Those are the only rooms that could be reclaimed. The revenue for those rooms goes towards member dues as "breakage income." It feels to me like its becoming less common for breakage rooms to reach CRO.