BLT - Fireworks Observation Deck

[Dee77]

I was under the impression that when we arrive, we will be given a choice of 2 or 3 of the nights of our stay to go for one fireworks viewing. I assume being that it is not actually part of DVC ownership and as they use the space for private parties, the choice of nights will no longer be an option.

 

[DebbieB]

We were told that it had a capacity of 399 members but would probably be capped at around 250 (it would be very crowded if they let 399 people in there)

As for getting an MK view, if we get one we'll be pleased and if not we'll save points and go for a standard view. Either way I'll be happy staying there and just walking over to MK

I think I heard there are 2 decks, one outside and one inside. I think the 70 person one is inside, it's actually a bar. I don't think you could fit 250 in there and actually be able to see anything, that has to be outside.

 

[spiceycat]

My point is with only 40 studios and 40 one bedrooms being a MK view at BLT, I would expect that a lot of members may be disappointed.

they don't have that many in the DVC access yet.

I think it is like 5 villa (2-bedrooms). although they are definitely telling paying guests they will get a bay lake. so maybe before it opens they will move over some more.

 

[spiceycat]

As you move along the 'arc' of the building going from the Contemporary end toward the other end, it seems somewhere there will be a MK view right next door to a Standard View room. My guess is that there will be a few standard view rooms that are actually partially MK view.

Hopefully when some members start staying there we'll get lots of reports of the views, and hopefully some photos also.

only 11% is standard - so expect no MK or BL views at all.most of the side facing CR will be lake views - or it seems like they will. so expecting standard to be lower rooms facing the parking lot (no MK view at all) or facing CR.

since I am happy with standard it does not matter what it faces - well mostly.

hoping to see pictures too. Also will be looking on the WDW resort board - they can rent this place - for a bargin price.

 

[BLT_BobbyComics]

The deck is not part of the DVC so they can do what ever they want. If they do let members in, it will have limited occupancy.

As I have posted many times before, don't buy BLT expecting to get a MK view.

I just had my meeting with my saleperson last week. We were told the observation deck ontop of BLT was EXCLUSIVE for DVC members. Normal guests from what we were told can not even get over to the BLT without a card. We were told the pool, the observation deck, and the rooms were all DVC exclusives and "regular guests" could not get over to the BLT without a room key.

 

[cheezNE1]

I just had my meeting with my saleperson last week. We were told the observation deck ontop of BLT was EXCLUSIVE for DVC members. Normal guests from what we were told can not even get over to the BLT without a card. We were told the pool, the observation deck, and the rooms were all DVC exclusives and "regular guests" could not get over to the BLT without a room key.

hence the word "salesperson".

 

[the who #3]

does anyone know if you can see the fireworks from the blt/contemp bridge?

that would be a good place to watch from if you don't have a mk view. is it also possible that that the view even from the mk view rooms could be hinderec by struckture. you may be able to see part of the mk but not a full view.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Back on topic...

I have pointedly asked my guide about the observation deck and he gave me a direct answer 2-3 weeks ago.

The observation most definately is a part of the DVC property in the sense that it will be available to DVC members staying at BLT during their stay only. He believes it will be handled by a "penthouse-like KTTK card" in the elevators. Reservations will not be required initially but if it "gets out of control and over-crowded" that could change. It will NOT be open to the "general public" nor will it be made available for private use outside DVC. He said he didn't know where all these rumors get started but that these were the facts.

My guide's explanation. Believe it or not. Your choice. He has NEVER told me anything wrong FWIW and he was pretty atimate that he was dead-right on this one.

I could tell he wasn't making it up as he went along. He had absolutely talked to someone about this and had his facts straight. I tried to stumble him up and I couldn't.

 

[dcfromva]

does anyone know if you can see the fireworks from the blt/contemp bridge?

that would be a good place to watch from if you don't have a mk view.

Hmm, that is a good idea. I am trying to visualize where the monorail track would be. The monorail goes right over the top of the observation deck on the 4th floor of the CR and the bridge connects to the 4th floor. But, the fireworks would be up higher in the air... Maybe...

 

[spiceycat]

what the guides say and what the resort decides can be different.

the resort is giving out the rights - the guides don't have any say.

so until otherwise will believe it is for GUESTS at BLT period. the guests will include non-DVC members until the thing is sold out.

the guides also say that only guests staying at BLT will be using the pool. Well CR is already telling their guests they can use that pool too.

come August we will find out.

 

[crisi]

Back on topic...

I have pointedly asked my guide about the observation deck and he gave me a direct answer 2-3 weeks ago.

The observation most definately is a part of the DVC property in the sense that it will be available to DVC members staying at BLT during their stay only. He believes it will be handled by a "penthouse-like KTTK card" in the elevators. Reservations will not be required initially but if it "gets out of control and over-crowded" that could change. It will NOT be open to the "general public" nor will it be made available for private use outside DVC. He said he didn't know where all these rumors get started but that these were the facts.

My guide's explanation. Believe it or not. Your choice. He has NEVER told me anything wrong FWIW and he was pretty atimate that he was dead-right on this one.

I could tell he wasn't making it up as he went along. He had absolutely talked to someone about this and had his facts straight. I tried to stumble him up and I couldn't.

Your guide may want to read his own marketing materials, which make it very clear in the legal fine print that the observation deck does not belong to DVC and its use is not guarenteed to DVC members.

When push comes to shove, I'm going to believe the legal documents.

 

[spiceycat]

does anyone know if you can see the fireworks from the blt/contemp bridge?

that would be a good place to watch from if you don't have a mk view. is it also possible that that the view even from the mk view rooms could be hinderec by struckture. you may be able to see part of the mk but not a full view.

the originally plans called for this to be a moving platform. So if that is still the case and they don't allow you to walk over (which for people in wheelchairs is necessary) - then no you can't.

that say - definitely think the views will be nice from here. Will have to wait until August to see...

 

[hakepb]

I really love Bay Lake and believe that's the better day view, but anybody else think they may have that building turned the wrong way?!

Based on some of their BLT sales opening comments, it sounded like they intended to minimize the parking lot views. Later on, they realized the bad parking lot views could become the highly desireable MK fireworks view...

 

[spiceycat]

I though the building was constructed that way - so CR would get clear views.

it is definitely placed to be out of views at CR.

so though that was the basic.

 

[the who #3]

i guess the roof of the bridge would cut off the view since it is so much higher.

 

[spiceycat]

i guess the roof of the bridge would cut off the view since it is so much higher.

don't know - but will tell you in Sept - wait not staying in Sept - yet...

 

[DebbieB]

Your guide may want to read his own marketing materials, which make it very clear in the legal fine print that the observation deck does not belong to DVC and its use is not guarenteed to DVC members.

When push comes to shove, I'm going to believe the legal documents.

One part of the issue maybe that the inside observation area is actually a bar (from what I understand). If it was owned by DVC, members would have to pay for its operation and would also be entitled to its operating profits (or rental fees if it was rented to WDW to operate it).

 

[the who #3]

if this is supposed to be a bar, would that mean that children are not allowed?

i don't think there would be anything wrong with disney having a late night desert/coffee/bar area that all ages could come to and let the profits feed into a fund intended for some disney or dvc project. after all the new sanaa restaurant is in the akv building but anyone is allowed to dine there. hope that will be good.

 

[spiceycat]

children would not be allowed alone - but accompany by their parents or guardian - they should be fine.

this is descripted as a lounge - so don't think you can order anything but drinks.

 

[DVCGeek]

My point is with only 40 studios and 40 one bedrooms being a MK view at BLT, I would expect that a lot of members may be disappointed.

Buying BLT hoping to get a MK view is different than expecting a MK view. I don't like seeing our fellow members disappointed.

I hoped for a MK view most if not all the time. For 2009 I got a LV studio for Nov. 29-Dec 4. I'm wait listed for MK view. Am I dissapointed? A bit. BUT, these dates were good for us and I pre-cleared the vacation days with work so I didn't want to change them. I bought 160 points, the minimum for a new member, but enough to get me 6 nights in a studio every year except during Premiere. And with DW hating large crowds, that isn't an issue for us!

What really bothered me was the mad dash for reservations on Feb. 8th. I expected things to be crowded and have a sizeable time on hold, but it was worse than I expected!!! I started calling @ 9 AM on Feb. 8th. Redialed as fast as I could, sometimes using multiple phones (family was helping from cells). Got to a menu @ ~9:38 but my call got dropped when I pressed 1 for reservations!!! THAT made me mad. Had I gotten through then I might have the view... I finally got in to go on hold about 10:14 and completed my reservation about 10:43 (~25 min. hold as the prompts predicted).

So, DP reservations went smoothly for me. My first home resort one, not so much.

I expect things will go better in the future, especially since I want to go in different seasons annuall; mid.-Oct in 2010, early Sep. in 2011, late May in 2012 (might be messy?) and early Feb. 2013. Then loop with right after Thanksgiving. Toss in Disneyland every 3 or 4 years (hopefully from a VGC add-on; 40 points to get 4 (maybe 5) nights in a studio every 3rd year) to one of those time periods and hit both coasts that calendar year...

We'll see I guess!