BLT first trip home 8/23-8/28! Report and pics (Standard View Studio)

[Sandisw]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you are renting points from someone else wont your room key say "DVC member" on it? If that is the case, you will be allowed access to the Top of the World.

Yes, there is a great possibility that renters whose cards say "DVC" on them will be allowed up.

When we stayed there in August, we only had to show the KTTW card with DVC on it. I was asked if I was staying on points, since is said "DVC DDP" and not "DVC member". I told them that yes, I was there on my points.

They then escorted us up. I did not have to show my blue membership card. So, I think renters should go with the understanding that they will probably be allowed to use the lounge, but there is always a chance that they will not, as we all know, the rules can and will change over time.

 

[pixie921]

Yes, there is a great possibility that renters whose cards say "DVC" on them will be allowed up.

When we stayed there in August, we only had to show the KTTW card with DVC on it. I was asked if I was staying on points, since is said "DVC DDP" and not "DVC member". I told them that yes, I was there on my points.

They then escorted us up. I did not have to show my blue membership card. So, I think renters should go with the understanding that they will probably be allowed to use the lounge, but there is always a chance that they will not, as we all know, the rules can and will change over time.

Interesting. I was told that you had to show your actual membership card to gain access to the lounge. Ah well, another "random" enforcement situation. I guess we shouldn't be surprised.

 

[Sandisw]

Interesting. I was told that you had to show your actual membership card to gain access to the lounge. Ah well, another "random" enforcement situation. I guess we shouldn't be surprised.

I can say that they were holding firm to not allowing cash guests up. And, the one person that was trying was not happy.

 

[pditullio]

I can say that they were holding firm to not allowing cash guests up. And, the one person that was trying was not happy.

I saw an exchange like this, too. The person was trying to tell the CM that he "was told" when he made his reservation that he would be able to use the Lounge. To her credit, she did not cave. She called a manager to come down and talk to him, and he came just as we left to be escorted up. We were up there for a while, and they were not allowed up.

 

[5forDiz]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you are renting points from someone else wont your room key say "DVC member" on it? If that is the case, you will be allowed access to the Top of the World.

At the moment, the policy states "DVC Members & their guests" and it would seem that if the Member reserves a villa on points at BLT for their "guest" but DVC is not specifically stating that a renter is not considered a guest in this circumstance then that renter may in fact have access to TOWL.

Interesting. I was told that you had to show your actual membership card to gain access to the lounge. Ah well, another "random" enforcement situation. I guess we shouldn't be surprised.

If I rented my points to someone for them to stay at BLT I wouldn't offer them any promises that they could acces TOWL because it does not seem clear to me at least that even if they produced KTTW card with DVC Member on it that they would not be asked to show blue membership card.

With BLT being so close to the MK, this will become a bigger problem in the future as the resort becomes more popular and becomes sold out.

This statement imo is painting with a very broad brush. I can't say I recall hearing that pool at Contemporary Resort has big problem with MK guests wandering over to use it and it's virtually same distance to MK as BLT & probably can be considered more convenient since monorail stops inside CR. Just because BLT is new doesn't make its pool any more attractive than any other resort's in close proximity to park. And over at BCV & AKV Jambo/Kidani how CMs & lifeguards deal with non-guests attempting to pool hop will work just as well over at BLT.

 

[pditullio]

I can't say I recall hearing that pool at Contemporary Resort has big problem with MK guests wandering over to use it and it's virtually same distance to MK as BLT & probably can be considered more convenient since monorail stops inside CR.

1) CR isn't a restricted pool.

2) I can't speak for the other posters on the board, but I wasn't speaking specifically to a concern about MK guests, just non-BLT guests in general. Who aren't supposed to be there.

And over at BCV & AKV Jambo/Kidani how CMs & lifeguards deal with non-guests attempting to pool hop will work just as well over at BLT.

Yes! Exactly! We all agree.
That's what we are saying. But 'the way they deal with non-guests at BCV' is not happening at AKV and BLT.

 

[5forDiz]

1) CR isn't a restricted pool.

2) I can't speak for the other posters on the board, but I wasn't speaking specifically to a concern about MK guests, just non-BLT guests in general. Who aren't supposed to be there.




Yes! Exactly! We all agree.
That's what we are saying. But 'the way they deal with non-guests at BCV' is not happening at AKV and BLT.

1) Like I said, what's this perceived draw to BLT's pool about when there is CR's, Polynesian's, GF's, etc where pool hopping is allowed ?....majority of members play by the rules & wouldn't put themselves & their family/guests in a position of being asked to leave a pool they should not be at because hopping isn't permitted there.

2) I understand your concern about no pool hopping being enforced & I agree completely that it should be & it is made clear enough to members at least that unless you're staying on points at those particular resorts the pool is off limits but I also think presuming because it was crowded that means there's a large number of non-BLT guests there is a stretch.... a studio, 1 bedroom & 2 bedroom at max occupancy at BLT equals 18 guest or 21 if there's a child under 3 in each and that's just the math for 3 units so on a hot summer afternoon the pool area is going to seem overcrowded at BLT (and most every resort).

 

[locodemickey]

I think I read here that locals go to use the desired pools sometimes. The whole pool hopping (or pool snatching) has got to stop! I can't believe that in a previous post someone wrote that no one ever says anything to MS or management. It seems like there would be many complaints.

 

[pditullio]

...I also think presuming because it was crowded that means there's a large number of non-BLT guests there is a stretch.... a studio, 1 bedroom & 2 bedroom at max occupancy at BLT equals 18 guest or 21 if there's a child under 3 in each and that's just the math for 3 units so on a hot summer afternoon the pool area is going to seem overcrowded at BLT (and most every resort).

I think if you look back at the whole conversation, you'll see that my observations about pool hopping during our stay were not based solely on the fact that it was crowded.

 

[Sammie]

I think I read here that locals go to use the desired pools sometimes. The whole pool hopping (or pool snatching) has got to stop! I can't believe that in a previous post someone wrote that no one ever says anything to MS or management. It seems like there would be many complaints.

It was me, and I think what happens was it gets discussed here alot but not shared with Disney and DVC.

Also I think it bothers a small portion of the total guests.

 

[awilliams4]

They can regulate pool hopping at AKV and BLT and the members will pay for it in higher MF fees.
1 CM 12 hours/day @ $20/hr x 365 days = $87,600/year. $20/hr is not too much either. If anything it probably too low by $5-10. Granted the CM's get paid diddley, but once you figure in med Ins., Comp, Employers SS tax, Unemployment tax, supervision and personnel overhead, it adds up.

If it gets really bad then maybe they should, but do you really want to pay more if it's only a minor problem?

While we're on the subject...
* Housekeeping can be perfect
* No one will have accents
* Mickey can greet us at the front door
* Fresh flowers in room upon check-in

Just so long as we are willing to pay.

If there was a manager there telling guests the gate was broken (another post on this thread) then that manager can also stand at the gate and check for room keys. I suspect that there is always one BLT CM standing around that can be available for this. If BLT is paying for two CMs over at check in at the Contemporary, when the gate is broke, send one of them over to monitor it. I will just wait an extra 10 minutes to check in!

 

[awilliams4]

Pditullio,

Thanks for the thread. Even though I have not stayed there yet (owner though) I have emailed MS:

Hello.

I haven't stayed at BLT yet but I have heard from several DVC Members that have and they mentioned that the gate at the pool at BLT is broke and pool hoppers (several, enough to be concerned) are getting access. I heard that a CM was telling guests the gate was broken at the pool. Without knowing all the details, a couple of suggestions. If there is a CM available to tell guests that the gate is broke, I would think that a CM can be available to check room keys to keep out Pool Hoppers. If DVC Member Maintenance Fees are paying for two CMs over at the Check In at the Contemporary and the gate is broke, send one of them over to monitor the pool and check for room keys. I will gladly wait an extra 10-15 minutes to check in. I was told that the pool was exclusive when I bought points but I am finding out that is not the case. This is Disney, I am confident they can figure out a way to keep to their commitments and keep Pool Hoppers out of the BLT pool.

Thank you.

 

[amyngary]

It seems a bit suspicious to me that both gates broke so soon after opening and are taking so long to get fixed. If it happened at Kidani, wouldn't that have been a "lesson learned" during the BLT project?

So, I wonder if this is somewhat purposeful on Disney's part to market the new resorts? Perhaps they will do this while it is at a lower capacity and then miraculously fix the broken gate and enforce it. Meanwhile, they may score some cash ressies or even some new DVC owners who pool hopped and wanted to be in that resort for future trips.

Just a thought....

 

[jstarcze]

Also, are there outlets near the table? Is that also where the internet connection is?

The internet connection was under the table across from the sleeper sofa.

 

[jstarcze]

Only actual DVC members staying at BLT can access the Top of the World lounge (you have to show your membership card for confirmation), so unfortunately, as a renter, you won't have access.

In my August stay I did find possible loop hole in this. Any BLT guest that has a room on the 16th floor can access the lounge without going to the reservation desk. I was on the 16th floor and did the proper thing and went to the 1st floor desk. As I was walking to the elevator with the CM I asked her if anything would prevent me from just walking over to the TOWL from my room. She responded: "No but we would like you to still register with the desk."

So technically if they give a 16th floor room to a renter or a cash reservation, then they could access the lounge.

 

[cyndixo]

We are at BLT now - 1 bedroom standard view - 5th floor view to left is Magic Kingdom and Space Mountain to right Bay lake awesome view love it - absolutely fabulous. I will give room no after we check out and post pics.

 

[WalterYensid]

1) That's what we are saying. But 'the way they deal with non-guests at BCV' is not happening at AKV and BLT.

1) Stormalong Bay is at the Beach Club not the BCV and was a gated pool long before BCV was built.
2) Pool hopping can occur at SAB even with the security that they have in place. When we stay at BCV we are not always asked for ID when entering SAB.
3) The cost to maintain SAB and keep out non- YC BC BCV pool hoppers is borne by all three resorts. There are 583 BC rooms 630 YC rooms and 205 BCV rooms. This makes BCV financially responsible for about 14% of that cost if the breakdown is by room percentage.
4) The cost to patrol SAB at the BC/YC/BCV is split over 1428 rooms. On the other hand, BLT is 295-428 rooms total meaning it would cost 3 to 4 times as much per room to patrol the pool area.
5) BLT just opened and they have some design/maintenance problems. They will get them fixed. It may be fixed promptly or it may take awhile depending on what Facilities decides is necessary to fix it. This is all totally normal.
6) This will straighten itself out in time. Enjoy your stay at BLT, smell the flowers, say Hi! to Mickey, and everything will work out. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

 

[WalterYensid]

It seems a bit suspicious to me that both gates broke so soon after opening and are taking so long to get fixed. If it happened at Kidani, wouldn't that have been a "lesson learned" during the BLT project?

These resorts (and the pool gates) were designed years ago and both have just opened within just months of each other. Suspicious? Lesson learned? I don't think so.
You also say they are "taking so long to get fixed". The resort has only been open a month. It's a billion dollar hotel. Their are a lot of operational and maintenance issues they are dealing with because it's new. Everything has a priority. They will get it fixed. It's not like the whole pool is broken.

 

[WalterYensid]

If BLT is paying for two CMs over at check in at the Contemporary, when the gate is broke, send one of them over to monitor it.

There are union rules to abide by. CM's don't hop from position to position and they don't have the proper uniforms for working the pool area. Managers are way too busy to go stand out at the pool just for pool hoppers.

pool hoppers (several, enough to be concerned) are getting access.

Is there any proof that anyone actually is pool hopping? Has someone confronted a suspected pool hopper? Has anyone seen multiple instances of pool hoppers being thrown out? I'm sure that a few people have snuck into BLT and have tried out the pool but I really doubt that it is a big problem. It's just a small pool and a slide. It's not a mini water park like SAB.

Another thing, you havn't even stayed there and you're making a complaint to MS. "I was told that the pool was exclusive" "pool hoppers" "the gate is broken". If enough people complain like this, BLT just might shut the pool to everyone until the gates are fixed because there are still two other pools and a hot tub at CR for guests to use.

 

[Charleneluvsdisney]

I was at the BLT the same week as the original OP. We went to the pool 4 times throughout our stay. I can only say that we were ususally there after 3o'clock and only experienced one time during the 4 that we had trouble finding chairs. And, that was because people left towels on chairs and were not actually using them. I just asked a few of the people who were actually in chairs if they were being used. We never waited more than 4-5 people for the slide either.

I don't know what time the original OP was at the pool, so maybe that is why their experience was different. And on a last note, we checked out of the BLT on Friday, but our flight home was not until 6 p.m. I am sure people thought my family was a bunch of pool hoppers because we had to use the restrooms to change into our pool attire!