BLT Hostility

[DisneyWalker44]

Agreed, to each their own. However, let's be honest here, the closest hotel to the MK, which is the most popular (attendance records from each year) Disney park. That's simply the primo location.

You are taking your priorities (being closest to the MK) and assuming that everyone else has the same priorities. That's not honestly, that's ego.

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

You are taking your priorities (being closest to the MK) and assuming that everyone else has the same priorities. That's not honestly, that's ego.

If that's how you wish to take it...

 

[IggyLans]

i hope this doesn't come across as hostile, but for a lot of people, blt doesn't have the best location imaginable. If you like it, great. But many of us like others better.

ita!

 

[hardingk]

I've not noticed the same hostility from those who stay at AKL in regards to Kidani or have I just not noticed as much as I am not an owner there?

I haven't read this whole thread yet, so I don't know if it has been said already, forgive me if it has. We ust got back from staying at Kidani this past week. Only guests staying at Kidani OR DVC MEMEMBERS ONLY who are staying at JAMBO can use the Kidani pool. The first day we were at the pool, there were tons of people who we didn't think were guests. By the end of our stay, the gates were locked to the pool and you had to use your room key. One day they even had someone at the gate checking cards to make sure you belonged there.

The pool area is great but not that big. I thought it would have to be bigger to accommodate everyone (unless the whole thing is not finished as there was a construction wall at the far end of the area). This only helps limit the number of people there so we can enjoy what we have paid for!

 

[kaffinito]

There seems to be quite a bit of hostility towards BLT: Member only walk way, the pool only to be used by those staying at BLT/no hopping etc from those who stay at CR that BLT owners can use the CR pool, restaurants etc... is this a normal situation? I've not noticed the same hostility from those who stay at AKL in regards to Kidani or have I just not noticed as much as I am not an owner there?

I agree. It's the fact that they can't use the Skybridge or the Observation Deck that seems to have them riled up. I don't see what the big deal is anyway. I certainly don't want to wander the corridors leading to the CR rooms, why would people be upset over restricted access to the corridors leading to our rooms?

Yes, I do wonder about the pool situation. Whats to stop any outsider walking in from the MK, and walking right out to the pool? Will it be like SAB, and they'll give out wristbands? I wonder...

That's what bothers me. There are so many pool hoppers already (non-DVC) that I really hope they do give our wristbands. Otherwise you'll have whole families strolling over from MK to hang out at the BLT pool.

It doesn't bother me if people staying at CR use the BLT pool though, I don't see why they couldn't. It's done that way at WL.

I think it is about time Disney does more about security. They have a big problem with people using hotel pools when not staying there. I have read many posts about people coming from MK and use the pool at the Poly and other reports of locals using other pools at OKW and SSR.

I really wish they would install security gates at the pools with key card access for the resort pools.

Whenever something comes along, all shiny and new, some will be upset. With BLT, the reasons could be many:

- Bought AKV instead of BLT, regretting the choice to not wait
- Primo location (let's face it, it IS the best resort location imaginable)
- Exclusivity (why can you have this when we cannot)

The list could go on...use your imagination. The hostility is simply their way to cope with their own situation, or lack thereof.

I partially agree, but in a more warm and fuzzy fashion.

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

This thread's title sums it up perfectly - BLT hostility. Doesn't matter how you "dress it up," it's plain to see...

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've been away, but is it true that you don't have to OWN BLT, but you only can use the walkway and observation tower if you STAY at BLT? I'm fine with that.

Bobbi

 

[BEASLYBOO]

BLT holds no more appeal for me than the Contemporary did. As a DVC Owner I will try it as I've tried all of the other resorts and no doubt I will still prefer to stay further away than the so called "primo location". I do not like hotel type accomodations, which should thrill all of those DVC'rs who do, "more for you".

By the way, we don't pool hop either and it wouldn't bother me one bit if it came to an end!

To each his own! No hostility!

 

[crisi]

I haven't seem much hostility at all.

I have seen some people say things like "humm, wonder if that obersvation lounge/deck is going to turn into the Attic." Which I think is a fair observation to make - and one that I think helps set expectations (hope for the best, plan for the worst). And I've seem people state that BLT doesn't seem to be their thing - rooms aren't decorated to their taste, location isn't what they want, points are too expensive. But if differences of opinion mean hostility, then you live in a sad world.

(I agree that its nice to see a DVC resort designed for security - its was an easy thing for them to pull off with BLT. Its been a valid complaint for people staying at SSR for a long time - they get a lot of DTD foot traffic and there have been reports of theft, but SSR is poorly designed for security (and the treehouses will be a security nightmare). I wouldn't be surprised to find some similar security put in around the DVC resorts where such security is possible - BCVs and VWL - I don't think you can do it at BWV, too integrated into the Inn - likewise with VAKL - the condo style resorts are really difficult since they are so spread out.)

BLT doesn't have a lot of appeal to me. I'm not hostile to it, but I'm not envious of the owners. I really, frankly, don't get the whole "fireworks view" thing (we generally skip fireworks at Disney) - we don't go out of our way to see them on the Forth of July either - they are pretty, but I've seen enough fireworks in my life that they don't hold magic for me anymore. My kids have reached the age where MK takes us a day or less - on a long trip we will head back for a second half day. But compared to the amount of time we've always spent in Epcot and now (my least favorite park) DHS now that our kids are older, the location isn't that appealing. The monorail is cool, but we get a chance to ride it a few times per trip, which is enough - I don't need my hotel to be on it. And I'm frankly too cheap to spend those sorts of points when I could get VWL (my favorite resort) for fewer points or BWV Standard View (home) for even fewer. Unlike SSR, which holds zero appeal for me, we might try and stay at BLT at some point, but I won't be crushed if I can't get it. That isn't hostile - its indifferent.

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

you live in a sad world

Good to see the absence of hostility and the presence of empathy...

 

[crisi]

Good to see the absence of hostility and the presence of empathy...

That isn't empathy, its pity.

 

[jade1]

You can read that? LOL... I must have had one too many... er... few (as I haven't had a drink in months)
.

Ha. On HQ (and paused) its pretty certain it says:

Bay Lake
Towers
Registered guests
and members
only.

"pretty sure" anyway.


So, since ANYONE can rent points, buy points, reserve at 7 months or rent a room there from Disney-EVERYONE can stay there if they choose.

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

That isn't empathy, its pity.

Don't hold back, tell everyone how you really feel.

 

[Sandisw]

I hope that the reports about the skybridge being only accessible by room key come true. As many have said, there really is no reason for anyone who is not staying in BLT to have access to the rooms.

As far as the pool, I have never understood the concept of pool hopping but it will be interesting as to how they handle that. I would be more concerned about the parking effect it could have--those that park to "pool hop" and then spend the day at MK. Unless I am missing something, there doesn't seem to be a lot of parking as it is.

I can't wait until August to see how things shake out!

 

[cheezNE1]

I am all in favor of more security for all current and future DVC resorts, and I'm glad they're starting @ BLT! Have you ever tried to even get into the parking lot @ CR without being a paying guest? It's crazy and necessary! We were staying @ Poly but had been at the arcade earlier and DS left his DS (Nintedo..lol) there. We zoomed back in our car to try to retrieve it and it was like pulling teeth to get into the parking lot. I TOTALLY understand the need and appreciate it, although in this instance it cost us valuable time (we did get the DS back believe it or not)

The parking @ CR has always been a headache and I'm hoping they crack down even more with the opening of BLT. When we stayed there, the lot was full to capacity from 10am to MK closing, then mysteriously, the parking lot emptied (yes, non CR guests parking for MK access) it was very annoying. Can you imagine all the "lookie lou's" taking the walkway, visiting the pool etc? It is a large resort to begin with and making restrictions will be even more necessary.

I don't see it as hostility per se, but rather necessary as DVC continues to grow. OT, a post read that there were over 400,000 DVC members now; when we were going to buy in originally there were less than 100,000. So the "buy where you want to stay" mentality will be more and more important as time goes on. We were originally going to buy @ HH due to cost @ MF's, I'm SO glad we didn't! I seriously believe BLT will be the hardest to book @ 7 months and will remain coveted for all my 50 years of ownership (yes, I confess I love BLT )

I'm a frequent driver to WDW and added BLT.... hope this is not the case with BLT parking.

 

[Crystal_27]

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing pool hopping eliminated completely

I totally agree with this. I can see how allowing pool hopping made sense when there were only one or two DVC resorts, but now, given that there are so many DVC resorts, pool hopping should be disallowed, except for guests being able to use all pools at resorts where Disney is allowing DVC owners to hop to the attached non-DVC resort (like CR and BLT, for example). Personally, since we (as DVC owners) can use the CR pool, I believe (although some may disagree) a CR guest should be able to use the BLT pool provided they show their KTTW reflecting that they are indeed CR guests.

Although I certainly don't agree, I can see how people are perceiving BLT owners to be elitist snobs. However, like many have said, if it's *that* big of a deal to someone to receive the same perks, they can very easily buy into DVC.

It will be interesting to see how this shapes up after BLT has been opened.

 

[carolina_yankee]

The truth is it is inappropriate to allow a guest a one way benefit. It's certainly inappropriate to allow guests staying at one resort to say PH to a second resort but not the reverse, period. I understand why SAB and AKV do not allow PH but they should simply no allow PH to or from those resorts, all or none.

This might be true, but the one way pool-hopping isn't just a DVC issue. It also applies to using the pools at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary and all other resorts except AKL/V and SAB at BC/YC.

A Polynesian guest who paid top dollar for their room gets to deal with a pool that services their resort as well as 7 DVC resorts. That was probably never fair (assuming crowding was ever a problem).

Within the DVC system, given the small number of guests at BCV, I don't think one-way hopping would have ever been an issue. However, now with AKV as part of the system (and eventually BLT), I can see potential for crowding on peak days at other popular pools. However, DVC deals with that by restricting pool hopping on peak days.

It sounds like you're saying that pool hopping (if it exists at all) should be confined to OKW, SSR, VWL, and BWV.

Dirk

 

[photobob]

I've never pool hopped, doesn't sound real convenient to me. I've always just used the facilities where I'm staying. It wouldn't bother me if they eliminated pool hopping altogether. If you really like the facilities that a resort has, stay there or buy there. I'd prefer better security at any Disney resort making sure only the resort guests staying there are using the pools. Maybe a wristband at check in to wear for pool entrance? Onsite guests pay a premium price to stay there, they shouldn't have to fight over chairs at the pool with those who aren't.

As far as BLT is concerned, they'll be the only DVC property connected to another Disney resort that has its own exclusive pool, right? I don't have a problem with that either. Will BLT guests be able to use the CR pool?

 

[jade1]

Will BLT guests be able to use the CR pool?

Yes, and I think thats whats ruffling the feathers-thing is CR can be pool hopped by any DVC member staying somewhere on points, BLT or otherwise(at least with permission) so its not exactly the huge stretch/shock being portrayed IMO. There is no chance we will walk over to CR pool when staying at BLT-just no point. It would be more likely we would hop to CR from MK in August if we were staying at a different resort (like BWV), actualy we have never hopped to CR-only Poly or GF.

 

[Mich Mouse]

There seems to be quite a bit of hostility towards BLT: Member only walk way, the pool only to be used by those staying at BLT/no hopping etc QUOTE]

Has Disney officially announced this? It does seem a bit extreme.