BLT Hostility

[thelionqueen]

If you own at BLT but are staying at another resort, can you access the fireworks lounge. In November, I am going home to Kidani, but would love to get into the lounge to view the fireworks. It is my home after all!!!

I was told at our sales meeting and afterwards by other guides and DVC owners, that the rooftop lounge will be limited to only guest @ BLT. This makes sense as it will be a relatively small restaurant/lounge and even those staying at BLT will likely have a hard time getting a reservation.

I think they're starting to figure out that "exclusivity" at a resort is important. One example is when we stayed @ CR on a "whim" and couldn't get into Chef Mickey's or Cali Grill for any seating at all for 11 days. Of course that was before we were as savvy at making ADR's as we are now but it still irked me that I was staying onsite (paying BIG bucks too btw) and couldn't get into any restaurant at any time during our entire stay Of course many years later I know the importance of making reservations well in advance, but at the time, I was not happy

 

[RLRDA]

I was told at our sales meeting and afterwards by other guides and DVC owners, that the rooftop lounge will be limited to only guest @ BLT. This makes sense as it will be a relatively small restaurant/lounge and even those staying at BLT will likely have a hard time getting a reservation.

We have reservations at BLT for 8/20 to 8/23....I'm assuming all of the rooms won't be "open" in the first few months (?) and will be opening in blocks as they're ready. Are they taking reservations for the rooftop lounge as the 90 day window opens? Since the resort won't be at full capacity, do you think the lounge will even be accessible?

 

[helloconnie]

My Guide told me that if you own at BLT but are staying at another resort you will not be able to use the lounge. The capacity of the lounge only permits those staying on property to utilize it. He said otherwise, every DVC owner would try to access it.

Also, the pool at BLT is not that great IMO. So, if you want to PH I would not think BLT is where you would want to go.

 

[Disnead]

Also, the pool at BLT is not that great IMO. So, if you want to PH I would not think BLT is where you would want to go.

I keep seeing bad things about BLT's pool.
Did I miss a layout of it or something, or are people saying those things because of the artist rendering of it in the promotional BLT book?

A drawing of it probably does not do it justice...especially since it doesn't show the whole thing.

Just curious to see if there is anything else out there that I missed.

 

[smjj]

We have reservations at BLT for 8/20 to 8/23....I'm assuming all of the rooms won't be "open" in the first few months (?) and will be opening in blocks as they're ready. Are they taking reservations for the rooftop lounge as the 90 day window opens? Since the resort won't be at full capacity, do you think the lounge will even be accessible?

OK, this is new to me. We have reservations for BLT 10/04 thru 10/7. I thought the lounge was just for viewing the fireworks and sight seeing. There is going to be a restaurant there also? What kind and the such??...smjj

 

[Disnead]

OK, this is new to me. We have reservations for BLT 10/04 thru 10/7. I thought the lounge was just for viewing the fireworks and sight seeing. There is going to be a restaurant there also? What kind and the such??...smjj

No there is speculation that you will have to have make some sort of reservations to get in to the lounge/viewing area...I think they are anticipating capacity problems with the lounge itself.

I believe that Disney has announced the fact that they are trying to figure out what to do with it at some point, but I do not know where I read that.

 

[deej696]

Ok so I didnt read all 8 pages, but it seems to me that with anything new there are always those who think they are going to be slighted somehow. I own at SSR, and yet I was able to get a BLT reservation with absolutely no problem. If its so important that one gets to be a part of it, then simply book a room there. If you cant get it on 7 months (unlikely) then buy some points. Otherwise, just wait it out and see what happens. I think most of us have a pretty strong feeling that the lounge will be a very short term perk, as Disney will find a way to book it as an outlet. With that gone, its just a bunch of hotel rooms...

 

[Dean]

yes, you are taking it from a philosophical point, but the rationale for the policy to limit ph at sab and akl is based on a pragmatic one. There is no problem with crowding from ph for the other pools (imho crowd problems at WL come from the fort) so there is no need to limit - I agree most ppl don't ph. If there was a problem they would limit it. So the philosophical point (I get it) to me is the meaningless one - b/c there is no problem to fix. Imho, the logical extension is to not allow booking of non-home resorts, philosophically, why should someone pay vero dues so I can enjoy the beach for a weekend with points I pay bcv dues for, etc. I mean doesn't the philosophical point ultimately end up at who is paying for what?

But in practice pool hopping isn't a big deal so who cares.

My nature probably but to me the FIRST question to be answered is the philosophical question, if it fails that test, the rest should not be a consideration. From a practical standpoint you'd have to look at each location individually and then group not only Pool hoppers but also pool crashers to find out the real impact. IF it weren't an issue at all there'd be no reason to block access to any location and no reason to have blackout dates. The additional problems are several. Disney in general and DVC specifically is prone to ignoring issues until pushed by circumstances to act as in the reallocation issue. They are also good at not having the information needed to evaluated such an issue, the reality is that overall they really don't know how much of an issue it is other than by anecdotal reports from lifeguards and managers at the various resorts. Helpful but hardly enough to make long term decisions on. Given DVC's track record, I don't think we can make the statement that no action means no problem, actually quite the contrary in most situations.

As for AKL, the issue has never been about pool crowding, it's less desirable to PH to than might OKW be per your example, but presumably about an extra volume of those viewing the animals. I have no problem with the restrictions, it's the one way restriction that is inappropriate in my book. Regardless, given the overall situation and the selective limitations in place, I think PH should be eliminated completely.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you own at BLT but are staying at another resort, can you access the fireworks lounge. In November, I am going home to Kidani, but would love to get into the lounge to view the fireworks. It is my home after all!!!

You have no rights at your home resort except for booking a stay at 11 months out. Just like BCV owners cannot swim at Stormalong Bay unless they are staying there. Or, unless you are staying on DVC points, you cannot pool hop.

 

[smjj]

No there is speculation that you will have to have make some sort of reservations to get in to the lounge/viewing area...I think they are anticipating capacity problems with the lounge itself.

I believe that Disney has announced the fact that they are trying to figure out what to do with it at some point, but I do not know where I read that.

Do you know or did this article you refer to have any idea how they were going to handle making reservations for this?..smjj

 

[CMOORE185]

Ok so I didnt read all 8 pages, but it seems to me that with anything new there are always those who think they are going to be slighted somehow. I own at SSR, and yet I was able to get a BLT reservation with absolutely no problem. If its so important that one gets to be a part of it, then simply book a room there. If you cant get it on 7 months (unlikely) then buy some points. Otherwise, just wait it out and see what happens. I think most of us have a pretty strong feeling that the lounge will be a very short term perk, as Disney will find a way to book it as an outlet. With that gone, its just a bunch of hotel rooms...

I second this thought.

 

[keishashadow]

My Guide told me that if you own at BLT but are staying at another resort you will not be able to use the lounge. The capacity of the lounge only permits those staying on property to utilize it. He said otherwise, every DVC owner would try to access it.
.

No there is speculation that you will have to have make some sort of reservations to get in to the lounge/viewing area...I think they are anticipating capacity problems with the lounge itself.

.

according to my guide, both statements are the plan (or should i say were, the couple of times i spoke to him re adding on @ BLT, course DVC does tend to switch things up as to practices lately).

he further said it was highly unlikely that guests of members could utilize either, including family members who don't have DVC member card. Irritated me as i make reservations for my grown children, they are not eligible for said card as they have their own mailing address.

I am certainly not a commercial renter. IMO, it's not as though there would be extra people wanting to use the lounge, moreso taking my place. Just hope that when they finally decide upon the 'official' procedure it is clearly stated and enforced across the board.

 

[dkostel]

I just returned from the world and I'm guessing that they maybe wanted to restrict access to the walkway because people would likely gather there to watch the fireworks. That won't be an issue anymore because it appears that the park view side has frosted glass windows. They are about 1/3 of the way across so far. So maybe they won't have to restrict access after all?

 

[jade1]

Regardless, given the overall situation and the selective limitations in place, I think PH should be eliminated completely.

As a BCV/BLT owner I have no problem with this. BCV/BLT/guests will be minimally effected by this. Restricted to SAB..., it is also is a very quick break from EPCOT/DHS. At BLT its a few minutes walk from MK-this is a great perk in August when you just want a quick break from MK.

If no owners/guests of OKW/SSR/AKV ever cared for a break at BWV from EPCOT/DHS, or CR/POLY/GF/VWL from MK-then bring it on as well.

But I have friends (he's a teacher) that own at SSR and can only visit in the summer. They often do EPCOT in the AM, walk over to the BW for lunch/swim, then go back to EPCOT with FP's or to DHS. Its always a great day for them. Likewise they will hop to VWL or a monorail resort once it hits 95 degrees at MK. They would never want this eliminated just because they cant use SAB or BLT-much less AKV.

I dont know about the rest of the SSR/OKW owners (of which there are thousands more than BCV/BLT), but I refuse to be in favor of removing something that many may very well enjoy, just because I am in a great position without it.

 

[Jillpie]

What is the big deal about this lounge anyway? I just don't get it. I think people are making a problem out of nothing. The last thing I would do is waste an evening in a lounge when I'm at Disneyworld! Am I the only one that thinks this way? If I was that close to the fireworks, I'd rather be on Main st. This lounge will not be a problem.

 

[TDC Nala]

What is the big deal about this lounge anyway? I just don't get it. I think people are making a problem out of nothing. The last thing I would do is waste an evening in a lounge when I'm at Disneyworld! Am I the only one that thinks this way? If I was that close to the fireworks, I'd rather be on Main st. This lounge will not be a problem.

It's called "fireworks without seething masses of humanity surrounding you"

And this is interesting because I used to spend every evening I was at WDW from about 8-9 PM to 1:30 AM sitting in a bar - a bar which didn't even have windows (well, it had one) - until they closed it last year.

The fireworks don't interest me all that much. If I get a chance to go up to the lounge at BLT and see them, I'd rather see them with a cocktail in my hand sitting in a chair than squashed into a mass of people at MK Main Street (where they don't ever serve cocktails anyway). But I'm not going to fight crowds of seething humanity to do it. No way that lounge is going to hold as much seething humanity as Main Street, but a group of people all trying to get the best view of something is the same no matter where it gathers. If they do reservations I might actually make one.

he further said it was highly unlikely that guests of members could utilize either, including family members who don't have DVC member card.

so - if I stay at BLT on points and have a friend staying with me, could I get my friend into the lounge or just me? Just askin.

 

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

What is the big deal about this lounge anyway? I just don't get it. I think people are making a problem out of nothing. The last thing I would do is waste an evening in a lounge when I'm at Disneyworld! Am I the only one that thinks this way? If I was that close to the fireworks, I'd rather be on Main st. This lounge will not be a problem.

Agreed, this seems a bit trivial to me as well. It's a perk for staying at that resort--there's a reason why only folks staying concierge at AKL/AKV can book the sunrise safari, why no big outcry there?! Sounds similar to trying to get a ressie at an upscale New York eatery or something--no big deal to me. Personally enjoy watching Wishes! from 'Ohana!

Back to what started this thread--I don't personally have any hostility towards BLT or the folks who buy/stay there. We just were not "wowed" with the theming or the decor of the villas. Wasn't impressed with the renderings, nor with the walk-thru we did in November. So we won't stay there unless we choose to, I'm still happy for the BLT folks who love their resort and stay there! Just not my cup of tea. Not hostile, just not excited about it. Who knows, maybe one day we stay there on a whim and fall in love with it. To each his/her own.

 

[Fantasmic303]

As a BCV/BLT owner I have no problem with this. BCV/BLT/guests will be minimally effected by this. Restricted to SAB..., it is also is a very quick break from EPCOT/DHS. At BLT its a few minutes walk from MK-this is a great perk in August when you just want a quick break from MK.

If no owners/guests of OKW/SSR/AKV ever cared for a break at BWV from EPCOT/DHS, or CR/POLY/GF/VWL from MK-then bring it on as well.

But I have friends (he's a teacher) that own at SSR and can only visit in the summer. They often do EPCOT in the AM, walk over to the BW for lunch/swim, then go back to EPCOT with FP's or to DHS. Its always a great day for them. Likewise they will hop to VWL or a monorail resort once it hits 95 degrees at MK. They would never want this eliminated just because they cant use SAB or BLT-much less AKV.

I dont know about the rest of the SSR/OKW owners (of which there are thousands more than BCV/BLT), but I refuse to be in favor of removing something that many may very well enjoy, just because I am in a great position without it.

Sounds to me like BWV and VWL owners are at the biggest disadvantage then - the other pools that are in closest proximity to a park (BLT, AKV, and BCV) will prohibit pool hopping. And trust me, on those steamy July afternoons when I can't find a chair at the clown pool because Epcot folks need a break, I don't think pool hopping is such a great idea.

(Although, to be fair, I still think pool crashers - the non-DVC members - are a bigger problem than pool hoppers. To be honest, we've never even considered pool hopping just because it seems to be more trouble than it's worth, but to each his own.)

Count me in on Team Restriction, both for the lounge and the pool, and any other "perks" that BLT has - as long as those perks extend to anyone staying at BLT on points. We hope to stay there someday and would love to visit the lounge, and when that day comes, I hope it's not crammed with "visitors".

I think there are privileges that come with owning/staying at DVC properties, and what's fair for me is fair for everyone else too (as long as they're consistent with their rules). I do think it's funny that people (not anyone specifically in this thread) are quick to point out how much better SAB is than the clown pool (I use the example just because that's my "home") and why would anyone want to hop to it, then are just as quick to cry foul when it's suggested that pool hopping be curbed altogether because people should be able to take a break from Epcot to enjoy it.

Jade, I quoted you above, but only my first paragraph is in response to your thought - please don't take the rest of my reply as an attack of any kind.

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

I am glad they are restricting access to everybody that is not a DVC member but I think that if there was enough room in the lounge it should be open to all DVC members not just guests at BLT but I understand why they are doing it (limited capacity). I wouldn't have a problem with other DVC members using the lounge just not non-DVC members. If anyone could have access than why even bother paying for a DVC when you can still have the perks. KWIM?

 

[jade1]

Sounds to me like BWV and VWL owners are at the biggest disadvantage then - the other pools that are in closest proximity to a park (BLT, AKV, and BCV) will prohibit pool hopping. And trust me, on those steamy July afternoons when I can't find a chair at the clown pool because Epcot folks need a break, I don't think pool hopping is such a great idea.

(Although, to be fair, I still think pool crashers - the non-DVC members - are a bigger problem than pool hoppers. To be honest, we've never even considered pool hopping just because it seems to be more trouble than it's worth, but to each his own.)

Count me in on Team Restriction, both for the lounge and the pool, and any other "perks" that BLT has - as long as those perks extend to anyone staying at BLT on points. We hope to stay there someday and would love to visit the lounge, and when that day comes, I hope it's not crammed with "visitors".

I think there are privileges that come with owning/staying at DVC properties, and what's fair for me is fair for everyone else too (as long as they're consistent with their rules). I do think it's funny that people (not anyone specifically in this thread) are quick to point out how much better SAB is than the clown pool (I use the example just because that's my "home") and why would anyone want to hop to it, then are just as quick to cry foul when it's suggested that pool hopping be curbed altogether because people should be able to take a break from Epcot to enjoy it.

Jade, I quoted you above, but only my first paragraph is in response to your thought - please don't take the rest of my reply as an attack of any kind.

No problem, I think we agree for the most part. When you say BWV/VWL are at a disadvantage-I assume you mean with the current system. I have stayed at both many times in the summer, and have not noticed a problem (like you say if there is, its likely not DVCers). But if they eliminate PH-these resorts are not at a disadvantage. My point is with elimination, SSR/OKW and even AKV will have the biggest disadvantage IMO to catch a break from the parks. Therefore I am not in a position to speak for them by saying we should eliminate PH-because they may still want that ability.

I do disagree with your portrayal of SAB fans/users (staying at BCV) are the first to say we should not curb pool hopping, because we want a break from EPCOT-we already have that with SAB. That makes no sense. Myself-even though I am a SAB fan, plan to stick up for resorts "further away" from the parks that enjoy PH currently. As a BWV owner-I can see your point, as long as it is indeed an issue (which I haven't seen yet).