BLT - opinions?

[courtneylauren]

So we joined DVC in July and we bought 185 points at BLT, but there was a special then that you get two years of points when you bought on, so we have 370. We get 185 more points in February. We aren't going until July. We are going from July 11th - 23rd.

We're trying to decide between studio and 1 bedroom, and between standard view and lake view. (We're 2 adults/2 teens.)

What's the best way to use our points?? We want to splurge a little since it's our first DVC stay.

Opinions? Thanks!

 

[Disneycouple99]

So you got 185 2009 BLT points then got and additional 185 developer points then get 185 2010 BLT points in FEB., or was it 370 BLT 2009 points the 185 BLT 2010 points in FEB? Just want to get an accurate number of points you have for your vacation.

 

[wdrl]

So we joined DVC in July and we bought 185 points at BLT, but there was a special then that you get two years of points when you bought on, so we have 370. We get 185 more points in February. We aren't going until July. We are going from July 11th - 23rd.

We're trying to decide between studio and 1 bedroom, and between standard view and lake view. (We're 2 adults/2 teens.)

What's the best way to use our points?? We want to splurge a little since it's our first DVC stay.

Opinions? Thanks!

First of all, Welcome Home! Like you, we decided to splurge for our first trip as BLT owners, so we have 7 days booked in a studio with an MK view. Our future trips might be just Standard or Lake View, but we want our first trip to have an MK view.

I suggest you read Work2Play's thread on BLT room locations and views (see http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082). There are lots of comments from members about their rooms, and many have posted photos as well.

Since you say you want to splurge on this trip, I'd recommend that you get a Lake View 1-bedroom. You'll have more space, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer. The one drawback to getting a 1-bedroom is that you might never want to "downsize" to a studio for future trips. BTW, the BLT studios are relatively small compared to other resort studios, so be prepared.

If you opt for a LV villa, Work2Play's thread indicates that an even-numbered villa on an upper floor on BLT's north crescent offers views not only of Bay Lake but that you can see the Magic Kingdom and the fireworks. If you prefer seeing the pool and Bay Lake, then ask for an odd-numbered villa.

One other word of advice: If you thinking of getting a Standard View villa, I recommend that you call Member Services ASAP. It appears that Standard View villas are booking very quickly, perhaps even quicker than the MK views. Regardless of which villa type you want, I also recommend you book a villa while you are still in the home resort window. Remember that on December 11, 2009, the 7-month window opens for your trip dates, and non-BLT owners will begin booking BLT space.

Good luck, and Welcome Home!

 

[wdrl]

Assuming you are departing on 7/23/2010, you would need 12 nights and the 2010 point requirements are as follows:

Studio Standard View: 222 Points
Studio Lake View: 248
1-Bedroom Standard View: 442
1-bedroom Lake View: 482

If you want a 1-bedroom, you will need to use all of your 2009 banked points (185), all of your 2010 points (185), and borrow some of your 2011 points. If you opt for a studio, then you would still have 2010 points left over to bank into 2011.

Here is another option to consider: If you don't mind moving during your stay,you can do a split stay. Book some days in a Studio, and some days in a one-bedroom. That way, you can try out both types of accommodations. Of course, if you do that, save the 1-bedroom for last!

Good luck!

 

[Disneycouple99]

I'm just wondering about the double the points for the first year. I know the had a promotion where they gave you 2009 points and a set of matching developer points which wound need to be used at SSR. If you do indeed have 555 BLT points then go wild as wdrl stated at get a LV 1-bedroom. If you have 370 BLT points and 185 developer points then do a 1-bedroom at SSR for the first 7 days then the last 5 days at BLT LV 1-bedroom and bank the rest of your points.

 

[CarolMN]

A BLT studio for 2 adults and 2 teens will be very crowded. BLT studios are reported to be small compared to the other DVC resorts' studios. Unless all you plan to do is sleep in the room, go for the 1 bedroom. You'll get an extra bathroom and a sleep chair in additon to the extra space, washer & dryer and fully equipped kitchen. You'll also have two TVs.

If you get the studio, two of you will be sharing a double sleep sofa and the other two will have a queen bed.

 

[Donna M]

How about booking a 1bd at BLT and then trying a different resort that requires fewer points and book a 1bd there too? I brought two teenage boys down and I'm glad we had the space to have them away from us. I'm sure they were glad they didn't have to sleep in the same room with us too!

Weekends will use more points than Sun. to Thurs., that can help stretch your points. Some resorts use many more points than others so you'll want to check them out too.

Have fun planning and keep reading the boards for great ideas and info.

 

[Deb & Bill]

OP, you need to check with MS on the status of your points. You need to make sure that those points were banked into your Feb 2010 use year. If not, you won't have those points to use in July 2010. Feb 2009 UY points would have to have been banked before Oct 1, 2009 in order to use them in July 2010.

Any more than two people in the BLT studio is too many. Four fully grown people in a studio will be very crowded.

 

[Sandisw]

We stayed in a studio at BLT this summer (4 of us--me, DS20, DD16, and DD13).

We were there only 2 nights so it was doable, but for an extended period of time, I think it would have been too small.

I would go with the 1 bedroom option if you have the point. We are staying next summer as well and are doing the studio for 2 nights (we arrive at 8:00 pm) with 3 of us and then transferring to a 1 bedroom for 4 nights. We went with SV vs. LV because we are not that concerned. Plus, many of the SV rooms are on the front of the building and I am hoping we get lucky and get one that has a partial view of the fireworks (if not, that is okay too).

As others have said, I would double check your account to make sure you know what points you were given when you bought.

 

[robertdangelo]

As mentioned in another reply... I hope you have banked your 2009 points. If you haven't... call Member Services ASAP and ask for a one time exception. Because you are a new member they may allow you to do it this one time.

 

[beccasmom]

I must agree on the advice to book a one-bedroom. We stayed in a BLT studio for two nights in August (4 - 2 adults; 2 teens) and it was crowded. The studios are small; IMHO fine for two (and maybe a small child). We will definitely go back, but will opt for at least a one-bedroom unit..

 

[rkwier]

I must agree on the advice to book a one-bedroom. We stayed in a BLT studio for two nights in August (4 - 2 adults; 2 teens) and it was crowded. The studios are small; IMHO fine for two (and maybe a small child). We will definitely go back, but will opt for at least a one-bedroom unit..

Agree completely, DH and I were tripping all over each other in the studio. It was doable for a few nights, but I would not want to do it for a longer stay.

 

[courtneylauren]

Yes, we banked the 09 points.

Thanks for everyone's input.