BLT Photo Trip Report - PART 7: ILLUMINATIONS

[WelcomeHome]

Besides the bathroom/kitchenette set up - did you feel a noticable difference between BLT and other DVC studios? Some have talked about "feeling" the size difference. Could you? Curious. Thanks.

How did you like the studio???
Nancy

OK, since you ladies asked, I must admit I edited out some of my "less than flattering" original comments out of respect for all the new BLT owners who have invested in this wonderful resort. And while I definitely had a fabulous time in this terrific place, it is not my personal favorite DVC resort.

Here's a few MINOR ISSUES which didn't exactly turn me on - and I suspect they'll all be corrected over time. I'll try to reflect my minor suggestions for improvement in the best light possible.

First, the studio was fine for just me & my wife, but 4 people in a studio could be tight.

The transparent bathroom door which doesn't close completely and can't be locked was kind of funny. On the other hand, it can provide an opportunity for moving a potentially romantic relationship forward given the right circumstances. That's the first and probably last time you'll ever see me use a smily face.

Next, while the kitchenette which doubles as a bathroom vanity is very successful at providing an efficient and stylish design in this compact space, it is non-functional in my opinion. There's no better way to lose your appetite while your room mate is brushing her hair into your cereal or toast - also, the sound of your partner brushing his teeth a few feet away while your trying to prepare food is not very appetizing. ON THE OTHER HAND, this small vanity/kitchenette offers a great way to lose weight!

And finally, security at this hotel is silly at best - after a couple of days at BLT, security becomes an borderline rude annoyance.

You need you room key for EVERYTHING. Not only do you need it to get to Top of the World Lounge (which is appropriate), but you also need it to get in THE FRONT DOOR of the hotel, you need it to get into the pool, you need it to get back from the beach, you need it to use the skywalk from the Contemporary and you even need it to get back into the hotel regardless of where your coming from. If you forget your room key - YOU'RE DEAD!

Instead of feeling like I was on vacation, I sometimes felt like a prisoner in a maximum security prison - the ridiculous security at BLT is a big turn off. If Disney wants to sell more DVC memberships by making DVC members feel "exclusive," then DVC members should be allowed to roam free at any DVC site!

It’s foolish to treat other DVC members like a high school juvenile delinquents when they try to enter BLT and hardly conducive to increasing sales -DVC should provide stress free and relaxing vacations with across the board availability. ON THE OTHER HAND, it does provide any professional with bad intentions a very good laugh.

Despite my "suggestions for improvement," BLT still remains a fantastic and impressive resort!

Best wishes,
David

 

[WelcomeHome]

Imagine sliding into that net!

Yes, Nick - but keep in mind that's where all those wonderful last minute cancellations come from!

Best wishes,
David

 

[kim532]

Instead of feeling like I was on vacation, I sometimes felt like a prisoner in a maximum security prison - the ridiculous security at BLT is a big turn off.

I have heard similar comments and I am concerned about that on our upcoming trip.

 

[nickspace]

Yes, Nick - but keep in mind that's where all those wonderful last minute cancellations come from!

Best wishes,
David

It gives doing Disney commando style new meaning. I think I saw something like that in the movie Running Man.

 

[WelcomeHome]

OK, onward to BLT's fabulous mother ship - the original Contemporary Hotel!

And of course, what would the Contemporary be without the home of crying, screaming, greasy and overpriced food:

Tomorrow morning I hope to include a section on "Top of the World Lounge."

Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Tara]

And finally, security at this hotel is silly at best - after a couple of days at BLT, security becomes an borderline rude annoyance.

You need you room key for EVERYTHING. Not only do you need it to get to Top of the World Lounge (which is appropriate), but you also need it to get in THE FRONT DOOR of the hotel, you need it to get into the pool, you need it to get back from the beach, you need it to use the skywalk from the Contemporary and you even need it to get back into the hotel regardless of where your coming from. If you forget your room key - YOU'RE DEAD!

Instead of feeling like I was on vacation, I sometimes felt like a prisoner in a maximum security prison - the ridiculous security at BLT is a big turn off. If Disney wants to sell more DVC memberships by making DVC members feel "exclusive," then DVC members should be allowed to roam free at any DVC site!

It’s foolish to treat other DVC members like a high school juvenile delinquents when they try to enter BLT and hardly conducive to increasing sales -DVC should provide stress free and relaxing vacations with across the board availability. ON THE OTHER HAND, it does provide any professional with bad intentions a very good laugh.

As a BLT owner, I appreciate the extra measures they've taken to restrict access. We never go anywhere without a room key anyway, so never once did we have an issue with access, nothing stressful about it.

 

[Tara]

I have heard similar comments and I am concerned about that on our upcoming trip.

I hardly think it's cause for concern.

 

[lisaviolet]

OK, since you ladies asked, I must admit I edited out some of my "less than flattering" original comments out of respect for all the new BLT owners who have invested in this wonderful resort. And while I definitely had a fabulous time in this terrific place, it is not my personal favorite DVC resort.

Here's a few MINOR ISSUES which didn't exactly turn me on - and I suspect they'll all be corrected over time. I'll try to reflect my minor suggestions for improvement in the best light possible.

First, the studio was fine for just me & my wife, but 4 people in a studio could be tight.

The transparent bathroom door which doesn't close completely and can't be locked was kind of funny. On the other hand, it can provide an opportunity for moving a potentially romantic relationship forward given the right circumstances. That's the first and probably last time you'll ever see me use a smily face.

Next, while the kitchenette which doubles as a bathroom vanity is very successful at providing an efficient and stylish design in this compact space, it is non-functional in my opinion. There's no better way to lose your appetite while your room mate is brushing her hair into your cereal or toast - also, the sound of your partner brushing his teeth a few feet away while your trying to prepare food is not very appetizing. ON THE OTHER HAND, this small vanity/kitchenette offers a great way to lose weight!

And finally, security at this hotel is silly at best - after a couple of days at BLT, security becomes an borderline rude annoyance.

You need you room key for EVERYTHING. Not only do you need it to get to Top of the World Lounge (which is appropriate), but you also need it to get in THE FRONT DOOR of the hotel, you need it to get into the pool, you need it to get back from the beach, you need it to use the skywalk from the Contemporary and you even need it to get back into the hotel regardless of where your coming from. If you forget your room key - YOU'RE DEAD!

Instead of feeling like I was on vacation, I sometimes felt like a prisoner in a maximum security prison - the ridiculous security at BLT is a big turn off. If Disney wants to sell more DVC memberships by making DVC members feel "exclusive," then DVC members should be allowed to roam free at any DVC site!

It’s foolish to treat other DVC members like a high school juvenile delinquents when they try to enter BLT and hardly conducive to increasing sales -DVC should provide stress free and relaxing vacations with across the board availability. ON THE OTHER HAND, it does provide any professional with bad intentions a very good laugh.

Despite my "suggestions for improvement," BLT still remains a fantastic and impressive resort!

Best wishes,
David

Well that was lovely - but I simply can't find the answer to my question. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel though.

And reminisced about my non-BLT stay super intense/super fun break-in in August only to suddenly find myself to be FREE out the back! How do you break in and then free yourself? (Yes I know by walking out the secure doors - I am aware ) I laughed and laughed. Thanks for the memory.

And don't just give me it might be tight for four at your next attempt to answer me - did it "feel" a lot smaller than other DVC studios?

 

[lisaviolet]

As a BLT owner, I appreciate the extra measures they've taken to restrict access. We never go anywhere without a room key anyway, so never once did we have an issue with access, nothing stressful about it.

But it's a different mindset. I detest a lot of security measures. You don't. For some it's an absolute turn off. So yeah it would bring stress to my vacation - because between laughing about it - it would probably annoy the heck out of me a couple of times.

And no sarcasm here - you obviously made a great choice to buy there. I own at BWV and SSR and one year there was a tremendous amount of talk from SSR owners here wanting to key off some areas due to people walking over from DD and using the facilities.

Changing to key areas at SSR. Me - never. I would HATE that.

I hardly think it's cause for concern.

I think she meant it wouldn't turn her crank on her vacation.

 

[lisaviolet]

Lighting fixtures AND windows - in the same picture? You're killing me. I love it!

Gorgeous pictures.

 

[daddey]

The pictures here look great! We own there but haven't been able to stay yet. We will be there in 10 days so these pics really are making me excited to be there. Thanks!

 

[JLitfin]

Love your photos, I'll be there next January for the first time and can't wait.

 

[Nancy F]

OK, since you ladies asked, I must admit I edited out some of my "less than flattering" original comments out of respect for all the new BLT owners who have invested in this wonderful resort. And while I definitely had a fabulous time in this terrific place, it is not my personal favorite DVC resort.

Here's a few MINOR ISSUES which didn't exactly turn me on - and I suspect they'll all be corrected over time. I'll try to reflect my minor suggestions for improvement in the best light possible.

First, the studio was fine for just me & my wife, but 4 people in a studio could be tight.

The transparent bathroom door which doesn't close completely and can't be locked was kind of funny. On the other hand, it can provide an opportunity for moving a potentially romantic relationship forward given the right circumstances. That's the first and probably last time you'll ever see me use a smily face.

Next, while the kitchenette which doubles as a bathroom vanity is very successful at providing an efficient and stylish design in this compact space, it is non-functional in my opinion. There's no better way to lose your appetite while your room mate is brushing her hair into your cereal or toast - also, the sound of your partner brushing his teeth a few feet away while your trying to prepare food is not very appetizing. ON THE OTHER HAND, this small vanity/kitchenette offers a great way to lose weight!

And finally, security at this hotel is silly at best - after a couple of days at BLT, security becomes an borderline rude annoyance.

You need you room key for EVERYTHING. Not only do you need it to get to Top of the World Lounge (which is appropriate), but you also need it to get in THE FRONT DOOR of the hotel, you need it to get into the pool, you need it to get back from the beach, you need it to use the skywalk from the Contemporary and you even need it to get back into the hotel regardless of where your coming from. If you forget your room key - YOU'RE DEAD!

Instead of feeling like I was on vacation, I sometimes felt like a prisoner in a maximum security prison - the ridiculous security at BLT is a big turn off. If Disney wants to sell more DVC memberships by making DVC members feel "exclusive," then DVC members should be allowed to roam free at any DVC site!

It’s foolish to treat other DVC members like a high school juvenile delinquents when they try to enter BLT and hardly conducive to increasing sales -DVC should provide stress free and relaxing vacations with across the board availability. ON THE OTHER HAND, it does provide any professional with bad intentions a very good laugh.

Despite my "suggestions for improvement," BLT still remains a fantastic and impressive resort!

Best wishes,
David

It's just me and the hubby but if the door is transparent...I guess I'll have to get into the tub with the shower curtain closed when we get room service. LOL. I usually just go into the bathroom and let the hubby answer the door if I'm not dressed yet. Wouldn't want to the room service people.

Maybe they could put a garbage disposal in the shower like Kramer from Seinfeld had. Then we could prepare our meals while we bathe.

Nancy

 

[DenLo]

. . . . . . . .

And finally, security at this hotel is silly at best - after a couple of days at BLT, security becomes an borderline rude annoyance.

You need you room key for EVERYTHING. Not only do you need it to get to Top of the World Lounge (which is appropriate), but you also need it to get in THE FRONT DOOR of the hotel, you need it to get into the pool, you need it to get back from the beach, you need it to use the skywalk from the Contemporary and you even need it to get back into the hotel regardless of where your coming from. If you forget your room key - YOU'RE DEAD!

Instead of feeling like I was on vacation, I sometimes felt like a prisoner in a maximum security prison - the ridiculous security at BLT is a big turn off. If Disney wants to sell more DVC memberships by making DVC members feel "exclusive," then DVC members should be allowed to roam free at any DVC site!

It’s foolish to treat other DVC members like a high school juvenile delinquents when they try to enter BLT and hardly conducive to increasing sales -DVC should provide stress free and relaxing vacations with across the board availability. ON THE OTHER HAND, it does provide any professional with bad intentions a very good laugh.

Despite my "suggestions for improvement," BLT still remains a fantastic and impressive resort!

Best wishes,
David

I have to admit that I can't figure out why they need to lock up BLT when they don't at the other DVC resorts. Just don't get it. I thought it was pretty simple to use the KTTW card for entry to the building as we take it with us to get back into our room.

Thanks for posting your report and wonderful photos. It's almost like being there.

 

[BigEeyore]

Great pictures! Keep 'em coming!

 

[spiceycat]

And finally, security at this hotel is silly at best - after a couple of days at BLT, security becomes an borderline rude annoyance.

You need you room key for EVERYTHING. Not only do you need it to get to Top of the World Lounge (which is appropriate), but you also need it to get in THE FRONT DOOR of the hotel, you need it to get into the pool, you need it to get back from the beach, you need it to use the skywalk from the Contemporary and you even need it to get back into the hotel regardless of where your coming from. If you forget your room key - YOU'RE DEAD!

Instead of feeling like I was on vacation, I sometimes felt like a prisoner in a maximum security prison - the ridiculous security at BLT is a big turn off. If Disney wants to sell more DVC memberships by making DVC members feel "exclusive," then DVC members should be allowed to roam free at any DVC site!

It’s foolish to treat other DVC members like a high school juvenile delinquents when they try to enter BLT and hardly conducive to increasing sales -DVC should provide stress free and relaxing vacations with across the board availability. ON THE OTHER HAND, it does provide any professional with bad intentions a very good laugh.

Despite my "suggestions for improvement," BLT still remains a fantastic and impressive resort!

Best wishes,
David

love it David.

while I love BLT and glad I own there. You are so correct. they went over board on security here.

of course at first TOW has 2 security guards..... Disney finally did away with them. you have got to wonder what Disney and DVC were expecting.

when you have guests - you must go downstairs to the lobby to let them in - this to me is silly. but hey what do I know.....

the worst for me is the pool thing. when you come back in - you expect the door closes to the lock to be the one to open. No it is the other one - the one w/o the lock..... worst if you have your hands full - you can't move fast enough to get this door opened - had lots and lots and lots of trouble with the stupid thing.

now if you can get to the pool at all - getting back inside the resort should not be a problem - it is a BIG problem.

 

[spiceycat]

love your CR pictures too!!!

 

[arthur06]

great pics! thanks for sharing!

 

[Tara]

It's just me and the hubby but if the door is transparent...I guess I'll have to get into the tub with the shower curtain closed when we get room service. LOL. I usually just go into the bathroom and let the hubby answer the door if I'm not dressed yet. Wouldn't want to the room service people.

Maybe they could put a garbage disposal in the shower like Kramer from Seinfeld had. Then we could prepare our meals while we bathe.

Nancy

The doors aren't transparent - they are frosted glass...or plexiglass, I suppose. Here's a photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveling-around/3782243048/

 

[WelcomeHome]

Well that was lovely - but I simply can't find the answer to my question. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel though.

And don't just give me it might be tight for four at your next attempt to answer me - did it "feel" a lot smaller than other DVC studios?

Remember when Ralph Kramden used to tell Alice he was "going to send her to the moon?" - well, Lisa, your next (LOL)!

YES (damnit), it felt smaller than other DVC studios when the opaque curtains were closed BUT ON THE OTHER HAND it felt wonderfully spacious when I had the curtains wide open to expose the expansive scenery and magnificent sky streaming in from the 12th floor!

Best wishes,
David