BLT Rooftop "Limited Availability" Undefined

[David Raguso]

I asked my guide about what the rooftop availability means and they dont know exactly how its limited. I asked about the following and i didnt get an answer yet:

• is it limited to BLT guests only?
• can any DVC member access it regardless of what resort they stay at? this would be similar to the rule with resort pools
• do people have to reserve a place there in advance?
• Is an an entry fee going to be charged to access it?
• are there only certain times, like only during the fireworks, that space is limited?

 

[pilferk]

I asked my guide about what the rooftop availability means and they dont know exactly how its limited. I asked about the following and i didnt get an answer yet:

• is it limited to BLT guests only?
• can any DVC member access it regardless of what resort they stay at? this would be similar to the rule with resort pools
• do people have to reserve a place there in advance?
• Is an an entry fee going to be charged to access it?
• are there only certain times, like only during the fireworks, that space is limited?

My wholly unfounded suspicion is 1 and 5 is what they meant. Only BLT guests, and that there is limited space so you might get turned away.

 

[David Raguso]

My rep actually just got back to me with a little more:

"spoke to a mgr and right now they are trying to determine how many guests the room will hold comfortably for a great experience as well as the fire codes. Right now it is limited to any member staying at the villas at cont--no hotel guests and no members checked in elsewhere. so it looks like you would have to have a room key to get up there."

 

[wildernessDad]

I think that the limit is 70 people.

 

[jcf]

I was told you will need a room key to access - walkway, pool etc. They seem to be determined not to turn the place into a freebie circus

 

[5forDiz]

Recall hearing capacity of around 70 - 80.

Just my humble opinion here, but I think this space would probably have been better used as concierge lounge. But concierge level doesn't seem to be part of the plan here like it is at AKV.

 

[keys2kingdom]

My rep actually just got back to me with a little more:

"spoke to a mgr and right now they are trying to determine how many guests the room will hold comfortably for a great experience as well as the fire codes. Right now it is limited to any member staying at the villas at cont--no hotel guests and no members checked in elsewhere. so it looks like you would have to have a room key to get up there."

That sounds totally reasonable, I think they'd definitely have to restrict it to those staying at BLT.

 

[keishashadow]

i have the same Q - you would have to limit it to onsite guests...akin to policy @ Ca Grill, dining guests only

yet, thinking it's much smaller in scope & would hold less people

confused as to whether the viewing platform is attached (to or part of) lounge if so, wonder if an ADR of sorts would be needed

first come, first served would be a bear; yet def wouldn't want to plan an add-on for bay or stand view & be unable to experience the FW

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think ANYTHING at BLT will have to be guest key for admittance, since that location will bring a lot of freeloaders out of the woodwork much like that parking lot used to. Kind of like how at OKW there are a lot of local people using the main pool.

 

[marshmallow]

It would seem to me that there would have to be a restaurant on site for them to even consider consierge.

 

[jcf]

It would seem to me that there would have to be a restaurant on site for them to even consider consierge.

None planned

 

[keishashadow]

None planned

pictures of lounge show peeps w/adult looking beverages in hand, you'd think they'd offer munchies/limited food service

 

[bookwormde]

With a max BLT occupancy of 3000+ and 70 roof spot,, the method of “choosing” who can use it will be interesting.

bookwormde

 

[amcnj]

This all sounds too familiar. Remember the observation deck at the Boardwalk that never came to be?

 

[moredisneyplease]

With a max BLT occupancy of 3000+ and 70 roof spot,, the method of “choosing” who can use it will be interesting.

bookwormde

I agree....interesting. my theory, dont count on it and if it happens while you're then its just a little extra magic

 

[jana]

Given the popularity of Cal Grill and high prices it commands I can't believe Disney couldn't come up with a plan to maximize that prime real estate's earning potential. Even if restaurant facilities aren't a workable option, IMHO a sushi bar, Dim sum , yakitori, satay, gourmet cheese platters ( to go with a great wine list) , tapas bar , dessert pastries, ice cream sundaes.

Having food, seating and tables would make it much easier to police/limit/monitor the number of people using the lounge, it would also give a method ( dining reservation line) to book a spot.
Adding food would increase the areas earning potential because it would increase the beverage sales as well as the food income. 2 servings = 140 people a night. Average $20-25 per person on food (Very low compared to Cal Grill) plus an extra $15 on beverages is 140X $35 = $5000 a night X 365 = almost $2,000,000 a year and that's at a VERY conservative estimate and offering.

We saw at DSSR that not planning a decent quality dining option was a mistake, I hope they don't make the same mistake with BLT and the rooftop would seem to an obvious, desirable and highly beneficial location to put it.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I was told you will need a room key to access - walkway, pool etc. They seem to be determined not to turn the place into a freebie circus

Our guide told us the same thing.

 

[pilferk]

Given the popularity of Cal Grill and high prices it commands I can't believe Disney couldn't come up with a plan to maximize that prime real estate's earning potential. Even if restaurant facilities aren't a workable option, IMHO a sushi bar, Dim sum , yakitori, satay, gourmet cheese platters ( to go with a great wine list) , tapas bar , dessert pastries, ice cream sundaes.

Having food, seating and tables would make it much easier to police/limit/monitor the number of people using the lounge, it would also give a method ( dining reservation line) to book a spot.
Adding food would increase the areas earning potential because it would increase the beverage sales as well as the food income. 2 servings = 140 people a night. Average $20-25 per person on food (Very low compared to Cal Grill) plus an extra $15 on beverages is 140X $35 = $5000 a night X 365 = almost $2,000,000 a year and that's at a VERY conservative estimate and offering.

We saw at DSSR that not planning a decent quality dining option was a mistake, I hope they don't make the same mistake with BLT and the rooftop would seem to an obvious, desirable and highly beneficial location to put it.

I think you're right.

Looking at the Deevy vid, I'd say that "the lounge" is exactly that: A bar/lounge of some sort, like Victoria falls. Maybe more family friendly than that, but.....pretty much that. My impression is: Victoria Falls meets Outer Rim meets "Central Perk" meets AKV concierge lounge, if that makes any sense.

We'll see.

 

[DisFlan]

With a max BLT occupancy of 3000+ and 70 roof spot,, the method of “choosing” who can use it will be interesting.

bookwormde

True, especially since about 80% of the villas won't be able to see the fireworks. Maybe a few more can see them from a reduced angle, but most won't be able to view them at all. Seems like they need a MUCH bigger viewing area than it looks to be. And I don't think "viewing reservations" would go over too well.

DisFlan

 

[PamOKW]

This all sounds too familiar. Remember the observation deck at the Boardwalk that never came to be?

Exactly what I was thinking! Ah yes, the member Attic lounge.......