BLT rooms and views with picture links! Last update of post #1 10/21/2015

[work2play]

We got back the other day from our second stay here. This time, because we were hotel hopping we decided to take the MK view especially since it was still available at the 7 month mark. I hadn't made any room requests, since it was a short stay and we figured no matter what we would have some type of MK view. I also planned on asking for a different room upon check in if what they offered wasn't okay. We checked in on a Wednesday at around 11 a.m. To my surprise the room was ready, but they offered me room 7428. I knew from this thread and my previous stay that I didn't want a low floor so I asked if they had anything on an upper floor. I also knew I wanted a room ending in 18 not 28, but they only had 7618 available or I could pick 8028. I ended up sacrificing a dead on MK view for a higher floor. I'm not sure that I would do that again, but the view is still nice. I have attached several photos. The last pic was taken while on board the WDW RR.

Thanks for the pictures! Yes, that would be a hard choice, higher XX28 vs lower XX18. I think I would have opted for the 7618 room because it has a better direct view of the MK.

 

[Cruella 66]

We're back from our first official DVC BLT visit.

Our first 4 days were in room 8220; dead center castle view. I requested as high a floor as possible at check in and our room was ready by 2 p.m. While I liked the room, I must say, I was disappointed in the condition. The carpeting and couch were all stained, we were only given ONE dishwasher packet for four days; the face of the cabinet under the sink fell off when my daughter closed the door and it was obvious it had been off before and was just placed back on there. On our 4th day, only part of our towels were replaced and not all 'amenities' were resupplied. I did call about the sink and very politely told them they can count themselves lucky that cabinet face did not injure my daughter and I strongly suggested they come and secure it! The dining room table was also scared...white stuff all over the top; not sure if it was some paint or what. When the towel service wasn't what I thought it should be I called housekeeping and asked what I should expect, since it was our first visit. When she was done, I pointed out what we didn't get and was told it would be brought. I took another phone call and an hour and half!

The last two nights we moved to BLV and requested a high floor. We were in room 8535. I loved the room set up better, there is actually a whole laundry ROOM in there as opposed to just a closet in 8220. There were 4 pouches of dishwasher soap AND a laundry basket. The couch was stained but not as badly as 8220. The view was of the pool and water, nice view, but since the building is curved, the sound really bounces around and it is VERY loud for the Electric boat parade and pool noise. If you want to go to sleep before 10:30 I hope you don't mind back ground noise.

The sound proofness of the building itself isn't too bad but you will hear patio furniture being dragged around from surrounding balconies
(and hopefully not at 7 a.m. like we did; what's up with THAT?) along with the high shrieks of little kids' on said balconies.

We did love the units set up, 8535 more so, and having the w/d was fabulous! That all being said, I feel VERY strongly that guests who damage furniture or stain it should be charged a cleaning/repair charge! If it can't be cleaned or repaired, they should be expected to pay for replacement, then maybe the units will stay nice for everyone's use. As an owner, it makes me sick to see the furniture in the unit so beat up in such a short period of time. We'll be the ones paying for it in our dues! I do plan on writing DVC with my views; don't expect anything from it other than making my opinions clear.

Next time we stay BLT I won't waste points on mkv or blv; I'll stay standard, high floor, on the OUTER portion of the building. Or possibly try Animal Kingdom.

 

[Disneypubgal]

We're back from our first official DVC BLT visit.



Next time we stay BLT I won't waste points on mkv or blv; I'll stay standard, high floor, on the OUTER portion of the building. Or possibly try Animal Kingdom.

I don't think the standard views are high but rather lower level...

 

[PinkTink63]

I also find the condition of the rooms and furnishings quite disturbing...especially when the resort is so new! I just don't understand why people have such disrespect for other people's property! I often wonder, do they treat their own things in this manner?

I see children all the time in public standing or crawling all over furniture and with food in hand! This has always been one of my pet peeves! Chairs are for sitting on and tables are for eating at! Beds are not for jumping on! Is that so hard?! JMO!

 

[Rosshk]

I tried to help

 

[Rosshk]

Here's a video of the view:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

First of all, we were supposed to have 2 adjoining studio rooms. They screwed this up, but we managed to get 2 rooms across the hall from each other, but a few floors down.

I understand all that you have commented on with the design of BLT. The studio layout is just crazy. I've also used the covered bridge in driving rain. It's very slippery as well as not providing protection. And the pinpoint precision of the shower heads is intense. I think a change of those would easily alleviate the issue but I wish the current one's had the ability to change the nozzle flow. Thankfully I could tolerate when I had the water turned down low but it still wasn't relaxing for sure.

I did also want to let you know that there are no adjoining studios so that is one instance they didn't screw up. They also will never guarantee room location beyond a view category so in the future, if you go again, just be aware what you asked for is only a request and not guaranteed. You were lucky they could get you close together.

If you need adjoining accommodations you must book a 2BR.

Nice pictures and it looks like you had a good view.

 

[goofy4tink]

We stayed in BLT #7508.
As for the hotel service itself, I'd have to concur with many people here that it had its share of flaws. This is just me focusing on the negatives now. There were many positives, but this is just my complaints with the room and hotel service.
First of all, we were supposed to have 2 adjoining studio rooms. They screwed this up, but we managed to get 2 rooms across the hall from each other, but a few floors down.
As for the room, like others said, the sliding bathroom door does not lock. This is especially a problem when my young nephews like to play with the doors, and we have our main doors jarred open now because they screwed up our reservations. Anyone walking in the halls could have heard my telling my 3 year old nephew to close the door until I was out of the shower.
The water pressure from the shower is insanely high. My nephews couldn't use it because it hurt them too much. We had to pour water in cups and shower them with that. I didn't have too much of a problem with it, except for when I had to wash my face. I just did that in the sink. I had the switch at the lowest pressure possible (before reverting to the spigot), and it was still fairly high.
The buttons on our TV and remote barely worked. I had to press them very hard and hold it for a few seconds in order to get it to work. This was especially annoying when trying to turn down the volume. Its rather hard to believe this would be a problem when the hotel hasn't even been open a year. Maybe they bought them all used?
Also, since we are not part of the DVC, we were not allowed to go to the top floor, which is BS. Not to look around, not to eat, and not to drink. This only leaves the Contempo Cafe (with its limited, repeating menu) and The Wave (with its 1 page, extremely limited menu). Both are in the Contemporary, across the bridge. As for the bridge, I'll get to that later. They way they treated me when I told them I wasn't DVC made me feel like a second-class citizen.
The building is supposed to be locked for BLT guests only, but its really not. All the ground floor level doors required your card key to get in, and those doors are always closed. The door from the Contemporary bridge had a keylock, but 90% of the time, it was propped open. Also, the pool is supposed to be for BLT guests only. It had a gate with a keylock, but it was always open as well. On our way back from one of the parks, I saw a family in their bathing suits on the bus, that got off at the Contemporary with us. About a half hour later, I went down to the pool, and they were there. Don't think that this pool, and its awesome water slide are exclusive to BLT guests, because apparently, its not.
Also, the BLT itself has no restaurants (that I could get into at least), giftshops, or anything else to spend money on. The ice machines are only on certain floors, too (and our floor did not have one).
The studio room itself was very small. The kitchenette area shrinks the rooms size down about 8 ft. With the futon folded out, there's hardly any room to walk. Plus, you have to put all the cushions/pillows somewhere, and the footrest/trey compartment takes up space, too.
Also, as I mentioned above, the bus stop is shared with the Contemporary. The monorail doesn't go to HS, DTD, or AK, so you'll have to use the bus, which is now 4 resorts using 1 bus. If you stay til a park closes, be prepared to wait for a bus for a long time.
The kitchenette and bathroom sinks are in the same, tiny room, smaller than my closet. Good luck trying to have 2 people in there at once, especially in the mornings.
As for the bridge, it offers practically no sideways protection from the rain. The first part of it had some coverage for a couple of feet. Unfortunately, that's just on 1 side, and the rain was blowing in sideways from the other side. I got completely drenched on a covered bridge, and there was no other way to avoid it.
And probably the worst problem we had was with our luggage. They were supposed to take care of it when we left in the morning, but they didn't. We were struggling to check it in ourselves as the bus waited for us at the last minute. We ended up only getting half of our luggage when we arrived home. The rest didn't come until later that night, which the airline had to deliver. There were several others on our airline that also didn't get their luggage from WDW. I'm not blaming the hotel for us getting our luggage late when we arrived at the resort though. They said it would take 3 hours, but it took us 5. They said this was a rare occasion. However, when my father flew in a couple days later, it took his 4.5 hours to arrive. Once again, they said this was a rare occasion.
Now, enough of my complaining. I'll post pics of our view in another post, since I probably took up too much space complaining here.

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience at BLT.
I'm confused about the luggage issue though. We're staying there next month and dh is leaving from BLT, so I want to be sure I know the 'lay of the land' so to speak. When you say 'they were supposed to take care of it when you left in the morning'..who was supposed to take care of it, and what does 'take care of it' actually involve? I've done RAC at other resorts with no issue so want to know if there is something else I need to tell dh.

On another note, I have seldom had my bags in my room less than 4 hrs after resort arrival. But, again....I've done DME so many times now, I realize that I need to just forget that luggage and go off and enjoy myself.

I'm disappointed to hear that gates and doors are left propped open. I am one of those people who will close any doors/gates that are supposed to be closed. Especially into the bldg itself. I want to feel secure in there, and if a doorway is left open, rather than locked, I am no longer going to feel safe. As far as the pool goes, you are always going to see those who are not entitled to use the pool doing just that. Yes, it drives me nuts. And yes, the lifeguards will make periodic sweeps. If you notice someone at the pool that you know isn't entitled to be there, and it bothers you,then feel free to let the lifeguards know. For me...as long as someone isn't bothering me by horse play, or taking up prime seating by the pool, they can stay. But, if they start horsing around or grab a ton of poolside seats/tables, then yeah, I'm going to get nudgy.

You did mention that there are no restaurants (available to you) at BLT or gift shops. But. there are at CR itself. BLT is just part of the CR, so one wouldn't expect it to have it's own restaurants. BCV, VWL, BWV don't have their own restuarants. Kidani does but it is set a fair distance from Jambo House..nothing connecting them. So, they have an upscale restaurant as well as a quick serve type place off the lobby.
I guess I don't understand the problem with going to the CR to eat or shop.
As far as the ToTW lounge being available to DVC members staying at BLT only, well...we have to have some perks I guess. I hope that more DVC members partake of it..otherwise it will become a venue available for private parties only..and I would hate to see that. Perhaps at some time, they will open it to all DVC members, staying anywhere or perhaps to anyone staying at BLT...DVC member or not. But for now...it's a perk to be enjoyed by DVC members staying at BLT only.

 

[lenshanem]

This just goes to prove you can't make everyone happy!
We had a view very much like Rosshk and I felt like we had won the lottery.

I do have to admit the showers are very painful, almost impossible to wash your face. I thought it was just our room or something. My girls could barely tolerate it. We went to Kidani about a month before and the shower heads there were incredible. Actually, the shower heads are my only complaint. We knew ahead of time what the studio was gonna be like there. I was prepared for cruise like space, so it actually was bigger than what I had envisioned!

Sure, if I thought about it I could pick minor things here and there, but overall our stay was extremely magical. Nothing tops being so close to my favorite place on earth.

 

[Rosshk]

nevermind

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Like I said at the very beginning, that post was just me focusing on the negative.
In both of our studio rooms, there was a door leading to the room next to us. We actually tried to book something bigger, but everything was filled. They told us that we would have 2 rooms adjoined when we made our reservations, so yes, they did screw up to some capacity.

Oh dear - sorry for acknowledging that I agree with many of the negatives/quirks that you posted.

But - my point about adjoining studios was to let you know that it could not have been done. Every studio at BLT connects to a 1BR. None connect to another studio. If you want to have connecting rooms you must book it as a 2BR lockoff. Even booking a studio and 1BR separately will not have a guarantee that they will connect. If the 2BR is not available when you book then you have to recognize that you may not be close to each other.

Since you booked this but aren't DVC members I'm guessing you booked thru CRO? Anyway - what they told you at booking was simply impossible and incorrect. Just an FYI for the future.

 

[crcurton]

Just returned yesterday from BLT and we loved it! We had a 1 bdrm villa LV for 5 ppl and it was perfect. The showerhead in the small bathroom was a little harsh, but with 2 showers and a tub, it was fine. I would definitely stay here again and it would be my first preference!

 

[clc053103]

I'm confused about the luggage issue though. We're staying there next month and dh is leaving from BLT, so I want to be sure I know the 'lay of the land' so to speak. When you say 'they were supposed to take care of it when you left in the morning'..who was supposed to take care of it, and what does 'take care of it' actually involve? I've done RAC at other resorts with no issue so want to know if there is something else I need to tell dh.

In my experience, you need to personally check in your luggage, the bell services can't "take care of it". You can call bell services to come get it and you can go down with them and check it in. Don't leave it in your room and assume it will be handled.

I feel bad for PP who posted and tried to help, and has since taken his review down after people responded- but if incorrect information is being posted, you have to understand that people may come back and post the facts. Yes, the no-lock bathroom door is a common complaint. When I stayed BLT on cash, the "no entrance to TOTW" policy was totally offensive, considering the place was up there sitting empty. didn't notice the shower heads, but others have agreed with that. And yes, that walkway does get slippery!

But it's important that the truth be stated- there are no adjoining studios in the entire hotel, the CM that told PP that was wrong, the hotel staff was not giving adjoining studios because they don't exist. And as far as I know, DME does not handle luggage left in the room, you have to check it in yourself.

 

[Gipperland]

Rosshk, don't let others make you feel bad for posting that your visit was less than perfect. I think some take neg comments as personal insults, when it is your truth. Thanks for the honest review!

 

[Melani]

I read your review in email.
And as a BLT owner, I would have to agree w/ most everything.

Except the shower thing.
And the TOTWLounge thing. (There's really no food available up there, they order it out, like at the pool bar)

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

just a few comments from a blt owner.

[oh,fyi, not intended on a personal note.] however,

the input is quite useful for problem solving & suggestions. thank
you, for expressing your feelings.

"renters". while some have made it on towl, it has always been the rule.
as an owner, i was only concern about others not respecting the rules,where
we would be turned away. this didn't changed while you was there.
when other renters asked about this, they made it clear, they were going
no matter what. needless to say, as a owner i reported their intentions
& my concerns. esp. after they taunted the "rule" and me.

buy, buy, buy. i think renters expecting to be treated like owners is
unrealistic. before we were owners, i would never expected this. i
think to have this expectation, one need to become an owner.

yes, i am sure there will always be those sneaking in. however, it
is the memory they are creating for their "magical" vacation. blt &
it's location , isn't hard to figure out it is a target for those wanting
to crashed the party. as for the bridge, if i see it being prop opened
then i'll removed the prop. also reporting those are suspicious, &
those doing it.

owners need to take a pro-active role.


coping skills, we have our first scheduled visit over christmas. we
knew this, the day last july, when we decided on buying into
blt. we like the decor., prefect for us bringing our own disney
decorations & making it our home. [ christmas is very important
family tradition for us]. blt is about a new family tradition. so
far, our road has been very bumpy, requiring us to work out
the solutions, we need to meet our family needs. some of
which, us learning new ways of doing our wdw vacations.
meaning, we just don't expect disney to do all the changes.


the damages, are being done by those inside the rooms @ the time.
disney need to start a post-inspection. it is self evident, that
some of the damages are abuse. as an owner, we will do a pre-
inspection when we visit.

i think blt in comparing it to the other dvc units, is the new kid
on the block. just because of it's location, is the "ace" of all dvc
properties. magic kingdom is why. and because it is a high rise,
the most popular requests will be for a kingdom view as
high as one can go. some called owners wanting the best rooms
"entitled". we paid money for that privilege & do not expect
renters demanding better/higher views.

reading what been going on, i really think blt owners has some
common needs, where they should organize to protect the
property and assist disney keeping it safe.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

EDIT: Please see post below by the wonderful OP, work2play!

 

[work2play]

It would be really great if we limited this thread to a discussion of BLT rooms and views.

Thank you!

JoAnne

 

[cigarboo]

OK, well we just returned from our 1st stay at BLT and we loved it. We booked a standard view to save on points and I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. We ended up on the 3rd floor(which we were told was the highest floor for standard) with partial views of Bay Lake and the tennis courts. We couldn't see the castle, but could see Space Mountain. Of course we saw the parking lot, but that's what we paid for. But boy o' boy did we get a great view of the fireworks. I love the resort more than I anticipated. Just being able to walk "home" from MK was awesome. We did go up to the lounge one night but enjoyed the views from our room better. The wall was too high and thick for my little guys to see over at TotWL. I had to carry them, so they can see. So after that we just saw fireworks from our room. Nothing beats seeing them from MK and walking home without the crowd was what I loved most.

My niece did encounter the prickly shower so she just used the extra bathroom in the living room area. The extra bathroom is definitely a bonus. The pull out couch and single pull out were very comfy and it's nice to have the "extra" single when my 6 & 9 yo don't want to sleep "together."

The propped open doors from the walkway at CR doesn't bother me. All other doors that I encountered at BLT were locked from the outside. I guess I'm used to all other resorts I've ever been to having a main door that is open to the public, so 1 open door from CR doesn't bother us at all. The pools were great. Never felt that it was over crowded. The line for the pool slide was never more than a few kids. We just had such a great time.

I just hope BLT can stay nice and not get too damaged with all the wear and tear from the property being always full.

 

[*Meagan*]

SUCH AN AWESOME LIST, thanks for sharing!!!!! We are on the waitlist for BLT for december. Im praying and hoping we get it!!!!