BLT Studio Bathroom/Kitchenette

[CapnJacksGirl]

We have been eager to try BLT ever since it opened and had been planning that for our August 2012 vacation. In my research (read: time-wasting) today, I ran across the dreaded bathroom sink/kitchenette combo in the studios. I have no idea who thought that would be a good set-up!

My question to those who have stayed in a studio is this...just how bad is it? We've stayed in studios at AKV, BWV, VWL, and BCV and loved it each time. Many mornings, either my DH or I will be getting ready at the bathroom vanity while the other is getting the kids breakfast at the kitchenette. From the pics I've seen of the BLT studio set-up, I'm not sure that will work. Is it really as close together as it looks? I'm already assuming that any hair spray use (which is already pretty darn minimal on a WDW vacation anyway) is going to have to happen elsewhere to avoid coating the kitchenette and food. If we can't have two people in that area at once, it's likely a deal-breaker for us staying there. And I'll be sooooooo disappointed.

TIA for the help!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We have been eager to try BLT ever since it opened and had been planning that for our August 2012 vacation. In my research (read: time-wasting) today, I ran across the dreaded bathroom sink/kitchenette combo in the studios. I have no idea who thought that would be a good set-up!

My question to those who have stayed in a studio is this...just how bad is it? We've stayed in studios at AKV, BWV, VWL, and BCV and loved it each time. Many mornings, either my DH or I will be getting ready at the bathroom vanity while the other is getting the kids breakfast at the kitchenette. From the pics I've seen of the BLT studio set-up, I'm not sure that will work. Is it really as close together as it looks? I'm already assuming that any hair spray use (which is already pretty darn minimal on a WDW vacation anyway) is going to have to happen elsewhere to avoid coating the kitchenette and food. If we can't have two people in that area at once, it's likely a deal-breaker for us staying there. And I'll be sooooooo disappointed.

TIA for the help!

After so many members complained about the set up, DVC decided it was a bad idea and started putting the bathroom sink into the bathroom. They took up about half of the counter and built the walls to put half in the bathroom and half in the kitchen. So you might not have a problem. I think they have completed the conversions, but I'm not sure.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Thanks for the info! I can't say I'm surprised that they had to make some changes!

Does anyone have or know where I can locate photos or layout drawings of the new configuration? I hate to fixate on this one detail but I don't want to be struggling with a bad set-up for over a week. I already know the BLT studios are smaller than others, but we're willing to give up a little room to be so close to MK and try the new place. We're only in the room for a couple of waking hours a day anyway. But if we're miserable trying to get ready each day, it's not worth it for us and we'll head back to AKV.

Thanks to anyone who can help!

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are some photos here on the DIS somewhere. You might try search.

If you are going to go as a family of four, you are going to be very crowded in a BLT studio. It really works best for a couple or a couple with one small child.

 

[wdrl]

Does anyone have or know where I can locate photos or layout drawings of the new configuration? I hate to fixate on this one detail but I don't want to be struggling with a bad set-up for over a week. I already know the BLT studios are smaller than others, but we're willing to give up a little room to be so close to MK and try the new place. We're only in the room for a couple of waking hours a day anyway. But if we're miserable trying to get ready each day, it's not worth it for us and we'll head back to AKV.

Thanks to anyone who can help!

Take a look at work2play's thread on BLT Rooms and Views (see http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082). There are a lot of photos of BLT rooms on that thread.

I think, but am not positive, that all of of studios have been retrofitted with the sink now in the bathroom area.

In October, we stayed in BLT 8108, a studio with the retrofitted sink area. First, let me say that you'll probably be very pleasantly surprised with the amount of kitchen storage space at BLT. We've stayed in studios at AKV, BWV, OKW, and VWL, and BLT's studios have the best layout.

Here are some photos of the kitchen and bathroom area from BLT 8108:

Kitchenette:

This photo doesn't do it justice, but there is a lot of shelf space in the kitchette area. Also, there is a pull-out pantry that can hold a lot of things. The full length mirror was added to the studios when they did the retrofitting:

Here is the bathroom vanity area. My wife thought the counter space was smaller than she preferred, but we moved a lot of stuff to the adjoining shelfs and to the space beneath the sink:

We own at both AKV and BLT and we are very happy with both resorts. However, I think BLT has better kitchen areas in both the studios and 1- and 2-bedroom villas.

Hope you have a great time at BLT!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks for those pictures wdrl! I have a 2 night stay in a BLT studio in January. I'll be with DSis and booked it simply for the experience of staying in one of the studios to see just how small they were and to see if DH and I could live with the layout. Well, we also wanted the TOTW experience. Just can't bring myself to buy points there so have to hope for 7 month reservations if we decide staying there is good!

 

[runmommyrun]

We stayed in a studio in Oct (me and husband - no kids). Studio was fine and there was a sink in bathroom. The studios are small, but we usually get a 1BR with kids, so I have to keep it in perspective. I prefer 1BR with kids, but we said we could make studio work with them for shorter trips. We like BLT and I still think the rooms overall are better than the two other villas we've stayed (trying a third, BCV, this summer). Have a great trip!

 

[rock_doctor]

We have stayed in rooms with both configurations and it was not an issue for us either way. It was nicer to have a bathroom sink but not a big deal. I would imagine most rooms have been changed by now. They were a descent amount though the building by last Christmas.

 

[wdrl]

Thanks for those pictures wdrl! I have a 2 night stay in a BLT studio in January. I'll be with DSis and booked it simply for the experience of staying in one of the studios to see just how small they were and to see if DH and I could live with the layout. Well, we also wanted the TOTW experience. Just can't bring myself to buy points there so have to hope for 7 month reservations if we decide staying there is good!

I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on BLT's studios. Although BLT's studios have less square footage than most other resorts, its never been an issue with us. Perhaps its because we've done a lot of cruises and have spent up to 28 days in ships' cabins that are far smaller than anything at DVC.

What type of view have you booked?

 

[spiceycat]

we (blt member) also complained about the lack of mirrors - well they took us seriously - there is now more than enough mirrors in both the bathroom and kitchennett area - there is a big one in kitchennett - so prepare yourself