BLT Studio Enhancements- Anybody have Updates or Pictures???

[mom2cobysyd]

I have searched and searched and can't believe that there are not posts on updates about the changes being made to the BLT studios. There was 1 link with pictures but the way the pictures were taken, made it hard to tell how the sink/kitchenette were changed. Does anyone have current pictures or updates on how these changes are going (or if they have even been started)? We are staying in a 2 bedroom lock-off so was curious if we would see any of the changes in the studio portion (especially if the locks were at least installed). Thanks!

 

[Chic]

To my understanding, none of the enhancements have been completed yet. During our last copy of the Disney Files magazine, DVC announced that BLT enhancements were coming but never stated when the work would begin.

 

[JWG]

I believe this may be what you're looking for:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-resorts-220/1418-bay-lake-tower-villa-modifications

 

[Chic]

Judging from the photos in the post above, the bathroom sinks at BLT now remind me of the tiny units crammed inside the ones in a cruise ship stateroom.

 

[mom2cobysyd]

I believe this may be what you're looking for:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-resorts-220/1418-bay-lake-tower-villa-modifications

Yes, this was the link I referred to in my post that I had already found and the pictures make it really hard to see the changes (ex: the new sink in the bathroom- how does it fit with the toilet and shower and how does the whole kithcenette look).

I was hoping someone had more information or better pictures than the ones from the link above. I just find it strange that nobody else has any pictures or updates when we always get such detailed information here on the dis!

 

[tjkraz]

I took the photos and I can tell you that it's very difficult to photograph. You can't back up too far and gain a wide perspective because the only space is the 2.5' entry hallway. The clothes closet and wall are right behind. Also, the mirror in the kitchenette makes that area difficult to photograph because of the reflections.

Basically what they did was box-in the section of the kitchenette that held the second sink and flipped that area into the bathroom. The bathroom sink doesn't really take up any extra space in the bathroom. In the original design, the wall would have run pretty much where the edge of the sink begins. There is plenty of room to stand between the sink, bathtub and the commode when performing ones ablutions.

The only space lost in the kitchenette is right where that sink was original positioned. The food prep side is untouched, the walkway is just as wide and there is still a small counter on the side which formerly held the bathroom sink.

It's not luxurious by and stretch, but it is an improvement, IMO. And the renovations were nicely done. Stylistically BLT is similar to a compact boutique hotel and the bathroom certainly fits that bill.

The renovations are already under way. Those photos were taken of a room on the 14th floor. But the DVC reps couldn't give me any specifics on how many rooms had been renovated or a timeline for the job's overall completion.

Edit: Here is a rough illustration of what they did. Original design:

Updated design:

Just look at the kitchen area. In a nutshell, they simply moved one wall so that the sink faced into the bathroom rather than the kitchen. Of course, that's a gross oversimplification because all of the modifications were very well done, IMO. If you had never seen a BLT studio before, you would have no idea that anything had changed.

 

[Rob S.]

I was just there last week. I had an MK view studio (7928). No work was started yet on that room.

 

[spiceycat]

so the counter space was left in the kitchennett.

of that makes counter space in the bathroom basically none.

oh well hoping that will end the complaints about doing your hair and brushing your teeth in the kitchennett.

though these pictures were taken from the model on the first floor - so that has not even been done.

thanks so much!

 

[mom2cobysyd]

TJKRAZ-

With your above post I can now visualize the room with your pictures and where the changes are. Your room floor plan is extremely helpful to see how the changes will look. Thanks so much for posting!!!

Did you happen to find out if they are doing all of the changes at once to the rooms or are they doing certain things at a time such as adding locks to the door (which wouldn't require the remodeling)?

Since BLT is pretty full most of the time, it could take them a long time to finish these enhancments if they are waiting until the rooms aren't booked!

 

[dis-happy]

Looks much improved to me. The shelves on the side of the new sink look like a reasonable amount of storage---better than what's available in the extra bath in the 1 b/r. I guess it would depend on how deep or shallow they are though--hopefully enough for a toiletries bag and not just a bottle of lotion.

 

[JWG]

Looks much improved to me. The shelves on the side of the new sink look like a reasonable amount of storage---better than what's available in the extra bath in the 1 b/r. I guess it would depend on how deep or shallow they are though--hopefully enough for a toiletries bag and not just a bottle of lotion.

Agreed. Seems like enough space to give each person (if 3) their own space. 2 shelves and the counter space in the nook. Positive changes in my mind.

 

[PatsMom]

I never minded the sink design - I liked having it outside the bathroom area but it really isn't a big deal either way.

But I will be glad to have a latch on the bathroom door when they are finally done!