BLT Studio, Made Odd on Purpose?

[rstamm]

We just got back last night from a Dec. 23-Jan 1 trip.

I wanted to post some of the odd features they did in the studios, which I wonder if they did on purpose for the sole reason to make people get a 1-bedroom.

I just read a post from a thread where the person was saying they would get a 1-bedroom next time and then I knew I had to say something.

First would anyone put their towel bar in the shower? Every time we took a shower, any remaining towels left there got damp. The handicapped-accessible bars surrounding a toilet weren't of much use as a towel bar either, especially so close to the toilet with two men in the room!

Would anyone not put a mirror or electrical outlet in the bathroom and put them in your kitchen instead? In the morning I was drying my hair in the kitchen while DW was trying to make a bagel--not the most appealing breakfast item when hair is flying around. What were they thinking? When you are trying to use the sink and someone else is trying to use the kitchen there is not enough room to move around. We also thought the strength of the shower was just too powerful (it felt like layers of skin were being ripped off!), and DW had a problem with the height of the sinks--they were just too high for her to properly wash her face without flinging water everywhere. She's not short either--5'5", so I could see major problems with people who are even shorter.

We have no problems at all with space at the value resorts but we had issues in the studio.

DW said she really wants a 1-bedroom next time because of space and the bad set up in the studio.

It just made me wonder if they did it on purpose so people would upgrade after they stayed in studio?

I did love the balcony watching Wishes at night and I don't want to pay double points for a 1-bedroom but I have a feeling DW won't let up until that's just what we do next time!

Anyone else feel the same way?

 

[Chuck S]

While I haven't stayed in a BLT studio, but there have been many complaints on their design here on the boards.

I think they simply went for the "style and look" rather than practical function in the design for some reason. There really is no advantage to Disney or DVC if members book a one bedroom over a studio. What would be the purpose of designing studio units to remain empty and unused? If cash rentals at the Contemporary for standard-type hotel rooms were proportionally in high demand, they likely would not have demolished the North Wing and built DVC in the first place.

 

[rstamm]

While I haven't stayed in a BLT studio, but there have been many complaints on their design here on the boards.

I think they simply went for the "style and look" rather than practical function in the design for some reason. There really is no advantage to Disney or DVC if members book a one bedroom over a studio. What would be the purpose of designing studio units to remain empty and unused? If cash rentals at the Contemporary for standard-type hotel rooms were proportionally in high demand, they likely would not have demolished the North Wing and built DVC in the first place.

The advantage is that the points are so much higher to stay at BLT that most people would only get a studio and then after staying in a studio would do a 1-bedroom next time.

If that was there goal I do think it is working.

They could rent out the studios for cash to other non DVC members or other DVC members could book at the 7 month mark or less and still sell out.

 

[Chuck S]

They could rent out the studios for cash to other non DVC members or other DVC members could book at the 7 month mark or less and still sell out.

But that is still not any advantage to DVC or the Disney Company.

By law, they can not oversell a resort...and a point based timeshare should theoretically be operating at near capacity year round. If the studios are consistently empty, DVC would be obligated to redo the point charts for BLT, making the studios far less points, and the one bedrooms more points per night.

Again, as the points are paid whether they are used or not, there is no direct profit motive or advantage to DVC or Disney to purposefully make a studio "undesirable." If they are less desirable for DVCers, they'd likely also be just as undesirable for cash guests, and would require substantial discounts. Following your premise, would it not be in the best interest of Disney to make the larger units undesirable to DVC members, as they logically rent for more $$$ per night?

There is no question that there are some design mistakes in BLT studios, but I doubt there was any motive to purposefully make them unwanted.

 

[dwelty]

I have to agree with Chuck on this and add someting else. The VGC points chart is very similar to BLT. (among the highest in DVC), yet the Studios there are larger than many at 379 square feet. SSR for example is 355 and BLT is even lower than that. In addition, the VGC studios have a queen sleeper pull out couch which is an improvement over the double in all other studios. The studio as a whole is an improvement over previous DVC properties. If the goal of DVC was to push people into a 1 bedroom, why would they do this at BLT and not a VGC? Both resorts have higher points requirements and were opened the same year.

 

[disneynutz]

IMHO anything is possible.

The recent point reallocation was defended by many as necessary and required but the end result is that most Members will need more points to stay on their favorite times/days of year.

Many Members immediately modified their in process purchase contracts and added additional points and others did small add ons.

Our March vacation requires 32 more points due to the reallocation.

Disney knew that the reallocation would result in additional sales and benefited from it.

Bill

 

[DebbieB]

I think part of the issue at BLT is the shape of the building. Where most DVC studios are rectangular, BLT loses some space because of the curve of the building. I doubt DVC made it undesirable on purpose, it was just poor design.

 

[CHD New York]

1. I hate the sliding bathroom door. Not enough privacy when closed and thiers no lock to keep your guest from entering or to provent it from accidentally sliding opening.

2.The Ipod dock station clock is too bright at night and also should be infront of the TV and not on the left night table.

3. Everything listed from past posters.

I like the building and still like the rooms (kind of), but have NO plans on staying at BLT again in the near future...

 

[marynvince]

Or are we supposed to soap up in the kitchen? We are there now and probably won't be back.

 

[Jillpie]

Or are we supposed to soap up in the kitchen? We are there now and probably won't be back.

What do you mean no soap dish, where do you put your soap, on the floor?

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

We'll be staying at a BLT studio for ESPN the weekend. We were and are still excited about staying there for the first time, but there do seem to be some issues with the studios.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think the BLT studio is just an architectural mistake. They tried to get everything in the space they had and couldn't do it so they made do with what they had. It's really not good for families - just maybe two people.

CHD New York - I know what you mean about the Ipod docking station. Bill and I each got a new clock radio last year and have to dim it down as much as possible. His doesn't get very dim so he has to cover the display at night because it is so bright. We've found the same problem at other hotels. Even the most dim is usually too bright. These things are brighter than a night light and I can't sleep with a nightlight. Kind of like leaving the light on in the room. Maddening.

 

[inky dinky doo]

Or are we supposed to soap up in the kitchen? We are there now and probably won't be back.

I'm sorry, but this post made me laugh outloud! Oh, the visual . . .

 

[djh597]

1) true no soap dish, is it really that big of a deal to put it on the edge of the tub? I would much rather do that, then see a moldy under side of a soap dish that doesn't get cleaned.

2) In our studio in Dec there was a towel hook outside the shower. Granted its only for one towel. Another bar would be very nice.

3) I personally like the door to the bathroom, with adults in the rooms its not a problem at all. With kids however, I see the problem. Every time I was trying to do my business, my 15 mo old was trying to come in. Annoying, but not like it would make/break my trip.

4) The shower. I am so tired of reading about people complaining about the strength of the shower. OPERATOR ERROR. The toggle that you switch to make it into a shower, is also the flow regulator. Just turn the darn thing down, you can have it at a trickle if thats what you want.

5) The kitchen set up? Come on, the only time he could get a bagel was while you were drying your hair? How about the whole time you were in the shower, he could have had it to himself. Is the space tight if multiple people are in there working on both sides? Sure. A little planning goes a long way.

 

[Wazowski31]

2.The Ipod dock station clock is too bright at night and also should be infront of the TV and not on the left night table.

I completely agree! Had 5 nights at BWV in a refurbished studio and i had to cover the iPod dock overnight as it was so bright! So glad someone else agrees! Also only one bed side table in studio so person on the right side had to put their book and glass of water on the floor!

 

[smjj]

5) The kitchen set up? Come on, the only time he could get a bagel was while you were drying your hair? How about the whole time you were in the shower, he could have had it to himself. Is the space tight if multiple people are in there working on both sides? Sure. A little planning goes a long way.

I think the point being made was there is not a outlet in the bathroom where it should be or normally is...smjj

 

[twinklebug]

I think the BLT studio is just an architectural mistake. They tried to get everything in the space they had and couldn't do it so they made do with what they had. It's really not good for families - just maybe two people.

I agree. If they knew in advance there would be a challenge creating the standard for DCV studios due to shape/size constraints, they should have had the architects employ the services of someone who designs Airstreams for the studios. There is no reason the bathroom counter should have been that close to the kitchenette.

Oh well... what's done is done. It's a beautiful building in a great location with some killer views. I look forward to booking a single night at BLT in a studio to start our trip - and then moving over to a more comfortable studio location for the remainder.

 

[smjj]

Oh well... what's done is done. It's a beautiful building in a great location with some killer views.

I aggree. All the stuff that is being talked about here still does not make a hill of beans difference to me. Its a very nice resort in a very good location with very good views. Having said that, I still prefer OKW. Different strokes for different folks...smjj

 

[mckryan]

You can dim the iHome. You just have to keep pressing the dim button on top until it is to your liking.

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

You can dim the iHome. You just have to keep pressing the dim button on top until it is to your liking.

if it's too bright, unplug it from the wall. The clock itself operates on batteries only that are in the unit itself. The plug is only used for the backlight and sound/amplifier. It will still operate as an alarm clock without being plugged in. I have the same thing at home, just in white instead of black.