BLT Too Exclusive or Just Right

[thelionqueen]

I personally love the exclusivity of BLT and hope it continues past the "honeymoon" period and extends to all future DVC properties.

I've read countless threads on pool hopping and non-guests using services, etc. I think that by making DVC's more secure, starting with BLT, there will be a lot better use of services by DVC members who pay for them vs. non-paying guests abusing them.

It is possible that DVC has realized the popularity of DVC properties being more secure and are starting with BLT, I'm not sure. Being an owner there, I approve!

 

[Chuck S]

I do't own at BLT, but I have no problem with the "lockdown" of the tower. I can sure see why they want the sky bridge off limits to anyone except BLT guests, and with it being close to the MK, the lockdown prevents offsite guests from doing a "pool hop" in the middle of the day. If there was a way to secure the other MK area pools with gates that wouldn't look "odd", they'd likely do so.

Really, I don't know why they haven't put a carded gate between SSR and DtD, even installing card readers later isn't that expensive, if it will solve a problem.

OKW, IMO, really doesn't need to be locked off from the rest of the world as much as other resorts..the DtD footpath is too long (almost a mile) to be of use to those locals simply wanting to save the parking fees, or those walking in from the DtD "host hotels."

I'm actually surprised that the Boardwalk hasn't been locked down a little tighter...but again, exactly how to do that in a way that doesn't "look" like it is locked down may be an issue. Fencing off sections, unless part of the original designs, usually isn't particularly attractive.

 

[DenLo]

I can understand how the pool would be problematic - it's just not that large and it seems a bit more fun than the CR pool. I think it might have been a good idea to enlarge and improve the pool at CR and consider the BLT pool a small quiet pool and let all CR/BLT guests have access to both.

I have to admit that I was surprised at how small the pool at CR appears to be. I haven't actually used that pool, but it just seems sort of small and old fashioned from what I have seen on the WDW website. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/contemporary-resort/ I thought a saw on another thread that that the CR pool was remodeled recently. Must have been just an upkeep type of remodeling. Another thought, perhaps there really isn't enough room to make the pool larger or have a more elaborate slide. Again keep in mind that I haven't seen the CR pool "live".

I am beginning to think that the architects/designers had brain freezes on some of the BLT aspects; the studio kitchenettes, the pool, the sliding doors on the bathrooms (no privacy sound wise and no locks) and no sheers on the widows. Some of the MK views will really have lots of sun glare in late PM.

But BLT is really close to MK; and I can ride the monorail to Epcot!

 

[Sammie]

I have to admit that I was surprised at how small the pool at CR appears to be. I haven't actually used that pool, but it just seems sort of small and old fashioned from what I have seen on the WDW website. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/contemporary-resort/ I thought a saw on another thread that that the CR pool was remodeled recently. Must have been just an upkeep type of remodeling. Another thought, perhaps there really isn't enough room to make the pool larger or have a more elaborate slide. Again keep in mind that I haven't seen the CR pool "live".

I am beginning to think that the architects/designers had brain freezes on some of the BLT aspects; the studio kitchenettes, the pool, the sliding doors on the bathrooms (no privacy sound wise and no locks) and no sheers on the widows. Some of the MK views will really have lots of sun glare in late PM.
But BLT is really close to MK; and I can ride the monorail to Epcot!

I have read about the no locks, Have you also noticed on your balcony you can access the balcony next to you, due to the large gap between the divider and the railing. Just wondered if that was just a problem for certain areas, or are they all like that?

 

[Sammie]

I do't own at BLT, but I have no problem with the "lockdown" of the tower. I can sure see why they want the sky bridge off limits to anyone except BLT guests, and with it being close to the MK, the lockdown prevents offsite guests from doing a "pool hop" in the middle of the day. If there was a way to secure the other MK area pools with gates that wouldn't look "odd", they'd likely do so.

Really, I don't know why they haven't put a carded gate between SSR and DtD, even installing card readers later isn't that expensive, if it will solve a problem.

OKW, IMO, really doesn't need to be locked off from the rest of the world as much as other resorts..the DtD footpath is too long (almost a mile) to be of use to those locals simply wanting to save the parking fees, or those walking in from the DtD "host hotels."

I'm actually surprised that the Boardwalk hasn't been locked down a little tighter...but again, exactly how to do that in a way that doesn't "look" like it is locked down may be an issue. Fencing off sections, unless part of the original designs, usually isn't particularly attractive.

Chuck, I was discussing the SSR situation with a DVC staff friend, and we were brainstorming on this, but if you put up a carded gate, won't people just walk around it?

 

[Chuck S]

Chuck, I was discussing the SSR situation with a DVC staff friend, and we were brainstorming on this, but if you put up a carded gate, won't people just walk around it?

Wouldn't that depend upon how far to each side a fence extended? The fence could be concealed by a hedge to look nicer.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

Good points everyone, I appreciate the different points of view. I agee that the proximity to MK was probably an issue.

I agree that it does not bother me at all, I just wonder if this is just a special case or do you think this is the format going forward?

I appreciate the comment that it is less costly to install these features while building than to implement them after, had not considered that.

Do you think members have voiced concerns about this? It would have been very easy to implement this at BCV, VWL and even Kidani, but it was not done.

It will be interesting to see if it lasts. I hope it does, I would not want DVC to use this feature as a selling point, then later on abandon it.

I was just at BCV and it amazed me that all of the outside doors there at the BC and BCV that lock from 11PM to 6 or whatever AM don't that I tried. I did run into one at the Yacht Club that did seem to be locked. And of course since I was staying at the BCV, my room key didn't work at the one door that did actually lock. This is basic Days Inn security. Don't know if the locking motors fried and they just don't replace them or the just don't care but I'd be shocked if 5 years from now anyone off the street couldn't just hop off the monorail from the MK and walk right into BLT by one entrance or another.

 

[DenLo]

I have read about the no locks, Have you also noticed on your balcony you can access the balcony next to you, due to the large gap between the divider and the railing. Just wondered if that was just a problem for certain areas, or are they all like that?

No I have not read about any problems with the balconies. In fact I heard just the opposite that the concrete wall between was so thick that you couldn't hear nor see anything. And some were so far away that you couldn't even see the other room's balcony. (Something due to the curve of the building.)

Having spent many hours on cruise ship balconies with gaps I don't think it would really bother me.

BTW I haven't stay at BLT yet, 1st visit is still 207 days away.

 

[DVCGeek]

I think you hit the nail on the head! I think the issue with BLT is its proximity to MK. I could really see day guests from MK walking over to BLT to relax in the lobby or use the pool. I think by having the security policies in place Disney can provide less staff to BLT to patrol such things. This is good for owners because lower staff means lower MFs.

I agree that being a very short walk from MK is probably a big part of it, especially since it is a completely separate building and therefore easy to lock off. Lower MF and bonus exclusivity sound great to me since I own there! I had hoped to take a look around when I'm staying at VWL in Oct. but I'm fine if I can't check it out. A part of me always thought wandering around the halls of a hotel I wasn't staying at was a little weird. Restaurants, lobbies and gift shops sure, but since BLT is limited on those... I also think that there would be difficulties with people crowding the lobby and trying to get to the observation deck without the card access restrictions.

It is interesting that there are now BLT tours available daily for DVC members-
http://dvcnews.com/content/view/1000/1/
That is an option I might have to try and work in on my next trip, but my schedule is already a bit full with the Tower of Terror race & party... We'll see! Then again, I'm staying @ the sandwich starting Nov. 29th, I may just try to hold my horses and let the anticipation build...

 

[DebbieB]

I don't think they would lock off SSR because the restaurant/food court and shop is open to the public. You could also just get on any bus and get in.

According to the dvcnews link, there is an "Open Mouse" at BLT for members from 2:00 to 4:00. My question is how do you get into the "maximum security hotel" to see the model?

 

[puntagordabob]

We were at BLT for opening day! The lockdown is fine..... leave it as it is. Same for the TOW lounge, keep it DVC ONLY.

Speaking of the TOW, there is a price YOU must pay as a DVC member staying there and that is you SHOULD DEFINITELY patronize the heck out of the lounge if you go up there... essentially VOTE with your pocketbooks and Disney will likely hear us all loud and clear: Keep it DVC and we will spend there...its worth it.

We LOVED the TOW, and the observation deck...to be honest we will try to spend even more time in the lounge on our next BLT visit, is a really comfortable and enjoyable lounge.

 

[Chuck S]

I don't think they would lock off SSR because the restaurant/food court and shop is open to the public.

Yes, but SSR is also the only resort that is quite so open. The other resorts, even though they are open, you really need to drive or take WDW transportation. You really can't just "walk" to any of the others from a public parking lot. And by that, I mean that in the case of BWV & BCV, you either need to take WDW transportation, park in the lot of the resort by going through a guard station, or walking over from a theme park, where you've either bussed in, paid to park, or are an onsite guest/AP holder. There is a little more control to actually has access, rather than just walking in off a public street. Likely enough of a difference to make them less attractive to those that just want to avoid parking fees or causing trouble.

 

[Sammie]

Good idea Chuck about the landscaping, it would not keep out the diehards but it would be a visual deterant.

 

[DVCGeek]

According to the dvcnews link, there is an "Open Mouse" at BLT for members from 2:00 to 4:00. My question is how do you get into the "maximum security hotel" to see the model?

I'd try going to the DVC kiosk in the Contemporary... Or maybe go to the main lobby doors of BLT with puppy dog eyes, your blue DVC Membership Card pressed to the glass and knock??? Seriously though, now that you mention it I'm curious to hear form people who do it what they say about it and how hard it was to get...

 

[DVCGeek]

Speaking of the TOW, there is a price YOU must pay as a DVC member staying there and that is you SHOULD DEFINITELY patronize the heck out of the lounge if you go up there... essentially VOTE with your pocketbooks and Disney will likely hear us all loud and clear: Keep it DVC and we will spend there...its worth it.

I told DW about the BLT flatbread and we both really want to try it now! So we'll do at least a small part right after Thanksgiving as long as we can get in to TotW!

 

[DebbieB]

Yes, but SSR is also the only resort that is quite so open. The other resorts, even though they are open, you really need to drive or take WDW transportation. You really can't just "walk" to any of the others from a public parking lot. And by that, I mean that in the case of BWV & BCV, you either need to take WDW transportation, park in the lot of the resort by going through a guard station, or walking over from a theme park, where you've either bussed in, paid to park, or are an onsite guest/AP holder. There is a little more control to actually has access, rather than just walking in off a public street. Likely enough of a difference to make them less attractive to those that just want to avoid parking fees or causing trouble.

At BWV, there is an open parking lot across the street. People can park there and walk right in, no security. I think it is more open than SSR. Of course, they want to attract business to the boardwalk so they allow it. But security at the hotel is very lax. Some doors have keycards but they are rarely locked.

 

[disneynutz]

I guess we need to look at this issue as Disney would.

If it isn't a problem, don't spend money on it. Disney wouldn't lock down any resort unless they benefited some how.

In the case of BLT it might be because they are going to be selling from the property and they don't want the place packed with looky-loos. They could also be using the exclusivity as a marketing tool. Like it or not, people want to feel special or different from the rest, that's why we are members, not just owners.

The pool hopping issue is a DVC perk that Disney doesn't want to get out of control so they restrict the number of members that can used certain pools.

There is a reason for everything that Disney does. We just need to think like a mouse to figure out what it is.

 

[stitchineeyore]

We were at BLT for opening day! The lockdown is fine..... leave it as it is. Same for the TOW lounge, keep it DVC ONLY.

Speaking of the TOW, there is a price YOU must pay as a DVC member staying there and that is you SHOULD DEFINITELY patronize the heck out of the lounge if you go up there... essentially VOTE with your pocketbooks and Disney will likely hear us all loud and clear: Keep it DVC and we will spend there...its worth it.

We LOVED the TOW, and the observation deck...to be honest we will try to spend even more time in the lounge on our next BLT visit, is a really comfortable and enjoyable lounge.

You said it all! There has been a lot of speculation re-Disney taking the lounge away from members and turning it into a corporate rental before the first year is out. We DVC folks need to do all we can to show that we appreciate this perk and want to keep it. We are checking in Sept. 1, and plan to visit the TOW that evening. Can't wait!

 

[DVC92]

Just returned from the World and easliy walked into BLT a couple of days before it opened. Great location, but there really is no reason for anyone, other than guests, to go there outside of the top floor lounge. There are no restaurants; there is nothing novel about the pool similar to the Beach & Yacht Club; the fitness club is at the Contemporary. As far as viewing Wishes at MK, great views are available to anyone on the outside landings of the Contemporary from the 4th floor up.

 

[DVCGeek]

As far as viewing Wishes at MK, great views are available to anyone on the outside landings of the Contemporary from the 4th floor up.

Just occurred to me- maybe they want to keep non-BLT guests outside of the elevator areas at BLT - the windows (and bridge) during Wishes might be a popular spot if you can't access ToW. It would be good to avoid congestion there so guests won't have access problems / possible issues with fire code, occupancy, etc.???