BLT Top of the World (2 issues)

[JVSJr]

2 weeks ago we headed up to the Top of the World lounge to watch fireworks. We could not enter the lounge as it was only for those paying for the Wicked Wind Down just before the fireworks time. Ok, no problem, they let us stand in line outside and sent us in 1 group at a time to order from the bar (but no food) and we could watch the fireworks in the outside area.

While waiting for the fireworks, the couple next to us engaged in a conversation with a family that was also waiting. They asked where their home resort was and the reply was astonishing..."what is a home resort" they said. As the discussion went on, the family was not a DVC member but said that they usually depart the Magic Kingdom and go the BLT to watch fireworks with the kids so they did not have to fight the crowd and had no idea you needed to be a DVC member to get up there.

When I reflected back an hour or so, I realized that the only place you are asked to show your membership card was to get into the lounge and not to the outdoor area.

Although it did not impact us, it was a bit crowded up there so I have no idea how many others just go up there to watch.

As for the Wicked Wind Down... we watched the staff bring EVERYONE in the lounge their check at the same time to clear it out for those paying for the Wind Down. It was just a disappointment that we planned to return to the resort an hour or so before fireworks and head up for a drink and snack (we were able to get the drink but no food).

 

[Sandisw]

Now that they have paid events, they don’t let extras in to the lounge once full and then do clear everyone out for those who paid.

They do tell people that who arrive earlier when there is an event.

I did notice when there a few weeks ago that they are no longer checking membership in the first floor and so anyone can go up for fireworks..but the lounge still requires access to membership extras.

I guess they must have realized that it wasn’t that big of a deal to give anyone deck access and easier to just stand near the actual lounge.

In a way, it’s nice for those who are staying at BLT and just want to se

 

[CarolynFH]

2 weeks ago we headed up to the Top of the World lounge to watch fireworks. We could not enter the lounge as it was only for those paying for the Wicked Wind Down just before the fireworks time. Ok, no problem, they let us stand in line outside and sent us in 1 group at a time to order from the bar (but no food) and we could watch the fireworks in the outside area.

While waiting for the fireworks, the couple next to us engaged in a conversation with a family that was also waiting. They asked where their home resort was and the reply was astonishing..."what is a home resort" they said. As the discussion went on, the family was not a DVC member but said that they usually depart the Magic Kingdom and go the BLT to watch fireworks with the kids so they did not have to fight the crowd and had no idea you needed to be a DVC member to get up there.

When I reflected back an hour or so, I realized that the only place you are asked to show your membership card was to get into the lounge and not to the outdoor area.

Although it did not impact us, it was a bit crowded up there so I have no idea how many others just go up there to watch.

As for the Wicked Wind Down... we watched the staff bring EVERYONE in the lounge their check at the same time to clear it out for those paying for the Wind Down. It was just a disappointment that we planned to return to the resort an hour or so before fireworks and head up for a drink and snack (we were able to get the drink but no food).

If you feel the outdoor observation deck was too crowded, you can email MS and let them know that, pointing out that no one is checking for DVC membership for the deck. To me, it’s unfair for people who don’t own DVC at all to be allowed up there when there are DVC-N owners who won’t even try because TOTWL is supposedly a DVC-Y perk.

If the outside deck is open to everyone for fireworks viewing, DVC should say so.

 

[Sunnyore]

When I went up to watch the fireworks in November I remember asking them if I needed to check in and they said no. They only cared when I went inside the lounge. If its true the space is open up to everyone now I hope it doesn't get too crowded. Its one of my favorite places to watch the fireworks.