Blt TOTW/TOTWL

[disneynutz]

There have been several ongoing threads about attendance at the TOTW/TOTWL at BLT.

How do you really feel about the venue?

 

[Chirple]

My DH and I checked out the ToTWL during our first stay at BLT last year. We had an MK view on the 7th floor, but we really liked going to the lounge.

The first time we went up we tried some of the food, which was good. However, this was our biggest disappointment; we felt there should have been more options.

We noticed that people arrived before the fireworks and then left directly after they were done. If there were more food choices and possibly some entertainment other than sports on the flat screen, I think people would be more likely to spend an evening there.

 

[DopeyDave]

I'll be staying at BLT next weekend!! And I expect to get up to TOTWL to see what all the hoopla (HOOPLA!!) is about! If the attendance IS as low as everyone says, I'd like to see it opened to DVC members from other resorts. Maybe some policy where DVC members from other resorts are only allowed in once during a 10-day period?

I believe there's a lounge at the boardwalk on the top floor above Jellyrolls (where one can watch Illuminations) which originally was supposed to be opened to DVC members, but sadly that never materialized.

 

[culli]

We really enjoy it and like that you can bring you own snacks/drinks. I would and have bought an appetizer and a few drinks (boy pricey!). We have an adult only trip at BCV so I guess we won't be able to get up to the lounge. However, if an option we would definately go and have a few drinks and food.

 

[dvcblt93]

We really enjoy it and like that you can bring you own snacks/drinks.

You really go into a lounge with your own food and beverage?

 

[jarestel]

We stayed at BLT for a week and went up to check out the TOTWL once. It was all right, but kind of a "been there done that" experience after the first time, so we didn't bother going back. Since there are so many places in the immediate area to view fireworks, it never seemed like any real necessity to head up there just for that, so we didn't even try that option.

Bottom line, it's nice that it's there but if it wasn't I wouldn't really miss it.

 

[culli]

You really go into a lounge with your own food and beverage?

We bring snacks for the kids and juice boxes for them on the observation deck to watch the fireworks. The actual lounge is pretty small, and in my opinion not really for kids. I get a few "adult" drinks for me and the wife and watch the fireworks. They don't have anything for kids to eat/drink and the bartenders are a joke! They are so slow and have not a clue about bartending. Good thing they don't work at a "real bar" or they would have all been fired.

The kids went in the lounge once and did find the big round "ottoman" very fun to play on - so needless to say I had to take them out of there ASAP! Well as soon as I could as the bartending is very poor there and the kids had to wait for the SLOW SLOW service. Not sure what they would do if it actually go busy in there - it would be chaos.

 

[stitchineeyore]

Absolutely love it. Only place on the planet that DH and I "hang out" at the bar View is amazing, place is gorgeous, and the CMs are the nicest at WDW.

 

[mecllap]

Not impressed with the dessert menu, but when I went there I couldn't even get service, so wouldn't be anxious to go back again. But, then, I prefer being as close to the fireworks as possible, so the viewing isn't a big draw for me either.

 

[culli]

Not impressed with the dessert menu, but when I went there I couldn't even get service, so wouldn't be anxious to go back again. But, then, I prefer being as close to the fireworks as possible, so the viewing isn't a big draw for me either.

My point on the question about bring my own stuff. Actually last time I went there to watch fireworks with kids I brought some beers for myself too. Not becasue I didn't want to "support" the place but it takes so long to get anything there.

 

[dbs1228]

Cannot wait to hang out there for a drink, and fireworks in December and again in Feb! As a matter of fact DH and I may plan on watching some Sunday or Monday night football up there in December!

 

[Pocahantas]

We spent a few hours in the lounge one night during our June trip. My husband and I were the first ones in the lounge about an hour before the fireworks started. Our room was on the 16th floor so we just had to walk a few doors down. A few of our friends came to meet us (some were staying at BLT and a couple were not). We all ordered drinks and appetisers. I was very disappointed with the food. Selection was very limited and food wasn't too tasty. Drinks were very yummy. I noticed the lounge got crowded just before the fireworks and was empty again about 10 minutes after the fireworks ended. Its a very nice lounge but I think they should do something about the menu.

 

[ems_mom]

My DH and I recently spent eight nights at BLT. Despite our middle-aged years we hit the parks hard. We loved F&W and had most days scheduled to end at Epcot.

Well, despite our plans we left the parks before closing most nights. (I know...sacrilege!) We planed for one night at TOTW but ended up there three nights. We bought cocktails (no food because of F&W) and had great service.

We loved seeing the fireworks from there. We saw MNSSHP fireworks up close on our party night, but honestly, it was more enjoyable to watch them from a distance without the crowds and with a cocktail in hand!

We also watched the fireworks from our lake view room (even-numbered, north tower) but watching them with the music at TOTW was the best.

 

[Sandisw]

We visited every night of our 3 night stay there this summer. We will be at BLT next summer for either 4 or 6 nights and I plan to visit every single night.

I will also be supporting the food and drink. I do wish they would expand things a bit in terms of offering but I think it is a great.

 

[dvcblt93]

My point on the question about bring my own stuff. Actually last time I went there to watch fireworks with kids I brought some beers for myself too. Not becasue I didn't want to "support" the place but it takes so long to get anything there.

I can only assume you arrived 10 minutes before the fireworks, with the other 100's of people who decend on the place at that time.

I try to get there at least an hour before the fireworks, and have never recieved anything but stellar and very friendly service! Its a great chance to take a few moments to unwind after a busy day in the parks!

My other favorite time is right when they open, BEAUTIFUL sunsets from up threre!

 

[mdsd8700]

Since we haven't been to BLT yet, I have to say this is one of the things we are most looking forward to! I have only seen pictures and the lounge looks beautiful. Although many comments are that it is very small. My husband and are the kind that would love just to sit a couple of hours and a have drink or two and an appetizer and just enjoy the atmosphere. It gives us some solid time with our teenagers also. Although the food is limited (someone mentioned once there is no kitchen in the lounge) and often doesn't get high marks I think the entire concept is awesome. I wouldn't mind if were opened to all DVC members, but I truly hope it is a perk that we keep.

 

[dvc4life]

We stayed at BLT in September and went up to TOTWL and had a wonderful bottle of wine and all three of the flat breads. They were totally awesome. The three of us shared them and really enjoyed them. The staff was very friendly and very attentive. And yes you can bring food up from the food court. Our youngest wasn't there when we ate the flat bread and didn't want anything so we asked if she could go get something and bring it up and they said yes, no problem.

We would definitely go back. The sunset was beautiful that we saw and the fireworks were great.

I hope that the lounge stays up there. It was very enjoyable for us.

 

[goofy4tink]

We bring snacks for the kids and juice boxes for them on the observation deck to watch the fireworks. The actual lounge is pretty small, and in my opinion not really for kids. I get a few "adult" drinks for me and the wife and watch the fireworks. They don't have anything for kids to eat/drink and the bartenders are a joke! They are so slow and have not a clue about bartending. Good thing they don't work at a "real bar" or they would have all been fired.

The kids went in the lounge once and did find the big round "ottoman" very fun to play on - so needless to say I had to take them out of there ASAP! Well as soon as I could as the bartending is very poor there and the kids had to wait for the SLOW SLOW service. Not sure what they would do if it actually go busy in there - it would be chaos.

Really? I've been up there several times and found the bartenders to be very good. But, I was sitting the bar, chatting with them so perhaps I have a different viewpoint. I understand that the CMs working up there are some of the best on property.
You say nothing for kids to 'eat or drink'....I'm sure there is soda there, but many don't like their kids to have soda. It is best to remember it is a 'lounge' not a full service restaurant. It has offerings that any other 'bar' or 'lounge' would have. It's not where you go to sit and enjoy a meal.

 

[Coach81]

Gonna check it out for Mardi Gras!

 

[dburg30]

There have been several ongoing threads about attendance at the TOTW/TOTWL at BLT.

How do you really feel about the venue?

Well. I clicked almost all of them. If I was allowed to use it staying at another DVC resort, I would go check it out. If I stay at BLT and DONT have a MK view, I would take advantage of it. Would I eat and drink there at another time, dunno.