BLT TOW Lounge report

[wilma-bride]

We went to the TOWL in November when we were staying for one night. Granted, we did not stay for the fireworks (we had sprung the points for a MK view GV, so no way were we not watching the fireworks from our balcony ) but it was not busy at all. there was one other couple there and a family of four who left just after we arived.

Personally, I would not have a problem with them allowing access to those DVC members staying at other resorts (maybe after Wishes has finished?) I think it's actually quite sad that such a nice lounge seems to be completely under-utilised. But, as I have said before, I think half the problem is that it is made so difficult for you to actually gain access that a lot of people don't bother.

 

[DVCSAMNH]

We were there last Thursday and there was a good size crowd. All the tables were full and about thirty people were outside when the fireworks went off. We spent a good amount of money and the waitress was very appreciative of the business. I told DW that we'll have our vow renewal there in 5 years if it goes to private affairs only.

We went up last Thursday evening also and couldn't believe how crowded it was! I had read such great reviews about the flatbreads that we decided to have a light supper but when we got up there it was waaaay too hot to stay. I was so disappointed. We both felt like it was about 100 degrees in there. And because it was so crowded the only tables left were the tiny little hightops that were not big enough to eat on. So, we left and will try another time.

 

[keishashadow]

I'm sorry but I don't like that you were allowed up The lounge is designed so it will never get too crowded and so it's something special of people staying at the resort. Now, people will read your story and go and try and do the same thing

true, worse yet some may try to badger the CMs who are manning the counter to make an exception to policy.

no flame to OP, just another example of Disney/DVC not applying enforcement of the stated rules across the board

 

[Crystal_27]

We were "scolded" by her She said if we were DVC members we knew the rules and that we were not alLowed up!! etc blah blah blah.

I'm not trying to start a debate, but I think that putting the CM in that type of situation was pretty uncouth. Even though people may not agree with the lounge being restricted and even though people may rationalize their behavior by saying that they were doing their part in keeping it going by spending money, the fact is that the lounge is there for DVC members staying at BLT on points.

 

[dcamdad]

I'm not trying to start a debate, but I think that putting the CM in that type of situation was pretty uncouth. Even though people may not agree with the lounge being restricted and even though people may rationalize their behavior by saying that they were doing their part in keeping it going by spending money, the fact is that the lounge is there for DVC members staying at BLT on points.

Couldn't agree more. It's just another example of feeling entitlement and the rules shouldn't apply to me mindset that seems all to common in society in general lately. OP not flaming you just making a general observation.

 

[smjj]

Couldn't agree more. It's just another example of feeling entitlement and the rules shouldn't apply to me mindset that seems all to common in society in general lately. OP not flaming you just making a general observation.

Boy this can go either way. I see why DVC has restricted its use and somewhat aggree. I also see the other side. If these other folks can't understand it, they have a right to voice their concerns. Maybe not to the poor cast member and if they do in a very nice manner not to try and bully their way up but to let them know they do not aggree so it can be passed along to management. Just because a rule is in place does not mean if members voice heir concern, it may be changed or modified a bit. No rule should be so absolute that it can't be changed and by voiceing in a proper manner, it might be. I just don't see people disaggreeing with a rule being talked about as feeling entitled people, just people who disaggree with a rule....smjj

 

[LIFERBABE]

Boy this can go either way. I see why DVC has restricted its use and somewhat aggree. I also see the other side. If these other folks can't understand it, they have a right to voice their concerns. Maybe not to the poor cast member and if they do in a very nice manner not to try and bully their way up but to let them know they do not aggree so it can be passed along to management. Just because a rule is in place does not mean if members voice heir concern, it may be changed or modified a bit. No rule should be so absolute that it can't be changed and by voiceing in a proper manner, it might be. I just don't see people disaggreeing with a rule being talked about as feeling entitled people, just people who disaggree with a rule....smjj

The concern should be voiced appropriately through proper channels.

I visited the lounge while staying there in September. It was nice, if you were around and not doing anything but in October Dh and I stayed in a studio at BLT and did not visit at all.
It is a task getting up there, "for a quick drink before dinner" so didnt bother. Most restaurants have lounges and the pricing is the same so not a must do.

It would be nice if they made it more of a destination by serving dinner or something other than waiting on the fireworks.

I personally would not make a special trip from another resort to TOWL. All the resorts offer such great options albeit without the view.

 

[cruisedad]

I wasn't going to respond to any of the people who said we were rude, bullys or "felt entitled" but to those Monday morning quarterbacks, we were very nice in the way we asked and even told the CM if we couldn't go up that would be ok. They were letting people up just to look at the area who weren't staying at BLT.

 

[snowbunny]

I'm sorry but I don't like that you were allowed up The lounge is designed so it will never get too crowded and so it's something special of people staying at the resort. Now, people will read your story and go and try and do the same thing

And they should. The OP spent cash up there among only a handful of customers in the lounge.

WDW is not going to continue staff a bar and food service up there without customers. Unless business picks up, it will be a closed, special events venue (like wedding and convention receptions, the CR is a convention hotel) and no DVC members will be able to enjoy it.

 

[disneynutz]

And they should. The OP spent cash up there among only a handful of customers in the lounge.

WDW is not going to continue staff a bar and food service up there without customers. Unless business picks up, it will be a closed, special events venue (like wedding and convention receptions, the CR is a convention hotel) and no DVC members will be able to enjoy it.

Sadly DVC is on borrowed time at the TOW. The venue isn't owned buy the DVC, it isn't part of the association and it is run by a different Disney division.

IMHO Disney probably granted DVC a limited use, timed agreement to use it during the sales phase at BLT. Once sales reach a certain level, the rules and access will change.

Bill

 

[quirty30]

For those who suggested more food offerings at TOTWL, my understanding is that they do not have a fully equipped restaurant kitchen up there. Thus the limited menu.

 

[disneynutz]

True, Disney never intended to offer much in the way of food. The food prep area is on the 15th floor and they dumb waiter to the 16th.

We stayed at BLT in December and visited the TOTWL a couple of times. The food offerings were tasty and well presented. Fancy bar food is what I would call it.

Bill

 

[disneylovin24]

And they should. The OP spent cash up there among only a handful of customers in the lounge.

WDW is not going to continue staff a bar and food service up there without customers. Unless business picks up, it will be a closed, special events venue (like wedding and convention receptions, the CR is a convention hotel) and no DVC members will be able to enjoy it.

But when they open it up to everyone it is going to get too crowded and thne nobody is enjoying it because it's too loud and busy.