BLT Trip Report - 11/06/09 - 11/11/09

[cg1200]

This is my 1st trip report so I apologize for the length. You can skip to the last paragraph if you don’t feel like reading all of this. Given BLT is new I thought some different perspectives may help others in deciding where to stay or buy.

I’ve been a DVC member for about 5 years. Our home resort is BWV. We normally stay there but last year could not get a 2BR so wound up at VWL instead. This year we booked a 1BR at BWV then switched ressie to BLT at the 7 month window. We love the Boardwalk area primarily for the proximity to both Epcot and DHS. However we also really liked staying at VWL too. I will say the rooms at BWV are in need or renovating. I understand they are being updated this year (it’s about time). We decided to try BLT as we’ve only stayed at the Poly once and thought it would be nice with 3 kids under 11 to be closer to MK.

DME was fine. It is a bit frustrating to sit on the bus for 15 minutes while they wait for other people to arrive but we made it to the hotel about 75 minutes after landing. We did not realize that BLT check-in was at the CR so like dopes, we walked over to BLT and could not even get in to the lobby (you need a room key to access the lobby). A CM politely told us to check in at the CR desk. Some signage indicating check in was for both hotels might be useful here. It was only 11am so the room was not ready. We headed to the MK for the day. I got a text around 12:30p that the room was ready.

We took the monorail back to CR and had to hunt a bit for the skybridge entrance. There are really no signs at all advertising where it is. I eventually saw one in the elevator area but it was not obvious where to go. We eventually found our way and took the bridge/wind tunnel. The doors here do act very strangely and it is very windy. Spectacular view of the MK from the bridge.

So we get to BLT (finally) and my first thought is, wow, it’s really sterile. It kind of reminded me of a hospital. No carpeting, white tile floors and very little themeing/artwork. It reminded me of a generic condominium complex. Our room was 8234 which was on the 12th floor (took us a few minutes to realize that 8234 was not on the 8th floor).

We got to the room and checked things out. Interesting furniture selection. Fancy appliances, granite countertops, the works. The living room definitely felt bigger than the other DVC rooms we’ve stayed. The master bath was really nice however I really don’t understand the sliding shutters over the bathtub. All the DVC hotels have them. Does anyone like these things? Anyhow, overall the room was quite nice. We had a lake view which overlooked the CR pool and off in the distance you could clearly see Epcot, DHS (the hat and TOT) and Expedition Everest. Pretty awesome view.

We checked out the TOWL one night for the fireworks. The kids were unimpressed (not very kid friendly) but I thought it was great. It is huge! It looked like it could hold 300 people easily. I took some nice pictures with my little tripod of the castle, space mountain and the fireworks. We also saw the BLT lobby for the first time which was not terribly impressive. It sort of felt like a doctor’s office waiting room, cramped and uninspiring. Think of the lobby at VWL or BWV. Both are really incredible.

We ate several times at the Contempo Café. We rarely do sit-down meals so this was a perfect compromise. The food was fine for both kids and adults. Never a wait and a decent menu. The lack of any restaurants at all at BLT I think also hurts its character as a DVC resort. It leverages the CR for too much. I suppose you could make the same argument for BWV since it technically has no restaurants either on premise but it has an awful lot nearby. I guess I felt like where am I staying; BLT or the CR? Or are we to think of BLT as an extension of the CR? Similar to VWL with the WL?

Transportation was fine. Again BLT shares the bus stop with the CR. We walked to MK a couple of times, took the monorail to Epcot, and buses to DHS and AK. No issues really at all. We had tickets to MVMCP our last night but it poured from 7pm-10pm basically washing everything out. We left at 8:00pm after we were sufficiently soaked and they canceled the 8:15p parade. That turned out to be a total waste of time and money. Very disappointed.

So overall I would say BLT was very nice but not terribly “Disney-ish”. It felt like a Marriott or Hilton. Some may prefer this. It didn’t really bother me one way or the other. The 3 best things about BLT; location, location, location. Having DVC sized rooms a few steps from the MK is a huge plus. The 2nd full bathroom in a 1BR was also really handy. We were right by the elevator bank which was nice though we did wait a good 5 minutes for a free elevator on our checkout day and almost missed the DME. I didn’t care for the furniture which I think will look silly in a few years or the fancy appliances which got almost no use. The pull-out chair was nice for my 11 year old to sleep on but I found it to be hard as a rock (same for pull out bed). The sliding bathroom doors did not bother us. We also preferred the master bathroom setup here. It is way more private with only one entrance from the master bedroom. The kids really liked BLT. The lack of Disney theme did not bother them in the least. They want to stay there again the next time. I was thinking about adding on to my membership at BWV but will give serious thought to buying at BLT instead despite some of its minor flaws.

 

[lch6257]

My family stayed at BLT in Mid-October and we found the trip home and property to be Magnificent. We are new to DVC , but have stayed at VWL and OKW on purchased points. My family (all 8 of us) throughlly enjoyed everything about the property, rooms, decor, art work , lobby, location, view, water parade, restuarants, pool, community hall, etc. We found it all to be Very Disney like! Guess it depends on your perspective. We bought into DVC for the monorail hotel and were not disappointed having been a long time visitor of the World (been going at least once every two years for the past 38 years). We actually rebooked yesterday for 2010 on the same trip dates and requested the same room we were so thrilled with it. It was awesome and a month later my kids are still talking about the AWESOME trip and BLT! I am sorry to hear that you found it all so lukewarm. We were blown away and I wrote Disney a letter to know how excited and thrilled we are with BLT.

 

[dizfan]

Thank you for your trip report.

We'll be at BLT next month. If the signs are still not improved, we'll make sure to suggest something to the CMs.

One of my favorite things about Disney resorts is that they all have different decor and feel to them. A chance to try something different each time at WDW.

 

[cg1200]

My family stayed at BLT in Mid-October and we found the trip home and property to be Magnificent. We are new to DVC , but have stayed at VWL and OKW on purchased points. My family (all 8 of us) throughlly enjoyed everything about the property, rooms, decor, art work , lobby, location, view, water parade, restuarants, pool, community hall, etc. We found it all to be Very Disney like! Guess it depends on your perspective. We bought into DVC for the monorail hotel and were not disappointed having been a long time visitor of the World (been going at least once every two years for the past 38 years). We actually rebooked yesterday for 2010 on the same trip dates and requested the same room we were so thrilled with it. It was awesome and a month later my kids are still talking about the AWESOME trip and BLT! I am sorry to hear that you found it all so lukewarm. We were blown away and I wrote Disney a letter to know how excited and thrilled we are with BLT.

Lukewarm may be a bit strong. After all I am considering buying a contract there. I just wasn't captivated by BLT. I had much stronger feelings for VWL despite the rooms being older and more dated. If I had a standard view room at BLT I think I'd be even less thrilled with the place.

Let's put it another way; if BLT were not on the monorail (or at least close to it) I would never stay there. If it were in the DTD area for instance I can't think of any reason why I'd stay there. The hotel itself just struck me as too generic and unremarkable. Whereas BWV and VWL provide such better atmosphere that I would consider staying there even if they were located somehwere else. I mean the CR has that awesome concourse with the monorail going right through it as you eat dinner. The Poly has very cool south seas theming and the GF just radiates class. BLT was like a retirement home. Just quiet and off the beaten path. Again, this may be a plus to many. To me it felt kind of boring.

That said, BLT is on the monorail which by itself catapults it to unique status. Seeing your hotel from Splash Mountain or from the train at the MK is a neat thing. As is walking 10 min and being back at your room after the fireworks.

I don't want to come off as hating the place because I didn't at all. I guess it fell short of my very high expectations but in some minor ways.

 

[cg1200]

One of my favorite things about Disney resorts is that they all have different decor and feel to them. A chance to try something different each time at WDW.

Totally agree. Can't quite put my finger on what "feel" BLT was trying to convey. At the other DVC locations this isn't usually a problem. They display their decor/theme very proudly as soon as you walk through the doors to the lobby.

 

[lch6257]

Well maybe lukewarm was a strong word to use, but I did not feel any warm fuzzies came your way and I hope that is not the case for my trip in 2010. I have stayed in the tower of the CR watching the monorail roll through as I walk out the front door, stayed in the Poly with the tiki torches guiding the path home from a fun and entertaining Disney day, stayed at VWL and nothing against it, but we felt like the Villas were off to the side from the main hotel guests where the main attraction is the lobby. I love the classic experiences of CR and Poly, but I have a large family now and have moved on from staying in a hotel room anywhere. It has to be a suite now. My wife noted DVC felt "second class" to her and we did not buy in for years even though I was for it. I did not totally agree with her, but saw her perspective of the second class thing. At BLT, we felt like we had this vacation home that allowed us to enjoy the contemporary, but also allowed us to soak up spectacular views (this is what they have done brilliantly here) and relax off the beaten path in our condo in the tower. I asked her if she felt second class at BLT and she said definitely not and I think that has everythign to do with the location. Like they say location,location,location is everything.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We ate several times at the Contempo Café. We rarely do sit-down meals so this was a perfect compromise. The food was fine for both kids and adults. Never a wait and a decent menu. The lack of any restaurants at all at BLT I think also hurts its character as a DVC resort. It leverages the CR for too much. I suppose you could make the same argument for BWV since it technically has no restaurants either on premise but it has an awful lot nearby. I guess I felt like where am I staying; BLT or the CR? Or are we to think of BLT as an extension of the CR? Similar to VWL with the WL?

Maybe they figure since all the dining locations at the Contemporary are very easy to access via the skybridge, there is no need for adding any other dining locations inside Bay Lake Tower.

 

[wilma-bride]

I have to say that my DH thought that BLT was the most unwelcoming DVC (or WDW) resort we've ever stayed at and I can see why he said it but, for me, this view made it so worth it

And this picture I posted just because I love it so much

Wish we had enough points to stay here all the time

 

[erionm]

Or are we to think of BLT as an extension of the CR? Similar to VWL with the WL?

Since it's name is 'Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort', I'd say it's considered an extension of CR. For BCV you have to go the the Beach Club for everything.

 

[Tara]

Maybe they figure since all the dining locations at the Contemporary are very easy to access via the skybridge, there is no need for adding any other dining locations inside Bay Lake Tower.[/QUOTE

Neither VWL nor BCV have their own dining locations, either. The lack of dining within the BLT building is not unusual IMO.

 

[cg1200]

Well maybe lukewarm was a strong word to use, but I did not feel any warm fuzzies came your way and I hope that is not the case for my trip in 2010. I have stayed in the tower of the CR watching the monorail roll through as I walk out the front door, stayed in the Poly with the tiki torches guiding the path home from a fun and entertaining Disney day, stayed at VWL and nothing against it, but we felt like the Villas were off to the side from the main hotel guests where the main attraction is the lobby. I love the classic experiences of CR and Poly, but I have a large family now and have moved on from staying in a hotel room anywhere. It has to be a suite now. My wife noted DVC felt "second class" to her and we did not buy in for years even though I was for it. I did not totally agree with her, but saw her perspective of the second class thing. At BLT, we felt like we had this vacation home that allowed us to enjoy the contemporary, but also allowed us to soak up spectacular views (this is what they have done brilliantly here) and relax off the beaten path in our condo in the tower. I asked her if she felt second class at BLT and she said definitely not and I think that has everythign to do with the location. Like they say location,location,location is everything.

Fair point about VWL. The villas are off to the side and it is a bit of a hike to get to the bus stop/lobby area. Also agree completely on the views from BLT. The view from the skybridge and lounge on the roof is stunning. However if you are in a standard view room it's probably nothing special. I have a family of 5 and also don't like the standard rooms of the Poly, CR and GF so BLT is a great compromise for those wanting the proximity to the MK and spacious quarters.

If I did not own DVC today at BWV I would more than likely invest in BLT. But since I already have 150 points at BWV I think it makes more sense to extend there and just hope to get a room at the 7th month window if we decide to stay at BLT again.

 

[cg1200]

Maybe they figure since all the dining locations at the Contemporary are very easy to access via the skybridge, there is no need for adding any other dining locations inside Bay Lake Tower.

Neither VWL nor BCV have their own dining locations, either. The lack of dining within the BLT building is not unusual IMO.

You are probably right. I've never stayed at BCV. Since we own at BWV I never felt the need to stay on the other side of the lake. It probably saved Disney a lot of money not putting in restaurants and a separate full service lobby.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Enjoyed your report!!

 

[Tara]

FWIW, the view from my STANDARD VIEW dedicated 2-bedroom:

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Sorry the BLT didn't meet your expectations. I felt that way about the AKV, it just didn't thrill me at all. But it was really hard going from a BW view to a Savannah view in the middle of winter-- it was really dreary IMO. I have seen pictures of the Savannah in the summer and it looks so much better, so maybe it was the time of year I visited.

BW will probably always be my 1st love. But the location is what made me buy into the BLT more than anything else. The Cont isn't the best looking resort on property, in fact its the least appealing, but when I stayed there I fell in love with the contemporary feel. Its was just so cool to be able to hop on the monorail just by going up to the 4th floor-without leaving the building. It was probably what Walt had imagine EPCOT to be, everything you need right there. You have a few dining experience, stores, your room and your transportation all in one building-- it just felt so futuristic to me.

I will be staying at the BLT in Feb 2010 and I can't wait. The rooms look pretty cool with the granite and stainless -and the location just can't be beat.

Now if they ever did a DVC at the Poly or GF-- I'd have to add on!!

 

[photobob]

So far I've stayed at BWV, VWL and Vero Beach and really liked each one for their positives attributes. VWL because it is just beautiful, BWV because I really love the area and Epcot and Vero is a beautiful resort on the beach! I'm hoping in the next few years to try all the DVC Resorts including BLT. My initial thoughts about BLT (having only seen photos) pretty much are along the lines of the OP. Great location, cool views of the the MK, access to the monorail is a big plus but the resort looks rather cold and sterile. My way of thinking though is that is three very big plusses and one not so great. Every resort has positives and negatives.

 

[nexttripdisney]

I was thinking about adding on to my membership at BWV but will give serious thought to buying at BLT instead despite some of its minor flaws.

Sounds like you disliked it very much. Yet you might buy BLT? Why?

 

[cg1200]

Sounds like you disliked it very much. Yet you might buy BLT? Why?

Three reasons: location, location, location. With three kids under 11, we spend a lot of time at MK. You just can't beat the proximity. Also really liked the 2nd bathroom in a 1BR. That is a huge plus. But a 5 minute walk to MK and a 15 minute monorail ride to Epcot is really hard to beat.

I tried to be fair in the report. The room was perfectly fine and the views amazing. I just felt they missed the boat on theme. It just feels like a Marriott. But I liked it more than enough to want to stay there again and again.

In the end I think I will add 100 point contract at the BWV. That will give me 250 BWV points all with a Feb use year. I will take my chances that if/when we want to stay at BLT and need a 2BR we will be able to get one at the 7 month window. If not, I will gladly stay at the BWV which also offers spectacular views and great proximity to 2 parks.

 

[jade1]

Three reasons: location, location, location. With three kids under 11, we spend a lot of time at MK. You just can't beat the proximity. Also really liked the 2nd bathroom in a 1BR. That is a huge plus. But a 5 minute walk to MK and a 15 minute monorail ride to Epcot is really hard to beat.

I tried to be fair in the report. The room was perfectly fine and the views amazing. I just felt they missed the boat on theme. It just feels like a Marriott. But I liked it more than enough to want to stay there again and again.

In the end I think I will add 100 point contract at the BWV. That will give me 250 BWV points all with a Feb use year. I will take my chances that if/when we want to stay at BLT and need a 2BR we will be able to get one at the 7 month window. If not, I will gladly stay at the BWV which also offers spectacular views and great proximity to 2 parks.

BLT/BWV would be a great combo IMO. We are planning a lot of BLT/BCV stays-but we like to move at midweek, and therefore end up with short walks to MK, then short walks to EPCOT.

 

[cg1200]

BLT/BWV would be a great combo IMO. We are planning a lot of BLT/BCV stays-but we like to move at midweek, and therefore end up with short walks to MK, then short walks to EPCOT.

Yes, I agree. Those strike me as the two most desireable from a location standpoint. I think having 250 points at BWV would be easier for me to manage and also give me enough points if I need to book a 2BR even at BLT. If I bought BLT now I'd want to get at least 150 points to cover a 1BR for my family but I wouldn't have enough for the 2BR.