Bringing Guests to Top of the World Lounge

[RedM94]

I posted a tongue in cheek response to @keishashadow earlier in this thread. Thank you for being a good sport by the way. Loved your touché response.

I have been to TOTWL several times and have only been asked to show my DVC membership card to gain access. I have also heard Len Testa on more than one podcast state, and I am paraphrasing, just hang out at the elevator and offer to buy a DVC member a drink if they take you as their guest.

I am not taking either side of the of the discussion. However, Here are some of my random thoughts. When I visit TOTWL, I always take the stairs down about three floors to catch the elevator. I often wondered what was preventing someone from taking the regular elevator as far up as it would go, and then the stairs to the lounge?

This discussion also made me realize that I was not fully acclimated with the restrictions for accessing TOTWL. To me it was always just a perk that my family enjoyed. I decided to look up the guidelines and was surprised to read that there are black out dates. Does anyone know why? Are they holding private events during these times?

The other item I was surprised to read is that the current restrictions as posted below, are set to expire on December 29, 2016. I do hope they extend this perk, but they have an "out," if they choose to do so.

I hope I did not break any rules by posting the following. Moderators, if I did, I apologize in advance. Please feel free to delete if that is the case.

Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with Vacation Points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort through December 29, 2016.

Blockout dates apply for Top of the World Lounge, including but not limited to: December 30, 2015; December 31, 2015; July 3, 2016; July 4, 2016; December 30, 2016; December 31, 2016. Current operating hours are 6:00 PM to midnight.

Accessing the Lounge

This perk is available exclusively to Members. People who are in that Member’s traveling party and staying on that Member’s reservation are also eligible to visit Top of the World Lounge. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current MagicBand or Key to the World card with a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck. If the Member's MagicBand or Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card is also required to verify Membership.

 

[supersnoop]

I posted a tongue in cheek response to @keishashadow earlier in this thread. Thank you for being a good sport by the way. Loved your touché response.

I have been to TOTWL several times and have only been asked to show my DVC membership card to gain access. I have also heard Len Testa on more than one podcast state, and I am paraphrasing, just hang out at the elevator and offer to buy a DVC member a drink if they take you as their guest.

I am not taking either side of the of the discussion. However, Here are some of my random thoughts. When I visit TOTWL, I always take the stairs down about three floors to catch the elevator. I often wondered what was preventing someone from taking the regular elevator as far up as it would go, and then the stairs to the lounge?

This discussion also made me realize that I was not fully acclimated with the restrictions for accessing TOTWL. To me it was always just a perk that my family enjoyed. I decided to look up the guidelines and was surprised to read that there are black out dates. Does anyone know why? Are they holding private events during these times?

The other item I was surprised to read is that the current restrictions as posted below, are set to expire on December 29, 2016. I do hope they extend this perk, but they have an "out," if they choose to do so.

I hope I did not break any rules by posting the following. Moderators, if I did, I apologize in advance. Please feel free to delete if that is the case.

Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with Vacation Points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort through December 29, 2016.

Blockout dates apply for Top of the World Lounge, including but not limited to: December 30, 2015; December 31, 2015; July 3, 2016; July 4, 2016; December 30, 2016; December 31, 2016. Current operating hours are 6:00 PM to midnight.

Accessing the Lounge

This perk is available exclusively to Members. People who are in that Member’s traveling party and staying on that Member’s reservation are also eligible to visit Top of the World Lounge. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current MagicBand or Key to the World card with a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck. If the Member's MagicBand or Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card is also required to verify Membership.

Those posted benefits are for all members. The lounge is available to members staying at BLT on those blockout dates.

 

[bom_noite]

Before I say this - I know d!mn well I will be fussed at.

There are the rules and the reality - IMHO. We normally do not have "guests" with us and our entire party go's over. Regardless, one time two friend's of my son's (Cast Member's) did join us. This was clearly stated to the Concierge and there was no fuss whatsoever.

On one night there was a Cast Member out there with a clicker to count the number of folks. I asked him if business improved after the change to ALL DVC. He said - very much so and that is why the change was made: to increase traffic and revenue as the BLT Guests alone were not bringing in enough business.

Like I said, the rules are the rules. The reality is that they want Revenue so I fully believe the rules are not always strictly enforced. This is why the change was made. Disney is not turning someone away if they own a Wallet!

The night I saw Clicker-Man - there were about 140 folks! We have been there maybe 5 or 6 nights and I have never found it crowded or overflowing - there was plenty of space for everyone. That said, we tend to pick slow times for our visits.

I fear I will be fussed at cause I admitted (on a previous thread) that I did park there - and that is verboten! One BLT Owner said he would have me towed or have a boot placed on our car! Despite that -

1) We were unaware of the no parking rule. We clearly explained our intentions to the guards - and they said - come on in.
2) The lot's were half empty and on purpose we took the parking in the back to not interfere with members staying there.
3) We shopped at the Contemporary
4) Half our party got "to go" meals which were taken up.
5) We spent over $100 on our bar tab.
6) I have always been up-front and honest with all the folks on our desires / intentions.
7) We normally go early to have a drink and shop and if they say no - find another location.

I was not aware of any black-outs until I read Red's post. Good to know - will not affect us as we would not normally travel on those dates.

In my opinion - if I am spending Green Money -that is WDW's ultimate goal and we are very conscious of the BLT folks. I probably broke a rule somewhere - but - I have never lied to anyone and never had an issue - nor - do I expect too.

If you disagree with my thoughts - please do not waste your time fussing at me - fuss at DVC or WDW management who wrote and enforce the rules. Disney could easily right the rules to say: Parking is permitted if there is ample parking available. If they said NO - I would obviously respect that.

My point is this: If you are polite, honest and respectful - I think common sense will rule the day. You should not have any issues during slow or moderate times - at busy times all bet's are off.

 

[bom_noite]

Sorry - fat fingered a Reply to my own post.

 

[keishashadow]

bom - an honest post to be sure. My only comment is that I was surprised you were able to get past the guard house there without at least a dining reservation.

On more than one occasion, when staying as guests there, feel as though the guards were giving us 'the eye' when we drove thru the gatehouse lol. Haven't observed that level of diligence at the other resorts. I do think it's a good thing though to ensure that guests have their ability to park there intact.

BWV seemed to be upping their game last trip, will be curious to see how it works out for us during F&W this year. Not about to park in overflow lot, have often splurged for valet after fruitlessly circling the attached lot. Surely, less a design flaw than being stretched beyond capacity by people who park there for dinner, then scoot over to the parks...same as at CR.

Have never observed the lounge what i'd term crowded. Even when a moderate crowd, the bartenders look bored. I inquired of one and was told many members don't 'spend' money there, just use as a viewing spot for the FW. It's a true hidden gem, if they opened it up to the public, they could easily toss in a character or two & market it as a dessert-viewing package imo.

 

[bom_noite]

Have never observed the lounge what i'd term crowded. Even when a moderate crowd, the bartenders look bored. I inquired of one and was told many members don't 'spend' money there, just use as a viewing spot for the FW. It's a true hidden gem, if they opened it up to the public, they could easily toss in a character or two & market it as a dessert-viewing package imo.

I totally agree! Let's hope WDW management does not read this thread.

As I said - when I wrote my post many were very quick to slap my hand! I really had no idea I was violating any rule. I was up-front and honest - I flashed my license and membership card and told them we are going to do some shopping, maybe grab a bite and view the Fireworks.

And, this was not once - it was 5 or 6 times. As I said - the rules are the rules - but usually common sense win's out. I am not trying to scam anyone.

As our kid's are post-college (now) we always have a few libations there and are spending money. I do realize that many folks are not. I think they lose out up there as they do not really have any food offerings. As you suggested - some desert's or Ice Cream or Dole Whip would probably help the cause.

 

[Franzenel]

So if our home resort is AKL and we are staying at AKL would we be able to go?

 

[bom_noite]

So if our home resort is AKL and we are staying at AKL would we be able to go?

Yes, assuming it is not one of the Blackout dates noted in one of the above posts. You should have your DVC Member card with you - as they do check that.

 

[Franzenel]

Awesome

 

[RedM94]

Those posted benefits are for all members. The lounge is available to members staying at BLT on those blockout dates.

Thank you for clarifying. I did not know this.

 

[jennib5426]

We will ask, I hope she can go up and watch the fireworks. The baby is asleep by 8pm so there is now way I could go up with. I would hope my registered guest would be able to use the lounge.

 

[supersnoop]

We will ask, I hope she can go up and watch the fireworks. The baby is asleep by 8pm so there is now way I could go up with. I would hope my registered guest would be able to use the lounge.

It is a member benefit, not a guest benefit. I really wish they'd publish the official rules for guests staying at BLT. The website only displays the rules for DVC members staying at other resorts. The rules could be completely different for guests at BLT.

 

[hayesdvc]

On the same line as bringing guests to TOTWL, for the 25th Anniversary Signature Events can a member bring guests or when you make the reservation, each person for entry has to be a
member?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So if my mom and I are staying at BLT and she wants to go to lounge for drink while I watch the baby can she go up without me?
She is on the reservation but it is my DVC membership.
Can she take my DVC card and her magic band and go to lounge?
We were going to take turns on different nights to watch fireworks while the baby sleeps.

Anyone staying with us in our room has been able to get their MB scanned and go up even if I wasn't there. I think that she will be able to.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

On the same line as bringing guests to TOTWL, for the 25th Anniversary Signature Events can a member bring guests or when you make the reservation, each person for entry has to be a
member?

You were able to book for up to 5 guests or else the number staying in your room I believe.

 

[AirGoofy]

The last few times we have stayed on points I took friends, who were not DVC members, were staying on property, but not on my reservation up to TOTWL. I told the CM at the desk, they scanned my MB, and we all went up. The last time was October 2015. I own at BWV, but the BLT is my favorite resort. TOTWL is the best for watching Wishes.

 

[hayesdvc]

You were able to book for up to 5 guests or else the number staying in your room I believe.

So 5 guest per membership; so if DW and I are both members, that would mean 10 in total by rule ?

 

[kristenrice]

I am a bit confused about the "guests staying on the member's reservation"...

We will be a party of 10, booked in a 2BR and a 1BR at different resorts. Both reservations were booked with my DVC points, but since they are separate reservations, it would seem that they would be prohibited from joining us at the lounge. I don't believe this is the intent of the rule, but it is how it is written. I interpret the rule as guests staying on the member's points, not necessarily the same reservation. This does not mean ANY member's points, but that the guest's reservation was made with points from the account of the member that is joining them at the lounge.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I am a bit confused about the "guests staying on the member's reservation"...

We will be a party of 10, booked in a 2BR and a 1BR at different resorts. Both reservations were booked with my DVC points, but since they are separate reservations, it would seem that they would be prohibited from joining us at the lounge. I don't believe this is the intent of the rule, but it is how it is written. I interpret the rule as guests staying on the member's points, not necessarily the same reservation. This does not mean ANY member's points, but that the guest's reservation was made with points from the account of the member that is joining them at the lounge.

You have two reservations. The one that you are in will be allowed to go up. Your guests in the other villa will not. Unless you put your spouse on the other reservation. The rules say staying on the member's reservation.

This perk is available exclusively to Members. People who are in that Member’s traveling party and staying on that Member’s reservation are also eligible to visit Top of the World Lounge. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current MagicBand or Key to the World card with a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck. If the Member's MagicBand or Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card is also required to verify Membership.

Plus when they get all the new Member cards mailed out, they will probably scan that too.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So 5 guest per membership; so if DW and I are both members, that would mean 10 in total by rule ?

Yes, I believe that would technically be correct. And, the numbers I quoted were for the MK nights, I'm not certain about the water park events as we won't be around for any of them.