Considering BLT Resale Purchase

[TCRAIG]

BLT has some of the lowest dues, the best proximity to MK, Amazing firework views, covered walkway to CR for a delicious signature restaurant on top, cheapest point chart of the monorail resorts, a dvc lounge with appetizers and drinks, plenty of restaurants and a variety of quick service, buffet, and signature at CR, the best breakfast character buffet I've been to so far at CR, great shopping at CR, beautiful well received refurbished rooms with extra bathroom, a monorail that conveniently runs right thru CR, long contract, need I say more.

To me it is close to perfection in terms of checking all of my boxes. The main thing you hear people complain about usually is the pool if that matters to you.

Agree - BLT has A LOT going for it in terms of location, shops, dues, bathrooms, and points chart…I just wish the pools were a step above ‘Meh’.

 

[airjay75]

@Girlstar30 @TCRAIG - thanks for your thoughts. Really appreciate it. If you have any additional thoughts on the pools you feel like sharing, would love to hear it. I've watched a number of videos - the pools certainly don't seem like anything to write home about. But, I guess I look at them compared to Poly or GF, and I have had a few thoughts. The BLT pool, since it's only available to BLT guests, seems like that might help keep it a bit less crowded and more relaxed. I don't think Poly or VGF have a pool like that. The Poly Volcano pool does seem really nice, but it also seems like it draws the crowds. Don't know as much about GF pools since I haven't looked at them as much. Doesn't seem like BLT or Contemporary pools have the same sort of splash pad area for the young kids that most deluxe resorts have - I see some splash pad areas, just not the ones that have a couple of little waterslides usually with a bucket on the top that fills with water and dumps on kids. (I do see one little waterslide that goes into the pool). Seems like there are some beach/sand areas somewhat comparable to GF and Poly, just not facing the MK. I guess when I look at the pools, my overall thought is, sure, that isn't the primary draw, but the kids will have fun, and it will get the job done pretty well.

Welcome any thoughts.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I guess when I look at the pools, my overall thought is, sure, that isn't the primary draw, but the kids will have fun, and it will get the job done pretty well.

I suggest thinking about how much time you'd spend at the pool. If it's a significant amount of time, choosing a resort with a cool pool is more of a consideration. If you think you'll just have one pool day, book a split stay and stay a night where you like the pool more. How nervous are you regarding your kids at the pool? I wouldn't be able to relax if my kids were out of my visual field and it seems like they would be at crowded pools like Poly.

There's been so much positive talk about BLT for so many great reasons. If I didn't already own Poly, I would seriously consider buying BLT. The first YouTube room walkthrough for BLT that I watched was for a studio and I was completely a giant NO regarding staying there. Later, I watched a one bedroom walkthrough and it was a completely different thing. Those are some of the best one bedrooms I have seen. The good news is there are always contracts coming up for sale. You are in no hurry.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I suggest thinking about how much time you'd spend at the pool. If it's a significant amount of time, choosing a resort with a cool pool is more of a consideration. If you think you'll just have one pool day, book a split stay and stay a night where you like the pool more. How nervous are you regarding your kids at the pool? I wouldn't be able to relax if my kids were out of my visual field and it seems like they would be at crowded pools like Poly.

There's been so much positive talk about BLT for so many great reasons. If I didn't already own Poly, I would seriously consider buying BLT. The first YouTube room walkthrough for BLT that I watched was for a studio and I was completely a giant NO regarding staying there. Later, I watched a one bedroom walkthrough and it was a completely different thing. Those are some of the best one bedrooms I have seen. The good news is there are always contracts coming up for sale. You are in no hurry.

I feel like BLT is the RAV4 of DVC resorts.

 

[Lumpy1106]

We own BLT and really like it. It has its own pool, but everything else is over at the Contemporary. My kids loved going over there so that's not a negative, but do you like the Contemporary?
Pluses;
EASY access to MK. Walking back at the end of the night and skipping the line at the monorail is a HUGE plus!
Dining - both QS and sit down is better than most DVC resorts (admittedly RIV is better).
1BR rooms have 2 bathrooms. Once you've stayed in a unit with 2 bathrooms it's really hard to go back!

Minuses;
The running path at Contempo/BLT is pretty uninspiring
The Gym is in what feels like a basement in Contempo - and not great.
Bus queue is unorganized and can take a while - this from someone who really likes the bus queues at POR. It's not too bad if it's only DHS and DAK, but if the monorail goes down it's not really equipped to handle EPCOT also - remember it shares with Contempo, BLT does not have its own bus queue
Theming is, well... Contemporary was never all that great either when you think about it.

FYI - Our hack for the bus queue is you can always walk to MK and take a bus to RIV to get on Skyliner at the hub, and you can take any bus back to MK. That can save you time or at least make the journey more fun.

 

[Lumpy1106]

@Girlstar30 @TCRAIG - thanks for your thoughts. Really appreciate it. If you have any additional thoughts on the pools you feel like sharing, would love to hear it. I've watched a number of videos - the pools certainly don't seem like anything to write home about. But, I guess I look at them compared to Poly or GF, and I have had a few thoughts. The BLT pool, since it's only available to BLT guests, seems like that might help keep it a bit less crowded and more relaxed. I don't think Poly or VGF have a pool like that. The Poly Volcano pool does seem really nice, but it also seems like it draws the crowds. Don't know as much about GF pools since I haven't looked at them as much. Doesn't seem like BLT or Contemporary pools have the same sort of splash pad area for the young kids that most deluxe resorts have - I see some splash pad areas, just not the ones that have a couple of little waterslides usually with a bucket on the top that fills with water and dumps on kids. (I do see one little waterslide that goes into the pool). Seems like there are some beach/sand areas somewhat comparable to GF and Poly, just not facing the MK. I guess when I look at the pools, my overall thought is, sure, that isn't the primary draw, but the kids will have fun, and it will get the job done pretty well.

Welcome any thoughts.

We like the BLT pool - it doesn't get too crowded and you can always walk over to the Contemporary pool if you want a change in scenery.

 

[Girlstar30]

@Girlstar30 @TCRAIG - thanks for your thoughts. Really appreciate it. If you have any additional thoughts on the pools you feel like sharing, would love to hear it. I've watched a number of videos - the pools certainly don't seem like anything to write home about. But, I guess I look at them compared to Poly or GF, and I have had a few thoughts. The BLT pool, since it's only available to BLT guests, seems like that might help keep it a bit less crowded and more relaxed. I don't think Poly or VGF have a pool like that. The Poly Volcano pool does seem really nice, but it also seems like it draws the crowds. Don't know as much about GF pools since I haven't looked at them as much. Doesn't seem like BLT or Contemporary pools have the same sort of splash pad area for the young kids that most deluxe resorts have - I see some splash pad areas, just not the ones that have a couple of little waterslides usually with a bucket on the top that fills with water and dumps on kids. (I do see one little waterslide that goes into the pool). Seems like there are some beach/sand areas somewhat comparable to GF and Poly, just not facing the MK. I guess when I look at the pools, my overall thought is, sure, that isn't the primary draw, but the kids will have fun, and it will get the job done pretty well.

Welcome any thoughts.

The BLT pool is so interesting to me. It almost reminds me of a quiet pool with a water slide. Im not qualified to speak of how it feels utilizing it and the slide because I haven't actually used the pool, just walked down and observed.

People report that it is actually nice swimming there and you do have views of the lake. It has a classic looking mickey shallow pool for little ones which I thought was a jacuzzi at first and I was disappointed to see that it wasnt it doesn't have beautifully themed splash pads like Riviera or PIT for kids.

It is nice that it wouldnt be slammed like the poly pool. The lack of people present (there was no one in it when we went, although it was January) would be a bummer to me because that means less activities. At the animal Kingdom Jambo pool we were participating in Disney Trivia with other families, bingo, meeting people, surrounded by the lush greenery, it was so FUN. I dont think you're going to get all that here. Some pools host night time activities too that are also great fun. This truly is a bummer for staycations at BLT. Our jambo experience was also in January and it was a stark difference of pool activity.

I find it so interesting that BLT is one of the only resorts that offers paid Cabana service at the pool along with VGF and SAB. Make it make sense! With VGF makes sense with the plush loungers and upscale atmosphere and SAB well of course its like a water park and busy def desirable to have, but BLT hmm

We were looking for a cabana with Bluetooth capabilities to have our own little party playing our favorite Disney songs and BLT was the only resort that has cabana Bluetooth speakers! I thought next time we can rent a grand villa and have a pool party to ourselves if no one else is here

I agree with booking a split stay somewhere else when you want that fun "im on vacation" pool time. I am curious about the food and drink options quality as well at blt pool if anyone has information on that!

 

[cruisehopeful]

I feel like BLT is the RAV4 of DVC resorts.

This makes so much sense to me. I regularly have to fight the urge to get a RAV4 and now I am finding that I have to fight the urge to buy BLT.

 

[Girlstar30]

People always knock the themeing and to me i truly dont get it. It has a lot of nods to classic Disney! Mickey is in so many places at the CR and BLT. He was all over the carpet and rooms before.

Now with the refurbished rooms you have the castle and nods to the attractions from a renowed Disney artist that did designs for Tokyo Disney as well!

There's awesome Mary Blair artwork in the CR lobby, character breakfast with the Fab 5, fantasia themed shop with lots of Disney merch. I mean really its the most Disney themed resort aside from the VDH and Riv which is on par. The nods for Disney fans are all there.

It's one of the Original Disney World hotels with a lot of history. I love The A frame retro 70s nostalgia look mixed with bright colors and modern designs. I do consider staying there to be part of CR when I write this because they are connected and a stay there means walking to CR for your restaurants and what not.

Okay you can tell im a fan, but short of Tinkerbell flying around the tower during the fireworks (something i have daydreamed about ), i really dont know what people expect. It is a great , thoughtfully themed Disney resort! Timeless and not cheesy.

 

[Girlstar30]

This makes so much sense to me. I regularly have to fight the urge to get a RAV4 and now I am finding that I have to fight the urge to buy BLT.

I need to stop writing everything i love about it, im supposed to be protecting your funds

 

[airjay75]

Thanks for all the continued thoughts and comments - I love all the information you're giving me. Figured I'd send a quick update of another sort. My wife happens to be heading to Orlando tomorrow for a couple day event in Daytona Beach. I'm trying to talk her in to stopping by and taking a look around to see what she thinks after her flight gets in and before she drives up to Daytona. Not sure if I'll be successful . If she does, I'll be sure to update everyone.

I did call our guide just to see if she could get her on the security list and/or whether a tour might be possible. It was interesting talking to her. BLT doesn't do tours anymore, and, although they do sell BLT direct, she seemed much more interested in suggesting PIT as an option (which, I suppose, is not surprising) - said our only option if she just wanted to stop by Contemporary/BLT to walk around was to pay to park at MK TTC and take the monorail. Asked whether a Grand Floridian tour was possible, and it is, would just have to commit to the full 1-hour formal tour - didn't seem too interested in selling us on that either. I suppose they likely know, at current price points, probably aren't going to get a lot of folks actually buying direct over resale, especially for someone who already owns direct. Interesting to note the current direct pricing on the monorail resorts - BLT is $275 pp, VGF is $265 pp, Poly is $235 pp (with some available incentives). Just amazing the savings available on buying BLT resale over what you'd save with VGF and Poly resale. Truly the RAV4 of the MK resorts - great analogy - as a former RAV4 owner, and a current Sienna and Prius owner, I like it!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Thanks for all the continued thoughts and comments - I love all the information you're giving me. Figured I'd send a quick update of another sort. My wife happens to be heading to Orlando tomorrow for a couple day event in Daytona Beach. I'm trying to talk her in to stopping by and taking a look around to see what she thinks after her flight gets in and before she drives up to Daytona. Not sure if I'll be successful . If she does, I'll be sure to update everyone.

I did call our guide just to see if she could get her on the security list and/or whether a tour might be possible. It was interesting talking to her. BLT doesn't do tours anymore, and, although they do sell BLT direct, she seemed much more interested in suggesting PIT as an option (which, I suppose, is not surprising) - said our only option if she just wanted to stop by Contemporary/BLT to walk around was to pay to park at MK TTC and take the monorail. Asked whether a Grand Floridian tour was possible, and it is, would just have to commit to the full 1-hour formal tour - didn't seem too interested in selling us on that either. I suppose they likely know, at current price points, probably aren't going to get a lot of folks actually buying direct over resale, especially for someone who already owns direct. Interesting to note the current direct pricing on the monorail resorts - BLT is $275 pp, VGF is $265 pp, Poly is $235 pp (with some available incentives). Just amazing the savings available on buying BLT resale over what you'd save with VGF and Poly resale. Truly the RAV4 of the MK resorts - great analogy - as a former RAV4 owner, and a current Sienna and Prius owner, I like it!

BLT cost a lot less, but IMO that’s because the Contemporary is by far the least desirable MK resort.

It’s like how Warren Buffer started with a “buy a stock with the lowest discount to intrinsic value” model and then shifted to “buy quality at a reasonable price” model as he matured in his career.

Given the transaction costs on these things, it’s worth it to see which is more important to you.

 

[Girlstar30]

Thanks for all the continued thoughts and comments - I love all the information you're giving me. Figured I'd send a quick update of another sort. My wife happens to be heading to Orlando tomorrow for a couple day event in Daytona Beach. I'm trying to talk her in to stopping by and taking a look around to see what she thinks after her flight gets in and before she drives up to Daytona. Not sure if I'll be successful . If she does, I'll be sure to update everyone.

I did call our guide just to see if she could get her on the security list and/or whether a tour might be possible. It was interesting talking to her. BLT doesn't do tours anymore, and, although they do sell BLT direct, she seemed much more interested in suggesting PIT as an option (which, I suppose, is not surprising) - said our only option if she just wanted to stop by Contemporary/BLT to walk around was to pay to park at MK TTC and take the monorail. Asked whether a Grand Floridian tour was possible, and it is, would just have to commit to the full 1-hour formal tour - didn't seem too interested in selling us on that either. I suppose they likely know, at current price points, probably aren't going to get a lot of folks actually buying direct over resale, especially for someone who already owns direct. Interesting to note the current direct pricing on the monorail resorts - BLT is $275 pp, VGF is $265 pp, Poly is $235 pp (with some available incentives). Just amazing the savings available on buying BLT resale over what you'd save with VGF and Poly resale. Truly the RAV4 of the MK resorts - great analogy - as a former RAV4 owner, and a current Sienna and Prius owner, I like it!

The guides are definetely reluctant to show or even talk about BLT. I told my guide that BLT was our favorite and we were leaning towards that and the first thing he said was that BLT was very expensive without incentives.

I didnt realize it was $275 pp and when he told us that i told him then we would do resale and add on direct after and his face dropped and he was like "oh you're considering resale?" And I said yes.

He never tried to push going direct with BLT, they want to sell what they haven't sold yet. They are pushing PIT hard right now, probably because Riv is close to selling out already and on our end it is a better deal to get a resort that is actively selling with incentives and Magical beginnings if you're interested in that.

People actually are buying VGF direct right now so im a little surprised she wasnt more open to that just to make the sale.

 

[airjay75]

The guides are definetely reluctant to show or even talk about BLT. I told my guide that BLT was our favorite and we were leaning towards that and the first thing he said was that BLT was very expensive without incentives.

I didnt realize it was $275 pp and when he told us that i told him then we would do resale and add on direct after and his face dropped and he was like "oh you're considering resale?" And I said yes.

He never tried to push going direct with BLT, they want to sell what they haven't sold yet. They are pushing PIT hard right now, probably because Riv is close to selling out already and on our end it is a better deal to get a resort that is actively selling with incentives and Magical beginnings if you're interested in that.

People actually are buying VGF direct right now so im a little surprised she wasnt more open to that just to make the sale.

Yeah, it’s interesting. I think she may have been able to read the tea leaves since my email to her was all about BLT with a passing glance to VGF and PIT. She was also not in the office the next two days, so if my wife wants to do the tour, she’d have to hand it off to another guide too. So, I get it. She was very nice and has been very helpful.

If I can convince my wife to do it, I would actually have her go to the VGF tour and then take the monorail over to check out what she can at BLT and the Contemporary. We’ll see if I can - she may not feel like she has the time given her other commitments while she’s down there.

 

[MsChristy12]

I am not gonna sugarcoat it, we bought BLT resale solely because of its location. We are MK and Epcot people, so it makes sense to us. We also like to walk around different resorts, try their bars/restaurants/QS, so being able to hop on the bus at MK to any resorts, that's a plus for us. I actually like the BLT pool. Last year Memorial day weekend, I stayed at BLT with a couple friends and it was so nice the pool wasn't crowded at all. If you like your lounger to be in the shade, the BLT pool might be no bueno for you as they are pretty limited. Walking over to Contemporary to get food/drinks doesn't bother me much, the walk isn't that bad. We have stayed at a lot of big resorts/hotels elsewhere, it could be worse.

I think it would be wise to do a stay at BLT first before you make the decision where to purchase.

 

[D-Trick]

@airjay75 - definitely stay at BLT first. Also, I recommend you use your 300 Riviera points to prioritize staying at multiple resorts. You'll always have your home resort in your back pocket, so take this time to start sleeping around. From sleeping around at all the WDW resorts (only missing cabins) there are/were only 2 resorts where my family said "We have to own this!" and those are BLT and AKV (friggin animals!). AKV is pretty large with 2-bdrms easily available, so we opted to buy BLT. We bought our resale BLT last year.

The reason those Oct BLT's are still listed (over 2 weeks now) is because they're too high. I paid significantly less for my Oct BLT and mine was not stripped but included all current UY points.

Just be patient. I'm 8 years in and over that time I've multiplied my ownership to 10x my initial contract-- I've gone from studio stays to now having enough for weekly Grand Villas.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I refrained from reading anything here as to not sway my decision. I skimmed through and I can see alot of the selling points here. I still say you must stay before you decide. Even if it's only 1 night.

 

[airjay75]

I refrained from reading anything here as to not sway my decision. I skimmed through and I can see alot of the selling points here. I still say you must stay before you decide. Even if it's only 1 night.

Thanks, so much - and I just went over to your thread to see how you came out too. LOVED reading your story, and it really is such a good example of staying before buying. My head says, make sure I do that and follow your example. But, I'd be lying if I said was definitely not going to put an offer in on the right BLT resale contract. Part of me wants to figure out when I can book there and go experience it, and part of me just wants to make a go for those points!

 

[foodiddiedoo]

The guides are definetely reluctant to show or even talk about BLT. I told my guide that BLT was our favorite and we were leaning towards that and the first thing he said was that BLT was very expensive without incentives.

I didnt realize it was $275 pp and when he told us that i told him then we would do resale and add on direct after and his face dropped and he was like "oh you're considering resale?" And I said yes.

He never tried to push going direct with BLT, they want to sell what they haven't sold yet. They are pushing PIT hard right now, probably because Riv is close to selling out already and on our end it is a better deal to get a resort that is actively selling with incentives and Magical beginnings if you're interested in that.

People actually are buying VGF direct right now so im a little surprised she wasnt more open to that just to make the sale.

I came in saying I wanted to buy at BLT direct only and my guide said he could make it happen (as long as I wanted under 1000 points). When I bought there were some great incentives that pushed my total price down to 209 a point after my 2023 points buyback. I haven’t seen anything like it since I bought about 10 months ago. My guide was super happy to work with me because he said it sounded like I knew what I wanted and even though they are pushing Cabins or Riviera (can’t recall if PIT was for sale yet), I was going to go direct and make him a sale vs going to resale.

 

[Girlstar30]

I came in saying I wanted to buy at BLT direct only and my guide said he could make it happen (as long as I wanted under 1000 points). When I bought there were some great incentives that pushed my total price down to 209 a point after my 2023 points buyback. I haven’t seen anything like it since I bought about 10 months ago. My guide was super happy to work with me because he said it sounded like I knew what I wanted and even though they are pushing Cabins or Riviera (can’t recall if PIT was for sale yet), I was going to go direct and make him a sale vs going to resale.

That's how it should be! Great price for BLT direct! Don't know why they wouldnt want to bag any direct sale, maybe they get some kind of bonus for new sales, who knows!