CR tower room or BLT one bedroom

[jemtx]

We have a tower room (lake view) for beginning of June. Wondering if a one bedroom villa at BLT would be worth it. We’re mainly doing it to have a separate sleeping area for child (9) bc we’re worried about all having to sleep in one room (between snoring, child light sleeper, having to go to bed at same time). Big price jump, but hate to spoil ouR trip with poor sleep.
Any opinions greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[Trinity88]

I haven't stayed in a tower room, but have stayed in a BLT 1 bedroom. We loved it! There are 5 of us, so the kids slept in the living room and DH and I had our own bedroom. There was lots of space and it was nice to have the larger fridge and washer and dryer in our room.

We rented points to make it a bit cheaper, so that may be an option for you.

 

[jemtx]

I haven't stayed in a tower room, but have stayed in a BLT 1 bedroom. We loved it! There are 5 of us, so the kids slept in the living room and DH and I had our own bedroom. There was lots of space and it was nice to have the larger fridge and washer and dryer in our room.

We rented points to make it a bit cheaper, so that may be an option for you.

I didn’t by know anything about renting points. How goes that work? The rate I found was about $765/night.

 

[jemtx]

I haven't stayed in a tower room, but have stayed in a BLT 1 bedroom. We loved it! There are 5 of us, so the kids slept in the living room and DH and I had our own bedroom. There was lots of space and it was nice to have the larger fridge and washer and dryer in our room.

We rented points to make it a bit cheaper, so that may be an option for you.

Did you feel like you missed out on the “hotel” experience? Was it inconvenient for getting to the restaurants and transportation?

 

[cruisin5]

The walk from the BLT lobby to the Contemporary is under 5 minutes.

You'll love the full kitchen, washer/dryer, and space. Even a second bathroom!

To look into rental points, I suggest you check out David's DVC rentals (google it), there is also a lot of info on disboards.

It will save you money but you need to plan ahead, like 11 to 7 months and there really isn't an option to cancel.

 

[Micca]

If you can find a way to get the one bedroom at BLT you'll love it. In addition to the previously mentioned washer/dryer/kitchen/extra bathroom you can walk to MK. Even better, when everyone else is waiting for buses at closing time you'll be well on your way back to your room. Via CR you also have monorail access. Def look into renting if you can.

 

[jemtx]

If you can find a way to get the one bedroom at BLT you'll love it. In addition to the previously mentioned washer/dryer/kitchen/extra bathroom you can walk to MK. Even better, when everyone else is waiting for buses at closing time you'll be well on your way back to your room. Via CR you also have monorail access. Def look into renting if you can.

Thank you!
Can guests at BLT use the CR pool?

 

[dansdad]

Thank you!
Can guests at BLT use the CR pool?

Yup.

 

[FSU Girl]

I've stayed in both multiple times. Hands down BLT. Those one-bedroom rooms are amazing. I like the Contemporary Tower rooms, but they can be noisy from Chef Mickeys and the elevators can sometimes take a while. The extra room of the one-bedroom is so nice and you'll have two bathrooms. If your kid is a light sleeper it will definitely help with separate rooms. I know as a kid I wish I could have done that my dad snored so loud and I'm a super light sleeper.

 

[jemtx]

I've stayed in both multiple times. Hands down BLT. Those one-bedroom rooms are amazing. I like the Contemporary Tower rooms, but they can be noisy from Chef Mickeys and the elevators can sometimes take a while. The extra room of the one-bedroom is so nice and you'll have two bathrooms. If your kid is a light sleeper it will definitely help with separate rooms. I know as a kid I wish I could have done that my dad snored so loud and I'm a super light sleeper.

Totally feel you about the snoring! Thanks for the advice

 

[jemtx]

How is the BLT connected to the main tower? There’s an enclosed walkway? You don’t need to go outside, do you?

 

[Trinity88]

I didn’t by know anything about renting points. How goes that work? The rate I found was about $765/night.

I don't think I'm allowed to mention specific websites but if you do a google search for dvc rental you'll find a few good sites you can rent from. You basically pay so much per point (usually around $18). Each room has an amount of points to rent. The site I use shows a BLT 1 bdr is 40 points a night for standard view for in early June (45 for lake view). You pay the person who owns the points and they book the room under your name. You see it in your MDE account and can link your tickets to it. Dining, if you want it, has to be booked through the owner. But it's all subject to availability, dvc books up fast.

Did you feel like you missed out on the “hotel” experience? Was it inconvenient for getting to the restaurants and transportation?

Not at all! It still feels very much like a hotel. Getting to restaurants and transportation was no problem. You do have to walk to CR for the monoroil and restaurants, but it's a quick walk.

 

[jemtx]

I don't think I'm allowed to mention specific websites but if you do a google search for dvc rental you'll find a few good sites you can rent from. You basically pay so much per point (usually around $18). Each room has an amount of points to rent. The site I use shows a BLT 1 bdr is 40 points a night for standard view for in early June (45 for lake view). You pay the person who owns the points and they book the room under your name. You see it in your MDE account and can link your tickets to it. Dining, if you want it, has to be booked through the owner. But it's all subject to availability, dvc books up fast.



Not at all! It still feels very much like a hotel. Getting to restaurants and transportation was no problem. You do have to walk to CR for the monoroil and restaurants, but it's a quick walk.

Thank you so much for all the detailed info. Very helpful!

 

[cruisin5]

The walkway is partially enclosed, there's a roof and sides that leave an opening. I believe the 4th floor of the CR connects to the 5th floor of BLT.

Edit: Picture of the walkway

 

[cruisin5]

There isn't a 1-bedroom available for more than two consecutive nights this June at BLT, renting points is not going be an option.

 

[jemtx]

There isn't a 1-bedroom available for more than two consecutive nights this June at BLT, renting points is not going be an option.

Thanks. I guess I’ll have to look at paying for the room directly from Disney or a travel website a la Expedia, etc. If I get the room this way, it’s just like a regular hotel room, right?—I get housekeeping daily, make my own dining reservations through MDE, can use both pools?

 

[cruisin5]

Thanks. I guess I’ll have to look at paying for the room directly from Disney or a travel website a la Expedia, etc. If I get the room this way, it’s just like a regular hotel room, right?—I get housekeeping daily, make my own dining reservations through MDE, can use both pools?

Villa's that are booked with cash (not DVC points) get daily housekeeping. Anyone can book dining reservations at 180 days, it's not a benefit to staying on-site. You can book dining right now! Anyone staying at BLT can use both pools but those at CR cannot use the pool at BLT.

 

[jemtx]

Villa's that are booked with cash (not DVC points) get daily housekeeping. Anyone can book dining reservations at 180 days, it's not a benefit to staying on-site. You can book dining right now! Anyone staying at BLT can use both pools but those at CR cannot use the pool at BLT.

Thank you again.

 

[beccasmom]

I would opt for BLT. It is very convenient to the CR (sky bridge over to the 4th floor) and the views can be amazing. We love the CR, but the extra space at BLT is a winner.

 

[jemtx]

I’m really leaning towards BLT, but I have what may be a silly concern. The price difference is going to be about $425 plus tax. My concern isn’t the price, but the balcony. From pics I’ve seen online there is a balcony door in the living room where our DS will be sleeping while we’re in bedroom. That scares me. Are they lockable (that a tall child couldn’t reach)? Is it safe with kids?
Thanks so much.