DVC Mike Live from BLT (8/14-8/16/09)

[J&JAKV08]

Great pictures!!!! We are on a waitlist for BLT in Jan. and I really hope it comes thru. Great views and so close to MK how much better can it get?? Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[nunzia]

Goodie! DVC Mike is on a trip Love the BLT pictures..now where are the food pictures??

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Goodie! DVC Mike is on a trip Love the BLT pictures..now where are the food pictures??

I don't think DVC Mike takes food pictures.
I think I recall him saying that he didn't like to take pics. while dining.
However, he does describe the food quite well!

 

[tink too]

Love your photos, DVC Mike!

I'm sure you'll enjoy the rest of your stay when you have views like that.

 

[Donald is #1]

Wow, I am surprised that the lounge is so empty. I would have expected it to be packed.

 

[toniosmom]

I'm with whomever suggested that they open the BLT Lounge to all DVC members staying on property, not necessarily just BLT. I think they will see a HUGE increase in business up there.

However, let's not forget that BLT is not sold out. Once it sells out, it may be more crowded up there because more DVC members will be staying there at one time.

 

[happy place]

Wow - thanks for the picture of the pool at nigth - it;'s gorgeous, and I haven't seent that view before.
We're booked for next march - can't wait!

 

[DVC Mike]

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[DVC Mike]

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[DVC Mike]

Tonight, we're going over to see Kidani Village and have dinner at Sanaa.

We haven't been there since it opened, so we both looking forward to it!

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[DVC Mike]

OK, after spending just one day at BLT, here is a summary review.

I absolutely love the panoramic views. I think BLT offers the best views of any DVC resort at WDW. I like both the MK and Bay Lake views. The Boardwalk view rooms at BWV remain my favorite for a more close-up view of what’s happening on the Boardwalk, and for people watching. But watching “Wishes” from BLT is great.

I really like the location of BLT. The ability to take a 5-minute walk and be at the gates of the Magic Kingdom is just like staying at BCV and walking to the International Gateway to Epcot.

The location offers some great dining opportunities as well. Since we almost exclusively do TS and never CS, we can walk across the walkway to the Contemporary and dine at the California Grill (our favorite) or at The Wave. We can hop on the monorail and dine at ‘Ohana, Kona Café, Citricos, Narcoossee’s, or Victoria and Albert’s. We can also hop on a boat to the Wilderness Lodge and enjoy Artist Point.

The pool area is nice, the pool bar has some nice food options, and the slide is fine. The other recreational opportunities, such as the marina with boat rentals, tennis, etc. are also nice.

The lounge and viewing area on the 16th floor are fantastic and offer great views of the surrounding area, especially the MK. The appetizers were nice; as was the drink selection (they carry Newcastle, my favorite beer).

People who love a hotel experience will love BLT, while those who prefer a more condo-like experience such as OKW may not. I like the décor at BLT, while not everyone will.

The exclusivity of BLT (card-key access and the member’s-only Top of the World lounge) is nice. I don’t think the lounge will remain exclusive too long, as I think they will open it up to anyone staying at BLT – points or cash).

What don’t I like? Not much. The room numbers were initially confusing (why does my room on the 11th floor have an 81xx number?). The lack of locks on the bathroom door, which I’ve heard others complain about, doesn’t bother me at all (of course, I don’t bring small children with me). There are locks on the bedroom doors. Why doesn’t the shower have a soap dish? The lighting in the extra bathroom isn’t bright enough. All in all – my only complaints are very minor nitpicks.

In summary, BLT is everything I had hoped it would be. As the only tower-configuration within DVC, as well as the only DVC on the monorail, it offers a unique experience that is different from my other 5 home resorts.

This short trip ends tomorrow, but I know I’m coming back in December and I’m really looking forward to staying longer, as well as my MK view room.

 

[Disney Spaz]

Thank you so much for your report DVCMike. I loved the picture of the beach. The beach swings and hamocks at Poly and GF are wonderful. Are there any on the beach at BLT?

 

[5forDiz]

Awesome pix as usual Mike Thanks so much for taking the time to share them & your thoughts on BLT. Pool area looks so very nice! - I'll admit glass block may have swayed me....big fan of it

Hope you have a fantastic time & can't wait to hear about Sanaa

 

[ToddyLu]

Can't wait to hear about your thoughts on Kidani.....I will be checking back periodically today. You are the DVC expert Mike, thanks for taking us with you!!

 

[DVC Mike]

I loved the picture of the beach. The beach swings and hamocks at Poly and GF are wonderful. Are there any on the beach at BLT?

No, just some beach chairs.

 

[work2play]

OK, after spending just one day at BLT, here is a summary review.

I absolutely love the panoramic views. I think BLT offers the best views of any DVC resort at WDW. I like both the MK and Bay Lake views. The Boardwalk view rooms at BWV remain my favorite for a more close-up view of what’s happening on the Boardwalk, and for people watching. But watching “Wishes” from BLT is great.

Mike- Thanks for the terrific photos. When it comes to views, looks like BLT cannot be beat. Do you think the MK view is worth the extra points? Some of the lake views look pretty terrific...

 

[rentayenta]

I am such a pool person and really love your pictures! While I am a condo-style type person, your photos have increased my knowledge of BLT and I think I'd like to stay there one day; perhaps we'll do a split with the THV on our Oct 2010 trip? Thanks again for the insights and pictures!

 

[DVC Mike]

Mike- Thanks for the terrific photos. When it comes to views, looks like BLT cannot be beat. Do you think the MK view is worth the extra points? Some of the lake views look pretty terrific...

To see wishes, the castle and SM from your room - Yes.

 

[Ronald Duck]

Mike- Congrats on post #2800

 

[BigEeyore]

Thanks for taking us along with you Mike! Can't wait to hear what you think about Kidani. The BLT waterslide is really cool, but the water play/fountain area is pretty blah. Could have thrown a couple of Mickeys or Goofys out there...
Love those views - and I really can't believe that you could have walked right into MK and didn't do it!