Educate a DVC Newbie on Top of the World Lounge

[Little E]

Hi Disfriends!

DH and I are first time DVC owners. We bought direct at VGF in April and closed in May. We have never been to TOTWL, and we have no idea what's what. I read an article posted by @Sandisw (thank you...it was helpful and the pictures looked awesome!), but I have a few trip specific questions.

I have a trip planned with a gal pal at the end of September 2022. We are not using my points, we are staying at Pop. I have my DVC Y digital card loaded in my Apple Wallet.

1. Can we go to TOTWL, or is it only when we are staying at a DVC resort that we can go?

2. Can I bring her, even though she is not a DVC member?

Any info would be awesome! Thank you!

 

[Marionnette]

Hi Disfriends!

DH and I are first time DVC owners. We bought direct at VGF in April and closed in May. We have never been to TOTWL, and we have no idea what's what. I read an article posted by @Sandisw (thank you...it was helpful and the pictures looked awesome!), but I have a few trip specific questions.

I have a trip planned with a gal pal at the end of September 2022. We are not using my points, we are staying at Pop. I have my DVC Y digital card loaded in my Apple Wallet.

1. Can we go to TOTWL, or is it only when we are staying at a DVC resort that we can go?

2. Can I bring her, even though she is not a DVC member?

Any info would be awesome! Thank you!

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...rs/member-experiences/top-of-the-world-lounge

Eligibility

Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras––who are staying at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with Vacation Points or cash)––may enjoy access to this exclusive space just outside Magic Kingdom park.

Party Size

Eligible Members and their guests staying on that Member’s reservation are eligible. Each eligible Membership can enjoy Top of the World Lounge access for one party per day—which can include eligible Members and guests staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present their current MagicBand, digital Membership card and government-issued photo ID in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck. A Digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card is also required to verify Membership eligibility

 

[Little E]

@Marionnette That's fantastic news! Thank you! My friend and I are staying together at Pop. It sounds like we'll be fine going to TOTWL with my ID, my magic band, and my digital DVC Y card. WHOO HOO! Awesome! Thanks for the info!

 

[Little E]

One more question...if my friend and I wanted to see fireworks one night, how early should we plan on arriving at TOTWL? And, where exactly is it located at the CR?

 

[supersnoop]

And, where exactly is it located at the CR?

It's at Bay Lake Tower. You check in with the DVC desk in the lobby and they'll escort you to the elevator and send it to the top floor for you.

 

[Little E]

@supersnoop Perfect! Thank you so much!!!

 

[wilckepedia]

One more question...if my friend and I wanted to see fireworks one night, how early should we plan on arriving at TOTWL? And, where exactly is it located at the CR?

As far as timing, it's first come, first serve, so I wouldn't try to check in 30 minutes before fireworks start. With only 2 people and in September, you may not have to go right when it opens. I'd keep an eye out on the boards for reports of wait times. It's also really up to you as to how long you want to hang out in the lounge to guarantee a spot.

As a note, pre-COVID they used to allow last minute entries (15-20 minutes prior) just to watch the fireworks even if they didn't have seats available. That was a "your mileage may vary" situation, and may be a no go post-pandemic.

 

[anricat]

If you don't have a reservation ahead of time, you need to put your name on the walk-up wait list ahead of time. You cannot go up without a reservation or being on the wait list. If you don't get called on the wait list, you can go at 9 PM and they will take you up for fireworks but your name MUST be on that list.