Feeling sad about BLT ownership

[psac]

Yeah, I really hope everyone decides BLT is really bad and makes sure they don't book around April 14-21, and book other DVC properties instead. Anyone who has 11 month bookings for those dates should definitely cancel them, and not book there again... until after September 15th, at least!!

 

[JWG]

Here are my BLT thoughts on both the resort, furnishings and dues, etc:

• Undervaluations of the dues, possible but not likely. Keep in mind AKV is also a Jim Lewis time period resort, it's not just Aulani and BLT under his umbrella
• BLT's sink issue was not paid for by the membership but by DVD. This was confirmed previously as the announcment to change was made.
• I don't think the resort would have operated for two years with a negative balance sheet. If BLT was in such a position it would have come up already. Plus, there's no incentive to do it at WDW. History has shown that the WDW resorts will sell and AKV is proof of that looking at their dues.
• BLT dues seem in line given the type of resort. As a tower with only one roof and very little exterior maintenance as well as shared resort services, I would expect the dues to be lower than a SSR or AKV where you're maintaining multiple buildings/exterior finishings and indepenent services (while Jambo shares front desk, Kidani does not).
• Some of the biggest complaints on BLT are likely its theming. It doesn't carry the same "Disney" feel as other DVC resorts because of its theme. The contemporary design, by design, is much more sterile and unthematic. It gets knocked for that pretty significantly
• Simiar to the theme, its design draws complaints but is based on the contemporary style. The sliding doors, the veneer coverings, etc. are all part of the current "comtemporary" stylings. I've stayed at other "contemporary" properties that share these elements. BLT is very different from the other resorts, which seems to turn off a lot of DVC "purists" if you will.
• The decision to use these types of elements (Veneer coverings, glossy surfaces, flashy appearances) means wear and tear shows faster. Veneer chips, glue comes loose, etc. And when you have different people in and out of a room, likely not reporting the minor issue, it becomes a big issue. If when the veneer was loose it had been caught, it could have been fixed. But, it's not reported and it gets worse guest by guest until it breaks.

I don't think BLT is any less safe or more mismanaged than other resorts. I just think the furnishing style combined with the decision to likely use less than the highest end furnishings in a very commercially used space has created some consequences that will be resolved over time.

I would argue that our furnishing at AKV were just as knicked and dinged as at BLT, the difference being at AKV it just addes to the "distressed" feel and because it's real wood it doesn't chip/peel. At BLT, the knicks are clearly out of place and therefore more noticeable. But again, that's the style of the room/resort.

BLT is not perfect, and maybe less perfect than some of the other resorts, but it's not as bad as some say and I don't think it's ready to crumble or take on 15% dues hikes either.

 

[disneynutz]

Somebody must like BLT because everytime I try can not get a reservation there. It is always booked.

Also, where would everyone get the idea that Jim Lewis picked out the furnishing for BLT - he was the President highly unlikey he was in on the furnishings - they have teams of designers and decorators to do that all Lewis signed off on was the budget for the project.

A insider has reported that he inspected the furnishings and instructed the designers to find less expensive selections. Disney is big on mock-ups and I am sure that somewhere there is a mini BLT.

Bill

 

[dclfun]

We've stayed at BLT twice and had no trouble either time getting exactly what we wanted at 4-7 months out. While I love the location I am not a fan of contemporary furnishing or the non-"Disney" ambience. I feel the same way about the CR though. We had studios both times and were pleased with the condition of the rooms and furnishings, but the studios were small,IMO and I was glad that we were only a party of 2! I wouldn't worry about one person's review as there are plenty of positive ones. While we don't own at BLT because the 11 month window wasn't important to us , I have several friends who own there and couldn't be happier that they chose BLT. One thing about Disney is that they DO listen to Guests and they already made design changes. The other DVC resorts have all been well-maintained and I trust that BLT will be the same.

 

[jade1]

Here are my BLT thoughts on both the resort, furnishings and dues, etc:

• Undervaluations of the dues, possible but not likely. Keep in mind AKV is also a Jim Lewis time period resort, it's not just Aulani and BLT under his umbrella
• BLT's sink issue was not paid for by the membership but by DVD. This was confirmed previously as the announcment to change was made.
• I don't think the resort would have operated for two years with a negative balance sheet. If BLT was in such a position it would have come up already. Plus, there's no incentive to do it at WDW. History has shown that the WDW resorts will sell and AKV is proof of that looking at their dues.
• BLT dues seem in line given the type of resort. As a tower with only one roof and very little exterior maintenance as well as shared resort services, I would expect the dues to be lower than a SSR or AKV where you're maintaining multiple buildings/exterior finishings and indepenent services (while Jambo shares front desk, Kidani does not).
• Some of the biggest complaints on BLT are likely its theming. It doesn't carry the same "Disney" feel as other DVC resorts because of its theme. The contemporary design, by design, is much more sterile and unthematic. It gets knocked for that pretty significantly
• Simiar to the theme, its design draws complaints but is based on the contemporary style. The sliding doors, the veneer coverings, etc. are all part of the current "comtemporary" stylings. I've stayed at other "contemporary" properties that share these elements. BLT is very different from the other resorts, which seems to turn off a lot of DVC "purists" if you will.
• The decision to use these types of elements (Veneer coverings, glossy surfaces, flashy appearances) means wear and tear shows faster. Veneer chips, glue comes loose, etc. And when you have different people in and out of a room, likely not reporting the minor issue, it becomes a big issue. If when the veneer was loose it had been caught, it could have been fixed. But, it's not reported and it gets worse guest by guest until it breaks.

I don't think BLT is any less safe or more mismanaged than other resorts. I just think the furnishing style combined with the decision to likely use less than the highest end furnishings in a very commercially used space has created some consequences that will be resolved over time.

I would argue that our furnishing at AKV were just as knicked and dinged as at BLT, the difference being at AKV it just addes to the "distressed" feel and because it's real wood it doesn't chip/peel. At BLT, the knicks are clearly out of place and therefore more noticeable. But again, that's the style of the room/resort.

BLT is not perfect, and maybe less perfect than some of the other resorts, but it's not as bad as some say and I don't think it's ready to crumble or take on 15% dues hikes either.

IMO most importantly is the high occupancy rate as well-how do you remove rooms from inventory for repairs etc when so many folks want to switch at 7 months? Similar to BCV-non stop painting and carpet cleaning.

I will also say that sterile cement makes for a very quiet room compared to the old wooden resorts. Also the doors seemed much nicer, such as the old bifolds to the W/D are a very nice sold door. The bath tiles seemed very nice and the fixtures in there did as well. The new and stainless appliances are very nice, and it seemed like a lot of leather furniture which should wear pretty well. Those super large windows were great as well.

Maybe some of the "problem" furniture will be replaced eventually, but we didnt see any issues when we stayed.

 

[dmoore22]

HI all,
But I am hearing so many things about BLT being in bad shape and that Jim Lewis basically screwed us BLT owners with subpar furnishings. . .

I think the same mindset guided the renovations at OKW. Cheap is more expensive in the long run as the need for more maintenance, as opposed to routine maintenance, increases.

 

[bbn1122]

We own at BLT. We had a first stay this past Easter. My boys loved it.....
We were in a 2bedroom on the 8th floor...it was supposed to be a lakeview but the Master balcony looked right at Space Mountain. We had no problem watching the fireworks at MK every night.

We throughly enjoy our stay at BLT. The only thing I had a problem with was in the afternoon the pool was packed, it seemed a little small and everyone was saving chairs. We just walked over to CR and had a great time.

TOWL is beauitful and walking to MK and the monorail and lake location is perfect.

I notice a few nicks etc, but not much. I think it due to the styling, very light colors. I just got back from Kidani and like someone else said the dark colors and distressed furniture hides any blemishes.

I am sure DVC will get it act together regarding BLT.

Do not worry ....judge for yourself....plus you can stay at any other resort ....

 

[Strawberry's mom&dad]

We love staying at BLT. We have only stayed in a studio, but have been very happy

 

[cjb-nc]

We couldn't check in until well after 4:30, in spite of being there at 2pm and asking every hour for updates that were never given. Came to find out the room was closed because they were tearing out the carpet. So instead we finally got our room with fresh carpet fumes and unplugged appliances they forgot to reconnect. Doing laundry the next day, the dryer started smoking. Called the desk and again 20 minutes later because they sent maintenance to the wrong room. Did we still want the Potential Fire in our room looked at?! Why yes, yes we did. Called the valet to get our car, and they misplaced the request and let us wait another 15 minutes while they looked for the car. And finally they could not get our airline reservations right and left us hauling our own bags back to MCO on our own.

Then again, that was all our one and only stay - at the Villas of the Wilderness Lodge.

BLT was great. I'm glad to own there. I've stayed at most of the DVCs now one time or another, and VWL still holds the crown of worst experience. It was just an off weekend that could not go right for us, but we won't be hurrying back either.

 

[dkostel]

I've had about 5 stays since buying and loved them all. No housekeeping issues, no problems with the furnishings. A couple of times had questionable views for the category but was moved right away.
There is nothing quite like walking home after the fireworks, when the lines on the buses, boats, and monorail are LONG. That goes a long way to balance out any potential duct tape in my mind.

 

[eporter66]

Hopefully the new leadership will make sure things are right.

I love the location, and we walked around and took the walkway over to the contemporary, I thought that was really cool.

I feel bad for anyone who has had a vacation ruined having to deal with something like that. We all work hard for the little time we get to enjoy on vacation, and that really leaves you with a bad impression. We have had a few minor issues (Kidani toilets not flushing), but nothing really major. Overall DVC has been very good for us - I hope the new leaders ensure quality and excellent customer service for DVC Owners

 

[castleri]

Am at BLT now in a 1BR LV 8th floor with a view of Space Mountain and castle if you look left off the balcony. Everything is clean and well kept and I haven't noticed any problems with the furniture. The ability to use the monorail is great but the bus service leaves a lot to be desired. We had a 40 minute wait for a bus to the studios today. Then coming back we were about to take the 2nd bus that had come for the T&T center with the idea of transferring to the monorail when our bus finally showed up. For a deluxe resort (for those paying cash especially)this does not seem right to me. All in all I may or may not stay here again. It will depend on what the focus of the trip is and if there is availability since I do not own points here. Thanks to those who did not book here which made it possible for me to do so.

 

[Inkmahm]

Too Funny! TYPO Obviously. I think they would have stayed in the room had it had DONALD DUCK tape holding up the mirrors!

Not necessarily. I DO use duck tape.

http://duckbrand.com/Products.aspx

 

[thesupersmartguy]

The rooms could use a rehab. I have owned BLT since before it opened and stay there twice a month. Im still happy with my purchase.