First Timers Thoughts on BLT

[dsneygirl]

We just got back from another awesome vacation. The 4 night cruise followed by 3 nights at BLT lake view. Here are my thoughts. I have to confess they differ slightly from my DH he was ready to do an addon right then and there he was so in love

Pros:

Location:Obviously the biggest plus. Walking to MK is amazing. I also liked easy access to all the other resorts on Bay Lake and the boat over to WL. We had a 5th floor lake view room. The 5th floor is where the pedestrian bridge. Pure luck but very handy.

Decor: Stunning. Loved the artwork, the colours, the comfy bed. I actually liked the galley kitchen/bathroom area. (I have heard some Disers complain) There is tonnes of storage in the kitchen and bathroom area. Loved all the dark wood with the pale blue, just stunning.

Top of the World: Gorgeous, friendly staff, yummy drinks and awesome view of the fireworks.

Contempo Cafe: Nice quick serve options, good choices and an easy walk via the bridge.

Laundry: right off the lobby and tonnes of machines

Parking: Lots of parking and close. Never had trouble finding a space.

Cons:
Theming: or lack thereof in my Opinion, like I said before the hotel is stunning but it could be anywhere, Miami, NYC etc. I just wasn't hit over the head with the theming that I love at AKL or VWL. Also there is no plush lobby

The Lock down: You have to use your room key to get anywhere, even to open the main doors. Also to access the pool, and coming back from the Contemporary you need it to get onto the walkway. DH called this "exclusive" I found it really annoying and like it was a fortress. Because of this they have guides stationed in the lobby all day long. You can't just come in and take a look around. You will be watched. Just left a bad taste in my mouth.

Pool: this is really a neutral, I liked the zero entry, DS liked the water sprayers but the splash pad was closed. I thought the neon Mickey's were super cheesy on the pool slide at night.

Points: We are spoiled by off season and it was pretty hard to stomach 77 points for 3 nights in a lake view in March.

In Summary: we will definitely stay there again, my pros outweighed the cons for sure. The hotel is gorgeous but because of the high points only once in a while. I just missed that warm cozy feeling of my home resort. And like I said DH would have posted a different review, he got mad when I spoke ill of his new beloved BLT.

We were in 7509 a studio lock off March 4-7.

Would be happy to answer any questions.

 

[disneynutz]

Glad you had a wonderful time. DVC does a good job of building resorts that offer something for everyone.

Bill

 

[Crystal_27]

Thank you for your very thoughtful review of BLT.

I do agree, though, with your DH about the benefit to BLT being in "lock-down" - - I'm glad that they are doing it. With all the issues that I've always read about the pool hopping that goes on with the monorail resorts, I'm glad that BLT requires key card access, especially given the curiosity factor of it being a new resort coupled with how easy it is to get to. I don't want non-staying guests roaming BLT, especially because there's really nothing there to feed or entertain them that they are allowed to access. I can see where having to swipe your key at every pass would get annoying, but I also see the huge benefits, which I think outweigh any hassle. I'm so glad that you had an overall good stay though, and thanks again for sharing your review.

 

[robert@dvcstore]

Thank you for your review. Every resort has it's pros and cons. Bay Lake Tower has many more pros. I enjoyed my stay there late last year and found the resort to be "Disney" enough for me, with the big plus of the walk to the Magic Kingdom.

I'm sure you will enjoy many more DVC vacations.

Robert

 

[Kuzco]

Thanks for sharing. We are staying there for two nights in December and I was wondering about the "lock down" feel. I can see the pros and cons to the added security.

 

[Greyhound22]

I havn't been to BLT yet. I'd love to sometime in the future. But, after reading your thoughts. With the proximity to the MK (and everything else) Disney doesn't want to "hit you over the head" with Mickey? Maybe it has been said before. But, it just occured to me after reading your thoughts on BLT.

 

[princessbride6205]

Thanks for this review. I have a feeling I'd be posting the exact same one. I hope to stay there in the off-season sometime, but I don't know if I'd want to buy there since the theming is a big thing for me. Anyway, thanks for posting.

 

[monkeyknuckler]

Thanks for your views. We just got back from BLT last week. I'm the type that prefers the lockdown, 'cause I'm not the type to go rummaging around another hotel just to gawk. Since there's nothing at BLT for anyone but BLT guests, I hope the room key requirement continues.
BTW, how do you like that gaping space between the bathroom door and the door frame?

 

[dsneygirl]

Thanks for your views. We just got back from BLT last week. I'm the type that prefers the lockdown, 'cause I'm not the type to go rummaging around another hotel just to gawk. Since there's nothing at BLT for anyone but BLT guests, I hope the room key requirement continues.
BTW, how do you like that gaping space between the bathroom door and the door frame?

I saw some posters talking about this in another thread. It didn't bother me since I have a 3 year old and no real expectation of privacy in the bathroom anyway

I was annoyed by the closet doors though. Ours were super sticky and it was a 2 person effort to get them open.

 

[lilpnutmama]

Great review, I hope to stay there at some point - I have a feeling my husband would be totally into it as well (if he could get away from the clubs of the epcot resorts.. lol)