How is the pool at Bay Lake Tower?

[Rob Huff]

BLT pool is very shady, which would probably be delightful in the summertime. If, however, you're traveling in the offseason, it's unlikely to be an ideal fit.

We actually enjoyed the Contemporary pools, especially the Bay/Bullseye pool that juts out into Bay Lake. There's ample beach space and our kids -- 8 and 5 -- loved playing out there before scurrying back into a pool. I also found the slide at the CR to be quite good. Sure, it's no Stormalong Bay and it doesn't have the idyllic views/locations of the Poly pools, but the collective pool area at CR worked well for us. Not the best, but it works.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you want the newest, go with SSR since they had started a full renovation before Covid hit. It has multiple themed pools, multiple dining locations, plus a short walk (or boat ride) to Disney Springs.

 

[JoshF]

Your son won’t be 5 forever. Don’t make your choice based on wanting to be close to the MK just for that reason. Some day very soon, he will be a teenager that wants to go off on his own at Disney. And then off to college when he will have very little time to vacation with the parental units. Make your choice based on how much you like the resort.

In that case maybe I should look at Riviera. With the current direct incentives it's not a lot more than resale.

 

[Deb & Bill]

In that case maybe I should look at Riviera. With the current direct incentives it's not a lot more than resale.

RIV has problems when you try to sell it. RIV resales can currently only be used at RIV until DVC starts building new resorts. Unless they decide resales from RIV onward can only book the home resort and no others. You probably won't make back what you paid to buy when you sell.

 

[mistysue]

The magic of all of this is that if you have no issue staying at either- you aren't trapped in your home resort.
If your kids are anything like mine, they are going to love every pool and think every one is the best one, especially the one you have a good time at and they leave with good memories of. The year we stayed at the contemporary, they declared that the best pool ever. My husband and I were super confused, especially as a few months before they got to stay at the yacht club and use storm along bay. The year we stayed at POP the flower pool was the coolest thing they had ever seen, they love it every time regardless of where we are. Except GF we've stayed at every hotel fitting 5, and they've never gotten to a pool and not loved it.
We own at Poly and are waiting on ROFR at Boardwalk - I would be nervous buying before you've stayed somewhere, but there isn't a place that I think you would buy and be upset you didn't take the one next door. I would go for what you get a better price on if you're torn.

 

[mistysue]

Your son won’t be 5 forever. Don’t make your choice based on wanting to be close to the MK just for that reason. Some day very soon, he will be a teenager that wants to go off on his own at Disney. And then off to college when he will have very little time to vacation with the parental units. Make your choice based on how much you like the resort.

Isn't it the saddest? My daughter just asked if she can use our points to take friends for a senior trip. She realized this spring that with covid, she only has one more "family vacation" summer before she's optional.

 

[Marionnette]

Isn't it the saddest? My daughter just asked if she can use our points to take friends for a senior trip. She realized this spring that with covid, she only has one more "family vacation" summer before she's optional.

Yeah. Don’t blink. My daughter and her friends are using my points to go this fall to celebrate their 30th birthdays together. I’ve known these girls since they were in grade school. Now they’re married and starting families of their own. Time passes quicker than you expect it to.

 

[jpolak]

I agree with others the pool is small. It is not the most exciting pool on property. The bar and food is adequate and my kids do seem to enjoy the slide and activities. When We are at the pool We are llooking to relax.

 

[dvc lover 1970]

I like the location of BLT for quick access to MK and the 2 full bathrooms in the 1BRs. How would you rank the book compared to other Deluxe resorts? I think I would want to spend a few hours per day at a pool that's fun for kids ages 6-10. How would you rank the pool in terms of the following?

1. How crowded does the pool get?

2. Are the lounge chairs hard to get?

3. Is the slide good for a 6 year old?

4. Are there food / drinks options at the pool?

I like the looks of the Poly pool more but would prefer a 1BR so I get a full kitchen. Should I be looking at another resort? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

BLT pool is among our least favorite, it was not that crowded when we were there - just very boring. When we were there lounge chairs were readily available. Slide is fine for 6 year old. I do not remember food or drink options near the pool-but we have not used the pool at BLT in at least 6 years. Poly pool is better, BCV pool is the best. I would purchase BLT over Poly. do not base your reason on the pool - the kids outgrow the pool-trust me on this-we purchased BC for the pool and the kids have zero interest in the pool now.
So - BLT offers the following: the ability to book 1,2,3 bedrooms, std, lake and theme park view rooms, quick access to MK. If you want the larger rooms, stay away from poly in my opinion. SSR has a great pool too. Best DVC pools in my opinion: BC, Poly, BW (yup I llike the scary clown pool) & SSR

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Okay, this is not in the location you are looking, but if you are a serious pool person, you might want to look at SSR.
The main pool, High Rock Spring pool, is really nice...large with a beautiful ambience to it. Then you have all of the quiet pools to chose from with Paddock and Grandstand probably being the most preferred.
Check SSR out!

 

[mort1331]

I will toss one in for SSR as well. My kids love the pools there. Food service for both main pools close, small splash area fun, But Kidini has the best splash area. Loads of room at both main pools even at busy times. And as the kids get older, they can walk to Springs themselves.
We do many split stays, with the last part at SSR.