How to fix Top of the World Lounge?

[Patmcpsu]

I go to Top of the World Lounge about once a year. Last week when I went there (Friday around 7pm), it was dead. I remember hearing that the lounge has always had trouble turning a profit, which I find crazy when drinks should be super profitable.

I think the problem is that it's a mature, exclusive lounge that's out of the way for most people. Even if it is walking distance from MK, I don't want to walk 15 minutes just to find that the lounge is full. The only way I know to get a reservation there is the overpriced Wicked Wine Down package.

A few ideas for making customers more likely to go there:

• Have a way to communicate how full the lounge is (preferably in the Disney app).
• Offer free reservations.
• Have areas for kids. I think anyone with kids gets deterred from going here. There are alcoves around the wall of the lounge which are currently wasted space - convert them into kiddy play areas.
• Mimic an airline lounge - Tighter seating without a wait staff. If people want a drink, they can walk to the bar. Have one person roaming to clean up after people leave.
• Lower prices - if I could save about $5/drink I would be more inclined to make the trek.
• Free popcorn - this sounds tacky but it would keep the kids happy, and munching on popcorn during fireworks is amazing (Celebration At The Top knows this). Even if some freeloaders grab a bag of popcorn to go, it at least gets people in the door who may impulse-buy a drink.

In short, they should stop trying to be fancy. If people want a fancy night out, the Grand Floridian is right across the way.

 

[CarolynFH]

Having this lounge restricted to DVC owners - DVC-Y at that - limits possible attendance. The main attraction is for watching MK fireworks; otherwise it seems out of the way if you’re not staying at BLT. Having said that, it’s on my list as a place to go if we happen to be in that area one evening. But as a non-drinker, it’s not a priority.

 

[CraigInPA]

With the number of special events held at TOTWL, I doubt they want to encourage a lot more visitors. Remember, the lounge itself is distinct and separate from the terrace where you watch fireworks. I've always said that they should have a mobile bar out on the terrace to serve those who come for the fireworks, since that is a lot larger crowd. I've gone to the lounge and had drinks and apps (and the gigantic piece of chocolate cake from Steakhouse 71), and found it loud and crowded as the fireworks time approached. I think the bar in the concourse of the Contemporary is probably quieter than TOTWL.

And, yes, this lounge is restricted to DVC members. In the distant past, it was even more restricted. You had to be a DVC member AND staying at BLT to get into the elevator to go up to it.

 

[jillt2ph]

You went on a Friday night, and the entire lounge is typically closed those nights for Enchantment at the Top. When I have attended Enchantment at the Top in the past, the have had a mobile bar out on the terrace for other members just coming to view the fireworks.

I am sure I am in the minority, but I actually like that that the lounge is a more adult experience, especially later in the evening.

 

[lukemorenus]

As a new(ish) DVC member, I'm still confused as to how that place works, LOL ... do you need a special ticket? Is the Villans thing every night?

 

[zackiedawg]

Being more adult oriented for me is one of the biggest draws of the lounge - but I go the other way - I wish it was 21+ only, at least after a certain time (maybe 8pm like Trader Sam's?) - the outside deck can be for everyone during those times.. There are so few spots in Disney that are strictly adult only, so it's nice to have those few little spots.

No special ticket is needed for the lounge most of the time - Friday nights are when they have the Enchantment at the Top dessert party so it may be difficult to get in while the special events are happening. The Villains thing is the new branding for the lounge - 'a Villian's Lair'. There are a few other special events with reservations on other nights, but I think you can still go up as a DVC member when you're not part of that event for regular lounge visits - I haven't been up there during one of the special events so I'm not sure how they keep the non-event guests separate from the event guests...every time I've gone, it's been a regular, non event night.