How to fix Top of the World Lounge?

[lukemorenus]

Most or all of the year a paid event is going on daily. Wicked Wind Down is 6 days a week Sat-Thurs and Enchantment at the Top on Friday. On certain holiday or events they may replace those with something different - typically New Years and maybe for July 4th or if MK premiered new fireworks, etc. You have to call to book these and pay ahead.

From DVC site, this is how they explain access:

Accessing the Lounge

Special access to the Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair is available to eligible Members on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. Due to the lounge’s popularity during Happily Ever After—the Magic Kingdom park fireworks—arriving as early as possible will offer Members the best chance of gaining admission to this exclusive experience.

To guarantee a spot for your party, you can book a dining experience. Please refer to the “Wicked Wind Down” and “Enchantment at the Top Dessert Party” sections on this page for more details.

Eligibility

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

Party Size

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.

Restrictions

No outside food or beverages may be brought in. The lounge is available weekly on select nights, and is subject to blockout dates or limited access on holidays and special event nights. On event nights, Members without reservations may have limited access to outdoor patios at the lounge. In addition, use of outdoor patios is weather permitting.

Thanks! One more question - during "Wicked Wind Down", can members be in the lounge without purchasing the ticket?

 

[Genie+]

Thanks! One more question - during "Wicked Wind Down", can members be in the lounge without purchasing the ticket?

Possibly. Without reservations it goes on a first come first serve basis for whatever capacity is left beyond the prepaid bookings.

Plenty of people have reported success, it depends on your end goal and luck that day. Getting a table in the hour before fireworks is the hardest goal to achieve - it would need to be a slow booking day and nobody else beating you to the request. Getting a drink at the bar is much easier, but it still depends on your timing and capacity that day.

 

[CarolynFH]

Does the lounge empty out after fireworks? Would planning to watch fireworks from the observation deck, then enter the lounge, mean more likely to get a table? Or does "everyone else" have the same idea?

 

[muppets3d]

Does the lounge empty out after fireworks? Would planning to watch fireworks from the observation deck, then enter the lounge, mean more likely to get a table? Or does "everyone else" have the same idea?

It's typically pretty empty after the fireworks most nights. But that said I've never had the lounge to myself, it is still quite popular.

 

[Genie+]

Does the lounge empty out after fireworks? Would planning to watch fireworks from the observation deck, then enter the lounge, mean more likely to get a table? Or does "everyone else" have the same idea?

Good question. The lounge hours are 6pm to 12am. We’ve always stayed about another hour after fireworks with WWD. Most of the other tables didn’t leave immediately either, but they start to trickle out shortly after fireworks, and I’ve seen people waiting at the bar move into those tables.

WWD has an arrival time 30 minutes prior to fireworks (that’s the reserved table time). Nothing prevents going earlier, but that probably means competing with fcfs walk-ins. Depending on the date and fireworks showtime the event seating may be scheduled as early as 7:30p or as late as 9:30p. I’m not sure how that timing varies the patterns.

An MK After Hours night might be a great opportunity (typically Thurs nights). The paid TOTWL events are for the main MK fireworks daily. After Hours event holds a second fireworks (Enchantment). I’d love to hear if anybody has tried on these nights.