Im done with BLT TOWL

[Jonell]

We have only visited once but it also left a bad impression with me. The staff was very cold to us, and I didn't enjoy the atmosphere. It was ok up until about 20 mins before the fireworks when many people came into the bar with their kids in their PJ's, and stood in front of the windows and blocked our view. I made a comment to the waiter that we had been there almost 2 hrs, ordering food and drinks at a table by the window. These latecomers were allowed to squeeze between us and the window, crowding our table and blocking our view. We were told by the waiter that there was nothing he could do about it. We ended up leaving our table to go outside, on one of the coldest nights I can remember at WDW, to watch the fireworks.

 

[Pirate Granny]

I'm sorry, I'm a meany and would've told them, kids and all, that we've sat there for two hour waiting for the fireworks, you'll have to stand elsewhere, SHAME on parents. Unless they were outside against the window. We had window seats at narcoosee Christmas night in 2004, the people came and stood outside right against the window and actually stood their children on the window ledge. I was so upset, we had a family too..hopefully in the years gone past they closed that up....what the heck, I paid very good money for a meal and waited for that window seat....URG...some people are so inconsiderate.

 

[AirGoofy]

I really like having access to the TOTWL, but as OP said, there were better changes thy could have made as opposed to opening it up to everyone. Glass windows to see the fireworks on all three sides, a seating area for those to enjoy it, the safety wall with safety glass for kids to watch the show, drink and food service on the terrace, and friendlier CMs.

 

[RoutemanDan]

A CM told us that there is a small kitchen on the floor below and the food is transferred by a dumbwaiter system. That is why there is a limited menu. I feel that may be right because our food came rather quickly. Also he did verify that all the staff working at TOTWL have requested transfers because of the money issue.

This is also what was told to us by two CMs working there.

 

[Pirate Granny]

Ok, so until they figure this out why not ROTATE staff between the other monorails restaurants....one day every two weeks. Perhaps they will keep their Disney attitude better.

 

[BabsBunny]

If they are miserable, then it's probably because they don't want to be working there. lol. (We didn't run into any rude CM's on our two visits.)

I'm not advocating it be an adult only lounge, but think about not having customers all evening and then having the place fill up with non-paying customers for the fireworks. It has to be a bit frustrating.

 

[jade1]

I wonder how full it would get if they had really good food-like another Beaches & Cream or ESPN II or something?

 

[DisneydaveCT]

First I will be one of the few on this thread to say that I enjoy spending time at the TOWL. It is a nice place to have a relaxing drink, especially when I can walk outside with my drink to watch the fireworks from the observation deck. And my encounters with the CM's have always been pleasant ones, unlike some of the other lounges that I have been to while traveling around WDW.

I don't recall ever reading that the TOWL lounge would have more of a pub like atmosphere or menu. I wonder if a downside to the dining plan is that we now to expect every place to the be the same regardless of its design. Now I agree a few more finger foods like wings would be a nice addition. Something to munch on while having a drink, especially when watching a game on the flat screen tv.

I agree with most of the posters here that the original decision to limit access to people actually staying at BLT was a bad business move. I think any DVC member who is staying at any of the DVC resorts should be able to visit the TOWL for a drink, even during Wishes.

Like that well known credit card that is accepted at TOWL used to say in its ads, "membership has its privileges." DVC Management needs to make sure that we feel there is a benefit to being a member, like on-going access to TOWL. Afterall, satisfied DVC members are the best "salespeople" for building up future memberships at the newer properties.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Like that well known credit card that is accepted at TOWL used to say in its ads, "membership has its privileges." DVC Management needs to make sure that we feel there is a benefit to being a member, like on-going access to TOWL. Afterall, satisfied DVC members are the best "salespeople" for building up future memberships at the newer properties.

Except no parking there unless you are actually staying at BLT or CR.

 

[parlay]

We (my family and my brother's family) were there last August and decided to take the children (ranging in ages 4-17) up to the lounge for the fireworks. We ordered our drinks and then 'virgin' drinks along with Shirley Temples for the kids, and ordered at least one of each appetizer to try them out and pass the time before the fireworks. The drinks were good, the appetizers were so, so, and the price was over $200 - but it is Disney and we are on vacation. We enjoyed each others company in a very UNcrowded lounge. About 10 minutes before the fireworks we tried to figure out logistics for the best way to give the younger kids a better view of the fireworks, more people had come up to the viewing deck, but certainly not crowded by any means. We finally decided that the view from our Villa was infinitely better - so we ran to the elevator and hustled back to the room just in time to open the balcony doors, and turn up the TV's with Wishes. (fyi - who knew that even on the 9th floor - bugs would fly into your room! LOL - I know it is Florida).

This August we will be back at WDW, not staying at BLT, and we will NOT be making a special trip to TOTWL. I think that we are not in the minority, and if TOTWL doesn't find a way of bringing in more customers, DVC members will lose the "priviledge" of this lounge. So count me in as another member who is glad that they have opened TOTWL to all DVC members.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I'm sorry, I'm a meany and would've told them, kids and all, that we've sat there for two hour waiting for the fireworks, you'll have to stand elsewhere, SHAME on parents. Unless they were outside against the window. We had window seats at narcoosee Christmas night in 2004, the people came and stood outside right against the window and actually stood their children on the window ledge. I was so upset, we had a family too..hopefully in the years gone past they closed that up....what the heck, I paid very good money for a meal and waited for that window seat....URG...some people are so inconsiderate.

I would have said something too!

First I will be one of the few on this thread to say that I enjoy spending time at the TOWL. It is a nice place to have a relaxing drink, especially when I can walk outside with my drink to watch the fireworks from the observation deck. And my encounters with the CM's have always been pleasant ones, unlike some of the other lounges that I have been to while traveling around WDW.

I don't recall ever reading that the TOWL lounge would have more of a pub like atmosphere or menu. I wonder if a downside to the dining plan is that we now to expect every place to the be the same regardless of its design. Now I agree a few more finger foods like wings would be a nice addition. Something to munch on while having a drink, especially when watching a game on the flat screen tv.

I agree with most of the posters here that the original decision to limit access to people actually staying at BLT was a bad business move. I think any DVC member who is staying at any of the DVC resorts should be able to visit the TOWL for a drink, even during Wishes.

Like that well known credit card that is accepted at TOWL used to say in its ads, "membership has its privileges." DVC Management needs to make sure that we feel there is a benefit to being a member, like on-going access to TOWL. Afterall, satisfied DVC members are the best "salespeople" for building up future memberships at the newer properties.

I agree but I like the idea of being able to go up to the TOWL if we stay on site withOUT a MK view.

 

[Lost in Neverland]

I do not mean to change the subject but am I reading correctly that TOTWL is now open to all DVC members even if not staying at BLT?

 

[SLM]

I do not mean to change the subject but am I reading correctly that TOTWL is now open to all DVC members even if not staying at BLT?

Yes, you just need to be DVC member and staying on-site. It went into effect July 8 and will end late August.

 

[4Ds4Diz]

I don't mind sharing as long as there is room for us BLT DVCers. We went 2 times on our last 5 night stay. My family just said the other day how they can't wait to go back and that we should go earlier. We went up about 1 hour before hand. We brought a deck of cards, so we played and had a few drinks. Relaxing!

Once the fireworks were ready to go off, we went outside. My 9 year old sat on the short wall behind the bench seats and had no problem seeing the fireworks. My older son, hubby and I were able to see over the wall just fine and we enjoyed the view and the music.

Then the short elevator ride to our floor and our room....can't wait to do it again. If others are able to come join...Have fun!

Life is what you make it!

 

[starbox]

We've stayed at BLT four times and visited TOTWL once - the first visit. Did not really make sense to go up to get a 10$ drink and relax when your room and balcony is right there. That said, since MK is a dry park, I'd DEFINITELY use TOTWL for an evening "break" and glass of wine if I was staying elsewhere and visiting MK.

 

[disneynutz]

I'm sorry, I'm a meany and would've told them, kids and all, that we've sat there for two hour waiting for the fireworks, you'll have to stand elsewhere, SHAME on parents. Unless they were outside against the window. We had window seats at narcoosee Christmas night in 2004, the people came and stood outside right against the window and actually stood their children on the window ledge. I was so upset, we had a family too..hopefully in the years gone past they closed that up....what the heck, I paid very good money for a meal and waited for that window seat....URG...some people are so inconsiderate.

We had the exact same experience at Narcoossee's, now we know what to expect.

Bill

 

[disneynutz]

I agree with most of the posters here that the original decision to limit access to people actually staying at BLT was a bad business move. I think any DVC member who is staying at any of the DVC resorts should be able to visit the TOWL for a drink, even during Wishes.

Like that well known credit card that is accepted at TOWL used to say in its ads, "membership has its privileges." DVC Management needs to make sure that we feel there is a benefit to being a member, like on-going access to TOWL. Afterall, satisfied DVC members are the best "salespeople" for building up future memberships at the newer properties.

Disney made TOWL a BLT buying perk for BLT. Their business model does not depend on member satisfaction or they would do a better job of it. New buyers who don't visit internet Disney sites are their target and based on their multi-millions of points sold, they are very successful in what they do.

Bill

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I'm in the minority here: I really enjoyed the lounge both times we visited it on our recent first stay at BLT. I thought the decor was quite lovely, really enjoyed the pretzels and the cheese tray, and had good service. On our both visits we went outdoors to view the fireworks, though we would have been able to see from our window table on our second visit. I think maybe people are expecting something from it that it isn't meant to be. It's a cocktail lounge, not a restaurant. I am also in favor of keeping it just for those staying at BLT, though I know that is also an unpopular position. I will say, though, that if the workers can't make enough money because of that, then I would agree that it should be opened to more customers. I don't want to suggest that they shouldn't make a decent income.

 

[karrit2000]

I've never stayed at BLT but I was able to visit TOWL once but it was not during the Fireworks. I'm not a huge fan of CR or BLT as they are too modernistic for my taste. I wasn't overly impressed with the TOWL lounge itself since as others have already expressed you need to go outside in order to view the fireworks. It was also extremely windy the time I was up there. I don't think I'd feel very safe trying to watch the Fireworks from there. Would I go there to watch the fireworks if the opportunity presented itself? Possibly if I was in the area and had nothing else to do. But I doubt I'd make a special trip just to experience it. I've yet to receive the e-mail notification that is is open to all DVC members. I also doubt that I would purchase a drink or food from the Bar if I were to visit. If that is what's expected they may as well just shut the place down IMO. If they want people to spend money there then they need to keep out non-paying guests and improve the food offerings.

 

[dixiegirl76]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinnocchiosdad

There have been recent posts regarding the TOWL opening to all DVC'ers. Thats fine with me. On our last trip (we always stay at BLT) we never even bothered going up for a drink. The food menu is a joke (IMHO). Come on, who wouldn't want to enjoy some wings and beer up there. Maybe enjoy a burger or some mozzarella sticks. Nothing even close to this. As for the bar. If you are looking for that warm and fuzzy feeling that you get from Disney CM'ers. You will not find it up here. As for the view. The bar faces a mural of the monorail. If the bar were facing the other way you could look out at the lights and fireworks. Why spend a night at WDW drinking an expensive drink facing a wall. Yes you can go outside for fireworks. The view is good. Small kids will have to be lifted up to see over the wall. Also it is very very windy up there. Many of you may jump on this post and offer your opinion of how great TOWL is. I am glad that you enjoy it. But it is not for us especially on trips when the kids are with us.

It's a hotel lounge, not a Hooters.

I like it the way it is. Different strokes for different folks...

lol,I really wish there was a like button here!


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