Im done with BLT TOWL

[Anal Annie]

Thanks for the correction... TBH, I haven't really been paying that much attention to who is allowed in TOTW lounge (i.e. DVC or all of WDW) because honestly, we just don't go. We would make more of a point to go if they had better food offerings, but I guess it is what it is.

I just do hope they figure something out and keep it open, and it doesn't go the way of Ariels/Odyssey, etc.

I agree that the food offerings up there are IMO totally worthless. The time we went we hadn't eaten anything since a late lunch and we were hungry. We watched the fireworks on the viewing deck then went in to order a late night snack. Ended up really disappointed in a menu full of nothing and left within 5 minutes to find something to eat down at the Contemporary. We would've totally hung out up there longer and ordered drinks etc. had there been some real food choices. It was very poor planning to not have planned the facilites for a full kitchen up there.

 

[JessLCH]

I am a new BLT member and I loved watching Wishes from TOWL. I don't care one bit about the food or beverage. We did not order a thing just went up to watch the fireworks. I am happy as long as it is open for fireworks viewing.

 

[luckyman_apd]

I am a new BLT member and I loved watching Wishes from TOWL. I don't care one bit about the food or beverage. We did not order a thing just went up to watch the fireworks. I am happy as long as it is open for fireworks viewing.

If you like it, support it. If they don't make money from it....no point keeping it open. I would hate to have to go to the contemporary to get a drink when the lounge is right there. It does seem odd they can't expand the food offering since they don't make it there anyway.

 

[dvcblt93]

They just changed the menu a few weeks ago....

http://allears.net/menu/menu_towl.htm

And of course they make the food there, where did you think they made the food? It's a lounge, with small cocktail tables, its not a restaurat. They serve drinks and lounge food, as you would expect.

 

[Chuck S]

I wouldn't mind them offering some cold, pre-made sandwiches and salads similar to the offerings they offered in the Picnic In The Park they used to have at AK. Those turkey sandwiches and cole slaw were yummy. They could have them pre-made, and take a couple seconds to plate them and serve. A lot of lounges/bars do serve sandwich type offerings, though not too common at Disney.

 

[luckyman_apd]

They just changed the menu a few weeks ago....

http://allears.net/menu/menu_towl.htm

And of course they make the food there, where did you think they made the food? It's a lounge, with small cocktail tables, its not a restaurat. They serve drinks and lounge food, as you would expect.

I thought someone on here said the food was sent up from the CR. I always thought they had a small kitchen up there until I read that. I swear another confirmed it to. Going to have to go back and read it again.

And this menu I like! Sticky wings and pretzel bites for the wife and I....and a pizza for the kids. And the TiW card....one more thing to look forward to. 1 more month!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I thought someone on here said the food was sent up from the CR. I always thought they had a small kitchen up there until I read that. I swear another confirmed it to. Going to have to go back and read it again.

And this menu I like! Sticky wings and pretzel bites for the wife and I....and a pizza for the kids. And the TiW card....one more thing to look forward to. 1 more month!

I don't know about in the past but when I had my drink there in Oct the "cook" came out of the "kitchen" to get a glass of water. The food was being prepared right at BLT but that did mean it was coming out fast.

Glad you like the menu - unfortunately it's my least favorite of any they've had. I really liked the menu they had in May and had been looking forward to getting some of those items again. I was able to make a meal out of the sliders they had on the menu then and one other item which is what I hoped to do. I had to get something else to eat at another location after stopping in this time.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

We went up there for the first time in June...took DS & DDL & grandsons 16 & 17...they were so surprised and loved it all....very impressed...we will go again...

 

[disneynutz]

There is a food prep area one floor below the TOTWL, they use a dumb waiter to bring the food up. It isn't a full kitchen and it isn't licensed as a restaurant so the ability to prepare anything is very, very, limited. Disney knew that they would only offer heat and eat items when they built the place.

Bill

 

[luckyman_apd]

There is a food prep area one floor below the TOTWL, they use a dumb waiter to bring the food up. It isn't a full kitchen and it isn't licensed as a restaurant so the ability to prepare anything is very, very, limited. Disney knew that they would only offer heat and eat items when they built the place.

Bill

It's fine for what it is for me. I've only visited it after fireworks time, so typically late. It's never been empty the times I've been there. I've always found someone to strike up a conversation.....even one guy who clearly had been obnoxious to the bartenders all week (who by the way were excellent to me, and offered me a lot of conversation and tips). After my conversation with him, I understood why the bartenders were annoyed with him, and I think they were glad I was there so they got a "break" from him that night.

If it is open to all DVC members now, not just BLT owners, why do they still make you go to the ground floor Andrew the special elevator to take you up? Why not just make it open to DVC members and anyone staying at BLT? The first time I stayed at BLT I was a renter. I was in the lounge every night. I was never asked to show anything to get in.....but my room was on the same floor as the lounge.

 

[disneynutz]

If it is open to all DVC members now, not just BLT owners, why do they still make you go to the ground floor Andrew the special elevator to take you up? Why not just make it open to DVC members and anyone staying at BLT? The first time I stayed at BLT I was a renter. I was in the lounge every night. I was never asked to show anything to get in.....but my room was on the same floor as the lounge.

While BLT was being sold, IMO Disney they wanted you to be escorted to the elevator to give you a feeling of being special, a marketing tool. Since Disney can program the elevator at Jambo to let up to the 6th floor with your room key, they probably can do the same at BLT. They also keep track of the number of people using the venue and the wait staff counts the number of people buying drinks and food.

I would hear people brag to their friends and family that they got to go up to this private club because they bought there, I call it the club 33 feeling.

Bill

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Because you know nothing about the circumstances of the situation. Disney often pulls servers from one location to another for staffing issues. How would you like to be plucked from your job and put in a new job, then have your performance judged on the internet?

You're still a CM working under the Disney brand. Who cares how you got into a specific position, you still need to exude the Disney way of working. If John Doe is a crappy server that day, you better believe I'm going to a manager or guest relations and complaining. The original post about the CM didn't attack their knowledge of the position. It was commenting on their horrible attitude, so the 'new' job has nothing to do with it. I understand not posting it here on the DIS (I didn't realize it was against policy until now) but the CM still shouldn't be acting that way. Like I said, I was a server in the past and, while I had my down right horrible days in my personal life, I never let it affect my work performance. And it wasn't even for a company with such high standards as Disney.

It IS the policy of the DVC Boards to NOT post the names of CMs when making negative comments. The CMs do not post on the DISBoards and make comments about how awful of a customer Mrs. Doe or Mr. Smith may be. That is also against our posting policy.

Didn't realize it was against DIS policy. The CMs also don't post on here about it though b/c it's against Disney corporate policy as well. That would be grounds for immediate termination from WDC.

 

[DVC Sue]

We have a reservation at BLT in August and I can't wait to see the TOWL. I guess it might not be all I hope, but I want to try it one time.

 

[luckyman_apd]

While BLT was being sold, IMO Disney they wanted you to be escorted to the elevator to give you a feeling of being special, a marketing tool. Since Disney can program the elevator at Jambo to let up to the 6th floor with your room key, they probably can do the same at BLT. They also keep track of the number of people using the venue and the wait staff counts the number of people buying drinks and food.

I would hear people brag to their friends and family that they got to go up to this private club because they bought there, I call it the club 33 feeling.

Bill

I get that, I understand the marketing involved....but BLT is sold out, and all DVC members may enter. Isn't it just a hassle now for them to "escort" us up? If you stay on the top floor, you have to use the south elevators to get up there anyway with your room key. I understand having guest who AREN'T staying at BLT to have to get permission as they aren't staying at the hotel, but it seems a little silly to me to not to just be able to use your room key if you're a guest there.

If they are keeping it open it seems silly to me not to let people staying there (members or not) use it to gain any business. I get the marketing of it....but how much can they possibly rope someone into buying another resort for the "exclusive ability" to use TOWL? Maybe with GFV and the Poly coming it could be marketed for those on the monorail loop. I just don't see it a big enough hook to improve sales, vs lost revenue of letting all guest of BLT use it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We have a reservation at BLT in August and I can't wait to see the TOWL. I guess it might not be all I hope, but I want to try it one time.

It's nice and I do enjoy going up there so I wouldn't get my hopes down!

Unfortunately I do look at it for what it could have been and even if the structure or layout had been changed I see so many better possibilities. But that doesn't mean that it isn't a nice lounge. And if your server is being slow - walk up to the bar.

About servers - unfortunately the ones at BLT don't seem to realize that the service they provide can also be a draw. But if they consider themselves "stuck" there that explains a lot. They are what they make of themselves. Twice now I've left with spending less money because they didn't even ask if I wanted a second drink or anything else to eat. I'm sorry, but it's not about the location.......

 

[disneynutz]

I get that, I understand the marketing involved....but BLT is sold out, and all DVC members may enter. Isn't it just a hassle now for them to "escort" us up? If you stay on the top floor, you have to use the south elevators to get up there anyway with your room key. I understand having guest who AREN'T staying at BLT to have to get permission as they aren't staying at the hotel, but it seems a little silly to me to not to just be able to use your room key if you're a guest there.

If they are keeping it open it seems silly to me not to let people staying there (members or not) use it to gain any business. I get the marketing of it....but how much can they possibly rope someone into buying another resort for the "exclusive ability" to use TOWL? Maybe with GFV and the Poly coming it could be marketed for those on the monorail loop. I just don't see it a big enough hook to improve sales, vs lost revenue of letting all guest of BLT use it.

Disney owned the lounge and viewing area originally and it was not part of the DVC. Disney decided that they didn't want it so they sold it to the DVC so now we pay to maintain and service them. All utilities, insurance, maintenance and security is paid for by the BLT owners.

Disney leased the lounge from the DVC to itself and they collect the revenue from the lounge. That's why I posted that the lounge could close down but the viewing area could stay open. If Disney decides that the lounge is a not making enough profit, they will close it. Before BLT sold out DVD and Disney had a deal to keep the lounge open to attract sales.

The same thing happened at the BWV's. The Attic was an exclusive area above Jellyrolls. The venue was closed and is now used for private parities.

Bill

 

[luckyman_apd]

Disney owned the lounge and viewing area originally and it was not part of the DVC. Disney decided that they didn't want it so they sold it to the DVC so now we pay to maintain and service them. All utilities, insurance, maintenance and security is paid for by the BLT owners.

Disney leased the lounge from the DVC to itself and they collect the revenue from the lounge. That's why I posted that the lounge could close down but the viewing area could stay open. If Disney decides that the lounge is a not making enough profit, they will close it. Before BLT sold out DVD and Disney had a deal to keep the lounge open to attract sales.

The same thing happened at the BWV's. The Attic was an exclusive area above Jellyrolls. The venue was closed and is now used for private parities.

Bill

That's disheartening. I Really hope that doesn't happen. I really enjoy going up for a drink to stare and one of my favorite sights. I would still love BLT without it, but I definitely enjoy the ability to shoot up there for a drink without going outside. Thanks for info Bill. Your knowledge of DVC history is always appreciated.

 

[soulmates]

We LOVE the TOWL. Go every trip. Our favorite bartender works there. We could care less about food offerings...we don't go to a bar to eat

We've enjoyed ourselves there every time and plan on taking our adults kids up there with us this trip.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I was not a member then, but I thought I read that the Attic actually was never opened to Members, it was an idea that was supposed to happen but did not.

 

[disneynutz]

I was not a member then, but I thought I read that the Attic actually was never opened to Members, it was an idea that was supposed to happen but did not.

I checked with a Disney historian and was told that there were several different plans for the Attic. At one time it was going to be "Walt's Attic" a mini museum of his life, then the plans changed to a restaurant, and lastly a lounge for DVC Members. The lounge was reported to be opened for DVC Members but it's not clear if it was promoted as such or if the property was ever deeded to the DVC..

Now I noticed that there are private events taking place there on a regular bases and the venue is sometimes left open if you want to check it out.

Bill