Is it just me? Re:BLT comparisons

[WoodysRoundup]

Let me start off by saying that one year ago our family purchased pts. at AKV. This week, we became founding members at BLT.... I will never claim to be a DVC expert. I still have lots to learn. I do, however, frequent these boards (which I am grateful for) for many different reasons.

I just had to ask though......What is the reason for all the negative threads regarding BLT? I mean, there's always an opposing view. I take the positive and negative threads (mostly) with a grain of salt. However, across the DVC forums, there are ALOT of threads "trash talking" BLT.....from the MK view rooms, to the decor, to the walking to one park vs. two (like the EP DVC's)....the LIST goes on and on. I can't help but wonder....Are people just wanting to justify not purchasing? I don't know...what is it?

There are a few DVC resorts at WDW that are definitely not our cup of tea, but I don't feel the need to start threads to justify why I don't like them! I mean, why even start a thread? You're not buying, not your cup of tea, move on. I don't need justification on why you don't like it, and I don't want to argue back and forth on what the value is to our family (just an example).

No flames, please......just a legitimate question, IMHO.

 

[DVC Mike]

Let me start off by saying that one year ago our family purchased pts. at AKV. This week, we became founding members at BLT.... I will never claim to be a DVC expert. I still have lots to learn. I do, however, frequent these boards (which I am grateful for) for many different reasons.

I just had to ask though......What is the reason for all the negative threads regarding BLT? I mean, there's always an opposing view. I take the positive and negative threads (mostly) with a grain of salt. However, across the DVC forums, there are ALOT of threads "trash talking" BLT.....from the MK view rooms, to the decor, to the walking to one park vs. two (like the EP DVC's)....the LIST goes on and on. I can't help but wonder....Are people just wanting to justify not purchasing? I don't know...what is it?

There are a few DVC resorts at WDW that are definitely not our cup of tea, but I don't feel the need to start threads to justify why I don't like them! I mean, why even start a thread? You're not buying, not your cup of tea, move on. I don't need justification on why you don't like it, and I don't want to argue back and forth on what the value is to our family (just an example).

No flames, please......just a legitimate question, IMHO.

If you've been on these boards long enough, you'll find many threads dumping on each and every DVC resort (well, maybe a bit more of them for SSR).

Everyone has different preferences, and I have no problems with someone giving their opinion -- as long as it's done respectfully and without talking
"trash" about any particular resort.

I just ignore the trash talk. I know which resorts I like.

 

[WoodysRoundup]

If you've been on these boards long enough, you'll find many threads dumping on each and every DVC resort (well, maybe a bit more of them for SSR).

Everyone has different preferences, and I have no problems with someone giving their opinion -- as long as it's done respectfully and without talking
"trash" about any particular resort.

I just ignore the trash talk. I know which resorts I like.

Well said, Mike.

I just would never think of saying "gee I'm glad I don't own there" when someone talks about any given resort. I'm not offended, I just don't see the point. It's different if someone is on the fence about buying in or not, then I can see the opinions and pros/cons.

 

[lowepg]

I've noticed a high correlation between BLT-trash talk and recent AK buyers (judging by posts and signatures). Hard to believe there's not more than a little bit of trying to rationalize their own purchases... Seems pretty normal....

 

[LIFERBABE]

These are reactions to what is currently being offered. Everyone needs to weigh out the pros and cons for themselves. No one has stayed there yet so all you can do is discuss and compare.

Alot of people dont like the decor of AKV or any other resort. The models at AKV and finished product were changed based on reaction and feedback.

This is a brand new resort under construction. It really doesnt belong to anyone yet although they are more than happy to take your money today. Everyone is trying to digest whether this resort fits them, whether they want to buy BLT or somewhere else, etc. Some people chew on things differently so the discussion is helpful both negative and positive. Im an SSR owner and some people never have anything nice to say about it, but we return year after year and enjoy all the things they don't. Im glad the things that bother them about SSR dont bother me.

So if you like BLT, congratulations, Im sure you will love it!

It's a little too early for a BLT lovefest and since this is a discussion board where people come for information and opinions of experienced owners and new owners alike, everyone should feel comfortable sharing.

 

[Terry S]

After you are on the boards for awhile you will notice that the newest resort get the most talk, a lot of the talk ends up being criticism. You will just have to take it with a grain of salt. I remember being a little defensive when I bought BCV and there was a lot of complaints here about it, i started wondering about my decision especially since it wasn't even built when i bought and I hadn't even seen a model. People were doing the same thing, comparing every little tiny piece of wood, paint, and carpet with other resorts and there is always the mine is better than yours mentality. I was beginning to think that size really did matter!

 

[5forDiz]

I've noticed a high correlation between BLT-trash talk and recent AK buyers (judging by posts and signatures). Hard to believe there's not more than a little bit of trying to rationalize their own purchases... Seems pretty normal....

Good point. Think its the normal should I have just held off a little longer for the next thing ; kinda like when you decide to buy a new car.

Ultimately, I think everyone buys at the resort that fits them 'best' either because of timing, pricing, incentives offered, location, decor . . . any and all of the above. What I think about which DVC resort(s) to own I don't expect anyone else to agree with. It's making us happy and that is how it should be & I hope that is how everyone's decision makes them feel and I wish them the best.

 

[Dean]

Let me start off by saying that one year ago our family purchased pts. at AKV. This week, we became founding members at BLT.... I will never claim to be a DVC expert. I still have lots to learn. I do, however, frequent these boards (which I am grateful for) for many different reasons.

I just had to ask though......What is the reason for all the negative threads regarding BLT? I mean, there's always an opposing view. I take the positive and negative threads (mostly) with a grain of salt. However, across the DVC forums, there are ALOT of threads "trash talking" BLT.....from the MK view rooms, to the decor, to the walking to one park vs. two (like the EP DVC's)....the LIST goes on and on. I can't help but wonder....Are people just wanting to justify not purchasing? I don't know...what is it?

There are a few DVC resorts at WDW that are definitely not our cup of tea, but I don't feel the need to start threads to justify why I don't like them! I mean, why even start a thread? You're not buying, not your cup of tea, move on. I don't need justification on why you don't like it, and I don't want to argue back and forth on what the value is to our family (just an example).

No flames, please......just a legitimate question, IMHO.

IMO, there is a lot more perception of resort bashing than true resort bashing. You can hate my resort for every reason you can think of and I don't care. The only way I'd push back would be if one were inaccurate. Saying one hates the resort, the decor, the size, the colors, the location, the staff, the parking, the restaurants, etc is not resort bashing but is an opinion. I'd also agree that those more likely to see opinion as resort bashing tend to be newer members who are somewhat overzealous.

 

[RichieGraciemom]

I've noticed a high correlation between BLT-trash talk and recent AK buyers (judging by posts and signatures). Hard to believe there's not more than a little bit of trying to rationalize their own purchases... Seems pretty normal....

I also have been waiting for blt. just added on today 100 points at akv. We honestly could not afford to buy 100 more at blt, but that is where my heart was. The add on incentive for animal kingdom was very good and maybe one day I will get a room at blt, I think it is beautiful and to me that section of the world is DISNEY. But off the Saratoga springs with our developer points in february and maybe one day i will win the lottery and be able to buy at blt. for now 360 points is good enought for us. Congrats to all blt owners!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

This is just my opinion, here is how I see it. 1st off congratulations to all of you who have purchased BLT. I wish all of you many happy vacations. BLT has been hyped on these boards for months. Its price has been speculated to be as high as $160 a point. It was anticipated like no other DVC property before. Who could ever imagine MK views and a monorail stop. Then there was the secrecy. we basicaly had no info other than rumors. we all know DVC guides were tight lipped and it was a "BIG SECRET" that every one kept. Then one day (this week), the sheet was pulled off BLT with no warning, no pomp and circumstance. I think many members who DIS (no pun intended) it are just a bit let down. Now that BLT is real, its just another hotel, about the same cost as any other DVC property (excluding resales), with lower than expected MF's. The shroud of secrecy has been lifted and I think many including me were expecting a bit more. They didn't WOW me on this one. I hope they try again with the Polynesian.

 

[liznboys]

Are people just wanting to justify not purchasing? I don't know...what is it?

There are a few DVC resorts at WDW that are definitely not our cup of tea, but I don't feel the need to start threads to justify why I don't like them! I mean, why even start a thread? You're not buying, not your cup of tea, move on. I don't need justification on why you don't like it, .

I just would never think of saying "gee I'm glad I don't own there" when someone talks about any given resort. I'm not offended, I just don't see the point. It's different if someone is on the fence about buying in or not, then I can see the opinions and pros/cons.

I am with you on the above, and I understand exactly what you mean. I don't get it either.

 

[vascubaguy]

Some folks have a bad experience and they vent on the boards by trashing the resort. I had one of those experiences at OKW and I posted reasons "I" didn't like it and wouldn't go back despite the lower points. It's a great resort, just not for me...

Of course, I think there is a pretty good balance... you get different opinions from a diverse group of people who express the good and bad of each resort. If I had listened a little more to some of the "negative" feedback about OKW and instead compared the opinions of why the person felt a certain way, I could have saved myself some time in buying and selling a contract at OKW.

One thing I've learned on these boards is that no one ever agrees. Don't believe me... go check the restaurant board!!!

 

[lowepg]

We just finished our last full day in the World (check out tomorrow)

The one thing I've really noticed is how many things there are to REALLY like about each of the different properties. Since I was planning to buy dvc on this trip (but then held off with blt annoucement), I took time while the girls were shopping to check out the couple of properties I wasnt familiar with.

some newer thoughts:

We're staying at BW:
Wow, love the promximity to DHS and EP. The kids loved the pool and the boardwalk in the evening hs been a whole new dimension to our Disney stay.

BC: Beautiful. Again, great location, had a great meal at the Cape May, cool pool, etc,

SSR: Much nicer than i thought. Not nearly as remote as i assumed from looking at it online/brochures.

AKV: After touring the model, have to say I really like the new decor.


Frankly, if BW or BC had another pullout bed in the 1 BR's, I'd be strongly considering resale there vs AK or BLT. But with 2 DD's (8 and 9), I can see a real need for seperate sleeping in the VERY near future.... I wonder if an update is somewhere in the stars?

So, this trip started with me pretty convinced with what to do.... now it seems there are too many good options

 

[WoodysRoundup]

IMO, there is a lot more perception of resort bashing than true resort bashing. You can hate my resort for every reason you can think of and I don't care. The only way I'd push back would be if one were inaccurate. Saying one hates the resort, the decor, the size, the colors, the location, the staff, the parking, the restaurants, etc is not resort bashing but is an opinion. I'd also agree that those more likely to see opinion as resort bashing tend to be newer members who are somewhat overzealous.

The threads about BLT are not resort bashing. Nobody has even stayed there b/c it's not even open yet! The threads I'm speaking of are not the type on the resorts board where people are sharing their views on their resort stays. I'm talking about the sarcasm and the "You'd never get me over there" type threads. Again, if someone was asking for an opinion on whether to buy or not, I get it.

And, I may be a "newer member" but I'm a veteran to WDW and it's resorts for well over 30yrs. And "overzealous"? .....hardly.

 

[BroganMc]

BLT suffers from "new kid in class syndrome". It's just getting it's fair share of picking apart. Some will love it, some won't. There's also a lot of folks who loved the idea of it far more than the actual product.

I think of it like a private school constantly adding new students. SSR were the kids from that new affordable housing division. AKV are the exchange students from a foreign nation. BLT are the rich kids from those million dollar homes. OKW were the earliest homesteaders who wondered why all these new people came into town, but they were here first and are happy as long as teacher doesn't complete forget them. They remember the good old days when it was just them and teacher, no uniforms, no set rules, just sitting around sharing lunch and feeling very family cozy. VWL has more of the same feel. It's really mostly the BCV and BWV ones that made the class more of a structured class.

 

[liznboys]

BroganMc, you just made my dh and I LOL! That was great!!!!

 

[WoodysRoundup]

BroganMc, you just made my dh and I LOL! That was great!!!!

Agreed! Really really clever!

Hey liznboys.....when will we find out if we get that plaque!!??

 

[Laurabearz]

Let me start off by saying that one year ago our family purchased pts. at AKV. This week, we became founding members at BLT.... I will never claim to be a DVC expert. I still have lots to learn. I do, however, frequent these boards (which I am grateful for) for many different reasons.

I just had to ask though......What is the reason for all the negative threads regarding BLT? I mean, there's always an opposing view. I take the positive and negative threads (mostly) with a grain of salt. However, across the DVC forums, there are ALOT of threads "trash talking" BLT.....from the MK view rooms, to the decor, to the walking to one park vs. two (like the EP DVC's)....the LIST goes on and on. I can't help but wonder....Are people just wanting to justify not purchasing? I don't know...what is it?

There are a few DVC resorts at WDW that are definitely not our cup of tea, but I don't feel the need to start threads to justify why I don't like them! I mean, why even start a thread? You're not buying, not your cup of tea, move on. I don't need justification on why you don't like it, and I don't want to argue back and forth on what the value is to our family (just an example).

No flames, please......just a legitimate question, IMHO.

This is exactly how I feel about all the political threads over on the community board

 

[liznboys]

Agreed! Really really clever!

Hey liznboys.....when will we find out if we get that plaque!!??

Good question (and I did ask my guide about that but I can't remember exactly what she said so I won't try to post it). I realized that it's probably going to take some time though because not all of the first 1000 "buyers" will end up really buying for one reason or another. So they'll have to pull out all the ones who don't end up buying and shift people up. That's my thought anyway, we shall see!

 

[rutgers1]

I will admit that I have taken a negative stance or two on BLT. Here is why:
1) I will admit that part of it stems from the euphoria of some people over it. Perhaps subconsciously I am trying to temper the excitement.
2) Given the prime location, I was really expecting Disney to hit the ball out of the park. However, when I look at it and review what little I know about it, it seems like Disney is hoping that the location makes up for the lack of theming.
3) The Contemporary has long been my least favorite resort in all of Disney - including the All Star resorts. When I heard a DVC resort was going up next store, I was hoping and hoping that it would be a complete break from the Contemporary. But although BLT is shaped in a more "rounded" way, it apparently is still the younger sister of the Contemporary. I don't like that.
5) I want Disney to raise the bar with each new DVC hotel. In my mind, this isn't raising the bar at all.