July 4th at Bay Lake Towers

[TexasChick123]

If I’m going to pay ~$500 for my family of 4, it’ll be to eat a full meal and drink at CG over the 3rd or 4th and watch the fireworks from there. I don’t think we even spent $500 at CG the last time we went with a party of 5 (3 adults and 2 kids) where the 3 adults were drinking. Just my $0.02.

 

[crvetter]

If I’m going to pay ~$500 for my family of 4, it’ll be to eat a full meal and drink at CG over the 3rd or 4th and watch the fireworks from there. I don’t think we even spent $500 at CG the last time we went with a party of 5 (3 adults and 2 kids) where the 3 adults were drinking. Just my $0.02.

For the 4th CG had a party similar to TOTWL, where it’s observation deck was specific to those attending the party. I think it was 10-15 more per person. I thought there was only one observation deck up there. Just thought I throw it out there if you do ever consider it as it seems this is newer too. I had this reserved for the 4th before I cancelled my trip though this was published for sure 6 months out.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/celebration-at-the-top/

 

[TexasChick123]

For the 4th CG had a party similar to TOTWL, where it’s observation deck was specific to those attending the party. I think it was 10-15 more per person. I thought there was only one observation deck up there. Just thought I throw it out there if you do ever consider it as it seems this is newer too. I had this reserved for the 4th before I cancelled my trip though this was published for sure 6 months out.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/celebration-at-the-top/

I saw that a few days ago and was confused because it says it’s available on select Saturdays and Sundays in certain private rooms at CG. I didn’t think they did it for the 4th. My plan is to try and get a regular dinner reservation for the 3rd next year at CG. I’m hoping for the best. If not, I can watch the fireworks on the sky bridge between the contemporary and BLT if TOTWL is full on the 3rd.

Does anyone have more info on this Savor, Sip, and Sparkle thing and whether it is was on the 4th? Was there a paid-only event at CG on the 4th? Also, how were crowds in TOTWL on the 3rd?

 

[crvetter]

I saw that a fe days ago and was confused because it says it’s abailable on select Saturdays and Sundays in certain rooms at CG. I didn’t think they did it for the 4th. My plan is to try and get a reservation for the 3rd next year at CG. I’m hoping for the best. If not, I can watch the fireworks on the sky bridge between the contemporary and BLT if TOTWL is full on the 3rd.

Does anyone have more info on this Savor, Sip, and Sparkle thing and whether it is was on the 4th? Also, how were crowds in TOTWL on the 3rd?

It was on the 4th and 3rd for sure I had it reserved. Though it was available to reserve 180 days out.

The way I understood it when I called was the party got a private observation deck. The party was to be held in the Sonoma Room and then go to the “private” observation deck.

 

[TexasChick123]

It was on the 4th and 3rd for sure I had it reserved. Though it was available to reserve 180 days out.

It looks like this event is held in the small private rooms as a separate event from the main restaurant. Is that correct? I saw some people talking about having dinner at CG over the 4th, but I can’t find it now. I know they do a prix fixe meal for NYE, but I thought I read they don’t do one for the 4th. Please correct me if I’m mistaken. We’re in the VERY early planning stages of a summer trip for next year, so I’m trying to keep everything straight.

 

[crvetter]

It looks like this event is held in the small private rooms as a separate event from the main restaurant. Is that correct? I saw some people talking about having dinner at CG over the 4th, but I can’t find it now. I know they do a prix fixe meal for NYE, but I thought I read they don’t do one for the 4th. Please correct me if I’m mistaken. We’re in the VERY early planning stages of a summer trip for next year, so I’m trying to keep everything straight.

I just edited my post likely right after you replied, haha. Yes it’s held in the Sonoma Room but the observation deck I was informed was to be for Celebration at the Top guests only and this is consistent with the website. It was 10 more per person than the TOTWL party and includes valet parking. So makes the DVC event seem to be over priced.

 

[TexasChick123]

I just edited my post likely right after you replied, haha. Yes it’s held in the Sonoma Room but the observation deck I was informed was to be for Celebration at the Top guests only and this is consistent with the website. It was 10 more per person than the TOTWL party and includes valet parking. So makes the DVC event seem to be over priced.

That’s really good to know. Thank you for sharing the info. Ugh!

 

[crvetter]

That’s really good to know. Thank you for sharing the info. Ugh!

All of it is listed under the Sip, Savor, Sparkle sub-heading: Parking, Pricing, and the setup.

Though as I looked more they might only take one of the observation decks for the party. Perhaps someone can confirm.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

For the 4th CG had a party similar to TOTWL, where it’s observation deck was specific to those attending the party. I think it was 10-15 more per person. I thought there was only one observation deck up there. Just thought I throw it out there if you do ever consider it as it seems this is newer too. I had this reserved for the 4th before I cancelled my trip though this was published for sure 6 months out.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/celebration-at-the-top/

I've been to a reception in one of those rooms several years ago but for the life of me I cannot really recall what the observation deck was like.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

After a little more thought, if I'm recalling correctly, it's a walkway out that runs pretty parallel to the one off CG.

 

[Wakey]

Heard Pete discuss this this morning on the dvcfan website. He did in fact, buy four tickets to this event.

Yes he clarified that on his site, but my point isn’t 4 tickets, it’s young kids who can’t drink and won’t appreciate charcuterie boards. 4 adults if they wish to have an adult night out, whoever pays can see some value probably. As I say in my opinion this has split the membership and peed off a large proportion of it- why do it?

I appreciate everyone is looking at it from a selfish perspective, but I still think the BLT guests only rule was the most equitable. Pete now says they will offer it to them first- so what’s the point unless it’s to make cash ?

Like everything else, from sitting by the pool to watching fireworks in a better area, it’s being taken away and monetised. Either they keep it at 75 people which means most people cannot get in and it still pisses off BLT guests, or they expand it significantly as many suspect and then it’s just monetising a previously free event. If the former, why do it?

 

[Madame]

Yes he clarified that on his site, but my point isn’t 4 tickets, it’s young kids who can’t drink and won’t appreciate charcuterie boards. 4 adults if they wish to have an adult night out, whoever pays can see some value probably. As I say in my opinion this has split the membership and peed off a large proportion of it- why do it?

I appreciate everyone is looking at it from a selfish perspective, but I still think the BLT guests only rule was the most equitable. Pete now says they will offer it to them first- so what’s the point unless it’s to make cash ?

Like everything else, from sitting by the pool to watching fireworks in a better area, it’s being taken away and monetised. Either they keep it at 75 people which means most people cannot get in and it still pisses off BLT guests, or they expand it significantly as many suspect and then it’s just monetising a previously free event. If the former, why do it?

I agree. It would seem DVC has decided to chase the childless/singleton demographic (tower studios, etc). It makes sense given that many “larger” families can no longer afford the rapidly rising costs associated with a Disney vacation. A year later I’m still very grateful that our BLT contract was taken in ROFR.

 

[wdwlver]

I don’t own at BLT but wondering if those who do have made their feelings known on this issue to TPTB and what the response was. I totally get being angry at Disney once again taking something that was free and now charging you for it.

 

[TexasChick123]

I don’t own at BLT but wondering if those who do have made their feelings known on this issue to TPTB and what the response was. I totally get being angry at Disney once again taking something that was free and now charging you for it.

I own there. I’m not going to complain because they’ve been very clear that we, BLT owners, don’t own TOTWL. What is there to say really? If we don’t own it, we don’t have the right to use it whenever we want. I don’t like when anything is taken away, but I save my complaint phone calls and emails for things where I feel I have a leg to stand on so that they carry more weight, in theory. Some examples would be chartacolypse and the resale restrictions. This isn’t the case for me here.

Also, I didn’t buy BLT because of TOTWL. I honestly thought they were going to take it away these last two years and use it for something else because it never seems like there are a lot of ppl there. I prefer CG to TOTWL for firework viewing. It’s a nice perk but not one I can’t live without 90% of the time. If I’d made a ressie there over the 4th specifically for this reason, I would definitely call, but that didn’t happen to me. I bought BLT because of the walking distance to MK and the extra bathrooms in the 1- and 2-bedrooms.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I mean, okay, so it was a nice party. Is it healthy for the membership as a whole for this to be DVC's approach? Is "I got mine?" really the thing you want to be saying while Disney burn down some of the soft perks?

 

[Wakey]

I am just watching Pete's Kawfeetalk again now. He keeps saying about 'if you cannot afford it'. I think most people complaining can afford it- they just don't see a value. I think he sums it up when he talks about upcharges being OK when the value is there. For Pete, the value is there. This is my exact point, the value isn't there nearly as much if you have young kids.
Also he says that someone on the DVC Fan (maybe me lol) said there were no widescale complaints as it was so why change it, and he says how do we know there is no widescale complaints? I would suggest it would be on the boards such as this if there were widescale complaints. Yes a bit of moaning about people coming in just to watch fireworks (rarely) but nothing like this.
If the object is to remove complaints- is stopping people going in at all the way to resolve it, so we have 75 happy campers and 300 pissed off people? Or how about pushing them all to the 3rd when it could now be twice as busy and get even more complaints, probably when it gets so busy it is at capacity? I do not see the logic, but it seems this has split the membership with it falling into 2 camps. We will have to just accept that. As stated above I think both sides see it from a selfish point of view. If it were me and my wife and I had secured tickets I may have been singing its praises too. as it stands I am worried that I will even get in on the 30 December.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I don’t own at BLT but wondering if those who do have made their feelings known on this issue to TPTB and what the response was. I totally get being angry at Disney once again taking something that was free and now charging you for it.

This was the first response I received, and to be honest, it made me angry. I sent another e-mail to Member Satisfaction and received a phone call and we discussed my main objection which was a change that affected people some of whom booked 11 months out. I own at BLT, and have often gone up to the lounge on the dates that you have had to stay at BLT to go up!

I did not have questions, I had an opinion and felt they were shortchanging DVC Members.

Welcome Home Barbara, Thank you for contacting Disney Vacation Club®.

We appreciate your interest and understand your concerns regarding access to the Top of the World Lounge. We will be happy to answer your questions. Only Disney Vacation Club Members attending the Top of the World Fourth of July Celebration event will have access to Top of the World Lounge on July 4, 2019. With the exception of a few blockout dates, all Disney Vacation Club Members are welcome to visit the Top of the World Lounge most of the year. The blockout dates at this time for all-Member access include July 3 & 4 and Dec. 30 & 31. The Top of the World Four of July Celebration event was recently announced, and will take place from 7:30 - 9:30 PM for $99 plus tax & gratuity per person. Members at the event will enjoy a buffet of small bites and desserts, an open bar, and viewing of fireworks (Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky) at 9:15 PM. If you would like to check availability and book a reservation for this event, you may reach out to Member Services by phone. Member Services is available Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET, and Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET, by phoning (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800. Please note that operating hours, access guidelines and menu for the Top of the World Lounge as well as Membership Benefits are subject to change at any time without notice. Thank you for your message. Disney Vacation Club values our Members' feedback and would appreciate you taking a moment to fill out a survey on the service I provided you today. Please click on the following link to complete our survey. https://www.disneysurveys.com/wix/p22093388.aspx?AGT=Eric Please let us know if we may be of further assistance. Thank you and have a magical day, Eric Member Services | Online Communications

 

[RLHornbeck]

My family’s original plans where to be at TOTW on the 3rd and 4th this year. DVC owners (mostly) know that DVC can change perks and understand that they do, but no one alerted us of the change. When I found out about the change, I called member services and was told “Ow Well”. Then received an email that had a generic letter stating they changed things and would we like to book. (it was already sold out)

We booked 11 months out and at that time the web site stated those staying at BLT would be allowed up. Now with only 3 weeks till the 4th we had to try and change our plans. We could not get different dinner reservations, a fireworks viewing package (even this one was sold out by then) or change resorts as nothing was available.

We tried to go up to TOTW on the 3rd around 8pm and the lounge was full (weather made only the lounge available). We went back around 8:30pm to find an insane line and where told we would most likely not make it up by the time the fireworks start. (from what others told me it reached capacity anyway). Parking lot viewing anyone.

Hearing Pete’s statements about a Ferrari and not being able to afford it or that people don’t see the value is just insulting and not needed in this conversation. Private events are held all the time that don’t impact other park go’ers. They could have easily put this event in an area that did not impact so many unsuspecting people. (same place as the contemporary event the night before)

The couple of dollars extra they (maybe) made or good will that was given to a few was lost on me. I was going to add points at riviera, not now. 200 + points @ $188 each… how much did this event cost them in cash and good will, I wonder.

The issues here is WHEN they made the change and not informing those staying at BLT. (ok I also don’t like the change either), with so little time to adjust plans most people including my family could not make other plans.

Pete may have been treated well at the event but me and many others got an “Ow Well” and a form letter.

 

[TexasChick123]

My family’s original plans where to be at TOTW on the 3rd and 4th this year. DVC owners (mostly) know that DVC can change perks and understand that they do, but no one alerted us of the change. When I found out about the change, I called member services and was told “Ow Well”. Then received an email that had a generic letter stating they changed things and would we like to book. (it was already sold out)

We booked 11 months out and at that time the web site stated those staying at BLT would be allowed up. Now with only 3 weeks till the 4th we had to try and change our plans. We could not get different dinner reservations, a fireworks viewing package (even this one was sold out by then) or change resorts as nothing was available.

We tried to go up to TOTW on the 3rd around 8pm and the lounge was full (weather made only the lounge available). We went back around 8:30pm to find an insane line and where told we would most likely not make it up by the time the fireworks start. (from what others told me it reached capacity anyway). Parking lot viewing anyone.

Hearing Pete’s statements about a Ferrari and not being able to afford it or that people don’t see the value is just insulting and not needed in this conversation. Private events are held all the time that don’t impact other park go’ers. They could have easily put this event in an area that did not impact so many unsuspecting people. (same place as the contemporary event the night before)

The couple of dollars extra they (maybe) made or good will that was given to a few was lost on me. I was going to add points at riviera, not now. 200 + points @ $188 each… how much did this event cost them in cash and good will, I wonder.

The issues here is WHEN they made the change and not informing those staying at BLT. (ok I also don’t like the change either), with so little time to adjust plans most people including my family could not make other plans.

Pete may have been treated well at the event but me and many others got an “Ow Well” and a form letter.

Sorry this happened to you. As I said earlier, I would’ve felt very differently had I made a reservation on July 3rd or 4th hoping to view fireworks there. I’m sorry they sprung this on y’all at the last minute. As it stands, I plan on going next year and staying at BLT, and it sounds like I shouldn’t count on a going to TOTWL on the 3rd either. I do think it’s shady that they didn’t announce this until mere weeks beforehand. I hope you were still able to enjoy your trip.

 

[Wakey]

This is my problem. Supposedly this is done due to customer complaints (according to what Pete was told) as people were complaining left right and centre because it was too busy. So they lock out everyone but 75 who now pay. So now they shifted so many people to the free day, you can’t even get in even if staying at BLT. Does this resolve the supposed mass of complaints? No, it makes them worse.
From a selfish perspective I am impacted, as I’m sure many others are, as I booked for New Year before any of this was announced, and I actually leave on 12/31 so 12/30 is my only choice. Will I even be able to get in? I booked because of this.