Just back from BLT some random thoughts...

[carolina_yankee]

Boy those examples are a stretch,

Not really. Good design for public accommodations anticipates people's concerns, not dismisses them.

Personally, I don't care. It's just my partner and me. But I've read enough posts from people here and on other active DVC discussion forums to know that many do care.

 

[Halle]

When OKW first opened and there were many renters the rooms were abused. We'd go to the pool and there would be families (12-18 people) who obviously were renters based on comments on how many inflatable mattresses they could fit in a 2 bedroom.

 

[50 years Too!]

We just returned from an 8 night stay at BLT in a one bedroom. We thought it was just awesome! Didn't actually see anything in the way of wear and tear - we were on the 12th floor on the MK end and I have to admit that seeing the fireworks from our balcony everynight was great! Also, the view of MK every morning waiting for the elevator was stunning.

It met our expectations and we would definitely stay again. If I had to pick one thing that we thought was sort of eh - it was the birds. I enjoy nature as much as the next person - but we felt like they were absolutely everywhere. In the Contempo Cafe, on the walkway, on the balcony, flocks on the tennis courts and on the beach. Not a deal breaker, but very... birdy.

Agree about the birds. Told my husband to come look at the bald eagle.
About 10 others joined the one. Husband laughs and says those are buzzards!

Also we were shocked at how beat up it was when we stayed 6 weeks ago.
I'm not so sure it is totally the guests fault. I don't think the materials were chosen very wisely. The fake dark "wood" cabinets show every handprint. They also seem to be like those old formica desks that used to peel on the edgesl. Hope that doesn't happen. Yuck. The sofa is too light and the carpet was shredding. A tack in the doorway also stabbed me. The walls are white so they do show everything.

 

[texansue]

Ok got to ask what is the big deal with the bathroom door not locking? We never lock interior doors at our house, if the door is shut it is occupied, if you are not sure you knock. If you hear the shower someone is in it. I like the sliding doors of BLT saves space and looks nice. Even if we stay at a friends house I never lock the doors.

The sliding bathroom door REALLY bugged me - I stayed at BLT over the weekend with my two kids. Both kids know not to open the door when someone's in there so that isn't the issue (and we never use locks either). But because of the gap, there is not the soundproofing of a normal bathroom. I don't want or need to hear others doing their toilet business or taking a shower, and I like the feeling of privacy from a closed door. Public bathrooms are one thing, but I like privacy when I'm in my hotel room. I also really disliked the bathroom sink being in the kitchen area. Blech.

I didn't notice any wear & tear during our stay - we were on the first floor in a studio.

 

[Coach81]

Thanks for the insight. We will be checking it out for ourselves in two years.

 

[Crystal_27]

Come on guys, let's take care of the BLT.

I know it - - everytime I read about the room abuses in any DVC, it makes me want to shout the same thing. Why in the world aren't these people who are trashing their rooms charged for it?

If I had to pick one thing that we thought was sort of eh - it was the birds. I enjoy nature as much as the next person - but we felt like they were absolutely everywhere. In the Contempo Cafe, on the walkway, on the balcony, flocks on the tennis courts and on the beach. Not a deal breaker, but very... birdy.

I actually forgot about the birds until you posted this. When we went last month, the birds were everywhere at the Contempo Cafe. It was a bit comical at first, but grew old fast.

But because of the gap, there is not the soundproofing of a normal bathroom.

I still don't get this whole bathroom door gap issue. Maybe our room was the exception, but, when we closed the sliding door to the bathroom, it sat flush against the door jam thingy. After reading all the posts on The DIS about this issue, I just didn't get what all the negative hype had been about.

 

[DenLo]

I don't know about anyone else but after reading this thread I just want to scream....Come on guys, let's take care of the BLT. To know that it is showing wear and tear so quickly is unacceptable!!!

If this trend keeps continuing, the MF(s) at this home resort are going to start sky rocketing. I don't know about anyone else, but when I go to a DVC resort (whether it is a home resort for me or not) I take care of it as if it were my own home.

If people act as if it doesn't matter...we all end of paying for that kind of attitude. Let's take care of our beloved DVC homes!!!!

Ok, I am off my soap box now...sorry for the ranting and thank you for listening to me.

I would think that DVC Members would take pretty good care of their rooms. The problem is, only half of the rooms are is being used by members, the other half are Disney cash paying Guests. The quality of the products selected might also be on the cheap and aren't wearing so well. Disney is always trying to cut costs, and sometimes it bites them in the butt.

I know it - - everytime I read about the room abuses in any DVC, it makes me want to shout the same thing. Why in the world aren't these people who are trashing their rooms charged for it?

I don't think only DVC members can be blamed for damaged rooms especially since only 40% of BLT's points have been sold and only half of the villas have been declared. That means at least half of the villas are not reserved by DVC members.

How would the resort determine who did the damage? And is the damage from wear and tear, inferior products or neglect? If the resort is able to determine a guest is at fault then that guest should be charged for the damage. I guess on check in each guest would be accompanied by a resort employee (Bell services?) and a check list would be completed and signed regarding any damage that the villa has, sort of like when renting a car.

I'm really having trouble with this whole scenario, resorts are not going to go this far to recoup damages. Only if a guest totally trashes a room preventing it from being rented would they get involved with charging the prior guest for damages.

Once BLT is mainly rented by DVC members then the room damage should diminish.

 

[tjhsr]

sorry

 

[tjhsr]

Are there any ceiling fans at the BLT?