Just back from BLT - some thoughts....

[mvc1997]

I get really annoyed when people take advantage of something that they're not entitled to that others are paying for, whether it be a resort pool or esp. the CL lounge. I remember one year, prior to DVC being involved, watching the CM's at the AKL CL lounge with a clicker monitoring how many people came up the stairs and "stole" food. Now there's a themed gate on the 5th floor with a key card access for the lounge so people can no longer access that area by the stairs. The Poly should have something similar to keep guests out who feel they should be able to grab food and beverages when they haven't paid for CL or are even staying at that resort. As to BLT, why does anyone need to be on the walkway and in the BLT building if they're not staying there or visiting a guest who's staying there? ---Kathy

I agree!
I just assumed that you needed a key to get onto the walkway, and that's the way it should be. Unless your staying there, you shouldn't even be on it!
If your visiting someone there, they should come get you. JMHO.

As for people using the pools..... I am disgusted with the people who are not even staying at any Disney Resorts just using the buses from any theme park, going to resorts and using the pools. We've seen people who wear their swimsuits under their clothes leaving Epcot to use BWV pool. YES, they do... we heard them talking!
In fact last year there was a woman at the BWV pool all day and when we returned that evening she was sleeping there. At first I thought she was dead!!
Another couple came by and noticed her too. So the husband went up there to check! LOL!!!
She said she needed some sleep because in the morning she had a long drive ahead of her!!! Forgive me for rattling on! OK, I'm done.

 

[edk35]

We are going to BLT in Sept. This report is NOT good!! I don't think people should be on the walkway (unless staying there of course). I disagree with the "no more security, it will add to dues" statement. That is what we want (our little dvc world) and we DO pay a price for the views/tower/walkway, so why not a little more security?

Don't know, I have a little 'dissapointment factor" after hearing all of this...
I know there will be people there when the 'door opens' and gets ready to shut, and they 'sneak' in, but this is a little over the top for me....

I think disney needs to revisit arm bands/etc for pool access as well, as we had a few people that were at HHI pool, and not staying there!! I overheard them say, this is a nice pool, wish we could stay here.. They left about 10 min later, I was about to report them.... I think a LOT of this goes on...
Oh well, another story for another day..................

DeerH

They do this at BCV (wristbands) and this is probably what they should do at BLT. We just got back from Vero..you have to use a key to get in the pool and to get on the beach and back in from the beach. On Sat. there was a lifeguard posted at the gate when we went to the pool. Apparently they do this on Saturdays and Sundays maybe because the Public Beach is very close to Vero Beach Resort.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

I get really annoyed when people take advantage of something that they're not entitled to that others are paying for, whether it be a resort pool or esp. the CL lounge. I remember one year, prior to DVC being involved, watching the CM's at the AKL CL lounge with a clicker monitoring how many people came up the stairs and "stole" food. Now there's a themed gate on the 5th floor with a key card access for the lounge so people can no longer access that area by the stairs. The Poly should have something similar to keep guests out who feel they should be able to grab food and beverages when they haven't paid for CL or are even staying at that resort. As to BLT, why does anyone need to be on the walkway and in the BLT building if they're not staying there or visiting a guest who's staying there? ---Kathy

I'll answer the last sentence. We are DVC members who own at OKW and AKV and we did visit BLT during our last stay. We did a number of the "violations" mentioned in this thread - walked in when the door was open, wandered around the hallways, and took the skyway bridge across to the main hotel. Why, you ask ? We were curious and wanted to get the "feel" of the resort. What were the views like ? Did we like the decor ? Would we want to stay there ? BTW, the answers were : pretty good, no, not likely.

And No, we didn't trash BLT while we were there. I'm a member since 2000 and would likely have picked up any trash I saw and put it in the nearest trash bin. I'm somewhat proud about what I own.

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

pointless, as in rationalization. [ just because you own @ another
resort isn't a free invite to check blt "out" unless it was done
with a guide/s.] and if my family is there, i don't want strangers milling
around, an intrusion when we are trying to enjoy. at the very least,
lack of respect for dvc rules.

i believe, dvc has already set up "structure" presentations
for this purpose/s. very discerning to me- as we have been "hit" before.

what good complaining, unless you are willing to report these violations?
[ i think these are serious enough to start ] . maybe make copies here,
& send to the managers @ blt? have anyone taken pictures of the
trashing?


funny though, on previous posts, there were those c/o too tight
security. and why is the door [ bridge ] is being left open? however, it
sounded like they are finding new ways to sneak up. safety issues, \that
should be fix before more serious incidents start happening.

blt & it's location, has worry, us for our children sakes. the trashing of the
bridge takes away the magic feelings. hopefully, dvc will take the
proper actions to secure blt a lil'bit more.

 

[mitchfishguard]

just an observation, but i wasnt impressed with the tower and the contemporary fitting together when you look at it from certain angles. also, why are those hawks all flying above , to the left of the tower as you look from the magic kingdom? i havent seen a concentration like it anywhere else in disney.

 

[ssawka]

It happened again when we called the morning of our checkout and did not receive our room charges on the door. We specifically asked about it the day before and when we called that morning we were told that we should have gotten in and to have a "magical day!" THEN SHE HUNG UP THE PHONE. We had to call again to find out if we could have it brought to us or if we should go get it at the desk. Not a big deal, but it was one less thing we were planning on doing when checking in the luggage and catching Magical Express in the early am.

This happened to us at VBR, not getting the final bill at checkout. Not a big deal just go to the desk and have it printed. Granted, at BLT it might be a bigger deal because the desk is further away, but since you were taking DME anyway. I see getting your final bill as a courtesy not a must have.

Lastly, many people were at BLT who did not belong there - in the pool, throughout the hotel, in the HALLWAYS by the rooms. We were on the 9th floor!! People were wandering around looking for the way to get to the TOWL!! They weren't even staying in the hotel. That makes me a little uneasy that anyone can just come in and wander around.

As PPs have said, this is almost comical in the sense that when BLT opened, DISers were asking "why the tight security?"

There were also a lot of people on the walkway over to the BLT during firework time. What was disappointing was that trash was left all over the walkway after the fireworks (half eaten cookies, wine cooler bottles, etc.) and it remained there quite some time on several evenings. Since we were watching from our balcony, we could see the people come and go just for the fireworks. They were not guests of BLT.

Unfortunately only other members/guests can prevent "shadowing" at the doors/gates. If the handicapped button opens the skybridge door without a key, that's a problem. As is the trash not being picked up in a timely manner. The impression I got at BLT in January was that the Mousekeeping staff was being streched too thin.

 

[Astros]

I still don't understand why BLT needs to be a keyed access resort as none of the other DVC resorts are that way.

That's one of the reasons I don't like BLT. I don't like the idea of a secluded resort. I love the hustle and bustle of the Disney resorts where you have all the people coming and going, to the restaurants, checking out Christmas decorations, observing animals (AKL), etc.

 

[jackdis]

SSAWKA:

This happened to us at VBR, not getting the final bill at checkout. Not a big deal just go to the desk and have it printed. Granted, at BLT it might be a bigger deal because the desk is further away, but since you were taking DME anyway. I see getting your final bill as a courtesy not a must have.


As PPs have said, this is almost comical in the sense that when BLT opened, DISers were asking "why the tight security?"

Just an annoyance since we purposely checked on this the day before.....unfortunately, it is an easy fix to go to desk and get a copy, but when DH is checking in luggage, and I am headed to ME with two kids and carryons, we were trying to take care of as much as possible beforehand, so our exit would be as easy as possible.

I was not among the "why the tight security" group.

 

[jackdis]

I get really annoyed when people take advantage of something that they're not entitled to that others are paying for, whether it be a resort pool or esp. the CL lounge. I remember one year, prior to DVC being involved, watching the CM's at the AKL CL lounge with a clicker monitoring how many people came up the stairs and "stole" food. Now there's a themed gate on the 5th floor with a key card access for the lounge so people can no longer access that area by the stairs. The Poly should have something similar to keep guests out who feel they should be able to grab food and beverages when they haven't paid for CL or are even staying at that resort. As to BLT, why does anyone need to be on the walkway and in the BLT building if they're not staying there or visiting a guest who's staying there? ---Kathy

The Poly has something similar. You need to be clicked in to get in. These people were using side doors, coming up side stairs, or joining other groups who were being clicked in. They were not questioned, even when we mentioned to a CM that they did not belong.

Interesting to note.....this totally made me mad.....when we were there in March, we knew that Chef Dick of CL was retiring after many, many years. We have gotten to know him over the course of our stays there and he was always so nice to our girls. We thought it would be nice to wish him well and thank him one last time for all that he has done for our family and so many others. (Kind of like the Disney Magic service that we have come to expect!) We went to the club level door, tried to explain to the CM what we wanted to do...could they let us just in to see Chef Dick since the front desk already confirmed he was there.....and they DID NOT even let us step foot in the lobby. Maybe they have finally tried to crack down on "intruders" but the disrespectful way we were told to basically get out of there, you are not club level, left a bad feeling with my husband and myself...to the point where I don't know that we would ever stay CL at the Poly again.

Anyway, vent over.....sorry!

 

[ssawka]

SSAWKA:



Just an annoyance since we purposely checked on this the day before.....unfortunately, it is an easy fix to go to desk and get a copy, but when DH is checking in luggage, and I am headed to ME with two kids and carryons, we were trying to take care of as much as possible beforehand, so our exit would be as easy as possible.

Understood, and it depends on how early your flight is. I try to not fly too early and then I can take care of the luggage and final bill in the morning while DW and DD wait in the room. I understand this is not always possible if you need to have an early flight.

I was not among the "why the tight security" group.

Sorry, this comment wasn't really directed at you. It was more directed to any of the "why the tight security?" group that is out there reading. This is "why the tight security?".

 

[jackdis]

That's ok, ssawka.....
I didn't realize that so many others out there had similar experiences with the BLT. It has actually been very interesting to read. I don't know what the exact answer is, but all these posts are definitely food for thought. I still think BLT is a great place with an awesome location, but I think we might be trying out another DVC for our next longer trip....maybe OKW or AKV. I will admit, it will feel strange to be further away from MK. That monorail or quick walk sure spoiled me!!!!

 

[mrhistory]

We stayed in late May and I too got spoiled by the short walk to the MK. We are also monorail fans and being able to take that to EPCOT was great. We don't really like the buses and we didn't have to use them to get to either of our favorite parks

 

[dizfan]

That's one of the reasons I don't like BLT. I don't like the idea of a secluded resort. I love the hustle and bustle of the Disney resorts where you have all the people coming and going, to the restaurants, checking out Christmas decorations, observing animals (AKL), etc.

Isn't the hustle and bustle at most DVC resorts where the lobby and check-in area is?

At BLT, the hustle and bustle is at the CR main building (which is where the BLT check-in is).
Christmas decorations are on the CR 4th floor.
Dining is at Chef Mickeys, Contempo Cafe, The Wave, and California Grill which are all at the Contemporary.
BLT pool is like Kidani and SAB...no pool hopping.
The CR/BLT marina is open to everyone.
The monorail and buses can be used by anyone.
Parking (like all Disney resorts) is checked by security.

BLT is basically hallways, elevators, rooms, and some windows.
The only reason I can think of people wanting to get into BLT is to look out some windows to see MK and the lake.

TOTWL is secluded, but that's Disney's decision. Just like Disney decided that people must dine at California Grill (or get permission) to go to the top of the CR. Many believe TOTWL will eventually be used for private parties (similar to The Attic at BWV).

Sorry for the rant.

I hope you can understand that some staying at BLT find it creepy to get off an elevator and see someone wondering up and down the hallways but clearly not looking for a room. It's even worse when the person starts following you down the hallway.

 

[ssawka]

That's ok, ssawka.....
I didn't realize that so many others out there had similar experiences with the BLT. It has actually been very interesting to read. I don't know what the exact answer is, but all these posts are definitely food for thought. I still think BLT is a great place with an awesome location, but I think we might be trying out another DVC for our next longer trip....maybe OKW or AKV. I will admit, it will feel strange to be further away from MK. That monorail or quick walk sure spoiled me!!!!

We just got back from our first stay at OKW. I enjoyed the resort, even though we were only there for 3 nights. I'm not sure I'd want to stay there without a car though. We had a car this time because we were attending a conference, and we also drove down to Vero.

I have not stayed at AKV yet, we want to, but probably won't do so for a while. We are planning on taking my parents when we return to WDW in October 2011 (too far away!), and I just think the transportation at BLT might be easier for them.

For us, the reasons we bought at BLT were:

1. Location
2. Transportation Options
3. Longer contract

I am not really partial to any of the resorts, and I really don't understand the resort bashing that goes on here. All the resorts are beautiful and all of them have their pluses and minuses. I guess it's just human nature to justify your decision by discounting the other choices you had! Anyway, we plan on trying all the resorts (well maybe not SSR, but only because I'm not fond of the location)

 

[jackdis]

That's how I feel....I like BLT - we would not have bought there if we didn't. But I am interested in experiencing the other DVC resorts as well in the years to come! It's exciting to know we have all this ahead of us.

 

[rentayenta]

That's how I feel....I like BLT - we would not have bought there if we didn't. But I am interested in experiencing the other DVC resorts as well in the years to come! It's exciting to know we have all this ahead of us.

 

[miprender]

We only stayed 1 night at BLT in April after spending 9 nights at AKL and personally BLT was not for me.

We had issues getting bell services to deliver our luggage. We waited 1 hr and when we called them they said they didn't have our room number. They did come out quickly after that.

We never saw people wandering around but the doors on the walkway were always open. We did however have to use a key to get into the pool.

The pool was smaller than AKL too and the life guards did nothing to stop some kids that were wrestling and almost knocking over my kids. No parents there either to tell them to stop.

But they do have an awesome slide. DS4 must have been getting dizzy from going down so many times.

 

[smjj]

We are owners at OKW and love it. We are staying at BLT this Oct. for a family vacation in a Grand Villa lake view. My wife and I checked the place out by staying in a 1 bedroom last Oct. We chose to stay at BLT again because with such a large group and 4 being small kids we wanted the convience of being close to the MK as well as the restaurants and monotrail. We are also going to Chef Mickey's and that is at the Comtemporary. We liked the BLT just fine but as others have mentioned, we probably would not have bought there. I just wish the WLV's had 3 bedroom villas. That next to OKW is my favorite...smjj

 

[zumfelde]

To people that see the doors open do you close them? I will be staying there in September I would close the doors if I see them open. I hate Disney's lack of security at its resorts and pools. There are to many people today that feel they are entitled to use pools at any Disney resort they want.

 

[disneynutz]

In December the doors had plastic tie wraps holding the push bars open. The doors that didn't have the ties worked and sometimes they didn't. Several times there would be a group of people waiting to get in when the doors locks didn't work.

Maybe that's why they just leave them open.

Bill