Just returned from BLT - Quick Room/Resort Review

[caverill]

Just returned from 6 nights in a one-bedroom at BLT.

Thought I would do a quick review of the room and location compared to BWV where we own.

First, BLT is a wonderful building. Our room was located on the 6th floor and overlooked the pool (center of the building). Since the Skybridge is is on the 5th floor it was easy to access via the stairs (i.e. no waiting for the elevator).

I really liked the room layout of the one-bedroom compared to BWV. Having two bathrooms was great, although I see what people are saying about the sliding door to the main bathroom. It looks to me like it would be easy to fix with molding, but what do I know.

I like the window in the living room and the door to the balcony. It sure makes the room seem big. I also really liked the kitchen and dining area layout. Lots of room.

I wasn't nuts about having to use our rooms key to get in the building at first (when I was carrying in our bags), but it really did make the building seem secure.

I was very impressed by the amount of parking available and how close it was to the building. No need for Valet parking! No issues in getting a spot (we where on-site 12/13 - 12/19).

Went to the Top of the World three times. We had apps and drinks our first night. I think if they had better menu and/or food, it would be a very popular place. I am worried that once members try the food, they will not come back and that will create all sorts of issues with keeping it open to our members.

We didn't have any issues in getting access the the WOTW, although you do need to go to the first floor to check in. I really liked that they looked at the room key prior to giving access.

One thing I didn't care for was the Skybridge. Three of the days we were there is was very windy and we also had rain two days. It wasn't pleasant to walk across with the wind and the rain.

The BLT location is great if you are going to the MK. I really prefer our BWV location, since we tend to spend more time at EPCOT and HS, but that isn't a knock on BLT.

We didn't use the pool or Community Room, so I can't comment on that.

We really missed the dining options available at the BWV. You have five resorts to close from in the EPCOT resorts (not to mention EPCOT itself). The dining options at the Contemporary are pretty limited.

Clark

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Thanks for your review! As a new owner who hasn't stayed at BLT yet, I was curious as to how it compared to BWV.

 

[mikron]

Have not stayed at BLT yet, your post sounds nice but we love BW with a BWV.Your post has not change our love for BWV.

 

[DebbieB]

When I was at WDW 2 weeks ago (stayed at BWV), my friend and I took the monorail over to the Contemporary to look in their shops. We noticed that the door to the skybridge was propped open, so we decided to take a look (so much for security). We took the elevator down to the lobby and took a quick look around and then walked back to MK to get the bus. We thought it felt really sterile. I never had any interest in staying at the Contemporary, so I guess it's just not my style.

 

[DVC Mike]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on BLT.

 

[Cee]

We love the Epcot area as well. But with the monorail access, there are dining options at WL, Poly, GF and MK to consider!

 

[Nparrotte]

Thanks for sharing. DW and I will be staying in May, looking forward to it.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

We love the BW location too, that's why we will always do a split stay, 4 nights at BW -3 at BLT -- I just love to be within walking distance to the parks!!

You mentioned the lack of Dining at the BLT, but that is one of the reasons I am so excited about BLT as we are close to all the GF, Poly & WL restaurants. We are going to Ohana's and 1900 Park Fare for the Cinderella character dinner as its just a quick monorail ride over!!

 

[Halle]

OKW and BWV owner, stayed at BLT in November and loved it. DH wanted to add on points but Kids (late 20's) vetoed selling OKW to do it. Loved the food options at BLT, we're fans of California Grill and now the TOTWL.

 

[dizfan]

Thanks for your review.

 

[caverill]

Just to follow up on the dining options...

I know you have access to the Poly and GF via the Monorail, however the dining options at both those resorts can be tough to get into due to the number of guests at the resort and the crowd from MK.

MK itself doesn't have the dining options available at EPCOT IMHO.

We did go to the Kona twice while at BLT (Kona may be our favorite dining choice).

I really did like BLT, but I think BWV fits our vacation style better (your mileage will vary).

I also agree that the building seems "sterile", but that is the style they were going for, so I can't knock it.

One other thought I had...All the services (bellhop, check in, airline check in) are at the Contemporary, which really seems far away. You just need to factor that into using the services.

 

[Machta]

We stayed in a one-bedroom at BLT over Thanksgiving. We had a room on the top floor that faced the courtyard. The view of the bamboo garden and the pool was delightful!

We really liked the room layout and the kids loved the pocket doors. We had one "enter without knocking" incident that made us all a little more cognizant of our "knock first" manners, but it wasn't a big deal.

Overall, I don't think I would stay at BLT again. While it was very exciting to just hop on the monorail, and the lounge was fantastic, and the fireworks were spectacular, all of that plus the general busy-ness of the Contemporary sort of wore us out. OKW and BCV are more our style, I guess. But if you're the type who enjoys all the excitement and swirl, you'll love BLT!

Just my 2c . . .

 

[Peggy Sue]

We too just returned from a split stay at BWV and BLT's. We are OKW and BWV owners. We stayed at BWV 12/3 - 12/11 and BLT's 12/11 - 12/15.

Overall, we really enjoyed our BLT's experience.
- Easy walk to the MK
- Monorail to Epcot was easy
- We didn't go to the studios or AK from BLT's so can't comment on the bus service.
- We enjoyed a great meal at CA Grill
- We tried the Wave for the first time and really enjoyed our meal. If you haven't checked it out - give it a try.
- We liked their food court for --altough we only ate there once, we liked the easy access and variety .. food court is something BWV's is lacking
- The lounge at the top of BLT's is very nice. We enjoyed going up for a drink and enjoying MVMCP Holiday Wishes and Wishes fireworks. It view was fantastic and we liked not having to fight the crowds.
- Easy parking -- lots of spaces available and very close to the resort.
-We were on the 14th floor .. next to the elevator bank with the walk way to the Contemporary.
- Elevators were quick and never had to wait long
- Walk way to Contemporary ...wish it had been closed in ... we had wind and rain one night that wasn't pleasant when crossing from the Contemporary to BLT's
- Our one bedroom was spacious. I'm not a fan of the couch ...found it rather uncomfortable for sitting. Liked the flat screen TV's. I like the decor of the other DVC resorts better, but BLT's was very nice.
-We were surprised to see room damage already ... either strollers or ECV's had scuffed walls and about a foot of molding was missing when entering the kitchen (maybe someone tried to bring an ECV through?)
-Everything was in working order.
-just the two of us, but nice to see a second bath ..can see where that would enhance staying in a one bedroom when people are sleeping in the living room.
-We didn't like our "lake" view .. we were looking directly across to other units (inside of the U) and had to look to the right to see the lake. Had to keep the blinds closed most of the time. No sheers, so you have to pull the heavy curtains, which blocks light.

Would we try to book BLT's again? Maybe .. we are glad we tried it and we enjoyed our stay. However, given that we don't have kids and typically don't spend a great deal of time at the MK, we find the Boardwalk area fits our style better. That said, I can certainly see why familes will enjoy staying at BLT's ... the easy access to the MK cannot be beat and the resort is very nice.

Peggy Sue