Lounge at top of BLT

[Jennasis]

We're staying here in Sept using a relatives points. Will DH and I be able to access the lounge or only the actual DVC member (who isn't coming with us)?

 

[Disneypubgal]

We're staying here in Sept using a relatives points. Will DH and I be able to access the lounge or only the actual DVC member (who isn't coming with us)?

I think anyone staying in BLT has access to lounge... they check to see ifyour room key is for BLT

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think anyone staying in BLT has access to lounge... they check to see ifyour room key is for BLT

Several guests have been asked for their blue member card as well as the KTTW. If the OP compensated their relative for the stay, they are not considered guests of the DVC member. If they were gifted the trip, they might be able to access the lounge. But if they are asked for the blue member card and they don't have one, they won't be able to go up.

 

[Jennasis]

Several guests have been asked for their blue member card as well as the KTTW. If the OP compensated their relative for the stay, they are not considered guests of the DVC member. If they were gifted the trip, they might be able to access the lounge. But if they are asked for the blue member card and they don't have one, they won't be able to go up.

No compensation . DH's uncle is graciously giving us the use of his points for the trip. It's not a big deal if we can't use the lounge, as we don't drink, but it might be nice to relax there after a long day in the park...and maybe brave an adult beverage.

 

[dvcmom72]

I was there in September and I did have to show my Member ID card...both times, we went twice. They are pretty strict about it. My understanding is that you have to be a DVC member staying AT BLT on points. I don't know if they have loosened up on this rule or not...I think they should if they want the business...there were VERY few people up there.
Can't hurt to try I guess!

 

[jrtoastyman]

TOTWL is technically for DVC owners staying at BLT on points and their guests, so I wouldn't bank on it. With that said, check your key after you check in. If it says "DVC" on it, you'll likely be let up. If not, you probably won't.

 

[tjkraz]

The official policy has always been that ANYONE staying at BLT on points or a cash reservation booked through Member Services has access to the lounge. That includes members, family members, friends and even renters.

That said, obviously there are many reports of guests being asked for the blue DVC member ID. That became commonplace a couple years ago when Disney removed the "DVD Member" citation from room keys. The notation has since returned...for the most part.

According to the written policy, not every eligible resort guest would have a blue DVC member ID. If asked, I guess it just depends upon how far you want to press the issue. Unless DVC changes the policy, anyone using a member's points should be eligible to use the lounge.

Due to anticipated high demand for this location, access is available only to Disney Vacation Club Members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower using their Membership (Vacation Points or cash), guests staying in the room with that Member, and guests who are staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points. Access is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

[Reddog1134]

My wife and I are members and we were told that we could take our friend up with us (he was staying with us but is not a DVC member). We just had to show one room key and no membership cards.

 

[gmi3804]

What if you own at BLT but are staying at a different DVC resort? Will you be allowed up?

 

[Reddog1134]

What if you own at BLT but are staying at a different DVC resort? Will you be allowed up?

Nope. I think that's the one thing that's definite. You have to be staying at BLT.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What if you own at BLT but are staying at a different DVC resort? Will you be allowed up?

It's just like owning at BCV. Just because you own there doesn't mean you can swim in SAB. You have to be staying there to take advantage of that perk.

 

[DisEye]

I am an associate member--my parents actually own the points. Would I be able to go up if I'm staying there without my parents?

 

[bumbershoot]

My understanding is that you have to be a DVC member staying AT BLT on points.

It's my understanding as well.

I am an associate member--my parents actually own the points. Would I be able to go up if I'm staying there without my parents?

I'm an associate (hubby's the owner), and I go on the assumption that if I don't have him and his DVC membership card with me, I cannot go to the lounge.

Same with pool hopping. If I take a solo trip using "his" points, I can't legally pool hop, because I don't have a member card to show them if/when they ask for it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I am an associate member--my parents actually own the points. Would I be able to go up if I'm staying there without my parents?

Technically, associate members are not entitled to any DVC perks, except for the ability to book a trip using the member's points. You don't get a member card, so you might not be permitted up to the lounge.

 

[Sandisw]

The official policy has always been that ANYONE staying at BLT on points or a cash reservation booked through Member Services has access to the lounge. That includes members, family members, friends and even renters.

That said, obviously there are many reports of guests being asked for the blue DVC member ID. That became commonplace a couple years ago when Disney removed the "DVD Member" citation from room keys. The notation has since returned...for the most part.

According to the written policy, not every eligible resort guest would have a blue DVC member ID. If asked, I guess it just depends upon how far you want to press the issue. Unless DVC changes the policy, anyone using a member's points should be eligible to use the lounge.

I know it says guests are allowed, but I wonder if they are referring to guests of the member staying at the same time as the member.

I think it can be interpreted this way as well and could be the reason why they sometimes ask for a DVC member card.

But, I have only been asked once of the 4 times we have been to BLT to show my blue card--the rest of the time, it was my KTTW card.

I did, however, notice, on one of my BLT reservations for next August, the my Aunt and cousins who are in one studio have listed next to their name (guest of the member).

My other cousin and her daughters, in the other studio, do not. Not sure why this is, because they are both my guests (I am in a 2 bedroom) and plan to send an email to Member services to be sure it won't be an issue when we are there.

Just found it interesting....

 

[spiceycat]

I have been around 6 times (off season) and they have never asked for my blue card.

had it with me just in case - but was never asked.

 

[Sandisw]

I know it says guests are allowed, but I wonder if they are referring to guests of the member staying at the same time as the member.

I think it can be interpreted this way as well and could be the reason why they sometimes ask for a DVC member card.

But, I have only been asked once of the 4 times we have been to BLT to show my blue card--the rest of the time, it was my KTTW card.

I did, however, notice, on one of my BLT reservations for next August, the my Aunt and cousins who are in one studio have listed next to their name (guest of the member).

My other cousin and her daughters, in the other studio, do not. Not sure why this is, because they are both my guests (I am in a 2 bedroom) and plan to send an email to Member services to be sure it won't be an issue when we are there.

Just found it interesting....

To follow up, just in case anyone is interested, I emailed MS about some of my guests not saying there were guests and my concern they would have trouble getting in to TOTWL.

The response was that they were listed as my guests and that since I would be staying at the resort with them, there would be no issue in them having access. The way the email was written, seemed to allude to the fact that my staying at the same time was important to the situation.

So, I would interpret that to mean that when they said "guests" of members, they may have intended it to be guests who were there at the same time as members and not on there own.

Of course we all know that showing the member card is hit or miss but if it is being asked for more often, IMO, they may be deciding to allowing guests of members up only when the member is present.

 

[ppony]

I posted on another similar thread today but I'll post here too. We just got back and are AKV owners staying at BLT on our points. We were asked for both our room keys and once I showed them my blue DVC card they didn't ask for my DH's though he took it out anyway. Then we were escorted to the elevator. Our room key did say "DVC Room only A02".

 

[tjkraz]

So, I would interpret that to mean that when they said "guests" of members, they may have intended it to be guests who were there at the same time as members and not on there own.

The word "guests" in the admission language was intended to refer to resort guests (i.e. anyone staying in a Disney resort)...a term Disney uses with regularity.

When TOTWL first opened, I asked multiple people at different levels within DVC--all higher than a Member Services or Member Satisfaction reps--if renters would be allowed in the lounge. The answer was always "yes."

This is a case of the head not knowing what the hands are doing. When resort computers were upgraded in 2010, the "DVC Member" language was removed from room keys. CMs at BLT started asking for the DVC member card out of necessity; they had no other way of discerning a member from a non-member. Now that the caption has returned to room keys of anyone staying on points, there should be no need for a DVC member ID to be presented.

 

[Who's your Mickey?]

We're staying here in Sept using a relatives points. Will DH and I be able to access the lounge or only the actual DVC member (who isn't coming with us)?

No. You have to meet 3 criteria to access the lounge.

You must:

- be a DVC member
- be staying at BLT
- the stay must be on points

If you don't meet all 3 criteria, you shouldn't be allowed up. The CM in the lobby should ask for you KTTW and DVC membership card to verify. Sometimes you get lucky and the CM is careless or you show up when another group is going up and can blend in, but generally you will be denied access.