Lounge at top of BLT

[Brian Noble]

As a soon to be member, it only infuriates me that ANYONE staying would be denied access when reports are out there that it is not profitable or even being cost neutral. If the lounge truly could use more business, then let anyone up there so dues do not increase.

The most likely rationale is that DVD is using the "exclusivity" as a sales carrot. TotWL was declared into inventory, so technically the BLT membership "owns" it and therefore it is managed by DVCMC. But I would not be surprised to hear that it is being subsidized by DVD in some way during this time. At some point, the rules will almost certainly change---and I can imagine several different variants.

So, if a bunch of DVC members not staying at BLT, but staying at a DVC resort onsite using points goes up to the lounge and later on, say 30 minutes before Wishes, a group of DVC members on points staying at BLT arrive, only to find the place full, who is asked to leave or not allowed up?

If that were even remotely a possibility, you'd have a point. By all reports, it's not even remotely close to full most nights, even during Wishes. And, a simple fix would be to allow owners on points at BLT to make reservations in advance, and accommodate walk-ups on a space-available basis after that.

 

[luckyman_apd]

So, if a bunch of DVC members not staying at BLT, but staying at a DVC resort onsite using points goes up to the lounge and later on, say 30 minutes before Wishes, a group of DVC members on points staying at BLT arrive, only to find the place full, who is asked to leave or not allowed up?

Simple, you ask the non BLT owners to leave. It's simple to enforce the policy up to an hour before Wishes, and keep it open all other times. I've only been to BLT once, and overtime I entered the TOWL (easy for me since I was on the same floor as the TOWL) and it was very empty every time. I did not go for wishes, it was always after.

Enforce the policy on Holidays and special occasions, but if they aren't doing the business, what's the point in restricting access? I'd rather others be allowed in that have dues increase, or reduced hours. Not much of perk or "exclusivity" if I can't use it because it's hours are limited.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think that people who are staying outside BLT are really going to WANT access unless they can see Wishes. Open it to everyone, let them know they can see Wishes, and it'll be a madhouse. Otherwise it's just a resort lounge and they might get a few more patrons, but open it up during Wishes and then they'll get the kind of business that'll make a difference - and it won't be a pleasant experience anymore either.

 

[YankeePrincess]

I don't think people who pay cash to stay there or use someone else's points should be allowed up there. They should have to be DVC members. What is the point of being a DVC member if they take away all the perks? If they keep allowing non DVC people to have the same perks, why would anybody want to buy into the DVC?

 

[tjkraz]

I don't think people who pay cash to stay there or use someone else's points should be allowed up there. They should have to be DVC members.

Cash guests who book through a travel agent, Disney website, etc. do not have access. Members who book on cash through Member Services do have access.

As for non-members, so the friends and family staying in your villa shouldn't be allowed in? If you book a honeymoon for your non-member child / grandchild / relative, they should be barred from the lounge?

What is the point of being a DVC member if they take away all the perks? If they keep allowing non DVC people to have the same perks, why would anybody want to buy into the DVC?

A more important question (IMO) is why anyone would ever buy into DVC for the perks. Aside from the AP discount, DVC perks are barely worth mentioning...always have been and always will be.

 

[YankeePrincess]

Cash guests who book through a travel agent, Disney website, etc. do not have access. Members who book on cash through Member Services do have access.

As for non-members, so the friends and family staying in your villa shouldn't be allowed in? If you book a honeymoon for your non-member child / grandchild / relative, they should be barred from the lounge?

If they are staying in the villa with me, yes. If they are using my points and I am not there, no. My parents did give me their points for my honeymoon (before we bought) and I wouldn't expect to receive any special perks since I am not a member.


A more important question (IMO) is why anyone would ever buy into DVC for the perks. Aside from the AP discount, DVC perks are barely worth mentioning...always have been and always will be.

I didn't buy into the DVC for the perks but I think that if you pay that much money and are investing in Disney by doing so, they should offer special benefits to those people. I am not asking for free park tickets or anything but a lounge that is only for members is a nice perk that shouldn't be taken away.

 

[spiceycat]

A more important question (IMO) is why anyone would ever buy into DVC for the perks. Aside from the AP discount, DVC perks are barely worth mentioning...always have been and always will be.

disagree - love TOW - during wishes and after. It is a great perk.

if you want all members to use it - then hey open up AKv/L and SAB pool to everyone.

until then - if you want to use TOW then get a DVC reservations at BLT.