My "wish" experience at Bay Lake Tower's Lounge

[SpaceMountain77]

Late Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit Bay Lake Tower's Top of the World; Animal Kingdom Villas is my home resort. Although I have seen the tower, from the monorail and Magic Kingdom, I had not previously had the opportunity to tour the inside of the building or see the lounge. For me, I was just glad to be able to get a glimpse of "tower living."

Overall, I enjoyed my view of the world. It was fun to see Spaceship Earth, The Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the tops of the nearby resorts. Moreover, I really enjoyed the lake view and seeing the Contemporary grounds from above.

However, I was disappointed with the Magic Kingdom views. First, I would not use my points for a theme park view because all of the rooms overlook the parking lot. I realize that some floors will be better than others, but you can see the parking lot at any level. Lake view room views, which tend to be easier to get, seem to have better views. Also, when looking at Magic Kingdom, I do not want to see and know where air conditioning units, electrical boxes, satellites, and staging areas are located. Seeing the real rooftops of the various lands takes away from the magic.

So, for those of you considering Bay Lake Tower, I would suggest saving your points and booking a lake view. The property is very nice, but Bay Lake Tower affords the same views as its predecessor, the North Garden Wing.

 

[Granny]

Different strokes for different folks. One person sees parking lots, the next person in the same room sees Cinderella Castle and the night lights of Magic Kingdom.

Doesn't make either viewpoint valid or invalid. Just opinions, which is cool. But it doesn't mean someone is "wasting points" if they think the MK view is the coolest view at WDW. And for those who like the Bay Lake view, they can save some points and still enjoy the lounge. It's all good.

 

[Pirate Granny]

Granted we were on the 12th floor, but I never even noticed the parking lot...sitting on the balcony, I never look down just straight across or up.

 

[Sandisw]

That is one of the best parts of being a DVC owner...There are so many different options for everyone and its always good to hear what other people think and how they view things.

We are BLT fans so for us, the parking lot doesn't take away from the views or the resorts. However, we would never stay in an MK view room because of the number of points needed and to be honest, are very happy with SV rooms.

Plus, in 2013, some of those original MK view rooms are now SV so there is always a chance to get one of those.

Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

However, I was disappointed with the Magic Kingdom views. First, I would not use my points for a theme park view because all of the rooms overlook the parking lot. I realize that some floors will be better than others, but you can see the parking lot at any level. Lake view room views, which tend to be easier to get, seem to have better views. Also, when looking at Magic Kingdom, I do not want to see and know where air conditioning units, electrical boxes, satellites, and staging areas are located. Seeing the real rooftops of the various lands takes away from the magic.

So, for those of you considering Bay Lake Tower, I would suggest saving your points and booking a lake view. The property is very nice, but Bay Lake Tower affords the same views as its predecessor, the North Garden Wing.

Thank you for your review....

.....I hope everyone listens to your advice....

......because the MORE people "dislike" the MK view....the MORE MK view rooms will be AVAILABLE for MEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

 

[goodferry]

We love the lake views at BLT! I agree not everyone is looking for the same thing in a "view", another good reason to do your research when you book a vacation

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've only had lake views, & not the kind that see the MK, and I've been pretty happy with my stays at BLT. I complained to MS about one lake view we had that really was a pool view because we were down so low, and they agreed because they refunded the extra points.

I agree with the PPs who mention that the possibility of getting one of the now theme park views for only standard points would be a bonus. Can't wait to see what I get next month! Just being that close to MK is thrilling! I was lucky to get a SV studio at 7 months out!

Bobbi

 

[disneynutz]

Late Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit Bay Lake Tower's Top of the World; Animal Kingdom Villas is my home resort. Although I have seen the tower, from the monorail and Magic Kingdom, I had not previously had the opportunity to tour the inside of the building or see the lounge. For me, I was just glad to be able to get a glimpse of "tower living."

Overall, I enjoyed my view of the world. It was fun to see Spaceship Earth, The Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the tops of the nearby resorts. Moreover, I really enjoyed the lake view and seeing the Contemporary grounds from above.

However, I was disappointed with the Magic Kingdom views. First, I would not use my points for a theme park view because all of the rooms overlook the parking lot. I realize that some floors will be better than others, but you can see the parking lot at any level. Lake view room views, which tend to be easier to get, seem to have better views. Also, when looking at Magic Kingdom, I do not want to see and know where air conditioning units, electrical boxes, satellites, and staging areas are located. Seeing the real rooftops of the various lands takes away from the magic.

So, for those of you considering Bay Lake Tower, I would suggest saving your points and booking a lake view. The property is very nice, but Bay Lake Tower affords the same views as its predecessor, the North Garden Wing.

I agree 100%. There are photos all over the internet taken with a telephoto lens that makes the castle seem really close. The reality is it's off in the distance to the naked eye. BLT is the only resort that we bought before staying there and of all of the DVC resorts at WDW, it is our least favorite.

Bill

 

[Sammie]

We love the lake views at BLT! I agree not everyone is looking for the same thing in a "view", another good reason to do your research when you book a vacation

Very true because actually the MK views from BLT are not what you had at the North Garden Wing as it was only 3 floors, it is the view from the MK rooms of the Contemporary and the parking lot has been there since it opened.

To me the main advantage of BLT over any other DVC resort is being able to walk to MK.

 

[Sandisw]

Very true because actually the MK views from BLT are not what you had at the North Garden Wing as it was only 3 floors, it is the view from the MK rooms of the Contemporary and the parking lot has been there since it opened.

To me the main advantage of BLT over any other DVC resort is being able to walk to MK.

Add that to my list of reasons on why we like BLT as well!!

 

[jade1]

Late Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit Bay Lake Tower's Top of the World; Animal Kingdom Villas is my home resort. Although I have seen the tower, from the monorail and Magic Kingdom, I had not previously had the opportunity to tour the inside of the building or see the lounge. For me, I was just glad to be able to get a glimpse of "tower living."

Overall, I enjoyed my view of the world. It was fun to see Spaceship Earth, The Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the tops of the nearby resorts. Moreover, I really enjoyed the lake view and seeing the Contemporary grounds from above.

However, I was disappointed with the Magic Kingdom views. First, I would not use my points for a theme park view because all of the rooms overlook the parking lot. I realize that some floors will be better than others, but you can see the parking lot at any level. Lake view room views, which tend to be easier to get, seem to have better views. Also, when looking at Magic Kingdom, I do not want to see and know where air conditioning units, electrical boxes, satellites, and staging areas are located. Seeing the real rooftops of the various lands takes away from the magic.

So, for those of you considering Bay Lake Tower, I would suggest saving your points and booking a lake view. The property is very nice, but Bay Lake Tower affords the same views as its predecessor, the North Garden Wing.

Sooo.....your "wish" is....

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We're big BLT fans -- it's one of our three home resorts. I'm in the group that will probably never spend points on a MK view, though. It's not that I don't appreciate the magic and beauty of the MK view. (The parking lots and service areas don't bother me.) We've just always been very happy with our lake views. I'd rather view the park/fireworks from the common areas and save our points for other uses.

We stayed at BLT one night this past weekend. (We were coming back from Vero Beach, and wanted to stay closer to the airport on the night before we flew home.) Even for that one little ol' night, I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra points for a MK view. We watched Wishes from the TOTWL terrace, then got back down to our balcony just in time to watch the Electric Water Pageant go past. It was a great way to end the trip.

 

[Tara]

I agree 100%. There are photos all over the internet taken with a telephoto lens that makes the castle seem really close. The reality is it's off in the distance to the naked eye. BLT is the only resort that we bought before staying there and of all of the DVC resorts at WDW, it is our least favorite.

Bill

Yeah, but you'd need some sort of amazing telephoto lens to see the castle from any other DVC resort room..

 

[Sammie]

Add that to my list of reasons on why we like BLT as well!!

I will say that being able to watch the castle change colors at night, is very special too.

 

[mousefan1972]

Yeah, but you'd need some sort of amazing telephoto lens to see the castle from any other DVC resort room..

Where's the "like" button?

 

[dbs1228]

When we bought BLT I have always wanted/get lake view! I am a balcony dweller and prefer the peacefulness of the lake while sipping coffee in the morning and wine in evening! MK view never appealed to me - we prefer the fireworks in the park. The best view of MK is from the Ft. Wilderness beach at night off the dog path - now that is a view I would pay for - no parking lot, reflection of space mtn on water and the park all lit up!

 

[Sammie]

When we bought BLT I have always wanted/get lake view! I am a balcony dweller and prefer the peacefulness of the lake while sipping coffee in the morning and wine in evening! MK view never appealed to me - we prefer the fireworks in the park. The best view of MK is from the Ft. Wilderness beach at night off the dog path - now that is a view I would pay for - no parking lot, reflection of space mtn on water and the park all lit up!

Wow I would not have thought you could see MK from there. Will have to check that out.

 

[Pirate Granny]

Where is the dog path, I'd like to see that view too!

 

[mac_tlc]

We are probably in the minority, but we bought BLT only for MK view. Monorail, castle, GF, Poly, etc. We use it for our annual Christmas trip, this year Dec 2-5. We much prefer watching the fireworks from our room as opposed to the lounge. We actually will go to the lounge and leave 15 min before the fireworks. Seeing the Castle Lights at Christmas is awsome.

mac_tlc

 

[billsfan]

Nothing beats waking up at 3:00 am and looking out your bedroom window and seeing Cinderella's Castle all lit up!