Not Excited about BLT, help!

[twinsouvenirs]

I have a secret... I'm planning the big family trip and everyone ELSE wanted to stay at BLT because it's new, and modern etc...

BUT I am concerned that it is not going to be the transportative resort experience that the other resorts are--I love BWV, GFV, SSR... can't wait to love VWL, BCV, AKV...

And then I hear these reports that BLT has flimsy furniture and questionable balconies.

Can someone cheer me up about this? There is no way a wait list is going to come through for the week of our trip so I just have to find a way to get excited. Fortunately everyone else is Anyone know any fun facts about the theming?

 

[bltpoppins]

I

BUT I am concerned that it is not going to be the transportative resort experience that the other resorts are--I love BWV, GFV, SSR... can't wait to love VWL, BCV, AKV...

Confused? Are you saying you can't get to the parks like the other resorts?
Yes, the bus to HS is a pain. It will pick up passengers at other stops. Is it any worse the BW or WVL? No. But, the good side is that CR is the first stop on the way back.
Epcot on the monorail is a bit slower coming back due to having the ride the resort monorail around the loop.

But the real convenience is that you can get to any resort by going to the MK. We go to DD via a bus to one of the river resorts and take the boat.

As to the balconies…I am confused. The balconies are the best on property. They are large and there is a lot to watch from either side of the resort.

 

[RachaelA]

We love BLT. Just got back yesterday from a 7 night trip there. We own there and have absolutely no regrets at all about our purchase.

I've never really noticed any excessive wear on the furniture. I don't know what you mean about the balconies. They are great and most have awesome views of the lake, monorail, MK, etc. I have noticed no difference between the actual balcony set up there vs. the other resorts we've stayed it.

I'm also confused about what your other concerns are.

 

[lisaviolet]

She's worried about BLT not having the feeling of taking her away on vacation.

OP, you will have a wonderful time. It's a great resort and I'm assuming from your words that you might have a one bedroom or larger. They are gorgeous.

And the back of the resort does provide that feeling in my opinion even if the rest might lack it for you.

I live in a high-rise and I could show you my kitchen for a good laugh. It has the same dark cabinets with the same thin, clean looking metal handles - it's like being home in there. And the same floor to ceiling windows. And I felt like I was on vacation at BLT despite living in a condo at home. Cinderella's castle out the window kind of helped that feeling. Insert smile.

And if you feel like you aren't getting that feeling that you desire on vacation, well you couldn't be any closer to VWL, VGF or the Polynesian to go get your Calgon on!

 

[drusba]

As to furnishings, if you were fine with BWV and SSR, you will be more than fine with BLT. The furnishings are a more modern style but they look good when put together in the room. Also if you are getting a 1BR or 2BR, they are almost 100 sq ft larger than what you had at SSR or BWV and you get the extra bathroom. In the 1 and 2BRs, the living room has no balcony directly but instead you have a door to the one that runs across the master bedroom. The balconies are fine, a bit larger than the rail type ones at BWV. The living room has windows that stretch nearly floor to ceiling and wall to wall for impressive viewing from the room.

Transportation is good to MK (to which you can also walk) and Epcot via monorail. Buses elsewhere are not that great but if you were OK with SSR, and also BWV (the worst piece of junk of a bus system on site), you will be OK with BLT.

One thing to consider when at BLT is doing Hoop Dee Doo at Fort Wilderness because there is a boat that runs from Contemporary to Fort Wilderness.

 

[chainkid]

I think its entirely subjective as I stayed there in a one bedroom villa and found the whole experience incredibly sterile even with a theme park view. It was my least favorite of all the DVC's but on the bus i heard another member saying how he despised the BWV's and would never stay there again and I love it there so it depends . Try it and I'm sure you will have a great time whether it suits you or not. I enjoyed my vacation despite hating the resort and now I don't have to wonder what its like. Try them all and you might be surprised which ones call your name.

 

[disneynutz]

I don't think that the furniture is flimsy. We bought there before the resort was opened. Our first stay was a few months after the opening. That stay there was a 2 inch missing piece on the kitchen cabinet laminate where it had chipped off. The carpet had black marks and there were marks on the wall leading into the bedroom.

On our second stay a few months later, there was a hole in the ceiling above the kitchen island, and a dented lighting fixture above the dining table. The blinds on the balcony door were damaged.

Our third stay was in a better room, no damage but the carpet was marked up.

I realize that Disney can't control guests but it has been reported on several occasions that the materials used should have been of a better quality that would wear better.

Bill

 

[lisaviolet]

Try it and I'm sure you will have a great time whether it suits you or not. I enjoyed my vacation despite hating the resort and now I don't have to wonder what its like.

This.

 

[tjkraz]

Can someone cheer me up about this? There is no way a wait list is going to come through for the week of our trip so I just have to find a way to get excited. Fortunately everyone else is

It's not often that everyone is in 100% agreement. Knowing that others will be happy is usually good enough for me.

 

[SusieBea]

I have a secret... I'm planning the big family trip and everyone ELSE wanted to stay at BLT because it's new, and modern etc...

BUT I am concerned that it is not going to be the transportative resort experience that the other resorts are--I love BWV, GFV, SSR... can't wait to love VWL, BCV, AKV...

And then I hear these reports that BLT has flimsy furniture and questionable balconies.

Can someone cheer me up about this? There is no way a wait list is going to come through for the week of our trip so I just have to find a way to get excited. Fortunately everyone else is Anyone know any fun facts about the theming?

I shared your feelings until we stayed there. We had several nights reserved at AK, wanted to add an extra night, and a 1 bdrm a BLT was all I could get. I have traditional tastes, so I was prepared to sleep and leave. But it was actually quite nice. We had a TP view. Balcony was nice. We were fortunate to get a room on the floor w/ the bridge to the Contemporary. The cast members were also very nice. I was not a fan of the pool, however. Will it become my "go to" resort. No, but I wouldn't object to staying there again. Shoot, you'll be at Disney!

 

[sleepydog25]

I add my voice to the others who have enjoyed BLT. We've stayed there twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. It does have a slightly more modern feel than, say, VWL or BCV; however, it has charms aplenty, good balcony views (we loved watching EWP from the lake view side), and is convenient to so much of the World. Don't stress. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Snurk71]

I've never really understood the turnoff to the contemporary/sterile/high rise style. Maybe it's because we live in suburbia, but we really like BLTs style/theming. Then you add in the walk to MK, CTs pool (prefer it over BLTs ), and we're really happy we own and stay at BLT (think we've stayed there 3-4 times). And this comes from someone that also owns at BCV,VGF, and VGC.

 

[nkosiek]

One of my favorite things about the themeing is riding the elevator and stopping at all the different floors to look at the pop art characters on each floor. My favorite other than 1st floor Donald is 10th floor Snow White.

 

[MichiganDVC]

You can walk to and, most importantly, back from the Magic Kingdom. Focus on that magic and you'll forget about the decor...

 

[Granny]

I have a secret... I'm planning the big family trip and everyone ELSE wanted to stay at BLT because it's new, and modern etc...

BUT I am concerned that it is not going to be the transportative resort experience that the other resorts are--I love BWV, GFV, SSR... can't wait to love VWL, BCV, AKV...

I think it is fair warning that no matter what resort you pick, there are MANY people who do not find resorts to be "transportative" or find the theming to be important or wonderful.

Having said that, BLT is a wonderful resort with great views of Bay Lake or MK. Location to MK is wonderful and monorail access is a huge plus with easy access to Epcot.

But people who haven't been to WDW before may not appreciate these conveniences or views.

And then I hear these reports that BLT has flimsy furniture and questionable balconies.

Can someone cheer me up about this? There is no way a wait list is going to come through for the week of our trip so I just have to find a way to get excited. Fortunately everyone else is Anyone know any fun facts about the theming?

BLT's theming, IMHO, is that it is attached to one of the first WDW resorts with all the history that goes with that. Add in the monorail, the fine amenities of CR and you have the potential for a wonderful trip.

 

[MarkyMouse]

I absolutely LOVE BLT! Ive been a dvc'er since 1994. Love OKW and the huge rooms. But BLT is my second favorite! Love the views of the magic kingdom. Love watching all the boat traffic and the monorail zooming by. Love hearing the train whistle as it passes! I just can't imagine not enjoying BLT. Especially with the MK view. But we are all different! I personally can't stand SSR. Just does nothing for me.

 

[bbn1122]

BLT is a beautiful resort .....with a beautiful setting....Bay Lake is great....steps to MK....the monorail rolling by....boat ride to WL and ft wilderness...monorail ride to POLy and GF....monorail to TTC...

Views of SM and the Castle....the TOWL....Wishes without the crowds.....great restaurants from 4 deluxe resorts at your finger tips...

BLT/CR complex with 3 pools....two splashes areas...hot tubs...etc..

Marina with any kind of watercraft you could want....EMP sailing by...

Decor...future world....sleek but fun...no worries...enjoy!

 

[gmi3804]

What people don't understand is that the Contemporary IS classic WDW, along with the Poly. Even more so than the newer "themed" resorts like YC, BC, BW, WL, etc. As a kid at eight years old in 1974, I knew the Contemporary was THE place to be.

BLT is an extension of CR. As an adult, I own contracts at BLT and at VGC (at DLR).

Go and enjoy one of the best resorts in all of Disney. It doesn't get more Disney than that!

 

[janischa]

We went a couple of years ago, and just like you, I wasn't excited. I'd booked it for just one night, just to be close to MK. But I turned out really liking it. In all honestly, I didn't like it as much as my home resort BWV, but I was really pleasantly surprised. Unlike CR, BLT is light and airy, and in the early morning, I loved walking the bridge to CR and take in the air and view. The close walk to MK was great and made me feel right in the magic. I also loved going up to the Top of the World Lounge. Finally, if you have small kids with you, or even for adults who like doing art, BLT has a great DVC club with superfriendly CM's. It's not widely used, so they often have heaps of time to talk to you and let you enjoy all what they have on offer. You will have a great time!

 

[WDWLODGE]

Wow, a lot of great comments here. I was already excited for our 1st BLT stay. Now I can't wait, only 13 long days until we check-in.