Not impressed with BLT

[GrumpyBelle]

We are here now. Walked through BLT model last night and wasn't impressed at all. We had hoped to be wow-ed so that our thoughts of adding on would be easy. We like location and the incentives (rumored to be ending 8/10). Oh well. I guess it wasn't meant to be

 

[bluenosemickey]

I know everybody has their own preferences, but what didn't you find impressive??

We were thinking of an add-on ourselves, and BLT seemed like a nice thought.

Was it that you were expecting a lot and it was hard to live up to? We have three kids, 7,9, 12. I have always been impressed with BCV and were also considering adding there instead.

Thanks in advance

 

[*CheshireCat*]

Really? I am curious to hear what you were not impressed with. Is it the decor, or did you have higher expectations because everyone is pumping it up?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Well, that's good for your pocketbook, and for those who want to book at 7 months! I'm in the later category. I'm bummed that we can't add on at this time!

Are you thrilled with your home resort, or is DVC not as good as you thought it would be when you bought in?

Bobbi

 

[Quilter007]

The laundry area in the Grand Villa is pretty big, but I thought the studio, one & two bedrooms were blah as well. Frankly, the whole triangle shaped suites thing makes me uncomfortable -- not a lot, just a little. I think after a few days, I would be more crabby than usual! Hey -- I heard that!

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

I have a feeling there will be a lot of other members who are unimpressed with BLT as well. I get the sense when I read through post that theming is very important to a majority of members. BLT is not themed but has a style which makes it unique to the WDW collection. Plus the style is contemporary/modern which people generally love or hate. From pictures of the resort it feels more like an upscale hotel in the mode of the W than a disney resort. Of course they have incorporated Disney throughout ala art work and other design aspects. I absolutely love the artwork and hope to be able to purchase a piece.



My major concern is with the pool. With the tower facing East and the pool not far enough out of the tower it seems like there will be a large shadow covering it in late afternoon. Good thing we will be allowed to use the CR pool.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

They have models open of the GV and the 2 BR now? Hmmm...

 

[tjkraz]

I have a feeling there will be a lot of other members who are unimpressed with BLT as well. I get the sense when I read through post that theming is very important to a majority of members. BLT is not themed but has a style which makes it unique to the WDW collection. Plus the style is contemporary/modern which people generally love or hate.

I'm not terribly impressed with the exterior but the interior looks pretty cool from the photos I have seen. (Put me in the "thumbs-up to modern stylings" group, I guess.) I'm hoping to stay there soon and see it first-hand.

That said, I am a little concerned about how the style will hold-up over the years. Most Disney resorts have a timeless nature to their furnishings. But today's idea of "modern" has a way of aging quickly. Look at supposed modern designs from the 70s or 80s. >cringe<

My major concern is with the pool. With the tower facing East and the pool not far enough out of the tower it seems like there will be a large shadow covering it in late afternoon. Good thing we will be allowed to use the CR pool.

Yeah, that will definitely be an issue. Not sure why designers didn't give that greater consideration. It must have occurred to someone but was apparently not deemed a deal-breaker.

You could already see the impact in construction photos taken from the lake side. It will vary by season, but some times of year the shadows were already creeping across the pool by 3pm.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We are here now. Walked through BLT model last night and wasn't impressed at all. We had hoped to be wow-ed so that our thoughts of adding on would be easy. We like location and the incentives (rumored to be ending 8/10). Oh well. I guess it wasn't meant to be

I felt just as you last May. While I didn't get to go inside BLT, we spent alot of time in and around the Contemporary, even rode the monorail around the resorts. We were just not impressed. We were staying at VWL, and maybe that was part of the problem!We just fell so in love with VWL that nothing else was going to compare! I did buy 40 pts. We'll see if I end up selling those after our first stay!

 

[bobbiwoz]

DH and I really like the 1-2 bedroom decor. A GV will be out of our range completely, and I don't think I would stay in a studio, don't like them. So, for us, BLT will mean a family vacation in a dedicated 2 bedroom. I've gotten one for January, and we will wait until then to add on.

Bobbi

 

[LIFERBABE]

I dont really care for the studio set up either, but we are excited to try it since we have MK View booked for the two of us. Never would stay with all 4 of us. (never say never, but Im not eager)

Absolutely love the 1beds and that is what we will stay in as a family. Now that I have seen Kidani, the BLT 1 beds will offer us more in layout and location and what we enjoy as a family so in my book, BLT will most likely supplement our SSR and BCV stays more often than any other resort.


I changed my mind and added on after seeing the models in person.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I dont really care for the studio set up either, but we are excited to try it since we have MK View booked for the two of us. Never would stay with all 4 of us. (never say never, but Im not eager)

..
I changed my mind and added on after seeing the models in person.

I say, "I don't think I would stay in a studio." I'm leaving the door opened. Once I said that I would only stay at AKV in a savannah view but I've stayed in values because of the point savings, mostly on weekends, but nonetheless, I have. I've been lucky with 2 of the 4 value stays to be in savannah views. If our all family trip to BLT causes us to love things about the location, DH and I would give the studio a try for a weekend.

Enjoy your stay, and I look forward to your report!!

Bobbi

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

That said, I am a little concerned about how the style will hold-up over the years. Most Disney resorts have a timeless nature to their furnishings. But today's idea of "modern" has a way of aging quickly. Look at supposed modern designs from the 70s or 80s. >cringe<

I'm sure that each refurb of BLT will bring a refresh to the design. The rooms at the contemporary itself have been updated many times through the years to keep the "modern look" modern.

 

[Tara]

I get the sense when I read through post that theming is very important to a majority of members. BLT is not themed but has a style which makes it unique to the WDW collection. Plus the style is contemporary/modern which people generally love or hate. From pictures of the resort it feels more like an upscale hotel in the mode of the W than a disney resort.

This is PRECISELY why I love BLT!!

I greatly prefer boutique-type hotels and a decor that is a little cleaner (not necessarily modern, but even more Pottery Barn vs. Country Living, and the typical floral-on-floral with checks and stripes thrown in is not what I like. (I won't call it ugly, because some of it is fine, but some of it is too much for me! )

But again, that's the great thing about DVC - something for everyone! (and finally something for me )

 

[SandrainNC]

I know I will love it if I ever stay there just because of the location! We have stayed at the CR once and loved it! Not because of the decor but because of where it is.

Sandra

 

[StreamMaster]

We are here now. Walked through BLT model last night and wasn't impressed at all. We had hoped to be wow-ed so that our thoughts of adding on would be easy. We like location and the incentives (rumored to be ending 8/10). Oh well. I guess it wasn't meant to be

The decor is a bit sterile, but it's hard to not like the view ( MK side of course ). It's worked for the Contemporary for many years and I'm sure the MK view will keep BLT busy among all DVC owners.

 

[llkoolj40]

I really liked the style of BLT overall,but I do not like the set up of the studios. The bathroom sink and mirror is actually by the kitchenette area.

 

[wdrl]

My major concern is with the pool. With the tower facing East and the pool not far enough out of the tower it seems like there will be a large shadow covering it in late afternoon. Good thing we will be allowed to use the CR pool.

When we saw photos of BLT's pool area, we were concerned that there would not be enough shaded areas. Then it occurred to me that the pool is on the east side of the BLT crescent, so maybe there would be lots of afternoon shade. We prefer shady spots around the pool and we try to avoid overexposure to the sun. I guess this is another example of how DVC has something for everyone's tastes & preferences!

 

[jekjones1558]

Count me as another DVCer who does not like the BLT studio layout, but we don't stay in studios. I was left a little cold by the decor at first because I like the heavily themed DVCs. But I still would enjoy a BLT 1 bedroom someday when I visit with kids who want to spend lots of time at MK.

 

[culli]

I guess we are pretty easy to please and so far like all the DVC resorts. However, for us it is location, location, location the theme is secondary and have been happy with them all. My concern is will I like BLT location better than BCV & BWV Guess I will find out Oct 1st