Not impressed with BLT

[rentayenta]

BLT would not be my first choice but I would still like to try it out. The location is amazing but the decor is not my style. I am not a big Cont fan.

 

[gkrykewy]

Funny, I think they have the best kitchens of any DVC (and of most houses)!

I sure wish all this BLT disdain would translate into my waitlist coming through!

Disdain nothing! I can't wait to stay there. I've always loved the contemporary.

 

[jade1]

I haven't had the opportunity to see the property in person and hope to stay there one day. I'm a little concerned about the pool. It appears to be quite small in the photos. Is it?

Been looking at these from Ronald Duck and they nice, does seem a little small, but then again, no pool hopping to it will help. Also it is pretty nice compared to some other DVC "quiet pools", such as BCV and VWL.

 

[rentayenta]

Ooooo, I like that pool! BLT just moved up on my DVC to-stay list!

 

[culli]

Hard to tell but it doesn't look there is a "zero depth" entry just the tiered stairs, anyone know more about the pool? Also will you be able to walk to the beach or sand area fromt the pool?

 

[eliza61]

I've never been a big fan of the contemporary so, I didn't expect BLT to float my boat. I think every body has their favorites. My first time I stayed at the Poly, I was so disappointed because I kept hearing raves.
Now I would sell my soul for some WLV points.

 

[Alexander]

I have looked and looked at pictures and each time I hope to find some reason I want to stay there. I just can't drum up any excitement. I really don't like the decor. I like the artwork though--that is really cute. It is just so--square and "sterile" as someone else said.

And, is it just me or is the Magic Kingdom view, really a view of the parking lot? Yes, the fireworks would be awesome at night, but that's like 20 minutes out of 24 hours?

I am glad that so many of you are really excited, but I just cannot get into all of the BLT hype. Yes, I would stay there for my boys--they have wanted to stay at the "monorail hotel" forever, but I think we'd opt for a lakeview rather than a parking---ooops Magic Kingdom view!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Well, I like the pool ( I like the lake in the background, the whole picture is pretty)...in one picture it does look as if it could be zero depth, the second picture on the left, maybe?

I've sent pictures to my family with the reminder that that's where we're staying in January!

Bobbi

 

[Tara]

Well, I like the pool ( I like the lake in the background, the whole picture is pretty)...in one picture it does look as if it could be zero depth, the second picture on the left, maybe?
Bobbi

You're right - it is zero-entry on the left side (if facing the lake).

 

[spiceycat]

BLT like AKV, SSR, BWV, BCV, OKW is not made for everyone - that is why there are so many


if you don't like it - please don't stay there. and quit complainting about it.

Now SSR style would not fit - it has to fit the style of the CR - SSR does not, neither does OKW or BCV.

DVC will never go against the WDW resort it is building next too - so they had to do something similiar.


my opinion, very pleased with it. It could have been so much worst - remember the CR of the 80's - Jetsons

with what they had to work with the the current CR - very pleased. they didn't put in that sink that doesn't work. they did use the modern stuff which fits.

now I like dark wood - and I love the green color that they used - so more than happy with the results.

that say mostly love walking back from MK when the lines for the buses and monrail are at least an hour wait. ALso will love in the morning - can walk to EMH at the MK.

with the cut backs that Disney has done - that will happen again. It is just a matter of time.

sorry folks but most people disagree with you - can get OKW or SSR for my stays but BLT has been sold out for a while. darn it.

there is also another thing that tells me Disney (not DVC) thinks this place will be popular. with the other DVC resorts they would let you have it for cash at a bargin price - they did this with BLT for a month - after that they changed their minds and want the full price.

so it will be next year before I get to stay longer than a day at BLT - but really think it will be worth the wait.

 

[gkrykewy]

And, is it just me or is the Magic Kingdom view, really a view of the parking lot? Yes, the fireworks would be awesome at night, but that's like 20 minutes out of 24 hours?

I am glad that so many of you are really excited, but I just cannot get into all of the BLT hype. Yes, I would stay there for my boys--they have wanted to stay at the "monorail hotel" forever, but I think we'd opt for a lakeview rather than a parking---ooops Magic Kingdom view!

I will agree with you there - greatly prefer the lake view to the MK view. That is a lot of parking. I imagine that as the novelty wears off, MK view rooms will become quite available at <7 months (with the point levels being the biggest factor there). LV is the sweet spot, IMO.

 

[jade1]

I will agree with you there - greatly prefer the lake view to the MK view. That is a lot of parking. I imagine that as the novelty wears off, MK view rooms will become quite available at <7 months (with the point levels being the biggest factor there). LV is the sweet spot, IMO.

I think the views are win win. As someone once mentioned-if you are in your MK View room when its dark-it will be a better view than during the day. The lake view will obviously be just dark during those hours. We always stop and look back at the castle from the end of main street before we leave. Now it will be from our balcony before going to bed-of course we will leave the drapes open and stare at it from bed as well. So it can depend on your habits. We come back to the room late and hang on the deck a while (esp at BLT MKV) and have a nightcap. Sleep in, get some lunch, swim and head to a park. I could see early risers really enjoy the sunrise on the lakeview as well-that will be incredible. We have had plenty of DVC views of trees, mowed grass, maybe a pond or pool, roads/sidewalks-BLT's view are "way up there" IMO.

 

[jade1]

Well, I like the pool ( I like the lake in the background, the whole picture is pretty)...in one picture it does look as if it could be zero depth, the second picture on the left, maybe?

I've sent pictures to my family with the reminder that that's where we're staying in January!

Bobbi

Yea I think that side is zero entry like you think.

 

[culli]

Yea I think that side is zero entry like you think.

Just showed this pic to the family and they love it and can't wait for our Oct trip. With it beind DVC only I hope it will big enough.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Looking at the pictures, the decor of the rooms does not appeal to me. Looking at the points chart, the "price" does not appeal to me.
Looking at the proximity to MK - that appeals to me!!!

My DD7 would be in heaven to stay in a hotel connected to Chef Mickey's and a monorail ride away from Splash Mountain!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Before AKV and BLT, this family was big fans of CR and AKL. So we were very interested in seeing the models at SSR for these two new resorts. I liked the AKV rooms and thought the BLT rooms were interesting - but the studio at BLT is an architectural mistake. Must have been designed by a junior architect and signed off in the dark by the licensed architect for the firm when everyone from Disney was on vacation.

Anyway, when we were at WDW in May/June, we visited the models and Kidani Village. We did not like Kidani Village at all and there are too many unrenovated portions in the Jambo House villas from the old AKL rooms (combo tub/shower). So we will probably never stay at AKV.

We did find BLT to be very interesting and could stay there in the future. Since we don't do studios, they won't be a problem for us.

 

[MagicPrincess]

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 )

Me, too! I love the styling of the BLT! I think it totally fits in with the "Tomorrowland" theming that I believe The Contemporary resort was trying to achieve!

 

[DenLo]

The name of BLT is Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort, so of course it has to have a contemporary design like CR.

IMHO every resort has an over the top design element. The country looks on the bed coverings at OKW, SSR, and BCV come to mind and the pedestal bathroom (who would have thought that was a good design element for a hotel room). And although based on looks alone, we would have chosen AKV, it too comes across as a bit much after awhile. Something about the furniture...I can't put my finger on it, even after staying there in June.

But after making that statement over the top looks is so Disney! And that's one of the things we like about it.

I have to agree that in the end location, location, location is what will matter at BLT. We bought BLT with that in mind -- Location 1: Magic Kingdom; Location 2: near great restaurants or easily traveled to restaurants like, California Grille, Artist Point, and a monorail ride to all the one's at Epcot and the hotels near Epcot.; Location 3: the monorail and ferry system. What family doesn't like to ride on these?

 

[LIFERBABE]

Jade thank you for that pic!!

It's small but soooo cute and I love the blue chairs and the Mickey design around the play area!

This is the first photo I've seen with the loungers out and I think it looks awesome!

We stayed in the NGW when it was Shades of Green and our boys were 5 and 3. That is the trip we purchased DVC. The location is awesome and there is so much to do in close proximity.
The recreational activities on Bay Lake are the best on Disney property and now that they are older, we will do more boating and Fort Wilderness activities.

Is that a BBQ Pavilion to the left of the pool area?

 

[Disney Doll]

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.

I didn't care for that either, but other than that, I thought it was nice.