Not impressed with BLT

[DenLo]

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.

Does anyone know if the fence between the pool and lake is going be there or change to something more attractive? It looks like a construction fence. You can see it best in the third photo, but each shows it in the background.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I stayed at the Contemporary many years ago and was not a fan, but staying there for free I didn't mind. I think BLT like any of the Disney resorts is worth doing at least once and quite frankly even if I don't like the decor, the pictures of the grand villas are quite impressive.

I don't like the high rise type of accomodations, but for the fire works/view we'll make a trip in the not too distant future.

 

[DenLo]

Does anyone know if the fence between the pool and lake is going be there or change to something more attractive? It looks like a construction fence. You can see it best in the third photo, but each shows it in the background.

Never mind, I found out the answer on a newer thread. Here's the link in case anyone is interested.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2243948

 

[Alexander]

As odd and poorly planned as the studio layout is, I think they will probably be a very popular room choice due to the points requirements. People will be able to stay at BLT with the view they choose for the number of points they want or can use.

And heck, where else can you brush your teeth, blow dry your hair AND put the coffee on, and toast your bread at the same time with only a 180 degree turn!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

And heck, where else can you brush your teeth, blow dry your hair AND put the coffee on, and toast your bread at the same time with only a 180 degree turn!

Hey, multi-tasking on vacation maximizes park time! This could be a good thing!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Hey, multi-tasking on vacation maximizes park time! This could be a good thing!

It's the wave of the future!!

Exactly!! Richyams would have had a field day with this one!!

 

[dwelty]

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.

Exactly, Theming is my big beef with it. Theming is what sets DVC apart from other timeshares. Without it, it is just a regular timeshare in a nice location.

 

[culli]

Exactly, Theming is my big beef with it. Theming is what sets DVC apart from other timeshares. Without it, it is just a regular timeshare in a nice location.

I think the "theming" goes along with the CR but I do understand some comments on that. Not just a regular TS in a nice location........the only one in the world within a few minutes walk to magic kingdom and on the monorail. DVC survives for one main reason....only TS onsite of WDW. Other than that and yeah the themes but I find them to be smaller and not as "luxury" as the competition such as Marriott and Wyndam.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

Exactly, Theming is my big beef with it. Theming is what sets DVC apart from other timeshares. Without it, it is just a regular timeshare in a nice location.

Well stated. I agree with you completely and it is this that my disappointment comes from. It is a nice room in a nice location, but to me does not have the disney feel that I desire (although as I said before, there is some nice artwork inside). I am sure many will enjoy this resort and that is the nice thing about DVC, it has something for everyone. For me, it is just not my first choice and for me, not worth spending money to add on in this location. Looks like, for me it will be more AK points.

 

[puntagordabob]

I love the Contemporary Resort always since in opened in early 1972 (short time after MK in 1971)....pretty much always wanted to really live in a place like it.... so yeay I really like Bay Lake Tower.

 

[jbrowna]

It is a nice room in a nice location, but to me does not have the disney feel that I desire (although as I said before, there is some nice artwork inside).

Isn't that something that could be said about ANY DVC resort room? I mean, move OKW or SSR to another location outside of WDW, and how "themed" are they? Look at the inside of a BCV or BWV room: is there any Disney theming other than some "artwork?" The bottom line is that any DVC room is a room -- it's only the location that makes it very Disney. What kind of "Disney feel" does a VWL room or AKV room have, removed from their location inside of WDW? I think the "feel" is more inside the mind of the beholder than anywhere else!

 

[BoomNLeon]

We just bought into BLT. The location was the main reason and the fact that it is the first "new" property on Seven Seas Lagoon in many years. The Top of the World lounge will be great for fireworks and just hanging out. The artwork in the lounge and throughout the property is imaginative and follows the Tomorrowland theme.

The studio is laid out in a unique way, but still functional. The grand villa is truly amazing. This will be a great place to call home. At least for a few days at a time!

 

[jade1]

Isn't that something that could be said about ANY DVC resort room? I mean, move OKW or SSR to another location outside of WDW, and how "themed" are they? Look at the inside of a BCV or BWV room: is there any Disney theming other than some "artwork?" The bottom line is that any DVC room is a room -- it's only the location that makes it very Disney. What kind of "Disney feel" does a VWL room or AKV room have, removed from their location inside of WDW? I think the "feel" is more inside the mind of the beholder than anywhere else!

Totally agree, when you look around your room you will see some furniture, fixtures, carpet, pictures, and eventually the biggest picture-out your window-and that's what will make our room Disney or not. We don't always get it at BCV-but these views are what move the room to the next level of Disney feel for us, and the guarantee at BWV and now BLT of MK are nice options to have.

BLT:

BWV zoomed:

BCV zoomed:

 

[DenLo]

As odd and poorly planned as the studio layout is, I think they will probably be a very popular room choice due to the points requirements. People will be able to stay at BLT with the view they choose for the number of points they want or can use.

And heck, where else can you brush your teeth, blow dry your hair AND put the coffee on, and toast your bread at the same time with only a 180 degree turn!

However after seeing a handicapped studio on the "Bay Lake Tower Live Blog" thread, I realize a regular room has a really spacious mini bar area. In that room they cut the mini bar down to only include the sink and the right half of the countertop. Just imagine your microwave sitting there on the countertop next to the sink.

Actually the more I think about it, since there is a sink right behind you, couldn't they have eliminated the sink the handicapped minibar? Then they would have room to have the coffee maker on the counter instead of on top of the microwave.

 

[dahall]

We have our first DVC trip at the end of Sept to our HOME BLT (I never get tired of saying that). We are very excited. I have to say we looked a DVC for years and what finally sold us was
location location location

We were going to go with Boardwalk (but at the time it was just out of our money range), then animal kingdom. I will say we liked the animal kingdom rooms better, they seemed more warm and inviting BUT
We bought to watch the fireworks from OUR balcony. I hope we will be able to afford to add points someday at the new Animal Kingdom.

 

[PghLybrt]

I also was one that looked in to DVC for a very long time. Nothing appealed to me until BLT. I love the look and feel of the place. For ME some of the others look like my grandmas' house, BLT looks like my home, my style.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

As odd and poorly planned as the studio layout is, I think they will probably be a very popular room choice due to the points requirements. People will be able to stay at BLT with the view they choose for the number of points they want or can use.

And heck, where else can you brush your teeth, blow dry your hair AND put the coffee on, and toast your bread at the same time with only a 180 degree turn!

I don't think the studios are odd and poorly planned at all. We don't prepare food when in a studio, so that won't be an issue for us, and I like the fact that when you are in the bedroom area you are not looking directly at the microwave, sink, etc. The BCV and SSR studios have the kitchentte and vanity area across from each other, there is just more space between the two.

 

[Sammie]

However after seeing a handicapped studio on the "Bay Lake Tower Live Blog" thread, I realize a regular room has a really spacious mini bar area. In that room they cut the mini bar down to only include the sink and the right half of the countertop. Just imagine your microwave sitting there on the countertop next to the sink.

Actually the more I think about it, since there is a sink right behind you, couldn't they have eliminated the sink the handicapped minibar? Then they would have room to have the coffee maker on the counter instead of on top of the microwave.

The difference in those two rooms is just , definitely some poor planning on someone's part to make it so noticeable. Going to be lots of complaints from people getting the handicapped version if they don't need it and definitely not fair to those that do need it, not to have it arranged better.

Having the microwave crowd the sink and no place for the coffee maker, makes it look like some cheap interstate motel.

 

[DenLo]

The difference in those two rooms is just , definitely some poor planning on someone's part to make it so noticeable. Going to be lots of complaints from people getting the handicapped version if they don't need it and definitely not fair to those that do need it, not to have it arranged better.

Having the microwave crowd the sink and no place for the coffee maker, makes it look like some cheap interstate motel.

I understand the size of the kitchenette had to be cut down so that the bathroom has a roll-in shower, but the whole thing looks like no thought was put in to the design.

 

[DVCGeek]

I understand the size of the kitchenette had to be cut down so that the bathroom has a roll-in shower, but the whole thing looks like no thought was put in to the design.

I hate to knock my home but do have to agree that the design of the HA studios does seem to be lacking from these pictures. Hopefully I'll get a regular room when I'm @ BLT! But I'm sure I'll enjoy whatever rooms I do get. After all, I'll be @ Disney!