Opinions on Top of the World

[dvcblt93]

I was up there last week and it was yet again dead! I spoke to some CM's and they said change may be comming, but they were not sure. Seems to be a differing opinion weather to open it up to everyone in the building, or all DVC members staying on site?

What do you think?

Something has to be done or we will loose the place! They told me there were 24 cast members picked to open this lounge, and only 4 are left! Very sad....

 

[disneylovin24]

I think it would be best to open it to all guests at BLT. Though, we were staying at BLT last February, we do not own there and were not staying on points, and were allowed up there. I dont know if that had to do with the poor attendance or if they just never check It was pretty quite when we were up there but I do think that is part of the charm. I like that it is a quite, small, secluded place! Like I said, I think opening it to just BLT guests would be best. I think that would get more people in there but still not too many.

 

[erionm]

The Observation Deck and the Top of the World Lounge are not part of the timeshare. Disney is free to do with it what they please. If they are not making enough money to cover the operating cost, they will either close it or open it to other guests.

 

[ADP]

Rest assured Disney will adjust things if necessary. I doubt they'll close it. It really is a great observation deck for evening fireworks. I love just going up there during the day to look at the activity at the Magic Kingdom. Call me crazy, but watching the Astro Orbitor and other attractions operate from a distance is kind of fun.

 

[Sandisw]

Whatever they decide, it needs to be what is going to make the lounge more busy, not just getting more access to the fireworks.

I think they should make it open to all DVC members and all BLT guests, and then put limits on BLT cash guests based on availability.

I can't imagine it ever being busy enough to be turned away, but that would open up a bigger pool, but give some way to control it if it did exceed expectations.

 

[mdsd8700]

I am always bummed to hear that the lounge isn't utilized by the BLT owners when they are visiting. We have yet to stay there, but I know the TOWL is one of the things I am looking forward to most. I only hope it stays around until June when we get there! My DH remembers when the CA Grill was the Top of the World and just loves that the name pays homage to that. It just seems like such a nice little perk to be able to kick back and take a break. Who knows what it will eventually happen to it, most people seem to think it will not continue in it's present form. I just hope that we as DVC members still get to use it.

 

[tjkraz]

I doubt opening it up to non-members at BLT would have much impact.

If 90% of BLT guests are members and they get 50 people up there per night, granting access to the other 10% of guests could grow the crowds by as little as 5 people.

Such a move would also defeat the purpose of offering the lounge as a DVC member benefit. Disney Vacation Development is currently paying to use the space on a nightly basis.

They could open it up to all DVC members. But personally I would question how many people would venture over from SSR, OKW, AKV and others, only to go to the lounge instead of walking right into the Magic Kingdom for fireworks. Parks & Resorts may even object to giving guests a way to view the fireworks without paying for park admission.

It's a tough call. Ultimately I think we'll probably lose access to the lounge due to non-use by members. Perhaps the best we could hope for is that DVD/DVC would negotiate to maintain access just one or two nights per week for members. That would probably help draw bigger crowds if BLT guests had to plan around 1 or 2 nights rather than going up at will. The other nights they can rent it out for private functions, open up to all CR guests or whatever else Disney cares to do with it.

 

[sean-1966]

Opening it up to all DVC members would add a small perk to owners. DVC needs to make it's current owners feel special. Ticks me off when I go to the parks and see perks given to Disney credit card holders and not a thing for DVC members.

 

[disneynutz]

IMO it was intended as a BLT marketing tool and when they are done marketing BLT, they will close it to members. Disney will rent the area out for private functions, weddings, and parties. This was their intention from the start, that's why they have a large bar area and no kitchen. Private events will be catered.

Bill

 

[dcamdad]

IMO it was intended as a BLT marketing tool and when they are done marketing BLT, they will close it to members. Disney will rent the area out for private functions, weddings, and parties. This was their intention from the start, that's why they have a large bar area and no kitchen. Private events will be catered.

Bill

I would like to see it opened to all DVC members before that happens, even if they open it as a trial basis to see if TOWL could sustain itself. However I believe you are correct and it will vanish from DVC as did the Attic.

 

[tjkraz]

I would like to see it opened to all DVC members before that happens, even if they open it as a trial basis to see if TOWL could sustain itself. However I believe you are correct and it will vanish from DVC as did the Attic.

Right now I doubt the food & beverage revenues are even covering materials plus salaries of the Cast Members on most nights.

I don't think it's possible to achieve any sort of self-sustaining level. Given the fireworks view, that space could command more than $1000 per night if rented out for weddings or corporate events (CR is big convention destination.) That's the relevant comparison.

We know that DVD does not own the space. In all likelihood they negotiated a sweetheart deal to use the space for several years after construction, perhaps as part of the ground lease. It's just too attractive for Disney to not look for other ways to profit sooner or later.

Once sales are done I think the absolute best we could hope for would be either a fixed schedule of a couple nights per week or some irregular schedule where members have access on nights when it is not booked for special events.

 

[MikeNY]

We own at BLT and whenever we stay there, we're usually at TOWL every evening. We love the fact that it's exclusive to DVC members staying at BLT, and LOVE how quiet and peaceful it is. It's a great place to wind down with a drink at the end of the day. Having it filled and noisy on a regular basis would take away from our enjoyment. But, it's all about money, so I'm sure things will change.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I would love it if they would open it up to all DVC members. We stayed there last December and was at the TOWL almost every night. Really liked it there. Sure hope they don't close it before our trips in Sept and Dec this year.

 

[gmboy95]

I am amazed that this lounge is not busy as heck???.....i find it to be one of the best perks we have!....nothing after a long day at the parks to go up and have a drink and watch the show!!!!

maybe it should be opened to all DVC members by reservation

 

[gmboy95]

Right now I doubt the food & beverage revenues are even covering materials plus salaries of the Cast Members on most nights.

I don't think it's possible to achieve any sort of self-sustaining level. Given the fireworks view, that space could command more than $1000 per night if rented out for weddings or corporate events (CR is big convention destination.) That's the relevant comparison.

We know that DVD does not own the space. In all likelihood they negotiated a sweetheart deal to use the space for several years after construction, perhaps as part of the ground lease. It's just too attractive for Disney to not look for other ways to profit sooner or later.

Once sales are done I think the absolute best we could hope for would be either a fixed schedule of a couple nights per week or some irregular schedule where members have access on nights when it is not booked for special events.

I am also sure there will be a handy dandy fee for use!!!

 

[dcamdad]

Right now I doubt the food & beverage revenues are even covering materials plus salaries of the Cast Members on most nights.

I don't think it's possible to achieve any sort of self-sustaining level. Given the fireworks view, that space could command more than $1000 per night if rented out for weddings or corporate events (CR is big convention destination.) That's the relevant comparison.

We know that DVD does not own the space. In all likelihood they negotiated a sweetheart deal to use the space for several years after construction, perhaps as part of the ground lease. It's just too attractive for Disney to not look for other ways to profit sooner or later.

Once sales are done I think the absolute best we could hope for would be either a fixed schedule of a couple nights per week or some irregular schedule where members have access on nights when it is not booked for special events.

Agreed, but we can always hope. With that location and view $5000 might be on the low side.

 

[Joan S.]

We own at BLT but have only stayed there once and that time we were on a cash reservation. I too would like to see it open to all DVC members staying on points at any of the DVC resorts. Reservations are also a good idea if they open it up to all members. Joan

 

[moericus]

Well it is February...

I can't imagine every bar/lounge in WDW is packed except TOWL.

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

well if i was in charge of operations....while we were there for
2 weeks, sorta observed a few things for addressing this
ongoing issue. basically, the top side is/can be divided into
2 major sections. the lounge & observation deck. [ there
are doors leading into the outdoor deck. based on what i
saw, they could opened the lounge for all guests with
the limitation based on fire codes. then keep the observation
area opened for dvc guests staying @ blt. while persons view
would not be as great in the lounge, that isn't the main reason
they are going to the lounge anyway? [ drinks/socializing].
secondly, families are not going there for drinking but primary
for the fireworks? i know we didn't let our children inside
the bar, especially coming across a few "working-type" girls.


take the current dvc escort, & "stationed" her @ the door on top.
also trained them so they know their job. for new years,
i noticed the parking lot was completely filled up. this was a
"change" from all other nights, where it was never half-way
filled. why? my best guess, were locals with connections,sneaking
in. pretty obvious, when i saw old pick ups loaded with
families, [ friends/neighbors] in the back. [ noticed tarps] ,
wonder if they used them, covering up as they went thru the gate?
. also they all went thru the "side" door..that was
broken. [ now maybe they went to the bridge or to the 16th floor.
but that night, the top had way too many people if there a
fire happened. * as for the bridge? they are not supposed
to be there. it has nothing to do with watching fireworks. but
if they are on that bridge, they are past the security point,
meaning safety is compromised.

speaking of safety, fyi..on christmas night, a so called worker
walked on into our room . he didn't wait for us to answer the door.
though reported, to both member services, they covered it
up by stating it was a mistake. rally? we do dcl cruises, & the time
was way too late. more alarming, we called the front desk, &
the they were not aware of any "turn down" services. deadbolt.

 

[dvcblt93]

"Old Pick Up trucks"

"Tarps"

"Working Girls"