Our review of BLT 1BR

[K9pal]

We just returned from our first stay at BLT, four nights in a 1BR standard view (7304). We actually own at SSR, but wanted to check out the new resort. We were totally blown away by it! We did not do online check in due to issues with it the two times we've used it before. Our sole request was NOT first floor, and when we checked we found that's exactly what we had. When we nicely requested if any other units were available, Javier the CM went out of his way to find a unit that we'd like. We ended up in 7304 – PERFECT! And at least to us, the 1BR at BLT felt larger than other 1BR's. Maybe because of the open kitchen layout? So, here's our thoughts on BLT, both pro and con.

PRO:
- The huge picture window! Great views.
- The extra bathroom.
- The balcony chairs. No cheap plastic ones here.
- That wonderful walk in shower with two shower heads. Like being at a spa!
- Digital safe. Two pros here: since it's digital, no need to carry the key around with you. And it's big enough for a laptop.
- The additional oversized leather chair that makes into a bed.
- The iPod dock on the clock radio in the bedroom
- Thermostat stayed where you put it and doesn't seem to be motion activated.
- Bedding was awesome, esp. the duvet!

CON:
- No ceiling fans in the unit at all. Why??
- Lighting is terrible, especially in the bathroom. To see well enough to put on makeup, I had to stand by the window.
- No wireless internet access in the room. Why is it available in public areas, but not in the rooms? The HSIA access is always in an awkward spot, in this case on the desk in the bedroom. The cord does not reach to the bed. Yes, you can bring a router, but who wants to add to their luggage with the airline restrictions these days?

 

[Tara]

And at least to us, the 1BR at BLT felt larger than other 1BR's. Maybe because of the open kitchen layout? So, here's our thoughts on BLT, both pro and con.

It is larger than most others except OKW. (AKV Kidani is only a few sqft bigger.)

CON:
- Lighting is terrible, especially in the bathroom. To see well enough to put on makeup, I had to stand by the window.

Agreed! Although I do have this problem in almost every hotel room, not just BLT, not just Disney. I always carry a small mirror with suction cups on the back so I can stick it to the hotel window so that I have my hands free to put on my makeup.

- No wireless internet access in the room. Why is it available in public areas, but not in the rooms? The HSIA access is always in an awkward spot, in this case on the desk in the bedroom. The cord does not reach to the bed. Yes, you can bring a router, but who wants to add to their luggage with the airline restrictions these days?

I don't think it's fair to ding BLT specifically for any of this. This is the case at all Disney-owned and operated resorts. Many have wifi in their public areas; none have wifi in the rooms. Short cords and connections at the desk instead of near the bed are also the industry norm, so it's either sit at the desk, pack a long cord or pack a router. Apple's Airport Express is a great one - very compact, no wires.

 

[Native NYer]

So glad I found your review! We're staying in a 1 br Lake View in August.
Did you find the pull out couch and chair comfortable?

 

[VrBchJ]

It's incomprensible to me that there are no ceiling fans. What were they thinking? That bothered me more than the bathroom door that couldn't be locked. Or even closed tight.

 

[n2mm]

Us too. We just returned on Friday and stayed in room 7735 (LV). Agreed about most. The lighting in the bathroom is terrible. As for the internet connection, no problem there. We have a wireless travel router about 4x4 (the size of a deck of cards -- dlink travel rounter with case) and it worked like a dream. We used our netbook everywhere in the unit and no problem. This tiny rounter takes no space in the luggage. I actually keep it inside my husband's fanny pack inside the suitcase when traveling. Our thermostat was motion detected, so the OP's unit was unique. Our's actually broke and it got very warm and had to be replaced, which took several hours one day and several different thermostates to get it going again. I loved the safe and my netbook fit nicely inside of it. You can either lock it with your room card, but the same card has to be used to open and since there were several of us, we just decided on a code instead.

 

[K9pal]

So glad I found your review! We're staying in a 1 br Lake View in August.
Did you find the pull out couch and chair comfortable?

We didn't sleep on either one. The chair in particular was very comfy for sitting, and almost as wide as a love seat.

 

[Perditamarie]

We just returned as well. Here is my 2 cents on the 2 bedroom:

PROS

* chic decor and lots of room
* sleeper chair is great addition for seating and sleeping
* kitchen is well appointed and stocked
* kitchen seating is ample and comfy
* great view from skybridge and just a fun route to travel
* great view and cocktails from TOTW lounge
* busstops and walk to MK super convenient...even monorail pretty convenient
* pp was right...nice sling chairs on balcony
* convenient self drink re-fill at pool bar
* nice laundry room w/extra closet/storage space

CONS

* the pool is too small and literally packed with toddlers - need another pool for folks that want to swim and so there is elbow room - I kept looking around for another, larger pool as the main pool seemed like a kiddie pool. We won't stay here again because of the teeny tiny pool.
* 3 bathrooms would have been great -- but no one wanted to use the living area one because of no door locks!!!
* need to upgrade the coffee makers (all DVC tho)!!!
* had to have clever safe re-set before we could use it
* convenient self drink re-fill closes when pool bar does (6pm)
* sleeper sofa NOT as comfy as BC or SSR

 

[kent285]

* the pool is too small and literally packed with toddlers - need another pool for folks that want to swim and so there is elbow room - I kept looking around for another, larger pool as the main pool seemed like a kiddie pool. We won't stay here again because of the teeny tiny pool.

I agree on this one-we used the leisure pool at the CR and loved it.

 

[hakepb]

To be fair, I think pool bar refill hours between noon and 6P are typical, and very disapointing to me.

I was once excited to stay in SSR Grandstand for the refill station, and still usually had to walk to AP for most refills. I've since written off the refill mug as there's nothing quite as convient as grabbing a beverage out of your own fridge, or your own coffee pot without facing any crowds. And I really have yet to find a DVC location that makes for a convient refill location with decent hours.

 

[DVC Mike]

Glad to hear you enjoyed BLT!