Question about the TOTWL on BLT

[ppony]

I am a DVC member and will be staying there on points in our upcoming trip, so I know I can access the lounge. My question is though, is it all enclosed in that it's glass all the way around and no way to take fireworks photos w/o glass between you and it? Or has anyone had success w/ timed photos there? I know there are other places to do it, but I was wondering about there? Of course, it might be so crowded the camera would get bumped anyway.
Sorry I've been looking for photos or a layout by searching but the search function never seems to like me.

 

[NedsTJ]

There's an outdoor observation deck outside the TotWL. We enjoyed going up for drinks and fireworks when we stayed there. So no worries on the glass, you'll have a great view.

 

[ppony]

There's an outdoor observation deck outside the TotWL. We enjoyed going up for drinks and fireworks when we stayed there. So no worries on the glass, you'll have a great view.

AWESOME!!! Thanks!!!! We didn't get to go up there on our ONE night stay last year (it's all I could get ), so this will be fun!

 

[goopysolelady]

It's AWESOME!

The only "problem"? ~ keeping this little "hoodlum" from wanting to hold on to the ledge!

 

[ppony]

DUDE!!!!!! THANKS for the photos!!!!

 

[goopysolelady]

You're welcome! Enjoy it and post some photos when you return!

 

[ppony]

You're welcome! Enjoy it and post some photos when you return!

Will do!

 

[rjvose17]

I wouldn't worry about too much crowding. I don't know what time of year that you are going, but when we went in September of this year, we went to visit the TOTWL. It was empty each time. I talked to the attendent when she was escorting us to the elevator that takes you up there I asked her how crowded it gets. She answered me with even during busy nights she might take 150-200 people up. The night I was there she had only taken up about 25. She said like most of us photographers we go up, take our pics and then leave. Not much of a hangout. She also added that she brings her Kindle so she can read on her night shift. Her shift being 5pm to Close, which I think is midnight most nights. She also said that it's very rare for there to be any kind of crowd there even during busy times. Its not very easy to get in because they are super strict on who is able to get there and once you are there it's beautiful but unless you are there with a group it feels very cold and boring. I got some great shots at all different times of the day and night so it's worth going. Have a great time I hope that helps with the crowding part.

 

[ppony]

I wouldn't worry about too much crowding. I don't know what time of year that you are going, but when we went in September of this year, we went to visit the TOTWL. It was empty each time. I talked to the attendent when she was escorting us to the elevator that takes you up there I asked her how crowded it gets. She answered me with even during busy nights she might take 150-200 people up. The night I was there she had only taken up about 25. She said like most of us photographers we go up, take our pics and then leave. Not much of a hangout. She also added that she brings her Kindle so she can read on her night shift. Her shift being 5pm to Close, which I think is midnight most nights. She also said that it's very rare for there to be any kind of crowd there even during busy times. Its not very easy to get in because they are super strict on who is able to get there and once you are there it's beautiful but unless you are there with a group it feels very cold and boring. I got some great shots at all different times of the day and night so it's worth going. Have a great time I hope that helps with the crowding part.

Wow. Interesting! We're going in mid-Jan so I'm guessing, it'll be one of the slower times. This time we are going w/o the kids so I'm hoping to hang out for a bit. Neitehr of us drink but I think I'll HAVE to nurse a beverage for a little bit, just cuz! I don't think we'll get back w/o the kids until they have flown to coop. Relaxing w/ a beverage sounds good right NOW actually. Coke Zero will have to do. THANKS for that info!

OH, now you made me wonder, so you have to be escorted up and down to the lounge? I hadn't tried to get in before because we didn't have time and I didn't look at the elevator to see if it said "Lounge" on it. Do you take the elevator up to the top, and then get out and take another? I'll make sure we both have our DVC IDs. I know where mine is, now to find DH's.

 

[rjvose17]

Wow. Interesting! We're going in mid-Jan so I'm guessing, it'll be one of the slower times. This time we are going w/o the kids so I'm hoping to hang out for a bit. Neitehr of us drink but I think I'll HAVE to nurse a beverage for a little bit, just cuz! I don't think we'll get back w/o the kids until they have flown to coop. Relaxing w/ a beverage sounds good right NOW actually. Coke Zero will have to do. THANKS for that info!

OH, now you made me wonder, so you have to be escorted up and down to the lounge? I hadn't tried to get in before because we didn't have time and I didn't look at the elevator to see if it said "Lounge" on it. Do you take the elevator up to the top, and then get out and take another? I'll make sure we both have our DVC IDs. I know where mine is, now to find DH's.

We are going in Dec without the kiddos too but are staying off site at another timeshare that we own instead of using our DVC points. I am a little sad about that but we are saving them for a April vacation at BC in 2012. I love going without the kids for little trips, it's nice to have a little get away for mom and dad. We come home relaxed and jazzed to see the girls, plus they get some one on one time with the grandparents which is always priceless! We don't drink much either but we did nurse a beer (cost makes nursing them much easier) We now have a TIW card so that helps with getting the cost of a few adults beverages down a little.

With all that being said when we went this passed September we had to go to the conciarge (sp?) desk and had to ask to go up into the lounge. She escorted us to the elevator and used a special card that was inserted into the elevator to gain access. You don't have to be escorted down, just up. I thought that all we had to do was insert our DVC member card or our KTTW card but those don't work to gain access. She also only went as far as the elevator, not the entire ride. There was also a rope guiding people towards the elevator I am assuming making it less tempting for those thinking they can dart into the elevator before the door closes. She also even hit the button for us, im assuming that was also so we couldn't hold the door for others. Honestly I am not sure why they are so tight with this because there never seems to be many there. I wouldn't want to be the bartender because tips can't be great? I don't know though since I am not there often enough to make that judgement. The elevator is it's own elevator on the row of elevators. You only take one but then there are a few doors that you have to go through. Good luck and if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask me.

 

[ppony]

AHHHH! thanks Jan-o! I never even noticed a concierge in the BLT lobby. Shows how observant I was. I wish the lounge served light bar food. Maybe more people would go up and hang out? Last I had read about the lounge "crowds" was when it opened, so I had just assumed.... Sounds like a GREAT plan for parnets getting a little away and alone time and the kids reveling in being spoiled by grandma and grandpa back home.
OH! , had a thought.... what if we find we LIKE the little get aways! I hear that's called "add-on-itus" and teh cure for that is more points.

 

[rjvose17]

I actually have a picture of the menu that they do serve up there. There are a few light snacks. I will look for it and up load it for you I have to often hold my husband back from add-onitis! We would be part of the 1000 point club by now if it were up to him

 

[rjvose17]

Here ya go!

empty totwl by rjvose17, on Flickr

This was Top of the World Sept 15th 2011 about 6pm.


TOTWL Menu by rjvose17, on Flickr

Here is the light menu that they have.


outside totwl by rjvose17, on Flickr

Here is a pic of the outside area that they have to sit and take pictures. This is off to the side, not facing MK...to the immediate left is MK.


baileyanddad totwl by rjvose17, on Flickr

This is a pic of my DD 5 and DH at the TOTWL, it gives you an idea of how far you are away from MK. I think it's a little deceving when they say that you are close so close, you are close, but not as close as they advertise I think.

I hope these help! ENJOY