Quickie BLT trip report

[Pig Pen]

I am on lunch break and thought I would do a quickie BLT trip report. We were there for 8 nights. We arrived at MCO on 10/14 at 10:30 am. We were on ME immediately and checking into BLT by 11:45 am. We had utilized online check-in and our studio was ready so we went up to check it out before heading to MK. It was 7709, bay lake view. We were above the shuffleboard courts on the north side of the inner circle. The views were fabulous and we could hear the music from the pool.

The studio was tight, but okay for just DH and me. The kitchenette layout was not as problematic as I anticipated. I simply unplugged the hair dryer and blew my hair dry in the living room where there was a mirror over the "dining table." I did spend a lot of time mentally remodeling the floorplan. I just don't understand the architect's motives as it appears there would be plenty of room for alternatives. Oh well.

Unfortunately the black entertainment center already had big gouges in it and, boy, what a dust collector! DH loved the big flat screen TV.

We occasionally heard adjacent toilets flushing, but didn't bother us. DH was slightly disturbed over the gaps in the bathroom door and the balcony rail, but nothing to lose sleep over. Mousekeeping was fine. I am almost positive that they replaced all the water glasses and coffee cups with fresh ones on day 4, but not positive. I rewashed everything anyway...

We used the TOWL several times for fireworks watching and picture taking. Unfortunately it didn't seem well-utilized. It would be nice if they could figure out a way to offer concierge services there during certain hours.

We didn't use the pool and it didn't appear to be crowded anytime. It was 90 plus degrees the first few days, then dropped to the 60's for highs (and very windy) for the next 3 days. We fluctuated between hiding from the hot sun to scurrying to the buildings to escape the cold winds. We spent much time on the balcony enjoying the view.

We are on the fence about the overall convenience of BLT. While it's true that it's nice to be on the monorail, by the time you traverse from the far end of the new tower over to the CR, you may as well just walk to MK. Add to that the fact that the monorail has to go all away around, stopping at all the other resorts before arriving at MK, and you have killed at least 30 minutes. We ended up walking TO MK, then taking the monorail back as CR is the first stop.

Overall, we liked BLT but we prefer BWV and VWL.

 

[BayouMickey]

The whole concept of staying a BLT, is that you could walk to it. Doesn't make sense to trek to the other side of CR and get on a monorail and have to do the whole loop.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I agree that it's faster for Contemporary or Bay Lake Tower guests to use the walkway when going to the Magic Kingdom and not the Resort Monorail, if they want to get there as fast as possible. However using the Resort Monorail when going to Epcot is a major plus because it's a very quick ride to the TTC and then switching over to the Epcot Monorail, so that's a major plus for it.

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi Pig Pen,
Thank you very much for the trip report. It sounds like you had a great trip and I appreciate the feedback on BLT. I am staying there in December and looking forward to experiencing it for myself.Thanks again.
________
HOTGIRLTINA

 

[mrsminniemouse]

Thanks for the BLT report. I recently booked 5 nights in a Lake View studio for my family for next May. It will be a squash but we figured we'd be at MK most of the time. We travel from the UK and we always wake very early (5am) on the first few mornings so we though BLT would be ideal for those days so we can get a head start on MK in the mornings. Then we are hoping to move to BCV to a 2 bed for 9 nights so we can spread out and slow the pace a little. Cannot book that until next week, so fingers crossed.

Think we will aim to walk to MK and monorail home when we are all worn out. Also intend to use the monorail to eat at the other resorts.

Which floor does the Sky bridge walkway enter BLT? Trying to decide if it a postive or negative being near the bridge. Convenience vs lots of passing traffic?

How did you find food options at BLT? Was it a pain having to get over to the CR Tower for food? I guess I cannot get my head round how far or awkward it is or isn't if you know what i mean. We found getting to Jambo House for food from Kidani a bit of an inconvenience in the August heat with 2 children and 2 grandparents. No gp next time and our kids will be 3 and 7.

So excited! thanks again for your review.

Mandy

 

[Crystal_27]

Overall, we liked BLT but we prefer BWV and VWL.

Thank you so much for the review of BLT.

How did you find food options at BLT? Was it a pain having to get over to the CR Tower for food? I guess I cannot get my head round how far or awkward it is or isn't if you know what i mean.
Mandy

Mandy, I'm not the OP, but we stayed at BLT in September and I can answer some of your questions. We ate at the Contempo (CS) at the Contemporary and actually found the food to be very good. They offered flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and other standard fare items, but the selections seemed quite diverse in terms of ingredients. And, of course, you can't go wrong with Chef Mickeys or the California Grill, and I've read nothing but positive reviews of the Wave. And using the skybridge to get to and from the Contemporary was very convenient - no problems at all.

 

[mrsminniemouse]

Thanks Crystal- sounds perfect!

 

[kevmag]

Think we will aim to walk to MK and monorail home when we are all worn out. Also intend to use the monorail to eat at the other resorts.

We were just at BLT a few weeks ago, miss it already!
Our 2 favorite parks are MK and EPCOT, so we think its ideal.
We always walked to MK (10 mins approx), and usually took the monorail back (combination of being tired and also its just one stop from MK to the Comtemp).
EPCOT also easy, one stop going (from Comtemp to TTC) and then switch to the TTC/EPCOT monorail.
Also, coming back from lunch at the Boardwalk, we found its very convenient taking the bus from ANY resort to MK, and then walking to BLT from the MK bus stop.

How did you find food options at BLT? Was it a pain having to get over to the CR Tower for food? I guess I cannot get my head round how far or awkward it is or isn't if you know what i mean.

I also thought this was easy. We stayed on the 9th floor at BLT, it was simply elevator to 5th floor BLT...over the walkway...when you enter the Comtemp, you just kinda 'bear left', and that drops you right at the Comtemp Cafe.

 

[searlproudbottom]

Hello Pen

Liked your review. We were staying at Bay Lake durning the exact same time as you.
It was the first time in 25 years I didnt pack long pants, figures it would be cold for a few days but the weather did warm up nicely.

Check out my review of the tower I took some nice pictures.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2319253

Roy

 

[Pig Pen]

The skyway enters from the 4th floor of the CR, which corresponds to the 5th floor of the BLT. It's confusing at first. I imagine being on the 5th floor near the skyway would have a some traffic, but the elevator bank is also there, so most people would cross the skyway, then take the elevator up or down to their floors. I would say that being near this particular bank of elevators (on any floor) would mean additional floor traffic. There are also elevators on the north end of the building.

The other thing I forgot to mention is the weird numbering system. DH was confused the entire stay. We were on the 7th floor and ALL the floor numbers begin with 7, so he was totally lost most of the time!

I know everyone will enjoy BLT!