Reimagine the Top of the World lounge

[chicagodisneyguy]

We own at BLT and have stayed there quite a bit. We really enjoy having a night cap after getting back from the parks or a few evening drinks pre or post dinner if it was a resort day. We really prefer to have that option in-house....versus having to travel to GF, Poly, or even the CR.

I am hopeful Disney can figure out how to monetize the space where they find it worthwhile and still allowing access to the greatest amount of members....especially the ones staying at BLT

 

[Mexacajun]

Is there any timing on this? It is frustrating to say, “hey we are gonna open one day” and then have no clue when that day could possibly be.

 

[Sandisw]

Is there any timing on this? It is frustrating to say, “hey we are gonna open one day” and then have no clue when that day could possibly be.

Not yet…but the fact that they mentioned, is a plus in the right direction.

My guess is it will open around July 4th.

 

[Sandisw]

Agreed, and even that didn’t really work

Which is why I see it being some level of a paid event when it opens and the observation deck no longer being free to just come for fireworks and leave.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

The current nighttime show on MK depends quite a bit on projections on the castle, which would not really be visible from TOTW. Not sure a paid event will be a big draw for that particular show

 

[Robbie Cottam]

The current nighttime show on MK depends quite a bit on projections on the castle, which would not really be visible from TOTW. Not sure a paid event will be a big draw for that particular show

No but a paid even, like birthday parties, weddings, ice cream etc, that don’t depend on the fireworks might work well.

 

[Sandisw]

The current nighttime show on MK depends quite a bit on projections on the castle, which would not really be visible from TOTW. Not sure a paid event will be a big draw for that particular show

Which might mean any type of paid even for owners would need to be priced accordingly to account for just fireworks.

No matter what happens, Disney wants it to make money and I only see it coming back with the same free option is if it was doing well enough before the closure. Some nights we were there, the lounge was indeed full.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

But again, full doesn't mean "spending money."

 

[Sandisw]

But again, full doesn't mean "spending money."

My assessment was they were. Bar was full with people with drinks…tables with drinks and foods, so lots of action in the lounge with people enjoying themselves.

 

[Gr8scott]

Whatever the re-imagined version is it would be nice if it’s an improved benefit for the DVC owners community with something new to offer. We need a win….

With BLT being my home resort we miss having the TOTWL open as it was a great perk of staying there (as well as marketed one when we originally purchased our contracts). We’ll be bummed if it ends up being perceived as another price gouge attempt, and pray it’s not going to another paid desert party/fireworks dining location.

 

[_19disnA]

Using Disney's definitions...................'reimagined = more expensive'

We ate dinner many years ago at the Top of the World and I seem to recall it was a restaurant on the top floor of the Contemporary. BLT didn't yet exist.

 

[CarolynFH]

Using Disney's definitions...................'reimagined = more expensive'

We ate dinner many years ago at the Top of the World and I seem to recall it was a restaurant on the top floor of the Contemporary. BLT didn't yet exist.

Yes, when DSis and I visited in 1976 the Top of the World was the deluxe restaurant/supper club - with dancing, I believe - at CR in the space California Grill now occupies. I can still remember the posters in the Poly, where we stayed. For many years I hoped to dine there "someday," but by the time I got back to WDW in 1994, it was gone! I think the BLT TOTWL was named as a tribute to that restaurant.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

I think getting married up their would be pretty awesome….with the castle as the backdrop for the photos

 

[Sandisw]

I think getting married up their would be pretty awesome….with the castle as the backdrop for the photos

The announcement, so far, is about it being something available to DVC. It certainly doesn't sound like it is going to be open to the public for events like weddings. Not that they can't do those things if they decide, but I am hoping since they announced it via DVC, it will remain a place exclusive for DVC owners and guests, even if those events are private paid events.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

The announcement, so far, is about it being something available to DVC. It certainly doesn't sound like it is going to be open to the public for events like weddings. Not that they can't do those things if they decide, but I am hoping since they announced it via DVC, it will remain a place exclusive for DVC owners and guests, even if those events are private paid events.

DVC weddings

 

[Robbie Cottam]

In all seriousness, I loved that the Top of the World was a DVC exclusive and would love to see it stay that way. Many of the private clubs I have belong to, required the MEMBERS subsidies the losses. Will DVD pick up the loses of commercial space that they are renting in the BLT? I don't know the answer to that.

I can only assume that TOW was not turning a profit if they want to reimagine it.

IF Disney or any of the Alphabet companies turned TOW in to a high end Restaurant (like the original) I would absolutely eat there, maybe once a trip. I'm not sure how many other DVC owners would. So would you then open it to anyone staying on points? Again, I'm sure most of my renters would also not go there, and I'm basing that one the number of people that asked me if the dinning plan was really worth it over the years. However, where is the kitchen going to be? Is there any room in the BLT for a kitchen? I don't know the answer to that. Maybe a fixed menu that can be prepared in the Contemporary and finished in the TOW? IDK how high end that would be.

If it is some type of convertible space. Ice cream parties are a great idea. however, that business model is 12p to 9p maybe 10p. Then the question turns to, how much do you have to change to make the space profitable.

Private parties, yes that also could be an option, however, we come back to the Kitchen question. Could the party be "Catered" out of the Kitchens in the Comtemporary? Most likely this is a viable option.

Personally, I think the space needs to operate for more of the day to pay for the real estate it occupies.

I would say, If the intent is to keep the location member exclusive, it need to make money from 7a until 10 pm daily.

To do that in that locals the space needs to transform. Yes labor intensive, but not overly so.

7am to 11am DVC exclusive Breakfast with Mickey. The mouse is very selective were he eats and DVC Can dine with him.... It would be a great marketing tool, without getting into the Blue White argument.

It would have value because it would be a DVC only, easier to book ADR. You charge the same $40/ person or whatever the going rate at Cape May, or the Crystal Palace, etc.

The food is brought over catering style, because well it is a buffet. I you would a small allergy kitchen.

Kids get to have breakfast with Mickey, Parents don't spend hours trying to book and open to the public dinning ADR.

12p to 3:30p. Exclusive Ice cream and pizza parties..... Or should the Pizza be first.... Maybe 3 seatings.... Again, pizza come over catering style.

4p to 11p or later if you pay...... Private venue, catered food, Say your I DO's with the fire works in the back ground, birthday parties.... Retirement, Corporate functions..... etc. If nothing is booked xxx in advance the venue is the TOW lounge
4p to 11p thurs to Sunday the TOW lounge, better menu,

I think, IMHO, this adds value for DVC owners, DVD, DVC sales department.....

Just my two cents

 

[Sandisw]

In all seriousness, I loved that the Top of the World was a DVC exclusive and would love to see it stay that way. Many of the private clubs I have belong to, required the MEMBERS subsidies the losses. Will DVD pick up the loses of commercial space that they are renting in the BLT? I don't know the answer to that.

I can only assume that TOW was not turning a profit if they want to reimagine it.

IF Disney or any of the Alphabet companies turned TOW in to a high end Restaurant (like the original) I would absolutely eat there, maybe once a trip. I'm not sure how many other DVC owners would. So would you then open it to anyone staying on points? Again, I'm sure most of my renters would also not go there, and I'm basing that one the number of people that asked me if the dinning plan was really worth it over the years. However, where is the kitchen going to be? Is there any room in the BLT for a kitchen? I don't know the answer to that. Maybe a fixed menu that can be prepared in the Contemporary and finished in the TOW? IDK how high end that would be.

If it is some type of convertible space. Ice cream parties are a great idea. however, that business model is 12p to 9p maybe 10p. Then the question turns to, how much do you have to change to make the space profitable.

Private parties, yes that also could be an option, however, we come back to the Kitchen question. Could the party be "Catered" out of the Kitchens in the Comtemporary? Most likely this is a viable option.

Personally, I think the space needs to operate for more of the day to pay for the real estate it occupies.

I would say, If the intent is to keep the location member exclusive, it need to make money from 7a until 10 pm daily.

To do that in that locals the space needs to transform. Yes labor intensive, but not overly so.

7am to 11am DVC exclusive Breakfast with Mickey. The mouse is very selective were he eats and DVC Can dine with him.... It would be a great marketing tool, without getting into the Blue White argument.

It would have value because it would be a DVC only, easier to book ADR. You charge the same $40/ person or whatever the going rate at Cape May, or the Crystal Palace, etc.

The food is brought over catering style, because well it is a buffet. I you would a small allergy kitchen.

Kids get to have breakfast with Mickey, Parents don't spend hours trying to book and open to the public dinning ADR.

12p to 3:30p. Exclusive Ice cream and pizza parties..... Or should the Pizza be first.... Maybe 3 seatings.... Again, pizza come over catering style.

4p to 11p or later if you pay...... Private venue, catered food, Say your I DO's with the fire works in the back ground, birthday parties.... Retirement, Corporate functions..... etc. If nothing is booked xxx in advance the venue is the TOW lounge
4p to 11p thurs to Sunday the TOW lounge, better menu,

I think, IMHO, this adds value for DVC owners, DVD, DVC sales department.....

Just my two cents

Right now, it’s leased by Disney so they take on the profit and loss..it’s why it’s closure and when it opens is all up to them.

Any attempt by DVD to use it for the sole purpose of membership extras..would be paid for by them like Epcot lounge. If they did, then I think it would be something similar with them having snacks and soda but with the bar so adult drinks could be purchased.

Now, having it open more and having paid events like you suggest could work for Disney to run it if they felt it would be worthwhile.

Some of those ideas would be a nice addition to the space but not sure how popular they would be to make it worth it for them.

When they had the semi CL situation at Reunion Station at WL, it didn’t do well and was shut down.

Since this isn’t in a park, and not that easy to get to, I don’t know how many guests would be there during the daytime

Without any kitchen type facilities, ongoing food could be tough

I just hope it’s open when I go in a July..not expecting in 2 weeks..and it’s not a huge change.

I definitely think it will remain available for all DVC and not become a membership extras benefit.

But unique opportunities would be nice!

 

[keishashadow]

some type of paid option would not be a surprise. I would be very surprised if it restricts resale members, and not too surprised if it opens to all & requires reservations. YMMV.

a small pp cover charge is reasonable to me, not to be confused with a table charge to apply equally to both small & large groups.

wouldn’t want to see it set high & include gratuitous snacks (soda/chips etc. sort of thing). Food offerings were so limited and rather disappointing in the past.

nor, would i want to see even a modified dessert party offered, even if half the price of what is in the parks. Don’t think members would support it.

lastly, sigh, would hate to see another hoop to jump thru via reservations. Was always nice to be able to stop by relatively spur of the moment.

 

[CarolMN]

lastly, sigh, would hate to see another hoop to jump thru via reservations. Was always nice to be able to stop by relatively spur of the moment.

Me, too. I really just want to pop up to the deck to watch the fireworks. Would be nice to see them set up a drink cart (paid) on the deck with both alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages - like hot chocolate and lemonade.

 

[CraigInPA]

I think getting married up their would be pretty awesome….with the castle as the backdrop for the photos

The castle is really far away, and a LOT lower than the 16th floor of BLT. It wouldn't appear in the background of wedding photos.