SANDISW's Summer Trip to BCV and BLT - Starts Tomorrow!!

[Sandisw]

We are home and our flight back to Syracuse went off without a hitch--well, except for the fire alarm that went off as we began to board and they had to shut the doors and no one knew what it was at first!!!

We woke up early because DD wanted to hit MK one last time. DH decided it was just too rushed and stayed back in the room.

We took the luggage down at 7:15 am for RAC and to get our boarding passes. This is one of my favorite things about a Disney resort. It makes flying out so much easier. We then ate breakfast at the Contempo Cafe. DH headed back to the room to rest and DD and I headed to MK for EMH.

We got there right at 8:05 am. We headed to Space Mountain and used our DVC FP card to get some instant FP's. We knew they probably would not let us in with them right away (there was no one at the FP line yet) so we headed to Buzz, Winnie the Pooh, and Snow White. We decided we would head to Frontierland to get Splash and Big Thunder done and then go back to Space.

We have not done EMH morning hours at MK in years so I totally forgot that that part of the park is NOT OPEN!!! I had everything timed so that we could ride it all and get back to the resort to leave by 10:15 am.

We ended up having to wait near Liberty Square for 20 minutes until they dropped the rope. They lead us the entire way but of course, people started going really fast and someone stepped on DD's flip flop and it came apart. Of course, we were in a stampede of people so I couldn't let her stop. She had to walk almost the entire way to Splash with one flip flop as I frantically tried to fix it and prayed that she didn't step in anything of YUCK!!

I got it set just as we made it to the steps (thank god)! We were going to use up the DVC FP's but the stand by line was quick so we did that. When we exited, it was 9:20 and still needed to do Space. We gave away our last DVC FP card to a nice family and headed back to Tomorrowland, walking quite fast as we were now behind schedule.

It was our last day and it was the first time I was pushing us in a "commando" style way--ironic, isn't it? We did get to Space, used up the FP's and then headed out of the park.

Although it was hot, we really enjoyed getting in our last "fix" before leaving as it will be a full year before we return.

I know many of you are waiting for pictures and I will get some posted as soon as I can, especially of the view. I realized that I didn't take as many as I usually do but as DD said, things don't change that much!!!

Someone had been wondering about our room. We were in #7604, LV 1 bedroom. We requested even #'d room only but were hoping for this side and got it. DH said, however, that he would like to try the southern end next summer (see I told you he would change his mind!!) so that is what I request when I book the trip in just 31 short days!!!

Here are some things about BLT:

1. Mousekeeping was quick to respond. We did not have a TV remote for the bedroom. Called and it was brought up within 5 minutes.

2. Each bathroom had two extra rolls of toilet paper in addition to the roll on the holder. I know some have had issue with this but our mousekeeper left us stocked really well! We also had 8 bath towels--4 in each bathroom.

3. Not many CM's know were the ice machine is as we were sent a few places. We finally found it on Floor 4, right across from room ending in 26.

4. The walk from our end to Contempo Cafe is quick and not that much longer than what we had at Beach Club. I still don't get why people think having to go the CR for everything for BLT is any different than the other DVC resorts which all share check in, food, etc. with the hotel side.

5. The doors into the CR from the skybridge are automatic and sometimes get stuck for a few seconds. DO NOT pull on them as DD tried and got her toe cut. Just hit the Handicap button and they will open the rest of the way.

6. Having a washer and dryer to use during the trips is a god send!

7. If you want to reduce the pressure in the shower, just push the tab all the way over to turn it on and then move it back some. It lowers it enough that you can shower without losing skin.

8. The sleeper chair was more comfortable, according to DD, than the sleeper sofa at BCV. She choose to sleep in this all 3 nights.

9. The air conditioner seemed to run constantly and kept the room quite chilled the whole time. It seemed to be motion activated at times, but it never got warm at night.

10. The ice maker takes a while to actually make ice. If you leave it on, it will give it to you eventually.

All and all, it was a great trip with no issues along the way. The biggest thing I realized is that I can now really enjoy WDW without feeling guilty about how much (or how little) I spend in the parks each day. Being flexible and going with the flow allows for a vacation that actually feels like a vacation and not a hectic attempt to enjoy. DVC just rocks!!!!

 

[LoveKermit]

How new are you to DVC? Was this one of the first trips?

My in-laws are the owners, but we stayed at BWV in January and I said after one day, I understood what people meant about it changing the way you vacation. We are semi-commando.

We are taking a last-minute trip next weekend. We are only doing 2 park days (at the moment) and will head to the beach one day. We don't leave until 8 PM on the day we leave and DH doesn't want to go to a park--which shocks me. He just wants to relax in the morning. We know we'll be back.....

And we're spoiled both on amenities (kitchen) and size of the room. It's so fun!

 

[Sandisw]

How new are you to DVC? Was this one of the first trips?

My in-laws are the owners, but we stayed at BWV in January and I said after one day, I understood what people meant about it changing the way you vacation. We are semi-commando.

We are taking a last-minute trip next weekend. We are only doing 2 park days (at the moment) and will head to the beach one day. We don't leave until 8 PM on the day we leave and DH doesn't want to go to a park--which shocks me. He just wants to relax in the morning. We know we'll be back.....

And we're spoiled both on amenities (kitchen) and size of the room. It's so fun!

We jointed in February 2009 so this was only our 3rd DVC trip. Last summer, we stayed a full week, trying out BWV, VWL, and BLT. DD and I did a quick 2 night trip to BLT in December.

 

[Sandisw]

Partial MK view (no zoom)

Lake View to the right

Straight on view from the balcony

Zoomed in
view

Fireworks from BLT balcony

 

[Sandisw]

 

[rentayenta]

Look how cute you are! I pictured you blonde probably because the only Sandy I know IRL is blonde.




Technically was the a Lake View or MK View?

 

[Sandisw]

Look how cute you are! I pictured you blonde probably because the only Sandy I know IRL is blonde.




Technically was the a Lake View or MK View?

You are too funny!!! Yes, this was a LV room. Some might have a problem with it as it did have the tree in front and thus should be SV points. I believe the room right below us was.

However, for DH and I, the view to the right was the lake and the most important part, was that we had a great view of the fireworks from the balcony. Therefore, we feel we got MK view with LV points so all is good.

As much as we loved the BCV location, we talked last night at TOTWL while waiting for the fireworks and decided that there is just nothing that compares to the location of BLT, for us so if our view is not a "perfect" one, we are fine with that.

 

[rentayenta]

You are too funny!!! Yes, this was a LV room. Some might have a problem with it as it did have the tree in front and thus should be SV points. I believe the room right below us was.

However, for DH and I, the view to the right was the lake and the most important part, was that we had a great view of the fireworks from the balcony. Therefore, we feel we got MK view with LV points so all is good.

As much as we loved the BCV location, we talked last night at TOTWL while waiting for the fireworks and decided that there is just nothing that compares to the location of BLT, for us so if our view is not a "perfect" one, we are fine with that.

Just wondering because BLT is suddenly on the December table and I liked the lake part of your view, the MK though, not so much. I really hate looking at parking lots. Is the MK view always over and past the parking lot? Does that even makes sense?

 

[Sandisw]

Just wondering because BLT is suddenly on the December table and I liked the lake part of your view, the MK though, not so much. I really hate looking at parking lots. Is the MK view always over and past the parking lot? Does that even makes sense?

Yes, it makes sense. There is no way to avoid having to look at the parking lot at BLT and see the MK at the same time.

It is right in front. I think if you get an MK view room and are on the higher floor, you can avoid seeing it that much from inside the room. But, if you are on the balcony you are going to see some of it, but have to train your eyes to avoid it.

I probably should clarify that we were happy with the view because of the fireworks, as that would be the only reason we would even choose an MK view anyway. It was nice that DD could stay in the room to watch them last night as DH and I headed to TOTWL to view them.

Unless we are at the ocean, views are not that important to us so having to view the parking lot, tennis courts, etc. is fine. I actually spent some time one day watching two people play tennis.

 

[daisyduck123]

2. Each bathroom had two extra rolls of toilet paper in addition to the roll on the holder. I know some have had issue with this but our mousekeeper left us stocked really well! We also had 8 bath towels--4 in each bathroom.

We stayed a few doors down from your room when we were there last month (room # 7612). We were also in a 1BR and had an abundance of towels, hand towels, & washcloths. Maybe it's the same mousekeeper.

 

[rentayenta]

Yes, it makes sense. There is no way to avoid having to look at the parking lot at BLT and see the MK at the same time.

It is right in front. I think if you get an MK view room and are on the higher floor, you can avoid seeing it that much from inside the room. But, if you are on the balcony you are going to see some of it, but have to train your eyes to avoid it.

I probably should clarify that we were happy with the view because of the fireworks, as that would be the only reason we would even choose an MK view anyway. It was nice that DD could stay in the room to watch them last night as DH and I headed to TOTWL to view them.

Unless we are at the ocean, views are not that important to us so having to view the parking lot, tennis courts, etc. is fine. I actually spent some time one day watching two people play tennis.

Thanks for the inisghts! We'll go for the LV is BLT wins.

 

[mecllap]

Sandi -- great to see the photos of you. We were in the purchasing process at about the same time, and I enjoyed reading your posts then -- fun to see you "in person." I'm going to stay at BLT 3 nights at the end of this month for the scrapbooking convention (SDV) -- even tho I didn't think buying there would be a good choice for me (I just went with the lower resale cost of SSR). Glad you're enjoying BLT as much as you expected. Hope to see more photos. Thanks for doing a TR!

 

[5forDiz]

That's an awesome view you had at BLT Enjoyed reading your TR & your experiences with crowds, FPs. Sounds like TOWL is getting more guests too, that's good Do you recommend taking time out to do BLT tour ?; we'll be at WDW beginning Aug 18 for 6 days & we often like to take break from parks so we've been considering it. How much time does it take & how far in advance did you reserve ?

Thanks
Laura

 

[mdsd8700]

Loved your TR! It was great going along with you. Loved the pictures of you and your family as well. Somehow I pictured you as a blonde too. Isn't that funny how we all make a mental image. Thanks so much for your thoughts and opinions it is always good to hear from those who've been there so we can all get an idea of what to expect. Our first trip home to BLT isn't until next June so we will have to live through the experiences of those on the DisBoards until then. We did stay at VGC in July so I am anxious to compare the two resorts. Glad your trip was awesome and if you post anymore pictures I will be sure to look for them.

 

[Sandisw]

That's an awesome view you had at BLT Enjoyed reading your TR & your experiences with crowds, FPs. Sounds like TOWL is getting more guests too, that's good Do you recommend taking time out to do BLT tour ?; we'll be at WDW beginning Aug 18 for 6 days & we often like to take break from parks so we've been considering it. How much time does it take & how far in advance did you reserve ?

Thanks
Laura

I would say yes. We signed up on Saturday (while at Epcot) for the Monday tour. We got there and signed in around 12:45 pm and were brought up to TOTWL at 1:00 pm. They had iced tea, water, coffee, mini sandwiches, and choco coverd cheesecakes on sticks (yummy!). The presentation went until around 2:00 pm and then we did a quick tour. We were done by 2:15 pm and did not meet with a guide to add on (will be doing that from home).

It was our move day from BCV to BLT so I knew we were going to be homeless so thought it was a great way to kill an hour or so someplace cool!!And, we did get lanyards, pins, a tote bag (grocery store kind), and a chance to win $100 GC. So, all and all, a great time! Oh, and the DVC FP cards!!!

 

[5forDiz]

Sounds like fun and it may speed up our time table for add-on which would be fine by me That is good idea you had doing tour on day you switched resorts we're doing split stay too so on day we move to SSR I think we'll try to schedule if tour is available ( well at least DH & I will go, doubt our kids 22, 19 & 13 will but they can go to MK together ).

Many thanks for info.

~Laura

 

[Mick@Tink]

Sandi,

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your TR.....especially the pictures of you and your family! Someone else posted that they thought you would be a blonde. I thought you would be older..........sorry! You are definitely much, much younger than I pictured. Wanted to let you know that I've always enjoyed your informative posts and look forward to reading many more. Your posts have helped me and many others.

Bill

 

[Sandisw]

Sandi,

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your TR.....especially the pictures of you and your family! Someone else posted that they thought you would be a blonde. I thought you would be older..........sorry! You are definitely much, much younger than I pictured. Wanted to let you know that I've always enjoyed your informative posts and look forward to reading many more. Your posts have helped me and many others.

Bill

Thanks so much!!!

 

[HotdogDncrs]

Thanks for the great TR Sandi! We are heading down to BLT and Kidani next week, and reading about your trip has made the wait more bearable

We are thinking about adding on again - we did the BLT tour/reception when we were there in March (and added on then as well), but aren't sure if we want to go through the whole presentation again. Do you remember what the current incentives were for BLT add-ons?

I tried getting in touch with my guide, but his email states that he is off on the Disney Dream until February

TIA

 

[DizGirl20]

Hi Sandi - Great trip report! I don't know how I missed it (cause for some reason I remember your countdown ticker for the last few months) but I did!

So keep us posted about the add-on thing. I was laughing to myself b/c we stayed at BCV back in May and loved it, esp SAB and access to Epcot. DH said we didn't need any more points until we stayed there! Long story short, I came home and started checking the resale sites for a small 100-point contract at BCV with the same UY. Wouldn't you know it, on same day I get notification there are 2 available 100-point contracts with our UY available - 1 at BCV and 1 at AKV (where we currently own). What to do, what to do?!?!? We ended up going with AKV for more points at our home resort. But a BCV add-on is definitely in our future (we'll probably wait 3-5 years)! Anyhow, I totally get where you are coming from. It's nice to have to make such a difficult decision...

Glad you survived the heat and had a great time!