Save blt totwl for dvc members

[Alan_BLT_2009]

I am interested in keeping the Top of The World Lounge (TOTWL) at Bay Lake Tower (BLT) accessible by DVC Members staying at BLT. The idea of Disney converting to a rentable space before I get to to visit my home resort once, concerns me. Please post your comments.

 

[Chuck S]

The bottom line is that the lounge has to be profitable to continue to operate. I think it was likely somewhat poorly designed, in that the downstairs prep/kitchen area is to small to consider serving anything resembling a full meal.

I would expect it to be opened to all DVC members, whether staying at BLT or not, or open to the general public, if the profit isn't there to keep it operating. If that fails, then it will close and be used as needed for private events.

 

[msteddom]

I know I'll be using it when I'm there in January. It would be sad to lose such a beautiful space.

Melissa

 

[robert@dvcstore]

When I stayed at BLT in September, I was taking to a friend of mine who works the front desk at the Contemporary. He told me that the Top of the World Lounge does not belong to DVC. It belongs to the Contemporary. DVC has the rights to use the lounge, but the hotel also has the rights to rent and use the space if they wish.

I too hope that the members will use the lounge to where it is profitable and remains exclusive to DVC members.

Robert

 

[DebbieB]

When I stayed at BLT in September, I was taking to a friend of mine who works the front desk at the Contemporary. He told me that the Top of the World Lounge does not belong to DVC. It belongs to the Contemporary. DVC has the rights to use the lounge, but the hotel also has the rights to rent and use the space if they wish.

I too hope that the members will use the lounge to where it is profitable and remains exclusive to DVC members.

Robert

It's been posted that there is wording in the BLT contract that states this. TOTW is not part of the timeshare, which means it is not owned by the members.

I would expect them to keep it exclusive while they are selling BLT as a sales tool.

 

[jennypenny]

Didn't Boardwalk have a similar lounge when it opened? And I believe they now rent it out and no longer let members use it.

Does anyone else remember this?

 

[robert@dvcstore]

Yes, although I cannot remember the name of the lounge right now. It is located above JellyRolls and has a wonderful view of Crescent Lake and Spaceship Earth. The lounge did not have bar service available like Top of the World, but nice seating inside and a big deck outside overlooking the Atlantic Dance Hall. Oh memories.

Robert

 

[DebbieB]

Didn't Boardwalk have a similar lounge when it opened? And I believe they now rent it out and no longer let members use it.

Does anyone else remember this?

Yes, it is called The Attic. I don't know if members actually used it at one time, I wasn't a member when BWV opened (1996). It's at the end of the third floor, next to Jellyrolls. I had a room at that end one time and they were having meetings/receptions in there.

 

[dizfan]

Yes, although I cannot remember the name of the lounge right now. It is located above JellyRolls and has a wonderful view of Crescent Lake and Spaceship Earth. The lounge did not have bar service available like Top of the World, but nice seating inside and a big deck outside overlooking the Atlantic Dance Hall. Oh memories.

Robert

I've read that the BW lounge was called The Attic.

 

[Halle]

Is there talk that TOTWL is in jeopardy of closing? We were there twice on our trip 3 weeks ago. Our only regret was that we waited until the last two nights to go. It appeared that the majority came to view the fireworks and then left. We did our part ordering drinks, flatbreads and desserts. It is a spectacular lounge, made DH want to add on points at BLT.
We stayed at BWV a few months after it opened. We peeked into the Attic, basically a room, not in the same league as TOTWL.

 

[spiceycat]

talked to the guy who is responsible for renting these places. He say he was told that members (US) actually own ToW. (you meet at lot of Disney employees at TOW)

told him that we were told that Disney (not CR) owned the place.

right now would think that CR would be allowing their top paying guest to use it - if possible. you have only to look over at the crowds at California Grill vs the few of us at TOW - to know it would be popular.

Disney does own - but not the CR.

really expecting it to be rented to brides. that say ever few have their wedding receptions at night - so maybe it can be a join use.

allow the day time to be for wedding and night time us.

of course the night before we probably couldn't use it - to set up for the party.

It is really a pretty wonderful place - go see if you can.

 

[TDC Nala]

Don't see why it can't operate as both. When it's not rented out they can open it to members. It's not going to be rented every single night. Is there some rumor or other rumbling out there that it will be shut down completely to become special event only space?

 

[jdg345]

From what I understand, they're not seeing the amount of traffic they expected at TOTWL which is why there has been some talk of making it accessible to any DVC Member staying on points, regardless of their resort. You would still need to have a valid/active reservation.

For now though, I don't think they've changed anything. I believe you still need to be a DVC Member staying on points at BLT to access TOTWL.

 

[spiceycat]

From what I understand, they're not seeing the amount of traffic they expected at TOTWL which is why there has been some talk of making it accessible to any DVC Member staying on points, Regardless of their resort.

Disney (my opinion) is not saying this is for members only staying at BLT

they might get more if they did. plus they might get more buyers at BLT.

 

[dvc4life]

Ummmmmm, this is one of the reasons we bought in. We thought this was for us DVC members that owned at BLT. Our first stay here will be in September after the DVC Members Cruise, 2010. I certainly hope it is not closed or rented out at the time we are there. If they are having problems with use why not open it up to all DVC Members staying at WDW no matter where they are staying? I would love to go there in March when we are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I mean who wouldn't rather go there to watch the fireworks than fight the crowds at the park? I know my family would love it. Maybe have a snack and glass of wine and relax while watching the fireworks. That is right up our alley. Please tell me I am not alone in my thinking???? ?????

 

[CarolMN]

My DH & I are at BLT right now. We arrived yesterday and went up to the TOTWL last night. It is still exclusive to DVC members using their membership at BLT.

We watched both IllumiNations and Wishes fromt he deck - WISHES is especially impressive, much better than at the CG. They do pipe the music in.

I expected the TOTWL to be crowded since it was the Saturday night of Thanksgiving weekend, but it really wasn't. Plenty of room to sit in the lounge and plenty of room out on the deck. We each had a Bailey's, so we're doing our part to keep it going.

We're heading back up in just a bit to see Holiday Wishes. Tonight is a MVMCP. =

Hope they have something hot to drink - I'm bringing gloves tonight.

 

[toniosmom]

Count me in with those that want to see TOTWL opened to DVC members staying on points at any resort for a couple of reasons.

First....if I went there as a non-BLT owner and really enjoyed the experience, I might be tempted to buy points there.

Second....it would be nice to have that as a perk. I'd love to walk over to BLT after a day at the park and watch the fireworks at TOTWL before heading home to wherever I might be staying.

JMHO

 

[robertdangelo]

I hope to experience TOTWL our 1st trip to BLT in 2010 too! I understand what the fine print states in our contract. It was presented from day 1 as a perk... If they take it away, it's like the old "Bait & Switch" sales tactic.

 

[spiceycat]

not really - because your contract says it does not belong to you.

now with BWV it was definitely bait and switch - they took it away the first month.

if you let all the members in - then you have the same reason that Disney took back the Attic too many people would want to be there.

if you want to experience ToW then just stay at BLT.

 

[dizfan]

I've gone back and forth on whether they should open TOTWL up to everyone or not.

On the one hand, I'm afraid of losing access altogether.

On the other hand, I like the keycard access requirement. Just feels safer when we have nieces and nephews with us.

Eventually, I think DVC members will eventually lose access. We knew this before we signed our contract, which is why we plan to stay at BLT and use it while we can.