Save blt totwl for dvc members

[tjkraz]

But it would be bad for Contemporary guests, because that would mean all they have left is the Tower rooms and it would make it harder to stay there. There are sometimes when their rooms are sold out months ahead because of convention groups, so having the Garden Wing helps and that would make it impossible for guests going there on vacation to make a reservation. So I am trying to look at this from a different prespective and I hope you can understand that.

Disney stands to make about $1.2 billion (at today's prices) on point sales for an identical tower. If frequent CR guests are worried about not getting a cash room when they want it, I suspect Disney's response would be to suggest buying into DVC at the Contemporary.

Bottom line is that a CR with three total towers would have quite a few more rooms than the CR did with one tower and the two garden wings.

Also even if they did build another DVC tower one thing they couldn't add is another skybridge to the 4th floor. Looking at where the current Garden Wing building is it would go right into Chef Mickey's and there is no way they would be taking out Chef Mickey's to make room for it.

Again, not exactly a deal-breaker in light of over a billion dollars in potential revenue.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Disney stands to make about $1.2 billion (at today's prices) on point sales for an identical tower. If frequent CR guests are worried about not getting a cash room when they want it, I suspect Disney's response would be to suggest buying into DVC at the Contemporary.

Bottom line is that a CR with three total towers would have quite a few more rooms than the CR did with one tower and the two garden wings.



Again, not exactly a deal-breaker in light of over a billion dollars in potential revenue.

Well since their Garden Wing rooms are the least expensive of the Monorail Resorts, that makes them very popular with those who can not afford the Tower rooms and one reason why it would be a shame to see them get demoilshed.

 

[Sandisw]

I personally think that they will open it up to all BLT guests, DVC and cash, before they make it available to all DVC members.

The whole issue is spending money in the lounge and it seems that those staying at the resort, who can go up 20 minutes before the fireworks are more likely to spend money than those that are not staying there.

Opening it up to all DVC may increase traffic in terms of the fireworks but will it bring in revenue? That is the real question.

 

[TDC Nala]

wow, we just wished there was some sort of forethought..regarding

this. we don't want a "drinking~hole" there just to keep it going!

..security is the issue for us. we brought blt....for a disney's room

& doing our disney vacations. if this was to opened up, then
disney just compromised our safety. [ while @ the c.s.
resort...they had alot problems..with crashers....related to
some sort of convention. ]

we didn't buy blt..for the lounge....& as far as iam concern , they
have no right....to put a bar..where patrons could wander around
to the guests' floors. sooo if they can't create..a complete separate
entrance...then closed the bar, or switched it to something...
more in line ..with disney..like an ice cream shop. after all, it is
next..to the magic kingdom.

is there an open bar..@ any of the other dvc resorts?

You have a problem because there is a lounge at the resort where people can get a drink? If proximity to the MK makes a difference they should take the bars out of the other monorail resorts too. No way that's going to happen.

All the DVC (and non-DVC) resorts have bars which are open to anyone staying anywhere, even offsite. BLT is the only resort with a RESTRICTED bar. And it's not accessible through guest room corridors.

 

[Chuck S]

we didn't buy blt..for the lounge....& as far as iam concern , they
have no right....to put a bar..where patrons could wander around
to the guests' floors. sooo if they can't create..a complete separate
entrance...then closed the bar, or switched it to something...
more in line ..with disney..like an ice cream shop. after all, it is
next..to the magic kingdom.

is there an open bar..@ any of the other dvc resorts?

I don't understand how having it be an ice cream shop would be any different. It would still need to be open and profitable. All other Disney resorts and DVC resorts have public access for dining, shopping, and lounges/bars. Why should BLT be different if they have some sort of shop/bar/food services area?

 

[Starr W.]

You have a problem because there is a lounge at the resort where people can get a drink? If proximity to the MK makes a difference they should take the bars out of the other monorail resorts too. No way that's going to happen.

Drinking around the Monorail is a popular adult-activity.

 

[disneynutz]

This issue was discussed at length in a thread here on the DIS a couple of months ago. Here is what we/I found out then:

The TOTW and TOTWL belong to Disney, not DVD or the DVC. We are currently just using them.

The privilege can be taken away at any time without notice.

DVD is currently using access to the TOTW and TOTWL as a marketing tool.

Meetings were held within Disney Management to decide how long DVD would subsidies the venue, opening access to all Guests staying at BLT, currently 50% DVC Members and 50% cash Guests, and allowing access to Contemporary Concierge Guests was also discussed.

The venue will not be opened to DVC Members staying at other resorts. BLT is a access controlled building.

Bottom line is that Disney/DVC/DVD won't pay to keep the TOTW and TOTWL open. Just like the won't pay for free Valet.

Bill

 

[Chuck S]

The venue will not be opened to DVC Members staying at other resorts. BLT is a access controlled building.

Bottom line is that Disney/DVC/DVD won't pay to keep the TOTW and TOTWL open. Just like the won't pay for free Valet.

Bill

But the access control would be easy to change, to allow all DVCers access. I don't think "controlled access" to the building itself is guaranteed anywhere in the POS. The card reader would simply need to be reprogrammed to look for all DVC resort coding, as in resort code 16 = OKW, and then look to see if the DVC Member notation is present (if they incode that on the magnetic strip). It beats closing the venue completely, or opening it to everyone at the Contemporary.

 

[disneynutz]

But the access control would be easy to change, to allow all DVCers access. I don't think "controlled access" to the building itself is guaranteed anywhere in the POS. The card reader would simply need to be reprogrammed to look for all DVC resort coding, as in resort code 16 = OKW, and then look to see if the DVC Member notation is present (if they incode that on the magnetic strip). It beats closing the venue completely, or opening it to everyone at the Contemporary.

I don't see that happening. What is the benefit to Disney to let DVC Members from other resorts come over to BLT? This would create transportation issues, additional work for the Guard screening Members who are driving their own cars and parking enforcement issues. Folks waiting for elevators and rushing to get to the top floor to watch a 30 minute show and then leaving in mass after the show could be a real problem.

Bill

 

[spiceycat]

But the access control would be easy to change, to allow all DVCers access. I don't think "controlled access" to the building itself is guaranteed anywhere in the POS. The card reader would simply need to be reprogrammed to look for all DVC resort coding, as in resort code 16 = OKW, and then look to see if the DVC Member notation is present (if they incode that on the magnetic strip). It beats closing the venue completely, or opening it to everyone at the Contemporary.

really don't see this happening.

even the guides who come over with guests to make the presentation - can NOT get in.

they would let them in first - before other members. and so far nothing is being done - some of the guides will even call the desk - but hey if that person is busy they have to wait.

let in few guides so know that if they don't access - then giving it to other members is not happening anytime soon.

the lounge is up there to provide drink during the fireworks and I happen to LOVE IT.

so would anyone be going to that lounge if not for the fireworks - is the question to ask. If no - then that is part of the problem.

too many want something for free - sorry - if you want to see the fireworks from TOW - then get a reservation at BLT.

there is no other way.

but if you go please purchase something - food/drink - something.

the lounge is lovely.

the balcony is nice - it has a roof - so you don't get wet. (which I really appreciate)

 

[foreUT]

This issue was discussed at length in a thread here on the DIS a couple of months ago. Here is what we/I found out then:

The TOTW and TOTWL belong to Disney, not DVD or the DVC. We are currently just using them.

The privilege can be taken away at any time without notice.

DVD is currently using access to the TOTW and TOTWL as a marketing tool.

Meetings were held within Disney Management to decide how long DVD would subsidies the venue, opening access to all Guests staying at BLT, currently 50% DVC Members and 50% cash Guests, and allowing access to Contemporary Concierge Guests was also discussed.

The venue will not be opened to DVC Members staying at other resorts. BLT is a access controlled building.

Bottom line is that Disney/DVC/DVD won't pay to keep the TOTW and TOTWL open. Just like the won't pay for free Valet.

Bill

Thanks for the information. Added on some BLT points and glad to know things that my Guide didn't tell me.

 

[DebbieB]

really don't see this happening.

even the guides who come over with guests to make the presentation - can NOT get in.

they would let them in first - before other members. and so far nothing is being done - some of the guides will even call the desk - but hey if that person is busy they have to wait.

let in few guides so know that if they don't access - then giving it to other members is not happening anytime soon.

the lounge is up there to provide drink during the fireworks and I happen to LOVE IT.

so would anyone be going to that lounge if not for the fireworks - is the question to ask. If no - then that is part of the problem.

too many want something for free - sorry - if you want to see the fireworks from TOW - then get a reservation at BLT.

there is no other way.

but if you go please purchase something - food/drink - something.

the lounge is lovely.

the balcony is nice - it has a roof - so you don't get wet. (which I really appreciate)

I agree, I don't see it happening, there's alot of logistical issues. I think opening it up to all BLT guests makes the most sense, they already have access. Once it is soldout it will mostly DVC members anyway.

The big problem as you said is keeping it open for 6 hours a day and really only getting business for 1 or 2. I think you'll start to see it being closed on certain nights when they can rent it out.

 

[TDC Nala]

I take issue with the statement that the lounge exists to provide drinks during the fireworks. If that was the case, they'd close it when the fireworks aren't being presented. If the lack of business becomes an issue they might end up with lessened hours, but that's not happened yet. And yes, I've been there with friends, and not for fireworks. The fireworks were not the draw for us, the lounge itself was. I might watch the fireworks from there once, but not more than once.

 

[tjkraz]

The whole issue is spending money in the lounge and it seems that those staying at the resort, who can go up 20 minutes before the fireworks are more likely to spend money than those that are not staying there.

Opening it up to all DVC may increase traffic in terms of the fireworks but will it bring in revenue? That is the real question.

I actually view it the other way. If I'm staying at BLT, I would have very little incentive to spend much time in the lounge, much less actually buy anything. With the convenience of having my guest room (with full kitchen) a few floors below, I would probably arrive 10 minutes before fireworks--may even bring my own beverage--and leave as soon as the show is over.

On the other hand, if I were to make the trip over from another resort, I'd be much more inclined to relax for a bit and enjoy my surroundings.

I still don't think many non-guests would even make this trip, but I view them as potentially being the bigger spenders. With BLT guests having their private guest room (and perhaps stocked fridge) a short distance away, I don't see them having much reason to patronize the lounge.

I don't see that happening. What is the benefit to Disney to let DVC Members from other resorts come over to BLT? This would create transportation issues, additional work for the Guard screening Members who are driving their own cars and parking enforcement issues. Folks waiting for elevators and rushing to get to the top floor to watch a 30 minute show and then leaving in mass after the show could be a real problem.

Bill

I don't believe the lounge itself is worth a trip. But giving members access to the lounge could open the door to a night of dining at The Wave followed by a little shopping at the CR gift shop.

It's pretty much the same argument one could make anywhere. Why give OKW guests access to AKV? Presumedly it's because they would dine at Jiko or grab a few things from the gift shop. Why give non-guests access to the TotWL? Because they might spend a few dollars on drinks, dinner or a souvenir t-shirt.

Sure there are logistical issues but those issues are not much different than what Disney has been dealing with for years from Pool Hoppers and folks visiting other resorts to dine or shop.

I'm not saying that Disney will make any changes here. But if the possibility exists that it would bring in additional business to the lounge without overcrowding the facility, I'm not sure why Disney WOULDN'T make the change.

 

[rlovew]

My husband and I were just staying at BLT and both nights we went up to the lounge. On the first night we went up about an hour before the fireworks- split a flatbread and got drinks, we stayed a little while after the fireworks as well. One the 2nd night we headed up there at 6pm and stayed through the fireworks ordering through the evening.

We really enjoyed the lounge and hope that it will still be open when we return to BLT.

I to suspect that they will do something else with it after BLT sells out- it will be rented out/only open some nights/open to other guests. After spending 2 evenings there I can't believe they are making enough money to cover the manpower and expenses for keeping it open. The 2nd night there were normally no more than 2 other parties in the lounge with us at a time- though the did change out through the evening.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Why should BLT be different if they have some sort of shop/bar/food services area?

Well considering all of those things are located at the Contemporary and it's very easy to get there via the skybridge, plus if they wanted to build those places inside Bay Lake Tower they would have done that during it's construction. Also isn't it true that if those things were added insde Bay Lake Tower wouldn't that mean higher costs to DVC members that own there and etc?

 

[Chuck S]

Well considering all of those things are located at the Contemporary and it's very easy to get there via the skybridge, plus if they wanted to build those places inside Bay Lake Tower they would have done that during it's construction. Also isn't it true that if those things were added insde Bay Lake Tower wouldn't that mean higher costs to DVC members that own there and etc?

The space would have been leased back to Disney to operate the food services and stores, just like the spa at SSR is leased to the outside company that operates it. Disney Vacation Development would "own" the space, but would be a commercial landlord to the dining/sales division of WDW.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The space would have been leased back to Disney to operate the food services and stores, just like the spa at SSR is leased to the outside company that operates it. Disney Vacation Development would "own" the space, but would be a commercial landlord to the dining/sales division of WDW.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

..we are new to all this & really don't understand all the lil'details.


...however, we brought blt to be like..."our disney home."

.....the lounge...should not be permitted to become like a
"bar downtown"...how many throw regular drinking parties....
in their home? nor was this subject ever brought up when
we visited the sales person but i think it is self -evident
...that disney was using "comin home" for? [ on a previous
thread...we asked exactly what is the expectations
from being "welcome home" but it was never answered.]

one lil'concern was about having a loitering place...for "picking
up". patrons...spending hours drinking, wonder the type
of intrusive behaviors...the regular guests..can expect.

what we see...@ work..those drinking, where the person starts having
"self-control" problems. legal encounters & the such.


"a problem"?...well , there are some using rationalization...
[drinking to forget problems]. from acting silly....to acting out.....
......all the way down the line..."assaults, ..to suicides.*note,
most chosing suicide...are under the influence. so while one
may have a problem, in reality...have many problems when
the one problem is etoh related.

from our dcl experiences..dcl separate the adult only area ..on the ship.
however, we have witnessed....some very inappropriate..behaviors
were children {ours & others}...were exposed...to it spilling out to
the family sections.

here, our expectations were created by disney....a dvc..owner,
.."feels like home". if that's true..then not under my roof where
my family is. blt..isn't a single club. & that will be a real danger
if this lounge..is opened up..to all. & that is why, those staying..
shouldn't...bring all their friends.....to party. it cannot be 2 ways,
having your cake & eating it to." we " brought blt....for our
disney~family vacations....not to put on the "ritz."

when i used to do that, i went out ...not @ my parents 'home.
i think hollywood...made a moive...in the 80's...called "risky
buisness"?

 

[DebbieB]

I doubt it would ever become a "bar downtown" or a "singles club", especially if it was restricted to DVC members (staying anywhere onsite). People looking for that kind of atmosphere would be looking for a place to be able to smoke or dance along with drinking. Plus the cost of drinks I'm sure is much higher than a typical bar.