Suggestions for 1st BLT stay (1 bed)

[olive]

I posted this on the resorts board a few days ago but didn't get any responses, so thought I would try here. Maybe there are just lots fewer folks on there who have stayed at BLT/in the 1 bed.

Although we have stayed at the CR (only MK view so far), we just switched the 7 days of our upcoming 2 week split stay from the Polynesian to a 1 bedroom at BLT. (We learned that we like spending half the time in the Epcot area, and half by MK since we enjoy both locations.) In part, we just thought this might make sense since we will be going on our first WDW trip with a new baby (appx. 5 mos at the time) and thought it would be easier for everyone - especially our 5 year old. The separate sleeping space may come in handy if the baby isn't an awesome sleeper, and I think we will also appreciate the W/D and extra space generally. We already know that the walk to MK is a great perk. Definitely took full advantage of that on our last CR stay. We will be in Disney for 13 nights - plus 3 nights at Universal - so plenty of time to enjoy downtime. We have 10 day hoppers. Our trip is in January, so we know from past experience that the weather may or may not allow for swimming. I'm hoping at least one day will work out for swimming while we are at BLT.

I am open to suggestions for how to make the most of the BLT portion of our stay. This is a cash reservation, which I know makes a difference for some amenities. I understand that Cali Grill will be closed for renovations, so no dinner there and watching Wishes from the deck. Our 5 year old does not necessarily do well at shows, so I don't think the singalong at Ft. Wilderness would necessarily be a great choice for us, but maybe the playground there would be worth a visit? Anything fun to check out at Wilderness Lodge? We have done sea raycers from the Poly before and are planning for another dinner at Ohana. Loved marshmallows on the beach last time. And I read about the carriage rides, so we are considering that. Also considering a fireworks cruise (although not sure whether we would do that while staying near Epcot instead, since I personally prefer Illuminations). Anything that I might not be thinking of?

Also - please let me know if there is anything I should be aware of regarding the 1 bedroom unit. We will have a pack n play (not bringing with, just using one from there) for the infant and assume our 5 year old will sleep on the sofa or chair bed in the LR area.

Edited to add - I found an extensive thread addressing views from the various BLT rooms (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082 ); does it make any sense to request specific rooms, or better to just request a general location/view? We are booked in a standard view 1 bed.

Thanks so much in advance! Looking forward to another fun Disney trip.

 

[spiceycat]

the standard bedroom stop at the 5th floor - so your choices are limited.

would ask for north side - even number rooms. that is the closest to MK.

that say the CR side is fine too.

don't like the inner C side - the rooms (villa) face each other and I don't like looking into someone else room. these are the odd number rooms.

you will LOVE the extra room. not to mention the extra bathroom.

hope you love it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you are considering a fireworks cruise, look into the Pirates & Pals wishes cruise. I think it could be lots of fun for your 5 year old. I've done it three times, different ages of children, 3 to 10, but never a baby.

 

[jeankeri]

Check out the Community Hall on the 1st floor- they have activities for kids that are different every day. There are fees for some of the craft activities. Also, they have a movie on the beach every evening.

 

[olive]

Thanks so much for the suggestions!

I was thinking that community hall activities were for DVC only, so it's nice to know that there may be something fun there for our son.

I thought parents weren't allowed on pirates & pals somehow - will definitely look into it! If my parents join, I will have to see what their preference is.

We are torn on what view/location to request. I suppose even if we request north side/toward MK, we would still have the monorail in our view (or rather, it would be in any view not from the inner circle). Our son loves seeing the monorail. We have been able to see it from each CR and Poly room we have had - always a hit.

It will be about 3 years since our last CR stay when we are at BLT in January, so I just don't remember that much about special things to do in the area that we may take advantage of. Also, our son was only 2 and a half at the time, so it seems like we mostly shuttled back and forth between MK and Epcot on that trip. I was definitely hoping to take advantage of more things to do at or not too far from the resort that are not parks-based to make for a more laid back vacation with the baby this time around. Each trip we like to try discover a new (or at least new to us) activity or hidden gem. This is a good start!

 

[jeankeri]

Yes, the Community Hall is for everyone staying @BLT, but there will be costs for some things (DVD rentals for one) that are free for DVC members. The staff there is very friendly and welcoming!

 

[spiceycat]

it looks like the only standard views on the south side are the first and second floors - this is facing the cr.

so your best bid would be the north side if you want a higher level villa.

now the inner villa go to the 3rd floor - this would be pool view at an angle or courtyard view. - directly across would be the other villas.

 

[olive]

Just received an accidental piece of Disney mail saying I still have to pay the deposit (I called - it was an error, which is good, since the mail arrived over a week after the date it said the deposit was due by!). When I called to make sure everything was okay with the reservation, I did put in a request for a room on the north side, even numbered and higher floor. Think we will be happy with anything - the key for us is being able to walk to and from MK and that separate sleeping space! Thanks to all for the suggestions.

 

[JLS]

We stayed in a 1 bd in Bay Lake a few weeks ago - absolutely loved it. We were stunned when we saw the villa - huge and really well decorated. 2 bathrooms. It was amazing. Much nicer interior than BVC which is where we usually stay. We were in a Bay view room on the 8th floor that had a perfect view (from the side) of the castle, space mountain, the fireworks, etc. It was wonderful. I wish we could have stayed there longer.

We went boating one day from the Contemporary marina - really fun. An adult and a child can go in one of the little racers and you can go all over Bay Lake and the 7 Seas Lagoon. Great views. We also took the boat from the Contemporary to Hoop Dee Doo, which we loved (food was really good, too). Go down to the Marina area right after fireworks for a great view of the Electrical Water Pageant.

If you are going to the Contemporary pool or marina it is faster to just walk outside from the BLT building than to go to 4th floor, take the bridge, then go down again and outside.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

the standard bedroom stop at the 5th floor - so your choices are limited.

would ask for north side - even number rooms. that is the closest to MK.

that say the CR side is fine too.

don't like the inner C side - the rooms (villa) face each other and I don't like looking into someone else room. these are the odd number rooms.

you will LOVE the extra room. not to mention the extra bathroom.

hope you love it.

I think it's likely that the CRO standard view probably will equate to a DVC Lakeview. Still I like the layout of the outer, even numbered rooms and would keep that request.

When we stay at a Bay Lake resort we always like to take the boat to FW to visit the horses at the horse barn.

 

[LoriKutchey]

Is the bridge over to the contemporary on the 4th or 5th floor? I thought I had read it was on the fifth floor.
Thanks

 

[Mrs.Milo]

The bridge is on the 4th floor concourse level of the Contemporary, very convenient for a stop at the general store or quick serve restaurant on the way up to your room. We stayed in a 1 bedroom 2years ago with our 3 grandkids sleeping in the living area, 2 on the pull out sofa and 1 on the chair/bed. And the extra bathroom for them was so convenient! You'll love it. Our view was Bay Lake, 12th floor, but we were on the side looking straight out at the lake, instead of in the "wings" that are across from each other, so no one could see in. Perfect.

 

[jade1]

Still I like the layout of the outer,

Same here, the LR widens more at the window giving more room for the sleeper chair etc.

Inner circle 1BR LR first below, the 1BR LR outer ring second.

Outer ring with both beds open.