Summer perk - Top of World Lounge open to all members!

[Sammie]

I have mixed feelings on this one. If the lounge is being underused, and they want to increase sales then opening it up to everyone might be good.

However for BLT owners, if it gets so crowded due to this, does not seem really fair that they would possibly get shut out.

I guess its a wait and see situation.

 

[SamSam]

I think this is an excellent move! We won't be at WDW till the end of September so I hope they continue this perk.

We were at the lounge one time visiting friends and it was pretty empty, I know I've heard that the cm's (bartenders) really wish they would open it up.

 

[Tiger926]

It will be interesting to see what happens.

We certainly don't want to take up spaces for BLT owners, so that is a concern for us.

If it's not too crowded, we will stay, as we wouldn't want to take away a perk from a BLT owner. It's just like pool hopping though, as potentially the same thing could happen on a crowded pool day.

Glad the info was useful, Tiger

 

[DenLo]

It will be interesting to see what happens.

We certainly don't want to take up spaces for BLT owners, so that is a concern for us.

If it's not too crowded, we will stay, as we wouldn't want to take away a perk from a BLT owner. It's just like pool hopping though, as potentially the same thing could happen on a crowded pool day.

Glad the info was useful, Tiger

Actually part of the rules on pool hopping is that if it becomes too crowded a Disney CM can request guests that are not staying at that resort to leave. Whereas for TOTWL they just won't let anymore guests go up to the 16th floor. Unless you have a villa on the 16th floor, the only way to access that floor via the elevator is through the lobby and a CM will activate an elevator and send your party up.

From the Pool Hopping Rules on the MS website:

If the pool you are visiting reaches capacity, you may be asked to leave in order to accommodate Guests of that resort hotel.

 

[Tiger926]

Actually part of the rules on pool hopping is that if it becomes too crowded a Disney CM can request guests that are not staying at that resort to leave. Whereas for TOTWL they just won't let anymore guests go up to the 16th floor. Unless you have a villa on the 16th floor, the only way to access that floor via the elevator is through the lobby and a CM will activate an elevator and send your party up.

Yup, I know all of that, and so pool hopping rules require that CMs are actually paying attention to guest resort locations, so they would have to make an announcement or go around and ask to see ID in this case.

Guests could really lie about what resort they are staying at though if CMs just made an announcement without checking ID.

With TOTWL, they won't let anymore guests up, but if the lounge is already full of non-BLT members, then it could be problematic.

Like I said, if we were too notice it get too crowded, we will leave, as we are assuming that some of those guests are BLT owners.

Tiger

 

[Sandisw]

Yup, I know all of that, and so pool hopping rules require that CMs are actually paying attention to guest resort locations, so they would have to make an announcement or go around and ask to see ID in this case.

Guests could really lie about what resort they are staying at though if CMs just made an announcement without checking ID.

With TOTWL, they won't let anymore guests up, but if the lounge is already full of non-BLT members, then it could be problematic.

Like I said, if we were too notice it get too crowded, we will leave, as we are assuming that some of those guests are BLT owners.

Tiger

The other option would be to limit how many non-resort guests are let up prior to a certain time so that those staying at BLT have a chance to go--say, maybe 30 minutes prior to fireworks.

Once that time hits, then they let whoever is there go up. This way, those staying at BLT would know they needed to be at the front desk by X time.

I am sure that they have a general idea of how the crowds are and how busy things get too which may play a role down the road.

I think what will be interesting to see is whether or not opening it up helps with the revenue problem...if those staying elsewhere simply come to just view the fireworks and don't spend money in the lounge, its not going to change the situation at all.

We always spend money when staying at BLT when we go up to view the fireworks since I love having it as a perk and want it to stay one. Hopefully, now that other DVC members can access it, business will pick up.

 

[quirty30]

I have mixed feelings on this one. If the lounge is being underused, and they want to increase sales then opening it up to everyone might be good.

However for BLT owners, if it gets so crowded due to this, does not seem really fair that they would possibly get shut out.

I guess its a wait and see situation.

My guess is they will view this as a trial. If it's not too crowded and those staying at BLT don't have any issues getting in, this could be a very good thing (for all of us and the lounge CM's.)

 

[Tiger926]

The other option would be to limit how many non-resort guests are let up prior to a certain time so that those staying at BLT have a chance to go--say, maybe 30 minutes prior to fireworks.

Once that time hits, then they let whoever is there go up. This way, those staying at BLT would know they needed to be at the front desk by X time.

I am sure that they have a general idea of how the crowds are and how busy things get too which may play a role down the road.

I think what will be interesting to see is whether or not opening it up helps with the revenue problem...if those staying elsewhere simply come to just view the fireworks and don't spend money in the lounge, its not going to change the situation at all.

We always spend money when staying at BLT when we go up to view the fireworks since I love having it as a perk and want it to stay one. Hopefully, now that other DVC members can access it, business will pick up.

Excellent idea about limiting non BLT guests - we were thinking that too.

We have every intention of ordering some food (we don't drink) while we are up there, and are looking forward to a new experience.

My guess is they will view this as a trial. If it's not too crowded and those staying at BLT don't have any issues getting in, this could be a very good thing (for all of us and the lounge CM's.)

Tiger

 

[kenny]

While I understand Disney’s reasoning from a financial standpoint, as a BLT owner I have mixed feelings. I agree that the lounge was pretty empty most nights and Disney would want to maximize revenue so I don’t fault them for the trial.

As owners we’ve only visited the TOTWL one time. Most nights we are not back at the resort to watch the fireworks anyway, and the few times we have been it was easier to just watch from our room. However we have always stayed in a MKV. We leave for BLT in 25 days but are staying LV for the first time. Curious to see if we use the lounge any more than in the past.
I did like a PP’s idea about limiting the amount of non-resort guests during a certain timeframe in order to allow BLT guests a chance. While we did not buy BLT because of the lounge, it was always nice to know that it was a perk of staying there. While not having ever stayed at BCV, I would equate it to the perk of no pool hopping to storm along bay so only BCV guests are allowed.

Interesting point though is that they stated that non-resort guest would not be allowed to park at BLT or CR. While I like that idea when staying at BLT, I wonder how it will affect attendance. If you have to take transportation, you would need to go to TTC or MK and then walk or take the monorail over. Not the worst case but sort of a pain just to go watch fireworks.

I guess we will just have to see how it works out.

 

[Tiger926]

While I understand Disney’s reasoning from a financial standpoint, as a BLT owner I have mixed feelings. I agree that the lounge was pretty empty most nights and Disney would want to maximize revenue so I don’t fault them for the trial.

As owners we’ve only visited the TOTWL one time. Most nights we are not back at the resort to watch the fireworks anyway, and the few times we have been it was easier to just watch from our room. However we have always stayed in a MKV. We leave for BLT in 25 days but are staying LV for the first time. Curious to see if we use the lounge any more than in the past.
I did like a PP’s idea about limiting the amount of non-resort guests during a certain timeframe in order to allow BLT guests a chance. While we did not buy BLT because of the lounge, it was always nice to know that it was a perk of staying there. While not having ever stayed at BCV, I would equate it to the perk of no pool hopping to storm along bay so only BCV guests are allowed.

Interesting point though is that they stated that non-resort guest would not be allowed to park at BLT or CR. While I like that idea when staying at BLT, I wonder how it will affect attendance. If you have to take transportation, you would need to go to TTC or MK and then walk or take the monorail over. Not the worst case but sort of a pain just to go watch fireworks.

I guess we will just have to see how it works out.

Perhaps that is the whole point of this trial run? What is the point of having a perk, when the members affected by the perk don't actually fully utilize it? That speaks to whether it is a valued product or not.

Maybe now the lounge will generate some more revenue, and it will be something that can be enjoyed for all DVC members for years to come.

Tiger

 

[jade1]

We own and stay there and I think its a nice idea. Its a nice spot to take pics and look around at different perspectives. Hardly anyone has been there when we go up anyway. We do stay as theme park view though-so not as big of a draw for us.

 

[Sammie]

While I understand Disney’s reasoning from a financial standpoint, as a BLT owner I have mixed feelings. I agree that the lounge was pretty empty most nights and Disney would want to maximize revenue so I don’t fault them for the trial.

As owners we’ve only visited the TOTWL one time. Most nights we are not back at the resort to watch the fireworks anyway, and the few times we have been it was easier to just watch from our room. However we have always stayed in a MKV. We leave for BLT in 25 days but are staying LV for the first time. Curious to see if we use the lounge any more than in the past.
I did like a PP’s idea about limiting the amount of non-resort guests during a certain timeframe in order to allow BLT guests a chance. While we did not buy BLT because of the lounge, it was always nice to know that it was a perk of staying there. While not having ever stayed at BCV, I would equate it to the perk of no pool hopping to storm along bay so only BCV guests are allowed.

Interesting point though is that they stated that non-resort guest would not be allowed to park at BLT or CR. While I like that idea when staying at BLT, I wonder how it will affect attendance. If you have to take transportation, you would need to go to TTC or MK and then walk or take the monorail over. Not the worst case but sort of a pain just to go watch fireworks.

I guess we will just have to see how it works out.

I did not read the entire message and until you mentioned no parking at the Contemporary I had missed that part.

That in itself to me will limit crowds. I seriously doubt many will leave the MK and walk or monorail over just to use the lounge. I know I wouldn't.

Since they will allow you to park if you have an ADR, the only time we would go TOWL would be after a dinner at the Contemporary.

As to SAB, the reason it was stopped was too many DVC members that were not staying there were using the pool. So I guess if it got to the point after this trial that non BLT guests were using it and crowding out BLT, they could and possibly would stop it.

I think pool hopping has gotten uneven and unfair anyway. So many resorts are blocked but the others wide open to everyone. Really not fair.

 

[jjohnson]

I really hope it doesn't become too crowded. I couldn't help but be upset if we couldn't see Wishes from the lounge on any of our 3 night stay.

 

[Indians24]

This is great for those who don't stay at BLT. I'm eager to see what kind of crowds is draws. I can't see parents dragging children there after a long day at the parks just to watch Wishes, but maybe a lot of people will visit on a day they don't go to parks. I would think, though, that if you arrive a little over an hour prior to Wishes you should be able to get in. Hopefully I'll get a chance to stop by when I go this July

 

[jarestel]

I would expect that after an initial curiosity visit just to see what it's like, there wouldn't be a large number of repeat visitors from other resorts. The lounge just isn't that much of an attraction and in fact judging by the reported attendance, the majority of BLT owners don't even bother with it.

So the possibility of BLT owners getting "shut out" of the lounge due to crowds of non-BLT guests is extremely unlikely.

 

[alice99]

We are BLT owners that are staying at the Beach Club Villas this August.... I am excited to be able to go there with my husband.
He hash't even stayed at BLT with me yet.

 

[peabody58]

DW and I have been to the TOTW 3 times, and have only ordered drinks once. The first time it was really dead, and the service was unbelievable slow. After 20 minutes of waiting for the CM's to finish their 'Shoot the Shxx' at the bar, we picked up ant left. Next time we did order a drink, but the food selection was so scant we passed on food. Third time we just came up to watch the fireworks.

Personally I support opening up the TOTWL to others. But they do need to make it more of destination event, such as a daily drink special (i.e., cheaper), a better food selection, and maybe a lounge act from now and then. I'm not too worried about overcrowding - 500 is a lot of people. Logistics control with the elevators would need to be addressed.

Now worse case scenario - what if TOTWL closes. It won't kill me as I'm not a real big lounge/bar drinker. However, they will need to keep the viewing deck open for BLT owners as I believe the deck is part of the resort as the TOTWL is not.

To make amends for our past, DW and I will support the TOTWL several times this coming Oct trip.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The one thing I read in the annoucement is that the perk is for MEMBERS and guests staying with them and not for renters. It even said that the TOTWL is normally for members staying at BLT on points.

That kind of clarifies the question about renters getting access.

 

[twinklebug]

I can understand the frustration owners may feel in that access to TOTWL was to be restricted to members staying at BLT on points. This was a selling point DVC used. However, if the lounge is not pulling in the numbers it might not have a choice but to open it up to more people or face being shut down and used just for event rentals. I think we can all agree we don't want to see that happen.

I doubt the lounge will become overly crowded as many members staying at other resorts would have to go out of their way to get there. If it does then they should shut down additional access for the evening to anyone except to members staying @ BLT.

I have only been up at TOTWL during a sales presentation. It's beautiful. We stayed at BLT last year, but never made time to visit the lounge. This summer we'll be across the lake at VWL and I will make the attempt to head over for an evening with my daughter. With luck, my son will decide to join us.

 

[ldo]

are kids allowed in the lounge?