top of the world as a perk

[mmmagic7754]

Recently stayed at Bay lake and really enjoyed each night at Top of the World lounge.There were nights when we were the only people in the lounge until a few minutes before Wishes. Seems like it should be open to other DVC members staying on points as a perk. Maybe with reservation only,any thoughts?

 

[jekjones1558]

While I would love to have this as a DVC perk, my guess is that BLT folks might not be happy about extending the availability to others. On the other hand, it is hard to believe that finances will allow the continued under usage of the lounge. Lots of people have posted about the lack of customers. It would be a shame for BLT owners to lose such a great perk.

 

[dvcblt93]

While the CM's up there are great, it would be nice to see more members up there. It's kind of odd being the only person in a lounge......

I like to talk to folks!

 

[Brian Noble]

I have to believe that DVD (the development arm) is subsidizing the lounge's operation out of BLT point sales proceeds. There's just no other way that place can be self-sustaining with the "crowds" it currently gets. I'm betting big money that when BLT sells out, the access policy *will* change. How it changes at that point is anyone's guess, but I would not be surprised to see it taken private, much as the Attic was over at BWV.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have to believe that DVD (the development arm) is subsidizing the lounge's operation out of BLT point sales proceeds. There's just no other way that place can be self-sustaining with the "crowds" it currently gets. I'm betting big money that when BLT sells out, the access policy *will* change. How it changes at that point is anyone's guess, but I would not be surprised to see it taken private, much as the Attic was over at BWV.

I would worry about that too. What a great money maker. I'm sure they could book private events there all the time if they wanted to.

So...BLT owners beware.....start using the lounge before you lose it!

 

[mmmagic7754]

We were surprised how few people were there even for Wishes. Many guest stay in the room and watch from their balcony with music piped in. Would be nice to leave the park after a long day,walk to BLT and kick back with a beer while waiting for the bus crowds to thin out

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I hope to use it in March and December of next year. I wouldn't mind other DVC members using the lounge. If its empty like that, they need to let other members in.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Could be part of the problem is that so many can see Wishes from BLT anyway, so no real need to go to the lounge. (??)

Not sure what the ultimate solution might be--it's a great spot and the staff is excellent and friendly.
More food offerings maybe???
And I agree that at some point they will have to open it up to DCV members generally...otherwise it will go "Private" and that would be a shame.

 

[PatMcDuck]

You can see Wishes pretty well from the the bridge, and from the deck near the bridge at the Contemporary. To get to the Top of the World lounge, it is a little bit of a pain. Going to the lobby, getting a CM to bring you up there, I mean. I went up there just to look around, it was empty, but that was before it got dark.

 

[PatsMom]

We've enjoyed the Top of the World on both of our stays at BLT. But we were kind of surprised at how little used it was. We had flatbreads for dinner one evening and thought they were pretty good. And they make a great margarita! So nice to unwind at the end of a day and wait for the fireworks!

We were happy to see that they had modified the wall around the outside terrace. Last year it had a flat top and people were trying to sit small children up there to watch the fireworks! Hard to believe the security had to tell people not to do that. they also had to be vigilant about people using the wall to set drinks on - its a long way down to the parking lot. Now the top has been raised and has a diagonal surface that you can't set children or drinks on.

 

[cvjw]

Now the top has been raised and has a diagonal surface that you can't set children or drinks on.

We watched Hallowishes from the TOTW lounge last month, and a CM had to come out to tell a man not to sit his child on the ledge. I couldn't believe that someone would risk their child's safety like that - it is a long way down to the parking lot. The CM stayed outside during the rest of Hallowishes, just monitoring what people were doing. The night we were there, all of the seats in the lounge were full.

 

[dburg30]

I would head over one or 2 nights if regular DVC members were allowed to use it. Or somehow monitor it and allow / disallow others to use it depending on traffic? I know that would be a pain, but seems like a waste if it's as 'dead' as it sounds like it is.

 

[mla1977]

As a BLT owner I would be okay with them allowing all DVC owners to use the lounge or allow all people staying in BLT to use it. I don't think I'd be okay with it being open to the general public.

 

[Simba's Mom]

As a DVCer who'll probably never stay at BLT, I'd LOVE to be able to use the lounge.

 

[twooley2]

I do not understand why this is such a big deal when you can go to the rooftop outside of the same floor chef mickeys restaurant is on just past the gift shop to see the same thing and even better views.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

My family went to Top of the World in July and while the view is great for adults, it is difficult for children to see over the high wall. People who sit their children on the wall are CRAZY! It is so dangerous and the poor CM must get tired of telling guests this.
I would like to see more food options. Maybe that would draw more people.
If you are DVC members staying on points, go on up and see for yourself.

 

[Dziactor]

Ive used it on both my trips and brought my Dad last May and I think he hung out there and the pool more then anyone with his wife and my newphew.

 

[kamikazecat]

When we went last summer, the lounge was packed every night we were there. We went up early and got at table and shared a flatbread and had drinks and then wandered outside to watch wishes. It was very difficult for our 4yo son to see the fireworks.

 

[stormer]

We went up twice during our August stay. We enjoyed it but my boys weren't thrilled because it was difficult for them to see.
Two things I noticed:
There were tons more people watching from the bridge than the lounge. One night I crossed the bridge during the fireworks abd there were over 60 people on it. (I forget the exact amount, but I had posted it in a report while I was on the trip).
Also, it took us forever to get down after the fireworks. One of the elevators wasn't working and it felt like we were waiting forever. We had little one we wanted to get to bed so we wanted to leave right after the fireworks.

 

[goofy4tink]

While I can understand people's irritation that their kids can't see, I can only imagine the liability there would be if they changed the viewing. After all...it's a lounge people. We all know what happens in a lounge. People drink, they overimbibe. I can't imagine what would happen if that 'railing' were to be changed. No way could they lower it, and it just wouldn't look right if it were a true railing. I like it the way it is. I don't care for heights, but being up there didn't bother me at all. I know people like to take their kids up there to watch, but it is a lounge, first and foremost. As an adult, I'm not crazy about having a bunch of young children running around when I'm trying to kick back and relax with a glass of wine. I do realize that many are going to disagree with me, and I'm fine with that. There are many, much safer spots to watch the fireworks from within BLT. Those with younger kids can watch from those viewing areas if necessary.

I do wish they would open it up to DVC members. You would have to show your blue member card in order to access it. They would spend money up there, and perhaps we wouldn't lose the use of it.