Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower-DVCers Unite!

[stitchineeyore]

DH and I are on our first visit to BLT. Since there has been a lot of buzz on these boards about the Lounge, we went up our first afternoon. The space is magnificent. Artist's renderings in the materials didn't do it justice. Neither do the pictures on the web. We have been up every night but one during our stay, and all the postings about under usage are pretty much true. Folks, we have been given a stunning private club, just for DVC (only at Bay Lake Tower at this point), and no one appears to be using it! Well, now, last night the deck had a good many people that showed up just before fireworks, and cleared out right after. This isn't good either. TOTW is a business. We need to patronize it. If you don't drink "adult beverages" or don't care to, there are lots of soft drinks, nonalcoholic offerings, and coffee. Also snacks. But this isn't my primary point. I had a long talk with Rich Welcovitz, the Restaurant Guest Service Manager for the Contemporary, about what the next step might be for the Lounge if the slow business continues. We both agreed that the best next step might be to open the Lounge to all DVC members, not just the ones staying at BLT. If you agree with this, write him a letter! The address is

Rich Welcovitz
Restaurant Guest Service Manager
Disney's Contemporary Resort
P. O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000

As with any letter-writing campaign, snail mail gets more attention.

Thanks!

 

[WoodysRoundup]

DH and I are on our first visit to BLT. Since there has been a lot of buzz on these boards about the Lounge, we went up our first afternoon. The space is magnificent. Artist's renderings in the materials didn't do it justice. Neither do the pictures on the web. We have been up every night but one during our stay, and all the postings about under usage are pretty much true. Folks, we have been given a stunning private club, just for DVC (only at Bay Lake Tower at this point), and no one appears to be using it! Well, now, last night the deck had a good many people that showed up just before fireworks, and cleared out right after. This isn't good either. TOTW is a business. We need to patronize it. If you don't drink "adult beverages" or don't care to, there are lots of soft drinks, nonalcoholic offerings, and coffee. Also snacks. But this isn't my primary point. I had a long talk with Rich Welcovitz, the Restaurant Guest Service Manager for the Contemporary, about what the next step might be for the Lounge if the slow business continues. We both agreed that the best next step might be to open the Lounge to all DVC members, not just the ones staying at BLT. If you agree with this, write him a letter! The address is

Rich Welcovitz
Restaurant Guest Service Manager
Disney's Contemporary Resort
P. O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000

As with any letter-writing campaign, snail mail gets more attention.

Thanks!

Thanks for starting this thread! We also just returned from BLT and I commented on this in my report as well. DH and I also had a long converstaion with Rich. You are SO right. If people don't go up there, or only go to watch fireworks and leave, we will lose this space. People need to patronize the establishment. Have a drink and/or an appetizer and TIP the servers! I know it wasn't promised to us in our BLT contracts, but we may lose it sooner than later if business doesn't pick up. That would be a complete shame. It IS a magnificent space. I WILL write that letter. Thanks again.

 

[stitchineeyore]

Now that I got my primary message out of the way, I would also like to add a shout-out to all the marvelous CMs we have met and enjoyed talking to during our stay. Brucie, who left to represent Top of the World on a Disney cruise right after we arrived. She's super. So welcoming. Peter and Spencer, who we also met our first night. Wonderful, and so talented! Peter makes costumes as a hobby. I also share that interest, and he showed me some wonderful photos on a subsequent evening. Mike. Terrific! Efficient, funny, and surprised me with a glass of champagne sporting Tinker Bell on the rim last night for my birthday. So special. Lisa, the intern. Sweet and so interesting to talk to! Dan and Amanda as well. And of course, Rich. He is the best. Come on up, people, these guys are awesome!

 

[PammyK]

Now that I got my primary message out of the way, I would also like to add a shout-out to all the marvelous CMs we have met and enjoyed talking to during our stay. Brucie, who left to represent Top of the World on a Disney cruise right after we arrived. She's super. So welcoming. Peter and Spencer, who we also met our first night. Wonderful, and so talented! Peter makes costumes as a hobby. I also share that interest, and he showed me some wonderful photos on a subsequent evening. Mike. Terrific! Efficient, funny, and surprised me with a glass of champagne sporting Tinker Bell on the rim last night for my birthday. So special. Lisa, the intern. Sweet and so interesting to talk to! Dan and Amanda as well. And of course, Rich. He is the best. Come on up, people, these guys are awesome!

I have to agree about the CMs at Top of the World - they are terrific and definitely deserve better than they're getting now as far as traffic in the lounge.

 

[edisneydreaming]

We were just there and went three nights in a row because we liked it so much. The drinks are very reasonably priced - it is a real deal. It is also covered by the TIW card! We went once during fireworks and the lounge was full. The other nights we went late and there were only about 10 people there each time. I really hope they keep it since it was a major plus for us during our stay and one reason why we want to go back to BLT.

 

[DVC Mike]

We love the TOTW lounge! I hope members staying at BLT visit the lounge and make it profitable, but I'm not so sure that is going to happen.

 

[dizfanz]

I will send a letter out tomorrow. I would love to have the opportunity to see TOTW in January, when I will be staying at AKV. We stay at WLV most years, and would love to just jump on a boat and head over there for some drinks. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

We are staying at BLT's in October and will be sure to stop in each of the three nights. Hopefully the word will get around and more will visit. I wouldn't be disappointed if they opened it up to DVC'rs staying at other resorts but there is no guarantee that this would be the next step.

I could see us stopping there once a trip to have a drink and watch the fireworks. It certainly would be a nice perk.

 

[DVC Grammy]

My DD and I will be there in January and will certainly be at the TOTW lounge, probably each evening. We tend to eat very light dinners, and the dishes offered look just fine for us. And by that time, after full park days, adult bevs are extremely appealing.

If the pattern of under-utilization continues, I actually think it would be a good idea to make TOTW a member perk for ALL DVCers.

 

[AnnetteF]

I remember the old Top of the World Lounge and have missed it all these years. DH and I used to love going up there. Yes, it can be a great place to watch the fireworks, but our favorite thing to do was to go up in the middle of the afternoon and watch the ferry boats going back and forth and the little water sprites zipping aroung on the Seven Seas Lagoon with the sun glistening on the water. It was such a nice little break after being in the hot crowded park. In those days it was not crowded during the day like it was in the evening but it would still get a good afternoon crowd. I hope if things continue as they are now that they will open it up to all DVC members. Our home resort is OKW and VWL and unfortunately we cannot add on at BLT at this time, but we would be up there every day if it were available to us. Right now that lounge is the main reason we would like to stay at BLT on a future vacation.

 

[Sandisw]

I do think, as we head into the fall and holidays, that you will see an increase in use from DVC'rs staying at BLT.

Right now, BLT isn't even 50% sold out so the # of members is limited. Plus, the park hours are still summer hours and run late. We were there in August and at the parks most nights until 9:00 - 10:00 pm. By the time we got back to BLT, it was just too late to hit the lounge.

And, if I am not mistaken, August is not really a peak DVC time anyway. Once the parks start closing earlier, more DVC members are filling the BLT rooms, and more is sold, I bet you will see a lot more use of the lounge area by guests.

But, it would be nice to see them open it up to other DVC'rs, if only to ensure that it remains a DVC members' lounge.

 

[suzycute]

We'll be at BLT for 6 nights in just under 2 weeks and will be sure to make good use of this amazing facility

 

[Sammie]

Stitch, did Rich suggest the writing to him.

I guess I feel writing DVC member satisfacation would be more affective in bringing the matter to the people who have the authority to change it.

 

[stitchineeyore]

nope. he gave me his business card and said that any correspondence directed to him would find the appropriate channels for action. He has a vested interest in this as well, and is very concerned about how slow things are.

 

[stitchineeyore]

Stitch, did Rich suggest the writing to him.

I guess I feel writing DVC member satisfacation would be more affective in bringing the matter to the people who have the authority to change it.

oops. My answer to you may have been unclear. (That's what I get for posting and thinking about starting to pack at the same time). Rich asked that correspondence be sent to him. the "nope" in the previous post meant "nope. don't write member/guest satisfaction".

 

[Chuck S]

Haven't been to WDW since BLT opened. I agree, opening it up to the general membership would be good, and maybe a little more on the menu, nothing that takes a lot of prep time, maybe a nice Caesar salad and some premade sandwiches (maybe similar to the "PicNic in the Park" offerings), while the flatbreads sound yummy, they need something more simple as well, less "seasoned" for folks with allergic reactions to common seasoning.

 

[twinklebug]

I'd love for the TotW lounge to be opened to us all staying on member points regardless of location. I thought it odd that they thought they'd get a full house with only offering to those staying at BLT. There are plenty of other places to be in WDW!

If they open it up to all, I'm very sure they'll get a good number of us hanging out there after a day in the MK. Thinking "DIS DVC meet-ups"

 

[Beth]

We were there last night, as well. We had eaten at California Grill, first, so we were too stuffed for any of their appetizers, but we went ahead and got two glasses of their Magicale.... very yummy.

...but we were thinking the same thing. I told my DH, "I sure hope this lovely space doesn't go the way of BWV's 'Attic.' "

We were only there for one night - to try out BLT - but we would have definitely visited each night of our stay - it is a very special spot!

 

[DVCPAT]

I think Disney has a short term and long term plan for the lounge. The short term plan is to impress potential DVC buyers. The long term plan (once the resort sells out) will be to profit from the location and view.

I can see Disney expanding the operating hours and adding a breakfast and lunch menu. Disney could easily set aside an area on the observation deck for a top of the world fireworks party. They could make it more exclusive and charge $28.99. I’m not saying Disney should do this…but they are getting very creative at finding new ways to separate you from your money.

 

[WoodysRoundup]

I can see Disney expanding the operating hours and adding a breakfast and lunch menu. Disney could easily set aside an area on the observation deck for a top of the world fireworks party. They could make it more exclusive and charge $28.99. I’m not saying Disney should do this…but they are getting very creative at finding new ways to separate you from your money.

Sounds like a nice idea. The manager did tell us that they are limited in what they can offer foodwise b/c there is a small and limited prep kitchen below. As it is now, things are transported by a dumbwaiter up to the lounge from the limited ktichen of sorts below.