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

[aesalsa]

DH and I will DEFINITELY have some drinks and eats at the TOTW lounge this coming January (as long as we can take our little one). We are so looking forward to it.

Is the menu online anywhere? Do they offer an exclusive cocktail or few?

 

[Brian Noble]

The only problem, that I could potentially see, is whether or not opening it up to other DVC'rs will help the situation. The lounge is what needs to be filled, not the observation deck (since that makes no money).

How many DVC'r's staying at other resorts are going to come up to eat and drink vs. just to watch the fireworks? If that is the case, it does nothing other than potentially shut out the BLT guests from going up.

I wonder about this too. Because of this, I think it is at least possible that it would be open to other BLT/CR guests in addition to/instead of DVCers.

The question to ask is: which business unit owns it, and how do they use it to make the most money?

If DVD owns it, then how much are they willing to spend on it as a marketing expense, to keep it exclusive until BLT sells out? That question probably depends on how important the lounge is as a selling point to those who sign on the line which is dotted. But, once BLT is sold, DVD has zero incentive to run this place at a loss, and something will have to change.

If DVD doesn't own it, then it won't even last that long.

 

[Chuck S]

I wonder about this too. Because of this, I think it is at least possible that it would be open to other BLT/CR guests in addition to/instead of DVCers.

The question to ask is: which business unit owns it, and how do they use it to make the most money?

If DVD owns it, then how much are they willing to spend on it as a marketing expense, to keep it exclusive until BLT sells out? That question probably depends on how important the lounge is as a selling point to those who sign on the line which is dotted. But, once BLT is sold, DVD has zero incentive to run this place at a loss, and something will have to change.

If DVD doesn't own it, then it won't even last that long.

I doubt seriously the lounge is operated by DVD. I'm pretty sure it is run by WDW food/beverages services. To my knowledge DVD only does DVC sales and marketing. All merchandise and food sales are run by the appropriate WDW divisions.

 

[twinklebug]

The only problem, that I could potentially see, is whether or not opening it up to other DVC'rs will help the situation. The lounge is what needs to be filled, not the observation deck (since that makes no money).

How many DVC'r's staying at other resorts are going to come up to eat and drink vs. just to watch the fireworks? If that is the case, it does nothing other than potentially shut out the BLT guests from going up.

And, just out of curiosity, how many DVC'rs (not staying at BLT) would still be interested in visiting if they had to pay something to go up? For example, you show up and you have to pay say $3.00 per person to go up. You then get something to turn in for that value toward food and/or drinks.

I still think that things at the lounge will be much better during the fall/winter months when the parks close early and more of BLT is sold.

Thoughts: The majority of people visiting disney have kids varying in age. DVC is no exception. The lounge has nothing for those kids to keep them occupied other than a quick look out on the MK, where they'd rather be, or the monorail - again, they'd rather be riding it. I visited during open house with my 15 & 12 yo, and although there was a man making balloon animals, my kids were bored and chose to chat with the bartender (a very nice man).

BLT-staying or not, I just can't see the families with kids going out of their way to spend time and $ up there unless they're waiting for the fireworks or if there's some sort of real entertainment. Then, yes, I can see them spending the $ on food/drink.

If the lounge is to be opened up to more DVC'ers in order to draw more business, it would have to be evening hours also to have any impact. I see no issue with blacking out more popular dates for BLT-only use.

I think reservations, cover charges ... etc, although good in theory, would just complicate the issue too much and require more work than they may be worth.

 

[pilferk]

And, just out of curiosity, how many DVC'rs (not staying at BLT) would still be interested in visiting if they had to pay something to go up? For example, you show up and you have to pay say $3.00 per person to go up. You then get something to turn in for that value toward food and/or drinks.

I still think that things at the lounge will be much better during the fall/winter months when the parks close early and more of BLT is sold.

I'd be OK with a "2 drink minimum" type of deal, to go up. Something along those lines. Wouldn't bother me a bit....

 

[pilferk]

I doubt seriously the lounge is operated by DVD. I'm pretty sure it is run by WDW food/beverages services. To my knowledge DVD only does DVC sales and marketing. All merchandise and food sales are run by the appropriate WDW divisions.

The one exception I can think of (and it's ancillary, at best) is that DVC/DVD does staff and pay for AKV concierge..including the food and beverage offerings in the concierge lounge.

It's possible they COULD be running the TOTW lounge in a similar manner...and simply using it as a cost/profit center, rather than an "added service". I don't know that, for sure, though. IF that's true, though, then members are paying for it through the higher point cost for rooms, I'd think.

 

[disneynutz]

I was told a couple of days ago by DVC Management that Disney isn't real happy with the poor attendance on the deck or the lounge. If things don't improve, the next change is to allow all BLT guests access.

The way that I see it is with only 50% of BLT declared, that means that 50% of the rooms are available to Disney for cash bookings. DVD is now going to focus on selling AKV so the 50% may be in place for awhile. Can you imagine the cash demand if Disney included access to a private lounge and viewing area for cash guests!

 

[dizfan]

I was told a couple of days ago by DVC Management that Disney isn't real happy with the poor attendance on the deck or the lounge. If things don't improve, the next change is to allow all BLT guests access.

The way that I see it is with only 50% of BLT declared, that means that 50% of the rooms are available to Disney for cash bookings. DVD is now going to focus on selling AKV so the 50% may be in place for awhile. Can you imagine the cash demand if Disney included access to a private lounge and viewing area for cash guests!

I think that change makes sense. Everyone staying there should have access to the lounge. In the BLT documentation, it states that the lounge is not part of DVD.

Alternatives that Disney should look at for the lounge.

BLT reminds me a lot of DCL, so Disney should take a page from the DCL. Offers things like wine tastings, beer tastings, tequila tastings, martini tastings, etc. This could be done during the mid-afternoon to draw business to the lounge and guarantee those attending the lounge during these times spend money.

Also, I would hope Disney takes a page from the parks and adds something like a dessert fireworks package to the lounge. People love dessert and people love fireworks. Dessert should be something that can be done even with the lounge's small prep area.

 

[5forDiz]

And, just out of curiosity, how many DVC'rs (not staying at BLT) would still be interested in visiting if they had to pay something to go up? For example, you show up and you have to pay say $3.00 per person to go up. You then get something to turn in for that value toward food and/or drinks.

Good point but even when BLT's fully sold will BLT owners themselves be spending enough to sustain it ? What I don't get is non-staying DVC'rs being less willing to spend money there (?)....if they're spending at other locations at WDW what would make them feel differently about doing so at TOWL ? and imo it seems that many are assuming that presently every BLT owner who has been to TOWL (or will in future) has, in fact, spent $ there.....probably not the case so maybe a cover charge for all could only help because in the end it's all about $.

It's really too bad they didn't put in a full kitchen and make it a regular TS restaurant. It would be great if they'd made a version of the Concourse Grill/Concourse Steakhouse in that location. It would be great to have a DVC exclusive TS restaurant that could serve quality food and not be affected by "free" dining, although it would likely not be able to take the DDP at all, unless there was some way to negotiate a special deal on reimbursement, knowing that the only DDP patrons there would be those that paid for the DDP, no "freebie" DDP people. The restaurant could be open to all DVCers, the observation deck exclusive to BLT DVCers.

I'd think they probably cannot expand the small prep kitchen but wonder if they could offer additional choices via phone ordering ( as in bento boxes delivered poolside at Kidani )

Thoughts: The majority of people visiting disney have kids varying in age. DVC is no exception. The lounge has nothing for those kids to keep them occupied other than a quick look out on the MK, where they'd rather be, or the monorail - again, they'd rather be riding it. I visited during open house with my 15 & 12 yo, and although there was a man making balloon animals, my kids were bored and chose to chat with the bartender (a very nice man).

BLT-staying or not, I just can't see the families with kids going out of their way to spend time and $ up there unless they're waiting for the fireworks or if there's some sort of real entertainment. Then, yes, I can see them spending the $ on food/drink.

ita with you on this, especially with younger kids, I don't see that many families will want to take their kids up to TOWL because it is, after all a bar-lounge even if it is family friendly. DH & I would definitely enjoy it but our kids (theyre older) have absolutely no desire to go to TOWL because they like to be at parks in evening & we usually always take advantage of EMH too. Also, we've got 'our spot' at MK where we watch fireworks since they were little & I don't see them wanting to change doing that. My bro & sis-inlaw have younger kids and usually do not stay late at parks but said if they went back to their villa at BLT that's where they'd be, they wouldn't think of taking the kids up to TOWL even if they didn't have MK view to see Wishes.

 

[dizfan]

The one exception I can think of (and it's ancillary, at best) is that DVC/DVD does staff and pay for AKV concierge..including the food and beverage offerings in the concierge lounge.

It's possible they COULD be running the TOTW lounge in a similar manner...and simply using it as a cost/profit center, rather than an "added service". I don't know that, for sure, though. IF that's true, though, then members are paying for it through the higher point cost for rooms, I'd think.

That would be a great idea to turn the lounge into a concierge level perk.

Convert some rooms to be concierge level with concierge points.
Or give people booking the option to pay a certain amount for the perk (first ___ to pay for the perk have access during the stay).

 

[LIFERBABE]

I will visit also. I check into BLT on Sunday on my solo trip and my plan is pool and lounge

 

[Sammie]

I think they might have to open it to all BLT guests to keep it open, I know I personally would not drive over there just to use the lounge unless I was actually staying there or had a dinner planned.

And actually to me it is fairer to open it to paying guests of BLT than DVC that is not staying there. I do hope they limit it only to BLT guests and not the entire Contemporary resort.

 

[Brian Noble]

I doubt seriously the lounge is operated by DVD. I'm pretty sure it is run by WDW food/beverages services. To my knowledge DVD only does DVC sales and marketing. All merchandise and food sales are run by the appropriate WDW divisions

I don't doubt that F&B operates it, but that doesn't mean they "own" it. Some unit in the company is "charged" for the capital expense of building it. That unit "owns" the space. Which unit is that?

If it is DVD, it could last as a Member-exclusive perk for as long as BLT is in active sales, depending on the costs, even at a modest loss. If it is not DVD, but some other unit, well, it will have to generate ROI a lot faster.

In the BLT documentation, it states that the lounge is not part of DVD.

I was under the impression that the documents said it was not part of the declared real estate interest that is being sold as the BLT condominium site. That doesn't mean that Vacation Development doesn't "own" the space in the sense I'm thinking of.

Ultimately, even though Disney is "one company", it's run like lots of more-or-less independent businesses, each of which must show its own profit or loss. Very infrequently, transfer accounting is used---for example, my understanding is that F&B is allowed to take a loss on DDP because Resorts generates correspondingly more income with higher RevPAR (revenue per available room) numbers and longer lengths of stay. Such cross-unit thinking is relatively rare in the company, as near as I can tell.

 

[Chuck S]

Likely the "space" is owned by DVD, but is leased back to WDW F & B, just as the ground the building is built on is leased from WDW. As with any business they need to show a profit to justify being open. No profit, and what would happen, more then likely, is that Disney would shutter the lounge...just as they close venues in the parks that aren't profitable. The Odyssey at EPCOT comes to mind, and the Wonders of Life, along with many "seasonal" counter service areas in all the parks. The lounge would simply sit unused.

 

[Halle]

I think it should be a DVC lounge. The BLT owners should have first dibs and then if there is space at the inn allow other DVC'ers in. We're staying there in November and other DVC owners we're travelling with are staying at OKW, it'd be fun to spend an evening or two at TOTL.

 

[Sandisw]

I was told a couple of days ago by DVC Management that Disney isn't real happy with the poor attendance on the deck or the lounge. If things don't improve, the next change is to allow all BLT guests access.

The way that I see it is with only 50% of BLT declared, that means that 50% of the rooms are available to Disney for cash bookings. DVD is now going to focus on selling AKV so the 50% may be in place for awhile. Can you imagine the cash demand if Disney included access to a private lounge and viewing area for cash guests!

I can certainly can see this being the next step. When I was there, I saw at least one cash guest who was not happy with being turned away. And, as you said, if it remains DVC only and BLT isn't sold out for quite some time, things are not going to improve in terms of profitability.

 

[spiceycat]

you are kidding yourself if you think this will always be a DVC lounge.

remember the paper you signed that stated that TOW is not part of DVC and won't be.

Disney will rent it for parties, wedding, celebrations. would never expect this place on holidays.

now would love for DVC member to have access when Disney is not renting - that might work.

the problem with non-DVC guests is they can get upset - when Disney is renting this thing - and could start complaining.

we signed a paper that mentioned DVC member limited access - non-dvc guests did not. well non-blt dvc member did not either.

limited access is better than none. enough complaints and it will only be for private parties just like the Attic

besides if you want to use TOW just get a reservation at BLT.

 

[twinklebug]

you are kidding yourself if you think this will always be a DVC lounge.

<snip>

enough complaints and it will only be for private parties just like the Attic

Somewhere deep inside I feel this was the true intent of the space from the day they designed it. Complaints or not, it's a gold mine sitting atop what happens to be a DVC building on Disney property. It's just a little hairy trying to sell units to a prime real estate location while telling future buyers that they can't use the wonderful lounge built at the top unless they have $$ to rent it out.

I'd hate to see it happen, but it's easy to imagine the lounge being locked up while BLT guests (both DVC and non) have access to the overlook area, with exception to the days it's rented out for private functions.

 

[DVCPAT]

you are kidding yourself if you think this will always be a DVC lounge.

remember the paper you signed that stated that TOW is not part of DVC and won't be.

Disney will rent it for parties, wedding, celebrations. would never expect this place on holidays.

I agree 100%. It’s current purpose is a DVC sales tool. Once the resort sells out, look for exclusive gatherings and entertainment at premium price. Disney could create a new dining package by increasing a nearby restaurant cost 30 % (double the dining service credits) then throw in a fireworks dessert party on the observation deck.

 

[DenLo]

I think that change makes sense. Everyone staying there should have access to the lounge. In the BLT documentation, it states that the lounge is not part of DVD.

Alternatives that Disney should look at for the lounge.

BLT reminds me a lot of DCL, so Disney should take a page from the DCL. Offers things like wine tastings, beer tastings, tequila tastings, martini tastings, etc. This could be done during the mid-afternoon to draw business to the lounge and guarantee those attending the lounge during these times spend money.

Also, I would hope Disney takes a page from the parks and adds something like a dessert fireworks package to the lounge. People love dessert and people love fireworks. Dessert should be something that can be done even with the lounge's small prep area.

you are kidding yourself if you think this will always be a DVC lounge.

remember the paper you signed that stated that TOW is not part of DVC and won't be.

Disney will rent it for parties, wedding, celebrations. would never expect this place on holidays.

now would love for DVC member to have access when Disney is not renting - that might work.

the problem with non-DVC guests is they can get upset - when Disney is renting this thing - and could start complaining.

we signed a paper that mentioned DVC member limited access - non-dvc guests did not. well non-blt dvc member did not either.

limited access is better than none. enough complaints and it will only be for private parties just like the Attic

besides if you want to use TOW just get a reservation at BLT.

I agree 100%. It’s current purpose is a DVC sales tool. Once the resort sells out, look for exclusive gatherings and entertainment at premium price. Disney could create a new dining package by increasing a nearby restaurant cost 30 % (double the dining service credits) then throw in a fireworks dessert party on the observation deck.

Opening the TOTW to all BLT guests just makes sense. Eventually most of those guests will be DVC members so in the end it will feel like a DVC lounge. However, I have no doubts that Disney will use it for special events that will not be open for everyone. The concierge idea--that's a big lounge for a few concierge rooms. And since concierge rooms were not part of the public offering I wouldn't think they could just change some rooms and call them concierge.

I like the idea of wine tastings or desserts served during/before/after fireworks etc., but would they be money makers of breakers for DVC? Wine tastings on cruise ships are done on a sea day so you have captive passengers that need something to do, at BLT people come and go at will.

My only hope is that we can go up to TOTW when we stay at BLT in March.