Top Of The World Lounge At BLT Open To All DVC Members

[DizCaptain]

Saw this a few places while surfing around today...

"From July 8-Aug. 25, 2012, Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at the Walt Disney World® Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

The sleekly designed bar and lounge, typically available only to Members staying at Bay Lake Tower, operates from 5 p.m.-midnight daily and offers spectacular rooftop viewing of Wishes™ - the Magic Kingdom® fireworks spectacular - complete with the show's stirring musical soundtrack. The ability to access the lounge has been a frequent request from Members staying at other Walt Disney World Resorts since Bay Lake Tower opened in 2009, and Disney Vacation Club is thrilled to make that "wish" come true during this special summer period.

This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current Key to the World card displaying a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge. If the Member's Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is required in addition to the Key to the World card to verify Membership.

Note that Members traveling from other resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking will be unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, Members must walk to the Bay Lake Tower main lobby entrance on the ground floor and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

This special Top of the World Lounge access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. As the lounge is particularly popular during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving as early as possible will give Members the best chance of gaining admission."

I don't know about anyone else, but as a BLT member, this is crushing. My family bought here because of TOTW and its exclusivity/general not so crowded-ness. So here we are at step one to losing this gem completely.

 

[dvc at last !]

Saw this a few places while surfing around today...

"From July 8-Aug. 25, 2012, Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at the Walt Disney World® Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

The sleekly designed bar and lounge, typically available only to Members staying at Bay Lake Tower, operates from 5 p.m.-midnight daily and offers spectacular rooftop viewing of Wishes™ - the Magic Kingdom® fireworks spectacular - complete with the show's stirring musical soundtrack. The ability to access the lounge has been a frequent request from Members staying at other Walt Disney World Resorts since Bay Lake Tower opened in 2009, and Disney Vacation Club is thrilled to make that "wish" come true during this special summer period.

This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current Key to the World card displaying a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge. If the Member's Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is required in addition to the Key to the World card to verify Membership.

Note that Members traveling from other resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking will be unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, Members must walk to the Bay Lake Tower main lobby entrance on the ground floor and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

This special Top of the World Lounge access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. As the lounge is particularly popular during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving as early as possible will give Members the best chance of gaining admission."

I don't know about anyone else, but as a BLT member, this is crushing. My family bought here because of TOTW and its exclusivity/general not so crowded-ness. So here we are at step one to losing this gem completely.

I am not a BLT owner, but a DVC owner-we have stayed BLT on points and been to TOTW Lounge - it was not very crowded. Maybe if it were open to DVC Members it would allow more business a/k/a money spent to keep the TOTW Lounge operating. If needed - reservations could be made by DVC members staying BLT first and then by DVC members staying at WDW.

 

[dismichael]

We own points to BLT and for me this is no big deal. We went to TOTW Lounge on our most recent trip and it was all a bit lack luster. When in the Lounge the waiter paid no attention and focused on the other tables (though there were only about 2 or 3 other parties). then when we went to watch Wishes it just wasnt as special because of the slanted view. Then to top everything off it started to rain. Just not for me...i would rather either be in my room watching or on main street (preferably the latter). Just my opinion...

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The lounge is usually dead...and they actually didn't do a great job of designing it where the interior has much if a view...

So I'm not shocked they are attempting to draw more people...even though they swore up and down that they would
NEVER violate the purchase contract.

Guess "limited engagements" is how you take care of that little problem

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I don't know about anyone else, but as a BLT member, this is crushing. My family bought here because of TOTW and its exclusivity/general not so crowded-ness. So here we are at step one to losing this gem completely.

From recollection, the TOTW was never a guarantee of your BLT contract, similar to the the lounge at Boardwalk. They could close it all together and you'd have zero recourse except to sell your contract if you decided.

 

[abear]

Our contract is with BLT - we are staying for the first time in mid-September and plan on going to TOTW.
This news would be concerning if it got to the point where I couldn't use the lounge because of crowding. However, if it has historically been underutilized inviting more folks up might make actually make the experience better.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Our contract is with BLT - we are staying for the first time in mid-September and plan on going to TOTW.
This news would be concerning if it got to the point where I couldn't use the lounge because of crowding. However, if it has historically been underutilized inviting more folks up might make actually make the experience better.

i think you have the right attitude.

The fact is that the lounge is not often crowded...a 20 minute rush for fireworks doesn't justify the cost to keep it exclusive - or open for that matter.

I see no problem opening it to DVC members - the reality is that you are really only likely to get foot traffic from the new GF block and maybe wilderness...as people don't often do transportation hoping to get to other bars...just too inconvenient.

The main tower also has california grill's bar - and for my money - you'd be better off with a plate of sushi and an $11 cocktail there and walk outside to see the fireworks over the tomorrowland service area - because you have to do that at top of the worlk anyway.

I just don't think this is a big deal...it may seem like it may be...but give it a chance.

obviously avoid it on christmas eve and new years eve...but hey...never go to WDW then anyway

 

[TDC Nala]

I was there on July 8, when I was staying at AKL. I don't have a contract at BLT, mine are at BCV and SSR. It was not astonishingly crowded in the lounge and it did not reach anywhere near capacity. I was coming over from Epcot and missed the first monorail, arriving at BLT only seven minutes before the fireworks started. I had no problem getting a spot outside to watch them. had a cheese plate in the bar afterward. They were not getting enough customers to sustain the place and I don't think it's anything for BLT members to worry about. It is likely a good thing for the lounge to get more customers. the bartender said she had just gotten a transfer to Wilderness Lodge that she had been trying to get.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I was there on July 8, when I was staying at AKL. I don't have a contract at BLT, mine are at BCV and SSR. It was not astonishingly crowded in the lounge and it did not reach anywhere near capacity. I was coming over from Epcot and missed the first monorail, arriving at BLT only seven minutes before the fireworks started. I had no problem getting a spot outside to watch them. had a cheese plate in the bar afterward. They were not getting enough customers to sustain the place and I don't think it's anything for BLT members to worry about. It is likely a good thing for the lounge to get more customers. the bartender said she had just gotten a transfer to Wilderness Lodge that she had been trying to get.

similar story in october '10...the bartender was bored and talked about how much better she did at pleasure island and even the days where she worked the BLT poolbar - and was trying to transfer out.

Disney has yanked their bartenders around for years (if you have the chance...watch when the managers make them do a "pour test" as i got the thrill of witnessing in victoria falls lounge in march) and that is part of the story too.

But back to BLT...they built this thing, they projected that they'd have to beat 1,700 stayers out of place everynight from a packed 350 unit tower that couldn't be beat...and completely missed.

It happens...they miss on stuff all the time "see: Kingdom, Animal" and they have to adjust to pump it up an sometimes just 86 it down the road.

It happens...but if they aren't busy...let the kids come and eat cake

 

[sammi6]

I was there on July 8, when I was staying at AKL. I don't have a contract at BLT, mine are at BCV and SSR. It was not astonishingly crowded in the lounge and it did not reach anywhere near capacity. I was coming over from Epcot and missed the first monorail, arriving at BLT only seven minutes before the fireworks started. I had no problem getting a spot outside to watch them. had a cheese plate in the bar afterward. They were not getting enough customers to sustain the place and I don't think it's anything for BLT members to worry about. It is likely a good thing for the lounge to get more customers. the bartender said she had just gotten a transfer to Wilderness Lodge that she had been trying to get.

Would that bartenders name happen to be Brucie?

Everytime we have been to TOWL it has always been dead, even during the fireworks there wasn't much of a crowd, so to me this could be a good thing for them.

 

[DizCaptain]

Am I the only one whose only experience there has had crowds? Hahaha I've been up there 3-4 times and every time it was packed... if only it weren't... My initial post sounded drastic, but I wasn't saying I'm not open to it, but it does propose a traffic concern (they say you have find your own way over, but let's be honest, people BS their way into Contemporary parking all the time anyway) and although its not contractually promised, this is, just as Boardwalk, the first step in solely reserving it for private parties.

 

[TDC Nala]

Not sure how allowing more guests in is the first step toward reserving for private parties.

If they allow more guests in and the lounge STILL doesn't make enough money to sustain itself, then they'll have to do something else, and that's when you might see it go to private parties. So I'd think it might be better to encourage DVC members to go up there during this trial, and BUY SOMETHING while you are up there - just watching the fireworks won't help.

 

[dvc at last !]

Not sure how allowing more guests in is the first step toward reserving for private parties.

If they allow more guests in and the lounge STILL doesn't make enough money to sustain itself, then they'll have to do something else, and that's when you might see it go to private parties. So I'd think it might be better to encourage DVC members to go up there during this trial, and BUY SOMETHING while you are up there - just watching the fireworks won't help.

Love the " buy something - not just watch fireworks " !

 

[eleclips]

If they don't have enough traffic in the lounge, why do they make it so difficult to get there by requiring you to check in and have an escort? Your key card should let you use the elevators the cards for the top floors do.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If they don't have enough traffic in the lounge, why do they make it so difficult to get there by requiring you to check in and have an escort? Your key card should let you use the elevators the cards for the top floors do.

Because that would be abused almost immediately...people would be giving there spare keys to anyone who may happen to be traveling with them somewhere else to use at their leisure...
It is actually very common to have groups spread
Out all over WDW property or greater Orlando...

At least the checkin keeps people somewhat honest...

They seem to be doing the right thing: moving toward opening the place to all DVC...perhaps to the entire contemporary...that will be enough

 

[umichigan10]

Ive been up there once in the morning because a CM let us in to admire the view. It seemed nice and the view of MK was pretty awesome but for me it kinda sucked you can barely see anything else on property because the original contemporary building blocks the view (and ive been up high in the regular contemporary building in the hallways and the view is pretty awesome)

 

[WaDiWo]

Am I the only one whose only experience there has had crowds? Hahaha I've been up there 3-4 times and every time it was packed... if only it weren't... My initial post sounded drastic, but I wasn't saying I'm not open to it, but it does propose a traffic concern (they say you have find your own way over, but let's be honest, people BS their way into Contemporary parking all the time anyway) and although its not contractually promised, this is, just as Boardwalk, the first step in solely reserving it for private parties.

I agree with you. We were just there last week, and were staying at BLT. all three times we went up to watch Wishes, there were a lot of people. I'm not saying jam packed, but honestly if you weren't at TOTW lounge 30-60minutes before Wishes, you would be out of a seat. On the deck itself, people were lined up all against the wall.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I agree with you. We were just there last week, and were staying at BLT. all three times we went up to watch Wishes, there were a lot of people. I'm not saying jam packed, but honestly if you weren't at TOTW lounge 30-60minutes before Wishes, you would be out of a seat. On the deck itself, people were lined up all against the wall.

hmmm...something is giving me a buzz about your post...just can't quite put my finger on it...hmmmm

Were you - by chance - ever there at 7 pm?
or 10:30?

i don't think the problem from WDW's operations perspective are the "pigeons" that land up there and roost for half hour-hour at one point of the night...

its the other 5 hours where its dead that probably the issue.

 

[DizneyPilot]

I am a BLT owner. BLT owners paid a premium for their points. I feel that the lounge area should remain exclusive. I know there will be those that think I'm selfish, but how would the Beach club owners feel about all DVC owners using stormalong? Is the exclusive use of stormalong in your contract?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I am a BLT owner. BLT owners paid a premium for their points. I feel that the lounge area should remain exclusive. I know there will be those that think I'm selfish, but how would the Beach club owners feel about all DVC owners using stormalong? Is the exclusive use of stormalong in your contract?

The TOTW lounge is not contractually tied to your DVC points. You paid a premium for the points, so did others based on when they bought and where and lets be honest the TOTW lounge was not a major selling point of BLT, it was the proximity to MK.

The pool at Storm-A-Long bay is not about contractual tying it's about capacity and all pools have capacity limits and outside of DVC members being able to hop at most pools (excluding Storm-A-Long Bay, AKV pools, BLT/CR pools), pools are typically restricted to people staying at that resort (poolhopping for DVC is a perk).