Top Of The World Lounge (Carrie or anyone?)

[MiaSRN62]

Hello,
I've been getting a huge run-a-around about have a small gathering of about 20-25 people at TOWL for my daughter's "get together" the night before the wedding. First I was told it was "only for DVC Members staying on points". Once they found out I was indeed a Member and staying on points, now they are saying I am not allowed to reserve this space. I never expressed I demanded it reserved, only that I was wondering how to get some catered items up for my group.

I read on either this forum or another that a couple people have done this at TOWL.

Would anyone have any info for me? I have been trying to get answers since first week of October. Disney is blowing me off and the wedding planner is encouraging me to book with them at another venue for $56/per++. I can cater this with appetizers for $500 vs close to $2,000 with DFTW. I was simply trying to get Contemporary Private Dining to assist me with this and I am being told "no"

Thanks so much

 

[lurkyloo]

Hmm... this is weird. I know DFTW and Disney Catered Events can't book Top of the World cuz it's DVC. But the only person I know of who's been able to book a private event there did it through Private Dining, so I dunno why they're giving you the runaround now. This might be one of those things where it's best just to show up and then order the appetizers on the spot.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hmm... this is weird. I know DFTW and Disney Catered Events can't book Top of the World cuz it's DVC. But the only person I know of who's been able to book a private event there did it through Private Dining, so I dunno why they're giving you the runaround now. This might be one of those things where it's best just to show up and then order the appetizers on the spot.

Thank Carrie! I think you are right.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Just wanted to post an update. To be honest, DVC pretty much blew me off. I dealt with a very nice person at DVC Member Services but she could only do so much. I won't bore you all with DVC stuff, but there is a on-going temporary policy that is not exactly clearly worded that states any Member staying at Bay Lake Tower on points (we are) can bring their traveling party staying at other resorts up to the lounge. They even indicate these guests might need to utilize Disney transportation. So clearly that would mean they were not staying at BLT. However, when the supervisor was asked, it was conveyed to me that only my guests staying at BLT could come up. This is such wrong information coming from a DVC MS supervisor. I have family that I have secured rooms for in the Villas Wilderness Lodge on my points and they told me they were "not sure" if they could go up to the Top of The World Lounge. Again, I know this to be incorrect but I'm done debating with them.

The bottom line is, I was completely strung along for 3 months being told by Private Dining that the chefs from the Wave could cater my smallish even of about 25 people total. I was told this over the phone TWICE over 2 months that this was indeed possible and they "would be happy to help me plan this". But DVC shot that down at the 90 day mark.

I am now having the party/get-together in our BLT villa and using outside catering out of spite for how I was treated. I cannot describe enough how let-down I feel on this issue. DFTW was contacted by DVC as a way to pawn me off on them I feel. I was apologized to for receiving incorrect information twice by two different private dining cast members but that was it. DFTW is offering me full buffets at one of the ballroom locations or similar. This is a portion of their email to me the other day:

<<<< While we are unable to use the Top of the World Lounge, I would be more than happy to help you find an alternative venue and explore some more options. We have several venues across property that we can look into – if you would like to stay at the Contemporary, we could look into utilizing a ballroom in the convention center or the Porte Cochere. Depending on the time of Wishes, the Porte Cochere location could possibly allow your event to correspond with fireworks viewing. >>>>>>>>>


I don't hold DFTW at all responsible for this. They tried to be helpful and supplied me with 4 different catering menus that range from about $51-$57++ per guest for a night-before event. This would end up costing me anywhere from $1500-$2000. This was Private Dining and DVC who let me down.

My idea for this night was to be very relaxed and casual. I had envisioned appetizers/finger foods and drinks at Top Of The World Lounge & perhaps spending in the area of $500+. Now it will just be in our villa and we will make it a very fun evening.

Thanks for listening to my somewhat rant. I just felt the need to follow up in case anyone had any thoughts about using Top Of The World Lounge. This is one of the most under utilized spaces on property. It's a wonderful space and atmosphere. I have been up there 3x and never was there more than a dozen people. One time there was maybe 6. Considering the night I was interested in was a Wed (April 2), I highly doubt it would have been crowded. I have read the bartenders up there don't get much in tips because most just run up there to watch fireworks and then leave. I was willing to provide $500 in revenue and of course the bartenders would have been very nicely tipped but this option is not available to me.

Sorry this got long!

 

[GrnMtnMan]

This is one of the most under utilized spaces on property. It's a wonderful space and atmosphere. I have been up there 3x and never was there more than a dozen people. One time there was maybe 6. Considering the night I was interested in was a Wed (April 2), I highly doubt it would have been crowded. I have read the bartenders up there don't get much in tips because most just run up there to watch fireworks and then leave. I was willing to provide $500 in revenue and of course the bartenders would have been very nicely tipped but this option is not available to me.

I see both sides of this issue. As a BLT owner/user, I agree the the lounge is under utilized. But it is intended to be used as a perk for DVC members*, not a private space available for rentals. I know if I were wanting to visit the lounge that night, only to be denied entrance because occupancy was hit due to a private party full of non-members, I'd be pretty peeved.

PS: April 2 is in prime spring break season this year. Easter is no until April 18th, so WDW will be pretty packed from mid-March to Mid-April.

PPS: please make sure you are respectful of other guests with regards to noise in your unit during your party. I've traveled to the BLT with my kids as infants/babies/toddlers, and we go to sleep pretty early compared to most folks. I wouldn't hesitate to call security if a party was going on in a nearby unit, keeping my kids awake due to noise.

* Before I was a member, I rented points at BLT and was not allowed to utilized TOTWL. Its is a membership perk, not a staying on points perk.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I see both sides of this issue. As a BLT owner/user, I agree the the lounge is under utilized. But it is intended to be used as a perk for DVC members*, not a private space available for rentals. I know if I were wanting to visit the lounge that night, only to be denied entrance because occupancy was hit due to a private party full of non-members, I'd be pretty peeved.

PS: April 2 is in prime spring break season this year. Easter is no until April 18th, so WDW will be pretty packed from mid-March to Mid-April.

PPS: please make sure you are respectful of other guests with regards to noise in your unit during your party. I've traveled to the BLT with my kids as infants/babies/toddlers, and we go to sleep pretty early compared to most folks. I wouldn't hesitate to call security if a party was going on in a nearby unit, keeping my kids awake due to noise.

* Before I was a member, I rented points at BLT and was not allowed to utilized TOTWL. Its is a membership perk, not a staying on points perk.

Hi,
I guess I really wish they spelled it out to me the first week of October when I first asked. Or even early late Nov/early Dec when I called the second time. Instead they assured me to the fullest they could do this. That is my issue. I received way too many conflicting answers and felt very led on. Then at the 90 day mark they tell me "no" with barely an apology for the stress they have put me through. I feel like I'm playing catch-up now. I highly doubt any one would be turned away on this particular Wed night. That happens so infrequently and is usually Christmas-New Years week and times there are black outs periods in WDW. Tues, April 2 does not fall in to that category. I am going to make a point to go up there on that night and take pictures. My gut feeling is there will be plenty of room.

I checked the crowd level for that week (mid week) from several different sites and Wed night and on a scale of 1-10, that night is 4-7. As for being respectful that goes without saying. I have been an active participant on the DIS for 14 years. I have visited WDW 50+ times and would consider nothing less than respect for those around me. It is our "happy place" and hope it is for others as well. The comment you made about calling security was not necessary to make to me here. I am already a stressed-out mother-of-the-bride over this whole situation & trying to plan a wedding with my daughter from 1,000 miles away and you are making loosely-veiled insinuating comments without knowing me or my family. DFTW suggested outside venues to me that are mere steps from people's rooms. Sound carries. So of course we will do our best to keep things low-key. It's what I wanted all along. A casual low-key vibe for her night before the wedding.

As for the "not staying on points" perk, there is a disclaimer on our DVC Member site you can check out that states through Dec 2014 they have extended TOWL usage to all DVC Members and guests staying on their reservation. This was just extended recently mostly due to low crowds and under utilization of the space. Usually we hear crickets when we go up to the lounge. It's a shame. They could close it if this continues.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I'm not trying to stress you out to watch you squirm, honestly. The only reason I looked at this thread in the first place was the headline made me think they'd changed policies bout TOTWL, with regards to private use.

(that would be a pretty big thing, because, as I understand it, the TOTWL is owned by the BLT owners....to take it out of the 'common element' of the timeshare is not just a small policy change. It would be like making the BLT pool or community hall available for private use, excluding members who pay dues to maintain these facilities)​

Then I saw this:

a small gathering of about 20-25 people

And a plan to have a party in a timeshare unit at BLT. And it reminded me of all the times people have been inconsiderate in their use of multifamily dwellings. I've lived in an apartment building, a condo, been on a condo board, and have owned timeshares at Disney and Atlantis for a long time. Some times people mistake these shared-wall residences as their own private ones.

Sound carries. So of course we will do our best to keep things low-key.

Do you honestly think you can control the volume of the laughter, music, and conversation at your party, to the point that the family 1 wall, floor, or ceiling away won't be disturbed? I concede that level of control is possible, but doesn't sound very fun.

The comment you made about calling security was not necessary to make to me here

I don't think I'd be doing you any favors ignoring that having the party broken up by Disney security is not a real possibility. Or alternatively, the exhausted dad on a Make-a-Wish trip knocks on your door to ask for quiet for his sick child. Would you really just continue to let the good times roll? I agree that your in-unit party *could* turn out fine, but the alternatives I've outline above could also be the outcome.

I suggest finding some sort of alternative plan. Meet at the Outer Rim Bar in the CR and watch fireworks from the terrace on the north side of the CR, for example. Or try to get up to the TOTWL with your group, with above as backup.

 

[wiigirl]

Thank Carrie! I think you are right.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I'm not trying to stress you out to watch you squirm, honestly. The only reason I looked at this thread in the first place was the headline made me think they'd changed policies bout TOTWL, with regards to private use.

(that would be a pretty big thing, because, as I understand it, the TOTWL is owned by the BLT owners....to take it out of the 'common element' of the timeshare is not just a small policy change. It would be like making the BLT pool or community hall available for private use, excluding members who pay dues to maintain these facilities)​

Then I saw this:
And a plan to have a party in a timeshare unit at BLT. And it reminded me of all the times people have been inconsiderate in their use of multifamily dwellings. I've lived in an apartment building, a condo, been on a condo board, and have owned timeshares at Disney and Atlantis for a long time. Some times people mistake these shared-wall residences as their own private ones.
Do you honestly think you can control the volume of the laughter, music, and conversation at your party, to the point that the family 1 wall, floor, or ceiling away won't be disturbed? I concede that level of control is possible, but doesn't sound very fun.

I don't think I'd be doing you any favors ignoring that having the party broken up by Disney security is not a real possibility. Or alternatively, the exhausted dad on a Make-a-Wish trip knocks on your door to ask for quiet for his sick child. (really?)Would you really just continue to let the good times roll? I agree that your in-unit party *could* turn out fine, but the alternatives I've outline above could also be the outcome.

I suggest finding some sort of alternative plan. Meet at the Outer Rim Bar in the CR and watch fireworks from the terrace on the north side of the CR, for example. Or try to get up to the TOTWL with your group, with above as backup.

Too much to address here. But please don't get the impression you did me any favors by responding in this way to my original post. If you only knew how many times we lost sleep from families with small children banging on walls and running around and screaming in the rooms and up and down the hallways over the years. It was so bad in 2012 at OKW that I had to call the front desk. I actually taped it with my iPhone and took it to the front desk. They were shocked. But this was never the point of this thread---you turned it around to this.

I'm not having dancing and karaoke or anything. Some wine, sandwiches and good conversation with some people we haven't seen in years.

You took this thread in an entirely different direction from the intended topic. I will be very respectful in the way we carry out our meet and greet get together but will not be moving our gathering anywhere else. I have read several times on these boards and other forums about brides renting out DVC villas. But I know my family/friends best and disrupting others or being rude/disrespectful will not be an issue. So please, let's just be respectful towards each other and end our polar-opposite conversation here. Thanks.

 

[KathyRN137]

... but, if the TOW Lounge opens at 5pm, I don't see why it cannot be used for private parties -- for DVC Members staying on points -- in the afternoon! It does seem like a waste of a lovely space.

(I'm a DVC member, BTW)

OP: I hope everything works out well for you and congratulations on your daughter's upcoming wedding.

Kathy

 

[October 2014 Bride]

What a lovely thing you are doing for your daughter. I'm sure whatever you end up doing it will be lovely catching up with friends and family before the wedding - they are what makes an evening.

 

[mb187143]

Maria, I think you'll be fine having an "open house" style gathering in your villa. If you're interested, in addition to the room service options (we tried the cheese plates and my DH and his groomsmen had the dumplings when they were getting ready for our wedding at the contemporary), there is a Panera nearby that will deliver catering to the contemporary/BLT. I think you can also pick up from earl of sandwich in DTD and from any Publix. You'll probably be able to do it very cost-effectively.

Also, I know at one time a bride who was being bumped from the WP due to the GFV construction was offered the opportunity to use that as her venue - so I think there was some flexibility there at one time (she got married in 2011). I wonder if your planner thought it was an option and got stonewalled DVC. Seems crazy since TOWL seems to be struggling a fair bit.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks for all the advice and support! I will look in to the options mentioned. You guys are the best

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria, I think you'll be fine having an "open house" style gathering in your villa. If you're interested, in addition to the room service options (we tried the cheese plates and my DH and his groomsmen had the dumplings when they were getting ready for our wedding at the contemporary), there is a Panera nearby that will deliver catering to the contemporary/BLT. I think you can also pick up from earl of sandwich in DTD and from any Publix. You'll probably be able to do it very cost-effectively.

Also, I know at one time a bride who was being bumped from the WP due to the GFV construction was offered the opportunity to use that as her venue - so I think there was some flexibility there at one time (she got married in 2011). I wonder if your planner thought it was an option and got stonewalled DVC. Seems crazy since TOWL seems to be struggling a fair bit.

Just wanted to explain---our wedding planner was brought in to the mix by DVC. It was two different cast members with Disney Private Dining who initially told me in October and again late Nov that it would be "no problem" to cater our group at TOWL. But no one ever called back after 2 calls. I wrote an email to WDW and then was told no after my email was forwarded to DVC by WDW. DVC then forwarded my email to our wedding planner. The only reason I even came up with the idea of having the meet-n-greet at TOWL was because I read about it on either DIS or another forum. I read about it back in the summer and felt this would be a wonderful venue for us. I specifically booked BLT for our trip for use of TOWL. I have many guests booked on my points---and while not at BLT (due to higher point count)----I do have them at VWL. Manager at DVC told me no one but me and those booked at BLT would be allowed up. THAT I am certain is not correct info. But I'm beyond it now. I've moved on because of how they (DVC/Private Dining) treated me.

We have NO FAULT with our wedding planner. They were nothing but nice and tried to help us come up with alternate plans after DVC forwarded my email. However, their options are more formal & pricey. So just wanted to clarify the DFTW team has been nothing but wonderful so far.

Thanks again everyone

 

[MiaSRN62]

I finally tracked down one of the posts that inspired me to want to utilize the TOWL for daughter's meet-n-greet gathering.

It was on another forum (disney wedding related---not sure I can mention it???). I can't link either because this forum contains "private" boards that the mods must approve you for. I certainly don't want to do anything illegal as to copy and paste, BUT, I will tell you it was a group of 15 people. Only 50% were staying at BLT, the rest elsewhere and non-DVC. She had a catered even (through Disney Private Dining) with a professional photog up there for her mom's 60's birthday (the group was in WDW for the wedding but mom's bday coincided) so she wanted to do something special.

She did a full report with pics of the event and catered food items and menu that was provided to her from Private Dining. This was in 2012. She posted pics of small decorated tables and balloons out on the fireworks viewing deck and all.

I am glad she was successful, but why is it ok for her and not me---and I might add DVC told me my guests staying on my DVC points at other resorts (Villas Wilderness Lodge) were NOT allowed. Only guests staying on points at BLT were allowed the manager told me. Now I am seeing this woman on this other forum had 50% of guests who weren't even staying DVC or on property??? This is just a small quote from her when asked if guests had to be staying at BLT:

<<<< no! half of us were, half not, but so long as YOU are staying there when you make the reservation you can bring any guests that you'd like. i made a list of the guests we were expecting and gave it to the desk at BLT. when our guests arrived, they checked in at the desk and then were escorted up. >>>>>>>

Just frustrating to be getting an entirely different experience. Posting my story to help others who might feel this is an option.

 

[mb187143]

Just wanted to explain---our wedding planner was brought in to the mix by DVC. It was two different cast members with Disney Private Dining who initially told me in October and again late Nov that it would be "no problem" to cater our group at TOWL. But no one ever called back after 2 calls. I wrote an email to WDW and then was told no after my email was forwarded to DVC by WDW. DVC then forwarded my email to our wedding planner. The only reason I even came up with the idea of having the meet-n-greet at TOWL was because I read about it on either DIS or another forum. I read about it back in the summer and felt this would be a wonderful venue for us. I specifically booked BLT for our trip for use of TOWL. I have many guests booked on my points---and while not at BLT (due to higher point count)----I do have them at VWL. Manager at DVC told me no one but me and those booked at BLT would be allowed up. THAT I am certain is not correct info. But I'm beyond it now. I've moved on because of how they (DVC/Private Dining) treated me. We have NO FAULT with our wedding planner. They were nothing but nice and tried to help us come up with alternate plans after DVC forwarded my email. However, their options are more formal & pricey. So just wanted to clarify the DFTW team has been nothing but wonderful so far. Thanks again everyone

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply DFTW was being less than helpful, just that maybe something changed and they got shut down by DVC. I read your OP wrong as to their level of involvement (DFTW) originally.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply DFTW was being less than helpful, just that maybe something changed and they got shut down by DVC. I read your OP wrong as to their level of involvement (DFTW) originally.

Oh no, please....no need to apologize. I just felt maybe I wasn't clear enough that DFTW was wonderful in trying to help. I was more peeved that DVC pawned my issue off on them when it had nothing to do with them. Thanks again for your support and help

 

[CoffeeCup]

From what I have read, the rules for TOTW have changed since it first opened. Originally, it was open only to DVC members who were staying at BLT on points. I think guests staying in the unit with the DVC member also were welcome. At that time, private groups could reserve the lounge for a fee. Last year the policy changed so that now any DVC member staying on points at any DVC property will be admitted along with guests staying with them. That change could increase dramatically the number of people coming to TOTW. We're DVC members who will be staying at AKV the first week in Dec, and we already are planning to include an evening at TOTW. I would be very upset if I got there and found there was a private party in the lounge. I think they stopped letting private groups reserve the lounge when DVC became more involved. I'm sure your daughter's wedding will be beautiful, and I wish them a great deal of joy in their marriage. At the same time, I don't want my DVC dues to provide a venue for your family's party while preventing my family from enjoying the lounge. I realize that you are DVC members and have the same right we have to bring guests to the lounge who are staying with you on points. I assume the 25 guests aren't all staying on your points, and I apologize if I am mistaken. Even though your group is fairly small, a catered event for your guests could create an uncomfortable situation for the DVC member in the lounge who were not part of your private group. I would feel likes I was crashing a private party and would leave as soon as I realized there was a private event.

 

[MiaSRN62]

From what I have read, the rules for TOTW have changed since it first opened. Originally, it was open only to DVC members who were staying at BLT on points. I think guests staying in the unit with the DVC member also were welcome. At that time, private groups could reserve the lounge for a fee. Last year the policy changed so that now any DVC member staying on points at any DVC property will be admitted along with guests staying with them. That change could increase dramatically the number of people coming to TOTW. We're DVC members who will be staying at AKV the first week in Dec, and we already are planning to include an evening at TOTW. I would be very upset if I got there and found there was a private party in the lounge. I think they stopped letting private groups reserve the lounge when DVC became more involved. I'm sure your daughter's wedding will be beautiful, and I wish them a great deal of joy in their marriage. At the same time, I don't want my DVC dues to provide a venue for your family's party while preventing my family from enjoying the lounge. I realize that you are DVC members and have the same right we have to bring guests to the lounge who are staying with you on points. I assume the 25 guests aren't all staying on your points, and I apologize if I am mistaken. Even though your group is fairly small, a catered event for your guests could create an uncomfortable situation for the DVC member in the lounge who were not part of your private group. I would feel likes I was crashing a private party and would leave as soon as I realized there was a private event.

All due respect to the above statements in red. That policy was in effect pretty much all of last year. I was at TOWL 3 x last year. I saw no big jump in numbers. Crickets one night. And not sure how me having guests up there (it's probably going to be about 18 now that we are firming up plans) could raise dues for us who own BLT? I would be more concerned right now not with our dues going up but with us as Members losing all privileges to that lounge. Or if anything our dues could go up because it costs too much to keep it open and running and it's not being used. Most people just go up to watch fireworks but don't order food or drinks. That is the problem. It is so under-utilized there is rumor it will become a spot just for catered events that can be rented out so that revenue is increased. Our dues would go down if the space received more revenue. At this point, DVC is struggling to find valid reasons to keep it operational (that is one of the reasons they are allowing all DVC Members and their guests staying on their reservation up there now). We might start to see decreased hours at first....then maybe just open on weekends.....then possibly shut down to private events only. So be careful what you wish for. I, for one, would hate to see it go. I do plan on going up there the night in question to see just how "crowded" it is. I highly doubt it will be. I'll keep ya posted.

I also don't get the "uncomfortable situation" part? We would have just been sitting around catching up with some drinks and finger foods. You probably wouldn't even realize it was a catered event. In fact, I looked up the menu for TOWL and even felt we could just order off of that. I can't tell you how many times I've been in various disney restaurants and large reserved parties walked in. You could tell it was obviously a special occasion and special cakes were brought out. OHana was the last place I noticed this. A group came in 30+ probably and were clearly there for some event--not sure what it was exactly. So you can get that anywhere. Small to moderate groups show up in lounges/restaurants frequently throughout WDW property.
Anyway, while I don't agree with your standpoint, I respect what you have to say. Take care.

 

[CoffeeCup]

Maria, your response was very respectful and logical, and I appreciate that. I completely agree that you and your 18-25 guests would not cause anyone problems or discomfort as you chatted and ate finger sandwiches. However, I did not base my response on only your situation. If you were given permission to invite your guests to a small, quiet "mingle", other DVC members should have the same privilege to arrange social events at TOTW. While I agree that I probably wouldn't even notice your group, I would be very annoyed by a large group of guests who took over the lounge with excessive noise, maybe their own music, and a sense of ownership of the space. I fully realize that is not the kind of social gathering you are planning, but we have an abundance of people in our society who feel entitled to do as they wish without regard for other people. I am not implying you have that kind if attitude. You seem to be a considerate person who wants to provide a pleasant social experience for guests at your daughter's wedding while not inconveniencing anyone.

My point is that policies and rules aren't written separately for considerate people and entitled, inconsiderate people. If you were permitted to have your small, quiet event and posted a review on a public message board, there would be people demanding the same privilege to reserve space for a larger, unruly event. I look at the worst possible scenario when considering rules and policies so that I can be pro-active in avoiding problems. I have been an educator for 44 years, and I deal with the best and the worst of society. My comments are based on my experiences, not as a criticism of your desire to provide a pleasant evening for friends and family.