Top of the World Lounge Confusion

[mnasf]

I spoke with a DVC cast member and I'm really confused. He said that the Wicked Winddown is Wednesdays and Fridays in January by reservation. But you can also just show up at 5:30 any day and go to the Top of the World Lounge. WE will be staying at BLT. Thanks for any advice or help understanding my options at this point. Thanks so much!

 

[kes601]

When there is a party you cannot go inside. You might be able to go to the balcony (others can clarify this). When there is not a party you put your name on a waitlist that same evening. They'll text you when / if you can go up.

 

[mnasf]

When there is a party you cannot go inside. You might be able to go to the balcony (others can clarify this). When there is not a party you put your name on a waitlist that same evening. They'll text you when / if you can go up.

Thanks so much!

 

[supersnoop]

I showed up about 5 minutes before fireworks last night (after a meal at Steakhouse 71). The folks in front of me were apparently going into the lounge and they had to provide names and phone numbers along with their card. I asked to head up to the observation deck and the CM barely glanced at my card (phone) before ushering me and another party to the elevator.

 

[mnasf]

I showed up about 5 minutes before fireworks last night (after a meal at Steakhouse 71). The folks in front of me were apparently going into the lounge and they had to provide names and phone numbers along with their card. I asked to head up to the observation deck and the CM barely glanced at my card (phone) before ushering me and another party to the elevator.

Thanks so much. That’s interesting.

 

[Sunnyore]

I spoke with a DVC cast member and I'm really confused. He said that the Wicked Winddown is Wednesdays and Fridays in January by reservation. But you can also just show up at 5:30 any day and go to the Top of the World Lounge. WE will be staying at BLT. Thanks for any advice or help understanding my options at this point. Thanks so much!

Actually I believe in January Wednesdays are the Bound to be Bad parties with villain cosplay and Fridays are the Enchantment Dessert parties. The rest of the days are the regular Wicked Wind Down. If your plan is to just go up for fireworks, they been letting everyone up to the outdoor area about 15 min before the fireworks go off. They do let you order drinks but there is a line and you need to stay outside after ordering. They have been seating some people on first come first serve as well like when the lounge first opens but there's usually a line. I've seen the line while taking the North elevators back up to my BLT room. It does clear out after the fireworks too so there is a chance of getting a table without reservation later in the evening if that is your goal. I did the Wicked Wind Down event which is ok pricing but I felt the Bound to be Bad and Enchantment are too rich for my blood.

 

[Mattrg_2000]

Does anyone else have experience in January 2023? DVC website says Blue Card and on-property stay are required. If you show up and ask for the balcony, are they only checking blue card (DVC Y) or are they tapping magic bands to determine hotel status? Is this different on nights besides Wed and Fri? I’m guessing you only reserve on the phone for those 2 nights, but show up the other nights? It’s confusing to me.

 

[Elephantay]

Curious about this also! We have a split stay, and are at BLT for the second part of our trip. We've always just gotten a drink and headed outside for the fireworks- is this still an option?

 

[Sandisw]

Curious about this also! We have a split stay, and are at BLT for the second part of our trip. We've always just gotten a drink and headed outside for the fireworks- is this still an option?

As long as you are eligible for membership extras…DVC Y…you will be allowed up for a drink as long as there is room…if not, they put you on a waitlist and text when it’s your turn.

 

[Elephantay]

Thanks! We bought direct so hopefully will be all set...

 

[The Jackal]

If it is a Wicked Wind Down night. They will let you up 30 minutes prior to fireworks. You can go to the bar and get drinks and head outside. If no WWD they will just let you up.

 

[supersnoop]

Does anyone else have experience in January 2023? DVC website says Blue Card and on-property stay are required. If you show up and ask for the balcony, are they only checking blue card (DVC Y) or are they tapping magic bands to determine hotel status? Is this different on nights besides Wed and Fri? I’m guessing you only reserve on the phone for those 2 nights, but show up the other nights? It’s confusing to me.

My post above is from a January 2023 experience.

 

[mz-s]

When I checked in last month (no reservation just wanted to visit the lounge and viewing balcony), they asked for our names and phone numbers and I assume were able to cross-reference with our DVC membership and points stay at AKL. I don't recall us having to show our membership card or tap in, but it's possible we did and I forgot about it in the time since.

 

[Elephantay]

We've always been asked, and once when I ( member) wasn't there yet my family was told to wait until I arrived, then they checked my ID. I'm fine with the security around it, there aren't too many member benefits anymore!
Does everyone need to be over 21?

 

[Sandisw]

We've always been asked, and once when I ( member) wasn't there yet my family was told to wait until I arrived, then they checked my ID. I'm fine with the security around it, there aren't too many member benefits anymore!
Does everyone need to be over 21?

No...kids are allowed to visit the lounge

 

[Elephantay]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[kittylady1972]

No...kids are allowed to visit the lounge

Yes in fact kids are allowed to sit at the bar there as well.

 

[AdamsMum]

If it is a Wicked Wind Down night. They will let you up 30 minutes prior to fireworks. You can go to the bar and get drinks and head outside. If no WWD they will just let you up.

Funny, last time I was up there, (pre covid) I took my drink outside with me when the fireworks were starting. The server followed me out and told me there were no drinks allowed on the deck, and she would have to take my drink inside, she promised she would protect it with her life. Took my drink back inside while I watched the fireworks. I thought maybe they didn't want glass on the deck.

 

[The Jackal]

Funny, last time I was up there, (pre covid) I took my drink outside with me when the fireworks were starting. The server followed me out and told me there were no drinks allowed on the deck, and she would have to take my drink inside, she promised she would protect it with her life. Took my drink back inside while I watched the fireworks. I thought maybe they didn't want glass on the deck.

All our drinks were served in disposable plastic cups.

 

[Chuck96]

My wife would like to bring a few (four?) guests who are NOT staying with us (at Bay Lake) to TOTWL. Is that possible with her escorting them?

The DVC website states: "Each eligible Membership can enjoy Top of the World Lounge access for one party per day—which can include eligible Members and Guests staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present their current MagicBand, digital Membership card and government-issued photo ID in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck."

I'm trying to parse that, and I'd like an experienced (recent) perspective if possible. She is also considering renting a boat for the fireworks, so I've got to look into that as well.