Top of the World Lounge Confusion

[Sandisw]

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.

Technically, everyone who goes in with a member is supposed to be staying with the member on their reservation...or on a reservation at the same time at the same resort.

However, I have read that the CMs check for eligibility to go up...DVC Y...and have allowed members to bring others up, within reason. without also checking the reservation.

I think if a member showed up with 20 people, the CM might want to verify how many are on the reservations, but I can't see them not allowing a four. However, I think the official rule is that they must be guests of the member on their reservations.

So, all one can do is ask that night if they could go up...

 

[mz-s]

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.

What is there to parse? If they are not staying on your reservation, they are not eligible to go. Whether or not they actually care at the podium, I can't say. I do know that when my wife and I went last month, they did look at our reservation to ensure we were booked on points. We didn't have any guests with us however.

 

[Sunnyore]

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.

My last trip was in January and I brought 4 friends that weren’t staying with me up TOTW Lounge with me for the fireworks. CM manning the podium by the elevators just checked that it says DVCY on my magic mobile card and let us up. To be fair, I didn’t read the fine print and thought I could bring up to 4 ppl up and didn’t know they were supposed to be staying with me. But I was given the impression that as long as there is space they let everyone up (with an eligible membership of course).

 

[arich35]

Do you have to be staying at BLT to be let in?
Also do we have to put our names in beforehand or can we come at like 9 PM and be let up?

 

[kes601]

Do you have to be staying at BLT to be let in?
Also do we have to put our names in beforehand or can we come at like 9 PM and be let up?

More detailed answers than I am giving are already available on page 1 of this thread, but....

No, you don't have to be staying at BLT, but you need DVC-Y on your membership card.
It's better to put your names earlier in the day.

 

[Mattrg_2000]

All our drinks were served in disposable plastic cups.

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.

Jackal is right, they now serve in plastic cups if you want to go outside. There was also a separate walkup bar outside over Memorial Day 2023. Very smooth process to get in and watch from the patio. They wait list the tables, but you really don’t need one for fireworks viewing. I would go again if convenient, but this is not a ‘must do’ situation. It’s also fun to visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Poly or Enchanted Rose Lounge at VGF (and watch fireworks from the ground). I’d definitely go to Top of World a few times a trip if staying in BLT though. It may be worth a blue card if BLT is your home resort. Seems silly to lock the patio down from anyone staying at BLT, but it was probably swamped when it opened.