Top of the World Lounge

[fitzpa]

What kind of food and drink is offered? Are the kiddos welcome? I assume there is a charge for the food/drink.

Yes. Kids are welcome. They have a limited menu (They charge). The fireworks are fabulous to see from up there!

 

[Granny]

What kind of food and drink is offered? Are the kiddos welcome? I assume there is a charge for the food/drink.

Kids are very welcome in the lounge.

There is a very basic menu at the lounge. Things like chicken sandwich, cheese nachos, crab cakes and a couple of dessert items. And yes, there is a charge for food and drink there.

We were there last July and they turned DVC members away who were not staying at BLT. They claimed they owned at BLT but were staying at another DVC that trip but they still got turned away.

So the CM's were following the rules as written in that case. You have to be a DVC Member, staying on points at BLT in order to get in to the lounge.

Personally, I hope it does not change. It is a great lounge and not overcrowded so I think by keeping it to BLT guests it makes it a lot more comfortable. We have always been able to find a table and relax after a long day.

The problem is exactly what you are saying. You are always able to find a table, and usage is probably not up to what Disney would like for some of its most prime real estate in the entire WDW complex. I agree that it will change once BLT either sells out or is very close.

The problem is the profit margin. If it is not profitable it will be closed and rented out to private parties. If they are making a decent profit, it will likely stay a perk for members. I have only heard reports, but it is rarely busy.....which means after BLT is sold out (it is used in the sales pitch) than it could easily be closed like the Attic.

I am not sure that this prime real estate will be for private parties only. What I could see Disney doing is making access to the lounge part of some deluxe packages to encourage more rack rate room reservations, possibly at the deluxe resorts. Or even put a cover charge on the lounge.

I am sure that Disney will find some way to make the lounge very profitable. With the view and sound for the MK fireworks shows, it is a "magic moment" type of place that many WDW guests would be willing to pay for in some manner.

 

[DenLo]

We've wondered this too, but on our trip a week ago, we were told that soon it will be open to any DVC member staying on property with an active key.

That's interesting news, I wonder how they will deal with the locked doors at BLT?

 

[Granny]

We've wondered this too, but on our trip a week ago, we were told that soon it will be open to any DVC member staying on property with an active key.

That's interesting news, I wonder how they will deal with the locked doors at BLT?

I have to think that a policy generous enough to extend to all DVC members at WDW would swamp that lounge to the point where it would probably cause some ill will as people repeatedly get turned away. Maybe they'll go to a reservation system for the fireworks time?

The locked doors would have to change probably to having a CM at the door during evening hours.

 

[cloudnut220]

About a year ago my dad spent a lot of time talking to the CMs that work there (it's a small place and it's normally always the same few people). They expressed that they were pretty unhappy (as people working on tips) with the business at the Lounge. Apparently it was advertised as a "prime" location for CMs, but in reality, the per person sales are not that good up there (think lots of people bringing their own drinks from the room, or bringing kids that arent' buying drinks). So I won't be surprised when it changes.

 

[vellamint]

I have been lucky enough to go up there one time with my Aunt while staying at my home resort and I am hoping that my husband and teenagers will get the chance to utilize the lounge (staying there again) this August......it really is beautiful up there. Does anyone know what the ETA is of BLT selling out?

 

[spiceycat]

About a year ago my dad spent a lot of time talking to the CMs that work there (it's a small place and it's normally always the same few people). They expressed that they were pretty unhappy (as people working on tips) with the business at the Lounge. Apparently it was advertised as a "prime" location for CMs, but in reality, the per person sales are not that good up there (think lots of people bringing their own drinks from the room, or bringing kids that arent' buying drinks). So I won't be surprised when it changes.

it is bad for tips.

when I was there and it has been quite a while. noticed that despite the lounge being pretty busy (okay for it) - that the CMs were not. most of the guests were on their computers or phones or whatever.

very few had anything from the bar. there was also a problem with some others. when I left a tip - this person wanted to know what it was for?????

first until BLT sells out the TOW for us is safe.

secondly think Disney would invite all at BLT to participate first - then for a extra charge would invite the CR guests.

third - Disney does it like the one at BWV - and DVC members no longer have access to it.

that say still think we might have access to the deck - just not the lounge.

you can get to the deck w/o even going in the lounge part.

 

[csmommy]

(think lots of people bringing their own drinks from the room, or bringing kids that arent' buying drinks).

Who brings drinks into a lounge & why would they allow that!? I mean you can't walk into any lounge/bar/restaurant where I live with your own beverage/food why would this be allowed to at TOTW?

 

[erionm]

Who brings drinks into a lounge & why would they allow that!? I mean you can't walk into any lounge/bar/restaurant where I live with your own beverage/food why would this be allowed to at TOTW?

You don't have to enter the lounge to view the fireworks from the observation deck.

 

[csmommy]

You don't have to enter the lounge to view the fireworks from the observation deck.

ooohhh, didn't realize that. I haven't need yet, will be going this August, but I can't see myself bringng something from my room to drink.

 

[kevmag]

Who brings drinks into a lounge & why would they allow that!? I mean you can't walk into any lounge/bar/restaurant where I live with your own beverage/food why would this be allowed to at TOTW?

No idea what the official policy is, but two times when i was there, i saw families bring an entire meal into the lounge area. One of those times (this stuck in my mind!), it was all bags from a fast food restaurant.

 

[Singinglizzie]

OK, is this correct, if i stay at BLT with rented DVC points will I be allowed to go up to the top of the world and spend my cash on sandwiches and drinks?

 

[DenLo]

The answer is no, members are supposed to notify MS that they are renting the points as stated in the Home Resort Rules and Regs below. Only members and their guests (not renters) can use TOTWL.

From the MS website:

Due to anticipated high demand for this location, access is available only to Disney Vacation Club Members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower using their Membership (Vacation Points or cash), guests staying in the room with that Member, and guests who are staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points. Access is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

From the Home Resort Rules and Regulations:

If the non-Club Member is renting, it is the responsibility of the Member to notify Member Services when making the reservation. Member privileges and benefits cannot be extended to non-Club Members who rent Vacation Homes from Club Members.

 

[Sammie]

Who brings drinks into a lounge & why would they allow that!? I mean you can't walk into any lounge/bar/restaurant where I live with your own beverage/food why would this be allowed to at TOTW?

The same people who thought on the Resort forum that it was perfectly ok to go to KFC and get food for 16 and then eat at the POFQ food court.

Yea I was shocked too, but obviously you and I are in the minority.

Some people seem to think that Disney will not make them do what is right.

But yes I bet you anything people are fixing drinks in their rooms and bringing them to the Lounge instead of buying them at Disney prices.

 

[DenLo]

. . . .

The locked doors would have to change probably to having a CM at the door during evening hours.

But wouldn't that affect BLT's annual dues if they have to higher a second CM for door duty in addition to the one manning the elevator? That doesn't really make sense that BLT homeowners would have to pay extra dues for other members to use TOTWL. I would think they'd just take the locks off the exterior doors. Security might have to be tightened to make sure people aren't filling up the elevator lobbies to watch the fireworks like they do the skywalk. I guess BLT won't continue to be the quiet resort it is now.

 

[ludari]

I visited the Top of the World Lounge when I took a tour of BLT with a sales associate.

 

[akl-fan]

I have always speculated that the might turn it into a club/concierge lounge but I am not sure if they would be able to change the point structure at this late stage.

 

[amyngary]

...I guess this means we will just have to buy a few drinks and appetizers there on our next trip to help make the TOWL more profitable. I hate it when that happens

 

[Granny]

But wouldn't that affect BLT's annual dues if they have to higher a second CM for door duty in addition to the one manning the elevator?

Yes, I suppose it could affect BLT annual dues. I can't imagine it would be much (keep in mind it's only from 5:00 pm until closing).

That doesn't really make sense that BLT homeowners would have to pay extra dues for other members to use TOTWL.

Well, most DVC owners have to pay for pool expenses and let BLT members pool hop to their resort without reciprocal rights. Not a big deal, but as far as fairness goes, people staying at BLT have restricted access to their entire resort unlike any other DVC resort.

I would think they'd just take the locks off the exterior doors. Security might have to be tightened to make sure people aren't filling up the elevator lobbies to watch the fireworks like they do the skywalk. I guess BLT won't continue to be the quiet resort it is now.

If they take the looks off the exterior doors they'd have to have security there 24/7. Lots more expensive than one person for 6-7 hours a day.

I don't think that any of this would affect BLT's quietness. None of the scenarios have non-BLT guests roaming the BLT resort except for the lounge.

 

[castleri]

...I guess this means we will just have to buy a few drinks and appetizers there on our next trip to help make the TOWL more profitable. I hate it when that happens

I'll try to do my share also the end of August and first of Sept. Will be traveling with people who go to bed early so will make my way up and have a drink or two and watch the fireworks from the viewing area.