Top of the World Lounge

[dizfan]

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).



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.



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.

The two times we have stayed at BLT, I have been shocked at how many people wait by the walkway doors trying to access the resort. it wasn't just in the evening. I suspect it's much like high rises. People want to go as high as they can to look out. People used to flood the California Grill lookout area just to see the view.

 

[Arthur27]

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.

Where and what was the Attic?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Where and what was the Attic?

Check out the Boardwalk sometime over near Jellyrolls on the second floor. You'll see the Attic. When the BWV opened, it was an area for DVC members.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

I've got a lake view room booked from Dec 31st to Jan 11th. I'm hoping the lounge isn't totally swamped for New Year's eve. I don't want to have to take my kids up there at 8:30pm to ensure I see the midnight fireworks.

 

[goofy4tink]

I really don't think the 'lounge' is the place the vast majority of people want to get to...it's the observation deck outside the lounge. I know that the times we were up at the lounge, enjoying a few drinks with our friends, the place was empty. Then, about 20 mins before the fireworks were to start, people started coming in...one family took up an entire area of the lounge, but bought nothing...just let the kids run around. About 10 mins prior to Wishes starting, more and more people came up....but only to the observation deck. That family in the lounge area ran outside to get a 'spot'. After the fireworks, everyone left the area....there were maybe 3 people in the lounge area...and they never left the bar for the fireworks!!

Perhaps they should open the lounge to anyone but have a CM checking room keys for the observation deck. But, even then, you would probably have those people who go to the lounge, order nothing (and some do bring in their own beverages and snacks!!) but then try to see the fireworks from the lounge area.

It's a beautiful lounge area. I have to wonder if at some point, Disney is going to close it down on various nights and use it for private parties. Not every night, but some. What a great spot for a small wedding reception...using the lounge as well as the deck area.

 

[jrtoastyman]

Perhaps they should open the lounge to anyone but have a CM checking room keys for the observation deck. But, even then, you would probably have those people who go to the lounge, order nothing (and some do bring in their own beverages and snacks!!) but then try to see the fireworks from the lounge area.

My first stay at BLT isn't until January, so I'm kinda talking out of my butt here, but if they do have to make a change, this is what I'd probably prefer to see happen. If others want to come up to the lounge and hang in the lounge area, so be it, but keep the observation deck exclusive to people who have chosen to stay at BLT. I know that the TOTWL was one of my considerations in staying at BLT (and buying in there in the first place), and I'd be a bit bummed if I suddenly had to fight the masses to watch the fireworks from the observation deck.

 

[jrtoastyman]

Also, quick question about the food at TOTWL: simply stated, is it any good? I know it isn't an extensive menu, but if you wanted to, could you make a meal of it -- and enjoy it?

 

[erionm]

My first stay at BLT isn't until January, so I'm kinda talking out of my butt here, but if they do have to make a change, this is what I'd probably prefer to see happen. If others want to come up to the lounge and hang in the lounge area, so be it, but keep the observation deck exclusive to people who have chosen to stay at BLT. I know that the TOTWL was one of my considerations in staying at BLT (and buying in there in the first place), and I'd be a bit bummed if I suddenly had to fight the masses to watch the fireworks from the observation deck.

It would be practically impossible to keep them separate. You access the lounge from the observation deck. Many people go up there and never actually enter the lounge.

 

[jrtoastyman]

It would be practically impossible to keep them separate. You access the lounge from the observation deck. Many people go up there and never actually enter the lounge.

ah, well I guess that wouldn't work then, lol. Regardless, if they do do away with the DVC BLT Guest exclusivity thing, I hope they manage to come up with some way to keep its status as a perk for those of us that bought in with that expectation.

 

[PatsMom]

We own at Saratoga but have stayed at BLT three times and really enjoyed the resort. There is lots to like, transportation is good, walking to the MK, etc. But it is also lots of points to stay there so we aren't sure how often we would even if we could continue to reserve at the 7 month mark.

One very good reason for us to stay is the lounge. We visited several times each trip and really enjoyed it. It was nice to get there an hour or so before the fireworks and have a drink and unwind from the day. Depending on how tired we were, we might even hang around and have a drink or two after the fireworks.

We did see large groups come in and order nothing. Or bring their own drinks and snacks. One family brought pizza.

Whatever happens to the lounge, I hope it remains open to DVC members. It is a great perk.

 

[wcpamotm]

Here's my suggestion:

1. Open up TOTW lounge and deck, perhaps gradually, to whatever population is required to keep the place reasonably busy but not overly crowded.
2. Require a minimum purchase, per person per evening. This wouldn't be so very different than what the California Grill does.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Whatever happens to the lounge, I hope it remains open to DVC members. It is a great perk.

Unfortunately, it's only a necessary perk from the view of DVC sales while there are still points to sell. Once they sell out, I'm sure changes will be made.

 

[mdsd8700]

Unfortunately, it's only a necessary perk from the view of DVC sales while there are still points to sell. Once they sell out, I'm sure changes will be made.

This does seem to be the general consenous that I have read , even a waitress told me a few weeks ago she has heard rumors of changes to come. Of course I know rumors fly among the cast members I am sure.

We have owned at BLT for only a year and took our first trip home mid June. One of the things I was looking foward to most was the TOWL. I have seen so many pictures and read so much about it that I was pretty well prepared. It was a wonderful lounge, small but well appointed and decorated quite nicely I thought. I love when the "screen" behind the bar was down and the "monorail" art could be better seen. The menu is limited, this is from Allears
http://allears.net/menu/menu_towl.htm

When we were just there, there was a pretzel appetizer as well. It looked yummy when someone else ordered but we never tried it. We did have the cake for two and it was good, but not outstanding.

Overall a great place, agree most people never walk in and stay on the balcony. On our two trips there the lounge would near full at fireworks time, but never crowded.

It is a great perk and I would be disappointed to lose it.

 

[minniesota]

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.

Wouldn't someone renting points be considered a "guest staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points"? It seems from the above paragraph, guests renting points would be allowed in the lounge.

 

[erionm]

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.

Wouldn't someone renting points be considered a "guest staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points"? It seems from the above paragraph, guests renting points would be allowed in the lounge.

DVC only considers them a guest if they did not compensate the member for the reservation. All though most don't, members are supposed to let DVC know if they were compensated when they make a reservation for someone else.

 

[dismagiclover]

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.

Wouldn't someone renting points be considered a "guest staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points"? It seems from the above paragraph, guests renting points would be allowed in the lounge.

I had no problem getting up to the lounge when I rented points at BLT. The only way Disney knows that you are a renter is if your "landlord" calls and informs them of that. Very few renters bother. I've rented three times and each time my KTTW card said DVC member. That is the same thing it says when I use my own points. (We are members but sometimes still rent when we're short on points.)

 

[Brian Noble]

Very few renters bother.

It's more than "not bothering". Identifying renters *reduces* the value of the rental, because you also lose free internet, etc. It would be a rare bird indeed to find a "landlord" who told MS that their renters were renting.

 

[Cmbar]

My sister and her family are staying at BLT on our DVC points in November. They are not renting, they are our guests, however we will not be with them on this trip. Are they able to go to TOTWL during their stay? Reservation was of course made through MS but they are not the actual Members. Can someone please clarify. I would love for them to be able to bring their kids up to see the fireworks if they are entitled to do so.

What is the process for them to go these days. We stayed on our points about a year and half ago and I had to show our room key (only one) and then we all went up in the elevator. I had my DVC blue card just in case. DO they need that as well as your BLT room key?
Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

My sister and her family are staying at BLT on our DVC points in November. They are not renting, they are our guests, however we will not be with them on this trip. Are they able to go to TOTWL during their stay? Reservation was of course made through MS but they are not the actual Members. Can someone please clarify. I would love for them to be able to bring their kids up to see the fireworks if they are entitled to do so.

What is the process for them to go these days. We stayed on our points about a year and half ago and I had to show our room key (only one) and then we all went up in the elevator. I had me DVC blue card just in case. DO they need that as well as your BLT room key?
Thanks!

I was staying in the villa with them, but DS/DDiL just had the room keys and they were let up. Guests are allowed!

 

[BlackRock]

anyone can go up for a drink or dinner



Blackrock