Top of the World question

[taiwanmom2011]

Hi, I just rented points from an owner at BLT for October. I am seeing a bit of conflicting info online...I read that non-DVC members (i.e. renters) can go to the top of BLT until 4 p.m. each day, just to see the view. Is that correct? Or would we only be able to go up if we are actually owners? Thanks!

 

[CarolynFH]

I haven’t been up there recently, but my understanding is that the gatekeeper is now at the door to the lounge, so anyone can go up to that floor and onto the observation deck without entering the lounge. I could be wrong. Hopefully bumping this up to the top of this forum will get you some recent experience reports.

 

[Sandisw]

I don’t know what the rules are for going to the observation deck prior to opening of the lounge.

Once it is open, they weren’t letting anyone get past the podium, even for just the deck, unless they were DVC Y when I last went.

It is very possible the lock the elevator for the 16th floor until the lounge opens.

 

[gleddo]

We went last weekend and had no issue at all going up there. I asked at the front desk and the CM told us to just get on the elevator and go to the 16th floor. There was no one up there checking "IDs".

 

[CarolynFH]

We went last weekend and had no issue at all going up there. I asked at the front desk and the CM told us to just get on the elevator and go to the 16th floor. There was no one up there checking "IDs".

For clarity, what time of day was it? Was the lounge open?

 

[gleddo]

For clarity, what time of day was it? Was the lounge open?

It was around 9:15 PM. We went up to see the MK fireworks show. Yes the lounge was open.

 

[CarolynFH]

It was around 9:15 PM. We went up to see the MK fireworks show. Yes the lounge was open.

Thanks - good to know!

 

[Genie+]

When the lounge is open it probably matters how busy it is. We were there on a MVMCP night and people were being turned away at the podium by the lounge. They are very cordial about it so I wouldn’t worry about it feeling awkward if wanting to give a shot. One party was the family of a blue card holder staying in same DVC room, but that person was not present and even they got turned away. That was about 8:30pm with fireworks scheduled 10pm.

 

[js]

I'm not up to date on the DVC Lounge at BLT since I haven't stayed there in a while and haven't taken the time to go.
However, I'm with my BFF next month and this may be a good place for us to go, since it will be new to her.
Last I thought I read, I needed ressies? Has it changed? I can just go (if room) and go up for drinks and apps?

Thank you.

 

[The Jackal]

I'm not up to date on the DVC Lounge at BLT since I haven't stayed there in a while and haven't taken the time to go.
However, I'm with my BFF next month and this may be a good place for us to go, since it will be new to her.
Last I thought I read, I needed ressies? Has it changed? I can just go (if room) and go up for drinks and apps?

Thank you.

I they are having a Wicked Wind Down (WWD) event that night you would need to have a reservation if you wanted to go during that event. Otherwise no reservations are needed. Even if there was a WWD event right after the fireworks there are usually some open tables for guest to go in and use. We preferred TOTWL much more prior to the re theming

 

[js]

I they are having a Wicked Wind Down (WWD) event that night you would need to have a reservation if you wanted to go during that event. Otherwise no reservations are needed. Even if there was a WWD event right after the fireworks there are usually some open tables for guest to go in and use. We preferred TOTWL much more prior to the re theming

Thank you very much. I will try to find out when WWD events are during my stay at RIV. We, too, much more prefer the old TOTWL. Use to love the ease of just going up for a drink and apps.

 

[Sandisw]

It was around 9:15 PM. We went up to see the MK fireworks show. Yes the lounge was open.

Thanks for sharing. It was not the same in June.

They turned guests away who were not DVC, or eligible DVC. even to just watch the fireworks.

Sounds like it really depends on the day!!

 

[DoubleBaconBLT]

Hi, I just rented points from an owner at BLT for October. I am seeing a bit of conflicting info online...I read that non-DVC members (i.e. renters) can go to the top of BLT until 4 p.m. each day, just to see the view. Is that correct? Or would we only be able to go up if we are actually owners? Thanks!

I rented points for a trip in early August 2025. I was not a member yet because my resale contract had not fully closed. I went up there after dinner, at about 7 or 8, and had no issues getting out on the observation deck. There was a cast member at the door of the lounge with an iPad scanning people in, but no restrictions on the elevator or at the door to get out on the observation deck.

Possibly relevant: at about 6 that evening there was a big thunderstorm and the monorail shut down for about an hour. It stopped raining, but the monorail still wasn't running when we went up there. Not sure if that had any bearing on access or not.

 

[muppets3d]

You will not be able to get in the Top of the World lounge unless you are an eligible DVC member or part of a party that includes an eligible DVC member.

But you can go to the observation balcony. It's open to everyone now.

 

[js]

Selfishly I wish they kept the whole area DVC but I guess there wasn't always a big turnout.
I love sitting up there with a drink and apps, but haven't gone since WWD because I thought we always
now needed to pay to get in and that's not my thing.

 

[RivGirl]

Hmm…lots of conflicting info in this thread about access, especially with regards to the balcony. I am DVC-Y and plan to visit early Thanksgiving week, so I’ll have to report back based on a “busy week.” Staying at BLT so I should have a two or three opportunities to “research.”

 

[js]

I just got off the phone with MS to ask what days were the WWD. The CM told me it is every day but Fridays and Fridays they have another event and it's first come first served since they have a separate section for DVC members not participating in WWD.

Is what I was told correct?

I'll be staying at RIV and rather not make a special Uber trip if I don't have the correct information.

Thank you.

 

[muppets3d]

I just got off the phone with MS to ask what days were the WWD. The CM told me it is every day but Fridays and Fridays they have another event and it's first come first served since they have a separate section for DVC members not participating in WWD.

Is what I was told correct?

I'll be staying at RIV and rather not make a special Uber trip if I don't have the correct information.

Thank you.

WWD has it's own section that is correct.

If you want to you could just ride the bus from Riviera to Magic Kingdom and walk to Bay Lake Tower, it's not a bad walk - if your party is able of course.