Top of the World

[jskel301]

I always thought that even though the lounge is I believe supposed to be for guests staying at BLT that any DVC members can get up by showing their card. When we were there before Christmas, we never made it up to watch the fireworks, but were told by more than one DVC guide that only BLT guests could get up.

Was just curious if policy has changed since we're going to try it even if not staying at BLT next time we visit. Anybody had any bad experience or gotten refused entrance (unless there were already too many people there)?

 

[rlovew]

Except for a couple of days a year (July 3/4 and Dec 31 I think) the lounge is open to all DVC members staying at any Disney resort. It has been this way for the last 2 years. You can't however drive to BLT to go up if you are staying at another resort- you are supposed to arrive using a taxi or Disney transportation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I always thought that even though the lounge is I believe supposed to be for guests staying at BLT that any DVC members can get up by showing their card. When we were there before Christmas, we never made it up to watch the fireworks, but were told by more than one DVC guide that only BLT guests could get up.

Was just curious if policy has changed since we're going to try it even if not staying at BLT next time we visit. Anybody had any bad experience or gotten refused entrance (unless there were already too many people there)?

From the member website:

Top of the World Lounge is located at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort through December 29, 2015 (blockout dates apply, including but not limited to December 30, 2014, December 31, 2014, July 3, 2015 and July 4, 2015). Current operating hours are 6 p.m. to midnight.

This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current MagicBand or Key to the World card with a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck. If the Member's MagicBand or Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is also required to verify Membership.

Note that Members traveling from other Resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking is unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, Members must walk to the Bay Lake Tower main lobby entrance on the ground floor and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

This special Top of the World Lounge access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. As the lounge is particularly popular during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving as early as possible will give Members the best chance of gaining admission.

 

[slp87]

How crowded does it get most nights?

 

[DisneyMoM3418]

We have been twice, during off season, and we were the only ones there. I can imagine it depends on the time of year.

 

[sleepydog25]

I always thought that even though the lounge is I believe supposed to be for guests staying at BLT that any DVC members can get up by showing their card. When we were there before Christmas, we never made it up to watch the fireworks, but were told by more than one DVC guide that only BLT guests could get up.

Was just curious if policy has changed since we're going to try it even if not staying at BLT next time we visit. Anybody had any bad experience or gotten refused entrance (unless there were already too many people there)?

The key is in the second sentence of the quoted material from the DVC member website--you do actually have to be staying at a WDW resort. As for crowds, it does depend on the time of year. We've been there during more crowded times, but even then never had an issue. Show up a bit early (we usually go an hour ahead of time), buy a drink, and then grab a spot on the wall. It's a nice little perk to have such access.

 

[CarolMN]

When this question comes up, I'm never sure if the poster means the lounge specifically, or is really asking about the deck - or maybe they don't know that there is a very large cement "deck" in front of the lounge itself. You don't even have to go into the lounge to access the deck area.

The lounge itself can get crowded, but there is virtually always room on the deck. (We have not been there on July 4 or December 30 & 31, though). A spot on the wall is nice but not really necessary to see the fireworks.

While we may go into the lounge to buy a drink, we always watch the fireworks from the deck. The view from inside the lounge isn't that great - it's usually at least partially blocked by the people on the deck.

 

[goofy4tink]

Sooo, when the site says 'any WDW owned resort, staying on points or cash' does that include all resorts? We're heading to WDW but staying at Pop for our first two nights, before heading to OKW. We aren't doing a park that first night since we arrive late afternoon. But it would be great if we could head up to ToW and watch the fireworks. I've done it before but was always at BLT.

 

[supersnoop]

Sooo, when the site says 'any WDW owned resort, staying on points or cash' does that include all resorts? We're heading to WDW but staying at Pop for our first two nights, before heading to OKW. We aren't doing a park that first night since we arrive late afternoon. But it would be great if we could head up to ToW and watch the fireworks. I've done it before but was always at BLT.

Yes.

 

[goofy4tink]

Short, sweet, to the point! Thanks. The girls will be thrilled.

 

[tkbk]

Been to towl before when I stayed at a bwv, I wil be staying at BLT next trip for the first time . Can you access TOWL from your room floor elevator or even if staying there do you have to go to the lobby and be given access from there?

 

[sleepydog25]

Been to towl before when I stayed at a bwv, I wil be staying at BLT next trip for the first time . Can you access TOWL from your room floor elevator or even if staying there do you have to go to the lobby and be given access from there?

Lobby for access.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have been on 2 Members Cruises since we have had access to TTOTW lounge. It has turned out to be a popular place to meet the night before sailing!

 

[CarolMN]

Been to towl before when I stayed at a bwv, I wil be staying at BLT next trip for the first time . Can you access TOWL from your room floor elevator or even if staying there do you have to go to the lobby and be given access from there?

Yes, unless your room is on the 16th floor.

If your room is on the 16th floor, you can just walk a few steps to get to the TOTWL. I loved walking back to our room after WISHES (instead of waiting for the crowded elevator) when we were lucky enough to get a 16th floor room.

 

[sleepydog25]

Yes, unless your room is on the 16th floor.

If your room is on the 16th floor, you can just walk a few steps to get to the TOTWL. I loved walking back to our room after WISHES (instead of waiting for the crowded elevator) when we were lucky enough to get a 16th floor room.

There is this. . .

 

[gdrj]

Sooo, when the site says 'any WDW owned resort, staying on points or cash' does that include all resorts? We're heading to WDW but staying at Pop for our first two nights, before heading to OKW. We aren't doing a park that first night since we arrive late afternoon. But it would be great if we could head up to ToW and watch the fireworks. I've done it before but was always at BLT.

Yes.

Short, sweet, to the point! Thanks. The girls will be thrilled.

Dont forget your DVC Card!

 

[cropper]

is there an age requirement to get in the Lounge area?

 

[CarolMN]

is there an age requirement to get in the Lounge area?

Apparently not. We see children there all of the time.

If you just want to see the fireworks, you don't even have to enter the lounge.

 

[cropper]

Apparently not. We see children there all of the time.

If you just want to see the fireworks, you don't even have to enter the lounge.

have a 16 year old that wants to dress up. We are going to try to cook in the villa this trip and save $$.
Would this be a good option for her to dress up?

Are the fireworks really good from here?

 

[bobbiwoz]

...

Are the fireworks really good from here?

The perspective is different, and some do not like it. You see the castle to the left and the fireworks off to the right. It is not what you see when you are in front of the castle. We love the fact that we are not in the crowd! Every so often we do go into the park or view from a boat. DH prefers those views, I really enjoy both!

Bobbi