Top of the world?

[fixerupper]

I can't find anything about this here, and I was going to post in the blue card thread, but the last comment stated TOTW isn't a blue card perk so....

I am seeing around Facebook that people are speculating that TOTW is being closed. Someone posted a picture with a sign saying it was closed because of its "popularity" (?!?). Someone else said in another thread that TIW was more likely to come back. There's conversation that it may be converted into a paid space of some sort. I wondered if anyone here had thoughts or information?

 

[The Jackal]

TOTWL is closed. The lounge was not very profitable for Disney( not as profitable as Disney would like it). They have the lease for it. Will they open it, probably. They were already doing a paid experience before it closed. Not sure why they cannot open just the balcony and let people up there, if they don’t want to open the lounge. The food was made at the Wave and sent over. That is closed for refurbishment and will be Steak House 71. So it might open for the 50th or when Steak House 71 opens.

 

[Sandisw]

It is all commercial space that is leased back to Disney. So they are the ones in charge of opening and running it.

No word on a reopening and they may very well make it something that is paid events only.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

TOTWL is also not dues supported. But as a leasehold, traditionally the economics have been even worse if they restricted access most of the year. At one time it was open to BLT only, early on.

Legally, they could turn it into storage if they wanted. They have some limits on options, since aside from limited plumbing it's not set up as its own commercial kitchen.

 

[Liquidice]

Over July 4th weekend they re-opened the outdoor balcony so you could see the fireworks from there - but only for people staying at BLT. Prior to the pandemic, TOTWL access was available to a DVC member staying on property (IIRC even if they weren't staying on points).

 

[gharter]

Prior to the pandemic, TOTWL access was available to a DVC member staying on property

We have been there several times. It might be a good thing or not, but it wasn't overly crowded whenever we were there. But loved the view. Watching fireworks from there was awesome as well as the drinks and desserts. Hoping it opens before our next trip, but doubt it will happen.