Top of World Lounge opening!!

[wilkydelts]

Reimagined = do not expect the same access rules or experience. Maybe it just means a new menu. Maybe it means something else entirely. The word is doing some pretty heavy lifting in the announcement.

They are going to shutter all the windows and until the collection basket is full enough they will not open them up for fireworks

 

[CarolMN]

They are going to shutter all the windows and until the collection basket is full enough they will not open them up for fireworks

Fireworks view is way better on the deck, anyway. Are you expecting to be held hostage until you pay to get out, LOL?

 

[gharter]

What was the trend?

They started closing it to DVC members and using it for private pay events.
A little worried about what "reimagined" means as are many others.

 

[Sandisw]

They started closing it to DVC members and using it for private pay events.
A little worried about what "reimagined" means as are many others.

Most of the private pay events were for DVC members, though, weren't they? I just hope we don't have to wait too long to find out what, if any, new rules will be for the space.

 

[gharter]

Most of the private pay events were for DVC members, though, weren't they? I just hope we don't have to wait too long to find out what, if any, new rules will be for the space.

I was never there when it was closed for events. I just remember people writing about it being closed for private events. No idea if it was DVC or not.
The implications (right or wrong) were these were firework viewing parties as a paid event.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I was never there when it was closed for events. I just remember people writing about it being closed for private events. No idea if it was DVC or not.
The implications (right or wrong) were these were firework viewing parties as a paid event.

Those absolutely existed, particularly the infamous July 4 paid event where they announced it well into the 7 month window where owners had been booking BLT for that night for the fireworks.

 

[vakamalua]

I always felt sorry for the staff; little opportunity for tips. In our experience, the lounge was sparsely attended with folks only ordering a drink and nursing it. Then a half hour before fireworks, there would be a huge deluge of people (lots of kids) who would hang out on the terrace jostling for positions until the fireworks and then promptly leave without ever ordering anything.

 

[Micca]

Pre-pandemic they had at least one "special" occasion for DVC members where they laid out a huge spread of food and charged admission. I recall it was expensive, but the photos made me think it might well be worth paying for a high quality food & beverage experience.

I'm pretty sure Pete attended and wrote a review. This was probably 2019???

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

This lounge is our favorite spot on property. There have been numerous times where we were the first people there and the last ones out. It’s the perfect trifecta, good drinks, great snacks to munch on and a view. When TiWL existed it was the best deal ever. The one server (can’t remember his name, it’s been too long) would “reserve” a table for us if we told him we were coming back the next day. I’m beyond excited for it to come back. It’s probably going to be an up charge but they’ll have me hook, line and sinker.

 

[mamaofsix]

I wonder if part of the re-imagining is that it will be for direct members only, similar to the Epcot lounge?

 

[Sandisw]

I wonder if part of the re-imagining is that it will be for direct members only, similar to the Epcot lounge?

It is certainly possible. But, since it’s a commercial unit run by Disney, you would think that whatever is done makes financial sense for them to make money.

To keep it as a place just for blue card, DVD would most likely be paying something toward It..

I think it is more likely we see some element that it is a paid lounge and no longer something to visit free to just watch fireworks.

Or free for blue card owners…with DVD picking up that charge out of marketing budget…

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I wonder if part of the re-imagining is that it will be for direct members only, similar to the Epcot lounge?

This only makes sense if DVC starts underwriting it from marketing funds. Otherwise it becomes an issue for P&L.

 

[CarolMN]

I think the lounge will require reservations and a cover charge. Not sure what might change re deck only access (hoping for nothing, LOL).

 

[Narcoossee11]

Expect to pay $$$$$$ for the experience.