TOTW closed July 4th for paid event

[aoconnor]

According to WDWNT there will be a paid event at TOTW on July 4th from 7:30-9:30pm for the fireworks. Cost is $139pp including tax/gratuity. Yikes!

I thought if you were staying at BLT you had access on July 4/NYE? Maybe not anymore....

 

[crvetter]

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-celebrate-america-from-the-top-of-the-world/
It isn't clear what this means for those staying at BLT. If it's like the Wave package they close off only part of the Lounge. Though technically the page on Top of the World never explicitly states that BLT guests can get access on blackout dates. DVC can do whatever they wish with the space as they own it and simply lease it out to the operator.

Also they don't explicitly state the blackout dates on the DVC website. Just says one could apply

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...s/events-experiences/top-of-the-world-lounge/
I believe this site has been updated recently to explicitly remove the Wave Package being mentioned and now offers TOWTL as a space that members can reserve for their events. So it seems it will be a member exclusive space but going to monetized much more.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Writing on the wall. It will be turning into the next Attic. I'd be sorely disappointed if I had booked BLT for the 4th. I expect you can still be allowed up but I find this very disappointing of DVC to do.

 

[crvetter]

Writing on the wall. It will be turning into the next Attic. I'd be sorely disappointed if I had booked BLT for the 4th. I expect you can still be allowed up but I find this very disappointing of DVC to do.

My guess is people aren't buying enough and it's running at a loss right now. So they are trying to turn a profit on it. I assume if a member rents it out for an exclusive event it is good and closed to all members then. Though not sure about this 4th event but could be close too (I wouldn't be surprised since the food is served up there for it).

I wonder how they will alert it is closed to members or not... I'd hate to just show up to find out it was closed.

 

[aoconnor]

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-celebrate-america-from-the-top-of-the-world/
It isn't clear what this means for those staying at BLT. If it's like the Wave package they close off only part of the Lounge. Though technically the page on Top of the World never explicitly states that BLT guests can get access on blackout dates. DVC can do whatever they wish with the space as they own it and simply lease it out to the operator.

Also they don't explicitly state the blackout dates on the DVC website. Just says one could apply

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...s/events-experiences/top-of-the-world-lounge/
I believe this site has been updated recently to explicitly remove the Wave Package being mentioned and now offers TOWTL as a space that members can reserve for their events. So it seems it will be a member exclusive space but going to monetized much more.

That's true, maybe it's only a portion of the roof/ lounge. Based on a quick search of these forums people in the past have said that the venue didn't reach full capacity on July 4th/ NYE. I suppose as long as it's only a small corner like The Wave dinner package then it's not so bad.

 

[crvetter]

I just was told this by MS

"The rest of it is open and available like normal for Disney Vacation Club Members staying on property for those particular dates (normally anywhere on property, but July 3 and July 4 are some of the popular dates for fireworks so exclusive to those staying at Bay Lake Tower). There will only be one seating for the Fourth of July Celebration, making sure that access does stay open for Members staying at Bay Lake Tower who also want to see the fireworks. "

 

[areno79]

I just called and booked this event through Member Services. After checking obsessively over MK dessert party cancellations and nothing coming up, I figure this is the next best thing.

I did ask the CM if this meant that TOTWL would still be open on July 4th for guests staying at BLT. According to the CM, July 4 was listed as a blackout date, and he mentioned that the DVC contract with TOTWL had changed for 2019. (Not sure why he felt the need to include that bit of information.) As he was seeing it in his system, it appeared that TOTWL would be closed to people not booking this July 4th event.

I wonder if they'll keep the viewing area open, but close the actual lounge part to people not at the event?

 

[crvetter]

I just called and booked this event through Member Services. After checking obsessively over MK dessert party cancellations and nothing coming up, I figure this is the next best thing.

I did ask the CM if this meant that TOTWL would still be open on July 4th for guests staying at BLT. According to the CM, July 4 was listed as a blackout date, and he mentioned that the DVC contract with TOTWL had changed for 2019. (Not sure why he felt the need to include that bit of information.) As he was seeing it in his system, it appeared that TOTWL would be closed to people not booking this July 4th event.

I wonder if they'll keep the viewing area open, but close the actual lounge part to people not at the event?

I was told specifically the opposite. See my post above. They did check with supervisors about it too so took them a while to find the answer as the offer was just announced today.

 

[areno79]

I was told specifically the opposite. See my post above. They did check with supervisors about it too so took them a while to find the answer as the offer was just announced today.

Thanks for clarifying. It sounds like they still need a good bit of training because the first CM I spoke with told me TOTWL would be closed to anyone not at this event as well.

 

[areno79]

Also, I didn't see it mentioned in the original release, but there is a limit on booking for this event. The DVC member can book themselves plus 5 additional guests.

 

[crvetter]

Thanks for clarifying. It sounds like they still need a good bit of training because the first CM I spoke with told me TOTWL would be closed to anyone not at this event as well.

Oh yeah who knows it could go either way. I was more meaning to highlight that it made no sense on how they couldn't have their story straight on the restrictions yet.

Also, I didn't see it mentioned in the original release, but there is a limit on booking for this event. The DVC member can book themselves plus 5 additional guests.

Thanks for the update.

 

[areno79]

Oh yeah who knows it could go either way. I was more meaning to highlight that it made no sense on how they couldn't have their story straight on the restrictions yet.

Thanks for the update.

Oh, for sure! It made me think the CM threw in the bit about the TOTWL changing their contract with DVC as a disclaimer in case anyone complained. But it makes sense that they'd have this event and the people on the front lines wouldn't have the all of the necessary info.

Two other things...the cancellation policy was 2 days. And the total cost (including tax and gratuity) was $123 per person. With the open bar and apps and dessert....I'm going to cancel my Chef Mickey's reservation and have a lighter dinner and supplement with this.

 

[rileyz]

I’m at BLT 6/29-7/6 and am ticked off. 3 weeks notice, really?

 

[keishashadow]

I don’t own at BLT, nor was I able to score res there over 4th of July despite trying for the past few years. My view on it is likely different than those who do own there.

No idea how crowded the lounge area is during the blackout dates, but it’s rarely been what I’d call crowded on any of the dates I’ve visited.

As long as they keep one of the viewing areas open, even if they close the lounge to the party (partial or in it’s entirety), it seems to be a good compromise.

If offering more of these parties helps keep the area open for all DVRs, then it’s a win IMO.

 

[laura-k]

I am a BLT owner and i would have to agree IMO with pp Keishasshadow above
As long as they keep one of the viewing areas open, even if they close the lounge to the party (partial or in it’s entirety), it seems to be a good compromise.
If offering more of these parties helps keep the area open for all DVCers .
And I only say this because back awhile there was talk on these boards somewhere that it was running at a loss even
after they opened the doors to all DVCers on points -
My fear would be they will start offering it more like all the other extra $$ packages until they close it to members .
Twice last year I went to sit in 2 separate areas in the park -1 at Pinocchio's up stairs and they where roping it off for a VIP event ---in the middle of the day -maybe lunch i dont know
The other by the train station --
I really dont use the TOWL more than once a year -but i do tell my guest that we need to order something -It is a perk I would like to see around awhile -

 

[crvetter]

I agree as long as it is properly relayed to owners (in a timely manner) when TOTWL will be inaccessible do to a member's private event or a DVC private event and it isn't frequent then I'm for it if it keeps the lounge available. I would like to see the DVC private events to only close part of the lounge (similar to the Wave event). I can't imagine the member private events the lounge would remain open at all because if paying for that kind of level of access I suppose that member expect exclusivity.

 

[RLHornbeck]

We are booked at Bay Lake for the 4th and just talked with member services about this. I was told Top of the World and observation area is OFF LIMITS to anyone not at the new event.
With only 3 weeks’ notice this is absurd! At this point we can’t change fast passes, dining reservations, or where we are staying but DVC can change anything? The only thing my 6-year old asked to do on this trip is now gone. How do I tell her DVC screwed us and we can’t go to the lounge? They have changed everything lately in order for them to make more $$$$ and I have had enough.
When we called member services, they said I the fireworks are the same on the 3rd so go then…

• We have plans already for the 3rd.
• Try to tell a 6 year the 3rd is the same as the 4th of July!

PLEASE CALL AND WRITE MEMBER SERVICES TO COMPLAIN
800-800-9800
members@disneyvacationclub.com

 

[crvetter]

We are booked at Bay Lake for the 4th and just talked with member services about this. I was told Top of the World and observation area is OFF LIMITS to anyone not at the new event.
With only 3 weeks’ notice this is absurd! At this point we can’t change fast passes, dining reservations, or where we are staying but DVC can change anything? The only thing my 6-year old asked to do on this trip is now gone. How do I tell her DVC screwed us and we can’t go to the lounge? They have changed everything lately in order for them to make more $$$$ and I have had enough.
When we called member services, they said I the fireworks are the same on the 3rd so go then…

• We have plans already for the 3rd.
• Try to tell a 6 year the 3rd is the same as the 4th of July!

PLEASE CALL AND WRITE MEMBER SERVICES TO COMPLAIN
800-800-9800
members@disneyvacationclub.com

I've emailed them to specifically ask. I was told the opposite that firework viewing would be open to members staying at Bay Lake Tower. I've asked for clarity in an e-mail and report back what I'm told. I can't believe still at this point they can't simply get information straight.

I understand the need to make sure the lounge makes money but it is likely going to go the way of a pay to access venue similar to Reunion Station only being used for events it seems if this is true. Which it is a shame that Reunion Station is a shell of what it could be.

 

[rileyz]

We are booked at Bay Lake for the 4th and just talked with member services about this. I was told Top of the World and observation area is OFF LIMITS to anyone not at the new event.
With only 3 weeks’ notice this is absurd! At this point we can’t change fast passes, dining reservations, or where we are staying but DVC can change anything? The only thing my 6-year old asked to do on this trip is now gone. How do I tell her DVC screwed us and we can’t go to the lounge? They have changed everything lately in order for them to make more $$$$ and I have had enough.
When we called member services, they said I the fireworks are the same on the 3rd so go then…

• We have plans already for the 3rd.
• Try to tell a 6 year the 3rd is the same as the 4th of July!

PLEASE CALL AND WRITE MEMBER SERVICES TO COMPLAIN
800-800-9800
members@disneyvacationclub.com

We are there too and it’s ridiculous. So basically everyone staying at BLT will now be at TOTW on July 3rd? 3 weeks is not enough notice IMO and the points for this time of year are high for a reason. At the very least this should be communicated before fastpasses and ADR’s are booked so people can plan.

 

[crvetter]

So the parks blog post does say, which I'm fairly certain was edited at some point during the day

"And here’s a little trip tip from our friends at Bay Lake Tower. While the Top of the World Lounge will be available exclusively to those attending the aforementioned event, the lounge will remain open to all eligible Members on July 3, which also happens to be a new date for the nearby Disney Vacation Club Fireworks Cruise. Click here to learn more about the cruise."

So it looks like on July 3rd (all members not just BLT guests maybe...) can access the lounge. But then on the 4th it is exclusive to the party.

http://disboards.com/forums/dvc-member-services.89/