TOTWL: Before and After

[jrtoastyman]

Just curious if the new "test" policy regarding allowing all DVC members, not just those staying at BLT, has had a significant impact upon crowds up there. Anyone been up there under the old rules and new rules that is able to offer any input on how, if at all, things are different?

 

[tjkraz]

Just curious if the new "test" policy regarding allowing all DVC members, not just those staying at BLT, has had a significant impact upon crowds up there. Anyone been up there under the old rules and new rules that is able to offer any input on how, if at all, things are different?

Based upon my reading of others' posts, I would say crowds have increased to a very moderate degree.

Single before/after experiences are a little dicey because we'll never know if either of those experiences is typical. I've read posts from members who think crowds are noticeably larger while others see no change at all.

Anything can happen on a given day but I can't envision large crowds of members regularly flocking to BLT for the fireworks. DVC has publicly stated that members cannot park at BLT. So you either need to take Disney buses (to MK then 5-10 min walk to BLT) or park at the TTC and use the monorail. My personal take is that if most folks are going to venture that far, they'll just go into the park to view the fireworks.

 

[rwcmath]

They are coming from other resorts. I was at BLT in August and heard members from other resorts tell the CM who was letting them up which resort they were staying at. I was in the lobby waiting for DH to show up for about an hour and saw about 4 groups from other resorts go up.

 

[barrysprot36]

It was definitely busier in July than the previous times we have visited. There were a lot more people that arrived just to see Wishes plus more in the lounge itself. Before when we have been the lounge has only had a few tables being used, in July they were all used. Plus, our server said they have noticed a marked increase.

Caron

 

[smidgy]

. My personal take is that if most folks are going to venture that far, they'll just go into the park to view the fireworks.

my guess would be it will be very popular during the MNSSHP and MVMCP. when we stayed at BLT on points in sept. we didn't buy the hard ticket for the MNSSHP. and watche d the Hallowwishes from TOWL

(OMG! I feel like I overloaded everyone on acronyms!!!)

I agree that if you aren't staying at a monorail resort you might as well view the fireworks from inside the park..

but sometimes you dont have tickets. our first visit ever, .. back in 92 or 93? our "super duper tickets" didn't kick in till the next day, so we took the kids on a ride on the monorail(bus from CBR to MK) to the poly beach, and watched the fireworks and electric water pagaent from there... a great start for our vacation!!! .(. now they are 30 and 33.. weep weep , cry cry cry.. )

oh, I digress.. ... yes.. I think most DVC members would rather view the fireworks from the park, after the hassle of getting over there... ..EXCEPT>>

when there are special hard ticketed events. I think this fall and winter season will see many more attendees at the TOWL for the special hallowwishes and Christmas wishes.
Paranthetical aside:
I have worked at bars and restaurants for MANY years... I would charge a minimum. DVC owner or not.. you want to view the fireworks? pay a minimum, reddemable for soft drinks, cocktails, food, etc.

 

[jrtoastyman]

Interesting, thanks for the input. It doesn't sound like it is getting so busy that BLT folks are getting locked out? Assuming that to be the case, I suppose if it helps keep the lounge open, I'm on board. It was a favorite place of ours on our last trip to unwind at the end of the day and have a cocktail, would hate to lose that.

 

[tjkraz]

Before when we have been the lounge has only had a few tables being used, in July they were all used.

That just goes to illustrate how crowds have always varied from one day to another. When we stayed at BLT and visited the lounge 2 years ago, all of the tables were taken but it was still not anything I would call crowded.

The consensus is that crowds are up a bit on average, but not to any level that is causing folks to be turned away.

 

[spiceycat]

sorry - when I was there just watched the fireworks from my room - for some reason the TV did not play the music...

if the TOWL is busy will miss the times when only a few of us were up there for the fireworks....

still wish that DVC would open it to everyone staying at the BLT - dvc members or not. then would think the lounge would do a better business.

when you have to take the monorial then drive or take a bus back to your resort - how likely are you to drink more than one drink.....

now agree about the lounge if guests are coming into it and not ordering - then yes a fee should be imposed on these guests.

but if they only going to the deck not the lounge (which you can do) - then no fee.

 

[JKMJ441724]

I booked BLT for my upcoming trip based on my ability to go to the TOTWL. Then they changed the rule to allow all DVC up there. If I had known that I would be allowed to go up there, I would have saved several points and stayed somewhere else.

 

[spiceycat]

write to DVC or email and tell them.

otherwise like other stuff DVC - it is first come first get it.

 

[daisyduck123]

We went to TOTWL in late July & it was the most crowded I'd ever seen it. Many more people than when we'd stayed at BLT a few summers ago.

 

[mac_tlc]

We went to TOTWL in late July & it was the most crowded I'd ever seen it. Many more people than when we'd stayed at BLT a few summers ago.

Our experience in August was similar. At the most crowded, about 20 minutes before the fireworks, the people were four deep at the bar and all tables taken plus people outside. We went twice that week and loved it. We did specifically go to BLT to have a few drinks and watch the fireworks. We would not have wanted to go into the park to watch -- way too many people and a hassle getting out.

BTW, we told the security guard we were going to the TOWL, and we parked at BLT, both times. That parking lot is plenty big enough to handle it, especially the area that extends to the north.

We will be at BLT in December, but we would definitely go back if we were at another resort.


mac_tlc

 

[rlovew]

We have stayed the same time period as now for the past 2 years- we always stay the Mon-Wed before food and wine start for DH's birthday. Last night when we went up to the lounge it was significantly more crowded than in the past. There were not as many people out at fireworks as I have seen in the past but there were definitely more people ordering food and beverages. I would also have to say that in addition to before the fireworks we also stayed for about 1/2 and hour afterwards and it was more crowded then I had ever seen the lounge after fireworks- even when we have been here Thanksgiving week. So I would have to guess that more members from other places are coming over and using the lounge. We aren't on the parking lot side so we have not seen a lot of cars leaving after the fireworks- but I don't know if they have been or not. We have not had trouble finding a parking spot after our early dinners- coming in between 6-7pm.

 

[allymouse]

I will be staying at SSR next month but I'm renting points through a broker. Do you have to show your room key or a DVC card? I have heard conflicting reports.

Thanks!

 

[allymouse]

I will be staying at SSR next month but I'm renting points through a broker. Do you have to show your room key or a DVC card? I have heard conflicting reports.

Thanks!

As a follow up... since I am renting, will my card say DVC member on it?

 

[twinklebug]

As a follow up... since I am renting, will my card say DVC member on it?

I give it a 50/50 chance it will have "DVC Member" printed on the card key. Technically, owners are supposed to note on the reservation when it's for non-members.

 

[allymouse]

I give it a 50/50 chance it will have "DVC Member" printed on the card key. Technically, owners are supposed to note on the reservation when it's for non-members.

And from what I'm reading, if the card says DVC Member I should be all set and not have to show the blue card (that I obviously won't have).

Thanks for the help, Twinkle!

 

[JKMJ441724]

As a follow up... since I am renting, will my card say DVC member on it?

I've allowed my sister to use my points before and her KTTW card said member. She called me and said thanks for the discount on the surry bikes. I had no idea what she was talking about and she said that because it said member on her card, she got a discount when renting the bikes. When I made her reservation I specifically told Member Services she was my sister, so I guess they made the decision to put "member" on her cards.

 

[dburg30]

So is this just a test thing or is it ongoing (I know they can change the rules at anytime of course). We are going soon and I would like to surprise our family staying with us with a trip to that. We are DVC at AKL. There would be 12 of us total.. Can I take that many up? They are all staying on my points and I am going to be there . Are kids allowed? And do I just need my KTTW card that says DVC member or do I need to take our DVC member card also?

Thanks

 

[twinklebug]

So is this just a test thing or is it ongoing (I know they can change the rules at anytime of course). We are going soon and I would like to surprise our family staying with us with a trip to that. We are DVC at AKL. There would be 12 of us total.. Can I take that many up? They are all staying on my points and I am going to be there . Are kids allowed? And do I just need my KTTW card that says DVC member or do I need to take our DVC member card also?

Thanks

This is just a bonus that has been extended through the holidays. The test was over the summer and apparently they liked the results.

If your entire party is staying with you on points, yes you should all be allowed up to the TOTWL as long as it's not at capacity. Children are permitted too, but be aware this is a bar atmosphere and although I saw children up there, really all they do is hang out bored before and after the fireworks. Even during the fireworks I heard at least 2 children complaining about wanting to be IN the magic kingdom during the fireworks. They didn't like that they had to be held to see the MK over the railing.