Towl

[luckyman_apd]

It is my favorite thing about staying at BLT. From the fireworks to getting a drink after the family is in bed. The menu changes to stay fresh. It's my 3rd trip since owning (4th overall and I've only owned a few years) and the menu has never been the same. I just wanted do to post to tell anyone who looks for info about it.... Take what you read on the Internet with a grain of salt. I've read so many things about it over the years here on the disboards that are the craziest most rediculous things.... I honestly don't know where it comes from. And some of it comes from longtime disboards.com members that seem to think they are in the know. I've had great service/bartenders everything I've gone up there. Top it off with my favorite beer Ommegang... I honestly don't know why I leave the place. Will everyone be as thrilled as I? No... Everyone is different. But just because it's posted on an Internet blog doesn't make it fact.

 

[disneynutz]

Things may have changed since opening up access to additional DVCers but service was really slow or close to non-existent during our visits.

The CM's seemed like they didn't care to be there. Later I found out that they were forced to work there knowing that the lack of customers resulted in poor tips.

Bill

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We've never made a special trip to go there, but always make good use of TOWL when we're staying at BLT. With the possible exception of sitting in Mizner's with a nice drink while listing to the Grand Floridian Lobby Society Orchestra, it's one of our favorite lounges.

 

[dvcblt93]

Later I found out that they were forced to work there knowing that the lack of customers resulted in poor tips.

What are they running, a concentration camp up there?

Just more nonsense you read on the Internet! I've never had anything but good service from Cast Members who really like their job up there!

 

[MouseMomx2]

We have been to the TOTW Lounge several times and always had a great time. That said, the service is always very slow and the drink menu has not changed since our first visit. The food menu used to be much better but we don't go there for the eats and always find something to snack on so it isn't an issue.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Things may have changed since opening up access to additional DVCers but service was really slow or close to non-existent during our visits.

The CM's seemed like they didn't care to be there. Later I found out that they were forced to work there knowing that the lack of customers resulted in poor tips.

Bill

I completely disagree. I have spoken to several managers and cast members here. Part of my BLT decision to purchase was because of the lounge (small part but not ignored nonetheless). I have read many rumors about it and worried it may someday not being open anymore. So here is what I've learned personally here on the premises.

1. Myth.... TOWL doesn't make a profit.. . 100% false. Disney is not in the losing money market. They would not keep it open to consistently lose money. It turns a profit. So let's put that to bed.

2. CM are "forced" to work there or hate it. 100% false again....... I'm not saying every cast member loves there job.... But that can be said for many Disney CMs. At any lounge/bar/restaurant can give you bad service. Could be 1 individual.. Could be a bad day... Or any number of reasons. It doesn't mean they hate it or are forced to be there. I happened to be there with a CM new to lounge.... And get this...... THEY REQUESTED... to work there. They previously worked at a different lounge and asked for this assignment. So no... They weren't forced.

3. Cm are unfriendly.... I refer to #2... There are always a variety of factors that could lead to this.... But I personally have been given some of my best Disney advice from some of the bartenders up there... And I have nothing but compliments for them.

I have gotten lots of advice from disboards.com and found it to be a fabulous resource.... So I felt the need to dispelled some of the things I've read and heard and a PSA to my fellow TOWL lovers... It's not going anywhere anytime soon. Enjoy.

 

[beer dave]

I completely disagree. I have spoken to several managers and cast members here. Part of my BLT decision to purchase was because of the lounge (small part but not ignored nonetheless). I have read many rumors about it and worried it may someday not being open anymore. So here is what I've learned personally here on the premises.

1. Myth.... TOWL doesn't make a profit.. . 100% false. Disney is not in the losing money market. They would not keep it open to consistently lose money. It turns a profit. So let's put that to bed.

2. CM are "forced" to work there or hate it. 100% false again....... I'm not saying every cast member loves there job.... But that can be said for many Disney CMs. At any lounge/bar/restaurant can give you bad service. Could be 1 individual.. Could be a bad day... Or any number of reasons. It doesn't mean they hate it or are forced to be there. I happened to be there with a CM new to lounge.... And get this...... THEY REQUESTED... to work there. They previously worked at a different lounge and asked for this assignment. So no... They weren't forced.

3. Cm are unfriendly.... I refer to #2... There are always a variety of factors that could lead to this.... But I personally have been given some of my best Disney advice from some of the bartenders up there... And I have nothing but compliments for them.

I have gotten lots of advice from disboards.com and found it to be a fabulous resource.... So I felt the need to dispelled some of the things I've read and heard and a PSA to my fellow TOWL lovers... It's not going anywhere anytime soon. Enjoy.

Every time I stay at BLT I make a point of frequenting the lounge-- If we don't go and spend money, the place will either go away or become open to all. I have had great service each time there, and recently the beer menu has changed, as several of the nicer lounges have, to include your omegang and much to my satisfaction, the Abt 12. The prices are fairly reasonable also, considering where you are drinking them. I'm also a big fan of the truffle olive martini. Love the TOWL and have always had a great time. Hi Amy!

 

[disneynutz]

I completely disagree. I have spoken to several managers and cast members here. Part of my BLT decision to purchase was because of the lounge (small part but not ignored nonetheless). I have read many rumors about it and worried it may someday not being open anymore. So here is what I've learned personally here on the premises.

1. Myth.... TOWL doesn't make a profit.. . 100% false. Disney is not in the losing money market. They would not keep it open to consistently lose money. It turns a profit. So let's put that to bed.

2. CM are "forced" to work there or hate it. 100% false again....... I'm not saying every cast member loves there job.... But that can be said for many Disney CMs. At any lounge/bar/restaurant can give you bad service. Could be 1 individual.. Could be a bad day... Or any number of reasons. It doesn't mean they hate it or are forced to be there. I happened to be there with a CM new to lounge.... And get this...... THEY REQUESTED... to work there. They previously worked at a different lounge and asked for this assignment. So no... They weren't forced.

3. Cm are unfriendly.... I refer to #2... There are always a variety of factors that could lead to this.... But I personally have been given some of my best Disney advice from some of the bartenders up there... And I have nothing but compliments for them.

I have gotten lots of advice from disboards.com and found it to be a fabulous resource.... So I felt the need to dispelled some of the things I've read and heard and a PSA to my fellow TOWL lovers... It's not going anywhere anytime soon. Enjoy.

We can agree to disagree, not that any of this matters. I have been an owner at BLT from the day it opened. TOTWL was excluded from the DVC and was owned by Disney. It was used as an enticement for people to buy BLT and restricted to only BLT DVC guests.

The place was empty most of the time, even during fireworks you could easily find a seat. The CM's who where working there at that time told me that they did not choose to work there and didn't care to work there due to poor tips.

After a year or so Disney decided that drink and food sales were so slow, they instructed the staff to keep a count of all guests, who purchased, who didn't. Sometime after that, some say due to continued slow sales, Disney transferred TOTWL to the DVC owners and made us responsible for the taxes, upkeep, utilities, insurance, and security. They leased back the lounge, keep the profits from it's operation and opened up admission to all DVC guests on property.

Since BLT owners own the place, Disney can move out when ever they want to depending on the terms of the lease that Disney made with Disney.

Bill

 

[supersnoop]

Sometime after that, some say due to continued slow sales, Disney transferred TOTWL to the DVC owners and made us responsible for the taxes, upkeep, utilities, insurance, and security. They leased back the lounge, keep the profits from it's operation and opened up admission to all DVC guests on property.[/COLOR]

Bill, I'm curious about the details here. Can you point to any documentation where Disney turned over ownership? Did they deed it to DVC or BLT? I'm curious which entity actually owns the space.

 

[luckyman_apd]

We can agree to disagree, not that any of this matters. I have been an owner at BLT from the day it opened. TOTWL was excluded from the DVC and was owned by Disney. It was used as an enticement for people to buy BLT and restricted to only BLT DVC guests.

The place was empty most of the time, even during fireworks you could easily find a seat. The CM's who where working there at that time told me that they did not choose to work there and didn't care to work there due to poor tips.

After a year or so Disney decided that drink and food sales were so slow, they instructed the staff to keep a count of all guests, who purchased, who didn't. Sometime after that, some say due to continued slow sales, Disney transferred TOTWL to the DVC owners and made us responsible for the taxes, upkeep, utilities, insurance, and security. They leased back the lounge, keep the profits from it's operation and opened up admission to all DVC guests on property.

Since BLT owners own the place, Disney can move out when ever they want to depending on the terms of the lease that Disney made with Disney.

Bill

You have owned much longer than me, and I respect that... However in your own post you say TOWL was only open to BLT owners. Let's look at the math in that. When sales begin and only a part of the resort is sold.... That's a very small pool of actual customers that can use the place. Of course it didn't do a lot of business. As BLT sold more and had more owners.. = more eligible customers. Opening it up to all DVC of course only helps. I'm not discrediting your conversations in the past. But mine in the last 2 years contradict yours... At least in the recent 2 years. I've spoken with some CMs that have been here from opening. It's working... It's profitable... And it's not going away anytime soon.

 

[disneynutz]

You have owned much longer than me, and I respect that... However in your own post you say TOWL was only open to BLT owners. Let's look at the math in that. When sales begin and only a part of the resort is sold.... That's a very small pool of actual customers that can use the place. Of course it didn't do a lot of business. As BLT sold more and had more owners.. = more eligible customers. Opening it up to all DVC of course only helps. I'm not discrediting your conversations in the past. But mine in the last 2 years contradict yours... At least in the recent 2 years. I've spoken with some CMs that have been here from opening. It's working... It's profitable... And it's not going away anytime soon.

And that's a good thing, we expected that they would open it up to even more people maybe all BLT guests plus all DVC. We also expect them to one day rent the place out to private parities like they do the Attic at BWV.

As long as it's making money Disney will keep selling drinks and finger food. FYI the lounge is separate from the observation deck, they can keep one or both open or closed in the future.

Bill

 

[disneynutz]

Bill, I'm curious about the details here. Can you point to any documentation where Disney turned over ownership? Did they deed it to DVC or BLT? I'm curious which entity actually owns the space.

Just Google BLT TOWL Ownership and you will find info on the change of ownership and several discussions about the empty Cove Bar.

Bill

 

[AirGoofy]

It is my favorite thing about staying at BLT. From the fireworks to getting a drink after the family is in bed. The menu changes to stay fresh. It's my 3rd trip since owning (4th overall and I've only owned a few years) and the menu has never been the same. I just wanted do to post to tell anyone who looks for info about it.... Take what you read on the Internet with a grain of salt. I've read so many things about it over the years here on the disboards that are the craziest most rediculous things.... I honestly don't know where it comes from. And some of it comes from longtime disboards.com members that seem to think they are in the know. I've had great service/bartenders everything I've gone up there. Top it off with my favorite beer Ommegang... I honestly don't know why I leave the place. Will everyone be as thrilled as I? No... Everyone is different. But just because it's posted on an Internet blog doesn't make it fact.

TOTWL is a great place. We own at BWV, but have stayed at BLT twice, and schedule a night to eat dinner somewhere near and then go up. Wishes and the music is amazing from those heights, and then walking back to MK without the crowds to catch a bus to the resort is so easy. We plan to continue to do this as long as they will let us up there.

However, every time I buy a drink, the service is awful. It doesn't matter if it is busy before the fireworks or an hour or so afterwards, it is just the worst service of any bar on WDW property.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Just Google BLT TOWL Ownership and you will find info on the change of ownership and several discussions about the empty Cove Bar.

Bill

I googled it and I have to say...I'm not finding any real info...just link after link to different forum posts. There are some names I trust and others I don't. I'm just not seeing anything concrete about the ownership.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have had great service, and very slow service, but if slow, always with an apology. I do enjoy going there, meeting people, having something to drink, maybe have a snack, and watching the fireworks. It is just about the only lounge we go to.

I'll be going there to meet some DVCers who are on the MC this August, and after the cruise, I'll be staying at BCV with friends and they enjoy TOTW as much as I do! So, I'll be there twice that week.

Bobbi

 

[jillt2ph]

I also make it a point to visit the lounge at least once during every visit to WDW. I go to relax, and have a little something to eat and drink. I agree the service can sometimes be slow, but I am OK with that.

My unpleasant experiences in the lounge have been the result of other guests - one time it was a couple that was letting their diaper-wearing child roll all over the large round sofa/bench in the middle of the room. Yuck! Another time it was a group of 20 somethings that were so loud they were disruptive to others.

One thing I appreciate is that they take the TIW card up there

BTW, the chocolate cake in a cup is very good if it is still on the menu!

 

[beer dave]

I also make it a point to visit the lounge at least once during every visit to WDW. I go to relax, and have a little something to eat and drink. I agree the service can sometimes be slow, but I am OK with that.

My unpleasant experiences in the lounge have been the result of other guests - one time it was a couple that was letting their diaper-wearing child roll all over the large round sofa/bench in the middle of the room. Yuck! Another time it was a group of 20 somethings that were so loud they were disruptive to others.

One thing I appreciate is that they take the TIW card up there

BTW, the chocolate cake in a cup is very good if it is still on the menu!

Does that include drinks, too?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Does that include drinks, too?

TOTW has always taken the TIW card for our drinks during valid times!

 

[NicoleLarson]

TOTW has always taken the TIW card for our drinks during valid times!

Really? How did I miss this! That's great news! Just my two cents, the service has been pretty good. One time (long story) I had my DS1 &dd4 by myself. I ordered a beer and just as it came the fireworks started going off. DD4 starting having a meltdown because we were missing them but I hadn't paid for the beer yet. The waiter saw what was happening and said your good, go on out. I thought that was very nice of him. If I was an unethical person, I probably could have left afterwards and never paid but since I like to sleep well at night, as soon as the fireworks were over I ran up to the server and paid.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Really? How did I miss this! That's great news! Just my two cents, the service has been pretty good. One time (long story) I had my DS1 &dd4 by myself. I ordered a beer and just as it came the fireworks started going off. DD4 starting having a meltdown because we were missing them but I hadn't paid for the beer yet. The waiter saw what was happening and said your good, go on out. I thought that was very nice of him. If I was an unethical person, I probably could have left afterwards and never paid but since I like to sleep well at night, as soon as the fireworks were over I ran up to the server and paid.

TIW does not have TOWL listed, but it has worked for food and drinks!