Allowing all guests staying at Bay Lake Tower access to the Top Of The World lounge

Innkeeper's Club

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
From what I have read on various WDW message boards on most nights the Top Of The World lounge at Bay Lake Tower is never busy and some DVC members who own at Bay Lake Tower might be worried about it getting taken away from them. I also know only DVC members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower on DVC points are the only ones allowed up there. However I was wondering if it helped keep it more busy should they allow all guests staying at Bay Lake Tower access to there? Obviously I am referring to the non DVC members staying at Bay Lake Tower. Some people have suggested letting DVC members staying at other DVC Resort access to the lounge, however I always thought if access was going to be extended it should be those other guests staying at Bay Lake Tower. Anyway what are your thoughts about this?
 

Murphketeer

Member
We stayed at Bay Lake Tower as DVC members w/ points. The only time we went was to watch the fireworks one night. I think opening it to any Bay Lake Tower guest would work. Maybe give DVC members a reservation priority during busy months.
 

Jo DeVil

Well-Known Member
If they allowed DVC members on points staying at BLT to reserve, say till midday and then any other guess at BLT could reserve a place then all would be happy. DVC members get first refusal and the rest (who have paid a pretty penny to stay there) get the option if places still left. This also stops it getting taken away due to lack of interest. I know BLT DVC members, which might I add am not a member at that resort may have a totally different opinion, that if they decide at 10 minutes to fireworks that they want to go, it is there right as a DVC BLT member to go. Tricky one.
 

TomHendricks

Well-Known Member
As a BLT DVC member I have no issue with a reservation system and allowing other DVC members stating at BLT to have access. I have been up on the roof a many of times where it was just empty, I mean like only a handful of people up there watching the fireworks. I believe if you are staying at BLT no matter how you got there, you should have access.

If they allowed DVC members on points staying at BLT to reserve, say till midday and then any other guess at BLT could reserve a place then all would be happy. DVC members get first refusal and the rest (who have paid a pretty penny to stay there) get the option if places still left. This also stops it getting taken away due to lack of interest. I know BLT DVC members, which might I add am not a member at that resort may have a totally different opinion, that if they decide at 10 minutes to fireworks that they want to go, it is there right as a DVC BLT member to go. Tricky one.
 
From what I have read on various WDW message boards on most nights the Top Of The World lounge at Bay Lake Tower is never busy and some DVC members who own at Bay Lake Tower might be worried about it getting taken away from them. I also know only DVC members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower on DVC points are the only ones allowed up there. However I was wondering if it helped keep it more busy should they allow all guests staying at Bay Lake Tower access to there? Obviously I am referring to the non DVC members staying at Bay Lake Tower. Some people have suggested letting DVC members staying at other DVC Resort access to the lounge, however I always thought if access was going to be extended it should be those other guests staying at Bay Lake Tower. Anyway what are your thoughts about this?

After going up there last October, I kinda liked the fact that it wasn't very crowded and we could watch the fireworks without feeling like a sardine.
 

fleurdemouse

Active Member
We went to the top of the world lounge on our honeymoon one night to watch the fireworks! We love it up there and it's a great view but I don't care for letting kids up there! It was a big mood killer, we want a romantic night for ourselves and drink so adult drinks! To me it's alike a bar and kids should not be allowed. They were running around yelling and one kid knock over my drink! I dont hate kids, I have a two year old, but the idea of letting running in a bar is annoying to us that want a romantic night!
 

BeachClubNut

New Member
From what I have read on various WDW message boards on most nights the Top Of The World lounge at Bay Lake Tower is never busy and some DVC members who own at Bay Lake Tower might be worried about it getting taken away from them. I also know only DVC members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower on DVC points are the only ones allowed up there. However I was wondering if it helped keep it more busy should they allow all guests staying at Bay Lake Tower access to there? Obviously I am referring to the non DVC members staying at Bay Lake Tower. Some people have suggested letting DVC members staying at other DVC Resort access to the lounge, however I always thought if access was going to be extended it should be those other guests staying at Bay Lake Tower. Anyway what are your thoughts about this?

15th floor stairs, just saying.....
 

puntagordabob

Well-Known Member
Non-DVC Members? No Way....

A reservation system (except during really busy holiday times or high crowds) for DVC Members stayting at other DVC resorts would be fine as long as those staying at BLT had a reservation priority. THis I believe would help with capacity.
 

Annielkd

Member
I like the idea of an earlier poster. I like allowing people with DVC having the first opportunity to reserve it, then anyone who is in BLT getting a chance. If they are there, they should have the same perks.
 

unkadug

Follower of "Saget"The Cult
We went to the top of the world lounge on our honeymoon one night to watch the fireworks! We love it up there and it's a great view but I don't care for letting kids up there! It was a big mood killer, we want a romantic night for ourselves and drink so adult drinks! To me it's alike a bar and kids should not be allowed. They were running around yelling and one kid knock over my drink! I dont hate kids, I have a two year old, but the idea of letting running in a bar is annoying to us that want a romantic night!

I understand what you are saying. I just got back from a trip to the French Quarter in NO and I saw people pushing baby strollers down Bourbon Street. :eek:

What is wrong with some people?
 

Nemo14

Well-Known Member
I understand what you are saying. I just got back from a trip to the French Quarter in NO and I saw people pushing baby strollers down Bourbon Street. :eek:

What is wrong with some people?
I see that at Foxwoods too. I just don't get it!
 

Annielkd

Member
I got in a HUGE fight with my family because they wanted to have my mother's birthday celebration (she's turning 80) at foxwoods. I have a son who's 10 and highly astmatic. I said, It's not appropriate for kids.... and my sister said that they say it's family friendly. We didn't speak for months over it. How is a casino family friendly??? There are some places kids don't belong. On another note... I Would bring him to see the fireworks on the top of Bay lake towers because he knows how to behave!
 

slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
We went to the top of the world lounge on our honeymoon one night to watch the fireworks! We love it up there and it's a great view but I don't care for letting kids up there! It was a big mood killer, we want a romantic night for ourselves and drink so adult drinks! To me it's alike a bar and kids should not be allowed. They were running around yelling and one kid knock over my drink! I dont hate kids, I have a two year old, but the idea of letting running in a bar is annoying to us that want a romantic night!

Well, you can consider me on the opposite side of that argument. I had a 3 year old that wanted to see fireworks but was scared to death about the potential noise. Loud noises have always scared her and many rides wound up going on the "never ever again" list mainly because of how loud they were. Staying in BLT on points afforded me a chance to bring her up to the lounge one night, and when she started worrying about how loud it might be were we to be outside on the deck watching, we went inside. I checked with one of the bartenders that it would be OK, she dismissed me with a smile and wave as if to say "of course," and offered to refill her sippy cup with water. My little Slapperina was louder than I would've liked but it was only because she was so excited. She called the big round yellow sofa in the center of the lounge a "cookie couch" and we sat there much of the waiting period before the fireworks; as others have said, it's not like it gets so filled that people were inconvenienced by her. She didn't get in anyone else's way, didn't get in anyone's face, and everyone else there seemed cool, even amused, by her excitement. And when the time came for fireworks, we got a window seat, obscuring no view for anyone as most people went outside to see the fireworks. And it was perfect for her, as she thought the fireworks display was beautiful, but made it clear that she would not want to go outside where it was noisy, not matter how many times I asked.

Personally, I think DVC/BLT is missing the boat entirely. Sure, it's always nice for grownups to be able to go someplace without a lot of kids, but maybe someplace in view of the castle during a fireworks display ain't it. :) I think DVC/BLT would be better suited turning the lounge into a 100% family friendly area. Turn the bar into an upscale dessert counter, have a singer or other entertainer upstairs conducting singalongs. I'm not saying the place would it be packed, but I'll bet it would see more business (which means more business as more food and drink gets consumed).

But if they are going to keep it as it is, but they'd like to offer the area up to more people, my suggestion will probably tick off DVC members, but would also lessen the risk of the Lounge getting overrun (which I think it could often be if it were open to ALL DVC members): Randomly give people who eat dinner at The Wave & Chef Mickey's (much like surprise fastpasses, make it random) permission to enjoy the lounge by showing their receipt at the tower's main entrance. It would only require the cast member with access to the lounge elevator to station him/herself closer to the front door to let those people in. DVC can tell the restaurants how many "surprises" they can offer each night, and call them to tell them to stop if the lounge does indeed start getting packed.
 

GoofGoof

Premium Member
We went to the top of the world lounge on our honeymoon one night to watch the fireworks! We love it up there and it's a great view but I don't care for letting kids up there! It was a big mood killer, we want a romantic night for ourselves and drink so adult drinks! To me it's alike a bar and kids should not be allowed. They were running around yelling and one kid knock over my drink! I dont hate kids, I have a two year old, but the idea of letting running in a bar is annoying to us that want a romantic night!
I will be making my first trip to BLT next week. Based on pictures I have seen and various reviews I was under the impression that the lounge was family friendly. I have 2 kids and hate being one of those people who brings their kids to inappropriate places. I know the restaurant at the top of the Contemporary is pretty high end and I wouldn't bring my kids there. Is there a dress code for the lounge? Are my kids going to be out of place?
 

slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
I got in a HUGE fight with my family because they wanted to have my mother's birthday celebration (she's turning 80) at foxwoods. I have a son who's 10 and highly astmatic. I said, It's not appropriate for kids.... and my sister said that they say it's family friendly. We didn't speak for months over it. How is a casino family friendly??? There are some places kids don't belong. On another note... I Would bring him to see the fireworks on the top of Bay lake towers because he knows how to behave!

"family friendly" is not a strictly-defined term. Lots of vacation destinations will call themselves "family friendly" if they offer any sort of activities for kids or families. I've never been to Foxwoods, so for all I know they may have tons of things for kids and families to do together. But a lot of adult-oriented places will consider themselves "family friendly" if they have an arcade, a pool and a kids' menu in one of the restaurants.
 

Annielkd

Member
I will be making my first trip to BLT next week. Based on pictures I have seen and various reviews I was under the impression that the lounge was family friendly. I have 2 kids and hate being one of those people who brings their kids to inappropriate places. I know the restaurant at the top of the Contemporary is pretty high end and I wouldn't bring my kids there. Is there a dress code for the lounge? Are my kids going to be out of place?

I wasn't aware the restaurant on top of the contemporty wasn't for kids. I brought my son there when he was 7. He sat quietly and ate. We had a lovely time. He really enjoyed going outside and seing the fireworks from the top. I saw other families with kids there as well.
 

GoofGoof

Premium Member
I wasn't aware the restaurant on top of the contemporty wasn't for kids. I brought my son there when he was 7. He sat quietly and ate. We had a lovely time. He really enjoyed going outside and seing the fireworks from the top. I saw other families with kids there as well.
I am not saying kids aren't allowed there, I just probably wouldn't bring mine. I perceive that place to be pretty fancy and I wouldn't want them to be disruptive. It's just my own preference.
 

rapunzel95

New Member
From what I have read on various WDW message boards on most nights the Top Of The World lounge at Bay Lake Tower is never busy and some DVC members who own at Bay Lake Tower might be worried about it getting taken away from them. I also know only DVC members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower on DVC points are the only ones allowed up there. However I was wondering if it helped keep it more busy should they allow all guests staying at Bay Lake Tower access to there? Obviously I am referring to the non DVC members staying at Bay Lake Tower. Some people have suggested letting DVC members staying at other DVC Resort access to the lounge, however I always thought if access was going to be extended it should be those other guests staying at Bay Lake Tower. Anyway what are your thoughts about this?

Unfortunately this is all kind of a moot point in some ways. We stayed at BLT at the end of June and beginning of July on DVC points last year and enjoyed access almost every night. The only time the TotWL was filled was on July 3rd and 4th. However, it was disappointing to note that I would guess at least 50% of those on the roof were NOT DVC members. They had found a "back way" up to the lounge and were all getting in. It happened because there is no one at the door to the roof double checking member IDs -- only when you get on the elevator at the bottom. On busier nights they really need to have someone checking DVC memberships. In fact, some people came from other hotels and heard of this "back way".

I will say though that even though the roof was packed on those two nights I do not think that anyone got "turned away". But if this is truly a DVC perk then it really needs to be enforced properly and not just at the elevator on the way up!

To speak to those not wanting children on the roof. I took all of mine on the roof and kept them outside and not in the lounge. I don't see why they should not be allowed and it isn't noted anywhere children not allowed. Mine were not running around or causing problems though and we were with them at all times. It is probably more a reflection of parenting than children being allowed/not allowed on the roof. I feel it is a family resort and a family vacation spot and I would expect to see children in any location at WDW. Some parents may HAVE to take their child with them as maybe the children are too young to leave in the room alone.
 

toolsnspools

Well-Known Member
There is no reason to be concerned about taking your kids to the top. If you prefer to not take them in the lounge, you can also go to the deck without going inside the lounge. I was up there in the late afternoon and it was a ghost town.
I thought it was a shame that such a nice place was so vacant... Sounds like it might only fill up during events like the fireworks for the 4th.
 

Annielkd

Member
Unfortunately this is all kind of a moot point in some ways. We stayed at BLT at the end of June and beginning of July on DVC points last year and enjoyed access almost every night. The only time the TotWL was filled was on July 3rd and 4th. However, it was disappointing to note that I would guess at least 50% of those on the roof were NOT DVC members. They had found a "back way" up to the lounge and were all getting in. It happened because there is no one at the door to the roof double checking member IDs -- only when you get on the elevator at the bottom. On busier nights they really need to have someone checking DVC memberships. In fact, some people came from other hotels and heard of this "back way".

I will say though that even though the roof was packed on those two nights I do not think that anyone got "turned away". But if this is truly a DVC perk then it really needs to be enforced properly and not just at the elevator on the way up!

To speak to those not wanting children on the roof. I took all of mine on the roof and kept them outside and not in the lounge. I don't see why they should not be allowed and it isn't noted anywhere children not allowed. Mine were not running around or causing problems though and we were with them at all times. It is probably more a reflection of parenting than children being allowed/not allowed on the roof. I feel it is a family resort and a family vacation spot and I would expect to see children in any location at WDW. Some parents may HAVE to take their child with them as maybe the children are too young to leave in the room alone.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. My son is with me and behaves. No one wants kids running around making noise in a quiet setting. If kids were running in the parks it probably wouldn't bother me (I'd be worried for their safety.... but, it would interfere with my enjoyment of the park) If I were trying to see the fireworks and kids were yelling and running, that would. I would find it very distracting. I don't feel it's appropriate in dining facilites either. I KNOW it's difficult with babies crying. I do get that. But, having a child or toddler run around isn't really acceptable.
 

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