OK, after spending just one day at BLT, here is a summary review.
I absolutely love the panoramic views. I think BLT offers the best views of any DVC resort at WDW. I like both the MK and Bay Lake views. The Boardwalk view rooms at BWV remain my favorite for a more close-up view of what’s happening on the Boardwalk, and for people watching. But watching “Wishes” from BLT is great.
I really like the location of BLT. The ability to take a 5-minute walk and be at the gates of the Magic Kingdom is just like staying at BCV and walking to the International Gateway to Epcot.
The location offers some great dining opportunities as well. Since we almost exclusively do TS and never CS, we can walk across the walkway to the Contemporary and dine at the California Grill (our favorite) or at The Wave. We can hop on the monorail and dine at ‘Ohana, Kona Café, Citricos, Narcoossee’s, or Victoria and Albert’s. We can also hop on a boat to the Wilderness Lodge and enjoy Artist Point.
The pool area is nice, the pool bar has some nice food options, and the slide is fine. The other recreational opportunities, such as the marina with boat rentals, tennis, etc. are also nice.
The lounge and viewing area on the 16th floor are fantastic and offer great views of the surrounding area, especially the MK. The appetizers were nice; as was the drink selection (they carry Newcastle, my favorite beer).
People who love a hotel experience will love BLT, while those who prefer a more condo-like experience such as OKW may not. I like the décor at BLT, while not everyone will.
The exclusivity of BLT (card-key access and the member’s-only Top of the World lounge) is nice. I don’t think the lounge will remain exclusive too long, as I think they will open it up to anyone staying at BLT – points or cash).
What don’t I like? Not much. The room numbers were initially confusing (why does my room on the 11th floor have an 81xx number?). The lack of locks on the bathroom door, which I’ve heard others complain about, doesn’t bother me at all (of course, I don’t bring small children with me). There are locks on the bedroom doors. Why doesn’t the shower have a soap dish? The lighting in the extra bathroom isn’t bright enough. All in all – my only complaints are very minor nitpicks.
In summary, BLT is everything I had hoped it would be. As the only tower-configuration within DVC, as well as the only DVC on the monorail, it offers a unique experience that is different from my other 5 home resorts.
This short trip ends tomorrow, but I know I’m coming back in December and I’m really looking forward to staying longer, as well as my MK view room.
