Bay Lake Tower Help

[JTT]

I booked a Lake View Studio through David's Vacation Club Rental at Bay Lake Tower.

I want to know, since I'm with the Vacation Club, what perks, avtivities or anything else that is available.

I know pool, tennis, boat rentals, etc.

Do I have access to the Top of the World Lounge?

What am I missing or don't know about?

 

[PineapplePrincess]

I'm no expert, but I believe if you're staying on points, you should have access to the top of the world lounge. We really enjoyed it last summer & saw the fireworks from there 3 times. Hope this helps. If I'm incorrect, I have no doubt that someone will correct it!

 

[GoofGoof]

Here is the release from when they first opened top of the world to all DVC owners. It was originally a limited time thing, but has since been extended indefinitely.

From July 8-Aug. 25, 2012, Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at the Walt Disney World® Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
The sleekly designed bar and lounge, typically available only to Members staying at Bay Lake Tower, operates from 5 p.m.-midnight daily and offers spectacular rooftop viewing of Wishes™ - the Magic Kingdom® fireworks spectacular - complete with the show's stirring musical soundtrack. The ability to access the lounge has been a frequent request from Members staying at other Walt Disney World Resorts since Bay Lake Tower opened in 2009, and Disney Vacation Club is thrilled to make that "wish" come true during this special summer period.

This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current Key to the World card displaying a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge. If the Member's Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is required in addition to the Key to the World card to verify Membership.

Note that Members traveling from other resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking will be unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, Members must walk to the Bay Lake Tower main lobby entrance on the ground floor and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

This special Top of the World Lounge access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. As the lounge is particularly popular during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving as early as possible will give Members the best chance of gaining admission.

 

[GoofGoof]

Now that the bands have replaced cards I'm not sure how they verify if you are staying on DVC points.

 

[raymusiccity]

Now that the bands have replaced cards I'm not sure how they verify if you are staying on DVC points.

I haven't seen any response about how much, if any, DVC info will be stored in the Magic Bands. On a related note, there's this announcement regarding the children's play area:

"
Bay Lake Tower water play area refurbishment
The water play area at the Bay Lake Tower is closed through February 28 for renovation. Guests staying at the property will receive this letter in their rooms upon arrival:

Welcome Home,

We are thrilled you have chosen to stay with us at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort!

In order for our resort to continue to flourish as a magical destination, it is necessary for us to make enhancements from time to time.

Beginning Monday, February 10, our children's water play area will be temporarily unavailable. Please pardon any work you may see or hear in progress.

During this time we invite you to make a splash at the enchanting and exclusive Bay Cove Pool or visit the two pools at the adjacent Disney's Contemporary Resort.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Should you have any questions or need additional information, our Front Desk Cast
Members will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for being our Guest, and we hope you have a magical time during your stay here at the Walt Disney World Resort!"

It would really be great if they'd add some enhancements similar to the Alice in Wonderland play area at the Grand Floridian. Wall-E would be an appropriate theme for the Bay Lake / Contemporary areas.

 

[slappy magoo]

I'm no expert, but I believe if you're staying on points, you should have access to the top of the world lounge. We really enjoyed it last summer & saw the fireworks from there 3 times. Hope this helps. If I'm incorrect, I have no doubt that someone will correct it!

From what I understand you have to a: be a DVC member and b: staying at BLT on points. If you're not a DVC member, even if you're staying on someone else's points, I don't think you'll have access. How they check who is and isn't DVC members if you're staying on someone else's points, I don't know.

I also know there was a thread a long time back talking about the Lounge being opened up to all DVC members regardless of where they're staying, but I have no idea if that became a real thing.

Bottom line, to the OP, it won't hurt to try but I wouldn't get my hopes up on getting into the Lounge.

Aside from that, Bay Lake has access to much of the same amenities Contemporary Resort guests can access. Basketball, volleyball, tennis, you can rent boats to tool around the lake, parasailing or water skiing, the Contemporary pool (which you can access staying at BLT) has a pool party in the afternoon, there are campfires and outdoor movies at night (I don't know about every night). Things could always be closed or under renovation when you go so as always YMMV

 

[Tigger 68]

We stayed at BLT last December and my brother in law, who is not a DVC member, was staying with us and was denied access to the lounge when he tried to go up there by himself. If I would have been with him he would have been able to go up there.

 

[Donald_Quackers]

I remember having to show my DVC member card (good thing I keep it with me) before I could go up to the TOTWL one night.

 

[Lynne M]

I booked a Lake View Studio through David's Vacation Club Rental at Bay Lake Tower.

I want to know, since I'm with the Vacation Club, what perks, avtivities or anything else that is available.

I know pool, tennis, boat rentals, etc.

Do I have access to the Top of the World Lounge?

What am I missing or don't know about?

Just having a reservation made by a member doesn't get you the DVC perks; they don't transfer to renters. Some are available to guests staying with the member. Increasingly, they're asking to see the member card before granting the perks or discounts. The pool, tennis and boat rentals are available to all guests of the resort, and you will of course get all of the perks that go with being a Disney resort guest - EMH, DME, charging to your room, etc.

You can ask if you can go up to Top of the World, but be prepared to be asked for a member card.

 

[ford91exploder]

Ask, It really depends on the desk CM and how busy the lounge is if the lounge is BUSY member card is needed to get in, If lounge is not busy and your KTTW card says DVC they will probably let you go up.

PRO TIP - If you really want to see the fireworks get there about 90 minutes early and get some adult beverages and snacks from the bar. That will usually beat the rush