Finally Sold Both BLT Contracts

[PoohsGang]

Well after 4 months for sale and a loss we finally sold both BLT Contracts. Nope not sad very happy :sohappy: hated the sterile feeling the place put forth, grouchy workers, terrible counter service. (actually none due to the fact you had to go to Contemporary) We also hated how the BLT had nothing to offer for amenities with the exception of the lounge, everything else you want or expect you have to go to the Contemporary for. Try getting a meal anywhere on Contemporary property when there are 3 conventions being held there.

We loved the rooms and views but thats it!

We are BCV owners with 153 points and just added on an additional 160, there is no comparison to the 2 resorts, don't beleive me? Walk into the lobby of The Contemporary. Then walk into the lobby of BCV. You would swear they are two separate companies, not both owned by Disney. Going back HOME TO BCV in December and it can't get here fast enough! :wave:

 

[dizzney]

If you're happy thats what counts, I am glad I own in BLT as I do like it and we didnt experience the grouchy workers etc. But to each his own.

Good luck at BCV

 

[njDizFan]

I'm not a DVC owner, so perhaps I am wrong, but if you don't like using the BLT as your home resort couldn't you still use your points for any other resort?

 

[awilliams4]

Well after 4 months for sale and a loss we finally sold both BLT Contracts. Nope not sad very happy :sohappy: hated the sterile feeling the place put forth, grouchy workers, terrible counter service. (actually none due to the fact you had to go to Contemporary) We also hated how the BLT had nothing to offer for amenities with the exception of the lounge, everything else you want or expect you have to go to the Contemporary for. Try getting a meal anywhere on Contemporary property when there are 3 conventions being held there.

We loved the rooms and views but thats it!

We are BCV owners with 153 points and just added on an additional 160, there is no comparison to the 2 resorts, don't beleive me? Walk into the lobby of The Contemporary. Then walk into the lobby of BCV. You would swear they are two separate companies, not both owned by Disney. Going back HOME TO BCV in December and it can't get here fast enough! :wave:

Grouchy workers? Can't argue that but I doubt that it only happens at BLT and doesn't happen at BCV.

Terrible Counter Service? Don't see. The Wave is pretty decent.

Can't eat while conventions are going? ADRs. Do you walk right into Cape May Cafe without one?

We loved the rooms but that is it? I would think the rooms represent 90% of what the entire tower is so there isn't much more too complain about except the Top of the World Lounge. If you can't stand the sterile feel of that then I guess BLT is not for you.

 

[slappy magoo]

... hated the sterile feeling the place put forth, grouchy workers, terrible counter service. (actually none due to the fact you had to go to Contemporary) We also hated how the BLT had nothing to offer for amenities with the exception of the lounge, everything else you want or expect you have to go to the Contemporary for. Try getting a meal anywhere on Contemporary property when there are 3 conventions being held there.

We loved the rooms and views but thats it!

No offense, by by and large, isn't that true of most of the DVC resorts? At least, the DVC resorts that share grounds with a non-DVC resort (in other words, not including Old Key West or Saratoga)? I mean, BCV shares its amenities with BC, as does Boardwalk Villas with Boardwalk resort, AKV with AKL, WLV with WL...There is a Community Hall that non-DVC members have to pay to use, which means few non-members will probably use it. There is a Bay lake tower pool just as Boardwalk Villas has a quieter pool to the side, and VWL has a smaller pool and Kidani Village has their elaborate water play area - I don't know how possible it is for non-dvc members staying at those respective resorts to get into those pools, and are thus not "exclusive," (can a person paying to stay at Jambo House go over to use the pool at Kidani?) but of course, DVC members are also allowed to use the main pools of their resorts as well.

If you don't like BLT, I'm not going to make a case for you to change your mind. If you had one bad experience (or more ) that taints your opinion of the joint, I'm sorry it happened and I'm sorry you took a hit on your purchase. I'm only pointing out that some of the complaints at the way BLT does things is the exact same way the other DVC resorts do things as well. May as well complain about a new car you only use to go to and from work because you used to drive your old car everywhere, even though you CAN drive your new car everywhere, you just haven't.

(And as for the "getting a meal when there are 3 conventions" comment, no offense, but if a resort is filled or close to filled, it's always going to be a PitA to get some grub. Add that to the fact that many people who go to the MK often get meals - even counter service meals - at the monorail resorts so they can take a breather out of the heat and snoop around, and you're going to deal with lines for food no matter what. At least in a Villa, you have some more options to eat in your room, especially if you have a 1BR or 2BR unit with full kitchen. Don't think I'd want to prepare a full meal in a room, but if things were crazy in the resort, betcher butt I'd have cereal, bagels, sandwich fixins and maybe even some simple things even I can't screw up like mac and cheese or turkey burgers or salad stuff). Sure, who wants to cook on vacation? People who don't want to wait on line for food, that's who. :ROFLOL: )

 

[DVC Mike]

Everyone has their own personal resort preferences.

While I love BLT (and VGC, BWV, BCV, etc), I just don't have that same level of love for SSR and OKW.

 

[TomHendricks]

Everyone has their own personal resort preferences.

While I love BLT (and VGC, BWV, BCV, etc), I just don't have that same level of love for SSR and OKW.

If he didn't like the walk from the Tower to the restaurants in the contemporary. Thankfully he didn't stay at Saratoga Springs, you know one of the way out ones and had to walk to restaurant.

 

[PoohsGang]

I'm not a DVC owner, so perhaps I am wrong, but if you don't like using the BLT as your home resort couldn't you still use your points for any other resort?

Yes you can but instead of being able to book at the 11 month window you have to book at the 7 month window. This can make booking difficult at some of the more popular places.

 

[PoohsGang]

Grouchy workers? Can't argue that but I doubt that it only happens at BLT and doesn't happen at BCV.

Terrible Counter Service? Don't see. The Wave is pretty decent.

Can't eat while conventions are going? ADRs. Do you walk right into Cape May Cafe without one?

We loved the rooms but that is it? I would think the rooms represent 90% of what the entire tower is so there isn't much more too complain about except the Top of the World Lounge. If you can't stand the sterile feel of that then I guess BLT is not for you.

Wave = No counter service.
Contempo grille or whatever its called terrible, poor offerings while we were there. (I know they do change the offerings) Again terrible choices while we were there. Pop Centurys Counter Service selctions were 100% better.
In my opinion the nice rooms don't make up for the short comings of the rest of the resort. Again my opinion. (My opinion which I fully expect someone to tear apart)
Cape mays, yes we do with an average wait of 30 to 40 minutes wait. We wait in the lounge.
Grouchy CMs Honestly BCV none so far.

 

[PoohsGang]

No offense, by by and large, isn't that true of most of the DVC resorts? At least, the DVC resorts that share grounds with a non-DVC resort (in other words, not including Old Key West or Saratoga)? I mean, BCV shares its amenities with BC, as does Boardwalk Villas with Boardwalk resort, AKV with AKL, WLV with WL...There is a Community Hall that non-DVC members have to pay to use, which means few non-members will probably use it. There is a Bay lake tower pool just as Boardwalk Villas has a quieter pool to the side, and VWL has a smaller pool and Kidani Village has their elaborate water play area - I don't know how possible it is for non-dvc members staying at those respective resorts to get into those pools, and are thus not "exclusive," (can a person paying to stay at Jambo House go over to use the pool at Kidani?) but of course, DVC members are also allowed to use the main pools of their resorts as well.

If you don't like BLT, I'm not going to make a case for you to change your mind. If you had one bad experience (or more ) that taints your opinion of the joint, I'm sorry it happened and I'm sorry you took a hit on your purchase. I'm only pointing out that some of the complaints at the way BLT does things is the exact same way the other DVC resorts do things as well. May as well complain about a new car you only use to go to and from work because you used to drive your old car everywhere, even though you CAN drive your new car everywhere, you just haven't.

(And as for the "getting a meal when there are 3 conventions" comment, no offense, but if a resort is filled or close to filled, it's always going to be a PitA to get some grub. Add that to the fact that many people who go to the MK often get meals - even counter service meals - at the monorail resorts so they can take a breather out of the heat and snoop around, and you're going to deal with lines for food no matter what. At least in a Villa, you have some more options to eat in your room, especially if you have a 1BR or 2BR unit with full kitchen. Don't think I'd want to prepare a full meal in a room, but if things were crazy in the resort, betcher butt I'd have cereal, bagels, sandwich fixins and maybe even some simple things even I can't screw up like mac and cheese or turkey burgers or salad stuff). Sure, who wants to cook on vacation? People who don't want to wait on line for food, that's who. :ROFLOL: )

I agree the DVC resorts do share the same staff etc as the non DVC but honestly something is missing at BLT. In my opinion (which always seems to get a stir on these boards) when you add a large amount of rooms as BLT did I feel that they should have opened another full size restaurant like the Wave, also a larger staff and separate check in with separate luggage area right at BLT. The parks weren't full nor were any of the other resorts at full capacity. BLT wasnt either. Contemp was due to conventions. We went to Wave at 11:45. the line was awful as it was full of conventioneres after the lounge opened we were lucky enough to get the last 2 seats. there was 1 bartender took 20 minutes to get a drink. (Not his fault he is 1 man) decided not to get lunch there. If it takes 20 minutes for a drink , how long will lunch take we thought! Our favorite place BCV ( Yes we are spoiled) only added about 220 rooms to the Beach club. in my opinion that is much easier for the BC to absorb or handle. Again in my opinion, BLT needs to add more help with separate services as its like doubling the amount of use on the contemps already busy infrastructure. Also the loss we took was worth it as there is no reason to pay for something you wont use. We were going to keep the points but booking BCV at the 7 month window is very diffucult. Maybe if we weren't so spoiled by BVC we wouldn't have the expectations we have. Like I said, walk into the lobby (check in area of Contemp, the BC) Tell me the difference. I honestly felt like Contemp wasnt owned by Disney and BC was. Long story short. Not all places will suit all people, BLT didn't for us. It will for others. Its all about our happiness after all thats what a vacation is suppose to be and we can't wait till December and the BCV :sohappy:

 

[toolsnspools]

I have to imagine that the grouchy CM's problem has something to do with the newness of the resort. When you have to hire that many employees at once, you sometimes take what you can get. Im sure they will weed out a good portion of the bad attitudes over time.

We own at BLT but spent our first trip at AKL. The only CMs with attitudes we encountered there were CM's that could eaily be ignored. Come to think of it, I find it pretty easy to avoid almost all people at WDW with bad attitudes. I'm not going to spoil a good vacation by arguing with a complete stranger.

 

[PoohsGang]

I have to imagine that the grouchy CM's problem has something to do with the newness of the resort. When you have to hire that many employees at once, you sometimes take what you can get. Im sure they will weed out a good portion of the bad attitudes over time.

We own at BLT but spent our first trip at AKL. The only CMs with attitudes we encountered there were CM's that could eaily be ignored. Come to think of it, I find it pretty easy to avoid almost all people at WDW with bad attitudes. I'm not going to spoil a good vacation by arguing with a complete stranger.

I agree we ignored them also, but it was more the whole experience, as we compared it to BCV which is our favorite, maybe if we hadn't had BCV to compare it to we would not know what we are missing. Either way we are happier now. Thats what a vacation is suppose to be happiness.

 

[slappy magoo]

I agree the DVC resorts do share the same staff etc as the non DVC but honestly something is missing at BLT. In my opinion (which always seems to get a stir on these boards) when you add a large amount of rooms as BLT did I feel that they should have opened another full size restaurant like the Wave, also a larger staff and separate check in with separate luggage area right at BLT. The parks weren't full nor were any of the other resorts at full capacity. BLT wasnt either. Contemp was due to conventions. We went to Wave at 11:45. the line was awful as it was full of conventioneres after the lounge opened we were lucky enough to get the last 2 seats. there was 1 bartender took 20 minutes to get a drink. (Not his fault he is 1 man) decided not to get lunch there. If it takes 20 minutes for a drink , how long will lunch take we thought!

Nah, I can dig it. One thing that bothers me about Saratoga (a resort I dearly enjoy) is that I feel that the Artists' Palette is not necessarily big enough to handle the load of the resort when it's busy, not without tremendous waits. When we stayed there, both times we were in Congress Park, and we usually opted to have breakfast at Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketlace rather than brave the crowds at AP. I know the new pool they're building there will have some kind of grill or simple meal offerings and I feel like that's a step in the right direction.

 

[PoohsGang]

Nah, I can dig it. One thing that bothers me about Saratoga (a resort I dearly enjoy) is that I feel that the Artists' Palette is not necessarily big enough to handle the load of the resort when it's busy, not without tremendous waits. When we stayed there, both times we were in Congress Park, and we usually opted to have breakfast at Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketlace rather than brave the crowds at AP. I know the new pool they're building there will have some kind of grill or simple meal offerings and I feel like that's a step in the right direction.

We stayed there one time and said the same thing AP is no where near big enough, we felt the counter service wasnt either for a resort that holds that many people. I also heard that they were adding something with the new pool. Hopefully that will take up some of the over crowded food areas. I think we all know DTD can get pretty crowded at dinner time. Since our first resort was BCV we got use to the smaller resort, we found Saratoga to be huge and a bit larger than our liking. You cant beat the proximity to DTD though as we were in Congress Park right on the DTD path. We love Epcot so we would always walk to DTD catch the BC & YC bus and just walk ti the international gateway, that was so much easier than the Saratoga buses. I wish I was there now, although a little hot for my liking this time of year.

 

[ConstanceIrene]

Everyone has their own personal resort preferences.

While I love BLT (and VGC, BWV, BCV, etc), I just don't have that same level of love for SSR and OKW.

Exactly! Our home base is BWV and we love it, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed staying at OKW last Autumn.
Most people rave about VWL, but it's not my kind of atmosphere and I don't care to stay there.

I wanted to buy points at BLT, but we went with an add-on at AKLV because of concierge.

As long as the OP has the points where he's happy, that's what counts.

 

[mcstensrud]

We happen to love BCV and we don't even own there.
Never have had a problem booking 7 months out.we have booked a 2 bedroom with a studio 3 times!
What is going to happen if you encounter rude CM's at BCV? Do you sell again and take another loss?

For me the only DVC resort that I really do not care for is WLV.
Main pool is too small and none of the restaurants are very good.

Just one persons opinion.
:wave:

 

[PoohsGang]

did what we wanted so we could stay where we want, regardless of the loss. Thanks for looking out for my finances though.....

BTW we all know what opinions are like, as we each have 1 of them........:shrug:

 

[puntagordabob]

Well after 4 months for sale and a loss we finally sold both BLT Contracts. Nope not sad very happy :sohappy: hated the sterile feeling the place put forth, grouchy workers, terrible counter service. (actually none due to the fact you had to go to Contemporary) We also hated how the BLT had nothing to offer for amenities with the exception of the lounge, everything else you want or expect you have to go to the Contemporary for. Try getting a meal anywhere on Contemporary property when there are 3 conventions being held there.

Sorry the BLT didnt work out for you...

We love BLT...our experiences at the Contemporary Resort have always been awesome!!!

You say BLT has no amenities except the lounge unless you go to the CR? Well thats because the BLT is PART of the CR!!!!

Under your logic you must HATE the Villas at The Wilderness Lodge since it has NO amenities...but once again that was the idea as it is PART of the Wilderness Lodge!

Employees have always been great at the BLT @ CR and at the CR! Our family enjoys the amenities at the CR very much... and the Contempo Cafe is my personal favorite CS as I love the Grand Canyon Concourse!

As for eating during a convention..... try walking into Ched Mickey's etc on any given day is hard to say the least.... I know how the system works, so I make ressies far in advance if it is something I truly want to do..

I love all of the DVC resorts...but the CR is where I feel most like home, even if I am staying at another resort on property!

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

Everyone has their own personal resort preferences.

While I love BLT (and VGC, BWV, BCV, etc), I just don't have that same level of love for SSR and OKW.

Well that is true. We own at SSR and prefer to stay there or OKW. We are staying at Kidani this year as the kids want to stay there. Absolutely no desire to goto or stay at BLT. We have also stayed at BCV and BWV and enjoyed each place but we like to return to the more secluded feel of OKW and SSR after we get our daily fill of the crowds and pixie dust.

Glad it all worked out for the OP, well except for the loss.

 

[PoohsGang]

Sorry the BLT didnt work out for you...

We love BLT...our experiences at the Contemporary Resort have always been awesome!!!

You say BLT has no amenities except the lounge unless you go to the CR? Well thats because the BLT is PART of the CR!!!!

Under your logic you must HATE the Villas at The Wilderness Lodge since it has NO amenities...but once again that was the idea as it is PART of the Wilderness Lodge!

Employees have always been great at the BLT @ CR and at the CR! Our family enjoys the amenities at the CR very much... and the Contempo Cafe is my personal favorite CS as I love the Grand Canyon Concourse!

As for eating during a convention..... try walking into Ched Mickey's etc on any given day is hard to say the least.... I know how the system works, so I make ressies far in advance if it is something I truly want to do..

I love all of the DVC resorts...but the CR is where I feel most like home, even if I am staying at another resort on property!

Thanks for figuring out my logic, next time I post I will certainly contact you first so you can tell me what my opinion is, thanks again. I should have checked with you before I went on vacation, so I could see if my logic was approved by you seeing that you know what is best for me and my wife. BTW we are going away in December can I send you my plans/itinerary for you to go over, maybe then you can tell me if they fit your logic? That way perhaps you can tell me all about my opinion?