New check-in process for BLT

[GoofGoof]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/bay...n-process-to-move-to-bay-lake-tower-lobby.htm

BLT will now have its own check-in desk in the lobby. This is good news for logistics of checking in. Makes things so much easier when staying there. I am assuming they will eventually have bell services and drop off by the magic express too.

The only drawback that I can see is additional fees. How much is this going to cost me? For the 2012 budget BLT had $0.4729 per point budgeted for admin/front desk (2nd lowest to SSR). I assume that most was paid to the CR to cover the main desk. The highest on property budget for front desk was AK at $0.6405 per point so if it increases to that range we are looking at a $0.1676 per point increase or around 4%. That is on top of any normal increase. I guess we will find out next year.

 

[puntagordabob]

swell.... and along with this will be a bunch of non-guest traffic with the wear and tear that this ultimatgely brings which will also impact our dues.
Also this could be a prelude to them giving the Top of the World Lounge to all visitors to WDW....or to close it for parties....

 

[ScoutN]

Will there be a front desk expansion? I waited quite a while last week for a simple question while those in front of me were JUST buying tickets.

 

[GoofGoof]

Will there be a front desk expansion? I waited quite a while last week for a simple question while those in front of me were JUST buying tickets.

I would guess they would need to expand some. Sounds like they are staggering the start with cars and taxis first and then the bus arrivals. Maybe that is to have time to build an expanded desk.

 

[Yensid71]

GoofGoof you would be correct. You have already paid CR for the Front Desk, however WDW fiscal year starts on October 1st. So as of now you have only paid CR for Front Desk Service to September 30th. Since on September 20th you will be able to check-in at BLT you have only "over payed" for 10 days of service. When the new budget starts on October 1st your dues would not go to the CR Front Desk budget but to the BLT Front Desk budget. And since it would be a smaller Front Desk with fewer Cast Members to staff, in theory the budget would be much smaller than what you pay for the CR Front Desk.

 

[GoofGoof]

GoofGoof you would be correct. You have already paid CR for the Front Desk, however WDW fiscal year starts on October 1st. So as of now you have only paid CR for Front Desk Service to September 30th. Since on September 20th you will be able to check-in at BLT you have only "over payed" for 10 days of service. When the new budget starts on October 1st your dues would not go to the CR Front Desk budget but to the BLT Front Desk budget. And since it would be a smaller Front Desk with fewer Cast Members to staff, in theory the budget would be much smaller than what you pay for the CR Front Desk.

The only problem is BLT has 295 rooms vs over 1,000 at CR so if they split the costs proportionally BLT should have only been charged less than 25% of the total front desk costs. If the cost of the new BLT desk is greater than 25% of the CR cost then it may cost us more. At the end of the day I don't really think its a big deal just throwing it out there. It definitely will be more convenient.

 

[lisa2465]

I will be staying at BLT starting Nov 24th, my question for the new check-in process is this. With part of my group arriving at BLT by car and one person by plane and DME...will they have to check in at two different locations with the cars and taxis allowed to go straight to BLT, and the bus arrivals checking in at CR..It might be just me but it is kinda of confusing...any help I will be ever so grateful

 

[ScoutN]

I would guess they would need to expand some. Sounds like they are staggering the start with cars and taxis first and then the bus arrivals. Maybe that is to have time to build an expanded desk.

Yea I cannot imagine them not. The backup would be insance of people. Good point and you are probably correct, sir.

I will be staying at BLT starting Nov 24th, my question for the new check-in process is this. With part of my group arriving at BLT by car and one person by plane and DME...will they have to check in at two different locations with the cars and taxis allowed to go straight to BLT, and the bus arrivals checking in at CR..It might be just me but it is kinda of confusing...any help I will be ever so grateful

In the article within the first post it states that guests arriving by car will check in at BLT beginning August 20 while the others will continue to do so at the main tower.

 

[GoofGoof]

I will be staying at BLT starting Nov 24th, my question for the new check-in process is this. With part of my group arriving at BLT by car and one person by plane and DME...will they have to check in at two different locations with the cars and taxis allowed to go straight to BLT, and the bus arrivals checking in at CR..It might be just me but it is kinda of confusing...any help I will be ever so grateful

No clue. The release says that bus arrivals will "initially" still be at CR. There is no mention of when "initially" ends and the bus checking will be moved to BLT. There is plenty of room in front of BLT for the bus even if they have to stop in front of the awning (no issues on clearance) so I have to assume it is only being done to gradually phase in the new desk and eventually all check-ins will go through BLT. Someone on here may report when the desk is fully open. If not, your best bet is probably to call them direct the week before you leave to find out for sure.

 

[lisa2465]

OK I, guess I will have to call before we leave...It just seems kinda dumb to have to check in at two different locations on one reservation.