Allowing all guests staying at Bay Lake Tower access to the Top Of The World lounge? About This Page:

[Boardwalk Inn Fan 4 Ever]

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?

[Dreaming of DisneyWorld]

I personally want it to remain DVC members only. It's a little perk that makes us feel special and it really doesn't cost DVC anything to keep it private for us (especially since that was the initial purpose of the lounge anyway). Other properties have little perks, like Aulani with free parking for DVC owners. I'm afraid that opening it up to all DVC, like some of the pools, would lead to mayhem. It might also lead to owners using their points less at BLT. After all, why use all of those points to stay there (much less book that pricey theme park view) when you can just show up to the lounge?

I am really quite shocked that it's not busy. I've read BLT hotel reviews that indicate it's busy. I'll be happy to check it out and report back!

[tjkraz]

First, a clarification. The lounge isn't open exclusively to members staying at BLT. It's open to anyone staying on DVC points at BLT. That includes friends and family of members, point renters, etc.

Beyond that I would have no objections to opening it up to all DVC members. However there would be logistical hurdles given limited parking at BLT, controlled entry to the building (room key), lack of any direct transportation, etc.

Personally we typically have park tickets for every day of our stay. If I'm going to travel that far from another resort, I'll just go into the park to view the fireworks. The lounge viewing is a unique experience but it's still not as good as being right in the park.

For others, it represents another roadblock to opening up lounge access: it gives people a way to experience the fireworks without having to pay for a park ticket. In that sense it could end up costing Disney ticket revenue.

It's a question that has been posed of DVC before and typically met with a "we'll look into it" response. Whether they decide to change the policy or not, some faction of membership is going to be upset.

Originally Posted by Dreaming of DisneyWorld

It's a little perk that makes us feel special and it really doesn't cost DVC anything to keep it private for us (especially since that was the initial purpose of the lounge anyway).

Yeah, it does cost money. Food and beverage sales don't cover the operating costs. And it's a space which could command upward of $1000 per night in rental fees if made available to private groups (weddings, conventions, etc.)

I've heard mixed stories about the exact ownership of the space. Typically DVC members do not "own" food and beverage locations at any of the resorts. Disney owns all restaurants, bars, etc. and profits off of sales. In the case of the lounge either members are subsidizing the operating costs via dues or DVC is paying for it as a sales & marketing expense.

[Boardwalk Inn Fan 4 Ever]

Originally Posted by tjkraz

Beyond that I would have no objections to opening it up to all DVC members. However there would be logistical hurdles given limited parking at BLT, controlled entry to the building (room key), lack of any direct transportation, etc.

That's why I think it should be open to everyone staying at Bay Lake Tower, no matter if they are a DVC member or not. They will already have access just to get inside when going to their rooms, so for them having the right KTTW card won't be a problem. Plus if they have a car while they are onsite they won't effect the Contemporary/Bay Lake Tower parking spots.

[chezp]

I must admit I've only been there once, and when we've stayed on points at Bay Lake Tower since then, I've totally forgotten about visiting the lounge. I guess maybe that's why it's not that busy? To be honest, we were there a few months after Bay Lake Tower opened and Top of the World really wasn't that busy, but I really liked that, as it felt private and like a nice perk for us.

[disneymom9092]

We were there last October and twice we were the only ones up there and it was fireworks time

[Dreaming of DisneyWorld]

Originally Posted by tjkraz

Yeah, it does cost money. Food and beverage sales don't cover the operating costs. And it's a space which could command upward of $1000 per night in rental fees if made available to private groups (weddings, conventions, etc.)

I've heard mixed stories about the exact ownership of the space. Typically DVC members do not "own" food and beverage locations at any of the resorts. Disney owns all restaurants, bars, etc. and profits off of sales. In the case of the lounge either members are subsidizing the operating costs via dues or DVC is paying for it as a sales & marketing expense.

Then don't serve food & beverage. Keep it closed until fireworks time. Keep the overhead low. It was not built or intended for rentals that I'm aware of. In that regard, it's not "costing" Disney anything, but they aren't bringing in extra dollars from it, either. There's a difference. I wouldn't care if they used it for storage as long as we can use it for viewing.

If BLT DVC owners are paying extra to subsidize the lounge, then it should really be up to them how the space is used. Shouldn't it? After all, that is how DVC was sold to us - we are the owners. And by paying for the lounge, that would indicate some type of input is warranted. If not, then don't make the DVC owners pay for the lounge and open it up to others, whether resort guests or for special gatherings.

[LLaffinPlace]

I'm there now, and it was quite lively last night. We had supper at DTD, came back and went upstairs for drinks and fireworks. We did manage to find a place to sit but most tables and sofas were taken. There were half a dozen seats open at the bar, but I didn't want to face that way.

Anyway, it was a nice interlude and given the number of people in the lounge and the additional folks who came up just for the fireworks, I'd say it's not necessary to open it up. Of course, it's always a bit dicey to draw conclusions on a single night's experience.

[tjkraz]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of DisneyWorld

Then don't serve food & beverage. Keep it closed until fireworks time. Keep the overhead low.

That's one possible solution, albeit not a solution that would please many others. Reducing operating hours and services would only diminish its appeal.

It was not built or intended for rentals that I'm aware of.

Yes it was. And it's been used quite frequently over the years to host various events.

In that regard, it's not "costing" Disney anything, but they aren't bringing in extra dollars from it, either. There's a difference.

Economic cost vs. opportunity cost. They are different sides of the same coin. When the potential exists to profit from a venture--and you choose not to do so--then it does "cost" money.

I wouldn't care if they used it for storage as long as we can use it for viewing.

If BLT DVC owners are paying extra to subsidize the lounge, then it should really be up to them how the space is used. Shouldn't it? After all, that is how DVC was sold to us - we are the owners. And by paying for the lounge, that would indicate some type of input is warranted. If not, then don't make the DVC owners pay for the lounge and open it up to others, whether resort guests or for special gatherings.

DVC members don't have any say in resort operations. We may be "owners" but all management rights have been signed over to Disney.

Don't expect them to ask for an opinion on TotWL usage any more than they will ask members for feedback on room color schemes, pool operating hours or bus schedules.