Top of the World Lounge

[tundramom]

We are going 5/9-5/16 and have never been to the lounge atop Bay Lake Towers. I was wondering whether this is worth a look. We are not bar types, so I was thinking more Fireworks viewing, any thoughts?

[faline]

It's a decent place from which to view the fireworks. To get a good look, though, you really need to go outside the lounge area to see the fireworks.

This spot serves flatbreads and sliders among other snacky types of food.

[Disney4us2]

I'm not a bar person either. Love that lounge and it is a nice view of the fireworks from outside.

[dlpmikki]

We have enjoyed going there. It has some lovely views (they pipe the music) and the bar itself has some nice paintings, chandeliers etc that are worth a look.

[DVC Mike]

I was there last night for a meet with some other DVC members. I like it.

[John]

So, you might want to check to see who this perk is still being offered to.

When I was there last month, we were told you needed to be staying at a Disney DVC property on points or cash in order to go up. Standard Disney resorts did not apply.

So, if you are a DVC member like I was who just so happened to be at Beach Club but not the DVC portion on cash, I wasn't allowed up.

Now last year, simply being a dvc member and showing my ID got me up with no problem (I was staying on property - but not at a DVC resort).

I honestly don't know why they don't allow all DVC members who are staying at a Disney Resort to use it as a perk of membership. If they want to block out busy times of the year, fine - but it's rarely super crowded up there and the times they ARE at capacity, they could enforce the DVC Resort Only rule.

Just seems stupid to me.

[VWL Mom]

John, looks like the CM was misinformed.

This is from MS

Top of the World Lounge is located at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at 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: Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort through December 29, 2015 (blockout dates apply. Including but not limited to 12/30/14, 12/31/14, 7/3/15, and 7/4/15). Current operating hours are 6 p.m. to midnight.

[John]

John, looks like the CM was misinformed.

This is from MS

When did you pull that. I specifically called and asked and they were very specific about it being a DVC resort with points or cash. Also Christine was turned away... I will leave her to comment.

[VWL Mom]

When did you pull that. I specifically called and asked and they were very specific about it being a DVC resort with points or cash. Also Christine was turned away... I will leave her to comment.

I just did it now, it's also listed on the January - December 2015 Portable Perks sheet.

[John]

I just did it now, it's also listed on the January - December 2015 Portable Perks sheet.

Why am I not shocked - as usual that one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing. Kind of makes me mad because I would have gone there but skipped it because of the answer I got on the official DVC member phone line.

[dlpmikki]

In the old days if I was unsure about something I used to ring member services. Nowdays I check with Intercottees who know more than the cast members most often. Nice to have the option but frustrating that you can't trust what you are told by member services.

[SBETigg]

Just back from our first stay as DVC members. We bought at BLT, but we stayed at an AKL Kidani 1 BR villa. We spent two lovely evenings at Top of the World Lounge, no problems getting up. Just showed our card and they directed us to the elevator attendant.

It's a very comfortable lounge, lots of tables, not too much of a nightclubby/bar atmosphere (though of course there is a bar and alcohol served). They do have some snack foods (sliders, warm soft pretzels, etc) and lots of non-alcoholic drinks on the cocktail menu, too.

It started crowding up about an hour before fireworks and got crazy crowded about a half hour before fireworks. If you want a snack or beverage before fireworks, I recommend getting there with plenty of time to spare. You can leave your snack or drink to go outside when the time comes and come back to it. The views are spectacular, plenty of viewing space outside, and even nice when it's not fireworks time. You can also catch some of Illuminations fireworks from one side. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, even when overrun with orders in that half hour before fireworks.

[Christine]

I was indeed turned away. Had a printout from MS website and the CM at BLT said "look lady, if you're not staying on points, you're not coming up! "
Now about 5 other times I have been allowed up with that printout & my member card.
it depends on the CM. I'm done with it. If they want it exclusive to members only staying on points, that's fine. But when I do stay on points, I won't bother going. It's silly. This isn't club 33!!

[VWL Mom]

I was indeed turned away. Had a printout from MS website and the CM at BLT said "look lady, if you're not staying on points, you're not coming up! "

You're a better woman then me because had a CM spoken to me that way he/she would have felt my wrath. I would have gone through every possible channel to ensure that night was their last.

It's one thing to make a mistake, it's another to be belligerent - unacceptable behavior!

I sent an email to MS regarding access and the treatment members are receiving, will let everyone know if/when they respond.

[John]

Excellent!

[Pirate Granny]

Just a thought...when we went last December , the CM at the desk actually had a clicker counting noses going up before we were escorted to the elevator,could they have been near capacity and decided to only allow DVC members staying on Points? It's hard for younger people to enforce what their "Suoervisor" told them to do. I personally would've asked to speak to her boss.

[tundramom]

So, you might want to check to see who this perk is still being offered to.

When I was there last month, we were told you needed to be staying at a Disney DVC property on points or cash in order to go up. Standard Disney resorts did not apply.

So, if you are a DVC member like I was who just so happened to be at Beach Club but not the DVC portion on cash, I wasn't allowed up.

Now last year, simply being a dvc member and showing my ID got me up with no problem (I was staying on property - but not at a DVC resort).

I honestly don't know why they don't allow all DVC members who are staying at a Disney Resort to use it as a perk of membership. If they want to block out busy times of the year, fine - but it's rarely super crowded up there and the times they ARE at capacity, they could enforce the DVC Resort Only rule.

Just seems stupid to me.

We are DVC and will be staying at Kidani, on points. I do agree with you, I think DVC members should be welcome with some "blackout dates".

Thanks for all the feedback, I think I will try to talk my DH into the side trip! 59 days

[Hammer]

I agree it does depend on the CM but it shouldn't! I was there for D23 the weekend before Thanksgiving staying at the Contemporary (not BLT) and I was able to go up without a problem.

[VWL Mom]

They called me tonight regarding my email. The rule is any DVC member staying on property at any resort whether cash or points is permitted to use the lounge. I asked her if possibly it was filling up and they were letting only those on points, she said no. They are contacting the BLT manager to make sure everyone is on the same page and to make sure the treatment Christine received does not happen again. Christine, if you have the name of the CM let me know and I will pass it on. She went on to say if any member is turned away (other than capacity) get the name of the CM and ask to speak to a manager immediately.

[DisneyGiant]

Thanks VWLMom for the clarification of the policy.

We went there last year, I went to the desk - showed them my wristband (or maybe my DVC card, not sure) - they let us right up. I may have told them we were staying at the BWV - but I was never asked if I was on points or cash.

I, too, would have asked for a manager if I received a reply like Christine had.......