Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort - *2 New Parties Added! “Enchantment at the Top” & New “Bound to Be Bad” Dates Added

[Sandisw]

That may be true. But, that wasn't what I was asking. I was asking if anyone remembers what I had mentioned?

Because I distinctly remember it being said that TOWL was the only perk that couldn't be taken away, and it was because of something about how the (something, fill in the blank) was written up.

Just asking if anyone remembers this train of thought.....and if I'm not crazy, and other people remember it too.....then where did that logic come from? Were people just making it up?

Oh...I don't remember that...but if they were, then they were confused because it has never been a part of the BLT common elements...and therefore, never something that DVC owners had a right to use.

 

[erionm]

That may be true. But, that wasn't what I was asking. I was asking if anyone remembers what I had mentioned?

Because I distinctly remember it being said that TOWL was the only perk that couldn't be taken away, and it was because of something about how the (something, fill in the blank) was written up.

Just asking if anyone remembers this train of thought.....and if I'm not crazy, and other people remember it too.....then where did that logic come from? Were people just making it up?

I think a lot of people assumed it was funded by dues and as such couldn't be touched. But since it's not funded by dues, they can do pretty much anything with the space.

 

[BL2020]

What I find frustrating as a resale purchaser (2020) is that I knew what very limited perks I had when buying (incl. TOTWL) and which I missed from not buying resale earlier. They had previously grandfathered perks in for resale purchasers in the past (at least two times I believe). However, this time they did not. So the change is practice is disheartening, thought I'd get at least this perk to enjoy as I bought at BLT. (Please all those that say they have the ability to change this stuff at their whim, I know this to be true, just hoped they'd offer some consideration to existing owners as they have in the past). Not really a biggie, can still go to the California Grill bar I think.

 

[mattpeto]

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I'd say this feels as confirmed as it can gets. The language and the chat response.

Just waiting for the checkmark to go Red (or the page to be taken down) here: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/dvc-direct-vs-resale

 

[HelsBels16]

It appears to me, especially based on Paul Krieger’s messages to Disney, that they are being deliberately vague and obtuse about how this is to be applied. If this were to be a blue card benefit only people would be angry but move on, but if rules are to be inconsistently applied depending on the day and Cast member’s mood…???…

 

[RoseMom]

As a brand new direct owner, I am super excited! I have never been to the TOWL. I received an email this afternoon with an invitation to book starting tomorrow as we are staying during those dates. Hopefully we can add this to our date night without the kids!

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

Well that leaves me out. And I’m not going to drop 30k for a discounted AP I can’t buy and the ability to purchase a ticket to a lounge that was free to access. Oh well. I’ll just lounge on my Poly balcony with the beer I got shipped from Amazon Fresh. In a way Disney did me a favor!

 

[sethschroeder]

 

[Sandisw]

It appears to me, especially based on Paul Krieger’s messages to Disney, that they are being deliberately vague and obtuse about how this is to be applied. If this were to be a blue card benefit only people would be angry but move on, but if rules are to be inconsistently applied depending on the day and Cast member’s mood…???…

I am confused because I think the chat response was pretty clear that it is membership extras. I have no doubt that CM's will be enforcing the rules when it opens. My experience so far...been to WDW 4 times since the whole DVC Y started is that more often than not (except January when it first rolled out) is that the DVC Y was expected.

I think we will start seeing that happen more and more as time goes on and CM's get used to and trained that DVC Y is what is needed and, as I mentioned, that the whole white card identification on the website will go away.

 

[pianomanzano]

It appears to me, especially based on Paul Krieger’s messages to Disney, that they are being deliberately vague and obtuse about how this is to be applied. If this were to be a blue card benefit only people would be angry but move on, but if rules are to be inconsistently applied depending on the day and Cast member’s mood…???…

Unless I missed something, those screenshots seemed pretty clear to me it was blue-card/"DVC Y" only.

 

[Winston Wolf]

This resale plebian is disappointed, but I get it. DVC needs to differentiate more and give direct members more stuff to justify their increased cost per point over resale. I'm disappointed, but pretty sure I can find something else to do.

 

[Sandisw]

What I find frustrating as a resale purchaser (2020) is that I knew what very limited perks I had when buying (incl. TOTWL) and which I missed from not buying resale earlier. They had previously grandfathered perks in for resale purchasers in the past (at least two times I believe). However, this time they did not. So the change is practice is disheartening, thought I'd get at least this perk to enjoy as I bought at BLT. (Please all those that say they have the ability to change this stuff at their whim, I know this to be true, just hoped they'd offer some consideration to existing owners as they have in the past). Not really a biggie, can still go to the California Grill bar I think.

I can understand the disappointment. But, the change in 2016 grandfathered those owners in because they were making a new program. This isn't really that...they are moving TOTWL into the membership extras program which is why there would be no one to grandfather.

This may also be the start, as I mentioned, to having different tiers of membership extras and that some things like this will remember free, but others will require an upgraded membership for a fee....

 

[Sandisw]

Well that leaves me out. And I’m not going to drop 30k for a discounted AP I can’t buy and the ability to purchase a ticket to a lounge that was free to access. Oh well. I’ll just lounge on my Poly balcony with the beer I got shipped from Amazon Fresh. In a way Disney did me a favor!

The daily lounge access is still free. The paid event is the special hard ticket party prior to opening...

 

[TCRAIG]

Well - I was all excited for the re-open hard ticket party since I’ll be at BLT on 7/10 - but NOT at $160. pp!

 

[pkrieger2287]

I'm not gonna die on this hill because Disney and DVC are as inconsistent as they come with proper rules and messaging... But I think the writing WAS already on the wall for this to occur, and I think the language they are using makes it fairly clear. As others have pointed out, the Direct vs. 3rd Party benefits page is the last thing all eyes are on at this point.

 

[Jwaire]

This is going to be a big deal. I rolled my eyes at the new re-theme too, but making it villains will ensure the lounge stays successful. People are going to go nuts for this. I expect we'll even see them roll out a few villain characters for meet and greets.

This is straight up a membership extra. I can't even see where it's available to cash BLT guests who aren't direct members. One article said the people you bring with you must be on your reservation.

"Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras who are staying at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with Vacation Points or cash) will have access. Guests staying on the Member’s reservation may accompany them. Eligible Members can enjoy the lounge with one party per day."

 

[mrsap]

Update regarding TOWL Pre-Opening Party - “Bound To Be Bad”:

On July 8, Bay Lake Tower's 16th floor lounge will return as Top of the World Lounge - A Villain's Lair. Members can preview the reimagined space during "Bound to be Bad", a hard-ticket fireworks party offered for three nights on July 8-10. The event will feature appetizers and cocktails, along with private viewing of the "Disney Enchantment" fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom.

The private event is priced at $160 per person which includes tax and gratuity. The event is described as follows:

Revel in a food-and-drink-filled fireworks party inside the Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Hosted by villain super-fans deviously decked out in their “Disney-bounding” best, this Membership Magic event includes a sinister spread of ominous appetizers, an open bar of cunningly crafted cocktails and a raven’s-eye view of the “Disney Enchantment” nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park.

Registration opens at 11:00am eastern on June 24, 2022. Disney will be using the virtual queue system to manage attendance.

The registration page can be found HERE.

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

The daily lounge access is still free. The paid event is the special hard ticket party prior to opening...

Oh really? It seemed like I’d be locked out of daily access. If I’m just missing out on those events then I don’t care lol

 

[Sandisw]

Oh really? It seemed like I’d be locked out of daily access. If I’m just missing out on those events then I don’t care lol

As long as you are eligible for membership extras...ie: blue card...you can go....its free. But, resale owners since 2016 can not.

It does sound like paid events will also be done more regularly...but if those are not scheduled, then DVC Y owners can indeed stop by. I plan to when there in July!!!

 

[Marionnette]

The daily lounge access is still free. The paid event is the special hard ticket party prior to opening...

But you still need to have a "qualifying" membership to access the lounge even on a daily basis, correct?