Questions - Going to Bay Lake Tower for first time this Christmas

[joednt]

My family is going to Bay Lake Tower 12/17 - 12/24. This is our second visit to WDW and but our first to BLT. My best friend and his family will be our guests and staying at BLT with us. There will be nine of us in a two bedroom and three in a studio.

Questions:
- How do we get to see the fireworks at MK from the Top of the World Lounge. I called DVC and they said it was only available to DVC memers staying at BLT and their guests but it was first come first served. Is this right? How do we avoid a mad rush to the roof and insure that we'll get to see the fireworks?

- Will we have free internet in the rooms? I had read on other posts that it was free but these were older posts.

- We are driving in and my friend and his family are flying. Can he check in before we arrive or do they have to wait for us?

- This is their kids first trip to WDW. Should we tell DVC so they can get the "Celebration" for their first visit or does it have to be everyone's first time?

- Any tips for traveling with such a large group? Does Disney or DVC offer any perks to large parties?

Any and all tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Everyone may need their room key, and someone may need their DVC member card to get up to the lounge to see the fireworks. It's not a mad rush, but there's no guarantee that it won't be crowded or that you'll have a good view, it is first come, first pick your place to stand!

There's free wifi in the rooms now.

If you friends are on the reservation, they should be able to check in. You may want to send them a copy of the reservation. Even I had a hard time checking in AKV in September, even though I'm the member, the hotel had the reservation in the name of one of my girlfriends. It was very confusing. If they do check in, there still is the question of room charging, be sure you and your friend are clear about that. Your friend should just leave "your" keys at the front desk so you can pick them up when you arrive.

You can get a "first visit" button, no one is checking to be sure it's everyone's first time! I'm not sure, maybe at check in! I saw all sorts of buttons at the MK, by the guest services.

Since you're at BLT, one of the finest things our family did was the Pirates and Pals dessert party, wishes cruise. We did it 2 years ago during the marathon weekend, and we're doing it again this Marathon weekend. If it's cold, and it may be, you do get lap blankets!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/fireworks.htm#piratespalscruise

Have a great time!

Bobbi

 

[murmkc]

Have fun! BLT during the holidays is awesome!

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

My family is going to Bay Lake Tower 12/17 - 12/24. This is our second visit to WDW and but our first to BLT. My best friend and his family will be our guests and staying at BLT with us. There will be nine of us in a two bedroom and three in a studio.

Questions:
- How do we get to see the fireworks at MK from the Top of the World Lounge. I called DVC and they said it was only available to DVC memers staying at BLT and their guests but it was first come first served. Is this right? How do we avoid a mad rush to the roof and insure that we'll get to see the fireworks?

Gather everyone who wants to go, then head down to the first floor in the main lobby of BLT. There is a desk and someone will be there. Typically, all you need is a room key, but some people have reported needing a blue DVC Member card as well. They will escort you to an elevator waiting to take you up.

I've never heard of anyone being denied admission to BLT. I don't think they've ever turned anyone away. It is "first come first serve", but as long as you get there at least 30 minutes before the fireworks start, you'll have a great view. Basically, everyone shows up about 15 minutes before the fireworks and then they promptly leave afterwards.

If you are bringing kids with you to the lounge, I just have two notes:

1) The railing for the viewing platform at BLT is a solid concrete wall. I'm 5'5" and the top of the wall comes up to the lower part of my chest. Anyone under 5 feet tall will probably have a hard time getting a great view.

2) There is absolutely zero entertainment for the kids. Quite simply, it is a space for adults. Kids are allowed, but the space isn't really meant for them.

- Will we have free internet in the rooms? I had read on other posts that it was free but these were older posts. :surf web:

Yes! You will have free wifi, and I believe the wired internet is still working as well, but I may be wrong on that. Eitherway, for DVC members, internet is free!

- We are driving in and my friend and his family are flying. Can he check in before we arrive or do they have to wait for us? g

As long as his name is on the reservation (and it absolutely should be before you arrive), then he should be able to check in. They can give him all the keys to the room, or he can leave the keys at the front desk for you.

- This is their kids first trip to WDW. Should we tell DVC so they can get the "Celebration" for their first visit or does it have to be everyone's first time? pixie dust:

He can just mention at check in that it's his kid's first visit. The front desk will have no problem giving them the buttons. Disney practically throws them at you.

- Any tips for traveling with such a large group? Does Disney or DVC offer any perks to large parties?

They used to have what's called a grand gathering experience, but they are discontinuing them in January of 2012. Since your trip is before the discontinuation, then you should be able to participate in those. They are basically a meal for parties of 8 or more.

I think there is also a grand gatherings phone number you can call for assistance in booking other reservations (dining, park tickets, etc.) They may have access to book reservations at restaurants (for parties of 8 or more) that regular Disney Dining Reservations may not have.

Any and all tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help!

Enjoy your trip! Sounds like a blast!

 

[rlovew]

I am hre at BLT now- we have both wired and wireless internet and in our room (MK view 12th floor) both are fast.

We went own with out group to TOTWL last night- if you want to sit in the lounge before fireworks I would recommend going up at least an hour before fireworks by 30 minutes out all the seating areas are normally full (note that sitting in the lounge will not get you a good view of the fireworks although if no one is standing in front of that area of the window it may give you some view. Another idea depending on your schedule- if you go up to the lonunge while it is still light there are some really spectacular views of everything around the area. The lounge has a small balcony in the back where you can see dicovery island, epcot, dtd and everything on that side and from the main balcony you can see to the Swan/Dolphin, AK and the like in different directions. I sometimes like to go up at 5pm for appetizers and take some pictures at this time too.

 

[rlovew]

I am hre at BLT now- we have both wired and wireless internet and in our room (MK view 12th floor) both are fast.

We went own with out group to TOTWL last night- if you want to sit in the lounge before fireworks I would recommend going up at least an hour before fireworks by 30 minutes out all the seating areas are normally full (note that sitting in the lounge will not get you a good view of the fireworks although if no one is standing in front of that area of the window it may give you some view. Another idea depending on your schedule- if you go up to the lonunge while it is still light there are some really spectacular views of everything around the area. The lounge has a small balcony in the back where you can see dicovery island, epcot, dtd and everything on that side and from the main balcony you can see to the Swan/Dolphin, AK and the like in different directions. I sometimes like to go up at 5pm for appetizers and take some pictures at this time too.

 

[ldietiker]

1) The railing for the viewing platform at BLT is a solid concrete wall. I'm 5'5" and the top of the wall comes up to the lower part of my chest. Anyone under 5 feet tall will probably have a hard time getting a great view.

2) There is absolutely zero entertainment for the kids. Quite simply, it is a space for adults. Kids are allowed, but the space isn't really meant for them.

Wow - I didn't know about the railing. That is a problem and throws a wrench in my plans, as my youngest son is under 4 feet tall and my oldest is not much taller. Thanks for the warning!

Is there anywhere else that you would recommend (besides the park itself) to watch the fireworks that is more kid friendly? We're planning on eating at the California Grill one night (but will not be able to wait until fireworks to eat!). I think I read somewhere that if you eat at the CA Grill they let you back in to watch the fireworks? Has anyone seen the fireworks from CA Grill and, if so, is that railing more kid-friendly? Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow - I didn't know about the railing. That is a problem and throws a wrench in my plans, as my youngest son is under 4 feet tall and my oldest is not much taller. Thanks for the warning!

Is there anywhere else that you would recommend (besides the park itself) to watch the fireworks that is more kid friendly? We're planning on eating at the California Grill one night (but will not be able to wait until fireworks to eat!). I think I read somewhere that if you eat at the CA Grill they let you back in to watch the fireworks? Has anyone seen the fireworks from CA Grill and, if so, is that railing more kid-friendly? Thanks!

If you eat at the Cali Grill, you can go back up to watch the fireworks, and the railing isn't solid, so the viewing will be better for kids I think.

 

[chalee94]

We're planning on eating at the California Grill one night (but will not be able to wait until fireworks to eat!). I think I read somewhere that if you eat at the CA Grill they let you back in to watch the fireworks?

yes - just keep your receipt.