Experiencing the Reimagined Top of the World Lounge - A Villains Lair!

[ThisIsTheWay]

I can see this being a good option for MK day guests on party days. When the park closes they could go over to BLT, have nice snacks and drinks and then watch the special fireworks. But only if you’re a blue card

I'm curious to see what they do for party days. The last day of this Wicked Wind Down is currently August 11, and the first night of MNSSHP is August 12, so it seems intentional on when they ended this 'trial' period.

 

[davidl81]

You have to call MS. It’s not something that shows in MDE. And it’s being reported that all nights are sold out already through Aug 7th.

It is currently only scheduled until Aug 11th.

You don’t pay until you get there that night.

We called yesterday and actually were able to book for tomorrow, so I didn’t try to walk up last night.

 

[Nainolaf]

Brand new DVC owner as of 3 weeks ago and will be hoping to pop up for a few drinks when we are at VGF in September, been wat hing all the videos and saw a few tables and cushioned chairs outside on the deck the I dont recall seeing on Pre reopening videos 2 years ago, can anybody confirm if they have always been there or if they are new on the deck area?

 

[Brian Noble]

What I don't understand and this is not just this page but other comments on social media is why people get upset with offers they don't want to partake in.

This is an especially interesting question because it is coming from people who are in a position to pay for a WDW vacation of any variety at least semi-regularly.

I think it is very similar to most people's definitions of "a good driver." In short: anyone driving faster than me is a maniac, and anyone driving slower than me is a burden and obstacle to everyone else on the road.

 

[Sammie]

I think that it comes down to charging for an event that will either reduce or eliminate the ability of members to enjoy the space which is supposedly open to all eligible members. It comes across as something that's a benefit until DVC severely limits access by selling some of that space.

All perks are subject to change though. We all know that. I might miss a change but not upset when it goes away. I think too many members expect more than they truly paid for and set themselves up for disappointment. I put that on them not DVC.

 

[Sandisw]

Brand new DVC owner as of 3 weeks ago and will be hoping to pop up for a few drinks when we are at VGF in September, been wat hing all the videos and saw a few tables and cushioned chairs outside on the deck the I dont recall seeing on Pre reopening videos 2 years ago, can anybody confirm if they have always been there or if they are new on the deck area?

The furniture that is outside is new. There used to only be metal benches...

 

[Marionnette]

All perks are subject to change though. We all know that. I might miss a change but not upset when it goes away. I think too many members expect more than they truly paid for and set themselves up for disappointment. I put that on them not DVC.

If they hadn't just announced the re-opening of the lounge to members - with a lot of fanfare - I would agree. Perks come and go but they just announced that the lounge would open and before the excitement over it got a chance to cool down, they started selling space during the fireworks in the form of the Wicked Wind Down. And I understand why some members are a little bit disappointed.

 

[Sammie]

If they hadn't just announced the re-opening of the lounge to members - with a lot of fanfare - I would agree. Perks come and go but they just announced that the lounge would open and before the excitement over it got a chance to cool down, they started selling space during the fireworks in the form of the Wicked Wind Down. And I understand why some members are a little bit disappointed.

I will agree that the timing stinks. They don't seem to do well planning ahead.

 

[davidl81]

Ok I went last night on a reservation and here is what I have figured out.
We got there at about 8:30 and there were a bunch of people waiting downstairs without reservations. What happened was at 9:00 anyone without a reservation was allowed up to the observation deck. They could order drinks in the lounge, but all of the tables were taken, so they could either drink at the bar or take it outside. Best I could tell they let everyone up to the deck who were waiting.
Inside was super nice I i really liked how much space we had. They didn’t overcrowd the lounge itself, so there was almost a VIP feel to having your own table.
Food wise it was not buffet style, you just ordered off of the menu and they brought it to your table. We had 7 total with us so they sat us on these couches right in the middle of the room. You were able to order one drink, one appetizer, and the desert was cake. I mean the food itself was not worth $55 but I see what they are trying to build also. It seems like the goal was to have the lounge itself be a little upscale and exclusive, yet still allow all members up to the deck.
It was really fun and a great experience to take friends with, but the total check with tip for 7 people, 3 of them kids, (with like 3 extra drinks) was over $500 so not something we would do every time for sure.

 

[davidl81]

If they hadn't just announced the re-opening of the lounge to members - with a lot of fanfare - I would agree. Perks come and go but they just announced that the lounge would open and before the excitement over it got a chance to cool down, they started selling space during the fireworks in the form of the Wicked Wind Down. And I understand why some members are a little bit disappointed.

Last night every DVC member who wanted access to the deck for the fireworks was granted free access. They could order from the bar, they just could not sit down at a table since they were all reserved. I don‘t think that’s really a bad setup. By making the reservations it at least guarantees a certain amount of revenue per table. I would bet in the past a lot of people went up there early and sat on tables ordering very little, not only starving the lounge of revenue, but mostly hurting the wait staff of tips. I get that our dues partly cover the lounge, but I also understand Disney wanting to get revenue from highly valuable real estate.

 

[davidl81]

Also one last thing, but the lounge really clears out after the 1st firework show. They were letting people have tables after the first show who did not have a reservation. So if you were up to it going for the later show would be a very good option.

 

[DonMacGregor]

I get that our dues partly cover the lounge, but I also understand Disney wanting to get revenue from highly valuable real estate.

Actually, no member dues go towards TOTWL, including BLT. It is specifically excluded and designated as non-association commercial space in the POS.

So, the revenue stream idea you presented makes financial sense (especially when there were plenty of reports of the lounge filling up before fireworks, no one spending any money, then the place clearing out just as quickly and before the smoke settled).

 

[Sandisw]

Also one last thing, but the lounge really clears out after the 1st firework show. They were letting people have tables after the first show who did not have a reservation. So if you were up to it going for the later show would be a very good option.

When you checked in, did you have the new MM pass, or the temporary blue card from the website?

 

[davidl81]

When you checked in, did you have the new MM pass, or the temporary blue card from the website?

So since I had a reservation all they asked was for the email MS sent to me for the reservation. I would guess since MS made the reservation they looked to see if I was a blue card holder. I’m not sure what was asked from the people who did not have reservations.

 

[Sandisw]

So since I had a reservation all they asked was for the email MS sent to me for the reservation. I would guess since MS made the reservation they looked to see if I was a blue card holder. I’m not sure what was asked from the people who did not have reservations.

Awesome. I’ll print out the email then as back up!

It also sounds like a great option that those that want to hang out before and reserve can do it but no one was stopped close to fireworks.

It is probably something we would not do every trip either if it’s the same group.

 

[DonMacGregor]

So since I had a reservation all they asked was for the email MS sent to me for the reservation. I would guess since MS made the reservation they looked to see if I was a blue card holder. I’m not sure what was asked from the people who did not have reservations.

Was your hotel reservation made with direct points, resale points, or cash?

Thanks.

 

[elgerber]

Last time we went, we went earlier in the evening just for a drink and the view, not at fireworks time. It appears that is no longer an option?

 

[tjkraz]

Ok I went last night on a reservation and here is what I have figured out.
We got there at about 8:30 and there were a bunch of people waiting downstairs without reservations. What happened was at 9:00 anyone without a reservation was allowed up to the observation deck.

This is consistent with what some family of mine experienced earlier this week.

While we're only 4 days into this, I do have a little problem with the messaging. My group arrived at 8pm and was specifically told "we can't let you up until 9:00, and even then it will be standing room and only if there's space available."

The outdoor deck holds 500 people. There's no need to introduce doubt as to whether folks will be allowed up. Also I'm not sure what purpose it serves to hold people in BLT's lobby for an hour or more. If the lounge is full, it's full. I get that. But if people want to spread a blanket on the outside deck and enjoy a cocktail...let them. Or just come right out and tell us that entry for non-paying members doesn't begin until 9pm.

BLT guests shouldn't have to deal with hopeful TOTWL visitors filling the lobby every evening.

 

[Sandisw]

This is consistent with what some family of mine experienced earlier this week.

While we're only 4 days into this, I do have a little problem with the messaging. My group arrived at 8pm and was specifically told "we can't let you up until 9:00, and even then it will be standing room and only if there's space available."

The outdoor deck holds 500 people. There's no need to introduce doubt as to whether folks will be allowed up. Also I'm not sure what purpose it serves to hold people in BLT's lobby for an hour or more. If the lounge is full, it's full. I get that. But if people want to spread a blanket on the outside deck and enjoy a cocktail...let them. Or just come right out and tell us that entry for non-paying members doesn't begin until 9pm.

BLT guests shouldn't have to deal with hopeful TOTWL visitors filling the lobby every evening.

Maybe if this stays a thing the message will change and they are working to see how many with reservations actually keep them?

But it should be clear that arriving before 9 pm without a reservation, if it is sold out is a no go.

You wonder if the other reason they don’t want to let people up prior if lounge is full to allow those who paid have access to food and drink without too much of a wait ?

 

[CarolMN]

Last night every DVC member who wanted access to the deck for the fireworks was granted free access. They could order from the bar, they just could not sit down at a table since they were all reserved. I don‘t think that’s really a bad setup. By making the reservations it at least guarantees a certain amount of revenue per table. I would bet in the past a lot of people went up there early and sat on tables ordering very little, not only starving the lounge of revenue, but mostly hurting the wait staff of tips. I get that our dues partly cover the lounge, but I also understand Disney wanting to get revenue from highly valuable real estate.

Thanks for the report. I was really hoping this would be the case. There really isn't any reason not to allow Members up to the deck - it can safely hold a lot of people. Restricting the lounge to reservations or drink orders won't be an issue for many of us. Views are better from the dek, anyway!