BLT, Higher Floor Or Avoid Elevator

[GranJan]

When doing online check-in, I'm confused whether to ask for 5th floor to avoid elevators or higher floors for better views. I use an ECV & getting on & off crowded elevators is something I'd like to avoid but I don't want the rest of the family to sacrifice a better view for me. We've booked a 2 BR lock-off, lake view. This is our 1st time at BLT. Are the views really that much better above the 5th floor? Are the elevators crowded enough that we should avoid having to use them if possible? My daughter also has 3 small children & will have either a double stroller or 2 singles.
Will being on the 5th floor only benefit you if you're walking over to the Contemporary? If you're walking to MK do you exit BLT & go from there? If so, I'm assuming you'd take the elevator to the ground floor? Sorry so many questions. I'm trying to figure out how much benefit being on the 5th floor is. I appreciate any help you can give. Our trip is Feb 4th, 2014.

 

[tk920]

When doing online check-in, I'm confused whether to ask for 5th floor to avoid elevators or higher floors for better views. I use an ECV & getting on & off crowded elevators is something I'd like to avoid but I don't want the rest of the family to sacrifice a better view for me. We've booked a 2 BR lock-off, lake view. This is our 1st time at BLT. Are the views really that much better above the 5th floor? Are the elevators crowded enough that we should avoid having to use them if possible? My daughter also has 3 small children & will have either a double stroller or 2 singles. Will being on the 5th floor only benefit you if you're walking over to the Contemporary? If you're walking to MK do you exit BLT & go from there? If so, I'm assuming you'd take the elevator to the ground floor? Sorry so many questions. I'm trying to figure out how much benefit being on the 5th floor is. I appreciate any help you can give. Our trip is Feb 4th, 2014.

sw

 

[dvc_john]

Yes. The only advantage of 5th floor is walking over to the Contemporary over the skybridge without getting on an elevator.

If walking to MK, you would take the elevator to the ground floor, and walk from there.

I've had standard view twice, and upper floor lake view twice, and I'll never book standard view again. The lake views from the upper floors can be fantastic.

 

[dizfan]

5th floor is only beneficial if going to Contemporary or riding the monorail.
For buses and walking to MK, you will exit the ground floor.

There are two sets of elevator banks. Each set has 3 elevators. The one furthest from the sky bridge has the least amount of traffic. You could ask to be closer to that elevator bank.

Honestly, we almost always are able to get on the first elevator. Only a couple times have we had to wait for the next elevator.

Personally, I think the higher floor request is a good one. Another option we like is to ask for an even numbered room. Even numbered rooms are on the outer C-shape of BLT. They typically face either the CR pool/marina or face the tennis courts/MK.

 

[GranJan]

Since the monorail will be closed part of the day for our trip, sounds like views may be more important. I welcome any other opinions. Thanks guys!

 

[spiceycat]

for the best views - higher is definitely better.

that say have a problem with highs - so go with closer to the ground - generally 4 or 5th floor standard view - if have to go with lake view - then ask for lower.

but if you want a view definitely go higher. hey you might get on the 16th floor and not have to go to first to use TOWL - it is right there.

blt is not spread out and big like BWV or even BCV - everything is pretty close.

now the wait for the elevators can vary - sometimes they arrive immediately other times have waited 5 minutes. don't think I have ever waited longer and that one arrived full of people and luggage.

the south end is the one closest to the CR - and that is where the sky bridge is located - there is also a door on the first floor - but then you would still have to use the elevators at CR. really think the ones at BLT are a little faster on the whole.

so would ask for near the north end elevators.

 

[kda]

We've been at BLT in May and Oct and were pretty impressed at how quick the elevators were. We love the upper floors (for the view) and were on 12th and 16th floors, so used the elevators a lot. Our rooms were lake view and we were in the inner part of the building, so also had a pool view. I really think it was quieter to be higher up, especially when the grounds crew was trimming hedges and mowing.
Hope you have a fantastic trip!!

 

[GranJan]

Thanks for the tips everyone. We're so excited to be staying at BLT. We've tried to get a studio for our daughter several times with no success. Since she has a new baby this trip we wanted the convenience of BLT. We were lucky to get a 2 BR & then had to buy more points so we could get a studio too when my son & his family decided to go. We were originally booked at VGF but switched to BLT to save points for my son. Now I'm glad we did with the monorail being down. Hopefully we can stay at VGF sometimes when it's just the 2 of us.

 

[darbry]

We were there the first week in December 2 bed lock off lake view and got 5 th floor and loved it. You could see our room from the sky bridge so it was fun to see our Christmas tree in the window. Also the kids would be on the balcony and get a kick out of waving to us. I especially liked it because the kids could quickly run over and fill up their mugs or get quick service. I don't think you will be unhappy anywhere but that's our experience.

 

[disneybirds]

Thanks for the suggestions. We are staying at BLT for the first time this spring break.

 

[GranJan]

We were there the first week in December 2 bed lock off lake view and got 5 th floor and loved it. You could see our room from the sky bridge so it was fun to see our Christmas tree in the window. Also the kids would be on the balcony and get a kick out of waving to us. I especially liked it because the kids could quickly run over and fill up their mugs or get quick service. I don't think you will be unhappy anywhere but that's our experience.

Now you've got me thinking 5th floor may be best. So you thought the view was nice on the 5th floor? I know we'll still have to ride the elevator some but I just don't like trying to back out of it on my ECV, especially if there's a crowd waiting. Plus my 4 & 6 year old GS always fight over who gets to push the button. Hard decision, maybe I won't make any request & just let chance decide.

 

[TuTu4U]

Now you've got me thinking 5th floor may be best. So you thought the view was nice on the 5th floor? I know we'll still have to ride the elevator some but I just don't like trying to back out of it on my ECV, especially if there's a crowd waiting. Plus my 4 & 6 year old GS always fight over who gets to push the button. Hard decision, maybe I won't make any request & just let chance decide.

If your grandchildren are 4 and 6, I would say go for the 5th floor. Like others said before, it gives them a little more freedom to run ahead. They can't get in an elevator alone, but the bridge gives them wiggle room to go ahead a bit to get their refills. Which, honestly, working the drink machines rank right up there with elevator buttons for younger kids

That being said, we absolutely loved the higher floors. The views are spectacular. But, you can grab those views in a few more years. Right now, I think the convenience of the 5th floor would make you happier

Have a great trip!

 

[TagsMissy]

Definitely go for high floor! We ended up on the 16th floor our last trip with a lake view and it was spectacular. It was also great that we could just get to the 16th floor on our own without waiting to be escorted up to the lounge. (We had to use our key in the elevator to get to the level.) We found ourselves relaxing on our balcony rather than heading to the parks

 

[spiceycat]

Now you've got me thinking 5th floor may be best. So you thought the view was nice on the 5th floor? I know we'll still have to ride the elevator some but I just don't like trying to back out of it on my ECV, especially if there's a crowd waiting. Plus my 4 & 6 year old GS always fight over who gets to push the button. Hard decision, maybe I won't make any request & just let chance decide.

the view is under the monorail.

now this have never bothered me - but it does some people