Im done with BLT TOWL

[spiceycat]

Like I said in my prior post, I enjoyed TOWL. That being said, if I owned at BLT I would feel slighted that they opened it to all DVC members. I would be very upset if I were staying at BLT and could not go up because it was at capacity.

to get more people to use the lounge. so despite me loving it when no one is there - it would be nice to know that the lounge would be around for years.

right now doubt it. the deck yes - the lounge who knows.

I do own at BLT and did not feel slighted that DVC opened it to all members staying at WDW resorts.

the one thing don't want is for Disney to take the lounge and make it a club for their staff/managment or high class guests.

 

[lisa3635]

I agree with the food options not being the best. We probably won't eat there again. We have small children who are usually too tired to stay at the park and watch the fireworks so it's nice to head up there at 8:55 and watch the fireworks.

 

[Ramsfan28]

I posted this in another thread about the TOWL at BLT.

It wasn't a huge selling point to me and I have used to lounge once per trip on average when I stay at BLT. The view was very nice (but I always stay in a theme park view room so that is a wash) and the food choices were average.

If they opened it up to all DVC members so be it - in fact I might be inclined to use the lounge more when I don't stay at BLT.

 

[Sunshine22]

We like the TOWL. We've been there 3 times (during 2 different trips). On our last visit, my DD15 ordered creme brulee and a virgin strawberry dacqueri and really enjoyed herself. I agree that the food offerings are very limited. However, the table next to us (also with teens 15+) munched on some appetizers (pretzels or chips) and then ordered a few decadent desserts. They also seemed to enjoy themselves. Most of the families with older kids 10+ were excited to see the fireworks on the observation deck. I think it would be difficult for younger kids to see over the high wall.

 

[gray52]

What's to like? Expensive drinks, overpriced food, bad service, awful view, almost a business-like atmosphere... And God forbid you let your kiddos run around in their PJ's before the show. And do people really enjoy the fireworks from there? I thought was a little disappointing (all three times I've seen them from there lol) It's not a very good angle.... Some over here... Some over there. Maybe I'm just cranky tonight.

 

[dvcblt93]

And God forbid you let your kiddos run around in their PJ's before the show.

You let your kids run around a cocktail lounge in their PJ's?

 

[jeanninepl]

What's to like? Expensive drinks, overpriced food, bad service, awful view, almost a business-like atmosphere... And God forbid you let your kiddos run around in their PJ's before the show. And do people really enjoy the fireworks from there? I thought was a little disappointing (all three times I've seen them from there lol) It's not a very good angle.... Some over here... Some over there. Maybe I'm just cranky tonight.

It's Disney....everything is expensive and overpriced!! The drinks are priced the same as in any nice lounge.

And it is a LOUNGE not a restaurant...they have lounge food you can munch on with your drinks...they are not open for dinner.

LOVE the fireworks from there and then we quickly to the side and watch the float parade in front of the Contemporary.

It is a lounge. When I am enjoying relaxing with my family - and paying for our drinks - I do not want anyone's kids in there running around in their PJs!!!!

 

[GBBTomorrow]

You let your kids run around a cocktail lounge in their PJ's?

My 9 year-old DD fell asleep on the sofa after the fireworks, but she was fully dressed. I would not take my kids into any bar or restaurant in pajamas. It's a nice, elegant atmosphere and I wouldn't want to spoil that.

I'm confused by people complaining about lack of food options. I thought the snacks were great. It's not someplace you'd go for dinner. I'd just be looking for a little taste of something to have with my drink. At Jellyrolls they only serve popcorn, so it's a big step up from that! (Jellyrolls is my favorite WDW bar.)

 

[gray52]

You let your kids run around a cocktail lounge in their PJ's?

Personally, I would never let my kids run around anywhere in public in their PJ's... but i have seen it up there.
There was a LONG discussion on either this board, or the other, about KIDS at the TOWL... my goodness... KIDS. It's Disney... and next door to MK to boot... it's totally about KIDS. I think they should totally revamp the whole thing to gear the place towards them!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Personally, I would never let my kids run around anywhere in public in their PJ's... but i have seen it up there.
There was a LONG discussion on either this board, or the other, about KIDS at the TOWL... my goodness... KIDS. It's Disney... and next door to MK to boot... it's totally about KIDS. I think they should totally revamp the whole thing to gear the place towards them!

Unfortunately, not everywhere at WDW is for kids. While kids are permitted in the lounge, it's not the Kids Club for BLT. It's a more adult setting to give adults a place to go. Kids are welcome to visit, but they shouldn't be taking over the place.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Unfortunately, not everywhere at WDW is for kids. While kids are permitted in the lounge, it's not the Kids Club for BLT. It's a more adult setting to give adults a place to go. Kids are welcome to visit, but they shouldn't be taking over the place.

I wholeheartedly agree. Disney is not just for kids, or even just for families with kids. Lots of honeymooners, retirees, conventioneers, and people who don't have kids (or who are taking a kid-free vacation) go to WDW and have a blast. WDW is for them too, not just for kids. That's the beauty of WDW: there's plenty for everybody in every life situation to enjoy.

 

[culli]

We have young kids and don't bring them to the lounge but the observation deck. We also have them in their pjs, I guess I don't understand why that would be an issue outside of the lounge? A watch the fire works and go back to the room.

However I do think that they missed the mark with the whole thing. Lots of unrealized potential.

 

[TravelGrl]

That's what I love about TOTW lounge that it is a place where me and my husband feel it's a place to enjoy a quiet evening after the hustle and bustle of the parks. As I wrote previously, I don't think the prices are high there at all. We pay more at bars over here in NY. I don't mind seeing families there, but kids should be quiet as appropriate for the setting and no pjs. I try to dress up a bit when going up to the lounge. Not full on heels and evening gown, but business casual as appropriate for the setting.

We go there after dinner, and never expect to find a dinner. The snacks that they do have are appropriate for the lounge and I recommend people try them. Again, it's not instead of a dinner, just a little snack to have with your drinks.

There are many places at WDW geared for kids and that's fine, and expect kids to act like kids there and have a great time. But the lounge is meant for a quiet evening. If kids are happy in that setting, there is no reason to exclude them, if there aren't, then why go there?

 

[ppony]

I'm confused by people complaining about lack of food options. I thought the snacks were great. It's not someplace you'd go for dinner.

YOU thought they were great, but just because they appealed to you doesn't mean they appealed to everyone. Obviously. Wanting a different variety of appetizers doesn't equate w/ wanting dinner.

 

[jeanninepl]

I wholeheartedly agree. Disney is not just for kids, or even just for families with kids. Lots of honeymooners, retirees, conventioneers, and people who don't have kids (or who are taking a kid-free vacation) go to WDW and have a blast. WDW is for them too, not just for kids. That's the beauty of WDW: there's plenty for everybody in every life situation to enjoy.

I absolutely agree too! We take our kids to Disney but like to relax up at TOWL after a long day. Our oldest is a teenager so they usually rent a movie from the community hall after a long day and are wiped out. My hubby and I then go up for a drink and relax. Disney is for lots of people. I know many people without kids who like to go to Disney. They need options too!

If people want to take their kids in TOWL while they enjoy a drink and have them get a soda or a "virgin" drink that is alright too. It is not a sleazy bar! It is a nice place to relax after a long day and talk, and that is great to do as a family. Just so long as they are behaved and with their parents, that is fine as well.

 

[bwang123]

Here is the part that I am confused about. Of the times I have been to TOWL, there was next to no one there. Granted it was September, but I just thought the reason it was opened to all DVC members was because it generally does not get crowded. Can someone who has been there in July say how crowed it was then?

we went during spring break and it was dead, maybe 10 people total on the deck. i may go again if we were in our room during the fireworks for some reason but wouldn't go out of my way to plan for it. the angle for the fireworks is off and i have 2 kids that can not see over the wall.

as for kids running around in PJs. PJs are probably fine for the observation deck but not in the bar as for any bar/restaurant that are at the hotels. Is it appropriate to run around in your PJs at Ohana? I am not irritated if a kid is in PJs at a bar, i just wouldn't have my kids do that. At our local horse track, I see kids in PJs and bunny slippers everytime... i find it humorous and odd.

 

[Kiann3]

The two times we stayed at BLT we went many nights to ToW and enjoyed talking to Brucie I love the beef and onion jam flat bread. The chocolate cake is tasty and the drinks wonderful. This is not meant to be a sports bar it is an upscale place to have a casual drink and talk with others about Disney It is nice you can have the kids there and no one is getting drunk and obnoxious.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I agree with the OP that the "wall view" is not ideal. My only thought is that it has to be that way for OSHA or other safety code standards.

However, for the love of God, please do not put buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks and the like on the menu. Aren't there enough TGIFridays already? I want there to be special/different menu items. Granted, the menu may need tweaking...but don't make it generic bar grub. No thanks. Let's face it, this is some of the best real estate there is. Don't cheapen it by giving it a Hooters menu or atmosphere, as another poster said.

I agree with Deb & Bill as well. Kids in pjs don't belong in a BAR. Not even at Disney. I have 3 kids (obviously by my screen name...lol) and when we have gone to TOWL, they have been dressed and told they need their "restaurant manners."

All that being said, I do think that this lounge isn't currently being used to potential. It could use some changes. Going back to the real estate issue...MK view, monorail resort, quintessential Disney...they really need to make the most of it! Make it worthy of it's spectacular location. Make some inside viewing seating. Come up with a great menu. Maybe have a section that is more comfortable for kids and then have a more adult-oriented side. Just spouting ideas here. But whatever is done, it should be worthy of the location.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Personally, I would never let my kids run around anywhere in public in their PJ's... but i have seen it up there.
There was a LONG discussion on either this board, or the other, about KIDS at the TOWL... my goodness... KIDS. It's Disney... and next door to MK to boot... it's totally about KIDS. I think they should totally revamp the whole thing to gear the place towards them!

But that's the point. It's NOT about kids. It's not meant to be. It's a BAR. Yes, my kids love Disney and I love watching them enjoy the magic and making family memories. But I just got back (literally hours ago) from a 4-day trip with just my husband. And every year my 7 girlfriends and I go to Disney and run the Princess half marathon together WITHOUT our kids. I am thrilled there are places that are tailored for adults. There's nothing saying kds can't be there. But 90% or more of Property is geared toward kids and families. I think it's great to have a few places geared toward adults. And if kids are capable of behaving in an adult-themed location, fine. But no, not everything in Disney is about kds.

As a parent, I often spend time over on the Child Free thread here on the Dis...just because it gives such an interesting perspective. And it reminds me to be mindful of the fact that not everyone is going to find my little darlings adorable.

I definitely encourage friends and anyone who asks me about Disney to try going as adults only. You'll come away with such a different experience!

 

[tjkraz]

However, for the love of God, please do not put buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks and the like on the menu. Aren't there enough TGIFridays already? I want there to be special/different menu items. Granted, the menu may need tweaking...but don't make it generic bar grub.

Well, "generic bar grub" has become so widespread for a reason: people like it. I don't see why there isn't room for both traditional favorites and unique offerings. If we're looking for ways to make the area more popular and profitable, selling snacks with mass appeal can only help.

I agree with Deb & Bill as well. Kids in pjs don't belong in a BAR. Not even at Disney. I have 3 kids (obviously by my screen name...lol) and when we have gone to TOWL, they have been dressed and told they need their "restaurant manners."

I'm all for the "restaurant manners." But I have trouble seeing how a toddler sitting quietly in Minnie Mouse PJs is any more disruptive than a toddler in shorts + t-shirt or a Cinderella dress.

It isn't Pleasure Island or Atlantic Dance Hall. It's a hotel lounge at a family-friendly vacation destination. I don't see how a small child's attire would in any way negatively impact my enjoyment of the space.