ToTW lounge access ending?

[WB1971]

We have certainly enjoyed any little spiffs we have received over the years, at time of purchase people are told what is current and that they are not guaranteed and others have ended. The EPCOT lounge was at first a trial and then extended for the full year and then extended into the next year, never a permanent benefit. Park Passes, discount tickets, restaurant and merchandise discounts, tours, parties, welcome Wednesdays, and so many others have come and gone, does not seem to make DVC evil in my mind. We have enjoyed TOW a few times by having a drink and waiting for the fireworks or a very late night snack at the end of the day when staying at BLT, if it went away it would not be the end of our world.

I don't understand the "screw job" on point allocation comment, the resort points can not increase only move around the various categories, times and areas. That normally takes into account highest utilizes and lowest in order to try and even things out a bit. We all have our pet peeves, mine is walking and DW's is lack of more options along Boardwalk late night, here some seem upset DVC does not permanently retain spiffs. If I had my choice to permanently retain a single benefit from over the years it would be the free (or even deeply discounted) park passes.

It is absolutely a screw job on points. When you increase points for studios all year at Polynesian and justify it by a reduction in luxury bungalow points, that screws 95% of owners. That is NOT how this program was sold to us. A studio that averages 22 or how ever many points a night should average that in perpetuity. Raise summer, lower winter or vice versa is fine, but it’s unethical at best to raise them in every season and sell me on the fact that I can now get a 100 point a night bungalow for 85.

 

[Bing Showei]

They did try to talk it up big at the annual member meeting earlier this month.

You and I must’ve been at different meetings, DEB. I walked away with nothing but warm fuzzies about how Reunion Station was a shining example of how those of us clamoring (from other resorts) to take a bus/boat to enjoy snacks three times a day (at times convenient to Disney) were listened to. I felt it.

Terri even mentioned how she was “all ears”... get it? As in, y’know, Mickey... he’s got those big ears... and she’s “all ears”... as in listening... to us.

She’s the new sheriff.

 

[zavandor]

It is absolutely a screw job on points. When you increase points for studios all year at Polynesian and justify it by a reduction in luxury bungalow points, that screws 95% of owners. That is NOT how this program was sold to us. A studio that averages 22 or how ever many points a night should average that in perpetuity. Raise summer, lower winter or vice versa is fine, but it’s unethical at best to raise them in every season and sell me on the fact that I can now get a 100 point a night bungalow for 85.

It's not only unethical but for some of us even illegal. Please see here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/lawsuit-against-dvc-to-stop-revert-the-2020-reallocation.3725950/

 

[js]

There was someone on FB, so take that with a grain of salt, that said he worked at TotW or something like that he spoke to management and was told nothing changes in 2019, with the exception of adding the Wave dinner and priority firworks access. Maybe they are just telling employees that now so they dont bolt for another job or maybe true or maybe he doesnt work there. No clue.

We will be at BLT next Friday and planned on utilizing the bar area a couple of nights. Hope we can.

I always find TotW very under utilized and never make a separate trip there if staying at another resort, even monorail. I rather use the areas where I stay but know all are different.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

A good rule is that nothing on FB is official or enforceable.

 

[Ben E N]

I plan on heading there the evening of Wed the 2nd. If no one else has any definite answers by then (hopefully we will), I will push everyone I see for information and report back if I actually learn anything. Hopefully I don't waste my time heading over there just to be turned away.

 

[jerseygal]

Don’t give them more ideas

 

[Tink10]

So I just booked the dinner for January 28th and here's what the DVC MS CM provided me:

• $73.45 per adult which includes tax & gratuity
• Includes one appetizer,one entrée and one dessert from The Wave's regular menu
• Small desserts & drinks to follow in TOTW Lounge for private fireworks viewing
• For our date, dinner begins at 6:30 pm

Not sure this helps anyone, but this is what they told me

 

[Ben E N]

private fireworks viewing

This is the part that has people confused. Does this mean the whole decision just for you, or just a small sectioned off area?

Personally, if I were paying $75 per person, I would be pretty irritated if my "private viewing" was not in fact private. As someone who has no interest in this package, though, I hope it does not disrupt normal usage too much.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

This is the part that has people confused. Does this mean the whole decision just for you, or just a small sectioned off area?

Personally, if I were paying $75 per person, I would be pretty irritated if my "private viewing" was not in fact private. As someone who has no interest in this package, though, I hope it does not disrupt normal usage too much.

I had the announcement from DVC pop up on my facebook feed and read a few comments and replies.

IF DVC replies were correct then no, it's not private and other members will still be there on a first come basis which most of the year means anyone who wants to will also be there. The only dates that differ for members not staying at BLT are the blackout dates and this package will be bookable.

I took a look at the Wave menu, calculated the discount that comes with being a DVC member, and unless it's a free for all with drinks at TOTWL (I assume it will be a small selection of beers and house wines) then the cost is about the same as if you just made a Wave dining reservation and then went up for drinks at TOTWL. And since dessert is included at the Wave? Well, I enjoy sweets but there's still only so much I want in a short period of time.

So, from what I can tell, this will block off an area that we've previously had access too but access will still be allowed.

It's something I hope isn't booked by members and fails. We've already had this all as a perk - private fireworks viewing at TOTWL with drinks and dessert. It just required you to pay OOP while there instead of ahead of time.

 

[Tink10]

This is the part that has people confused. Does this mean the whole decision just for you, or just a small sectioned off area?

Personally, if I were paying $75 per person, I would be pretty irritated if my "private viewing" was not in fact private. As someone who has no interest in this package, though, I hope it does not disrupt normal usage too much.

The CM was quite unclear about the Private part, but we're not big MK or fireworks people anyway, so it's no biggie. We've never eaten at The Wave and thought it might be a nice evening to spend with other DVC members and give the restaurant a try for a decent price. We're not dessert people either, but when these things pop up, we give them a try when we feel like it, just to shake things up a little. (Perfect example was Highway in the Sky Dine Around...which we will never book again) I'm guessing that it will probably be an area cordoned off from the others there with a dessert & drink area set up....Regardless, it will be interesting to try. A couple other tidbits:

• 48 hour cancellation policy
• Full payment required at booking

I hope this helps

 

[CarolynFH]

I like the fact that this gives DVC members staying offsite (yep, it happens) or living nearby a means to enjoy TOTWL without booking an onsite stay.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I like the fact that this gives DVC members staying offsite (yep, it happens) or living nearby a means to enjoy TOTWL without booking an onsite stay.

I'm not certain there's a need to provide more benefits to local DVC owners if it is something that would then impact the benefit for others as this might, depending on what they rope off for viewing space.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

It goes along with the crazy increase in dues and the 'screw job' on the 2020 points reallocation.
It's sure looks like it time to unload all my points before they have a major drop in value. It was a great 26 years, but that has been going down hill quickly. Good luck to all you new buyers.

ohhh I was wondering if anyone else was going to complain about the absurd dues increase. ~400% since the early 90s. I have not looked at point sheets. Googling now.

 

[CarolynFH]

I'm not certain there's a need to provide more benefits to local DVC owners if it is something that would then impact the benefit for others as this might, depending on what they rope off for viewing space.

I understand your point. This likely has more to do with bringing more $$ into TOTWL for the beverages & desserts included with the package than with filling the viewing space.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I remain convinced that access next week doesn't mean access next month. Every other year prior, they announced with a commitment for "through the year" into December. An announcement of that nature was made for the Epcot lounge. Nothing for TOTW, save this promoted dinner.

Meanwhile, they are crowing about how neat Reunion Station is, and that seems quite the stretch based on perceived utilization.

If the dinner works, they're going to go into full restrict mode.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

A good rule is that nothing on FB is official or enforceable.

Alos, the House always wins. YUP, in the end every time. That's why they have the giant buildings. *They* always win in the end. The best once can hope for is to be so intoxicated with the offerings (and being on the right side of the Haves), one happily pays more.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I remain convinced that access next week doesn't mean access next month. Every other year prior, they announced with a commitment for "through the year" into December. An announcement of that nature was made for the Epcot lounge. Nothing for TOTW, save this promoted dinner.

Meanwhile, they are crowing about how neat Reunion Station is, and that seems quite the stretch based on perceived utilization.

If the dinner works, they're going to go into full restrict mode.

Wouldn't TOTWL make a nice Concierge lounge for DVC members?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Wouldn't TOTWL make a nice Concierge lounge for DVC members?

"A mere hop, skip and a jump away from the Magic Kingdom, come to our restful retreat atop Bay Lake Tower! Relax in the lounge and take in the view. Snacks and drinks from 11-4, with light Hors d'œuvres from 6-10. Private fireworks viewings on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays! $85/day per person!"

 

[Deb & Bill]

A good rule is that nothing on FB is official or enforceable.

Especially with FB in control of the site. They just delete stuff they don't like or someone tells them they don't like.