Since the question thread for Kidani seemed like such a good source of info, I thought it was about time we started one for BLT! It's hard to believe it'll be opening in TWO MONTHS!!! 
I posted as many questions as I could think of, but I gotta go see UP now, so I have to stop! Please add your questions by replying to this thread and I'll do my best to keep up with it and update this original post so that all the questions are listed.
~~GENERAL RESORT~~
Do you have any pictures??? PLEASE share!
Here is an AWESOME set of photos on Flickr - this person has included many photos of the Disney-themed artwork around the building, including what looks like the different art in each elevator lobby.
How is the check-in process at the Contemporary?
If you valet parked, was it free? (They've yet to confirm free valet, but I assume it will be free.)
Which shop carries groceries? How is the selection?
The market place in the Contemporary has groceries, average selection like other resorts. Most comparable to store at wilderness lodge.
Do the CR shops have DVC merchandise? Is there any merchandise featuring BLT?
The market place has a very small selection. There is a BLT tshirt in both mens and womens.
Please describe the self-parking process - where were you directed to park and how long was the walk?
If you used bell services to deliver your bags to your room, how long did it take?
Where should rented mobility scooters be dropped off for guests staying at BLT? Near the Contemporary check-in (baggage) or in the BLT lobby?
Did you need to use your key card to access the walkway to BLT?
CONFIRMED. Key cards are required to access all resort areas - the walkway, the lobby doors, the pool area, etc.
How many elevator banks are there? Where are they located?
There are two banks of three elevators.
Grand Villas on the 16th floor can only be accessed by one elevator bank, depending on which side of the building the villa is on. Consult the room number chart to see if the north or south elevator bank provides access to your particular GV.
Are there any guest services in the BLT lobby? Are there any dedicated CM's for the hotel that are around or is most of it shared with the Contemporary? If so, what is their overall attitude with the opening?
Check-in for BLT is in the Contemporary lobby and there is no dedicated desk for this - any CM can help you.
There are 2 staffed desks in the BLT lobby - one is for general information and according to Jack Spence's blog is "staffed most of the time." The other is for Top of the World Lounge check in and I assume it is only staffed in the afternoon/evening."
Where is guest laundry located? Are the machines HE (high efficiency)?
Guest laundry is located on the first floor off the lobby. It appears to have 3 washers (1 front-loader, could be more washers that aren't pictured on Jack's blog on All Ears) and 6 dryers.
Do the trash rooms have separate bins for paper/plastic/glass? (IME, some resorts do and some do not)
Is there a Community Hall? Please describe the activities available. Do you have pictures??
According to the official site:
Community Hall is located near the lobby entrance of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. At Community Hall, you can play ping-pong, foosball, video games, watch TV or participate in rainy day activities. You can also pick up equipment for basketball, bocce ball, tennis and shuffleboard. DVDs are available to rent (at no charge for Disney Vacation Club Members) at Community Hall. Check the chalkboard in the children's area, located in the main lobby of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, for games and crafts offered by the recreation team.
Jack Spence published photos of Community Hall here: http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/08/bay_lake_tower_part_three_1.html
What activities (arts & crafts, etc) are offered at Community Halls?
What is the room numbering system? The numbers seem confusing.
1st floor: 7104-7144
2nd floor: 7202-7244
3rd floor: 7302-7344
4th floor: 7402-7444
5th floor: 7502-7544
6th floor: 7602-7644
7th floor: 7702-7744
8th floor: 7802-7844
9th floor: 7902-7944
10th floor: 8002-8044
11th floor: 8102-8144
12th floor: 8202-8244
14th floor: 8402-8444
15th floor: 8502-8544
16th floor: 8605-8611*
8635-8641**
*north elevators only
**south elevators only
I imagine the split access to the 16th floor room entrances is due to the location of Top of the World, which means the hallways don't span the length of that floor.
Does the monorail stop at BLT?
No, the monorail can be accessed by BLT guests by walking over the sky bridge to the 4th floor concourse.
How do I get to Magic Kingdom?
The fastest way to get to MK from BLT is to walk. There are sidewalks, though you will have to cross one street. Another option is to take the resort monorail from the Contemporary. This route will stop at the TTC, Polynesian and Grand Floridian before arriving at MK.
To return to BLT, you can again walk or take the resort monorail. The Contemporary will be the first stop once you leave MK.
Warning - DO NOT board the EXPRESS monorail as it will only take you to the TTC.
How do I get to Epcot?
Take the resort monorail from the Contemporary and exit at the TTC. Transfer to the Epcot monorail at the TTC.
Alternately, bus service is offered from the Contemporary to Epcot.
How do I get to Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney and the water parks?
Bus service is offered to these locations from the Contemporary bus stop.
How do I get to other Disney resorts?
To get to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian, take the resort monorail from the Contemporary.
To get to Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness, take the resort boat launch from the Contemporary marina.
To get to all other resorts, you can walk to the Magic Kingdom bus stop and take a bus from there. Remember that MK operating hours will determine whether or not you can also use the bus to return to BLT via the MK bus stop.
Resorts can also be accessed by taking the bus from the Contemporary to Downtown Disney and then taking the bus for the resort you wish to visit.
BUS ROUTE: Traditionally, the CR shares routes to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney with the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. The CR is typically the first stop on this loop. Was that your experience? If not, describe the bus service.
Can MK fireworks be viewed from the Sky Bridge?
Yes. Wishes soundtrack can be heard on the sky bridge as well.
Is the Sky Bridge enclosed?
No, the bridge is open, except for one short section that is enclosed by frosted glass panels to block the view of a Contemporary loading dock.
Other notes:
If I don't have an MK view room and I can't get into the TotW lounge, is there anywhere else to view the fireworks?
In addition to the Sky Bridge, fireworks are visible from the north elevator lobbies (and perhaps the south elevator lobbies - no confirmation of this). The soundtrack is NOT broadcast in these areas.
Are there smoking areas and, if so, where are they located?
There is a smoking area at the front of the building to the left of the main doors and there is a smoking area beside the Tempo Fountain.
There is a also a smoking area between the contemporary and BLT but it is a bit out of the way.
There are plenty of ashtrays around the pool area but according to the manager of that area they are only for guests who have walked up to that area smoking so that they have somewhere to put out their cigarettes.
~~ROOM DETAILS~~
What was your room number, room size and view?
7720--1BR--MK View--7th floor
8014--studio--LV--10th floor (**PARTIAL MK VIEW**) (**ACCESSIBLE ROOM**)
7820--1BR LOCKOFF--MK View--8th Floor
8120--1BR --MK View--11th Floor
Which floors have MK view rooms?
According to Jack Spence's All Ears blog:
"Rooms start on the second floor. They do NOT have good views of the Magic Kingdom, yet members are charged the same amount of points as those staying on a higher floor. I'm sure Disney is going to get complaints about this. I was originally put in a third floor room. After seeing it, I returned to the check-in desk and requested a higher floor."
It's been stated that all 4 parks are visible from various rooms. Aside from the obvious MK view, what other parks could you see? (Please include your room number/view.) Could you see fireworks at other parks? Could you see the Electrical Water Pageant?
If you were in a DEDICATED 2BR - do you have pictures of the 2nd bedroom and bath?
If you toured the models, were there any changes from the model furnishings and the actual room furnishings?
Is there an ice maker in the freezer?
Yes!
Are the in-room washers HE or traditional models?
Traditional and they seem to be regular capacity.
There have been reports that the sliding doors to the bathrooms do not lock and do not provide complete privacy (visual and, um, audio
) - at least one report of doors not sliding shut completely, leaving a gap. Was this the case in your room?
Room 7820: Yes. Gap = half the diameter of the quarter at the top and about the full quarter at the bottom.
Do the bathrooms have motion-activated exhaust fans? (This one is for me!!
I hated the goshdarned fans at SSR with a passion!!!)
In the 1BR unit, the master bathroom exhaust fan is motion activated. The small bathroom fan is switch activated.
(Note from Tara - my husband groaned when I read this answer to him.)
Where are the internet jacks? If there is more than 1, are they all "hot"? (i.e., do they all work?)
1BR unit - one jack at the desk in the master bedroom.
Is wireless internet access available?
Wireless internet access (wifi) is available in the BLT lobby and Top of the World Lounge. Wifi is also available in the following public areas at the Contemporary Resort (I'm only listing truly public areas, so this excludes wifi in the club lounge):
Main Lobby
Outer Rim Bar
1st Floor Convention Center Lobby
2nd Floor Convention Center Lobby
Main Pool
There is a fee of $4.99 for an hour of use or $9.95 for 24 hours (contiguous - you can't use a few hours each day for $9.95). It seems that DVC members are not billed for this access, just as they are not billed for in-room wired internet access.
Can a video camera or game console be connected to the TV? Can the TV be used as a monitor if attached to a computer?
The TV does have a box with a/v input (RCA jacks or "red/white/yellow" jacks), PC video input, audio input and HDMI input (it appears - it reads "digital video in" and looks like an HDMI port).
Does BLT have the Disney cartoon channel - the one that plays the same loop of cartoons?
No, this channel is not available at BLT at this time.
Are rooms equipped with the iHome mp3/iPod docks that are going in at other DVC resorts?
Yes.
Is the thermostat motion-activated? Can you post a picture or post the model number?
How comfortable is the sleeper sofa? (0-10 scale with 0=bed of nails and 10=so comfortable I never got out of bed the whole trip)
From mac_tlc: My DS is on the sleeper sofa and he also says it is comfortable, but I think he could sleep on the sidewalk and be comfy.....
This picture shows that there is more space between the sofa and the curtains than the model depicts (photo by jonesmatny):
How comfortable is the sleeper chair?
From mac_tlc: My DD is on the sleeper chair and she said it is more comfortable than the sleeper sofa at OKW.
Here's a video of the chair opening, courtesy of qtzar:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/qtzar/3796392778/in/set-72157621965090080/
Do you have a copy of the resort map you can post?
Courtesy of jonesmatny:
Is the Wishes soundtrack broadcast on an in-room TV channel?
Yes, Wishes soundtrack is broadcast on channel 20.
How much noise you can hear in your room (from other guests rooms, the hallway, outside fireworks, etc)
Please provide a picture of the in-room safe (i.e., can it fit a laptop computer?)
It appears that most 13"-15" laptops would fit in the safe. Can someone post a measurement? Or - what size is your laptop and did it fit?
Other room details...
jonesmatny has posted about a stay in room 8014, which is an accessible studio. The kitchenette varies from the model and is pictured here:
Can someone describe the bathroom features of accessible rooms?
What type of hair dryer is available? (i.e., connected to wall or separate) Are hairdryers in each bathroom in the 1BR and larger units?
The master bathroom shower seems to have two showerheads. How do they work?
One flat showerhead is mounted on the wall in the traditional way, although it is a modern fixture that pivots for directional control. The other showerhead is a rainfall fixture mounted on the shower ceiling, and it produces a more gentle, rainfall-like flow. The fixtures can only be used one at a time, not in combination.
How much storage space for luggage is there? (please include room size in your comments)
~~TOP OF THE WORLD LOUNGE~~
What is the use policy for the TOP OF THE WORLD LOUNGE?
ANSWER: Due to anticipated high demand for this location, access to the lounge and deck is available only to Disney Vacation Club Members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower using their Membership either by Vacation Points or cash, guests staying in the room with that Member, and guests who are staying in a room reserved by a Disney Vacation Club Member with Vacation Points. Access is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check-in to access the lounge is on the first floor. You must show a room key with "DVC Member" printed on it. You are then escorted upstairs to the lounge.
The lounge has a capacity of 77 people. The observation deck has a capacity of 499 people.
What are the operating hours?
5pm - midnight with last call at 11:45
Did you access the lounge? What was your experience? (how early did you arrive, was there a line, etc.)
Do you have photos of the view?
What is the menu at the Top of the World Lounge?
APPETIZERS
Lump Crab Nachos -- $10.99
with black bean salsa
Chicken and Vegetable Summer Roll -- $10.49
comes with peanut sauce, not listed on menu
Bay Lake Tower Flatbread -- $7.99
applewood smoked bacon with chopped lettuce and tomatoes
Buffalo Mozzarella Flatbread -- $7.49
with Roma tomatoes and pesto
Beef Tenderloin Flatbread -- $8.49
with goat cheese, aged balsamic and onion jam
DESSERT TRIO
Creamy Indulgence -- $7.99
cheesecake with raspberry coulis, coconut panna cotta with passion fruit drizzle, chocolate-passion fruit mousse with pecan-olive brittle
Can Disney Dining Plan or Tables in Wonderland be used at TotW?
TIW - yes
DDP - yes, but the appetizers require a meal credit.
Are children allowed in TotW?
Yes, when accompanied by an adult.
~~POOL, DINING AND RECREATION~~
Describe the slide experience, please!
How is the kids' play area? Do you have photos?
Aside from the zero-entry area, how shallow is the pool around the edges? How deep is it at its deepest? (Is it like, say, SSR where it's deepest at the center?)
How many people will the hot tub accommodate?
What is the open pavilion to the right of the slide (when facing the lake)?
This is a seating area for poolside dining.
How much pool seating is there?
What pool items are offered? Vests for check-out? Pool noodles for sale? Water wallets or arm floats for sale? Sunscreen? Waterproof cameras?
Where are the restrooms located?
Next to the lockers, at one end of the building where the Cove Bar is located.
Are there changing rooms available?
Are lockers available for rent?
Yes, but there are not very many. Lockers are coin-operated and take 1 quarter per rental.
Are movies shown poolside at night?
What are the pool use and hopping rules?
BLT guests (regardless of DVC membership/use of points) are allowed access to the BLT pool. They are also allowed access to the CR pools. CR guests are NOT allowed access to the BLT pool. BLT pool access is by key-card only.
As per the DVC pool-hopping agreement, DVC members staying at BLT can access any pool on property with the exception of Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club and the two pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Some blackout restrictions do apply.
What pool activities are offered?
Is food served at the Cove Bar? What is the menu?
Cove Bar has cocktails and prepackaged sandwiches.
Caesar Salad with Chicken -- $7.29
Club Sandwich -- $8.69
roast turkey breast, turkey bacon, vine-ripened tomatoes served on multi-grain bread with choice of chips or sesame green beans
Five Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps -- $6.69
with water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms and sesame green beans
Vegetable Summer Rolls -- $5.69
with sesame green beans
SIDES
Fresh Fruit Cup -- $3.39
Carrots and Celery Sticks with Ranch Dressing -- $3.69
Apple Slices and Caramel Sauce -- $3.49
Frozen Novelties -- $3.09
Assorted Chips -- $2.69
FOR OUR GUESTS AGES 9 AND UNDER --$4.99 EACH
All meals include grapes, carrot sticks, and choice of 1% milk, small bottled water or 100% apple juice*
*Cookie or soft drink available upon request
Is there a mug refill station at the pool bar?
Yes!
Does the Cove Bar take DDP?
What are the hours of operation of the Cove Bar?
What is on the in-room/private dining menu?
Is private dining ordering available at the pool bar as it is at Kidani? What is available?
Yes. There is a phone available to place orders, which are supposed to arrive within 30 minutes.
All meals are served in a Bento Box.
Cold sandwiches served with a choice of grilled vegetable pasta salad or chips[i/]
Italian Deli Sandwich -- $13.99
Capicolla, ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, and tomato on a ciabatta roll
Contemporary Club Sandwich -- $13.99
Sliced turkey, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato on multi-grain bread
Angus Chuck Cheeseburger -- $13.99
Whole-wheat bun with grilled vegetable pasta salad or French fries.
Cheese choices: American, Cheddar, Swiss, provolone or blue cheese
Vegetarian Sandwich -- $14.49
with grilled tofu, zucchini, eggplant, roasted red peppers, and herb goat cheese served on grain bread
FOR OUR GUESTS AGES 9 AND UNDER --$9.49 EACH
All meals served with choice of 1% milk, small bottled water or 100% apple juice
House-made Rainbow Bread Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
with fresh fruit and chips
Grilled Cheeseburger
with fresh fruit and chips
[/COLOR]
Little known fact - you can order carry-out from California Grill. Has anyone tried this? How long did it take?
Has anyone ordered anything carry-out from The Wave?
Where are BBQ grills located?
When facing Bay Lake, the grilling area is to the left of the pool. There are 5 grills set up in a semi-circle and to the left of that is a covered pavilion with picnic tables. Very nice set-up!
Do guests need to provide their own charcoal & other supplies?
Yes, grilling consumables (charcoal, etc) must be supplied by the guest. DVC resorts generally offer grilling utensils for free check-out. See question below for confirmation on utensils.
Where can I get grilling utensils?
Where are grilling supplies such as charcoal sold?
What recreation is available?
There are 2 shuffleboard courts and 2 bocce ball courts in the BLT courtyard. (haha, "court"yard). Equipment can be checked out at Community Hall. Just north of BLT are 2 tennis courts. It appears that they are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, though guests are asked to limit play to 1 hour.
Also available at CR are 2 basketball hoops and a beach volleyball court. Basketballs/volleyballs can be checked out at the Marina Shop. Resort ID is required.
I'll find a listing of water/boat recreation at CR and post here soon.
Are there DVC discounts on recreation activities? What are the discounts?
Is there an arcade?
The arcade is located in the CR Tower.
Is there a playground available?
Not on BLT grounds, but a new playground has been built at CR. I'm not sure if it's opened yet. There is also a kids' water splash area at the CR main pool - just opened. Photos here:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32979651&postcount=1507
Is there a gym at BLT?
No, but BLT guests are permitted use of CR's Olympiad Fitness Center, located on the 3rd floor.
How kid friendly does the resort feel?
~~GRAND OPENING DETAILS~~
Did you get any sort of freebie or gift as a momento as one of the first guests? If so, what is it?
Yes, guests have been receiving a smaller version print of the Minnie Mouse artwork used in the studio and 2br/GV non-master bedrooms. The back of the print is marked "Bay Lake Tower Opening Day."
jonesmatny is live blogging a first week stay! Check it out here!! The link is at http://www.blt-dvc.blogspot.com/
I posted as many questions as I could think of, but I gotta go see UP now, so I have to stop! Please add your questions by replying to this thread and I'll do my best to keep up with it and update this original post so that all the questions are listed.
~~GENERAL RESORT~~
Do you have any pictures??? PLEASE share!
Here is an AWESOME set of photos on Flickr - this person has included many photos of the Disney-themed artwork around the building, including what looks like the different art in each elevator lobby.
How is the check-in process at the Contemporary?
If you valet parked, was it free? (They've yet to confirm free valet, but I assume it will be free.)
Which shop carries groceries? How is the selection?
The market place in the Contemporary has groceries, average selection like other resorts. Most comparable to store at wilderness lodge.
Do the CR shops have DVC merchandise? Is there any merchandise featuring BLT?
The market place has a very small selection. There is a BLT tshirt in both mens and womens.
Please describe the self-parking process - where were you directed to park and how long was the walk?
If you used bell services to deliver your bags to your room, how long did it take?
Where should rented mobility scooters be dropped off for guests staying at BLT? Near the Contemporary check-in (baggage) or in the BLT lobby?
Did you need to use your key card to access the walkway to BLT?
CONFIRMED. Key cards are required to access all resort areas - the walkway, the lobby doors, the pool area, etc.
How many elevator banks are there? Where are they located?
There are two banks of three elevators.
Grand Villas on the 16th floor can only be accessed by one elevator bank, depending on which side of the building the villa is on. Consult the room number chart to see if the north or south elevator bank provides access to your particular GV.
Are there any guest services in the BLT lobby? Are there any dedicated CM's for the hotel that are around or is most of it shared with the Contemporary? If so, what is their overall attitude with the opening?
Check-in for BLT is in the Contemporary lobby and there is no dedicated desk for this - any CM can help you.
There are 2 staffed desks in the BLT lobby - one is for general information and according to Jack Spence's blog is "staffed most of the time." The other is for Top of the World Lounge check in and I assume it is only staffed in the afternoon/evening."
Where is guest laundry located? Are the machines HE (high efficiency)?
Guest laundry is located on the first floor off the lobby. It appears to have 3 washers (1 front-loader, could be more washers that aren't pictured on Jack's blog on All Ears) and 6 dryers.
Do the trash rooms have separate bins for paper/plastic/glass? (IME, some resorts do and some do not)
Is there a Community Hall? Please describe the activities available. Do you have pictures??
According to the official site:
Community Hall is located near the lobby entrance of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. At Community Hall, you can play ping-pong, foosball, video games, watch TV or participate in rainy day activities. You can also pick up equipment for basketball, bocce ball, tennis and shuffleboard. DVDs are available to rent (at no charge for Disney Vacation Club Members) at Community Hall. Check the chalkboard in the children's area, located in the main lobby of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, for games and crafts offered by the recreation team.
Jack Spence published photos of Community Hall here: http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/08/bay_lake_tower_part_three_1.html
What activities (arts & crafts, etc) are offered at Community Halls?
What is the room numbering system? The numbers seem confusing.
1st floor: 7104-7144
2nd floor: 7202-7244
3rd floor: 7302-7344
4th floor: 7402-7444
5th floor: 7502-7544
6th floor: 7602-7644
7th floor: 7702-7744
8th floor: 7802-7844
9th floor: 7902-7944
10th floor: 8002-8044
11th floor: 8102-8144
12th floor: 8202-8244
14th floor: 8402-8444
15th floor: 8502-8544
16th floor: 8605-8611*
8635-8641**
*north elevators only
**south elevators only
I imagine the split access to the 16th floor room entrances is due to the location of Top of the World, which means the hallways don't span the length of that floor.
Does the monorail stop at BLT?
No, the monorail can be accessed by BLT guests by walking over the sky bridge to the 4th floor concourse.
How do I get to Magic Kingdom?
The fastest way to get to MK from BLT is to walk. There are sidewalks, though you will have to cross one street. Another option is to take the resort monorail from the Contemporary. This route will stop at the TTC, Polynesian and Grand Floridian before arriving at MK.
To return to BLT, you can again walk or take the resort monorail. The Contemporary will be the first stop once you leave MK.
Warning - DO NOT board the EXPRESS monorail as it will only take you to the TTC.
How do I get to Epcot?
Take the resort monorail from the Contemporary and exit at the TTC. Transfer to the Epcot monorail at the TTC.
Alternately, bus service is offered from the Contemporary to Epcot.
How do I get to Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney and the water parks?
Bus service is offered to these locations from the Contemporary bus stop.
How do I get to other Disney resorts?
To get to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian, take the resort monorail from the Contemporary.
To get to Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness, take the resort boat launch from the Contemporary marina.
To get to all other resorts, you can walk to the Magic Kingdom bus stop and take a bus from there. Remember that MK operating hours will determine whether or not you can also use the bus to return to BLT via the MK bus stop.
Resorts can also be accessed by taking the bus from the Contemporary to Downtown Disney and then taking the bus for the resort you wish to visit.
BUS ROUTE: Traditionally, the CR shares routes to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney with the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. The CR is typically the first stop on this loop. Was that your experience? If not, describe the bus service.
Can MK fireworks be viewed from the Sky Bridge?
Yes. Wishes soundtrack can be heard on the sky bridge as well.
Is the Sky Bridge enclosed?
No, the bridge is open, except for one short section that is enclosed by frosted glass panels to block the view of a Contemporary loading dock.
Other notes:
If I don't have an MK view room and I can't get into the TotW lounge, is there anywhere else to view the fireworks?
In addition to the Sky Bridge, fireworks are visible from the north elevator lobbies (and perhaps the south elevator lobbies - no confirmation of this). The soundtrack is NOT broadcast in these areas.
Are there smoking areas and, if so, where are they located?
There is a smoking area at the front of the building to the left of the main doors and there is a smoking area beside the Tempo Fountain.
There is a also a smoking area between the contemporary and BLT but it is a bit out of the way.
There are plenty of ashtrays around the pool area but according to the manager of that area they are only for guests who have walked up to that area smoking so that they have somewhere to put out their cigarettes.
~~ROOM DETAILS~~
What was your room number, room size and view?
7720--1BR--MK View--7th floor
8014--studio--LV--10th floor (**PARTIAL MK VIEW**) (**ACCESSIBLE ROOM**)
7820--1BR LOCKOFF--MK View--8th Floor
8120--1BR --MK View--11th Floor
Which floors have MK view rooms?
According to Jack Spence's All Ears blog:
"Rooms start on the second floor. They do NOT have good views of the Magic Kingdom, yet members are charged the same amount of points as those staying on a higher floor. I'm sure Disney is going to get complaints about this. I was originally put in a third floor room. After seeing it, I returned to the check-in desk and requested a higher floor."
It's been stated that all 4 parks are visible from various rooms. Aside from the obvious MK view, what other parks could you see? (Please include your room number/view.) Could you see fireworks at other parks? Could you see the Electrical Water Pageant?
If you were in a DEDICATED 2BR - do you have pictures of the 2nd bedroom and bath?
If you toured the models, were there any changes from the model furnishings and the actual room furnishings?
Is there an ice maker in the freezer?
Yes!
Are the in-room washers HE or traditional models?
Traditional and they seem to be regular capacity.
There have been reports that the sliding doors to the bathrooms do not lock and do not provide complete privacy (visual and, um, audio
) - at least one report of doors not sliding shut completely, leaving a gap. Was this the case in your room?Room 7820: Yes. Gap = half the diameter of the quarter at the top and about the full quarter at the bottom.
Do the bathrooms have motion-activated exhaust fans? (This one is for me!!
I hated the goshdarned fans at SSR with a passion!!!)In the 1BR unit, the master bathroom exhaust fan is motion activated. The small bathroom fan is switch activated.
(Note from Tara - my husband groaned when I read this answer to him.
)Where are the internet jacks? If there is more than 1, are they all "hot"? (i.e., do they all work?)
1BR unit - one jack at the desk in the master bedroom.
Is wireless internet access available?
Wireless internet access (wifi) is available in the BLT lobby and Top of the World Lounge. Wifi is also available in the following public areas at the Contemporary Resort (I'm only listing truly public areas, so this excludes wifi in the club lounge):
Main Lobby
Outer Rim Bar
1st Floor Convention Center Lobby
2nd Floor Convention Center Lobby
Main Pool
There is a fee of $4.99 for an hour of use or $9.95 for 24 hours (contiguous - you can't use a few hours each day for $9.95). It seems that DVC members are not billed for this access, just as they are not billed for in-room wired internet access.
Can a video camera or game console be connected to the TV? Can the TV be used as a monitor if attached to a computer?
The TV does have a box with a/v input (RCA jacks or "red/white/yellow" jacks), PC video input, audio input and HDMI input (it appears - it reads "digital video in" and looks like an HDMI port).
Does BLT have the Disney cartoon channel - the one that plays the same loop of cartoons?
No, this channel is not available at BLT at this time.
Are rooms equipped with the iHome mp3/iPod docks that are going in at other DVC resorts?
Yes.
Is the thermostat motion-activated? Can you post a picture or post the model number?
How comfortable is the sleeper sofa? (0-10 scale with 0=bed of nails and 10=so comfortable I never got out of bed the whole trip
)From mac_tlc: My DS is on the sleeper sofa and he also says it is comfortable, but I think he could sleep on the sidewalk and be comfy.....
This picture shows that there is more space between the sofa and the curtains than the model depicts (photo by jonesmatny):
How comfortable is the sleeper chair?
From mac_tlc: My DD is on the sleeper chair and she said it is more comfortable than the sleeper sofa at OKW.
Here's a video of the chair opening, courtesy of qtzar:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/qtzar/3796392778/in/set-72157621965090080/
Do you have a copy of the resort map you can post?
Courtesy of jonesmatny:
Is the Wishes soundtrack broadcast on an in-room TV channel?
Yes, Wishes soundtrack is broadcast on channel 20.
How much noise you can hear in your room (from other guests rooms, the hallway, outside fireworks, etc)
Please provide a picture of the in-room safe (i.e., can it fit a laptop computer?)
It appears that most 13"-15" laptops would fit in the safe. Can someone post a measurement? Or - what size is your laptop and did it fit?
Other room details...
jonesmatny has posted about a stay in room 8014, which is an accessible studio. The kitchenette varies from the model and is pictured here:
Can someone describe the bathroom features of accessible rooms?
What type of hair dryer is available? (i.e., connected to wall or separate) Are hairdryers in each bathroom in the 1BR and larger units?
The master bathroom shower seems to have two showerheads. How do they work?
One flat showerhead is mounted on the wall in the traditional way, although it is a modern fixture that pivots for directional control. The other showerhead is a rainfall fixture mounted on the shower ceiling, and it produces a more gentle, rainfall-like flow. The fixtures can only be used one at a time, not in combination.
How much storage space for luggage is there? (please include room size in your comments)
~~TOP OF THE WORLD LOUNGE~~
What is the use policy for the TOP OF THE WORLD LOUNGE?
ANSWER: Due to anticipated high demand for this location, access to the lounge and deck is available only to Disney Vacation Club Members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower using their Membership either by Vacation Points or cash, guests staying in the room with that Member, and guests who are staying in a room reserved by a Disney Vacation Club Member with Vacation Points. Access is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check-in to access the lounge is on the first floor. You must show a room key with "DVC Member" printed on it. You are then escorted upstairs to the lounge.
The lounge has a capacity of 77 people. The observation deck has a capacity of 499 people.
What are the operating hours?
5pm - midnight with last call at 11:45
Did you access the lounge? What was your experience? (how early did you arrive, was there a line, etc.)
Do you have photos of the view?
What is the menu at the Top of the World Lounge?
APPETIZERS
Lump Crab Nachos -- $10.99
with black bean salsa
Chicken and Vegetable Summer Roll -- $10.49
comes with peanut sauce, not listed on menu
Bay Lake Tower Flatbread -- $7.99
applewood smoked bacon with chopped lettuce and tomatoes
Buffalo Mozzarella Flatbread -- $7.49
with Roma tomatoes and pesto
Beef Tenderloin Flatbread -- $8.49
with goat cheese, aged balsamic and onion jam
DESSERT TRIO
Creamy Indulgence -- $7.99
cheesecake with raspberry coulis, coconut panna cotta with passion fruit drizzle, chocolate-passion fruit mousse with pecan-olive brittle
Can Disney Dining Plan or Tables in Wonderland be used at TotW?
TIW - yes
DDP - yes, but the appetizers require a meal credit.
Are children allowed in TotW?
Yes, when accompanied by an adult.
~~POOL, DINING AND RECREATION~~
Describe the slide experience, please!
How is the kids' play area? Do you have photos?
Aside from the zero-entry area, how shallow is the pool around the edges? How deep is it at its deepest? (Is it like, say, SSR where it's deepest at the center?)
How many people will the hot tub accommodate?
What is the open pavilion to the right of the slide (when facing the lake)?
This is a seating area for poolside dining.
How much pool seating is there?
What pool items are offered? Vests for check-out? Pool noodles for sale? Water wallets or arm floats for sale? Sunscreen? Waterproof cameras?
Where are the restrooms located?
Next to the lockers, at one end of the building where the Cove Bar is located.
Are there changing rooms available?
Are lockers available for rent?
Yes, but there are not very many. Lockers are coin-operated and take 1 quarter per rental.
Are movies shown poolside at night?
What are the pool use and hopping rules?
BLT guests (regardless of DVC membership/use of points) are allowed access to the BLT pool. They are also allowed access to the CR pools. CR guests are NOT allowed access to the BLT pool. BLT pool access is by key-card only.
As per the DVC pool-hopping agreement, DVC members staying at BLT can access any pool on property with the exception of Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club and the two pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Some blackout restrictions do apply.
What pool activities are offered?
Is food served at the Cove Bar? What is the menu?
Cove Bar has cocktails and prepackaged sandwiches.
Caesar Salad with Chicken -- $7.29
Club Sandwich -- $8.69
roast turkey breast, turkey bacon, vine-ripened tomatoes served on multi-grain bread with choice of chips or sesame green beans
Five Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps -- $6.69
with water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms and sesame green beans
Vegetable Summer Rolls -- $5.69
with sesame green beans
SIDES
Fresh Fruit Cup -- $3.39
Carrots and Celery Sticks with Ranch Dressing -- $3.69
Apple Slices and Caramel Sauce -- $3.49
Frozen Novelties -- $3.09
Assorted Chips -- $2.69
FOR OUR GUESTS AGES 9 AND UNDER --$4.99 EACH
All meals include grapes, carrot sticks, and choice of 1% milk, small bottled water or 100% apple juice*
*Cookie or soft drink available upon request
Is there a mug refill station at the pool bar?
Yes!
Does the Cove Bar take DDP?
What are the hours of operation of the Cove Bar?
What is on the in-room/private dining menu?
Is private dining ordering available at the pool bar as it is at Kidani? What is available?
Yes. There is a phone available to place orders, which are supposed to arrive within 30 minutes.
All meals are served in a Bento Box.
Cold sandwiches served with a choice of grilled vegetable pasta salad or chips[i/]
Italian Deli Sandwich -- $13.99
Capicolla, ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, and tomato on a ciabatta roll
Contemporary Club Sandwich -- $13.99
Sliced turkey, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato on multi-grain bread
Angus Chuck Cheeseburger -- $13.99
Whole-wheat bun with grilled vegetable pasta salad or French fries.
Cheese choices: American, Cheddar, Swiss, provolone or blue cheese
Vegetarian Sandwich -- $14.49
with grilled tofu, zucchini, eggplant, roasted red peppers, and herb goat cheese served on grain bread
FOR OUR GUESTS AGES 9 AND UNDER --$9.49 EACH
All meals served with choice of 1% milk, small bottled water or 100% apple juice
House-made Rainbow Bread Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
with fresh fruit and chips
Grilled Cheeseburger
with fresh fruit and chips
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Little known fact - you can order carry-out from California Grill. Has anyone tried this? How long did it take?
Has anyone ordered anything carry-out from The Wave?
Where are BBQ grills located?
When facing Bay Lake, the grilling area is to the left of the pool. There are 5 grills set up in a semi-circle and to the left of that is a covered pavilion with picnic tables. Very nice set-up!
Do guests need to provide their own charcoal & other supplies?
Yes, grilling consumables (charcoal, etc) must be supplied by the guest. DVC resorts generally offer grilling utensils for free check-out. See question below for confirmation on utensils.
Where can I get grilling utensils?
Where are grilling supplies such as charcoal sold?
What recreation is available?
There are 2 shuffleboard courts and 2 bocce ball courts in the BLT courtyard. (haha, "court"yard
). Equipment can be checked out at Community Hall. Just north of BLT are 2 tennis courts. It appears that they are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, though guests are asked to limit play to 1 hour.Also available at CR are 2 basketball hoops and a beach volleyball court. Basketballs/volleyballs can be checked out at the Marina Shop. Resort ID is required.
I'll find a listing of water/boat recreation at CR and post here soon.
Are there DVC discounts on recreation activities? What are the discounts?
Is there an arcade?
The arcade is located in the CR Tower.
Is there a playground available?
Not on BLT grounds, but a new playground has been built at CR. I'm not sure if it's opened yet. There is also a kids' water splash area at the CR main pool - just opened. Photos here:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32979651&postcount=1507
Is there a gym at BLT?
No, but BLT guests are permitted use of CR's Olympiad Fitness Center, located on the 3rd floor.
How kid friendly does the resort feel?
~~GRAND OPENING DETAILS~~
Did you get any sort of freebie or gift as a momento as one of the first guests? If so, what is it?
Yes, guests have been receiving a smaller version print of the Minnie Mouse artwork used in the studio and 2br/GV non-master bedrooms. The back of the print is marked "Bay Lake Tower Opening Day."
jonesmatny is live blogging a first week stay! Check it out here!! The link is at http://www.blt-dvc.blogspot.com/
the reports from everyone 
