We don't really care for the design, feels like you are in a medical facility. Theme Park view is over rated IMO, ok view of the top of space mountain, castle in far distance and BLT parking lot.
TOTWL may not stay open, it's up to Disney, dues have seen a 6% increase the last 2 years, average for other properties is about 3%. Some don't care for the pool and use the one at the Contemporary.
Reports are that the building was constructed with furniture and design elements that were of a lessor quality to save money. The rooms showed excessive wear early on. Some people are upset that there isn't any shear curtains and outsiders can see in. Summer months the rooms tend to be warm due to the amount of glass and the sun hitting the windows.
The biggest positive is that it's a short walk to the Magic Kingdom, great if you spend most of your park time there.
PS We own 300 points at BLT.
As far as just staying there, give it a try and check it out for yourself, my above comments are more for someone who is thinking of buying there.
Bill
To offer you another view on the points above.
1-To look out over the Seven Seas Lagoon and watch the monorail and Ferryboats pass by while looking at the GF in the distance is quite nice. Looking at MK in the evening with the lights twinkle and seeing the fireworks from your room while you listen to the music on your TV can be a bit magical.
2- The TOWL may or may not stay open in the FUTURE, while it can be nice to see the Fireworks from there it has no impact on my decision to stay there or not, it is worth going up there at least once just to experience.
3- The "contemporary" look and feel of the resort isn't everyone cup of tea (personally I like more in your face Disney theming. The furniture has shown its wear quicker than some resorts but it has never impacted our vacation nor has it stopped us from staying there (its not falling apart).
4-I don't know how warm the windows get in the summer but thankfully there is AC that can be turned up. While some may de disappointed there are no shears, others don't mind. You could always stay Lake side and not have the morning Sun heat up the room.
5-Location, location, location. You are a walkway away from the hustle and bustle of the Contemporary but have a fairly quiet room walking distance from MK. You can monorail to the Poly and GF and EPCOT!! We have done EPCOT in the AM taken a boat from there to Hollywood Studios and been back to the room by bus for the fireworks... pretty darn neat, but hey that's my opinion. Almost forgot a boat ride to Wilderness Lodge or Ft Wilderness is a short walk away!
6- As far as the pool you get the BLT pool, with slide and bar but if you want a bit more restful we like the Contemporary which is larger.
You can find faults in any resort but heck I'm on vacation I'd rather focus on the positives.
I am not much on the modern feel of the hotel, but I fell in love with the place. The decor, still not my taste, but the stay, the room, the amenities, made me a new fan. Cannot wait to do it again! My advice, go, go, go!!!
