Deb Wills checked in to the new Bay Lake Tower today, August 4, and sent photos along the way. Here's a look at the newest Disney Vacation Club location, through Deb's eyes -- photos added as the day goes on:
The day begins over Bay Lake:
Welcome Home!
Fantasia Gift Shop line for LE Bay Lake Tower Pin
View from 7th floor villa at Bay Lake Tower
Lobby entrance of Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower 1 bedroom balcony
Walkway Contemporary - Bay Lake Tower
View from 15th floor
Bay LakeTower Looking up from Fountain
Founding member plaques on Tempo Fountain
Pool at BayLake Tower
Play area fountain. Bay Lake Tower
Even the hallways are beautiful at Bay Lake Tower
Jack, Deb and Bartender Mike in Member Lounge @ Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower Member Lounge
Amazing full rainbow from Member Lounge
Bay Lake Tower Pool at Night
Posted by Debra Martin Koma on August 4, 2009 9:04 AM | 
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The next post in this blog is Deb's Pre- Bay Lake Tower Photos.
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Comments (51)
Thanks so much for the pictures of Bay Lake Tower!! I'm very excited that this is our home resort and can't wait to stay here! My only regret is that we have to wait until May 2010! I greatly appreciate all the work you and everyone else puts into the website and newsletter. It has provided so much useful information to make our trip planning so much easier for us. Keep up the GREAT work!!
Posted by Karen | August 4, 2009 10:27 AM
Posted on August 4, 2009 10:27
Thanks for all the photos...
Posted by Mom | August 4, 2009 10:45 AM
Posted on August 4, 2009 10:45
what is the deal with the founding member plaques at the Tempo fountain? Are they members of DVC BLT?
Posted by Tricia | August 4, 2009 11:41 AM
Posted on August 4, 2009 11:41
AWESOME ! I can't wait til Dec 7th when I am bringing my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary here. Thanks for the pictures and all the great info out here to plan with.
Posted by Hilary Doncaster | August 4, 2009 11:49 AM
Posted on August 4, 2009 11:49
I'm so excited for the opening! We will be staying there Halloween weekend, and as one of the first 1000, our names are somewhere on the founding member plaques. Thanks to you, I now know what they look like and where they are located!
Posted by Tina | August 4, 2009 12:04 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 12:04
Pictures Look Great! I can't wait for our stay their in Oct. 2009.
Any chance on finding out which type of rooms are on which floors?
DEB: Each floor has a mix of rooms, although I"m guessing the Grand Villas are high up. No map of the room types are available (I did ask :)
Posted by Scott | August 4, 2009 12:28 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 12:28
YAY! I'm so happy you are posting pictures today. Any chance you could post pics of the lithos they are giving out?
Deb: I have not seen any litho being given out. I'll ask.
Posted by Jennifer | August 4, 2009 12:46 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 12:46
Thanks for all the great pictures.
Tricia, the founding member plaques at Tempo Fountain were part of the purchasing incentive for the first ____ members that purchased at BLT. I believe it was the first 1000 members.
Disney does this at new DVC resorts to encourage people to buy at that specific resort.
Posted by Dan | August 4, 2009 12:55 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 12:55
Thank you so much for posting the pictures of BLT, this is our home resort and we are headed down next Friday! It looks amazing!!
DEB: It IS amazing. I don't want to leave tomorrow LOL
Posted by Keri | August 4, 2009 1:17 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 13:17
Thank you for the pictures. BLT looks beautiful! I wonder if Disney will someday build a second BLT where the Contemporary (south?) garden wing is now for some symmetry? Any rumors on this?
Posted by Julie | August 4, 2009 1:35 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 13:35
Greetings,
The tiles were for the first 1000 families that bought 160 points or greater.
Posted by Maureen | August 4, 2009 1:38 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 13:38
Thanks. Seeing these photos has made my day. It has been a tough year for our extended family but I am sure our December stay at BLT will make for a Magical Christmas.
Posted by Heather | August 4, 2009 2:03 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 14:03
Regarding the question about the founding member plaques at the Tempo fountain: I believe it was the first 1,000 people to purchase BLT points got an engraved plaque at the fountain. I was one of them. We had two lines at 16 characters per line to say what we wanted, pending approval by Disney, of course.
Posted by John Torre | August 4, 2009 2:04 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 14:04
Thanks so much! For the pics you posted from the room, what view is that considered?
Posted by Irene | August 4, 2009 2:39 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 14:39
Thanks for the pictures, My wife and I will be down September 10th to check it out in person. It looks beautiful
Posted by Jason | August 4, 2009 2:41 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 14:41
How long is the walk to the Magic Kingdom?
Posted by Ray | August 4, 2009 3:25 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 15:25
Did anyone notice the hidden mickey in the carpet on the hallway pic??
Posted by Jamie | August 4, 2009 3:36 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 15:36
Thanks for the great pictures and info! We will be staying at Saratoga Springs in September and will be sure to check out the Bay Lake Tower! We're new DVC members, and BLT is our home resort! We will be there a week in December. I always get excited to visit WDW, but I'm especially excited to see our new resort!
Thanks again!
Posted by Trisha | August 4, 2009 3:57 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 15:57
Thanks For the pictures. Im so excited that we will be staying Dec 5-13. I cant wait
Posted by Emily | August 4, 2009 4:30 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 16:30
Thanks for the pics. I'll be staying there also Dec 4 -12
Posted by michelle | August 4, 2009 4:49 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 16:49
Thanks for the exciting pics, Deb. We hope to stay at BLT next year. We're booked in Kidani Village (and Saratoga Springs) this November.
Posted by Fred Thomas | August 4, 2009 5:17 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 17:17
Thanks for the answers regarding the Tempo plaques......just wondered about them.
Posted by Tricia | August 4, 2009 5:17 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 17:17
We just came back from our 2 week vacation there and as a DVC member we were given a private tour prior to public opening.
All I could say when we went up to the grand villas, which are all located on the top two floors.....you can enter either on the lower or upper level........is WOW. I left the tour with my mouth wide opened.
In the Grand Villa, three, yes, three bathrooms and one has a TV(flat screen) in it!
Thanks Deb, for all of your hard efforts on this site. I don't think I ever thanked you! Our yearly trips are easier because of you and the ALL EARS team!!!
THANKS!!!
Posted by Rina | August 4, 2009 5:27 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 17:27
Thanks for posting such great photos.
BTW, the Founding Member Plaques were for the 1st 1000 DVC owners at other resorts that added on another 160 points at BLT. You must be a current DVC owner to be a founder at another resort. So it is possible that you were one of the first 1000 families to buy but are not a Founder and you don't get a plaque.
Maybe they should rename as the Add-on Founding DVC Members. LOL
Posted by Denise | August 4, 2009 5:43 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 17:43
We were on a waiting list and just got our confirmation - staying Bay Lake View 9/25-10/1 Can't wait - What a way to celebrate my birthday!!
Posted by Robbin | August 4, 2009 5:44 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 17:44
Deb, Any chance you saw what the "light snacks" being served at Top of the World are going to be? I believe the Grand Villas are all on the top floor (check out the windows in photos).
Snacks are
Crab Nachos
3 flatbreads,
Chicken and Vegie Summer Roll
Dessert Trio
Many of us requested a cheese tray.
Posted by Rob | August 4, 2009 6:41 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 18:41
I'll be staying there this time next week....we got lucky a few months back and able to get a week in a LV room!!!! ALL your pictures are getting me even more excited for our trip...we are members of DVC since 03 - gave up Boardwalk front rooms at the boardwalk for this opportunity - originally BCV members.
DEB: I think you will really enjoy the resort. Be sure to allow some time to relax in the Member Lounge.
Posted by Robert | August 4, 2009 8:00 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 20:00
Pix were awesome. I noticed the Hidden Mickeys on the carpeting in the hall. Would love to have some in my home.
DEB: There are even Hidden Mickeys in the bed linens!
Posted by Sara | August 4, 2009 8:07 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 20:07
Thanks so much for the pictures!!! It looks great. I am so thankful we were able to buy into DVC with this resort. We can't wait to stay here!
Posted by Amanda | August 4, 2009 8:45 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 20:45
Gosh, this is such a beautiful and sophisticated place. Oh to be a DVC owner.
Thank you for posting these wonderful pictures.
DEB: you are most welcome!
Posted by Iris Scheunemann | August 4, 2009 8:48 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 20:48
This resort is just beautiful! As our August trip approaches we will be sure to stop by and take a peak. Disney did a wonderful job at designing this resort and keeping it within structure of the contemporary. The pictures are just perfect! I am sure many will call this there new home away from home. ENJOY!!
Posted by susan and jerry ziolkowski | August 4, 2009 9:23 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 21:23
Thanks so much for the photos today, it was nice to feel like I am there just for a bit and at the same time see something new.
Posted by Craig | August 4, 2009 11:04 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 23:04
My family and I (DM, DD, Sister age 8 and me age 13) are planning a trip October with another family (girl age 8 and boy age 5). We are DVC members but the other family is not. We were all planning ion staying at AKL but after the seeing these pictures, I'm thinking we should stay here. My dad is a quadripligic. How accessible do you think this hotel is. Thanks ;)
Posted by Lucy | August 5, 2009 8:04 AM
Posted on August 5, 2009 08:04
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the photos. The night photos of the pool came out great.
I am planning a trip to Bay Lake with my wife for our 24th Anniversary in October.
I feel like I have already been there. (Oh wait, I have)
Thanks again Deb.
Posted by Todd Burnidge | August 5, 2009 8:53 AM
Posted on August 5, 2009 08:53
TERRIFIC PICTURES!!!!!
We arrive 8/12 at Saratoga. Then 8/21 at BLT for 4 nights in a 1 bedroom. Can't wait to get there.
Posted by Susan Doucette | August 5, 2009 9:04 AM
Posted on August 5, 2009 09:04
The pics are amazing. I got chills! Thanks, Deb! Can't wait for our stay in November.
Posted by Noreen Rachuba | August 5, 2009 9:59 AM
Posted on August 5, 2009 09:59
Thanks for the preview. We will be there in 11 days.
Posted by Joe | August 5, 2009 12:16 PM
Posted on August 5, 2009 12:16
We are staying in a lake view studio in October. Can't wait! Thanks for the pictures!
DEB: Bay Lake has some amazing sun rises!!! Try to catch one of them!
Posted by Phil Thach | August 5, 2009 1:31 PM
Posted on August 5, 2009 13:31
great pics deb. looks great. i went thru it when i was @ wdw july 16-18. saw the new bldg. hope to see it again soon. good thing 4 the internet so I can see what's new & all that fun stuff
Posted by wdwnut4life | August 5, 2009 1:37 PM
Posted on August 5, 2009 13:37
luv that new slide!
Posted by wdwnut4life | August 5, 2009 1:40 PM
Posted on August 5, 2009 13:40
We are staying at Saratoga Springs is August and are returning in October to BLT. Thanks for all the pics and updates.
We have traveled to the World 25 times but it is special each time we visit.
Posted by Page | August 5, 2009 2:40 PM
Posted on August 5, 2009 14:40
I am glad to see that there are more people than my husband and I who get really excited about Disney World. We are members at both the Animal Kingdom and Bay Lake Tower. We have a trip planned to stay at BLT for Sept 9th thru Sept 20th. Can't wait. Love the pictures and all of the positive comments!!!
Posted by Debra Bowman | August 5, 2009 10:52 PM
Posted on August 5, 2009 22:52
The pictures are wonderful and I wish I was checking-in.i wanted to be one of the first 1000 to buy 160 points but dreams dont work out all the time.This will be my next stay so until then thanks for all the info.
Posted by Billy | August 7, 2009 11:23 AM
Posted on August 7, 2009 11:23
Thanks for the great pictures. Me & my family are going to AK Kidani in November (99 more days)Can't wait. We are DVC members and I think next year we will try BLT, the pictures are wonderful! Thanks again for sharing, Denise Finkle
Posted by Denise Finkle | August 7, 2009 12:42 PM
Posted on August 7, 2009 12:42
Thanks so much Deb to you and your team for all the fabulous info. Jack does a "vacation" from a website thats classic. Husband and I are going to BLT for ten days in September Lake View and now after seeing your photos can hardly wait. We were a little uncertain booking there as we are not "hotel" people. Members since 1996 at OKW and love that place as compared to all the others and yes we have stayed at all the DVC resorts. Again, thanks, you have taken away all my doubts and can hardly wait for September to get here.
Posted by Cheryl Adamonis | August 7, 2009 12:47 PM
Posted on August 7, 2009 12:47
So, as for the "views" what exactly, does "standard" look out on? I can't imagine there being a bad view from anywhere, based on the pics! And which view looks out on the courtyard & pool...clearly not MK?
Oh and thanks for the awesome pics! This site rocks!
BLT is our home resort, but we won't be visiting until March '10. (just got back from Saratoga in May)
DEB: From what I understand, standard view may be a parking lot, roof or partial pool view.
Posted by Janine Caputo | August 9, 2009 9:27 AM
Posted on August 9, 2009 09:27
We just returned from BLT. We are new dvc members and this is our home resort. IT IS ABSOLUTELY beautiful. We were there for opening week. The pictures that you posted are beautiful. thank you so much for sharing them. Now we can look again, you did a much better picture taking job than i did. Also see Wish"s from the 16th floor it was amazing
Posted by Linda | August 9, 2009 10:39 AM
Posted on August 9, 2009 10:39
We joined DVC in April and BLT is our home resort. We can't wait to see it. We'll be visiting in November. The pictures are wonderful, thanks for that. We're going to stay in a Bay Lake view room in November. I'm wondering how difficult it is to get up on roof to watch the fireworks. Was it crowded up there in the evening?
DEB: Only 100 persons can be in the Member Lounge but over 300 can be outside in the viewing area. Chances are you will be ok. It was not crowded while I was there, but the resort was not fully occupied yet either.
Posted by Cy | August 14, 2009 9:04 AM
Posted on August 14, 2009 09:04
Thanks for the pictures. I am going in November and had the luck to get 9 days in a Grand Villa with a MK view. I cost me a bunch of points but your pictures have convinced me it is worth it. I just wish I was buying all my points for this resort. Given the interest in BLT I am sure Disney will plan another along the Monorail route at some point.
Thanks again.
Posted by Scott Piazza | August 18, 2009 9:57 PM
Posted on August 18, 2009 21:57
Hi Deb
We are not DVC members, but have booked a week stay at the brand new Bay Lake Towers for October. Our "two room villa" is a "lake view" and I would like to know your thoughts if you think upgrading it to a Magic Kingdom view would be worth the extra cost. Any other tips or recommendations for room location would be great. Specifically, if you can tell me what floor and location might be the most direct to Disney transportation would be excellent! thank you very much - Nichole
Posted by Nichole | August 21, 2009 9:51 PM
Posted on August 21, 2009 21:51
Deb,
I am so glad you have pix of the pool. We are visiting in Jan. '10. Like the previous writer we have a 2 room lake view villa booked and wanted to know which are the best rooms to request for the least amount of walking to either the monorail, buses or walk to MK? I have MS and staying in the smartest area to reduce walking any which way I can is beneficial. Is it easier to just walk to MK or should you walk to contemporary and catch monrail to MK? -Beth
Posted by Beth Bates | August 22, 2009 4:31 PM
Posted on August 22, 2009 16:31