Top of the World Lounge Has Reopened – What's It Like?



In this episode, Paul and Amy discuss a recent experience they had attending the reopening preview for Top of the World Lounge – Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

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34 thoughts on “Top of the World Lounge Has Reopened – What's It Like?”

  1. I never was able to get a drink or food while I was there. A cart outside with food and drink would do well .I don’t have an issue with spending money at Disney . I have an issue when I have to jump through hoops to spend it . That includes making reservations 180 and now 60 days before my trip.I hate feeling boxed in by reservations .I haven’t made a reservation at Disney except same day in years.

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  2. We bought our first contract in 2005 and there was zero pressure. I'm glad to hear that is still the case because I always tell that to everyone. Thanks Amy & Paul for sharing your experience at Top of The World Lounge. We have never been and now we probably won't ever go!

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  3. Access to the top of the world lounge is restricted to DVC memberships eligible for Membership Extras.

    This is not “direct members” as stated in the show. Resale contracts purchased prior to April 4, 2016 qualify for Membership Extras as well.

    Not all contracts purchased directly from Disney qualify as a minimum qualifying purchase is required.

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  4. While I understand why there is an up charge for a guaranteed seat, there shouldn’t be one. With what my family and I have already (and continue) to spend on Disney, we should have a pavilion at Epcot named after us. We have an original purchase DVC membership for Disney’s Beach Club Villas which is long since paid in full, but continue to spend thousands each year in dues. I equate this to concierge level at the other resorts, so are they now charging for the three times a day refreshments in concierge? It seems to me that rather than have repeat customers they would rather just get what they can now and that’s a horrible business model. The reason why, in the past, so many people went to Disney multiple times in a year was because it was totally worth it. Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t dipped out in Disney. It is still one of my favorite places to vacation. I cannot justify a lot of it right now and until I can, most of it will not be done (park passes, special events, etc.). I would hope that someone in the company has some forward thinking going on, because if you make this destination “exclusive” it will not be good for the bottom line. We have been visiting this magical place since 1975, so I know what to expect from Disney. Right now, the company that bears his name does not know how to satisfy their core customers and it will start to hurt the bottom line if it continues. Because of a lack of foresight (probably due to outsourcing or releasing a large contingent of dedicated employees), this company is bordering on self destruction. So many things are being done to please the least amount of people and then you wonder why things are the way that they are. Universal will eclipse Disney in 2023 if management is not careful. The perks that came along with a Disney vacation are what’s missing. You don’t need to always add new attractions, sometimes refurbishing (the Walt Disney way) is all that is needed. Keeping the parks well maintained is a must and cannot be evident to the guests or detract from the experience (the man said it himself). While I understand that this is a corporation, if you steer to far from your founding principles…people will notice. If you want to be the shining star of entertainment, accommodations, and dining…you’d better shine and right now, just down the road from Disney is looking very bright. If the management at Disney keeps on looking at the parks as something “exclusive” but not really providing something that no other attraction has, they will not be happy. Kind of like this devoted fan right now. It’s not too late for Disney to turn things around though, kind of like they say in race car driving, “sometimes slower is faster”. Well, sometimes charging less makes you more money. Look at the history of this place and tell me I’m wrong. Any time they lower prices or keep them in check, people go there and spend like there’s no tomorrow. Adding new attractions can help the bottom line, but if the rest of the place is neglected to get that project done…it doesn’t always work.

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  5. Of course you got an invite. For all the complaining you do, you continue to buy into it. So they know they have won because they known its all hot air. The invites will continue. Do enjoy your show though.

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  6. Totally agree with Steven Phillips below.
    Kids and wife don’t drink, we don’t eat desserts for health reasons, way too much obesity around, so will I have to pay $220 plus tax and tip to experience something that was previously included?
    And yet, the apologists just lap it up.
    Now, if they want a minimum spend of say, $25 that would be far more reasonable.
    The ‘theming’ is an embarrassment on this.

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  7. Would you be willing to pay 10 dollars more per visit so cast members could make a living wage? What if you knew the money went directly into the pay of the hourly workers only?

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  8. This is what I think stinks. When I first bought into Bay Lake Towers when it went on sale in 2008 I believe. One of the selling points were you can only get into the Top of the World Lounge if you stayed in Bay Lake Towers. That was great. Always getting a spot at the bar or a table, fireworks were great with room to spare. The change to let everyone in stunk. Now they changed it again and now making more money with changes. I hope my dues reflect the extra money Disney is making.

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  9. As an adult I can see the table reservation as worth it. I do believe they should ban outside food and drink. Maybe a $10 cover charge and 2 drink minimum, be it alcohol or specialty drink. That way it is more accessible to families and non drinkers. I know I would pay that for Fireworks access and I’m so sick of Disney nickel and diming everything.

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  10. Complete bullshit that Disney took this perk away. We bought resale and saved 15k, but were treated like second class citizens for doing so. The person we bought it from paid full price so the perks should transfer. We bought right before covid so never got to see Top Of The World and now Disney is starting a class war and taking benefits like this away. We're going in September and now plan on buying our own food outside the park snd spending as little possible once inside. So completely frustrated with this and thinking of selling.

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