NEWS: Top of the World Lounge at BLT

[carolina_yankee]

Anyone wanna meet for a drink and Wishes?

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/LicenseDetail.asp?SID=&id=7A63C5DA34FEE60056C50713D8240B80

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/336942055_aWMpL-L.jpg

[robinb]

You bet! But I am 100% sure that they will change the name. Too many 9/11-World Trade Center memories.

[djgrab]

I'm in for a round or 2.:cheers2:

I think the name will stick. When I think of world, I think disney.:wearenumb

[B'rer Karen]

I'm in for a round or 2.:cheers2:

I think the name will stick. When I think of world, I think disney.:wearenumb

Me too, on both counts.

So since this states the owner is DVC Management Company does that mean that it isn't a parking garage? :)

Woo Hoo I'm a two bedroom!

[pixiechick]

wasn't that the name of the dinner club where CG is now?

[retlaweast]

The name should be changed.

"For those who understand no explanation is necessary, for those who do not, none will suffice"

Charlie

[retlaweast]

As a clarification, the World Trade Center restaraunt was Windows On The World. My initial response above was a knee jerk reaction and I do not wish to belittle anyone's opinion. With that said, the emotions involved in making any connection are difficult and I am not attempting to speak for anyone but myself.

Charlie

[dsruton]

I agree that the name needs changed. For both reasons. That was the name of the dinner club prior to CG and for the remembrance of those lost 9-11

[Disneyfreak]

Well,

"Top of the Disney" would be inappropriate. :laughing:

How about " Top of the Sandwich"

Or, "DVC Empire Restaurant":hypnotict

Or, " Tinkerbells Hideaway Bistro"

Or, since the Contemp now has the Wave, BLT's could be "Riptides"

Just a few thoughts!:headscrat

[carolina_yankee]

As a clarification, the World Trade Center restaraunt was Windows On The World. My initial response above was a knee jerk reaction and I do not wish to belittle anyone's opinion. With that said, the emotions involved in making any connection are difficult and I am not attempting to speak for anyone but myself.

Charlie

Charlie, thank you for taking the time to clarify your previous post. As Robinb pointed out, there are very strong 9/11 memories for those familiar with the WTC. For those who live in our area of the country, it's still too easy to find painful reminders of that day. Perhaps Disney will take note of comments like this and consider whether a name change is appropriate.

Dirk

[KVanHilton]

Well call me heartless or just a fond of the clasiscs when it comes to my Disney but when I hear 'Top of the World" I only think of the lounge that used to be where CG is now. I spent many an hour up there in my childhood and I think it's a nice nod to Old School Diz.

[TikiTwinsDad]

Well call me heartless or just a fond of the clasiscs when it comes to my Disney but when I hear 'Top of the World" I only think of the lounge that used to be where CG is now. I spent many an hour up there in my childhood and I think it's a nice nod to Old School Diz.

I agree with the folks who first think of the Contemporary and not the WTC. I have fond memories of it. I don't think it's tainted. It's a rather generic name, much like World Trade Center itself. Many, many cities have WTC's that have not been renamed.

However, my feeling is that a very vocal minority would cause a name change by an overly cautious Disney.

[tomandrobin]

Nice find......Now I wnat details!

[carolina_yankee]

I remember have my first 'grown ups' evening as a 13 year old in the original Contemporary restaurant/lounge. It was nice, and I can see why Disney wants to make a nod to the past.

I just want to caution posters that for some people living in the immediate NYC area, feelings can still be very, very raw and it doesn't take much to make the association with 9/11. I'm personally very lucky that the 5 people I knew at WTC or in the nearby buildings that day are all fine now, but that was by no means certain for 2 of them. I work with people daily who weren't so lucky. Whatever the ultimate name of the new lounge, I'm sure people will adapt over time.

The exiciting news here is that there will definitely be a roof top lounge, and I imagine it will be available to everyone - so what a wonderful way to enjoy the Tower and the wonderful views! Personally, whatever the name, I'm more likely to do drinks at sunset than during Wishes - though both would be great!!

Dirk

[SevenSeasGirl]

Well, it's a great place for a lounge. Would love to have a drink up there. I think its cool that they would go retro and use the name of the original restaurant that existed when CR opened.

[robinb]

The funny thing is that (1) I am not from the NYC area and (2) I don't look at everything through the prism of 9/11 but the attack on the WTC was the very first thing that popped into my mind.

I'm actually mostly OK with the name, but I do think that others will not be OK with it.

[salmoneous]

Not wanting to get into too much of a discussion of how to best remember the dead - but there are dozens of "Top of the World's" out there. And dozens of "World Trade Centers". Heck, there's a Top of the World Observatory on top of the World Trade Center in Baltimore. Those names weren't rendered taboo by the tragedy.

For what it's worth, the first thing I thought of was Titanic (king/top - whatever).

But regardless of the name, I want a drink up there. I'm just not sure how I feel about having hordes of non-DVC people overrunning "our" building.

[robinb]

But regardless of the name, I want a drink up there. I'm just not sure how I feel about having hordes of non-DVC people overrunning "our" building.
As long as their drinks help pay for the lounge so we don't have to, I'm OK with it. Maybe it will be members only :snooty:.

[StotheK]

I agree with the folks who first think of the Contemporary and not the WTC. I have fond memories of it. I don't think it's tainted. It's a rather generic name, much like World Trade Center itself. Many, many cities have WTC's that have not been renamed.

However, my feeling is that a very vocal minority would cause a name change by an overly cautious Disney.

Some theorize that we arrived at BLT from Kingdom Towers (as was in the original paperwork) under very similar circumstances with people online pointing out certain similarities. In both cases the actual name was different, Kindgom HALL - Windows on the world, but the same sort of transient connotation was pointed out. Whether or not Disney used those reasons to change, it's unknown. But if that were the case, I could see a name change.

Maybe they can name it after one of them frilly toothpicks you often get stuck into the top of your BLT sandwich at the diner :idontgeti

[carolina_yankee]

But regardless of the name, I want a drink up there. I'm just not sure how I feel about having hordes of non-DVC people overrunning "our" building.
DVC doesn't have a history of exclusive use for its common areas (with the exception of pools) so I don't know if they would confine use to just BLT guests. They might make it more difficult to get up there, though, if rumors that the walkway will be limited to BLT guests is true.

If it is just a lounge with limited food service, and they make it large enough, crowds might not be a problem.

Dirk

[retlaweast]

I have great memories of the Top of The World Lounge as well. As a Disney historical buff I always enjoy a nod to past attractions, stores, restaurants, cast members etc. Disney has become many things to many people and it is important to recognize the accomplishments of what is both an American and international icon and a place where many of us have years of memories with many more to be made. Thats why we (at least most of us I presume) bought into DVC... to be part of the "magic".

Saying all that, since my original comment was as I've already charecterized, "a knee jerk reaction", it is because of my experiences, family losses and profession that I sometime see things in a different light. Enuff said by me on that aspect...

I remember, as I'm sure some others who call the Boardwalk one of their homes might, that originally there was to be a sort of member only lounge which never materialized. Even back when OKW was still being built out and the original DVC offices (temporary buildings) were still there, members wanted that location to become a member only lounge of some sort. That never materialized either and the greatest obstacle was the fact that the bldgs (Hospitality House?) were not meant or designed for long term use.

It would be nice to see some type of exclusive access providded to members. That would recognize the investment and commitment members have made to Disney.

Charlie

[zulaya]

I'll preface this by saying that I don't want to buy into BLT nor do I really have a huge desire to stay there.

But unless this lounge is freakin' huge, they are going to have to control capacity somehow or everyone who finds out about it will try and get up there just to watch, not even necessarily to buy drinks.

Look at how people would do that at CG and how they had to change their procedure there.

If this is a lounge, I think the fair thing would be to restrict it to guests who are staying at BLT. Could they make it a Member Perk and allow you to key in with your DVC member card or your KTTW card? Maybe.

I think it's all going to depend on space. The Contemporary is close enough for people to want to do something like that. It's more convenient than even the GF or Poly because you can walk there.

I'd love to see the floor plan, or at least square footage at some point.

[RweTHEREyet]

wasn't that the name of the dinner club where CG is now?

I do believe you are right, and they used to do a musical show there called A Salute to Broadway--been there and done that myself. :blueflowe:blueflowe:blueflowe


And to add my .02 worth, I don't have any problems with the name. No disrespect to anyone.

[pixiechick]

And to add my .02 worth, I don't have any problems with the name. No disrespect to anyone.

I guess I didn't make the connection to 9/11-yes, I'm in NJ and yes, I know someone who died that day-thankfully, only one. To me, two different names, two different places-no disrespect intended to anyone either.

The access issue is really a good point. DVC has already, as mentioned earlier, failed in protecting member spaces. My biggest fear is an area "open to members" that begins to be rented to the highest bidder--no wait, that the Attic...

[Peg Leg Pete]

Don't forget Shari Lewis and Lambchop. We went there three straight years each summer and saw that show.

Oh, and I know it will sound insensitive, but Top of the World was Top of the World before 9/11. And remember this is Walt Disney WORLD.

[NYDVC]

personally dont mind top of the World at all. Sounds fairly reasonable name.

sure beats BLT(the sandwich). Strange they dont link the "resort" to MK or WDW but they link the food service? strange.....:headscrat

[SEDCrockett]

I found this drawing some time ago that gives an idea of the dimensions of the rooftop lounge and whatever else is going on the top.

It's companion drawing is the one that I see a lot in people's signatures.

I don't know if this will be what it eventually looks like but it's at least something to contemplate.:goodvibes

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/sdavey41/contemporary-dvc-2.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/sdavey41/contemporary-dvc-1.jpg

Crockett

[administrator]

Yes, we had those pics posted back in 2006 (that thread is HERE (http://www.mouseowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4245&highlight=contemporary&page=7)).

The pics themselves are here: http://www.mouseowners.com/images/CRV1.jpg

and here: http://www.mouseowners.com/images/CRV2.jpg

Great find, btw!! :)

[cincinmouse]

WDW magic has some photos that shows a good shot at the top of the resort
it will take a little more time to see what it really looks like but it looks possible

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk159/cincinmouse/IMG_0692_small.jpg

[PolyColleen]

I was just at the Contemp yesterday, wandering with my family on an overnight stay at OKW. Mom and I STILL call Cali Grill "Top of the World" and I love the idea of calling the new lounge that. Back in the 70s that place was ALL THAT. My family actually never went... Perhaps that is why it seemed like some mythical fantasy land, up there on top of the Contemporary. My Dad never wanted to pack dress clothes, and back in the day you needed a suit and tie to get in. My husband's family DID go, though, and last year when hubby and I had our 20th anniversary meal up there, his Mom squealed "Remember when we saw Vic Damone?" A lot of people have really great memories of Top of the World.

By the way, the BLT is looking fabulous! The coolest thing yesterday is that the walkway from the new building to the old is almost done -- it is nearly connected. You can see its winding shadow on the ground below it. How cool it will be to walk thru that someday! And the Concourse looks beautiful.