Tell me all the good stuff you know about BCV.

[mamaprincess]

The hubby and I have decided on a family vacation in 2008 instead of an adults only anniversary vacation plus a family vacation. We had AKV booked but couldn't re-book it for this new trip because of the short notice, however there was availability at BCV for our dates in late May, early June. The kids have always wanted to try it out so I reserved it as a surprise for them.

We have only ever stayed at SSR because we absolutely adore it. I'm really nervous about this decision for some reason. Please tell me all the good things about BCV.

[SamSam]

We love BCV because of the location. We can walk to either Epcot or MGM, both are parks we really enjoy and the walking is relaxing for us.
Storm Along Bay (the main pool) is fabulous, your kids will love it!
Movies on the beach. I"m not sure if they are being shown through the winter or if they will have them in the Spring, but Beach Club was showing movies outside on the beach are in the evening.
I'm sure you will get many responses from people who love BCV.
Enjoy your trip!

[DVC Mike]

Please tell me all the good things about BCV.


Location right outside of Epcot!
Stormalong Bay mini water park
Beautiful Crescent Lake
Right across from the boardwalk area
Cape May Cafe character dining
The Yachtsman Steakhouse / Beaches & Cream
The sandy beach

[zalansky]

BCV is my favorite DVC resort! The pool is by far, the BEST!

[lisareniff]

BCV is so very convenient. You can bop back to your room at anytime for a forgotten item or just a quick rest, yet is tucked in a peaceful spot behind the BC with a nice quiet pool, and you can conveniently self park right next to the building.

[eliza61]

I understand totally about trying a new resort especially if you loved a previous one.
BCV's are great. As Sam said one of the best features is that you can walk to epcot and MgM. The pathway over to the International gateway is one of the prettiest and romantic (especially at night). You'll also have a ton of dining options from the world showcase in Epcot to the Broadwalk. Try Beaches and cream for lunch, they have great hamburgers and shakes. (one word of warning, they don't take adr's so the wait can be long).
At night, go over to the Broadwalk and rent a surrey bike. See if you can pedal all they way around without laughing like loons going up the hill.
You'll have a great time.

[Olaf]

One of my best Disney memories: sitting in an inner tube, going around the lazy river at SAB with the Epcot fireworks going off, talking to DH and watching DS zoom by, happy as a lark. Doesn't get any better than that. :goodvibes

[MEM]

We stayed at the BC before we purchased BCV last year. I'll answer your question with a question: what's NOT to love about BCV?

We also own at AKV and while we adore that resort, you can't beat the convenience of BCV for walking to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

[mamaprincess]

Thanks for all your great replies and keep them coming! While we always drive even to DTD when we stay at SSR, we may consider walking over to Epcot.:laughing: I don't think we've ever visited the Boardwalk ever so that will be brand new for us. We love Cape May character breakfast and Art the greeter. Since it will be hot, I'm sure we will spend plenty of time in the pool. The kids have been wanting to have more pool time at WDW but we went Christmas last year. They love to swim and will gladly cut park time in half to just swim.

When you decide to try a different location, it feels almost like you are gambling with your vacation. I do however feel it's time to refresh our annual WDW vacation by getting out of our routine. I think trying a different resort will make our trip seem brand new.:wizard:

[llmurphy17]

Thanks for posting the question. My family will also be going to BCV in July for the first time. :goodvibes

There is also the "the kitchen sink" ice cream sundae at beaches and cream :love:

[Tigger031266]

Location right outside of Epcot!
Stormalong Bay mini water park
Beautiful Crescent Lake
Right across from the boardwalk area
Cape May Cafe character dining
The Yachtsman Steakhouse / Beaches & Cream
The sandy beach

Let me add:
+ Fireworks from Epcot View rooms (Bridge/beach in no Epcot Room)
+ Vallet Service
+ Close to several other great hotels (YK, Dolphin...)
+ Nice and Pastely (if that is a word)
+ Close to Epcot restaurants

[mickey mouse lover]

Everything that's said above, plus they have Dr. Pepper or Mr. Pibb. :cool1:
That's enough for me.

[dsneygirl]

Movies on the beach! We were there the first week and Dec and just stumbled upon 'Cars' set up on the beach with a bonfire. What a great way to spend an evening.

I also love the compact layout of the BCVs. Everything seems really close. Also great fresh salads and sandwiches in the Marketplace. And gelato!

[DisneyTarheel]

We are also thinking of trying it next time. I've always been curious how access to Epcot works before WS is open?

[donmil723]

Everything that's said above, plus they have Dr. Pepper or Mr. Pibb. :cool1:
That's enough for me.

Really? You can get Dr. Pepper or Mr. Pibb at BC? Do they have Diet Dr. Pepper too?

[Newcastle]

We are also thinking of trying it next time. I've always been curious how access to Epcot works before WS is open?

Access is not a problem as they allow you to enter and mingle/walk through WS even though it is not yet open. Last time we were there, we had this big honking stroller which was a pain to get on the buses, so on the days that we wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom, we would actually enter Epcot through the International Gateway and walk through to the monorail and then take it over to the Magic Kingdom. All in all, it took about 45 minutes to get there, which might seem a bit long for some, but we were in no rush and it really was a relaxing stroll for us. ;)

[DVC Grandpa]

Love everything about BCV except the lack of “take outs” at all but Hurricane Hanna’s who has a limited menu and seems to be open only when the pool is open. Beached and Cream only offers ice cream and drinks on its take out menu and the Beach Club gift shop only offers cold sandwiches. Crew’s Club Lounge and Yacht Club Galley (now Captain’s Grill) have a policy of no take outs. I think all other DVC locations provide a take out menu that has some substance to it. I know the Contemporary, Polynesians Captain Cook’s and the Grand Floridians Gasparilla Grill, offer excellent take out facilities. You are somewhat “cheated” at the Beach Club and Yacht Club location. :mad:

[sz9144]

how is walking to epcot and mgm from bcv in july? will it be too hot to comfortably walk? we are going with 2 six yr olds- should be bring a stroller for the walk from bcv to epcot and mgm?

any input is appreciated!

[Simba's Mom]

We are also thinking of trying it next time. I've always been curious how access to Epcot works before WS is open?

Actually, this is one of the many things I love about staying at BCV. I love to enter thru the IG before it opens. sit on a bench in the UK area, listen to the music, watch all the people hurry by, watch the CMs walking by as they begin their day, and watch this-
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n309/Simbasmom32/jan2007%20solo/DSCF0530-1.jpg

Oh, one thing-bring something waterproof for sitting on. There's often dew on the benches.

[colleen costello]

Don't forget the SMELL of Beach Club -- it is heavenly and unique to the area. I think it is something in the landscaping, but others here have mentioned how they love the smell of the inside too, so who knows what it is? It's magic in any case!

Also -- ART is at Beach Club! This lovely gentleman has worked at BC forever and seeing him in the lobby is wonderful. He is always dressed to the nines and will salute as you enter. He is quite the celebrity, having been on WDW tv shows and DVC member publications as well.

- GELATO -- available at the Marketplace. Delicious and refreshing and nowhere else has it! My favorite is the lemon.

- Oreo bonbons at Cape May Cafe, one of my favorite WDW desserts. Little poufs of Oreo mousse, plopped onto a whole Oreo and dusted in cocoa powder. Scrumptious!

Also there are hidden Mickeys in the hallway carpets, occasional alligator sightings and snakey-necked turtles in the canal who are as big as frying pans. Save your breadcrusts for these guys. Feeding them is one of our favorite BCV activities.

We love BCV!

[RxforDisney]

We LOVE the Beach Club! We stayed there on a rental last year, and love it so much it just this week became our first DVC ownership. :woohoo:

As far as walking to Epcot, you will walk as far to your car as you will to the back gate to Epcot. So, even in July that one is a keeper. As far as walking to MGM, that is quite a trek, and I would not attempt it in July with children. But, there is a boat right next to stormalong bay that will take you straight there.

I just have to say "ditto" to all the other great posts. The boardwalk is beautiful at night, we love beaches and cream, breakfast at Cape May, and of course stormalong bay.

I know you will have a great time!

[bblanch]

Access is not a problem as they allow you to enter and mingle/walk through WS even though it is not yet open. Last time we were there, we had this big honking stroller which was a pain to get on the buses, so on the days that we wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom, we would actually enter Epcot through the International Gateway and walk through to the monorail and then take it over to the Magic Kingdom. All in all, it took about 45 minutes to get there, which might seem a bit long for some, but we were in no rush and it really was a relaxing stroll for us. ;)

How does it work getting back to BCV from Magic Kingdom via monorail at park closing? Do they still let you walk through?

[buzz5985]

I don't want to throw a kink in the thread but when I stayed there, SAB closed early, around 7 pm when the lifeguards went off duty?? It was August.