Why BWV Grand Villa So High

[Disney Adventurer]

Just curious if any knows why the Grand Villas at BWV require so many more points than OKW? I know as a general rule BWV is a higher point structure than OKW, but the Grand Villas are significantly higher. A 2br during magic at OKW is 30 pts, BWV is 40 pref view (33% higher than OKW), 32 std view (6.7% higher than OKW). On the other hand a Grand Villa at OKW is 51 pts and BWV is 108 pts (112% higher). Disney must have know what they were doing because it appears the Grand Villas at both resorts stay pretty full.

[DVCJman]

Location

Location

Location......

[DebbieB]

I may have to do with the fact that there are only 7 GV's at BWV vs 27 at OKW (public offering statement 4/99).

[Dean]

Add to the fact that BW gave them the chance to reevaluate the process. I'm sure they decided that the differential was too low at OKW. Comparing a 2 BR plus a studio, the GV at OKW are a 120% premium and at BW a 150% premium. I suspect they saw how popular the GV were at OKW and decided to "fix it" for BW. No way they could go back and change the points structure for OKW.

I doubt it has anything to do with location per se though I'm sure the fact there are less at BW affects that issue somewhat. We'll see what the premium is at the new resort(s) to compare. IF EP actually happens, it should be our best comparison.

[drusba]

So Richyams wouldn't be tempted to stay there.

[ripleysmom]

LOL @ Drusba :D

[Richyams]

Lets look at the cost of dues.

Dues at BWV are 25% higher per point.

Points per night are 100% higher.

OKW units are about 20% larger.

Therefore, BWV GVs have a dues cost that is more than 250% higher per square foot per night than OKW.

What is it that justifies that?

Maybe there are only 7 because they realized that not that many people would be willing to pay those wild dues to deal with the small units.

[ncligs]

Well said Richyams;) , those are very valid points you make.Maybe BWV's owners can have "real answers" to your facts that you stated about the GV"s at BWV's.:rolleyes:

[vacationman]

Ya know, it is also a lot more expensive to stay at the Malibu Beach Inn (on the ocean) than the joint across the street even though the rooms are much larger across the street.

As DVCJman once said - "Location, location, location".

[Peterd]

"Dues at BWV are 25% higher per point"

Why would that be? Could it be that the BW offers so much more to the owner? Once again, better pools, better dining options, a way better health club, and of course the great location next to the parks.

"Points per night are 100% higher"

They are higher for preferred view rooms, but at some times during the year, (I don't know why), the Okw GV is higher than the BWV GV.
The standard view rooms for the Two bedroom is the same in Nov. at the BW as it is at OKW. The standard view studio is one more point than OKW.

"OKW units are about 20% larger"

Size again? I think it's because there is not as much to do at Okw, so you spend more time in your room there.:rolleyes:

"Maybe there are only 7 because they realized that not that many people would be willing to pay those wild dues to deal with the small units"

The BW is sold out right? Someone must be willing to pay those wild dues.
The GV at BW small? It seems large enough for us. How much more space do you really need? We come down to WDW two to three times a year, and stay in the GV at least one of the trips. We had close to 40 people in our room one night in Nov., and still had plenty of room. Half of them were on the balconies enjoying the entertainment below us. I wonder why you would need more space in a GV, Maybe some want to have plenty of space away from the rest of their family, or vice versa.
There seem to be plenty of people willing to spend the points to stay in them when we're there. I called again yesterday looking for standard view rooms for a few friends in Nov. I got put on a waiting list, but she did say that the Okw was wide open. I don't get it. The rooms we want in Nov cost the same in points at the BW as they do at the Okw, they're a little smaller than the okw, but the BW is sold out, and the okw is wide open. I wonder why?

...and one more time,"Points per night are 100% higher"

Again, location, location, location. There's a reason why the hotels outside of Disney, get cheaper as you get further away from it. Kinda of like Okw. with the points.
:p
To the other Okwesters, Okw IS a very nice resort, Just felt like answering the famous BW basher. Still keeps coming back to the size thing. I wonder why?

[ncligs]

Peterd,

Very entertaining reply:p , but do you get tired of the walk from the parking lot at BWV's??:D

[ripleysmom]

Stands, Claps and Whistles wildly for PeterD!! :D


"Very entertaining reply , but do you get tired of the walk from the parking lot at BWV's??"

Please allow me......that is what valet parking is for at BWV....

[ncligs]

Please allow me......that is what valet parking is for at BWV....

--------------------------------------------------------------
Just wondering if they carry your shopping bags, groceries, etc up to your room also, after they park your car?????:confused:

[CM Tinkerbell]

Well, I love them both equally and own at both. :)

My question is, BWV does not differentiate between standard and preferred views with their Grand Villas. Are they all preferred? Or you pay the same no matter where your villa is located?

[Peterd]

The parking lot walk isn't too bad if you use the entrance by the tennis courts, but we valet most of the time anyway. How 'bout the average walk from an okw room to the main pool? Now that's a walk.
And, yes the bell hops do bring our groceries up to the room at the BW. Another great perk!:p Thanks for the reminder.
Our last trip, one of our friends we got rooms for at the BW did just that. Handed the groceries to the bell hop, and said man now this is a vacation.

[Peterd]

CMtink,
we own at both also, like okw, but just prefer BW. The GV's are all considered preferred views. We know when we stay in the GVs at the Bw, we could get 3 standard two bedrooms with 7 points left over a night for the same price of one GV per night, but once a year we like to splurge and do the GV. It really is high at 79 points a night, but it is a lot of fun to stay in.

[DebbieB]

All the GV's are preferred view. I'm not sure if they are all Boardwalk view or if some are main pool view.

I own at BWV but love them both too. That's the beauty of DVC, you can move around. We like OKW for our laid back May vacation and BWV for our early December vacation, it's great to be in the middle of everything then. I bought at BWV instead of OKW because I knew it would be difficult to get a BWV reservation for early December at 7 months especially for a standard view. No problem getting a May OKW reservation at 7 months. They each have their advantages, in fact we usually make a visit to the other one on each trip. :cool:

[ripleysmom]

Thanks peter for fielding that question about valet parking!! I guess I should have left it to you LOL!! :D

[Disney Adventurer]

Didn't mean to start or should I say re-start the resort war. But I think as someone pointed out, that is what makes DVC so great. Everyone has their own taste and opinion and Disney has managed to offer quite a wonderful variety. But either way GV's are very well booked at both resorts, so why no GV's at VWL or BCV?

[drusba]

That's OK, Disney Adventurer, everyone would die of boredom around here if we didn't have a good resort war every once in a while. I of course stay out of these battles, as I truly think all the resorts are on the same level of excellence. I mean just because BWV has the best location, a great pool, the best hotel ameneties, and its own great nightlife doesn't mean that there is not something good to find at the other resorts. OKW has the largest rooms and lowest points and dues which undoubtedly makes up for its being located out in a country pasture with nothing to do at night except sit out on your porch and play tiddly-winks. VWL has excellent theming which overcomes the inferiority that all there must feel when they have to shell out the same number of points as BWV preferred even though their location is mediocre, their main pool is too far from the rooms, and even Disney believes it is the lesser resort as it charges less per room per night there for cash ressies than it does at BWV. VB has an ocean front location. Sure it could be wiped out by a hurricane but having a beach is clearly nirvana and makes up for its not being at WDW and that owners there pay the highest dues and many were sold only because Disney has offered high incentives giving it a bargain basement price and told purchasers that they could just buy there and then stay at a WDW resort any time they want with no problem. HH is located at one of the premier beach and golf resorts in the nation and thus has a lot to offer even though Disney failed to even put it on the beach and it is too cold in winter to even go there.

Thus, all the others really are just as good as BWV (at least in the minds of their owners). They didn't put any GV's at VWL or BCV because under the point structures adopted for those resorts they would have to charge the same as a BWV GV and they could not figure anyway to make people believe they would be getting the same luxury and value as they would have at BWV GV which is located right over the boardwalk.

Thus, as you, I firmly believe there is no reason to start these resort wars that we see crop up here now and then. I mean nobody should feel that they should have to try to prove that another resort is just as good as BWV.

[PamOKW]

so why no GV's at VWL or BCV?

These two resorts are much smaller than BWV or OKW. The majority of people want a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom so they built them to be flexible. Most, if not all, of the rooms can convert to any of the above. A GV would be a dedicated use of the space.

[mikesmom]

... and OKW is wide open? Because of the Food & Wine Fest, of course!! Everyone wants to be able to walk (or stumble) back to their rooms. Even Rich stays at BWV in November!

[Kick it up a notch!]

I don't understand this war thing everyone has. I own at BWV and thought that I would never want to stay at another DVC resort because BWV was awesome. I mean, come on, who would really want to stay at OKW. The place is really not near anything, you have to drive, take a bus or a boat to get to do anything. The place looks boring, but the rooms are bigger. I guess you could use the extra room to play tiddly winks. I even bought points at OKW, just so I could trade them out in the future, so I could spend one week at BWV and another doing something else. That makes sense financially because the dues are cheaper, right?

Then the strangest thing happened, we had some friends join us for a trip. Since we didn't have enough points at BWV to get another room, we booked them at OKW. Besides, why should we waste our good points and not use our not so good points. So we'll stick our friends at OKW, where the rooms are bigger and cheaper (point wise) and they will just be happy because they are in Disney, right?

We got them a two bedroom at OKW, and it wasn't even that many points (considering we are used to the BWV point chart). I went over to visit them and I had this feeling come over me, kinda like the Grinch when he discovered that Christmas wasn't so bad after all. I mean, I really thought the place was not going to be for us because BWV is the only resort right?

Well, I guess that feeling started to growand my heart was no longer two sizes too small, and I tried to convince my wife, "Hey honey, let's stay at OKW and see what it is like." No, she said. I said well I invited my parents and we can't afford a GV at BWV and we should consider OKW. Being the practical woman that she is, she immediately saw this made sense, and said O.K. (can you say, manipulation?) Since she already said O.K., I figured maybe we should go and check the place out for ourselves and stay for a couple of nights, just to know where everything is and see if we like it. So I booked a trip, just for the weekend, just to see. Well, now neither of our hearts ar two sizes too small, and we both can't wait to go back in September, and really relax. For those of you who think like I thought, think this, if you haven't tried it, you shouldn't say you don't like it. For those that don't want to or have and still prefer BWV, cool, stay there. Then I won't have trouble getting my reservations at OKW!!!

[ncligs]

Kick it up a notch,

Well said!!!!!!!!:D

[CM Tinkerbell]

I cannot say I favor any of the DVC resorts over the other. They all offer something different and that makes it fun.

OKW is a quiet resort, but it is sooo relaxing. I love waking up early and walking the shell strewn sidewalks up to the main area to get some fresh pastry for the morning and listening to the sound of the "key west" music. Then eating breakfast out on the balcony (no tiddly winks invloved) and enjoying the lush landscaping and the birds. I wish I were there right now!

BWV does have a GREAT location. When we stay here, we are in "action" mode. Taking advantage of the closeness to Epcot and MGM and just having "fun". This is a wonderful spot to be for easy park touring and lots of fun. It can't be beat.

WLV just brings you someplace else. The theming there really transports you and it almost makes you feel like you are not in Florida. But, the theming is SO Disney that you really feel yourself surrounded by the Disney magic. When we are there, we like to spend a lot of time at the resort, the pools, the watermice! and we love taking the path over to Fort Wilderness with the kids to enjoy what is offered over there. I love sitting in that incredible lobby. It's amazing.

So, I don't have a favorite, but would love to stay at any of them for what they offer. There is so much more that I could add about what I love about each of these resorts. We've often times split the trip between two of them so that we can experience the differnces that we really appreciate in these resorts.

But seriously, we're not all going to like the same things. That's fine. I can totally understand why someone would prefer one resort over another and that's okay.

[doubletrouble_vb]

Having finally stayed there the only incentive I have for ever staying at Boardwalk again is the Food & Wine festival. I suspect that's because I'm from New Jersey and the place just plain doesn't give me the same vacation feel as VWL & OKW...too many seagulls & too urban a feel to it. It feels like a much nicer Seaside Heights...a place I would never voluntarily stay on vacation.

So keep your restaurants, your big pool, your Seagulls on their bombing runs...I'll settle for the ducks of VWL, the luscious pine scent, the dirt running trails so easy on my legs, the tiny quiet pool with nobody in it and the feeling that I am actually away from home.

[MdmMim]

We're fortunate to have such different resorts to choose from with DVC. I own at the BWV and just love it there. But the VWL are a different story for me--because I live in the woods with the pine trees, the deer, and the quiet, so I enjoy the lively Boardwalk when I vacation. Each resort has its merits, and each appeals to some and not to others. That's part of the beauty of DVC. :)

[DeeP]

I live at the Jersey shore 15 minutes from Atlantic City's boardwalk and about 10 minutes from Ocean City's boardwalk with Wildwood, Cape May etc about 45 minutes away and I LOVE BWV!!!! It is the best WDW resort on property for me.
Of course it could not possibly be on par with OKW, because we all know and have been told on more than one occasion that the only "true" DVC resort is OKW. However, given how quickly the BWVs & VWLs sold out and how quickly they are booked up, I guess a lot of people must like the "fake" DVC resorts.
I like the 1 BR units at OKW very much but other than that OKW holds very little interest for me. I have stayed there when I could not get into BWV and will most likely stay there again if I can not get a reservation at BWV, VWL, or BCV but OKW will never be my first choice. When I am on vacation I like to stay in a Resort not a condo development.

drusba,
Your post was a classic!! :D

[JohnG]

ncligs...........

Why in the world would I want a car at WDW if I'm staying at BW DVC? Boat or short walk to Epcot......boat or walk to MGM......... Monorail from Epcot to MK.........short Bus ride to AK. Endless choices of Restaurants on the BW, at Swan/Dolphin, BC/YK and, oh yeah, at EPCOT OR MGM!.

A car at WDW is so YESTERDAY.

Don't you OKW'ers get it? Even IF I have a 3-5 minute walk from the lot to the entrance door of BW..................I'm only going to do that one or twice per day (or maybe, per TRIP)!

Listen, OKW is a very nice place, enjoy the heck out of your ownership, but please don't go out of your way to knock mine.

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by MdmMim
We're fortunate to have such different resorts to choose from with DVC. I own at the BWV and just love it there. But the VWL are a different story for me--because I live in the woods with the pine trees, the deer, and the quiet, so I enjoy the lively Boardwalk when I vacation. Each resort has its merits, and each appeals to some and not to others. That's part of the beauty of DVC. :)

This is what we need to remember, we're lucky to have choices and thanks to DVC we will have even more choices in the future. I own at BWV, but also love OKW. We like OKW for our May trip, which is more relaxed, more come and go. We like BWV for our early December trip, we like to be in the middle of the action for the Christmas activities. I wouldn't want to stay at BWV in May and wouldn't want to stay at OKW in December, they wouldn't fit the kind of trip we want for those times. I don't think I would have bought DVC if it was restricted to staying at one resort.

By the way, we always rent a car, both at OKW & BWV. I like the freedom of having a car and I hate busses. We do use the boat at BWV, but use the car to AK, DD, offsite shopping & eating. MK sometimes we take the bus, sometimes we drive (usually take the bus when going at night when it's crowded).

[sparkspeak]

This thread is a unique recommendation for ownership!

[RWishbone]

The only reason that people even claim to like OLD Key West is because they purchased there before the BW opened. Now they desperately try to justify the purchase to themselves. If the BW opened first, OLD Key West would still not be sold out. The OKW rooms are slightly bigger but that is the beginning and end of the advantages. BW has a better location, better pools, better restaurants, better ambiance, more intelligent owners, etc...

[Richyams]

more intelligent owners

I am not sure of the evidence for this, but I would agree that they are healthier....the 1.2 mile walk to the room from anywhere is great exercise for the cardio-vascular system.

The rooms also offer some brain teaser exercise.....maybe that is where the false idea of "More intelligent owners" comes in. It takes some great skill trying to fit a week's worth of clothes for two people into the drawer space at BWV.

BTW, when OKW and BWV were both selling, OKW sold faster than BWV.

[ncligs]

Qoute from John G.....

Why in the world would I want a car at WDW if I'm staying at BW DVC? Boat or short walk to Epcot......boat or walk to MGM......... Monorail from Epcot to MK.........short Bus ride to AK.
A car at WDW is so YESTERDAY.....
-------------------------------------------
In case of an injury, sickness, accident,etc , I was wondering if the boat,monorail or busses will take you to the hospital??

:rolleyes: Or since you are so used to "long walks", do you just walk to the emergency room??:confused:

[Richyams]

Emergencies are a consideration, but I wouldn't ever do WDW without a car. There are just too many reasons to have one. An off site dinner, a change of plans, stopping to pick up this or that for tomorrow. The general store has some things, but is not adequate for serious late night snacking or even morning omelette madness. There are just too many reasons to have a car.

If you are going to have a car, there is nothing better than having it parked right in front of your unit.

I am thinking that BWVers are forced to spend so much on points and dues that the rental car bill is a little too much to handle.

[ncligs]

Excellent points Rich, thats why we "always" have a car at WDW.;)

[Michelemouse]

RWishbone -

I have to disagree. We purchased our DVC membership in Dec. '97 when both OKW and BWV were available and we bought at OKW. In fact, we had originally been planning to buy in the future and were just taking a look at DVC. We ended up buying that day because OKW was so close to being sold out and we didn't want our points at BWV.

Now, that said, it doesn't mean we don't like BWV. We've stayed there a few times already. It's just that OKW is our preference. I can see all of the benefits to each place and do, truly, like each of the DVC resorts. OKW, however, just feels like home to us.

If everyone wanted the same thing out of DVC all of the DVC resorts would be carbon copies of each other. Disney was smart enough to realize that people have different preferences...none right or wrong, just different...and they offer something for everyone.

Michele <happy OKW & HH owner>

[Richyams]

Understand that a lot of what we do here is friendly rivalry, even I understand that there may be someone somewhere that actually prefer BWV to OKW. We still have fun taking jabs at eachother's resort.

I personally liked this one:

I am thinking that BWVers are forced to spend so much on points and dues that the rental car bill is a little too much to handle.

[DebbieB]

Rich,

I'm glad you liked your own quote! :D

[Dumbo]

Rich,

Face it. Old Key West members are getting a little tired of OKW. One of our most adament defenders of OKW just booked a hotel room for Animal Kingdom Lodge for 231 OKW points. He could have had a Grand Villa at Old Key West for 11 less points. But he chose a hotel room at a Disney hotel instead.

Benedict Arnold was hung for less! ;)


Dumbo

[JohnG]

Rich............

You're right, maybe 90% of the reasons we all reply to each other on this thread (that has gone on in so many forms - but always with the same overall tone - for the five years I've been part of DVC, and I'm sure started before that) is the pure fun of it.

As we've always known, difference of opinion and taste is what makes the world go 'round - and more to the point - what makes DVC in all its forms so successful.

If you're worried about the drawer space, then I'm surprised, since you always do such large accomodations. The walk-in closets in the 1 and 2 BR and (your fave) the GVs make the drawer space pretty irrelevant, wouldn't you say??

And I will take you to task on the car thing. Emergencies? That IS the all-time stretch. If I have a family emergency I can think of a dozen things that I can do to get proper care for whomever needs it without renting a car for 15-25 days per year!

And no, its not the money it costs. We have Atlantis pick us up, take us to the food store and drop us off at BW on day one, take us back on the last one. Normally in a stretch limo, even though we are usually only two to four in our party. The reason we don't want a car is that we don't WANT a car.

[DeeP]

Richyams,
You are patting yourself on the back for your own quote????:rolleyes:

Michelemouse,
I respect your decision on where you chose to buy your DVC membership, however the same can be said about purchasing a BWV membership. I looked into DVC when OKW first opened and did not purchase because I did not like the location of OKW at all, did not like the bus only transport (yes, we do at times rent a car but do not use it on WDW property only when we go off site and as surprising as it is even as a BWV owner I can afford it!!!), did not like the fact that there was only 1 restaurant, did not like the lack of nighttime entertainment without going to DD or PI (my children were small at the time so PI was out and I am not much of a shopper so 1 visit per trip is enough of DD for me) I thought the main pool/pool bar was very lacking and overall just felt like I was in a condo development, a nice condo development but still a condo development. After initially looking into OKW and knowing it did not appeal to me I thought a DVC membership was not meant to be. But..... when they opened BWV, I fell in love with this Resort and purchased my membership faster than a NY minute! BWV was/is my idea of a vacation resort timeshare that I was willing to spend money on.

Different people like different things but a lot of people must like the Resort type DVC properties vs the Condo type DVC property since the last 2 DVC properties that have been built at WDW are Resort DVC properties while the building of another condo/golf DVC seems to have been put on the back burner indefinitely. As far as Disney's plans for DI becoming a DVC property (which will also be a condo development DVC), I think Disney has DI already there which has been a huge failure so they want to recoup some of their losses and thought why not DVC? They couldn't even rent the units, so this way if they sell them as DVC the problem is solved. I think it should be very interesting to see how this all works out.

Whenever we go on vacation I like to stay in a Resort that has a lot of amenities. This includes room service, valet parking, bell services to bring my packages and groceries to my room, elevators to my room vs walking up flights of stairs toting packages and groceries, a variety of restaurants, nighttime entertainment, a pool nicer than what I can find in my neighborhood backyard, a variety of stores and also very important convenience of location. I have paid very highly for these conveniences at resorts in other places outside of WDW, so to me BWV, which gives me all these amenities and more is quite a bargain! If I wanted a secluded, out of the way place,a place I have to drive everywhere to and from, a place that rolls up the sidewalks at 9:00 PM while I'm on vacation, I might as well stay home or rent one of the many condo/villa/home properties which are available all around WDW for a lot less money and much bigger units (4 BR, private pool, 3.5 baths, etc.) than OKW.

BTW, if we ever had an emergency requiring a trip to the ER while at WDW I could either drive my rental car (if we had one that trip), call a family member that lives in the area, call a cab, call an ambulance, or it has been stated by others that Disney is very accomendating in providing transportation to their guests in unfortunate situations like this. I am sure I would find a way to get to the ER!

Also, the 1 BR and even the studio have always had ample space for us to put our clothing for 3 people. Do the words CLOSETS & HANGERS mean anything to you?

I agree with others who have stated is gets very tiresome how some people are constantly bashing BWV and then brush it off as friendly rivalry. The other DVC properties other than OKW also get their share of bashing but BWV seems to be a big bone of contention for some OKW owners. Could it possibly be jealousy? Or is it like the Napoleon complex in reverse where as OKW has size but needs to overcompensate for all else that is lacking??? Only a little friendly rivalry! :D

[DVCNuts]

I think this is a very funny thread. We bought 230 points originally at OKW back in '92. Back then it was called Disney Vacation Club. And that's what we still call it.

Since then, we added on 100, then 200 more points at OWK-- while BWV and WLV were for sale. It never even occured to us that we should buy elsewhere. I imagine I like OKW for a lot of the same reasons the OKW loyalists have already stated. But I guess I would have to say our top reasons: park outside your door (since we always drive to WDW), peace and quiet, and lots more space. Different strokes for different folks...

We just added on another 170 (for an even 700-- we're sickos, I know...) this time at Beach Club. The reason we did this: 1) no more points available at OKW (other than resale) and 2) BCV is DVC's answer to "What could we do to fix all the mistakes we made at the BWV?"

:D

[DeeP]

BCV is DVC's answer to "What could we do to fix all the mistakes we made at the BWV?"

As a concerned consumer....what mistakes would that be that they fixed?

[Peterd]

I would think you would need a car at the Okw to drive to the main pool, or the main, I mean ONLY restaraunt, or to the only lounge. Has anyone ever measured how far it is to drive from a villa at the far end of Okw to the main pool area? As for the 1.2 mile walk in the BW hallways, that's a bit of a stretch isn't it? It seems some of us always think somethings are longer than they really are. The walk never seems THAT long to us, I would guess at the furthest, maybe 100 yards in air conditioned hallways, or a short walk up the steps by the tennis courts. Try walking from your room at the back of the okw resort to the main pool, that's if you can make it without getting creamed by a bus. That's another selling point. You can't feel safe having your kids walk by themselves to the pool because of the traffic. Yeah, I know there is an internal shuttle. That's funny, a shuttle to the pool.

How 'bout those great check-in days at the Okw having to lug strollers, groceries, and luggage up three flights of stairs. It's nice to have our bell-hops bring our luggage/groceries from our van right to the room.

"I am thinking that BWVers are forced to spend so much on points and dues that the rental car bill is a little too much to handle."

Brilliant, and I counter with, ...... quoted from Billy Madison, " Mr. Madison, What you have just said is one of the stupidest most idiotic things I have ever heard. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul."
:p

[Richyams]

Ooooohhh, we have a new winning quote:

BCV is DVC's answer to "What could we do to fix all the mistakes we made at the BWV?"

LOL:jester:

[WOW]

Seems to be some competion between BWV and OKW out there. Why are we even doing this? We all have our preferences and they may change every time we go to WDW. We should all be happy that there is a DVC. We are OKW owners for 9 years and that is our favorite because we really want to relax on vacation and also do the parks, but leisurely. We do stay at BWV when we are more in the mood for doing things and it definately is a great location for Epcot. But, then again, we have no problem with the bus transportation from OKW either. Don't forget OKW is the flagship resort and they learn alot from the flagship as they go forward with their DVC----rates, size of units, activities, point structure and pricing.:D

[DebbieB]

BCV is DVC's answer to "What could we do to fix all the mistakes we made at the BWV?"

I don't understand this one either. People who love OKW point out 2 big problems at BWV - size of the rooms and distance to the parking lot. BCV has the same size rooms and probably the same distance to the parking lot (if not farther, haven't seen it yet). BWV has standard view rooms that are close points wise to OKW, BCV is all preferred level points. What mistakes were fixed?

[Richyams]

OK, how about this, I thought it was funny.....as it was obviously meant to be.

[DVCNuts]

Richyams is perceptive and good looking!

In other words, read my signature line.

[Peterd]

Mistakes? I really don't know of many. They corrected one early on. Maybe they shouldn't have given us the option of getting standard view rooms for about the same cost as Okw. I remember when Bw first opened, and some complained because of their views. They later changed the point system in our favor. I wonder if they will do that for the BCV and WLV also.
DVCnuts, I guess to each his own. Sorry you had an unpleasant experience at the BW.
I guess we're kind of opposite, we've added on 5 times now also. We have about the same amount of points at BW, but trying to sell our 150 okw, to put down on bCV, or another BW resale. I was wondering, does the BCV have Grand Villas? I know WLV didn't put them in, and wondered why? It would be great if the BWV GV points were cheaper though. Has anyone had any trouble lately at the 7 month window getting a GV at the BWV? We usually use the okw points for some of the days on the gv at the BW at the 7 month window, and was wondering if anyone has had problems getting the GV. with your other points. We have 3 two brs, 2 1 brs, and 4 studios SO FAR in Nov., but we're also looking to add a GV at the 7 month window. It's a lot of points, but definitely worth it.
Congrats on your' new purchase, hope to be doing the same soon.

[Caskbill]

Because this comes up a lot, I'll try to put some light on it.
As for the 1.2 mile walk in the BW hallways, that's a bit of a stretch isn't it? It seems some of us always think somethings are longer than they really are. The walk never seems THAT long to us, I would guess at the furthest, maybe 100 yards in air conditioned hallways,
In one of my pathways revealed threads, I measured the walk from MGM to the BWV's using my GPS receiver. From MGM it was .55 miles to the first entrance into BWV's, and it was .66 miles to the Luna park pool. Thus from the OUTSIDE, the furthest rooms at BWV to the pool are 0.11 miles, or about 200 yards. If you follow the twisting corrridors inside, it's probably 25% farther. If you walked all the way to the front desks, it's probably another 50 yards. So, in all probablility, the furthest rooms at BWV are probably around 300 yards to the front desk.
I was wondering, does the BCV have Grand Villas?
There are no GV's at the BCV's.

Just trying to present facts as best as possible.

Personally, we've stayed at all 5 of the currently open resorts and are staying at BCV's this Fall. I like them all. I PREFER OKW because of the room and the parking (We like a lot of places off site, including USF/IoA and SW, as well as malls, restaurants etc.). I LIKE BWV's because of location, location, location.

But mainly we like VARIETY, and that's what I LOVE about DVC.

[Dean]

As I've said many times before, the DVC resorts are all great in their own way. Most of us have a preference and some may actually not like certain resorts for whatever reason. I prefer OKW for the unit size, laid back feel and parking arrangements. If I didn't have a car, I'd be reluctant to stay at OKW and possibly WL as well unless MK was my main destination. The one flaw I see with the new resorts and it's especially true for BCV compared to BWV is that the views are mostly standard view type for preferred costs. To me, this makes BCV more expensive. Since it's the new selling resort and there's the possibility that SAB will drop from pool hopping, it will still be the best choice for many.

Still a bad day at the "worst" DVC resort beats most days at work anytime.

[PamOKW]

The one flaw I see with the new resorts and it's especially true for BCV compared to BWV is that the views are mostly standard view type for preferred costs

The point schedule for these resorts is equal to the first one that came out for BWV. I would consider this the "standard" DVC point schedule. The outcry about the rooms that look out over the front forced DVC's hand to offer the lower rate for some rooms. I don't think it would have flown if they called them Standard and Sub-Standard. ;) Really, the rooms aren't "Preferred" it's just some of them are below standard.

I hate to see resort bashing. They are all deluxe resorts in every way. It's just some features at each appeal more to some folks.

[ILuvDVC]

Just curious if any knows why the Grand Villas at BWV require so many more points than OKW?

Problem to keep us 75 point owners from booking it up....just kidding.:p

[ILuvDVC]

Problem to keep us 75 point owners from booking it up....just kidding.

oops, meant probably :)

[Dean]

Originally posted by PamOKW


The point schedule for these resorts is equal to the first one that came out for BWV. I would consider this the "standard" DVC point schedule. The outcry about the rooms that look out over the front forced DVC's hand to offer the lower rate for some rooms. I don't think it would have flown if they called them Standard and Sub-Standard. ;) Really, the rooms aren't "Preferred" it's just some of them are below standard. Pam, since the views at BWV are overall better than BCV and the points are overall higher because of the abscense of standard views, I look at BCV as higher in points costs than BWV. The fact that the points costs were decreased because of the introduction of the standard views is water under the bridge. Besides they made that change for a reason. I also look at WLV as higher in points cost for similar reasons plus the fact that the hotel is not as expensive or upscale as BW or BC. I don't consider that bashing personally, just stating my take on it. I'll still likely stay at BCV and WLV as both are/will be great resorts in their own right.

[Bennet]

I have been all the way at the end of the standard views at BWV a few times.

I don't find it all that far and the view is fine. We got to see NASA shoot up an atlas from our living room last week. I kind of prefered that.

I don't mind stairs and they put you just that much closer to MGM or you car in you know your way around.

[Richyams]

I agree completely with Dean.

I have been saying for a long time that the newer resorts don't return as much value for a point spent at them.

I wrote a long dissertation a while back.

OKW and BWV can be said to return the same value for a point spent in most circumstances. A point spent at BCV or VWL returns less value.

I think the two new resorts, VDI and EPV have an interesting dilema. If the rooms at these resorts are smaller than OKW, they will have to be less points per night. If the rooms are the same size, they will have to be the same point schedule. Unless either of the resorts offers something incredible, they will have to do this or they will be very seriously offer less value for a point spent.

[JohnG]

Richyams said:

"OKW and BWV can be said to return the same value for a point spent in most circumstances. "

Wow.........who'd-a-thunk those words would ever cross his lips?

Rich - you finally did it! Reason has risen to the top of your psyche!

OK - now that we've established that, can we talk about the comment someone made about "BCV will fix all the mistakes made at BWDVC"?

I'm trying to figure out the mix, but it appears to me that most of the rooms there will overlook the pool - and therefore the parking lots across the canal? I wonder how they will handle the difference between the Epcot and Crescent Lake views and the "other" view? Seems to me like they may have an issue popping up here. I own at BW (obviously) and plan to buy an add-on at BCV, so don't get me wrong, I like the option of having another property in that locale, and fully expect I'll need to stay there to be able to use SAB in the near future, but can't see how the set-up will be any nicer than BW's. Does anyone else see something I don't on this topic?

[Peterd]

Bennet, I agree about the standard view. We got to see the space shuttle last nov. and you get a pretty good view of the fireworks at EPCOT. We usually request the rooms close to the community hall. It's close to the tennis courts, the parking lot, and a shorter walk to MGM.
To call some of the BW rooms "far below standard", is weak. Now who's resort bashing. It's like saying the Okw rooms are nice, but the resort itself is far below standard on the level with Vistana or All stars.:rolleyes:

[Richyams]

"Far below standard" was in reference to the view, not the quality of the room.

What we are discussing is the relative values returned for a point spent at a resort.

The original BWV point schedule could be refered to as "standard" When they decided to split them, they had to come up with names for the two catagories. They could have went with "Standard" and "Below standard" but I guess they felt that people wouldn't be too happy about using their points on a "Below standard" room. They decided to use "Standard" and "Prefered".

According to the definition used for view catagorization at BWV, most of the rooms at BCV will have a "standard" view. If we decided to use the "Below Standard" and "Standard" naming convention, most of the views at BCV would be "Below Standard".

There was no bashing at all, not in any sense of the word.

[nydizfan]

Good point rich. dave

[CaptainMidnight]

To call some of the BW rooms "far below standard", is weak.

Agreed.

We all know the room categories aren't standard and far below standard, there really isn't any good reason to try to throw that in, except to bash BC. This type of obvious resort bashing is unnecessary, and crosses the friendly one-upsmanship banter (some is friendly) regarding which is the better DVC resort.

Now I guess it's time to jump in and bash Vero, there hasn't been enough of that ongoing, tiresome theme in this thread........not. Claiming it's not bashing, doesn't alter what it really is.

Back to the original post question, I agree, BWV GV's have too high a point value. I think it is the reduced supply of only 9 being available. I believe there are 5 GV or ocean front beach cottages at Vero, which also have a very high point value. But they are very nice.

[Richyams]

AGAIN THERE WAS NO RESORT BASHING

I explained the term above:


[QUOTE"Far below standard" was in reference to the view, not the quality of the room.

What we are discussing is the relative values returned for a point spent at a resort.

The original BWV point schedule could be refered to as "standard" When they decided to split them, they had to come up with names for the two catagories. They could have went with "Standard" and "Below standard" but I guess they felt that people wouldn't be too happy about using their points on a "Below standard" room. They decided to use "Standard" and "Prefered".

According to the definition used for view catagorization at BWV, most of the rooms at BCV will have a "standard" view. If we decided to use the "Below Standard" and "Standard" naming convention, most of the views at BCV would be "Below Standard".

There was no bashing at all, not in any sense of the word. [/QUOTE]

[Richyams]

bump

[PKS44]

From the main pool to the end of OKW (Southpoint) is about 7/10 of a mile (0.7 miles) As for the distance inside BWV as quoted by Caskbill, I don't think it will be longer than the outside distance but shorter. It is the difference of the length of an arc with a shorter radius...(the hallways don't really twist that much)..but it has been a long time since I did any geometry...I believe Caskbill also measured the circumference around the lake in front of BWV at 0.8miles, so there is simply no way in hell (or BWV if you are Richyams and consider it the same thing) that the distance from the front desk to your room is equal to a lap and a half around the lake....

Paul

[Richyams]

From my car to my room is as little as thirty or forty feet at OKW.

[Peterd]

Would that include an elevator? Or do you have to carry all your luggage and groceries up the three flights of stairs. Hope you have help with you, 'cause after your third trip up those stairs, it gets a little old. Maybe you could get a bellhop to help you, oops sorry wrong resort.
It's good that it's a short walk to your car, cause if you're hungry, want to go any of the parks, want to get the newspaper, want to use the pool, get a drink at the lounge, or make a trip to the boardwalk to spend $50 bucks at your favorite hotdog stand, you're gonna need one. While we always get a car at the BW, it's nice to know you don't NEED one.

[DeeP]

From my car to my room is as little as thirty or forty feet at OKW.

Not if you have to go up 3 flights of steps it isn't. Also it is not always possible to park right in front of your door. Actually, we NEVER parked in front of the door. When I was last at OKW in July we sometimes had to park in the parking lot in front of the building NEXT door because there were NO parking spaces in our lot, so that meant walking through 2 parking lots and then up 3 flights of steps. It was a lot farther than 30-40 feet! It was not the infamous & untrue 1.2 miles that some lie about and say BWV is, but it was certainly much further than 30-40 feet!

[Richyams]

Shame on you, all this exergerating:

Not if you have to go up 3 flights of steps it isn't

Where are there three flights of stairs?

To the second floor is one flight, the third floor is two flights. I was not aware of any four story buildings at OKW.

By the way, I only stay in the grand villas....only one flight or an elevator.

:D

[DeeP]

Sorry, I meant you go up to the 3rd floor. Even walking walking across 2 parking lots and up TWO flights of steps it was still ALOT more than 30-40 feet. How do you always manage to get a parking spot in front of the GV?

[Richyams]

Usually, the buildings with the Grand Villas have a lower total number of units. Less cars, same size parking lots.

Very honestly, I have never had a problem parking in front of my units ever.

[sumessefui]

Amazing!!! When the bait is put out, the same same fish always bite.