Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom and SSR People

[rutgers1]

I have three questions that I hope you can answer:


For SSR Folks: I am booked at the Springs. Any downside?

For Boardwalk: How big of a difference are there between the views? Is standard view stinky?

For AKV: If we were to book there and didn't get Savannah view, would my kids' trips be ruined? Would they otherwise still see the animals? If we didn't have Savannah, what would we look out upon?

[Tozzie]

I have two questions that I hope you can answer:


For SSR Folks: I am booked at the Springs. Any downside?

For Beach Club: How big of a difference are there between the views? Is standard view stinky?

For AKV: If we were to book there and didn't get Savannah view, would my kids' trips be ruined? Would they otherwise still see the animals? If we didn't have Savannah, what would we look out upon?

SSR doesn't have booking categories so you may have requested the springs but that doesn't mean you will get it.

AKV there are lots of places around the resort to view the animals you just won't have them outside your balcony.

[Fatalbie]

Springs- not the greatest views. That being said here is a pic of our view from a studio.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s127/fatalbie/Disney010.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s127/fatalbie/Disney011.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s127/fatalbie/Disney012.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s127/fatalbie/100_0607.jpg
Very convenient to all the main resort amenities,pool, dining, comm hall, fitness, boat to DTD. Also not a bad walk to DTD if you need to burn a couple of extra calories

[lisareniff]

For SSR Folks: I am booked at the Springs. Any downside?

SSR currently doesn't have any booking 'view' (or location) categories.

For Beach Club: How big of a difference are there between the views? Is standard view stinky?

BCV also doesn't have any booking 'view' categories. Were you intending to say BWV?

[brookelizabeth]

For AKV, if not Savannah, the other choices are parking lot or pool. Even if you book Standard or Value there is a chance you get Savannah.

[KAT4DISNEY]

Here's a couple of pictures of our 5th floor "stinky" woods view at BCV. :goodvibes We enjoyed it. Any particular views are requests only.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn282/kat4golf/Disney%20Photos/DSC08306.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn282/kat4golf/Disney%20Photos/DSC08304.jpg

[BroganMc]

Springs- not the greatest views. That being said here is a pic of our view from a studio.

I wouldn't say that, always. If you're on the Broad Street side of the buildings there then yeah you do get lovely views of your car and the main street in the resort. But if you're in the center of the building or the side toward the lakes then you get some of the prettiest water views around.

I love the 1bedroom views right smack dab in the middle by the elevators.

Probably the biggest downside to the Springs are busses in the AM. Since it is the last stop, you'll probably be standing up hanging on to a rope. But you'll also be taken directly to your destination park of choice. MK and MGM are about 12 minutes away. EPCOT about 7. Animal Kingdom is the longest (18+ minutes) because they stop at Blizzard Beach first. But it beats hopping on at Grandstand and riding around the resort an extra 10-15 minutes.

There are tricks though. You are a very short walk to the first stop on the route (Grandstand). And an even shorter walk to the 3rd stop (Paddocks) and 2nd stop (Carousel). I find if I've just missed the whatever bus, I can catch the next one as soon as I make it over to Grandstand.

Being in the Springs is also great for making refillable mug runs and having dinner by the pool on movie night. It's very easy to just pop back to your room for a corkscrew or something.

Community Hall and the bikes at Horsin' Around are right there too. As is the exercise room, spa and arcade. The ferry is accessible behind the AP gift shop. Just look for the hallway-to-nowhere and keep going. The pathway to Westside is there too if you have a hankering for movies, Cirque or some BBQ at House of Blues.

[dallastxcpa]

AKV has many public viewing areas so there are lots of places to see the animals if you don't get a savanah view.

To me the attraction with BCV is Stormalong Bay and the huge balconies. We really enjoy the rooms overlooking the quiet pool.

SSR we prefer Congress Park, but are kids are older and we prefer this location due to the quick walk to DTD.

[rutgers1]

Yes, I meant Boardwalk, not Beach Club, but I enjoy hearing about Beach Club too!

Thank you to everyone who has posted thus far. My wife and I have enjoyed your responses!

[Nikisha421]

Springs- not the greatest views. That being said here is a pic of our view from a studio.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s127/fatalbie/Disney010.jpg

Very convenient to all the main resort amenities,pool, dining, comm hall, fitness, boat to DTD. Also not a bad walk to DTD if you need to burn a couple of extra calories

not the most convient but very close to the main pool and thats all my DD requires a pool and forever!!!

[rutgers1]

The other views around Saratoga Springs must be great because I have no problem at all with that view. In fact, I really like it.

[goofy4tink]

I own at BW and have yet to stay in a standard view villa. I usually get a boardwalk view or at the least, a preferred view. That being said, I am booked for a standard view one bedroom this summer. The views aren't stinky at all...they look out towards Epcot, and the bus stop. Not so bad at all. I am looking forward to being in a standard view villa for the first time..not worried at all about what I'll be seeing. Just happy to be using fewer points.

[DisneyGal74]

For SSR...No downsides! The only thing we find is if you are going and it is Busy...you want to get the first or second bus stops! This makes for a great way to be sure you get on the bus you want and if your standing on the way home your off first!! LOL...all the views are great! We like to stay at the Grandstand..it's the newest part of SSR! but all areas have their +'s!
Enjoy your trip!!:yay:

[crisi]

Boardwalk Standard Views are not "stinky" - but they do overlook the front of the building - lawn and the drive in - Boardwalk Boardwalk Views are very nice (I find them to be a little noisy, but now that the horrible Mickey hand is gone from Spaceship Earth, the view is very pleasant and the people watching is good). Boardwalk Preferred views can be almost as good as Boardwalk Views - and can be as bad or worse than the standard views. I like to think of it as preferred views are like views at most other DVC resorts - some good, some bad, some dumpster - the standard views and boardwalk views are great values.

However - other people think they are great values too - and with preferred view being 60% of the resort and standard and boardwalk being approximatley 20% each - the earlier you are able to book, the better your chances of snagging a great value.

[starbox]

SSR - No downside I can think of to The Springs - other than it being the last bus-stop, which means more of a chance of a Standing Room Only bus and a longer ride home.

BWV - I am in the camp that is Boardwalk View or nothing. I think the view really makes the resort. IMHO, the rooms are not that great - I find them a little worn and cramped-feeling - but having an entire wall open up to that magical Boardwalk (which is stunning anytime of day or night) is what makes the resort. If I'm not going to get that view - I'd rather get a value room at AKV or OKW to save points and have a resort with more ameneties.

AKV - the savanna-view is awfully nice, but I don't know that it's make-it or break-it. We've stayed in a value room to save points and it's still a really magical resort.

[CoolDisneyCat]

I have three questions that I hope you can answer:


For SSR Folks: I am booked at the Springs. Any downside?

For Boardwalk: How big of a difference are there between the views? Is standard view stinky?

For AKV: If we were to book there and didn't get Savannah view, would my kids' trips be ruined? Would they otherwise still see the animals? If we didn't have Savannah, what would we look out upon?

Question 1: We stayed at Springs when we went in May. The location was really great. The only downside is it's the last bus stop, so often the busses are quite crowded. Other than that, we loved it. We were right across from the Carriage House, and it was a nice stroll past the pool to get from there to our room.

2: Boardwalk view is very, very had to get at BWV b/c there just aren't that many of them. If at all possible I would avoid "standard" view; it tends to be, as you put it, "stinky." The regular ol' preferred view rooms are fine; usually the pool(s) or the canal leading to MGM.

3: No, your trip absolutely won't be ruined! We've stayed at AKL 3 times, and only once was with a savanna view. The savanna view was wonderful, but we enjoyed our pool view rooms just as much. There are *tons* of places to see the animals!!

[Paulieuk1969]

SSR, we have never stayed in the Springs but as others have said the buses are usually pretty full by the time they get there. Each section has it's own benefits, the Springs in central and close to the resort amenities, Congress Park has the Downtown Disney views, Grandstand has golf course views and a feature pool with kids play area, Carousel is very quiet and just inside the gate making it handy if you have a car (but a long walk to the resort centre), the Paddock has water views and a quiet pool.

AKV, at Jambo house (the lodge) there are plenty of places to view the animals on all the savanna's if you don't have a savanna view room. Having stayed in a savanna room last year we were disapointed with the view from our room (5210) and saw only a few animals during our two week stay. If you go for a savanna view, I would say the Arusha savanna is the best view although it could always be obstructed by trees (since all DVC rooms are on the top floor). The standard view rooms at Jambo are all pool view whilst the value rooms are approx 40% savanna, 40% pool and 20% car park view.

If the animals are really important to you, I would recommend the Wanyama Safari which is only available to resort guests. It runs 3 or 4 times per week and you go out onto all the savanna's in a special truck and get "up close" for about an hour before dining at Jiko. It isn't cheap but it is a great experience.

[kimberh]

I love Boardwalk View, never had standard view.
Never stayed at SSR but my daughter did, she really liked it.

Now, for AKV's... before it was the villas we stayed there in Savanna view 4 times, always had a decent view since then we have not cared much for the Savanna views that we have been given. I just booked a 2br Standard view. I figure, save the points and gamble to see what I get. I have a value studio for 2 nights in May before my Concierge stay starts. There are many viewing areas to see the animals.

[Sheribo]

Here's a couple of pictures of our 5th floor "stinky" woods view at BCV. :goodvibes We enjoyed it. Any particular views are requests only.

That's the same view we had. We had requested a view of Epcot so we could watch the fireworks from our balcony but didn't get it. Had an absolutely beautiful room and one of the best trips ever though.

[luvthedis]

BWV: the Boardwalk view is the best and we love to watch the Illuminations fireworks from our balcony. However, we did stay in a 1BR standard view and liked trading more room for the view. We overlooked the drive-in area and looked straight toward the Eiffel Tower (with a tree blocking our view). If you need to be economical on points, standard is still great. Walking to Epcot and DHS can't be beat.

AKV: we stayed in a value pool view studio. The view was lovely and we got to see the animals all around the resort. For the point value, it really can't be beat. That said, we are probably going to try for a savanna view next time.

If someone could tell me how to post photos, I'd be happy to post some of the different views we had....Help!!

[Lynn5700]

I have stayed at SSR and love it. We were in Congress Park...see if you can request it.. we had dtd view. we loved the location. The bus stop was like right outside our building.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w282/Lynn31208/October%20Disney/DSC01549.jpg



Have not stayed at AKV yet.

[mmmagic7754]

We loved our BWV standard view,here are a couple pics
looking to our right
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/mmmagic7754/disney/DisneyMay-June2008307.jpg
looking straight out from deck
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/mmmagic7754/disney/DisneyMay-June2008253.jpg
We were only 5 doors down the hall from the elevator:thumbsup2

[rutgers1]

Thanks again for all of the replies. I just booked the second half of our trip at the 7 month mark today. For half we are staying at SSR (the preference that we put in was Springs), and for the other half we are booked at the Boardwalk with what dvcmember.com refers to as garden/pool view. I actually thought that I had booked standard when I called, but I guess I was given garden/pool.

[Buckeye Fan]

Next time you call MS, request that you get a water view at the Springs. We stayed there, LOVED the location, and had a beautiful view.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000432.jpg

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We loved our BWV standard view,here are a couple pics
looking to our right
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/mmmagic7754/disney/DisneyMay-June2008307.jpg
looking straight out from deck
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/mmmagic7754/disney/DisneyMay-June2008253.jpg
We were only 5 doors down the hall from the elevator:thumbsup2

We've stayed in both BW View and standard view rooms at BWV. I think they are both great. Like the pp said, she was really close to the elevators, and that lovely shot with the rainbow is one of the worst views from a standard room. Its really not that bad at all. Our std. studio was probably 2 or 3 doors down. It still beat EVERY view I've ever had a WDW non-DVC resort. Then again, my view luck changed when I joined DVC. :)

[BWV Dreamin]

We loved our BWV standard view,here are a couple pics
looking to our right
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/mmmagic7754/disney/DisneyMay-June2008307.jpg
looking straight out from deck
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/mmmagic7754/disney/DisneyMay-June2008253.jpg
We were only 5 doors down the hall from the elevator:thumbsup2
Was this a studio? Our only standard view experience was a 1 bedroom across from the elevators on the third floor. It was not so nice....this gives me hope!:wizard:

[spiceycat]

standard view is less points and definitely like it better than the main pool view or BW view.

the one time we had a bw view - loved the view - now I know it was not true - but everytime out on the balconies (and I love balconies) - felt like we were being watched. It was creepy.

that say others just love it.

love the standard view all the fun of BWV with a discount.

=----------

Springs is not my favorite - Grandstand is the first bus stop and it just about as near the CH as Springs - and it is the FIRST bus stop.

also love Congress Park but walk alot to DD - if you don't stay somewhere else.

-----------

akv - been there 3 times - one in standard view (pool), and twice in value view. love it!

you can definitely see the animals. the big difference you have to leave your room to see them. every floor in each wing has windows generally 3 or 4 big windows per hall. that you can see the animals at - somehow no matter how silent or inside I was got the feeling the animals knew I was there.....

as much as love animals and I do - it is not worth the extra points to have the savannah view - very, very much in the minority on this one.

stayed in all 3 places and love AKV, like BWV and SSR.

[El&Asmom]

Next time you call MS, request that you get a water view at the Springs. We stayed there, LOVED the location, and had a beautiful view.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000432.jpg

We had that same view in the Springs at SSR and loved it. We also took that bridge to I believe the Paddock section and got off there coming back from the parks. That way we didn't have to go all the way around to the Springs stop and get off last. We never had to stand on a bus when getting on the last stop at the Srpings, but it was Sept and slow. It is a great resort.

[DisFlan]

We've had a duck pond view the last three times we've stayed in a standard view at BWV. It's quiet and actually quite nice - no traffic noise from the main drive. You get views of the pond (with a small fountain), the canal and boats going to DHS - and the ducks. We don't mind it at all. We actually prefer the duck pond SV to the preferred boardwalk and non-boardwalk views. We had a "stinky" preferred view a couple of years ago. A tree blocked any view we might have had of the main pool and it was a bit noisy. And we find the boardwalk view to be a bit hectic for us - but tastes vary.

I guess what you'd be happiest with mostly depends on how much you want to feel "in the middle of the action", or if you like a quiet retreat after a busy day. But I have to add that no matter what the view, we've never had a bad stay at BWV.

DisFlan

[bobbiwoz]

We've had a duck pond view the last three times we've stayed in a standard view at BWV. It's quiet and actually quite nice - no traffic noise from the main drive. You get views of the pond (with a small fountain), the canal and boats going to DHS - and the ducks. We don't mind it at all. ...

DisFlan

We had this view last week and we both enjoyed it immensely!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[rutgers1]

I think MS is going to kill me, but when I called today to book the one day that they wouldn't let me book yesterday (since I could only book 7 days at this point due to the 7 month rule), I had them switch me to standard view since I didn't hear any horror stories here. In fact, from what I read in this thread, the standard view seems very nice.

I was able to get Boardwalk at the 7 month mark very easily. When I expressed shock at the ease, the woman pointed out that Kidani, BLT and Treehouse Villas are making booking much easier for the other properties. That made sense since there will be more inventory than owners over the next couple of years.

[DisFlan]

I was able to get Boardwalk at the 7 month mark very easily. When I expressed shock at the ease, the woman pointed out that Kidani, BLT and Treehouse Villas are making booking much easier for the other properties. That made sense since there will be more inventory than owners over the next couple of years.

I think the only time either BWV or BCV might still be harder to book at 7 months will be during the fall Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. The short walk or boat ride to Epcot makes them a great place to stay during this event. After trying out a number of wines at the kiosks (or a couple of Grey Goose slushies), the boat ride back is very handy.:goodvibes

DisFlan

[TheDISneyFamily]

I :love: Boardwalk view villas. See signature pic! We've stayed in all view types, standard, pool/garden & Boardwalk. As long as I have the points to do it, I'll be booking Boardwalk view every trip. :thumbsup2

[spiceycat]

We've had a duck pond view the last three times we've stayed in a standard view at BWV. It's quiet and actually quite nice - no traffic noise from the main drive. You get views of the pond (with a small fountain), the canal and boats going to DHS - and the ducks. We don't mind it at all. We actually prefer the duck pond SV to the preferred boardwalk and non-boardwalk views. We had a "stinky" preferred view a couple of years ago. A tree blocked any view we might have had of the main pool and it was a bit noisy. And we find the boardwalk view to be a bit hectic for us - but tastes vary.

I guess what you'd be happiest with mostly depends on how much you want to feel "in the middle of the action", or if you like a quiet retreat after a busy day. But I have to add that no matter what the view, we've never had a bad stay at BWV.

DisFlan

plus this view is near the back door - so you don't have to go thru the lobby unless you want too.

the buses and your car are just out the door. So is Studios. Epcot is a little futher.

love it!

[mmmagic7754]

Was this a studio? Our only standard view experience was a 1 bedroom across from the elevators on the third floor. It was not so nice....this gives me hope!:wizard:

Yes, it was a studio:)

[mmmagic7754]

We have a standard studio at BWV booked again for the end of May. We also have 4 nights at Kadani and 4 nights at BWV then driving over to do a 7 night cruise:cool1: :cool1: :banana: :banana:

[Tink-n-Belle]

BWV standard views are very nice-- you do overlook the driveway, but the trees hide a lot. I didn't mind it one bit! The best part was that we could see the buses come and go from our room and when we saw that the MK bus just past, we made sure we were out of the room in 15 minutes to catch the next bus. The walkway out to the bus stop was really quick it took maybe 2 minutes max-- which was really nice when your tired!! (We were on the 1st floor once and the 5th floor the other time. Depending on what room you are in you have a nice view of illuminations too. And the BW Inn is very nice.



When we were on the 5th floor our room was near the elavator and it was noisy because the ME luggage would arrive every 1/2 hour and be unloaded and when the trucks backed up they would beep beep beep beep .

[MinnieGi]

I love my "stinky" standard views at BW!! Lets see this past trip we were first floor facing the entrance which meant I had a nightly view of the top of the Illuminations fireworks and I could let my kids go outside to play on the grass everyday as if it was our backyard!! Across from my villa door on the inside was the door leading out to the quiet pool and community hall! That pool was much warmer than the clown pool when we were there in Nov. Oh and there was also an outside entrance door around the corner from our villa that faced the front and made it a short walk to our car!!!

We have stayed pool view, BW view and standard before and although I do like all the views, if I'm not willing to spend the points for a BW view I always go standard!!!

[CarolMN]

I think MS is going to kill me, but when I called today to book the one day that they wouldn't let me book yesterday (since I could only book 7 days at this point due to the 7 month rule), I had them switch me to standard view since I didn't hear any horror stories here. In fact, from what I read in this thread, the standard view seems very nice.

I was able to get Boardwalk at the 7 month mark very easily. When I expressed shock at the ease, the woman pointed out that Kidani, BLT and Treehouse Villas are making booking much easier for the other properties. That made sense since there will be more inventory than owners over the next couple of years.I'm sure that's true, but August has always been one of the easier times to book BWV (and VWL & BCV) at the 7 month mark. I still think you were lucky to get a SV, but it is not unheard of for members to get them at the 7 month mark for August. Maybe with BLT and AKV, it will happen more frequently.

We prefer the standard view units over the preferred view units - IMHO, the SV rooms at the BWV are a great value. Lower points and the same great location that allows yo to walk to two major parks.

While most SV units do overlook the resort entrance, there is nice landscaping between the villas and the black topped areas. Some of those rooms even have a view of the EPCOT higher level fireworks (Ask for an upper floor across from the bus stop if that appeals to you). If you are able to handle stairs (traveling without strollers, wheelchairs or ECVs), the SV rooms are convenient to the pools, the pathway to DHS and the parking lots - no need to travel to the lobby first to get to those places.

Enjoy your stay!

[Dean]

I skimmed through so if I missed much, I apoligize. Other than Pat, I didn't seem much info to address the difference between SV and PV at BWV. I know there were a lot of positive posts for SV. IMO, the PV units are marginally to NO better than the SV and thus NOT worth the points. Unless you really care about being pool side AND get your request, it really means nothing. Might as well save the points and go SV if you have the option. I suspect DVC will adjust the points at some time in the future raising BW view points and lowering slightly PV but we shall see.