Report From The Beach Club Villas

[Stinson]

We have been staying in a two bedroom villa on the fifth floor of the new Beach Club Villas since it opened on Monday morning and I can report that it is wonderful. The Beach Club Villas combine the best of Old Key West and Boardwalk. The resort is quiet, like Old Key West, but, like Boardwalk, it is close to everything. The room layout is a better design than Boardwalk, so it feels more spacious. We are a family of six and are very comfortable in this two bedroom unit, more so, than at Boardwalk. The second bedroom feels more spacious than Boardwalk's second bedroom. The kitchen/livingroom is very comfortable. We own Boardwalk, and all around, I like the layout of these accomodations better than Boardwalk.

One important change is that an elevator has been added at the end of the hallway, so no matter where you are, the walk is not that far from an elevator. Also, the parking lot is adjacent to one end of the building, so it is easy to walk to the parking lot from the room.

We found that it was difficult to get hot water in the shower, so I inquired with housekeeping and learned that hot water is piped in from Epcot. Consequently, we have to let the water run for a long time in the afternoon before getting hot water in one of the showers.

Opening ceremonies on Monday morning were modest. A few speaches, a ribbon cutting and photographs with Mickey and other Characters. Then we were let into the rooms at 10:00 a.m. That was it.

We will be out at Animal Kingdom most of the day, but if you have questions, I would be happy to answer them this evening.

I'm sure everyone who pre-bought BCV will be very happy with this resort. We love it.

[RweTHEREyet]

So glad to hear that you are so pleased with BCV. When I initially learned about DVC years ago, my wish was for DVC to be in the Beach Club area. I bought OKW points when they made that last batch available and then did my add-on at BCV. I have a feeling that we will want to spend the majority of our time at BCV for a while. However, I will never ever complain about staying at OKW.

It is also nice to hear this opinion from a BWV owner. You can be truly objective, whereas someone that only owns at one resort or the other cannot.

Question, can you take advantage of Valet parking at the Beach Club entrance or is the parking lot so close to the building that you would not really need to?

Is there an elevator at the end of each hallway as well as in the center of the building?

Thanks for keeping us posted.

[stephcm]

What a WONDERFUL report!!! I'm so glad to hear that you love it. There was a post on the AOL boards yesterday, and well, let's just say that it wasn't the most positive report of the BCV!
I have one question - where is the door leading to the second bedroom? In all the models I saw (we toured the BCV last week)
the door to the second bedroom was right in the foyer when you came in from the hall. The poster on the AOL boards said her door to the second bedroom was in the living area, like at the BWV. I really like the door in the foyer, and would like to request that.
Thanks again for a wonderful report!

[Terry S]

Thank you so much for the wonderful report. Can't wait to be there!

[jcanary]

Can you tell us if you can see the fireworks from your balcony and what the range of room numbers are that you are in. We are coming next year for a special 16th birthday and really want to get her a room with a view of the fireworks. Someone earlier said around 550 was the spot, do you agree? thank you

[Stinson]

RweTHEREyet

Parking is so close to the building that you do not need to use valet parking.

There are two elevators at the center of the building and one at each end. The elevators are also very fast.

Stephcm

The door to the second bedroom is in the livingroom. The door to the master bedroom is next to the foyer.

jcanary

Epcot fireworks are in full view from the rear of the building. Magic Kingdom fireworks are visible from the front of the building. It appears to me that the rooms on the 5th floor are, over all, the best rooms in the hotel. I will let you know about room numbers later this evening.

[Terry S]

Do you mean that the door to the 2nd bedroom is in the back of the LR like at BWV and VWL or is it in the Front of the Living Room? One of the things that the Guides and everyone else was making a big deal about was that they moved the door that enters into the second bedroom from the back of the living room (like at BWV and VWL) to the front in the foyer. I thought in the models, the entrance to the MB was in the front of the Living Room (right before the table) and the Entrance to the 2nd Bedroom was inf the Foyer. Is yours opposite of this? Maybe they have a few different layouts?

[stephcm]

Originally posted by Terry S
Do you mean that the door to the 2nd bedroom is in the back of the LR like at BWV and VWL or is it in the Front of the Living Room? One of the things that the Guides and everyone else was making a big deal about was that they moved the door that enters into the second bedroom from the back of the living room (like at BWV and VWL) to the front in the foyer. I thought in the models, the entrance to the MB was in the front of the Living Room (right before the table) and the Entrance to the 2nd Bedroom was inf the Foyer. Is yours opposite of this? Maybe they have a few different layouts?

Exactly, Terry!
That was one thing I really loved about BCV. With the door to the second bedroom right in the foyer, it frees up some space by the sliders in the living area, or at least it gives that feeling!

[nisiemouse]

Thanks for taking the time to report. We have not put in a request yet except for non-smoking. I may have to call and request the 5th floor.:D

[Stinson]

Terry S

In our two bedroom, the door to the second bedroom is adjacent to the balcony sliders.

By the way, right now there is a five/six foot alligator swimming in the canal next to the swimming pool. Disney is sending a crew to remove him from the area.

[Terry S]

Well I am really disappointed to hear that they told us one thing and gave us another with regard to the room layout. I wonder hom many of the rooms are actually like they told us!

As far as my friend the alligator goes, I guess that is a good thing, I was kind of worried about him eating my kids!

[stephcm]

>>>Well I am really disappointed to hear that they told us one thing and gave us another with regard to the room layout. I wonder hom many of the rooms are actually like they told us!>>>

I agree with you again, Terry. I toured the BCV twice over at the BW office, and last week when they had an Open House right at the BCV. All of these times they made a BIG deal out of the fact that they moved this door to give more room. What's with that? And what do we request when we call?
I feel a bit deceived here...

[Sneaky3]

Well I just got back yesterday from the BCV and I also liked it very much...........I had a studio, number 463 to be exact and it was across the hall from the elevator (the one by the pool) the view was of the back of Epcot but I could see the Epcot ball right over the trees. On this side I know you could see the fireworks but I missed it. And the canal was to my left.

What I especially liked about this room is that the balcony was as twice as long as my room. Right next to me was the stairs and my balcony took over that space. I peeked over to my right and left and those rooms also had big balconies.

It is a hike to this room from the lobby but as you get acquainted with BCV you also find shortcuts to the room.

I also liked having the restaurants inside the hotel and Beaches and Cream.

Overall I liked it and I am glad that I went there were no festivities for the Grand Opening but I went to a Kiosk in Downtown Disney and David the CM told me that they might have something planned a few months down the road. (Lets see).

One more thing while I was in my room on the first day they were still working on the rooms above me because I could here drilling and hammering.

I am going to stop rambling but if any one has questions please ask me I dont mind to answer them.\


Prior to this I had only stayed at OKW and BWV. This thus far was much much better than my BWV stay (thats another story).

Michele

[DemoBri1]

Sneaky,

What was the new pool like. Can you compare it in size to other pools say at BWV??

Anyone out there have pics of the pool???

Brian

[Stinson]

The pool is very nice. It is about twice the size of the quiet pool at Boardwalk, but a different shape. I don't think the pool is more than five feet deep.

This is wierd. In the master bedroom, (only in the master bedroom), there appears to be a motion detector. While lying in bed, if I move even my arm, the device makes an audible click and lights up red. The red light is internal to the device and is about the size of a golf ball. The light appears not to be an LCD dot light like in all other motion detectors that I've seen. It is wierd because I cannot move in bed without the device clicking and turning bright red. I will inquire with housekeeping tomorrow morning about what it is and why it is there.

[stephcm]

Here are some from Deb's site.
The quiet pool is really nice, IMHO. And the hot tub is right next to it!

http://wdwig.com/g_bcv.htm

[PamOKW]

Nice reports everyone! Keep 'em coming.

Stinson, you answered the question I came to ask....the rooms are/seem to be more spacious than BWV. Is that correct?

I read a report from someone on the AOL board who seemed quite disappointed. But, I think they were comparing the size of OKW to BCV. That spaciousness is just not going to happen at a hotel resort. You trade off the size for the convenience -- a perfectly acceptable trade in my book. It's really part of the package -- OKW you're vacation condo home/other WDW DVC's the amenities of a hotel.

I'm really looking forward to staying at BCV and hope to maybe do an add-on in the future. It sounds beautiful.

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I was wondering whether you have a two bedroom villa or a dedicated two bedroom villa. I think this might account for the differtent entranceto the other bedroom.:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :

[Stinson]

Pam,

We own both OKW and BWV. We've stayed in each many times (and are going to both, again, next February). To me, these rooms feel almost as comfortable as OKW (we have six people in our family). Actually, I don't think anyplace will ever be as comfortable as OKW, however this resort really feels like OKW. It is very quiet. VERY QUIET. Now that I have been here for five days, I can say that except for the location and aspects of the hotel design and room layout, this resort feels nothing at all like Boardwalk. There is no hustle/bustle in this resort as there is in Boardwalk. Last night we walked over to the Boardwalk just to have a little hustle/bustle. SAB pool is great, the hotel's proximity to Epcot can't be beat, and we love that the walk to the elevator is short compared to Boardwalk. But this resort is clearly an alternative to both Boardwalk and Old Key West, for those who want to be near everything, but in a quiet place. As with the debate over OKW vs. BWV, some will love this place and some will not. However, I don't think anyone will be unhappy with its location.

[BounceyOne]

We will be there in august! I was keeping my excitement under control, UNTIL NOW!!

Thanks for the report!

[PamOKW]

;) Uh oh. Stinson, you're killing me here! Now let's see, how much many points can I buy if I sell a quart or two of blood? ;)

I'm very pleased to have such a great resort added to DVC. As you say, some will prefer another resort and some will not like BCV at all....but it sounds like I've got a new "child" to love. :)

[Jimmac]

By the way, right now there is a five/six foot alligator swimming in the canal next to the swimming pool. Disney is sending a crew to remove him from the area.

Yikes!!! :( Glad to hear he/she isn't going to be part of the regular surroundings. ;)

Kidding aside, thanks for the great update.

[spedtcr]

Our baby loves his bouncy seat and we'd like to take it with us, but are there any doorways in a 1 bedroom with moldings?????:Pinkbounc :bounce:

[CaptainMidnight]

Any reports on what is in the pool area?

[jk1]

I was wondering whether you have a two bedroom villa or a dedicated two bedroom villa. I think this might account for the differtent entranceto the other bedroom.

No, that does not decide the door placement. I was in two 2 bedroom dedicated units this past week and one had the foyer door and the other the living room door.

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by Stinson
This is wierd. In the master bedroom, (only in the master bedroom), there appears to be a motion detector. While lying in bed, if I move even my arm, the device makes an audible click and lights up red. The red light is internal to the device and is about the size of a golf ball. The light appears not to be an LCD dot light like in all other motion detectors that I've seen. It is wierd because I cannot move in bed without the device clicking and turning bright red.

I read on another board that this is part of the aircon control system. It is designed to reduce the level of air conditioning when the room is unoccupied or everyone is asleep, and then turn it back on when the room is occupied.

Andrew

[fklhou]

Thank you for report. A friend of my just bought some points at the BCV and I am forwarding this report to her (they are not DISers). We have points at BWV and will try out the BCV at some point.