Which DVC Resort?

[Tanya]

Just curious to see which DVC resort people like best and why?
I have some friends that are thinking about where to stay and I am not the expert so here I am to find out from the best...

Thanks!

[tjkraz]

Do you really want it to be a popularity contest?

Knowing a little bit about the family dynamic and what they want to get out of the vacation would certainly help.

[gjw007]

I choose VWL but only because I like Disney at Xmas and VWL's theming fits beautifully with the season. They do need to add 3 or 4 feet of snow to make it perfect :)

[Bracho]

I purchased my DVC at the property I wanted to stay at the most...

[JimC]

I still like OKW the best. But I enjoy each resort when I stay there.

[Maistre Gracey]

Yes, all are great resorts, but VWL gets my vote. Primarily for the theme, and quality of theming. :drinking:

MG

[NancyDVC]

OKW! Why? Well it has been our home resort since early 1992. It is quiet with very roomy units. I just love all that space!
We have stayed at BWV nice location, l-o-n-g, l-o-n-g walk to our room, not as 'homelike' as OKW (not one Welcome Home :sad2: ).
VB-great relaxing quiet but still lots to do.
HH-great, relaxing lots to do both at the resort and in the area.

[SueOKW]

Each resort has something different to offer.. and all are lovely. It all depends (as noted above) on the dynamics of the visitors and what their expectations are from their trip.

We love OKW - for the roomy units, quiet atmosphere, views, colour scheme.. music...

AGH I NEED TO BE THERE IMMEDIATELY. I CANNOT TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!!! :sad:

[BCVOwner2002]

We love the convenience of walking to Epcot. Storm-along-Bay is a one of the best pools and we like Beaches and Cream.

[dallastxcpa]

I chose BWV even though we own at SSR. I like BWV, for sentimental reasons. However, if we are traveling with our kids (8,21, and 25) SSR is the place of choice due to proximty to DD. :cool1:

Now, if you have younger children then BCV might be the place for you because of SAB. pirate:

[mikesmom88]

Our home resort is BBWv (which we love) but I chose OKW. The rooms are so roomy, we can park the car right in front of our room, it just gives us more of a vacation home feeling instead of a hotel.

[kathleena]

I think you need to post characteristics of the family that is going - ages, what they like to do etc - and then ask the same poll for recommendations.

With the poll the way you've done it - you are just going to get a popularity contest with a bunch of folks commenting on their own favorite.

[Tanya]

Sorry guys...

OK - It's a family of 5.... Hubby and wife are 36, 37. They have 3 kids... 2 boys and 1 baby girl. boys are 8 and 6. Madison will be in afew months. They sometimes take their parents too. Hubby Jimmy loves Disney. Wife Tracey likes it but I think she might be trying to get a trip going somewhere else.... They always take the buses - usually never get a car. They stay probably for 10 days... I don't know exactly what they would like but does the info I gave help at all?....

[Plus4206]

I own at three resorts, stay at each once a year. But EVERY time I visit WDW we ALWAYS go and visit VWL. I just have to go & sit in that lobby & walk the grounds.

Last trip to VWL we did the Bike & Boat Plan. What a BLAST. Only at the four MK resorts do the little water mice boats go fast enough to have any fun with. And cruising the big lakes on a pontoon boats with a picnic lunch is something everyone needs to enjoy.

[Cruelladeville]

I would recommend either BC or BW, because your friends need to be near their resort with a baby and two young boys. They can easily walk to either Epcot or MGM, or take the boat, and when the kids get whiny, they can walk back to their room, and be there in about 5 minutes. Both resorts are also great for things for the adults to do, too, no vacation is just for the kids, and BWV has a slight edge over BCV in this area, but either one is good. ;)

[tjkraz]

I would recommend either BC or BW, because your friends need to be near their resort with a baby and two young boys. They can easily walk to either Epcot or MGM, or take the boat, and when the kids get whiny, they can walk back to their room, and be there in about 5 minutes.

To each their own, but my take is exactly the opposite. Trying to coax three tired children on foot from Epcot / MGM back to the resort is not a lot of fun. And 5 minutes is only a realistic estimate from the IG at Epcot to a very close BCV room. From MGM to BCV it's more along the lines of 25-30 minutes. BWV is about 15-20 on foot from either park.

And the bus stops at both resorts are a pretty long haul, too, making for a lengthy trip just to get to MK, AK or DD.

OKW and SSR both have many bus stops, and most guest rooms are only 1-2 minutes away from a bus stop. When traveling without a car (which we usually do), I would much prefer to walk 2 minutes and then ride a bus the rest of the way. Tired kids + tired parents can make a 20 minute walk pretty miserable. And it's not like you even save much time walking. In all but the busiest periods, bus service will usually get you to your destination in 30 minutes or less.

[CharlesTD]

I prefer BWV of all the resrots we have stayed at so far. Our family likes the nightlife and we like lots of activity and hustle and bustle so BWV fits that bill perfectly.

[IsAreWasWereAm]

OKW ... Because Size Matters! :cheer2:

[bcvillastwo]

We love the convenience of walking to Epcot. Storm-along-Bay is a one of the best pools and we like Beaches and Cream.

That about sums up my feelings and in that order.

[jade1]

"To each their own, but my take is exactly the opposite. Trying to coax three tired children on foot from Epcot / MGM back to the resort is not a lot of fun. And 5 minutes is only a realistic estimate from the IG at Epcot to a very close BCV room. From MGM to BCV it's more along the lines of 25-30 minutes. BWV is about 15-20 on foot from either park."

Depends on planning. We watch Illuminations on the bridge by France (IG) and can walk out IG in 2 minutes, then its just a few more minutes to BCV. Last week we stayed at OKW and watched from the side of the lake nearest SE and it was like walking in a cattle drive all the way to the bus (which is a long way) which also had a line and we waited for that, then we drove to OKW, then we did 4 stops at OKW before Miller and then walked again to the room. No way is that even close to comparison.

[tjkraz]

Depends on planning. We watch Illuminations on the bridge by France (IG) and can walk out IG in 2 minutes, then its just a few more minutes to BCV. Last week we stayed at OKW and watched from the side of the lake nearest SE and it was like walking in a cattle drive all the way to the bus (which is a long way) which also had a line and we waited for that, then we drove to OKW, then we did 4 stops at OKW before Miller and then walked again to the room. No way is that even close to comparison.

I don't disagree with what you said, but you're only addressing the "best case scenario" for BCV. I acknowledged in my post that BCV is very close to Epcot. If the family plans on spending 90% of their park time at Epcot, then BCV is obviously a great choice. If not, it's just a small part of the big picture.

What about the other three theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney? BCV and BWV often share bus service with the Dolphin and Swan. How long does it take to make all of those stops?

I would summarize my POV in this manner:

1. It's a question of whether one feels it is more convenient to walk or ride. As the father of a 2yo and a 4yo, I can tell you that there are MANY times I would much rather be sitting on a bus with a child in my lap rather than carrying or dragging them back to the resort on foot--even if walking does get you from Point A to Point B in less time.

2. The average travel time from BCV/BWV to all of the Disney destinations combined is probably less than from resorts like OKW/SSR, but I don't think it's significantly less. We're not talking about losing an hour or more per day (average)--it's more on the order of 10-20 minutes per day IMO. Some destinations can easily take LONGER to reach from BCV/BWV due to the combined bus service.

[CarolA]

I can't pick just one!

[ArRzrbk]

Voted BCV, because we own there. Never stayed at any of the DVC properties, but our first trip home is in less than two weeks! Woo hoo!

[crcormier]

I chose BCV, they are my home resort, because my favorite park is EPCOT, and the location can't be beat for visits to EPCOT. I also love Jellyrolls at the Boardwalk and the general theming of the Boardwalk, and the fact that you can walk to MGM from this area too. I also like the fact that though Boardwalk is only a 3 minute walk away, it is quieter at the Beach Club, and the rooms are more serene to me.

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

I picked VWL but we own @ BCV. Hard choice!!!

Allison

[jade1]

""To each their own, but my take is exactly the opposite. Trying to coax three tired children on foot from Epcot / MGM back to the resort is not a lot of fun. And 5 minutes is only a realistic estimate from the IG at Epcot to a very close BCV room. From MGM to BCV it's more along the lines of 25-30 minutes. BWV is about 15-20 on foot from either park."

"I don't disagree with what you said, but you're only addressing the "best case scenario" for BCV. I acknowledged in my post that BCV is very close to Epcot. If the family plans on spending 90% of their park time at Epcot, then BCV is obviously a great choice. If not, it's just a small part of the big picture."

Actually you did make a reference it is easier to get to your room at OKW than BCV. As far as MGM after Fantasmic, I would still rather walk to the boat and ride back to BCV than wait in line for the OKW bus trip. If nothing else for a change of pace from a bus from MK and AK. If I had a 2 and 4 yo I may even simply walk them back in strollers from MGM or EPCOT especially if they fall asleep. To each there own as you say.

[Tanya]

Thank you everyone for your input... I have a feeling they are going to choose Wilderness Lodge... not sure yet but that is what it looks like.

Thanks!

[dkddis]

OKW is our favorite DVC property, room size and a feeling of being on vacation from our vacation. I was hesitant to post this as I own at SSR and want to get my reservations in the 7 month window ;) :crazy:

[Tanya]

That's what this is all about.... which resort you think would be good for them... You don't necessarily have to put where you own.... My hubby bought Hilton Head as a suprise for me a few years ago and yet we always go to Florida... He for some reason looks at the dollar signs and not at the whole picture... (he does this with everything) - what is that saying - "penny wise and dollar foolish".... he bought there because at that time the dues were cheaper... I don't think they are now!.... but the point I was trying to make was - I liked your answer ... ;)

Thanks!

[iankh]

The results of the survey I did a little while ago are still available:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/Report.asp?U=85074065578

[thelobstershanty]

To each their own, but my take is exactly the opposite. Trying to coax three tired children on foot from Epcot / MGM back to the resort is not a lot of fun. And 5 minutes is only a realistic estimate from the IG at Epcot to a very close BCV room. From MGM to BCV it's more along the lines of 25-30 minutes. BWV is about 15-20 on foot from either park.

And the bus stops at both resorts are a pretty long haul, too, making for a lengthy trip just to get to MK, AK or DD.

OKW and SSR both have many bus stops, and most guest rooms are only 1-2 minutes away from a bus stop. When traveling without a car (which we usually do), I would much prefer to walk 2 minutes and then ride a bus the rest of the way. Tired kids + tired parents can make a 20 minute walk pretty miserable. And it's not like you even save much time walking. In all but the busiest periods, bus service will usually get you to your destination in 30 minutes or less.

A little confused here. But from you signature picutre, it looks as though the 2 children pictured, are quite young. Why would you stay in an resort without your own stroller??? From our experiences it is much easier to have your own stroller to get from the exit gate to the bus stop/boat dock/walkway to your room--at ANY Disney resort.
We have never stayed in a Disney resort without our own stroller. All Disney resorts are large resorts and all require walking to a bus, boat or walkway to exit a park. Some resorts require more walkiing, waiting in line for a bus, etc then others. The easiest resorts for us with a stroller has ALWAYS been a Magic Kingdom or Epcot resort because we do not have to deal with the buses.

[tjkraz]

A little confused here. But from you signature picutre, it looks as though the 2 children pictured, are quite young. Why would you stay in an resort without your own stroller???

Our son, who just turned 4, is 43" and 40+ pounds. According to our doctor he's the size of an average 5 1/2 year old. The only stroller we have that will hold both kids is basically a double jog stroller. We've taken that to Disney in the past, but will not do so again. It's an albatross to get on and off of a bus or car. The Disney strollers are convenient and handle much better, so we'll be renting from now on.

Also note that my comments were specifically tailored for the OP, who indicated the party in question included an 8 yo and a 6 yo. I'm fairly certain they will be walking during the day, but that last 20 minutes on foot from Epcot or MGM could be torture with three tired kids vs. 2 adults.

The easiest resorts for us with a stroller has ALWAYS been a Magic Kingdom or Epcot resort because we do not have to deal with the buses.

Well, you don't have to deal with busses for one or two theme parks. That still leaves two more theme parks, Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Since we're just comparing the DVC resorts, bus service from the Epcot area is lacking, and every room is a long distance away from the bus stop. Contrast that with Saratoga Springs and OKW where you can reach one of the multiple bus stops in 2 minutes or less on foot from just about any room at either resort.

We've stayed at every DVC except for VWL, and I'm just speaking from my own experience. I don't expect that everyone would agree with me.