Would you stay at BWV or S/D if price diferences was $200?

[MermaidMommy]

DD and I are going to WDW to celebrate her 13th bday this June. It'll be a split stay, and we wanted to be in the Epcot area for part of it. I chose S/D (most likely Dolphin) because of price considerations, and after reading up on it, I've gotten really excited about staying there. However, I just discovered that I can book a preferred-view studio at BWV for around $200 more (including resort and parking fees from S/D). Now I can't decide and would love your opinions!

Pros to S/D:
Price
Two beds as opposed to 1 bed and sleeper sofa (DD is a kicker so I won't share a bed with her)
Better pool area (from what I can tell)
Rates might drop later
Refundable deposit
Better on-site dining

Pros to BWV:
Has the "Disney magic"
Washer/dryer in unit
On the Boardwalk / little bit shorter walk to Epcot
My Magic+ not an issue if it starts before we get there

Magical Express and dining plan aren't a factor either way, and we wouldn't use the kitchenette at BWV enough to matter.

After making my list, it looks like there are more pros for S/D, but the Disney magic counts for a lot with us! So, tell me, where would you stay?

 

[Deb & Bill]

DD and I are going to WDW to celebrate her 13th bday this June. It'll be a split stay, and we wanted to be in the Epcot area for part of it. I chose S/D (most likely Dolphin) because of price considerations, and after reading up on it, I've gotten really excited about staying there. However, I just discovered that I can book a preferred-view studio at BWV for around $200 more (including resort and parking fees from S/D). Now I can't decide and would love your opinions!

Pros to S/D:
Price
Two beds as opposed to 1 bed and sleeper sofa (DD is a kicker so I won't share a bed with her)
Better pool area (from what I can tell)
Rates might drop later
Refundable deposit
Better on-site dining

Pros to BWV:
Has the "Disney magic"
Washer/dryer in unit
On the Boardwalk / little bit shorter walk to Epcot
My Magic+ not an issue if it starts before we get there

Magical Express and dining plan aren't a factor either way, and we wouldn't use the kitchenette at BWV enough to matter.

After making my list, it looks like there are more pros for S/D, but the Disney magic counts for a lot with us! So, tell me, where would you stay?

The studio does not have a washer and dryer in the unit.

 

[cjsm&d]

I'd take the $200 and have a nice meal at Il Miluno and or Shula's.

Honestly,you can't go wrong with either. We loved our stay at the Swan, but would enjoy BW too.

 

[lovesdumbo]

You won't get a washer/dryer in a studio but will have access to one.

At BW you can chargeback to your room and do package delivery but those probably aren't enough reason to stay there.

How much more is a standard room at BWI vs the studio? I like those better.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Thanks for letting me know about no washer/dryer in the studios. I must have assumed that all the Villas have washer/dryers, but it makes sense that there isn't room in the studios.

The price for a regular room is much more -- hundreds of dollars more. I only got an affordable rate at BWV by renting points, but, of course, that means no refunds once we've booked.

 

[Missyrose]

Thanks for letting me know about no washer/dryer in the studios. I must have assumed that all the Villas have washer/dryers, but it makes sense that there isn't room in the studios.

The price for a regular room is much more -- hundreds of dollars more. I only got an affordable rate at BWV by renting points, but, of course, that means no refunds once we've booked.

Is your BWV price for a standard view villa? Those would be very difficult to get at just four months out. You'd likely have to budget for the pool/garden view, but there may or may not be availability for every night this close to your arrival date.

 

[patty57]

After years of staying at BW & BC, we stayed at the Swan this past June. Loved it! We're staying at the Dolphin in May. I'm also a fan of renting points for BWV or BCV, but my last trip, and the upcoming trip in May, had some variables that made me fearful we could potentially have to cancel. As you know, rentals don't work in those situations. "Forcing" me to stay at the Swan last June ended up being a great thing. Now I know I really like those resorts!

 

[Magic3forme]

BW hands down. We hated the Dolphin... we switched rooms 3 tiimes, the pools were not taken care of , and the list goes on and on. (free parking at BW)

 

[DisneyJanFeb2008]

Hands down BW. We just did Swan last yr - it was a good value but for us, we really missed the resort feel - Swan/Dolphin have an outdated business hotel feel. Not a vacation resort feel. Also the food options at the hotels were not good and the rooms very basic/bland. We really missed the Disney magic and are willing to pay more for BC this yr.

 

[LSchrow]

we haven't stayed at the swolphin, but go there to rent/drop car, and occassionally to eat.

they are nice, clean resorts, but obviously convention hotels that remind us of old asylums..they have a business look and feel (rather than excited, elated, interesting, etc). at any other WDW resort, total strangers smile and greet one another - at the swolphin, they tend talk to their co-workers, their laptops, and themselves ONLY while BWI/BWV feels like a resort, and swolphin feels like a hotel, either is fine for sleeping (i've heard swolphin has the better beds).

btw, the kitchenette is great - we have had many a quick meal in them (eating out constantly gets old).
how long is the stay for? $200 a night less might sway me toward the swolphin, $50 night not so much

 

[goofy4tink]

I've stayed at all three. Not crazy about the Swan (had a bad experience there, so that colors my feelings), love the Dolphin and I own DVC at BWV so obviously love it there!!!
I would save the $200 and stay at the Dolphin. I don't need Disney theming all day/all night. I'm good with a more plain room. Loved all my rooms at the Dolphin...nicer beds, better toiletries.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Is your BWV price for a standard view villa? Those would be very difficult to get at just four months out. You'd likely have to budget for the pool/garden view, but there may or may not be availability for every night this close to your arrival date.

If the reservation is cash through Disney Reservation Center, that standard view is exactly the same as the DVC points pool/garden view. You can't get DVC standard or DVC BW view for cash.

 

[cjsm&d]

Thanks for letting me know about no washer/dryer in the studios. I must have assumed that all the Villas have washer/dryers, but it makes sense that there isn't room in the studios.

The price for a regular room is much more -- hundreds of dollars more. I only got an affordable rate at BWV by renting points, but, of course, that means no refunds once we've booked.

In this case, I'd stay with S&D

 

[cjsm&d]

Hands down BW. We just did Swan last yr - it was a good value but for us, we really missed the resort feel - Swan/Dolphin have an outdated business hotel feel. Not a vacation resort feel. Also the food options at the hotels were not good and the rooms very basic/bland. We really missed the Disney magic and are willing to pay more for BC this yr.

I respect your opinion on the resort. Everyone has their own tastes and preferances...

...However, it's a major stretch to say the food options there are not good.

 

[blackacex2]

BWV no contest!!! Swalphin rooms are common, boring, and need refurbished. Boardwalk is heavenly- this is a Disney vacation, not a business trip!

 

[blackacex2]

DD and I are going to WDW to celebrate her 13th bday this June. It'll be a split stay, and we wanted to be in the Epcot area for part of it. I chose S/D (most likely Dolphin) because of price considerations, and after reading up on it, I've gotten really excited about staying there. However, I just discovered that I can book a preferred-view studio at BWV for around $200 more (including resort and parking fees from S/D). Now I can't decide and would love your opinions!

Pros to S/D:
Price
Two beds as opposed to 1 bed and sleeper sofa (DD is a kicker so I won't share a bed with her)
Better pool area (from what I can tell)
Rates might drop later
Refundable deposit
Better on-site dining

Pros to BWV:
Has the "Disney magic"
Washer/dryer in unit
On the Boardwalk / little bit shorter walk to Epcot
My Magic+ not an issue if it starts before we get there

Magical Express and dining plan aren't a factor either way, and we wouldn't use the kitchenette at BWV enough to matter.

After making my list, it looks like there are more pros for S/D, but the Disney magic counts for a lot with us! So, tell me, where would you stay?

How many nights are you staying? If you sign up for the Starwood American Express you get one free night at swan or dolphin. Free. My wife and I signed up for the card and are getting two free nights there before heading to the boardwalk inn =).

 

[Missyrose]

If the reservation is cash through Disney Reservation Center, that standard view is exactly the same as the DVC points pool/garden view. You can't get DVC standard or DVC BW view for cash.

OP said they'd be renting points.

 

[mericletwins]

DD and I are going to WDW to celebrate her 13th bday this June. It'll be a split stay, and we wanted to be in the Epcot area for part of it. I chose S/D (most likely Dolphin) because of price considerations, and after reading up on it, I've gotten really excited about staying there. However, I just discovered that I can book a preferred-view studio at BWV for around $200 more (including resort and parking fees from S/D). Now I can't decide and would love your opinions!

Pros to S/D:
Price
Two beds as opposed to 1 bed and sleeper sofa (DD is a kicker so I won't share a bed with her)
Better pool area (from what I can tell)
Rates might drop later
Refundable deposit
Better on-site dining

Pros to BWV:
Has the "Disney magic"
Washer/dryer in unit
On the Boardwalk / little bit shorter walk to Epcot
My Magic+ not an issue if it starts before we get there

Magical Express and dining plan aren't a factor either way, and we wouldn't use the kitchenette at BWV enough to matter.

After making my list, it looks like there are more pros for S/D, but the Disney magic counts for a lot with us! So, tell me, where would you stay?

Is the price difference $200 a night or over the length of your trip? If it is over the length of your trip, then how long is your trip? Also. If you are driving, factor in the parking fee at the swolphin into your price breakdown.

 

[cjsm&d]

Is the price difference $200 a night or over the length of your trip? If it is over the length of your trip, then how long is your trip? Also. If you are driving, factor in the parking fee at the swolphin into your price breakdown.

She already factored the extras in.

 

[MermaidMommy]

A lot of differing opinions, although it looks like BWV has a bit of an edge over S/D. The price difference between the two resrots is $200 total (including parking and resort fees at S/D) for a 4 night visit (so $50 a night). Normally, I'd go with BWI, but we've already stretched the vacation from 8 nights to 11, and have splurged to do WL for 4 days before we get to either S/D or BWI. It's been one of those, "Hey, but if we just paid an extra $100/$200/$300 we could stay longer/better, etc." type trips. I keep telling myself that I have to stop the spending somewhere!

The other issue is that I would be more comfortable not having to rent points -- which means a non-refundable payment -- which I would have to do with BWI. And, I would qualify for one of the S/D's cheaper promotions (teacher) if it comes out later, so I could potentially save more at S/D.

Thanks, everyone, for the help!