BWV w/Boardwalk View vs BCV for 2010?

[heaven2dc]

I am planning a trip for next year (**/**-**/**/10) for 9 of us and am trying to decide whether to stay again at BWV with a boardwalk view or BCV (I'll be renting points). Our family has grown to love the BWV's and I lucked out last December to stay in a boardwalk view room and am spoiled! My youngest two boys have never been to WDW (age 16 & 22) plus my oldest 2 sons' girlfriends will be going and their first visit.

We love the walk to Epcot and HS so I thought maybe I'd try BCV (I have rented points for our last 2 visits and saved tons of $$ doing this - wish I had bought into DVC on our first visit in 1997 but ended up paying rack rates for 3 1-bedroom villas for 12 of us and broke the bank )

Here's my list of pro's and con's:

Pro's of BWV:
Boardwalk view is to die for!
Preferred room views seem better than BCV.
Can see Illuminations & Wishes.
The atmosphere (street performers, games, ESPN, Spoodles)
Walk to HS & Epcot.

Con's of BWV:
Long hallways & long walk to elevator unless you luck out on a close room.
Clown pool (oldest DS's fear of clown's or should I say "strong dislike".)

Pro's of BCV:
Closer to walk to Epcot.
Stormalong Bay (I think the boys would enjoy this more plus the gals love the idea of the lazy river)
Hopefully not as long of a walk to elevators.
Beaches & Cream closer

Con's of BCV:
Room views aren't as spectacular even if preferred views.

If anyone has either rented points or is a DVC owner and stayed at both resorts, I'd love your opinions. I'm sure there are some of you out there that would recommend other resorts, but I can't seem to convince my family to stay anywhere other than an Epcot resort (if I could afford to reserve a Lake View room at the Beachclub or Yachtclub, that would solve the problem but unless I hit the lottery or get more than a 40% off code, it ain't happening ). Oh and I'm planning on renting points for a 2-bedroom villa plus 2 or 3 studios (not decided yet).

Suggestions or opinions please? Ages of the group when we will be going are: me (yeah, right - like I'm giving THAT away ), DS32, DSGF23, DS28, DSGF28, DD31, DDBF30, DD's son 3, DS23, and DS17. Oh and any pics to help sway me would be appreciated!!

Edit: Travel dates have been removed so as not to be construed as a "Reservation Wanted" post, which is limited to our Rent/Trade board. - Chuck S

[jekjones1558]

While the weather could be warm enough to spend lots of time in the pool, I wouldn't really count on it. The sand pool at BCV would be great for the 3 year old.
If you will have a car, the self-parking at BCV is closer than at BWV. DHS is a lot shorter walk from BWV than from BCV. Epcot is a slightly closer walk from BCV than from BWV.
I think that the ages of most of your group might favor the activities on the BW, but BCV is certainly close enough to walk to the BW.
I am admittedly biased as a BWV owner, but at that time of year and with your particular group I would favor BWV. I am very partial to the lobby decorations at BWV in December, though the carrousel in the BCV lobby is amazing.
Have a great trip, whatever you decide to do. That is the BEST time to visit WDW, IMHO!
ETA: I take this all back. I do not want to have any more competition for BW view rooms for that particular week!

[DVC Mike]

I really love the boardwalk view rooms at BWV! I can just sit on the balcony for hours, just like I can at AKV and BLT.

BCV is a quiter resort, and offers SAB. If I'm into lounging around the pool, I'd pick BCV.

[heaven2dc]

jekjones1558 - thanks for your input! It all makes sense so I DEFINITELY will reserve at BWV Just kidding! I'm still on the fence - wouldn't want to take away a couple of boardwalk view rooms from ya! (you couldn't give me a hint as to how soon I need to rent points to secure that great view, would you?)

[Inkmahm]

Originally Posted by heaven2dc

jekjones1558 - thanks for your input! It all makes sense so I DEFINITELY will reserve at BWV Just kidding! I'm still on the fence - wouldn't want to take away a couple of boardwalk view rooms from ya! (you couldn't give me a hint as to how soon I need to rent points to secure that great view, would you?)

I'd try to have it lined up for someone to make the reservation for you at the 11 month mark if you really want Boardwalk view in December.

[CarolMN]

BCV is also popular in early December. IMO, no matter which resort you choose, you'll need to get the reservation at the 11 month window.

[jekjones1558]

(you couldn't give me a hint as to how soon I need to rent points to secure that great view, would you?)

Absolutely you need to be ahead of the game if you want multiple rooms for that week regardless of which resort you choose. Since the person from whom you will rent needs to be on the phone when MS opens on Dec. 28, you should post on the Rent/Trade board well in advance. You may even need to line up more than one owner if you need multiple rooms. Good luck. We have a lot of points but are unable to do much travel at this time, but I MUST go to WDW in early December and I MUST have a BW view room!

[heaven2dc]

Originally Posted by DVC Mike

I really love the boardwalk view rooms at BWV! I can just sit on the balcony for hours, just like I can at AKV and BLT.

BCV is a quiter resort, and offers SAB. If I'm into lounging around the pool, I'd pick BCV.

I totally agree with you Mike! Nothing better than sitting out on the balcony early in the morning sipping that first cup of caffiene and people watching!

Originally Posted by Inkmahm

I'd try to have it lined up for someone to make the reservation for you at the 11 month mark if you really want Boardwalk view in December.

I've always been confused at this but definitely will get someone lined up. Thanks for the hint!

Originally Posted by CarolMN

BCV is also popular in early December. IMO, no matter which resort you choose, you'll need to get the reservation at the 11 month window.

Thanks, CarolMN! I couldn't believe my luck last year when the DVC owner I rented points from actually got the boardwalk view at just under 11 mos.

Originally Posted by jekjones1558

Absolutely you need to be ahead of the game if you want multiple rooms for that week regardless of which resort you choose. Since the person from whom you will rent needs to be on the phone when MS opens on Dec. 28, you should post on the Rent/Trade board well in advance. You may even need to line up more than one owner if you need multiple rooms. Good luck. We have a lot of points but are unable to do much travel at this time, but I MUST go to WDW in early December and I MUST have a BW view room!

I definitely have my work cut out if I want to secure a Boardwalk view room or rooms I should say. I am kind of thinking of either doing a split stay at BWV & BC then I could see how we all like both resorts. But then staying only 6 or 7 nights (if I decide to add on another night) doesn't seem long enough for a split stay. Either way I've got 3 mos to figure it all out.

Does anyone have pics of views from the Beach Club villas?