Opinions please: Beach Club Villas... what's it like?

[lpoeppelman]

I'd love your opinions on the Beach Club Villas... what's it like?

I'll probably try to do Disney Vacation Club... if it works out, if not, will reserve online. But would like to know what it is like? How far/long does it take to get to MK? Is it closer to go through Epcot and take the monorail to get to MK? How big are they? Is it a bummer not getting a cleaning service every day?

I have a large family (we will be 7 when we go next year as I am expecting), so this is our first choice. But we have considered doing a suite a All Star Music too. I know, big difference, but we haven't decided if we should try the suite at ASM first to save $$.

Your opinions are great appreciated!

Thanks so much!

[disneystick]

We own pts. there thru DVC and LOVE it!!! The walk to EPCOT is a short 10 min. walk thru the International Gateway. And all the activities on the beach, like campfire and movies, walk to Broadwalk, etc...and the coolest pool slide-the pirate ship!!!!! The pool is the best of all Disney's pools.

By the way...going to Magic Kingdom was a short walk thru BC hotel lobby to the bus walkway. Much shorter route that way vs. walking all the way thru EPCOT to catch the monorail.

[bbluvsdis]

We are DVC owners and we love the BCV. We will be staying in a 2 bedroom next May. I love the master bath with the big walk in shower and whirlpool tub. I like the fact that you have a separate living room which is nice when everyone doesn't go to bed at the same time. The rooms are very spacious. We have stayed in the one and two bedrooms. We don't mind having maid service every day. Our son likes to sleep in and that works well for us. I love being able to walk into Epcot or take a boat to DHS. It's a great place to stay!

[DebbieB]

If you reserve through CRO, you will receive regular cleaning everyday. If you use DVC points, you will get the limited housekeeping, with the option to purchase additional.

Usually the bus is quicker. It's a long way through Epcot, especially with small kids.

[jwfla422]

We absolutely loved it. We stayed there in April for my birthday celebration and it was awesome. We booked a studio and were upgraded to a 2 bedroom villa!! Now that was a quite a birthday present! We did book as cash guests though with an AP special rate, so we did get daily housekeeping.

Yes, it's nice to get fresh towels everyday and have your dishwasher loaded (if you use any dishes), but I could still live without the housekeeping every single day. You can pop the towels in the wash when you leave and then pop them in the dryer when you get back.

Our villa was at the end of the hall and was a bit of a walk to the main area but I was VERY happy with the location because it was a top floor which made for a very quiet location.

We could see parts of Epcot from our balconies and we could walk there in about 5-7 minutes. The back gate was just a few minute walk which takes you to the Int'l Gateway. I would probably recommend taking the bus to MK if you're only planning to use Epcot as a way to the monorail. It is a pretty good walk from the Int'l Gateway to the front to pick up the monorail. BUT, if you plan to visit Epcot and then go to the MK that's a good plan. You can always take a bus back if you decide to go this way.

The pool (SAB) is also a great perk at the BCV. Your kids will love it and so will you. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

[Ennazus8810]

My absolute favorite place to stay!

[RMulieri]

BCV are great! We are staying here in 17 days and we always try to stay here and we are not owners. Be aware that room inventory thru CRO for cash ressies sometimes are not available till about 7-10 months in advance. It is a fabulous location to Epcot and DHS.It books fast for the Food and Wine festival and even the flower and garden fest at Epcot.The bus is quicker to Mk.If you wanted to walk thru Epcot to take the monorail first and foremost...You need PARK HOPPER tickets. You actually have to enter Epcot to do that, and once you enter one park you can not enter another unless you have a park hopper.It is also a HUGE hike to go thru the IG at the back of Epcot, past the UK and Canada and then a hike thru Futureworld to go out the Main gate and then hoof it to the monorail station.

[66Tink]

Glad to hear all the rave reviews of BCV as we are staying there for the first time in May. We received a great PIN and booked a 1 bedroom villa. We enjoy Epcot and are looking forward to walking there I am just hoping DH who likes to relax will find BCV as relaxing as SSR. So happy this thread was started

[jamie&Greg]

We just stayed BCV and I loved it!! IMO nothing beats staing DVC!!

[lpoeppelman]

Wow... great input. Thanks so much everyone. Please keep em' coming... it is getting me excited!

I can't believe the money I saved renting points. Huge savings! I want my own DVC sooo badly now so I can do this every year!

[blanq]

I love BCV, and stayed at a studio (we just have a family of three) on rented points a few years ago. The location is fabulous, as are the resort amenities and amenities of the Boardwalk. My family has been to WDW 10 times and the BC is my DH's favorite resort in all of WDW. The transporation was good, and we had no issues with it. The buses are shared with YC, BWI, and Swan/Dolphin so it does take a bit longer to get from A to B. I do not think you will save time by walking through Epcot to catch the monorail, unless you are at Epcot anyway. Definately check out the rent/trade Board and rent your DVC points instead of booking through WDW Travel. You will save a boatload by doing so. I personalyy don't mind not getting housekeeping services daily. I am the kind of person that makes my bed every morning, and does a quick tidy up in any hotel, including those that do provide housekeeping.

[RMulieri]

Originally Posted by lpoeppelman

Wow... great input. Thanks so much everyone. Please keep em' coming... it is getting me excited!

I can't believe the money I saved renting points. Huge savings! I want my own DVC sooo badly now so I can do this every year!

Just remember that with renting points you do not get daily mousekeeping

[purpliequeen]

The trip at a BCV dedicated 2-bedroom was the best trip for my family thus far. I think the occasion definitely helped. My parents booked the trip (we're DVC members) and brought my best friend along. My best friend and I had our own queen beds to ourselves while my parents took the master bedroom. The villas was huge and spacious. We loved it. No complaints there. The theming is also fantastic. Very quaint. The resort as whole is like grandmother's Cape Cod cottage.

We loved the location. In fact, I don't think any of the DVC villas will ever have such a great location as BCV. (That being said, Epcot is our favorite park.) It was amazing to be out the door and in Epcot in three minutes. In fact, BVC is the closest out of all the Boardwalk properties in proximity to Epcot. It was also nice to be able to walk to the other Boardwalk resorts and DHS. I loved the location. That being said, I don't think MK was more than a 20 min bus ride. It really was no big deal. Sorry I can't remember much about it.... MK is a great park, but not our favorite so it wasn't an issue.

The restaurant options at the BCV/Boardwalk/Epcot area is to die for. Oh, let me add that the kids will LOVE the BCV. The pool is to die for. Literally there is no better pool out there in WDW, or the U.S. for that matter. The theming, again, is fantastic. The lifeguards are also GREAT with the kids. The kids always seemed to be doing activities in the pool with them at the Beach Party, which happened quite frequently. Beach Club marketplace is also great- it's huge and there's a lot of options. The gelato is to die for. If you're renting points, you have your pick of DVD rentals in the store. Beaches and Cream was also fun. The lines there are outrageous if you want ice cream, and there are very few choices. I think gelato from the marketplace wins out, but still, the idea of getting a sundae from Beaches and Cream was cool. hahaha Have a blast!

Oh, and be sure to book/request a dedicated two-bedroom due to your party's size.

[michelleiada]

We love Beach Club Villas. Location can't be beat with EPCOT a few steps away and the Studios a nice walk away. Also...love the Boardwalk across the lake. The pool is amazing and there are endless options for eating in the area. There are no negatives for me! Just love the Beach Club and everything about it!

[ThankUWalt]

Originally Posted by purpliequeen

The trip at a BCV dedicated 2-bedroom was the best trip for my family thus far. I think the occasion definitely helped. My parents booked the trip (we're DVC members) and brought my best friend along. My best friend and I had our own queen beds to ourselves while my parents took the master bedroom. The villas was huge and spacious. We loved it. No complaints there. The theming is also fantastic. Very quaint. The resort as whole is like grandmother's Cape Cod cottage.

We loved the location. In fact, I don't think any of the DVC villas will ever have such a great location as BCV. (That being said, Epcot is our favorite park.) It was amazing to be out the door and in Epcot in three minutes. In fact, BVC is the closest out of all the Boardwalk properties in proximity to Epcot. It was also nice to be able to walk to the other Boardwalk resorts and DHS. I loved the location. That being said, I don't think MK was more than a 20 min bus ride. It really was no big deal. Sorry I can't remember much about it.... MK is a great park, but not our favorite so it wasn't an issue.

The restaurant options at the BCV/Boardwalk/Epcot area is to die for. Oh, let me add that the kids will LOVE the BCV. The pool is to die for. Literally there is no better pool out there in WDW, or the U.S. for that matter. The theming, again, is fantastic. The lifeguards are also GREAT with the kids. The kids always seemed to be doing activities in the pool with them at the Beach Party, which happened quite frequently. Beach Club marketplace is also great- it's huge and there's a lot of options. The gelato is to die for. If you're renting points, you have your pick of DVD rentals in the store. Beaches and Cream was also fun. The lines there are outrageous if you want ice cream, and there are very few choices. I think gelato from the marketplace wins out, but still, the idea of getting a sundae from Beaches and Cream was cool. hahaha Have a blast!

Oh, and be sure to book/request a dedicated two-bedroom due to your party's size.

WOW...So, you're saying everything is "to die for" ...LOL