20 days to go - Which DVC property should I try next?

[DVC_Dreamer]

We've not even taken our first trip and I'm wondering what #2 will be. Our strategy is to buy annual passes and travel within a year for our second trip. I'm thinking next June and I'm thinking of a split stay between AKL and BWV. Our youngest DS is a Junior in high school so we'll wait for summer break. We're owners at BLT so I guess we should book soon under the 11 month booking. Never booked a vacation before we take the first one. DW is not keen on a split stay due to the move. I welcome any advice.

 

[jimmytammy]

Our faves in this order are VWL, OKW and BWV. VWL is the smallest of DVC resorts, so can be hardest to book. You may want to try fitting that one in. OKW and SSR tend to be easiest to book, based on size alone. Great thing is, all DVC resorts have their draws. We love the peaceful atmosphere of VWL and OKW, while loving the draw of Epcot at BWV. At any rate, gat a feeling you will enjoy them all

 

[DVC_Dreamer]

Must admit I've not given VWL much consideration but not sure why. I've heard many people rave about the regular hotel. Definitely want to try.

At any rate, gat a feeling you will enjoy them all

I think I'll be in the camp that loves'em all.

Thanks!

 

[alice99]

Boardwalk is my favorite, I love the access to the Hollywood Studios and Epcot!

We are BLT owners though.... love it there too!

 

[cvjw]

If you are staying at BLT for your first trip as DVC members, I would try for an EPCOT resort for your next one. It is nice to be able to walk to at least one park. We have stayed at all of the DVC resorts except OKW (staying there in Dec), since becoming members 2 years ago. We have stayed at most of them multiple times.

Our favorite DVC resorts (me, DH, DS 15 and DS 11):

BCV - for the great pool, and super closeness of EPCOT

BLT - didn't like it very much on our first stay, but fell in love on the 2nd stay. Love the pool, the TOTWL and the fact that you can walk to the MK

KV - didn't think that I would like Kidani because of its location. My boys wanted to stay there for the animals. We love seeing the animals from our balcony, love the large size villas, and the relaxed feel of the resort.

 

[readytogotodisney]

I've only stayed at OKW, BLT, and BWV with a trip planned to BCV. I've also stayed at the WL, but never the villa part. Like PP said they all have their good/bad points.

OKW - very spacious room, quiet - for the most part. But they're also very spread out, and kind of far away from all the parks. Some of the rooms can be a little noisy if you're too close to the roads nearby. We also had a large group that were playing golf outside our room one morning that were so loud they woke me up. I wouldn't have minded at all, but they really seem to just hang out right outside our room and not move forward.

BWV - great location, walking distance to 2 parks, there is also a great atmosphere at night on the boardwalk. There is a lot of TS locations to choose from, but QS is definitely lacking here. The nice part is that if you have park hoppers you could head into Epcot and eat at one of the many QS locations here.

BLT - AWESOME location, and I loved the deck to view fireworks. Only DVC members staying on points are allowed to go up there. There are a few faults, like the rooms are one of the smallest floor plans for DVC. I also really loved the decor here, and for some this might not be a big deal at all, but I was constantly worried about my 1 year old slamming his fingers in the sliding doors on the bathroom that he just loved to play with. If I didn't have a little one with me, this wouldn't have even crossed my mind.

None of them had all that impressive pools, but BLT did have a zero entry as well as a splash pad that my son just LOVED.

As for where we are going to be staying....
BCV - we chose bc of the location. again so close to 2 parks, only bad thing is that they don't offer grandvillas, which we normally get. Since there is a smaller group of us going this time we're doing 2 bedrooms instead. And probably the main reason we choose BCV is Stormalong Bay! It looks amazing, and our kids are fish at heart.

As for VWL, again I haven't stayed at the villas, but the pool here is really great too, as well as the atmosphere. I thought the main lobby was amazing and I loved the creek that emptied out into the pool, a great design.

 

[Laurabearz]

Too many choices not enough vacations!

I agree with trying an EPCOT resort area hotel next...

 

[Dynaguy]

BLT is awesome. We stayed there twice. Once was in May and there was a hatch of flying insects on the Bay Lake side of the tower. It was so bad it made the pool unusable.I wouldn't want to try it again that month.


That being said, It's a great resort and I've toyed with the idea of buying there. I love to watch the Kingdom change colors at night.

We do own at Boardwalk( October Food & Wine), Animal Kingdom( March), and Wilderness( December). These are visitation times, all of the points are in the same use year for greater simplicity.

I enjoy Boardwalk for it's walking distance to two parks, and boat service back if you like. Sometimes you can see fireworks from three parks from your balcony. It also has my favorite pool.


I love Animal Kingdom fro the dining, the animal watching, the themeing, the firepits .

Wilderness is great for the quiet , cozy feel without being out of the way like AK. The lobby of the villa wing is really cool, including memorabilia from Walt's railroad.


We've done a lot of split stays.They have some advantages, such as being close to the parks and dining . I find it's more relaxing to stay one place for the entire trip..

I'd suggest you get your family to research the various places and let them decide where they want to go next.

Have fun planning.