A bunch of questions... but mainly BCV or BWV?

[themollendorns]

I am just beginning to plan our next trip to Disney World and I have a few questions that I can only trust to the experienced people on these boards!

I am planning a family vacation, so all of the responsibilities are falling into my lap to make it perfect and I am really struggling because EVERY resort seems so great.

This last visit (October 2011) we stayed at the AKV. We loved our 2 bedroom suite there but I said the next time we went I would really like to stay closer to all the action. I really wanted to stay near Magic Kingdom, and we plan to rent points, but I am not a fan of the style of the BLT (but LOVE the location).

Anyway, we decided January 2013 and I was wondering if anyone could reflect on whether or not they would recommend January? Is it too cold to swim? I know this is the time for refurbs, how far in advance do you find out what will be out of order?

Finally, we are still torn on where to stay but recently thought about staying near Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Would you guys recommend the Boardwalk Villas or Beach Club Villas? I thought I would like BCV first, but then I read reviews stating they are dated and worn down? I was surprised because at AKV everything was in tip-top shape. The more I look at Boardwalk Villas I think I would love it, and the kids would really love it as well. Is January too cold to rent boats or those paddle boats in the lake?

Basically, what are the pros and cons to each?

(I have been reading other posts on here to get some information, but was just hoping for more specific information.)

Thank you all so much, we really really appreciate it!

**I meant 2 bedroom Villa up above, I didn't realize they weren't called suites**

 

[Pakey]

It may be too cold in January for water activities; there's no way to predict. We've done 11 January WDW vacations and the weather is all over the place, often within the same week.

I own at BCV so I'm partial to that resort. Both BCV and BWV are more worn than AKV because they are older and since they are DVC and owners pay for improvements, they don't get refurbished like the hotels do.

I've never had a villa that I thought was so worn that it affected my vacation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The BCV decor is nothing like the BC room decor. Completely different. So if you see photos on line from the BC, that is not the BCV. BWV was renovated about three years ago.

One thing to know, none of the BWV two bedroom villas are dedicated. They are all lockoff villas (meaning a combination of a studio and one bedroom villa). Neither the BWV nor the BCV have the sleeper chair in the living room. They only sleep eight.

At BCV there are only 25 dedicated two bedroom villas that have two queen beds in the second bedroom. The rest are slightly smaller and only have one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa in the bedroom. You are probably too late to book the dedicated with two queen beds since those go quickly at 11 months out.

Have you considered the Villas at Wilderness Lodge? Only a boat ride from the MK.

We have been in January several times. Sometimes it was in the 80's and we spent a lot of time at the water parks. Other times it was cooler and damp and we bundled up.

As far as paddle boats, I don't recall seeing them at the YC marina. There isn't a marina at the BW, so you have to rent boats at the YC.

One last thing. There are no DVC suites. They are all villas. The deluxe resorts have suites and not villas unless there is a DVC component at that deluxe resort.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Personally I would go with Boardwalk Villas for these reasons. In my opinion they have a much better theme/atmosphere, more Table Service Restaurants, Quick Service locations, stores, they are the closest among thew Epcot Resorts when walking to Hollywood Studios and the entertainers that perform each night along the Boardwalk.

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

January can be pretty chilly - but since it's Florida, you could get a lucky warm stretch. I love both BCV and BWV for different reasons. I probably prefer the decor of the BWV but the BC/YC pool is fabulous (although since you are going in Jan, the use of it is dicey). I like the location of BW slightly better - a tiny bit closer to HS. BW does not have a good sundry shop/fast-ish food cafe type place IN it (like BC does) but there are restaurants all along the Boardwalk. Over all, both are wonderful resorts and I would hazard a guess that once you stay at one of them . . . you may never want to stay anywhere else

The location of either is fantastic for access to Epcot and HS. If you are going to be at MK for most of your trip, I would give Bay Lake consideration. It sounds like you may not love the theming but the access to MK is superb. It is absolutely marvelous to be able to walk in and out of MK. I'm probably confusing you at this point but all of your choices are great!!! Have fun!!

 

[themollendorns]

You all are so wonderful and thank you so much for your input! I still feel torn, every resort has so many great things to offer!

I feel like all of the Californians coming in would really enjoy Animal Kingdom Villas because that entire resort is just out of this world, but I really wanted something a little more centrally located.

Thank you all again - it is very much appreciated!