A perspective: disappointed in stay at BWV

[Doctor P]

As some of you read last week, we were able to get a 1BR at BWV at the very last minute on our way to our DCL cruise. A few impressions based on things that surprised me and disappointed me during the stay:

1) This was our first stay in a 1BR at any DVC resort. I was shocked at how tiny the 1BR at BWV was. I think it was probably larger than it seemed to me, but I really expected a larger and nicer villa than that. Our Residence Inn by Marriott studio room the night after the cruise was superior in every way (except in-room laundry) to the BWV one bedroom. I have stayed in several suites hotels (e.g., Embassy Suites, Marriott Suites) where the basic room was nicer than the 1BR we stayed in. This really surprised me. Since we will likely continue to stay in studios to conserve our points, I am not overly dismayed but I am surprised.

2) For all the talk of the advantages to being where the action is, I was dismayed that the Boardwalk shuts down (except for a couple nightclubs) at 10:30 or 11:00 pm. It was, frankly, a little scary how deserted the BW/BC/YC area was beginning about 10:00 pm. I'm not so sure that Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island might not be a better venue after 10:00 pm. Perhaps this will work to SSR's advantage.

 

[Richyams]

Many people find that the location of BWV makes dealing with those tiny units worthwhile.

I don't.

I agree completely, those one bedroom units are almost an insult. They are ridiculously small, try the two bedroom!!!! It is the same unit with the studio attached, imagine six or eight people in that for two weeks!

But they do get to walk to two parks.

 

[Granny]

Doctor P...I am assuming that you are merely offering a comparison and not a "bashing" of BWV? I guess you had never visited a model showing the 1BR layout of BWV/VWL/BCV before?

We found the 1BR to be a very nice layout and haven't found an on-site accommodation that is better for a more reasonable price.

I think it's been said many times that you can get a larger room off-site....and there's no doubt that people pay a premium to stay on-site.

If, on the other hand, this was just a way of comparing the room to an OKW 1BR........

 

[disnefile]

I think the BWV's are wonderful and while a little small, they are superior in decor and ammentities compared to any hotel. I can't understand how anyone could be dissappointed in the accomodation, location and beauty of that resort.

 

[The VWL Five]

We've stayed in a VWL and BCV 1br. Staying in a BWV 1br next month. Aren't the 1br's at these 3 resorts all the same size? We have 3 small children all under 5 so it's not bad for us right now.

Truthfully until people mention various issues that bother them, I really haven't noticed an issue for us. It is an individual concern or non concern which is perfectly fine.

Enjoy the best you can.

 

[DeeP]

That is such a shame that you were not happy with your accomendations, I really hope it didn't take away from your trip enjoyment.
Since the villas at BWV, BCV, VWL and SSR are all the same size and most likely any future DVC resorts will also have the same size villas, I guess you will have to opt for all future trips to be spent at OKW.
Obviously from your post, the size of the unit is very important to you, how did you ever handle the size of the cabins on the DCL? Although they are among the largest cabins available on any cruise line, the cabins are much, much smaller than a 1 br at BWV, BCV, VWL or SSR.

 

[floridafam]

Thank you for posting.

I think it does help to get different perspectives on each resort.

 

[mikesmom]

Wow, I'm really surprised at your post. DH and I stay often at the type of suite hotels you mentioned. We travel fairly often on business and when we first started coming to Orlando we still used that type of suite as we weren't keen on sharing bedroom space with DS. That was one reason we jumped on DVC the first time we stayed there.

Embassy Suites aren't even close to the DVC 1 bdrm in space, kitchen amenities or bathroom (MUCH closer to a studio). I agree with your description of Residence Inn, but my experience is that they are spotty. While the space is great, I've been in some (at least 50%) that are seriously rundown - VERY worn carpets, tile chipped in bath, older appliances. I assume the franchise determines the upkeep. In both types, the balcony, Jacuzzi and closet space also give points to DVC.

Also, at least in Orlando, we found that the Embassy Suites were running about $125/nite plus the 13% Florida tax brought it to over $140/nite. That was 4 years ago. At those rates, it wouldn't take long for the rates to pass what our costs were at DVC.

Just my opinion.

 

[zulaya]

I don't know that Doctor P was necessarily doing a comparison between OKW and BWV.

Reading his post, it seems he has stayed only at studios and he had high expectations for the size of the 1 BR.

It is nice to hear different versions. And while I don't have plans to stay at BWV ever, it is interesting to hear how the Boardwalk closes up except for the clubs later at night. That might make a difference to some people.

 

[Doctor P]

I think a lot has to do with expectations. I KNEW the cabin on the cruise would be very small, and I was very prepared for that. Also, we were not actually doing much more than sleeping and cleaning up in our stateroom. In a 1BR, one would expect to do those things, but also prepare meals, do laundry, and generally live in the unit.

No, I had never been through the models, though I peeked through the windows at one time. I'm not sure I got an appreciation for the size. The units also looked more spacious in the photographs that I looked at (though the photographs certainly were not intentionally deceptive in any way).

For our family, the 1BR at VWL, BCV, and BWV probably would not be a conscious choice given the point difference over a studio. However, I COULD see moving up to a 2BR if we decided to go with family or friends who would occupy the studio.

Being at WDW for the one night was magical, and we were glad to be able to experience BWV. It just was incongruent with expectations on the dimensions I mentioned.

 

[kamgen]

Sorry you were not pleased with the accomodations. We find the BWV 1 bedroom to be a wonderful size. While the OKW rooms are much bigger and we like them, we don't prefer any over the other.

I agree completely, those one bedroom units are almost an insult. They are ridiculously small, try the two bedroom!!!! It is the same unit with the studio attached, imagine six or eight people in that for two weeks!

Well I don't find them an insult at all. I don't believe they are too small either. As for the 2 bedroom at BWV, we stayed in one for 8 days with 3 teenagers and 2 adults and felt it was more than big enough! Plus, since we ARE at WDW...who is in their room that much anyway??? JMHO.

The only DVC location I am not too fond of is BCV. But none of the room sizes make me feel insulted.

Hope you find something you like better.

 

[spiceycat]

just the next time you stay in a 1-bedroom go to OKW -

the studios are about the same size in all the DVC resorts - OKW are a little bigger - but they have 2 queen beds which take more room - than the 1 queen bed and double sleeper sofa that the other DVC resorts have.

Studios are great for saving points - but when I feel I must have a 1-bedroom OKW is it.

 

[Lisa F]

I guess I will never understand the "bigger is better" attitude. I would rather have a small piece of the best belgian chocolate than a pound of hersheys. I would rather have a small ramekin of the best creme brulee than a huge bowl of jello pudding. I would rather have a 6oz filet mignon than pound of strip steak. To me, bigger is not necessarily better... bigger is bigger and better is better. They are two separate issues.

I also have a hard time seeing how any of the 1 bedroom units could be "too small" for a vacation, but I also have a hard time understanding why the american propensity for sprawl leads people to believe that a 3000 sq ft house is "too small" for 2-4 people. I guess it will remain one of those mysteries to me, just like it will remain a mystery to some how people can "suffer" in only 700 sq ft for a whole week.

Lisa

 

[spiceycat]

Lisa no offense - but maybe your family gets along a lot better than mind does.

In too close quarters - we fight all the time - that is why on my next trips - they will have 2 studios and we will have a studio - if we ever go again together. this way everyone gets their own bed - and space. they will be staying at OKW - we will probably be somewhere else.

 

[Lyndarella]

This really doesn't relate to the OP except in thinking about the amount of size NEEDED for the family.

I had to laugh when Spiceycat said the family would fight in too close quarters. The first time we stayed in a 2 BR was with our 2 teen-agers, and that wasn't even enough space! They just didn't want to be on vacation with mom and dad. So we bought another Orlando timeshare to supplement our DVC points, and next time we all go together, we will take turns staying on-site and staying across town!

 

[DebbieB]

Thousands of members bought into BWV, VWL & BCV with these "small rooms". If those are so ridiculous how did they sell them so fast? I think it has to do with what you were used to. If you always stayed at a regular hotel, then the 1 bedroom seems very spacious. Imagine a family of 4 in a regular hotel room and then they stay at BWV. It would seem huge.

 

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by spiceycat
Lisa no offense - but maybe your family gets along a lot better than mind does.

In too close quarters - we fight all the time - that is why on my next trips - they will have 2 studios and we will have a studio - if we ever go again together. this way everyone gets their own bed - and space. they will be staying at OKW - we will probably be somewhere else.

It's not an issue of "getting along" with each other. It's an issue of being appreciative of what you have. My parents took us on vacation as much as they could when we were kids and generally it meant staying in some hotel (not a chain, those were too expensive) that still had shag carpeting, black and white tv, and could barely fit two double beds, but we had a great time.

Compared to that, even a studio at DVC is downright luxurious. I guess I just can't imagine being ungrateful enough for my blessings to fight with my family on vacation because the quarters are too close. DVC units are larger than the places where some people live fulltime!

I don't mean to sound like I am picking on you but I guess I just think a little perspective might be nice. DVC units are some of the best available onsite and for the price can't be beat, even at rack rates (compare to suite rates at WDW). I think that if a family needs THAT much space per person to not fight (more than the "small" dvc units can provide) that the problem is not with the size of the unit, but with the family. My sister and I DID fight all the time growing up, but not on vacation. While on vacation, we were just so thrilled to be seeing new things and meeting new people and staying in any hotel at all that we didn't have time to fight. Maybe that's part of the "price" of DVC, that vacations become so routine that you (not you, spicycat, in particular... generic "you") take them for granted? I mean, don't these "Mine is bigger than yours" arguments sound ridiculous in the context of how much better DVC is than just about everything else on property?

Lisa

 

[kamgen]

great thoughts Lisa...I agree....
I remember staying at All Star before buying into DVC.....
I think all the DVC accomodations are wonderful....and people should learn to appreciate what we have, what we are able to spend our money on, and that we have the money to spend in the first place.... JMHO.
I understand everyone is different and entitled to their opinion, but like Lisa, I would think a little perspective would be nice.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Ouch!
I live just under half my life (literally) in hotel rooms, and I find it few and far between that one approaches Disney standards.
I am sorry the 1br did not live up to your expectations.

 

[married@wdw]

Just have to say that while I agree that the accommodations are smaller than I would like (we own at OKW and usually get a 1-bedroom there), we adore any 1-bedroom we can get. We're a childless couple and they're perfect for us. While we tend to do the parks commando-style when we're in them, we're lazy, late sleepers while on vacation and love to take a rest in the afternoon. The 1-bedroom gives us each our own TV and nap area. But the tub alone does it for me! I soak in there every morning after my workout and hubby can take his shower whenever he wants -- I'm not in the way! And being able to do laundry half way through the trip so we can pack half as much is a great extra perk.

I've said this many times on here, as I'm sure others have too -- the great thing about DVC is that it offers so many different options. To each his own!

Looking forward to my BWV 1-bedroom in January!