Addonitis-Beach Club vs Boardwalk

[Little E]

Hi Disfriends!

We are Disney vets, but DVC newbies. My family consists of myself, DH, DS 21, and DS 18. We will be empty nesters starting in the fall as both boys will be in college. We are a family of Disney lovers, and my boys still love going to Disney with DH and me. However, DH and I plan to enjoy our empty nest status and take trips sans kids from time to time. We bought APs for the first time for the two of us when they became available to DVC folks earlier this year

We bought GF direct in 2022 with the incentives being offered, and we took our welcome home trip in March of this year. We have another DVC trip scheduled for the fall to do runDisney, and as brand new AP holders, we are considering more trips in the future to get good use out of DVC and APs. In the tale as old as time, we are starting to feel like maybe adding on might be something to consider down the road.

We love GF and have absolutely no regrets about purchasing there. It's our favorite resort and we love the proximity to MK. One of the things we like so much about GF is the ability to walk to MK. We are also lovers of EP and HS, and we loved being able to walk to and from the Boardwalk area from these parks during our trip in March. Before purchasing at GF, we stayed several different times at Pop and while we love the Skyliner access there (can't be beat!) we did not love the long lines to get on the Skyliner at the end of the night from either EP or HS. Often, we looked longingly at either the Boardwalk or Beach Club while deciding to wait in the lengthy Skyliner end-of-night lines or calling an Uber. We have visited the Boardwalk area several times, eaten at restaurants in the area, and walked around both the BW and BC resorts. We really like this area and think that BW or BC might be a good fit for our family as a second DVC purchase.

My biggest complaint as a new owner of DVC has been my inability to book at either BW or BC at the seven month mark. I've tried repeatedly to snag either resort, and I encounter hit or miss/one or two days here or there, or I find I have to waitlist at either resort. I'm thinking I'd really like the 11 month advantage at one of these resorts to get what I want.

While I know that BW and BC don't make a ton of sense because of their shorter contracts and because they are really expensive when buying direct, I feel that the resorts themselves make sense for our family. I'm not overly stressed about the shorter contracts, because we have a lengthy contract with our GF purchase. I'm still trying to decide, if we do ultimately decide to purchase BC or BW, if direct vs resale is best for us. So, while I wrestle with this question (which is probably enough to fill a separate thread), I really just want to know thoughts about the resorts themselves. I have a lot of research to do, so I thought I'd start by asking Disboard folks...you are always the best with sharing good info! So, here goes...

From what little I know of both resorts it seems like Boardwalk is smaller and has a variety of booking categories..these are pros. It doesn't have its own QS restaurant on site...this is a con. It seems like the new pool is nice and it seems like the hallways aren't nearly as long as BC...these are pros. I've read that BW seems more dated than BC...this is a con. BC has a greater variety of restaurants and a QS on property...these are pros. The pool, shared with YC, seems amazing (and my DSs would love it!)...this is a pro. I've read the hallways are crazy long and the resort footprint is much larger...these are cons. The points chart seems a little more forgiving at BW...this is a pro.

Is what I know so far accurate? Tell me what else I need to know...

1. What am I missing about BW?

2. What am I missing about BC?

3. What do I need to consider about contracts at either of these places?

4. Pros and cons about adding direct vs buying resale? For what it's worth, we have a Feb UY. I don't know if it matters if we have a different UY with a different resort purchase?

We're not in a huge hurry to purchase another contract. I need to do a lot more research. We have reached out to our DVC guide to get some basic info. We'll plan to tour both places when we go to Disney next, and I would like to stay at both places to get a feel for each resort. While I really like what little I've seen with Riviera, we don't like it as much as the Boardwalk area in general. I love the walkability to either EP or HS with BC or BW; I know Riv is close to these parks, but it's close because of the Skyliner. The Skyliner is great, but it's a dealbreaker for us at night when the parks close. That late night line is a drag for us.

So, give me the good, the bad, and the ugly about BC and BW. Thanks so much!!

 

[CarolynFH]

Unfortunately you have some aspects of BWV and BCV reversed.

BWV is the larger resort and has the very long hallways and no interior dining facilities except the new coffee shop in the lobby. There are multiple restaurants including a QS that are technically on the ground floor of the building, but you have to go outside onto the Boardwalk to access them. It does have 3 booking categories. The pool slide is a lot of fun, but it’s nowhere near as fancy as at BCV.

BCV is smaller, but it’s the one that can shares Stormalong Bay with Yacht & Beach and also connects to their various eating facilities, which are inside.

As far as being dated, BCV is undergoing a soft goods refresh now (currently paused but to resume in August), and BWV will undergo a to the studs hard refurbishment later this year and into next, so they should both be pretty much up to date after that.

As far as having a different UY, that depends on how you’re going to use it. If you ever want to combine points at 7 months, having separate UY means having a separate membership and requires either transferring points from one membership to another or else booking some nights with one and some with the other.

 

[happythoughts & pixiedust]

The walk from Beach Club to Hollywood Studios is quite far. If you’re on the south end of BW you are much closer… maybe as much as 10 min less walking. Unless you have to have the BC pool, I’d go with BW. It is cheaper, has a better point chart (std view room category can save a lot of points). And it’s better located for walking to both Epcot and Hollywood.

That being said, buy where you want to stay. Once you try them out you may find a clear preference for the decor/ambiance of one over the other.

 

[Redsred3]

I thought BW had great food options. I know there’s no cafeteria type quick service, but the Boardwalk deli has quick service and is delicious, plus several other dine In restaurants, the coffee shop, the pizza place etc. They have been doing the renovations there, and the rooms will be completely gutted and redone by the time you would stay there, so I think that gives an edge in the rooms category over BC since BC is just getting a soft goods refurb. Points chart is better at BW, so your points go farther. And on the resale market you can buy for less per point typically at BW. HOWEVER, if you want a smaller resort with shorter halls/less walking, or a big pool, BC wins that.

 

[Best Aunt]

If you are thinking that there might be years that you are not going to use your points and will want to rent them out, the demand for BCV at the rental agencies is greater than the demand for BWV. There have been times that one of the main rental agencies has lowered the amount it pays out to owners, but if I recall correctly it did not lower the payout for BCV because there was such a demand for it.

If you go with the same Use Year, you can combine the points at 7 months in order to make a reservation. If you go with a different Use Year, you will have 2 different memberships. I believe you have to transfer from one membership to another in order to combine the points for making one reservation. I believe if you don't do the transfer, you would have to make separate reservations, and then ask Member Services to show that they are "continuing" or something (I'm not sure of the term). I'm sure someone else will pop in to correct me if I'm wrong.

If you are thinking of buying resale, you should start watching the resale agency website listings, to get an idea of how often these contracts come up, how fast they go, and how much per point they are selling for. You might discover that the price is high but the contracts are stripped (no current year points, no points for next year). You can google DVC Resale Search Engines to find a website which searches numerous resale agencies. It's not up-to-the-minute but it's helpful for getting a general idea when you're starting.

There is a lot of talk over on the DVC Purchase forum about making offers which are under the listing price; that might not work for BCV and BWV if you are going for a small contract. Those might sell immediately for full asking price.

 

[DeeBee3]

I have not had the incredible difficulty booking at BW, only if you are looking for standard view. Of course, probably depends on the festivals and races.

BC is like a unicorn. I got 4 or 5 nights last year during easter week. I went on at 7-month mark exactly and I couldn't believe my eyes.

 

[CarolMN]

We are also empty nesters and own at both BWV and VGF. For us, that's perfect. We spend the first several nights in a studio at the VGF enjoying the MK and them move to a BWV 1 bedroom for the rest of the trip. EPCOT & DHS are our favorite parks.

Love the BWV location and have not found the food options a problem. IMO, a hot day makes walking to DHS from BCV a chore - both parks are about 15 minutes from the BWV.

My advice is buy enough BWV points to stay in a 1 bedroom. The standard views are relatively easy to book at 11 months and it's so nice to have the extra space & amenities of a 1 bedroom - full size refrigerator, washer & dryer, two TVs (and two remotes, lol), and the living area stays clear for anyone who wants to get up early or stay up late. The washer & dryer make it easy to travel with only carry on. The BWV pool isn't SAB, but BWV has the better views and IMO, the standard views are the best bargain on property. Dues are a little higher at BWV, but the initial price is lower.

All that said, I think you will be happy with whichever you choose. Have fun deciding and good luck with the process.

 

[BuzzLightyearDad]

We own at BC but have stayed at BW. I would say they are comparable with some minor pros/cons either way. For us, the pool (SAB) is our true home away from home and what tips the scale for us. We are rope droppers and like to be back at the pool around lunchtime where we spend the afternoon before an evening usually in Epcot, which is steps away.

If walking to both Epcot and HS is your thing, I agree that BW has an edge. However, we have jumped on the skyliner early near Epcot and only had to deal with a line at the switch to get to HS. The boat is also nice. Of course, a walk is possible but longer.

 

[Her Dotness]

I agree with CarolMN generally though must confess we've never stayed at BWV.

We wanted a small resale for arrival night bookings so bought 50pts at BWV last year. Paid pretty close to asking price, but we weren't concerned even though it was mid-high on the BWV range. We knew if we didn't bite, the contract would go quickly.

It was very easy to get a BoardWalk view 1br when we booked at 11 mos. And then, we were notified by MS that our booking might be affected by the forthcoming refurb. <gggrrrr> Not a big deal. Simply switched that one night to our "fallback"--our original home resort, VGF. MS was even able to add the night to our week's 1br ressie so that we stayed in the same villa.

I agree to buy where you truly will prefer to stay. Home resort gives enough advantage usually that as long as you hop right in you generally can get what you want in a 1br. Studios, as mentioned, not so much.

Which is why we bought 200 more points last year. 1br all the way for us!

 

[lovin'fl]

I am sure I will be just repeating what others have said already but here goes...

We were OKW owners originally (2006 via resale) who fell in love with going to F&W around the time our kiddos were all in HS....circa 2011-2012 ish. DH and I did a short sans kid trip for F&W. We just had to add on at BW or BC. We went direct with some deal that was offering like $6 off per point or something. And we wanted to match one of our 2 UY (we also had HH points we bought resale for cheap between 2006 and 2012 after falling in love with HHI and having trouble booking there at 7 months out).

Anyway, we wanted 55 points and could get BC or BW for same cost and they have them both available in our UY. So we could pick. We chose BW because we could make those 55 points go farther with standard view. That was our thinking. BC was our fave of the 2 though and what we really wanted. But my frugal mathsy DH just could not pass on the ability to get more for those 55 points (much like how he always buys an XL pizza when it's just the 2 of us and we only need a medium).

But what we had yet come to realize was that standard view at BW goes first and studios go 11 months day exactly most of the time (especially for trips from F&W through marathon in Jan...so now July to Jan....heck, now you have F&G too so pretty tough year round now). When we 1st bought and started booking F&W every year, we were probably about 1/3 for getting standard view studios. And I am great at getting up and online early to book and using walking too. But still had trouble.

So we ended up adding on BW points 3 more times with another 150 resale as well as 2 more times direct (25 each time). 255 total and preferred the standard view 1BR so DH could work in the room at times. The 1BR is easier to get in standard view. But 2BR are near impossible since the 2BR are mostly (or all...cant recall) lock offs and all the studios book up leaving only 1BR.

We have since resold off the 2 small 25 pointers when we moved down to Kissimmee. As well as the OKW and the HHI. But we added CCV and AKV (we like club level at AKV and that too is tough to book even with owning there).

I have regretted not buying at BCV way back when we had the option. We like the lounges over there and often walk over from Epcot to enjoy. I like that we can get to stuff indoors in case of rain or super hot days. We like the feel overall and it just seems less busy than BW, by a smidge. I also feel like it's maintained a little better than BW. Had some room issues at BW but not at BC. Though we have stayed at BW a ton and only like 3 short stays at BC.

So if I were just buying points now, I'd go with BC over BW. I say that all the time to DH...wish we did BC instead of BW. My dream combo would be 100 AKV, 100 BCV and 100 SSR. But admittedly we are not MK folks and our kids are all grown so we do adult style trips and enjoy Epcot and DS most (and AK club level).

 

[FrannyFrogs]

Room types are different between them. We have the same BW/BC debate... Kids are 15 and 16 and both Disney lovers like me and DH. Right now we love a 2 bedroom with two actual beds in the second room (only at BC; BW one kid would get a sofabed). In a few years, DH and I will be empty nesters happy to stay in a studio for a longer trip (either resort; better balcony views from BW). In 10 or 15 years? Could be the family expands with significant others or grandchildren, or young adult kids want to bring friends along, maybe we will want a 3 bedroom GV so we can host (only at BW).

 

[Little E]

Disfolks are simply the best! Thank you all for the feedback so far. You've given me much to think about.

We are not generally studio folks. While I am toying with my first solo trip in August and thinking a studio would be perfect for just me, that won't be our usual type of trip. DH and I like the space of a one or two bedroom and laundry facilities. We need three sleep surfaces as DSs (almost 22 and almost 19) will NOT sleep together. No one wants to draw the short straw and sleep with our youngest son...it's like sleeping with a curly haired blender! What are sleep surfaces like in studios, one bedrooms, and two bedrooms?

I didn't realize that BW has mostly lockoffs. This is good intel. I much prefer the flow of a dedicated two bedroom.

Does anyone have any advice for communicating with our DVC guide? I'm thinking of a quick solo trip in August this year, and I don't have a place to stay booked yet; it would be great to stay at either BW or BC to get a feel. Also, DH and I have Riv for one night, and then we are transferring to CC for runDisney/Food and Wine in November. Can we arrange to have our DVC guide give us tours? Is that a thing?

Keep the suggestions and info coming! This is so helpful to me!

Thank you, Dis community!

 

[intamin]

Does anyone have any advice for communicating with our DVC guide? I'm thinking of a quick solo trip in August this year, and I don't have a place to stay booked yet; it would be great to stay at either BW or BC to get a feel. Also, DH and I have Riv for one night, and then we are transferring to CC for runDisney/Food and Wine in November. Can we arrange to have our DVC guide give us tours? Is that a thing?

When you go in person if they're offering tours at the time you can request them to show you the different rooms. Just head to the DVC kiosk and they'll check you in for a tour. They're not always actively touring each of the resorts but I know last month they were still giving tours at Boardwalk. I'm not sure what the benefit would be of communicating with your DVC guide and probably wouldn't recommend it since it seems like you're planning to purchase resale anyways. IMO kind of insult to injury but that's just me

 

[CarolynFH]

But 2BR are near impossible since the 2BR are mostly (or all...cant recall) lock offs and all the studios book up leaving only 1BR.

All BWV 2BR are lockoffs. So as you point out, once the studios are booked, the 2BR are gone.

What are sleep surfaces like in studios, one bedrooms, and two bedrooms?

When BCV and BWV are refurbed, they'll both get the queen Murphy bed that comes down over the living room sofa. So the 1BR will have a king in the bedroom and a Murphy queen in the living room. At BWV, due to the position of the connecting door to the studios to make 2BR, there probably won't be a bunk size Murphy under the TV - there isn't enough space on that wall. (I'm not certain of the situation at BCV.) 2BR at BWV will have a king in the main bedroom, Murphy queen in the living room, and 2nd bedroom will be a studio which will have a queen bed, a double (maybe queen but I doubt it) Murphy over the couch, and a bunk size Murphy under the TV.

I didn't realize that BW has mostly lockoffs. This is good intel. I much prefer the flow of a dedicated two bedroom.

Yes, as above, BWV has all lockoff 2 BR. There are some dedicated studios and some dedicated 1BR but no dedicated 2BR.

 

[WxKristin]

As an aside, I believe the one bedrooms at both BWV (std) and BCV are fairly easy to get a 7 mo in the august time period. At least it was the case this year. Studios and the 2 bedrooms are quite a bit more difficult year round. I’ve had similar add on thoughts especially b/c our home resorts are in the MKL area (CCV/VGF). However, with the 2042 expiration, only resale contracts really make sense mathematically.

 

[Straulin]

Hi Disfriends!

We are Disney vets, but DVC newbies. My family consists of myself, DH, DS 21, and DS 18. We will be empty nesters starting in the fall as both boys will be in college. We are a family of Disney lovers, and my boys still love going to Disney with DH and me. However, DH and I plan to enjoy our empty nest status and take trips sans kids from time to time. We bought APs for the first time for the two of us when they became available to DVC folks earlier this year

We bought GF direct in 2022 with the incentives being offered, and we took our welcome home trip in March of this year. We have another DVC trip scheduled for the fall to do runDisney, and as brand new AP holders, we are considering more trips in the future to get good use out of DVC and APs. In the tale as old as time, we are starting to feel like maybe adding on might be something to consider down the road.

We love GF and have absolutely no regrets about purchasing there. It's our favorite resort and we love the proximity to MK. One of the things we like so much about GF is the ability to walk to MK. We are also lovers of EP and HS, and we loved being able to walk to and from the Boardwalk area from these parks during our trip in March. Before purchasing at GF, we stayed several different times at Pop and while we love the Skyliner access there (can't be beat!) we did not love the long lines to get on the Skyliner at the end of the night from either EP or HS. Often, we looked longingly at either the Boardwalk or Beach Club while deciding to wait in the lengthy Skyliner end-of-night lines or calling an Uber. We have visited the Boardwalk area several times, eaten at restaurants in the area, and walked around both the BW and BC resorts. We really like this area and think that BW or BC might be a good fit for our family as a second DVC purchase.

My biggest complaint as a new owner of DVC has been my inability to book at either BW or BC at the seven month mark. I've tried repeatedly to snag either resort, and I encounter hit or miss/one or two days here or there, or I find I have to waitlist at either resort. I'm thinking I'd really like the 11 month advantage at one of these resorts to get what I want.

While I know that BW and BC don't make a ton of sense because of their shorter contracts and because they are really expensive when buying direct, I feel that the resorts themselves make sense for our family. I'm not overly stressed about the shorter contracts, because we have a lengthy contract with our GF purchase. I'm still trying to decide, if we do ultimately decide to purchase BC or BW, if direct vs resale is best for us. So, while I wrestle with this question (which is probably enough to fill a separate thread), I really just want to know thoughts about the resorts themselves. I have a lot of research to do, so I thought I'd start by asking Disboard folks...you are always the best with sharing good info! So, here goes...

From what little I know of both resorts it seems like Boardwalk is smaller and has a variety of booking categories..these are pros. It doesn't have its own QS restaurant on site...this is a con. It seems like the new pool is nice and it seems like the hallways aren't nearly as long as BC...these are pros. I've read that BW seems more dated than BC...this is a con. BC has a greater variety of restaurants and a QS on property...these are pros. The pool, shared with YC, seems amazing (and my DSs would love it!)...this is a pro. I've read the hallways are crazy long and the resort footprint is much larger...these are cons. The points chart seems a little more forgiving at BW...this is a pro.

Is what I know so far accurate? Tell me what else I need to know...

1. What am I missing about BW?

2. What am I missing about BC?

3. What do I need to consider about contracts at either of these places?

4. Pros and cons about adding direct vs buying resale? For what it's worth, we have a Feb UY. I don't know if it matters if we have a different UY with a different resort purchase?

We're not in a huge hurry to purchase another contract. I need to do a lot more research. We have reached out to our DVC guide to get some basic info. We'll plan to tour both places when we go to Disney next, and I would like to stay at both places to get a feel for each resort. While I really like what little I've seen with Riviera, we don't like it as much as the Boardwalk area in general. I love the walkability to either EP or HS with BC or BW; I know Riv is close to these parks, but it's close because of the Skyliner. The Skyliner is great, but it's a dealbreaker for us at night when the parks close. That late night line is a drag for us.

So, give me the good, the bad, and the ugly about BC and BW. Thanks so much!!

We went similarly but reverse to you.

We bought last year resale at BC and did an add on direct at VGF in April and bought Annual passes as well.

When making our first purchase we narrowed it down to VGF, BWV, or BCV. No need to discuss VGF and our decisions process as you already have it.

Between Beach Club and Boardwalk, it came down primarily to Storm-along bay vs the Boardwalk and price. For BCV, you get access to Storm-along Bay but have to walk or boat over to the Boardwalk. For BWV, you have easy access to the Boardwalk but do not have access to Storms-along bay. For us, we were able to locate a BCV contract on resale for within $5 a point of Boardwalk. So we went BCV. Not sure what we would have done if there was too much more of a *edit - price per* point difference.

Use year: We have Feb for BCV and August for VGF. That way we don’t have any overlap on banking and use deadlines. The key being that we have contracts such that we shouldn’t usually have to combine points for a single trip.

Resale vs Direct: So long as you have enough direct VGF for membership extras, there really isn’t much need to buy a 2042 resort direct. Resale will save you around $100 or more per point.

 

[paults]

I would go with BWV for standard lower points stays.

 

[lovin'fl]

The plus about buying direct is that you can match current uy, if you want that. And you get points immediately and fully loaded. Plus if looking for smaller contract (100 or less), that can be hard to find via resale and they go for more than normal to large size contracts which puts the difference in buying direct a little closer. Can also use your disney chase visa for the rewards back. And if ever needing to resell, you will sell quick for top dollar. And if like us and wanting to downsize, points bought in smaller chunks allow for that (can't break up a single large 350 point contract if needing to downsize to like 200 points). We bought 750 points in multiple contracts and now have 301. Easier to pay in full too (buying a small contract). So we never had a loan for any of ours.

 

[RoseGold]

I don't see why you would buy either of these resorts direct. You would only buy them to use at 11mo, so what's the point?

A new UY might even be an advantage, as you can't mix up the points and get more waitlists.

 

[GramMo]

First time posting, we’ve been members for 20 years and never even looked at blogs or forums until recently! It’s a whole new world… I’m learning so much from all of you! Owner lockers? Who knew?
We bought at Vero Beach 20 years ago, mainly because it was the only direct sale option at the time we wanted to buy…so we were told…..anyway for about 16-17 years we we’re able to book just about anywhere we wanted at 7 months… At the time we bought our kids were 13,15,20 yrs old. As we all know, 7 month scores are a thing of the past so we decided to buy at either BW or BC. Put it to a family vote and BC won, mainly for the pool and proximity to Epcot.( pre Galaxy’s Edge,) Not knowing anything about resale we bought direct.We enjoy BC, love the lounges and dinner choices, the pool is great but very crowded, we use the quiet pool more often.We tend to walk over to BW for an ice cream as Beaches and Cream usually has a long wait. The rooms are ok but the lack of any view is a drawback. We have found it a little more difficult to book there if not at exactly 11 months, BW is larger thus a little easier to book and has a variety of views and prices. We also enjoy the restaurant choices on the Boardwalk as well. We decided we needed another home resort on property that we could book at 11 months so we put in an offer for a resale 200 pts at BW and are in the process of closing now. We will be selling our VB contract asap to offset some of the cost. In retrospect we are glad we bought BC direct so we can maintain out blue card status.
Deciding between BC and BW is really a matter of which speaks to you the most, which feels more like “home”. What a wonderful dilemma to have!