Advice: BC, WL, or CR??

[luvallprincesses]

We are trying to make a decision for Nov 2012. If a good room-only discount or PIN arrives , we would like to try deluxe for the first time. (If only free dining is offered then POFQ makes more sense for us with DH, DD 11, DS 5.). These are the big pros for us for each resort:

CR: walk to MK, monorail to Epcot
WL: least expensive, DH has always loved this resort
BC: back door to Epcot, wide array of dining options, amazing pool, boat to HS

Can anyone with experience add any more Pros for your family for any of these? (or cons I suppose) We would NOT do the dining plan if we stay Deluxe, so a variety of accessible CS meals are important.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[mickeynut1]

Out of the 3, we have only stayed at the BC and WL and while the BC is a great resort, we love the WL. We love taking the boat to MK as well as to the CR where we can hop the monorail and visit, shop, or dine at the Poly and GF. We also love Roaring Forks for quick CS meals. Plus the grounds are beautiful, the pool is great, and the lobby is amazing with the huge fireplace surrounded by rocking chairs, which is a great place for relaxing and taking in the gorgeous surroundings.

The BC is also a nice resort and it's convenient being within walking distance to Epcot and DHS. We had a great stay, but the one thing we didn't like was there were no CS options. They have since opened the Marketplace in the BC gift shop, but that only offers limited options, with no hot breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, waffles, etc. as choices (which is what my DH and DSs need for breakfast). But if that is not an issue for you, I think you'll find the BC to be a great resort.

 

[MissionMouse]

For a general reference we have stayed at all three. CR is great for a MK focused vacation. Big icon feel, especially if staying in the Tower. Seven Seas Lagoon, Castle, MK, Electric Water Parade, walk to MK etc. Share a bus with other MK resorts. Transer at the TTC monorail station to the Epcot loop and you are off to Epcot.

Beach Club provides a different feel than a MK Monorail Resort. Provides one of the better pool experiences, but in November this could be a daily hit or miss option. Great location for TS dining with Park Hopper tickets, or seeing Illuminations on more then one night. If CS dining is your thing it will possibility seem like a desert, since you are in the heart of prime TS dining resort area. Walk or take a boat to Epcot or DHS. International entrance into Epcot is stress free and quick to get through...often with Donald Duck standing near by. Quick acces to WS to easily make dining ADRs. Share a bus with other Epcot resorts.

WL was OK. We prefer CR and BC over WL. Very popular resort for location at a lower cost of other deluxes. Boat or bus to MK and a bus everywhere else

Overall, if counter service option are your focus for dining, then moderates/value are more fitting. Deluxes do not have food courts and what they have converted over to CS were in recent past called snack bars.

 

[luvallprincesses]

Thanks...I know the Counter Service need (our kids do NOT enjoy sitting through an hour meal at Disney) presents a situation but we do breakfast in the room and I was thinking BC allows for walking to Counter Service galore at the countries at Epcot and CR would allow for walking to MK for (somewhat) similar choices, and was thinking WL might be the toughest for this. We will do a couple of TS meals. I cringe taking "free dining" at a mod instead of room discount at a deluxe when "adult" DD11 eats like a mouse. And if there is no room only discount/PIN then I just remembered we also have the option of the teacher discount at Swan/ Dolphin which is a comparable rate to 40% off deluxe.

 

[DemoBri1]

I think the key here is where do u plan on spending the majority of your stay? Will you be in Epcot and DHS the most, or will MK be your destination? If it's Epcot and DHS then I believe BC is a good choice. Like you said a great many dining choices good transportation to DHS and the ability to walk into Epcot which gets you even more dining choices.

If it's MK then I prefer WL just for the surroundings, but with the CR you have access to the monrail and a bit more choice in dining options, although Whispering Canyon Cafe and Roaring Forks are decent choices at WL.

Have a great trip.

 

[luvallprincesses]

I appreciate your thoughts on things I hadn't considered. We will likely spend 2 days at MK, 2 days at Epcot, 2 days at HS, 1 at AK, and a resort-only day in the middle possibly doing MVMCP that evening. Maybe we will put the choices in a hat since each has their benefits and they weigh out pretty evenly as far as location. If we could do club level it would solve the lack of CS meals...does anyone have thoughts on club level?

 

[mmmears]

I appreciate your thoughts on things I hadn't considered. We will likely spend 2 days at MK, 2 days at Epcot, 2 days at HS, 1 at AK, and a resort-only day in the middle possibly doing MVMCP that evening. Maybe we will put the choices in a hat since each has their benefits and they weigh out pretty evenly as far as location. If we could do club level it would solve the lack of CS meals...does anyone have thoughts on club level?

If you do 2 days at EP and 2 at DHS, then I would lean toward the BC. You can walk or take the boat to both parks, plus it opens up so many dining choices if you wander into Epcot. And the pool complex just can't be beat.

I haven't stayed at the WL or the CR, but the theming of the WL is really nice. CR has better transportation options to the MK and Epcot, though.

CL is very nice. You don't need to look for breakfast since you can have that in the lounge. Midday snacks are just that -- they really can't be a meal. And evening appetizers and desserts are nice, but most people still go out to dinner. That said, I love to stay CL...

Money-wise I have found that the BC area resorts can be considerably less costly than those on the monorail (and WL would be even less $).

Good luck with your decision. They are all nice places to stay!

 

[msheriffm]

And if there is no room only discount/PIN then I just remembered we also have the option of the teacher discount at Swan/ Dolphin which is a comparable rate to 40% off deluxe.[/QUOTE]

There is a teacher discount??? Can you share your information with me, a California elementary school teacher. We are booked at BC for July but would love to hear about this discount for the future or for my co-workers. By the way my family got free dining at the Beach Club which is why we are getting to stay in a deluxe resort. I really wanted to stay there but DH wanted some place cheaper. I really lucked out with the free dining.

 

[el_tigre]

There is a teacher discount??? Can you share your information with me, a California elementary school teacher. We are booked at BC for July but would love to hear about this discount for the future or for my co-workers. By the way my family got free dining at the Beach Club which is why we are getting to stay in a deluxe resort. I really wanted to stay there but DH wanted some place cheaper. I really lucked out with the free dining.

Call the resort at 888-828-8850 and request info on code TEACH. Rates can be as low as $129, although it is doubtful they will be that good during the busier summer season. You'll need to bring some type of proof of profession (pay stub, school ID, etc.) at check-in or the rate won't be honored.

It doesn't sound like you're really interested in switching anyways, but I know a lot of dates for the Dolphin are already sold out in July and the teacher rate isn't always available either.

The Swan and Dolphin almost always have a ton of low rate opportunities, but this is usually one of the better ones assuming one has access to it.

 

[rcraw45425]

Echo the Swan/Dolphin discounts. I have a tower Bay Lake view room booked at CR with 30% pin code, rate is $420ish with taxes per night. Booked Swan with aaa for same night and it's $177.65! I am currently keeping both reservations as I have until May 27 to cancel. We decided to head to the Florida keys after CR was booked so it's now just a one day stopover for us. With the saving at Sawn I can almost pay for our one day tickets!

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We have stayed at WL and CR and I would choose WL in November if only for the Xmas experience. It is just beautiful. The boat to MK is also a Great, Easy option. The rooms at WL are not that big though. CR has HUGE rooms.

We have stayed at the Dolphin and BWI and if I could get a better deal at the Dolphin I would go with it. You get all the benefits of the other Epcot resorts except for ME and the DDP. I think Dolphin has its own counter options too.

 

[robinb]

I have stayed at all three and you really can't go wrong! I would say to go with the Beach Club because of location and Stormalong Bay.

Have you considered renting DVC points? All three resorts have DVC Studio Villas and a week at the end of Nov/start of Dec is 107 points for BCV & VWL (more for BLT). Points rent for $11-$13 per point (with no additional taxes), so a week would be *about* $1200-1400 for a week or LESS than $200 per night "including taxes". Be aware that the end of Nov/start of Dec is VERY popular with DVC members because of the low point values and the Christmas decorations so if you are interested in renting DVC points you should do it ASAP. I know that Boardwalk Villas is sold out of some days already.

 

[luvallprincesses]

I have stayed at all three and you really can't go wrong! I would say to go with the Beach Club because of location and Stormalong Bay.

Have you considered renting DVC points? All three resorts have DVC Studio Villas and a week at the end of Nov/start of Dec is 107 points for BCV & VWL (more for BLT). Points rent for $11-$13 per point (with no additional taxes), so a week would be *about* $1200-1400 for a week or LESS than $200 per night "including taxes". Be aware that the end of Nov/start of Dec is VERY popular with DVC members because of the low point values and the Christmas decorations so if you are interested in renting DVC points you should do it ASAP. I know that Boardwalk Villas is sold out of some days already.

I don't know much about renting points...do I do that directly through Disney? We would definitely look into that. What are the limitations? I expect free dining/pin codes would not be valid. Any other exceptions? Is there a good thread on here that would help out? Thanks for the suggestion!!

 

[Kimberle]

We are trying to make a decision for Nov 2012. If a good room-only discount or PIN arrives , we would like to try deluxe for the first time. (If only free dining is offered then POFQ makes more sense for us with DH, DD 11, DS 5.). These are the big pros for us for each resort:

CR: walk to MK, monorail to Epcot
WL: least expensive, DH has always loved this resort
BC: back door to Epcot, wide array of dining options, amazing pool, boat to HS

Can anyone with experience add any more Pros for your family for any of these? (or cons I suppose) We would NOT do the dining plan if we stay Deluxe, so a variety of accessible CS meals are important.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I have stayed at all 3 resorts. They are all wonderful. I see you have a dd/ds. WL does offer bunk beds if the kids would rather not share a bed. All 3 resorts are wonderful and very accessable to lots of restaurants. The BC does not really have a food court. You can get a few sandwiches in the gift shop. You are close to Epcot and their restaurants. You are also close to the Swan/Dolphin. I haven't eaten there, but lots of people say they have a nice quick service selection. WL has a nice little quick service location. They will make sandwiches and salads fresh for you. Plus they have pizza, burgers, dogs, etc. You can take the small boat over to the CR to use their food court for a change. From there, it's an easy monorail ride to the Poly and GF. You can also take the small boat to FW for Trails End. TE is not quick service, but reasonably priced.

I would really pick the resort who's theming most appeals to you and fits your budget.

 

[TwistGrl101]

My family absolutely adores the BC, but the main reason is because of the awesome pool. I've never gone in November, but if it is still warm enough to enjoy the pool, I would say BC. Also the walk to Epcot and boatride to HS is pretty and so quick. Be sure to book a character breakfast at Cape May Cafe!
We also looked into Swan/Dolphin, but we are going on free dining, plus I'm not positive but I think I remember them only having full size beds and not queen.
Also, we fly so we take advantage of ME.

 

[Sue M]

I've stayed at WL x3, and BC x1, love both. As mentioned BC does have the marketplace- and good for picking up a quick bite. They do have hot breakfast egg sandwiches, and other food options. BC also has Hurricane Hannas- by the pool- great burgers, and Beaches & Cream, never a good use of a dining credit- but great when you're not on the DDP. And all the CS at Epcot and DHS.

WL is another fav. They do have a CS, and easy to get to MK and all the other MK resorts with a direct boat to MK, and a resort boat that loops around WL, FW & CR. So it's easy to get to other MK resorts for dining by hopping on the CR monorail. Or taking the WL boat and then transfering to the GF/Poly resort boat.
We like the Lobster Mac & Cheese or Lobster salad at the GF Cs

The only resort I haven't stayed in out of the 3 is CR mainly because it doesn't have much appeal to me. I would rather Poly.

 

[robinb]

I don't know much about renting points...do I do that directly through Disney? We would definitely look into that. What are the limitations? I expect free dining/pin codes would not be valid. Any other exceptions? Is there a good thread on here that would help out? Thanks for the suggestion!!

You rent directly from a DVC member here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29 . You will have to rent from a DVC member who has points at the resort you are interested in for right now because owners of a specific resort have exclusive priority from 11-7 months before the check-in date. Once it is exactly 7 months prior to your check-in date ANY DVC member can book your vacation. No codes are good on DVC rentals including free dining. You *can* book dining and pay for it. The limitations are (1) Most rentals are non-refundable. You really need to be certain about your dates. (2) Most rentals require full payment in advance. You can't pay a bit here and there like you can with Disney. (3) The owner controls your reservation so there must be a level of trust between you and the owner. For instance, I would never rent from an owner who does not have a presence here on the DIS. Many people simply join the DIS and pay for the privilege of posting their points for rent. They are usually OK, but I would prefer to rent from someone who is a regular DISer. (4) Since DVC is a timeshare, housekeeping is not included. We are DVC members and never have a problem with that except we have run out of shampoo. You can pay for housekeeping. I think it's about $25 extra per day in a studio.

The advantages are (1) A bigger room in a Deluxe resort for less money. (2) A microwave & toaster in the room in addition to the fridge. That makes mornings a lot nicer. (3) Free laundry in the laundry room. No need to hoard quarters. (4) A fold-out couch which makes the room feel even bigger when it is folded up. (5) DVD Players in all rooms and free DVD rentals. We watched two movies on our last trip when it was pouring cats and dogs one night. (6) The "Community Hall" at BLT. (7) Use of the Top of the World lounge at BLT (reserved for DVC owners staying there on points & their guests).

 

[rcraw45425]

My family absolutely adores the BC, but the main reason is because of the awesome pool. I've never gone in November, but if it is still warm enough to enjoy the pool, I would say BC. Also the walk to Epcot and boatride to HS is pretty and so quick. Be sure to book a character breakfast at Cape May Cafe!
We also looked into Swan/Dolphin, but we are going on free dining, plus I'm not positive but I think I remember them only having full size beds and not queen.
Also, we fly so we take advantage of ME.

Swan has queen beds, Dolphin full sized ones.

 

[luvallprincesses]

You rent directly from a DVC member here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29 . You will have to rent from a DVC member who has points at the resort you are interested in for right now because owners of a specific resort have exclusive priority from 11-7 months before the check-in date. Once it is exactly 7 months prior to your check-in date ANY DVC member can book your vacation. No codes are good on DVC rentals including free dining. You *can* book dining and pay for it. The limitations are (1) Most rentals are non-refundable. You really need to be certain about your dates. (2) Most rentals require full payment in advance. You can't pay a bit here and there like you can with Disney. (3) The owner controls your reservation so there must be a level of trust between you and the owner. For instance, I would never rent from an owner who does not have a presence here on the DIS. Many people simply join the DIS and pay for the privilege of posting their points for rent. They are usually OK, but I would prefer to rent from someone who is a regular DISer. (4) Since DVC is a timeshare, housekeeping is not included. We are DVC members and never have a problem with that except we have run out of shampoo. You can pay for housekeeping. I think it's about $25 extra per day in a studio.

The advantages are (1) A bigger room in a Deluxe resort for less money. (2) A microwave & toaster in the room in addition to the fridge. That makes mornings a lot nicer. (3) Free laundry in the laundry room. No need to hoard quarters. (4) A fold-out couch which makes the room feel even bigger when it is folded up. (5) DVD Players in all rooms and free DVD rentals. We watched two movies on our last trip when it was pouring cats and dogs one night. (6) The "Community Hall" at BLT. (7) Use of the Top of the World lounge at BLT (reserved for DVC owners staying there on points & their guests).

Wow. Thanks for the thorough info. I did some research and have begun the process of inquiring about points. I can see this could be a time consuming project...or I could get very lucky and it might not be. I am wondering what the chances are of a villa at either BC or WL the week after Thanksgiving when points are so low?! It could save us quite a bit of money. My biggest reservation is the pull out couch shared by a 11 year old and (very small) 5 year old. They crash together often in a double bed but don't know the comfort of these pull-outs. Off to research that next!

 

[robinb]

Wow. Thanks for the thorough info. I did some research and have begun the process of inquiring about points. I can see this could be a time consuming project...or I could get very lucky and it might not be. I am wondering what the chances are of a villa at either BC or WL the week after Thanksgiving when points are so low?! It could save us quite a bit of money. My biggest reservation is the pull out couch shared by a 11 year old and (very small) 5 year old. They crash together often in a double bed but don't know the comfort of these pull-outs. Off to research that next!

I can only see availability through 11/28 at BCV since I don't own there. As of this minute, there is availability in a studio from 11/25 - 11/28. You will have to speak to an owner of BCV points (or Daddio who has a sticky at the top of the rent/trade board) to get a reservation ... and I would suggest not waiting until other DVC members have a shot at it at the 7-month window. As for the fold-out, we stayed there over Spring Break and my 12-year old DD and her friend were perfectly comfortable on it .