DH and I just drove home from a quick 3 night stay at BWV. Since it was just the two of us, we rented a studio and it was exactly what we needed. Here's how it went down. 
Monday @0400, up and in the car. We live in Charleston, SC and it's about a 6.5 hour drive. We stopped to gas up and also to pick up snacks at the Super Walmart in Ormond Beach. We were at the BWV before noon. First off, our room was ready when we arrived. I'd prepared my husband that I'd heard that the rooms were getting "tired". We're not terribly high maintenance, but I have to say. Our room 3029 was great!. I had DH take a picture of it on check in and will post it as soon as he wakes up from his post drive nap. The room was clean, stain free and without any funky smells. The bathroom was spotless. I even noticed ( later ) when I washed my hair and could look up and see the fan vents that they were clean, no dust or funk. I could not have been happier with my room. Now I did notice that there is a lot of spritzing up of the resort going on. There is a lot of painting and powerwashing outside, and they were steam cleaning the hall carpets. But, the hall carpets really do need to go. I can't remember if they used to be yellow or ivory, but either is a really bad choice for a hotel. Yes, they were clean, but they are so past their best days, it's time for a change up. But, really, not a biggie..
Here's the view from our balcony.
So, Dh and I unpacked and met up with my sis and her DH. They came over to the room, we all changed into bathing suits and headed to the quiet pool. Later in the day we headed over to Epcot. It really wasn't too crowded, we got on Soarin, and a couple other rides. We'd actually planned on leaving and driving to Bahama Breeze for dinner. But since we didn't want to get in the car again that soon, we figured we'd see if we could get in to the Rose and Crown. We could and we were shocked..! We got an outside table right by the lake and watched fireworks. The food and the service were great ( as always ) and we had a really, really great day.
Day 2- DH and I got up early and headed to AKL where my sis was staying. I've got to say, it was love at first site for me and I came thiiiiis close to adding on while I was there. The lodge is beautiful and so are the rooms. The Savannah View has a bit to be desired right now with the construction, but it's going to be awesome. Loved it. The four of us drove to AK and did Everest, and a few other rides. We left and went to Bahama Breeze for lunch and then off to TTS to pick up our gift bakets! They were great!! Definately worth driving for. We then spent the afternoon at the ALK pool, reading and visiting. DH and I headed back to BWV to shower and change for dinner. We again, went off site, BIL wanted to go to Texas de Brazil, and we'd never been. It was pricey but veeerrrry good but be hungry! The amount of food was a bit overwhelming. Then we drove over to SSR and walked around ( I wanted to compare SSR and AKL, in case I do decide to add on ). SSR is lovely. We caught the ferry to DTD and shopped for a bit. Then Dh and I returned to BWV for a good night of sleep.
Day 3- Up early and off to Hollywood Studios. Went on a few rides, Rock and Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror ( not me...uh uh) and again was impressed by the small crowds early in the day. After a quick lunch we went back to our rooms for siesta. SIS and BIL came by later and we walked to Epcot to listen to music and DH took pictures of the fireworks. We ate at the fish wagon and then returned to BWV and walked the Boardwalk.
Day 4 - packed up and went home.
Overall, I have to say we had a great time. The resort is in good shape, the people friendly. The hall was long, no doubt, but you're on vacation, what's the hurry? I'd go for two thumbs up!
We're returning in June for another quickie trip ( this time just me and the kids ) and I can't wait.
If you have any questions, let me know.
( Oh, free internet IS up and running ).
Monday @0400, up and in the car. We live in Charleston, SC and it's about a 6.5 hour drive. We stopped to gas up and also to pick up snacks at the Super Walmart in Ormond Beach. We were at the BWV before noon. First off, our room was ready when we arrived. I'd prepared my husband that I'd heard that the rooms were getting "tired". We're not terribly high maintenance, but I have to say. Our room 3029 was great!. I had DH take a picture of it on check in and will post it as soon as he wakes up from his post drive nap. The room was clean, stain free and without any funky smells. The bathroom was spotless. I even noticed ( later ) when I washed my hair and could look up and see the fan vents that they were clean, no dust or funk. I could not have been happier with my room. Now I did notice that there is a lot of spritzing up of the resort going on. There is a lot of painting and powerwashing outside, and they were steam cleaning the hall carpets. But, the hall carpets really do need to go. I can't remember if they used to be yellow or ivory, but either is a really bad choice for a hotel. Yes, they were clean, but they are so past their best days, it's time for a change up. But, really, not a biggie..
Here's the view from our balcony.
So, Dh and I unpacked and met up with my sis and her DH. They came over to the room, we all changed into bathing suits and headed to the quiet pool. Later in the day we headed over to Epcot. It really wasn't too crowded, we got on Soarin, and a couple other rides. We'd actually planned on leaving and driving to Bahama Breeze for dinner. But since we didn't want to get in the car again that soon, we figured we'd see if we could get in to the Rose and Crown. We could and we were shocked..! We got an outside table right by the lake and watched fireworks. The food and the service were great ( as always ) and we had a really, really great day.
Day 2- DH and I got up early and headed to AKL where my sis was staying. I've got to say, it was love at first site for me and I came thiiiiis close to adding on while I was there. The lodge is beautiful and so are the rooms. The Savannah View has a bit to be desired right now with the construction, but it's going to be awesome. Loved it. The four of us drove to AK and did Everest, and a few other rides. We left and went to Bahama Breeze for lunch and then off to TTS to pick up our gift bakets! They were great!! Definately worth driving for. We then spent the afternoon at the ALK pool, reading and visiting. DH and I headed back to BWV to shower and change for dinner. We again, went off site, BIL wanted to go to Texas de Brazil, and we'd never been. It was pricey but veeerrrry good but be hungry! The amount of food was a bit overwhelming. Then we drove over to SSR and walked around ( I wanted to compare SSR and AKL, in case I do decide to add on ). SSR is lovely. We caught the ferry to DTD and shopped for a bit. Then Dh and I returned to BWV for a good night of sleep.
Day 3- Up early and off to Hollywood Studios. Went on a few rides, Rock and Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror ( not me...uh uh) and again was impressed by the small crowds early in the day. After a quick lunch we went back to our rooms for siesta. SIS and BIL came by later and we walked to Epcot to listen to music and DH took pictures of the fireworks. We ate at the fish wagon and then returned to BWV and walked the Boardwalk.
Day 4 - packed up and went home.
Overall, I have to say we had a great time. The resort is in good shape, the people friendly. The hall was long, no doubt, but you're on vacation, what's the hurry? I'd go for two thumbs up!
We're returning in June for another quickie trip ( this time just me and the kids ) and I can't wait.
If you have any questions, let me know.
( Oh, free internet IS up and running ).
