Back today from DVC "recon" trip!!! (Longish.)

[Dreamfinder2]

I went all by my lonesome to Disney this past Thursday - Saturday with the purpose of (1) checking out the VWL, which we purchased sight unseen, (2) looking at all the other DVC properties at WDW just for comparisons, and (3) gathering info on new projects.

Dang! I get back home to find out I've been "scooped!" All the stuff I was going to share has already been posted. It was kinda fun being on property when the announcement of DI/DVC was made, though.

Talked to my guide, other DVC CMs, and had basically everything you've read here verified. WVL is anticipated to sell out within the week. Feb. 3 on BCV? Yep.

My impressions of BCV? Very, very similar to BWV, but folks, there's not a good view in the property. It looked like, barring any extensive plantings, many units are going to have a charmless view of the backside of Epcot. Point structure should be the same as VWL, preferred at BW. Expect the price increase in the late summer, as others have posted. Work looked like it was progressing nicely.

Our guide was charmingly evasive on some questions, but she did hint at some new incentives.

Honestly, I felt like the actual living space in OKW as compared to WVL and BWV just wasn't all that different. The kitchen at OKW seemed to be the most obvious expansion of space. But after peeking again at a Grand Villa -- which I hadn't seen since '93 -- holy cow. The first step through the door was a gasp-producer. Size does matter!

Still partial to VWL; it's sort of L.L Bean nirvana. But there's a "center of it all" feel to BW that's cool, too. And the comments about long halls are NOT bogus. I spent one evening trapped in the Inn section of BW; I'd wished I'd left bread crumbs, because I got out in one of the courtyards in the middle of a wedding reception and couldn't find my way out. The refreshments were nice, tho.

Fret not, friends. There was pixie dust everywhere, and the CMs I dealt with were universally wonderful. I was sorta sad looking at POFQ, with its gates and deserted parking lots. And Pop Century looked like a scene from the Apocalypse.

Finally (whew!) I can remember staying several years ago in one of the old Fairway Villas, and was struck then with the rough-hewn cedar siding and the vaulted ceilings and sleeping loft. You know, they might just pull this off at DI.

I'm just pumped, as a new member, of having these options. If I can't get first choice with ressies, I'll stay at any of 'em with joy.

Oh, yeah ... Boma is the best buffet on property. Simply amazing.

 

[chris1gill]

Thanks for your report!!! Sounds like you had fun! I have much more fun doing the "recon" thing than actually going to the parks LOL... don't tell my family

Glad you liked each of the resorts, they are all unique in their own way! I also agree with you regarding the BCV's, not a good view in the place IMHO!!!

 

[Figment2]

I love Boma's but have only been there for breakfast. Hopefully our next trip we will do lunch or dinner! Which did you try?

Sounds like you had fun!

Cyn

 

[MikeScott8]

Dreamfinder2,

When down there two weeks ago my fiance and I were staying at OKW using points we rented and we took the tour on Wednesday and put down the deposit them on VWL. The next day, after having to attend fiance's grandfather's funeral services we came back to WDW and instead of hitting the parks we went over and check out our new (soon waiting to close) home away from home VWL.

While there, after walking around some, we were thirsty so we bought our WL refillable mugs and walked around some more and just hung out in the lobby for a bit people watching. by the time we left we had gotten a refill already for the car ride back to OKW. And we will use them much next Jan!

We are VERY happy with VWL, we had not been there before we bought there.

Mike

 

[IslandHap]

Thanks for the info/update. I guess we will have to agree to disagree on the BCV view thing.

I understand if your argument is that the BCV points should be more in line with BWV standard than prefered/VWL points. But since I don't spend much time in my room, and even less time staring out the window, it just doesn't matter that much to me.

The ugly (standard) view rooms at BWV seem to be the first that are booked in each season. So it seems that alot of other people don't have a problem with not looking at a pool or some other form of water/attraction. To each his/her own.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

IslandHap...
Oops! I just re-read my post and realized I wasn't clear. What I meant to state is that the points for BCV will (not should) be the same for preferred at BWV and VWL. I didn't mean to sound like I was editorializing; just stating what I was told. I agree with you.

It's kind of nice to sit on the balcony of your unit and meditate on the unfolding of the world, but I don't necessarily want to use valuable points to do it.

Like my daddy said, "That's the reason they make Fords and Chevrolets and Chryslers -- not everybody likes the same thing."

 

[dvc_bwv]

What I meant to state is that the points for BCV will (not should) be the same for preferred at BWV and VWL.

I was unaware that VWL had preferred views. I didn't think they did or am I mistaken?

 

[DiznEeyore]

Nope, no preferred views at VWL. The points at VWL are the same as the preferred view at BWV, tho.

 

[IslandHap]

DreamFinder2...

Well said. It's kind of like the inside/outside/veranda debate for the DCL.

I agree, if the views at BCV aren't as nice as those at VWL, then the points should not be the same.

 

[TDC Nala]

I would be willing to trade off a view at BCV for Stormalong Bay. I'm sure there'll be enough others who feel this way to keep BCV busy.