BC Villa Balconies Question

[jade1]

Also remember that most people take pictures and post pictures of good views. Sometimes they have their camera pointed sideways leaning over the balcony and zoomed in for "that view." Somewhere out here there is a thread of bad views - windows that look into other rooms, rooms that overlook the dumpster, roof views, rooms where the view is completely blocked by trees or where all you see is parking lot.

Exactly, and not just DVC. We look at it as a nice surprise if we get it, but its luck of the draw in most cases-unless the guranteed ones (safari/MK/BW etc).

Also remember a zoomed view like the one I labeled as such, is still what we see through the camera, if you like taking pictures its still a great hobby and a rewarding view.

For us, the best "locations" or being able to walk to a park or 2, also happen to have the best "potential" views-making them even more appealing. But over the next 100 or so trips, I'm guessing many will be great, and many will be good. But all will be close to the action for us.

 

[rigsby25]

We've stayed at BCV twice. The first time we had a "courtyard" view. Not the best but pleasant. We were extremely close to a quiet pool and we were on the first floor. I loved it. Closer to parking also. The second time was just a week ago. Room 546 to be exact. Far from parking. View was of trees and a service road, with the Epcot spaceship earth off in the near distance. Again not the best, but what I would consider pleasant. We did see fireworks at night from the balcony. Sorry - it was too cold to stand out there when we went, and the super bowl was on, so I don't know to what extent you could see them.

 

[Sheribo]

We asked for an Epcot view since we wanted to see the fireworks. If I leaned over the railing with DH holding my feet for safety, I caught a glimpse of a firework. I'm telling you, it was really hard to hold my wine glass at the same time but I do have some hidden talent.

The next evening, we put some lovely Italian wine in our travel mugs and watched from the beach. It was still magical.

 

[Pakey]

We've stayed at BCV many times and these views shown in the pictures in this thread are much nicer than anything we've had.

We love BCV, love the location, the vibe, the pool. But if we are going to WDW for the resort relaxing, sit on the balcony, drink wine vacation, we use our points at SSR.

 

[crisi]

I want to make sure I understand this so I gotta ask. If I am a DVC member and check-in my room and for whatever reason decide I would like to be transferred to another room, they will charge me?

They have the right to charge you. Sometimes they do not. DVC is a timeshare, this isn't a hotel. It operates at nearly 100% capacity year round. Understand what you are getting into. Once Disney has your money and your commitment, they are much less interested in making you delighted as they are a cash guest. That doesn't mean DVC isn't a value to a certain type of guest, but I don't think you are that type of guest.

 

[crisi]

Here are photos of our fifth floor "woods" view. The balconies were the smallest we've had at DVC and were solid. DH sat out there for a phone call or two but I didn't spend anytime out there b/c it wasn't real comfortable. I thought the view itself was ok. Just would have preferred to be able to see it while sitting down!

Many of the Boardwalk View rooms at the Boardwalk have that problem. Solid balconies, so the view is great, IF you are standing on your balcony. You can't see much from inside the room because in that case the balcony is deep. And see sky if you are sitting down.

 

[Sheribo]

We've stayed at BCV many times and these views shown in the pictures in this thread are much nicer than anything we've had.

We love BCV, love the location, the vibe, the pool. But if we are going to WDW for the resort relaxing, sit on the balcony, drink wine vacation, we use our points at SSR.

Ditto! BCV for a park vacation when we don't spend too much time in the room. SSR to relax.

 

[Hopefully]

We love the BCV and have never had a "bad" view. That said we once had a near on view of the canal (loved looking at it) and past it was a service road. We just did not focus on the service road in the distance. We were perfectly happy to sit on the balcony with a glass of wine and relax in the evening.
I agree with others though, BCV does not have the best views in the DVC inventory. If a view is important to you you may want to consider the BWV where you can spend more point for a Boardwalk view.
BCV have SAB, the best pool on property, if a pool matters to you.
The BWV have a slightly longer walk to the International Gateway in Epcot, but a significantly shorter walk to DHS.
We love the Epcot Resort area. It is vibrant and alive, and has many great restaurants within walking distance. I like the theme and the feel of the area.
To me the AKV are too dark and they are failry distant from the action. It all depends on what theme appeals to you and on your style of vacationing.
Good Luck

 

[crisi]

If a view is important to you you may want to consider the BWV where you can spend more point for a Boardwalk view.

Boardwalk Views are the same number of points as any room at the Beachclub - and some bad views at the Boardwalk itself.

 

[Pluto1976]

Thanks for all of the replies. I must say some of them are making me think more and more critical of DVC. One poster brought up something I had been thinking about but never paid it too much attention, "Once Disney has your money they are not as inclined to make you happy as much as they are a cash guest for obvious reasons."

However, even with that thought it does not make me rule out DVC. A nice view is not our most important criteria but it is higher on the list. I think this might be a balancing act of trade-offs between DVC resorts. For example, BWV with a guaranteed view is becoming more attractive. My only concern about BWV is that area seems very busy while BCV seems more serene in the right spots.

More to research!

 

[jade1]

However, even with that thought it does not make me rule out DVC. A nice view is not our most important criteria but it is higher on the list. I think this might be a balancing act of trade-offs between DVC resorts. For example, BWV with a guaranteed view is becoming more attractive. My only concern about BWV is that area seems very busy while BCV seems more serene in the right spots.

More to research!

That makes sense, you can use all of the resorts you know. We have had very good luck getting BW View at 7 months during the summer anyway. So we may be booked at BCV at 11 months, then at 7 months just see if you can get BW View-if not, no biggie-stay at BCV and try some other time. You can do that for any time of year. Also my DW and DSIL are going this week and got a 1BR BW View 2 months ago.

But if you want BW View for a busy week, would recommend owning there.