BC vs. BCV

[DizWacko]

Hello everyone, I was hoping to get a comparison between a regular BC room vs. BCV studio for my honeymoon.

I know the general benefits of DVC studio rooms, but my observations are as follows:

1) The BCV studios just seem smaller than regular BC rooms. Perhaps the pix Im looking are a bit skewed? Ive read about sq footage, but the pix just dont seem to back it up.

2) There is a better chance of getting a better view at BC than BCV?

3) No mousekeeping at BCV (when renting)

4) BC seems to be "more in the middle of the action" relating to proximity to pool and restaurants.

5) Ive read alot about dirty or worn down rooms at BCV.

These are my observations from reading message boards and photos online, but how about some real world experiences from those of you that have? Again, Ive never stayed at either place. Which would you choose and why? Keep in mindI could rent a BCV room for about $500 less than the BC standard room for 5 nights. $500 wont break the bank, and since this is hopefully my only honeymoon, I want it to be perfect. But if all else was equal, I would love to pocket an extra $500 for other things while on vacation.

Thanks!

 

[Carrieberry]

We loved the BCV but you are right, the rooms are smaller. We had a view of the grass facing Epcot, but a pool view is much nicer. The quiet pool is great, but of course it doen not compare to SAB, which if you plan on using alot at regular room would have closer access too. There is a path that quickly gets you from the villas over to the walkway to Epcot, so you do not have to walk through the entire thing to get out to the path. It is not far at all from the regular Bc lobby, just a short path outside and then you are right at the BC gift shop. If you want a big room, don't care about the kitchenette (we used our microwave alot for reheating) and have the extra $$ then I would go for a king room in the regular hotel just because it is truly more of a hotel honeymoon experience. You can add on daily mousekeeping to the villas though for a minimal price which would be worth it if you are saving $500. We really wanted to stay at BC and renting the points for the studio was the only way we could do it and we loved every minute of it. Either way, be sure to let the desk or CRO know it is your honeymoon! You might get an upgrade to lagoon view on check in if you are booked in the regular BC room.

 

[AnnB]

I rented points and will be staying at the BCV for the first time in November. I was wondering about mousekeeping--can you arrange for it at the time of (or after) check in?

Thanks!

 

[Scoootch]

Okay...I'll try and answer what I can for you both

View at the BC if you book water view will be a bit better IMO. However, if a balcony is important to you be sure to request one as not all rooms at the hotel portion of the beach club come with one. Many have just a standing room only balcony - enough room for just 1 person to stand on. I would definetly be sure and have noted that you're on your honeymoon too and if you book a king bed room I'm pretty sure you probably have a better shot at a full balcony anyway. The BC itself is slightly closer to everything as well. The BCV's are situated in front of the BC on the parking lot side though you're not talking about some dramaticaly long walk or anything. As for the room comparisons. The studio IMO will actually feel larger if you only have 2 people staying in the room due to the sleeper sofa. (a studio has 1 queen bed and a sleeper sofa). With the sleeper sofa NOT pulled out and all folded up it tends to make the room feel bigger and is nicer having the couch instead of a 2nd bed. You also get the kitchenette and you definetly get a balcony. I've had pool view,epcot view and courtyard view and all are nice...epcot view was our least favorite due to also overlooking the service road though. None of these views will be of Crescent lake though which is slightly nicer...but still very nice. The rooms at the BC have 2 queens and sometimes a daybed and come with a mini-bar. They are very nice but won't feel as big ...JMO. Of course, I've had a king bed room at the BC and that felt roomy so I guess it depends on what kind of room you get.

As to the mousekeeping issue....as you're aware memers getting limited mousekeeping. We get Trash-n-towel on day 4 and no full cleaning unless you will be there more than 7 nights in which case you'd get a full cleaning on day 4 and then T-n-T on day 8 and the clycle repeats every 4 days. Full cleanings can be paid for either here and there or even every day. You'd pay for each day you ask for the extra service. For a studio it costs $25 daily, a 1bdrm $35, 2bdrm $45?? I think and a GV $60. Only you can decide if it's worth the extra $$. FWIW, studio villas have access to free laundry on the 4th floor. You just need to bring detergent. (and for anyone interested in a 1bdrm villa you'll get a w/d in your villa ). You can also just ask for extra T-n-T service and that only costs $10 per day for the days you want it extra but you won't get a full cleaning that way with the beds made up and such.

In answer to AnnB's question about when can you arrange the extra services? You can ask them for it at check in or call mousekeeping from your room and set it all up.

As to the OP's question about which would I choose? Depending on price I think I'd either rent the points and stay in a 1bdrm villa for the king bed,jacuzzi tub and more luxury feeling OR I'd book a waterview room at BC ....compare the price vs. the point rental on a 1bdrm...they may not be far off from each other If you book a room at the hotel portion of the BC definetly be sure to let them know you're on your honeymoon! We stayed at the GF 8yrs ago (the trip we bought into DVC on ) and they upgraded us to a suite when they realized we were honeymooning! It was so awesome. For your honeymoon if fundage allows it's worth the splurge on the 1bdrm if you can swing it

Best of luck and pixie dust! Let us know how you make out!
~*~*~*~*~

 

[DizWacko]

Scootch, thanks so very much for the detailed answers to my questions, great info !!!!!!

Anyway, one last question if you dont mind. Arent the King/Sico rooms at BC kind of different in size than the standard rooms? I saw some pix of the sico room and it looked kind of "converted" at the last minute (with the bed actually retractable from the wall). These were probably old pix before they did a refresh on the rooms... not sure

Finally, we would book standard views at the BC, I figure there is a chance of an upgrade for honeymoon (esp during end of Sept when its really slow) , even if not, prob not worth the extra $300 or so bucks ..

Thanks again

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Finally, we would book standard views at the BC, I figure there is a chance of an upgrade for honeymoon (esp during end of Sept when its really slow) , even if not, prob not worth the extra $300 or so bucks ..

Thanks again

Book what you want. This is your HONEYMOON. If you don't get that upgrade because it is not available or they just won't offer it, you will regret it. Book the room you want to stay in. I'd choose the BCV one bedroom with the kingsized bed, jacuzzi tub, stand up shower, full kitchen, nice living room and at least a balcony the length of the living room and maybe as long as the living room and bedroom combined.

 

[epcotfan]

I've stayed at both and I would go back to the Beach Club for the beds. We found the sofa bed and queen at the BCV uncomfortable. After a few nights I wished I was at the Beach Club again. But then again, that is just me. It was a pain opening and closing the daybed. If we didn't close it we had to crawl over it to get to the window since the table and chairs were also in the way. We had a studio and didn't use the fridge and microwave as much as we thought we would. We did have a wonderful balcony though. If it had been warmer in January it would have been great to sit on it at night. The room was in great condition and clean. The tv was large. Decor was nice. Housekeeping was excellent and CMs were nice. We paid cash via AP rate so we got daily maid service. I don't have any major complaints about it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. If they had two double beds like at BC I would go back. For the time being I would go back to the Beach Club if I had a choice.

 

[shelly3girls]

I would definitely vote for the 1 bedroom at the BCV. They are wonderful, you will really feel like you are in a suite. The bathrooms are awesome with the whirlpool tub. We have stayed many times at the BCV and never had a rundown room. Although the villas are near the quiet pool I actually prefer this pool because I feel more relaxed. I would also choose a studio over a regular BC room because you will really have a queen bed and a sofa. The kitchenette is really nice to have also.

 

[Scoootch]

Scootch, thanks so very much for the detailed answers to my questions, great info !!!!!!

You're welcome!

Anyway, one last question if you dont mind. Arent the King/Sico rooms at BC kind of different in size than the standard rooms? I saw some pix of the sico room and it looked kind of "converted" at the last minute (with the bed actually retractable from the wall). These were probably old pix before they did a refresh on the rooms... not sure

The king/Sico rooms are not the same as a regular King bed room though. The King/Sico room will have the retractable bed that comes out of the wall that you're mentioning BUT they also have just regular king bed rooms. We had a regular king bed room at the BC one year (stayed in it on points via DVC the year before the BCV's opened ) It was on a corner on the 4th floor and was quite large from what I remember and had a catwalk like balcony. If you book a King bed room, I guess I'd just be sure to verify it's not the king/sico room when you book

Finally, we would book standard views at the BC, I figure there is a chance of an upgrade for honeymoon (esp during end of Sept when its really slow) , even if not, prob not worth the extra $300 or so bucks ..

Thanks again

There's always a CHANCE of an upgrade However I have to agree with Deb & Bill that if you'll be devestated or upset if you don't end up getting upgraded then I would just book what you really want to begin with. Especially since it's your honeymoon we're talking about. FWIW though if you will be happy no matter what you get if you book standard...We got married on Sept.14,1997 and honeymooned for 2 weeks from Sept.15 on. Sept. usually is slower and slower times MAY have a better chance at an upgrade but keep in mind that with this "happiest celebration on earth" thing going on, it seems that WDW is quite busy this year...so again, be sure you'll be happy with what you do book so as not to end up dissppointed if an upgrade doesn't happen. Also, you mention an extra $300 bucks.....if it's only an extra $300 for the entire week than I'd say book it. It IS your honeymoon If you mean an extra $300 per night though... maybe not

And last but not least, you're sure you don't want to look into that 1bdrm huh?!....that would really feel like a suite for your honeymoon and may not cost much more if at all.

My best to you no matter what you decide...let us all know

 

[DizWacko]

Many thanks to Scooth/Deb/Bill and others for your input. AP rates were released today and I snapped up a 1bed at BCV for 5 nights (followed by 5 nights Poly). Still not totally sure what we will end up with since the 1Bed at BCV is running $368 per night even with the AP rate. Apparently all Deluxes only get $75 off per night no matter the rack rate, so that BC standard room may look better as time draws closer ($600 savings over 5 nights). Its not like I would be skimping on the honeymoon (10 nights in Deluxe the whole time)

 

[Harley-Mouse]

Try tyo rent the points one bedroom BCV the best all the room you nead with 2 balconys.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You will love the one bedroom. Good luck and have a great time.

 

[Scoootch]

Sounds like a great plan! Have a wonderful honeymoon...you're going to just love the 1bdrm...I'd keep that ressie (or still get the 1bdrm by renting pts)...you're only going to be on your 1st honeymoon once so make it special!

Congrats again!!

 

[jordanyosh]

BCV, if you are a cash paying guest and not DVC, will have mousekeeping everyday. We were cash guests in January and received great service daily from Mona.

The BCV as a resort was one of my favorites simply because it was quiet and it was sooooo close to Epcot. I would say hold on to your ressie here.

 

[Greg K.]

...that there are some nice benefits to BCV.

1) The villas are INCREDIBLY close to the parking lot, so you can skip valet parking, just self-park your car and be in your room very quickly.

2) There's a great "side path" that will take you to a gate that's just a short stroll from the Int'l Gateway! Walking at a comfortable pace, you can easily get to Epcot in five minutes or so.

3) Being more or less "off the beaten path," this part of the resort is quieter. There's usually plenty of room to relax by the quiet pool and have some privacy, too. And, frankly, I find the main lobby of the BC -- especially around meal times -- to be like Grand Central Station.

4) I adore the solarium -- a lovely, sun-drenched room for reading and relaxing. It's convenient to the front entrance, too, and makes a good spot for meeting people.

Have a great time! Congratulations!

 

[DizWacko]

Great Points Greg and the others that have chimed in .. I think I will stick with the Villas (the peace and quiet factor is a HUGE plus for honeymooning after days in park in my book ) .. .now just have to consider the rent vs. direct thru Diz question ..

Thanks !

 

[jordanyosh]

Renting points through DVC members here on the DIS boards does require a certain amount of trust on your part. While almost all transactions go through w/o any problems, it may be just one additional worry that you don't want to deal with when dealing with planning a wedding and honeymoon. Just something to think about.

 

[epcotfan]

I agree with Jordanyosh about renting from someone else. I would try to book directly with Disney if you can. Less worries when you are in control of your own reservation.

Edited to add: That is what we did last January and we managed to get an AP discount by doing so.