BCV 1st day suggestions...

[DJmommy]

We are arriving in less than a week at BCV, first time trip here for us. Since we will be arriving via ME around 10 am and figuring we will not gain access to our room until 4 pm or so, what do you recommend doing on our first day. We would like to just get acquainted with the resort, but not venture into the parks until the next day.

We would like to use the pool, but wouldn't like to be stuck in bathing suits for the whole day. Is there a place where you can change into bathing suits, and are there lockers available to store valuables, like cameras, clothes etc. that you need to gain access to without bothering bell services?

How does it work when you check-in early? Do they set up your room keys and give you an idea of where your room may be located? Do you have to keep going back to check-in to see whether the room is ready?

One issue I am concerned about is finding a quiet place for my DD to nap. She can and does nap in her stroller but with the heat in the middle part of the day, is there an area to sit indoors in the AC that is fairly quiet?

Any suggestions would really help.

TIA
Jacqueline

 

[bcsmom]

Disney can hold your bags for you in a holding area. I read somewhere on here that they have safes at the front also, but I have never used them. They do have nice bathrooms inside the lobby area, & there are some outside as well. The pool at the BC is very fun, so I think that is a great idea. You can also eat at Beaches and Cream, or you can eat by the pool. If your room is ready they will let you check in. If it isnt you can give them your cell #, & they will call you when the room is ready.

 

[Jillpie]

We had time to kill too, so I know what you will be going thru. First, after checking in, I knew I had to store our travelers checks, cash and important documents. So I asked for a safe for this. It was easy. They took you in a small back room, asked you to sign a document and had to write down what you were storing and how much money and then you just took the key with you. I already had a beach bag filled with things we needed for the day, sunscreen, bathing suits, flip flops, brush etc and we were off to the pool, and had lunch there. After a couple of hours there, our room was ready. We just went back to the desk and they gave us our number (in the mean time, our DS15 had almost passed out from the hot sun, had to get a wheelchair for this, it was kind of scary so be very careful not to sit directly in the sun at first if you're not used to it, its very strong!) and we were off to the room. We changed in the lobby bathroom, very spacious and easy. As far as napping, I would go to one of the lobby rooms of the BC villas. They are very big and usually pretty quiet. The BC lobby itself is very busy and can be noisy, so I wouldn't stay there, try the villas. Have fun!

 

[ryley26]

There is a small room with a TV in BCV lobby that DD could nap turn it off. There is almost no one ever in there. We always pack suits and pool supplies and change in the bathroom near SAB. There is a quiet pool behind BCV that family could swim that would be close to DD and you instead of SAB. I don't think you'll get DD out of SAB for a nap just a guess. Plenty of places to eat by SAB and the boardwalk is just a short walk.

 

[DJmommy]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I didn't realize there was a lobby just for the villas. Do you check in at the BCV or the BC?

I think we will definately try to eat at Beaches and Cream early before the lunch crowd starts. Does anyone know what time they open...is it around 11:00?

Also, I am assuming that there is some kind of arcade as well, which my son will want to check out. We might let him do that while DD is sleeping, and then enjoy the pool after 2 pm or so. That way it shouldn't be too long of a wait for the room after that.

Has anyone ever eaten at Gulliver's at the Swan. They have a character dinner with Timone and Rafiki on Friday anyway, but you never hear much about it. Just was wondering, since DVC members get a 20% discount.

How about the BCV movies / campfire that was going on earlier in the summer. Anyone know if that is still happening?

Thanks again everyone.

Jacqueline

 

[Jillpie]

I just read a few days ago that we can now check in at the BCV lobby. There are a couple of rooms right off of the lobby that you could rest in, you'll see these as soon as you walk in. The arcade...it is connected to beaches and cream. Your son would love it. But I bet you anything he'll love the pool too much to even go in the arcade much. My boys love that pool!

 

[ryley26]

We just returned last week and they still had the beach movies and campfire going. Movies start at nine and seem to be the same movies and scheudule each week. We were there for 10 days they were Toy Story, Incredibles, Pacifier, Lilo and Stich, Pirates 1 and i don't remember the rest. The set up is great on the beach and you can roast marshmallows.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

More, more, more..........we leave in 20 days!

 

[DVC Mary]

Plead w/ the CM when you check in that you need a room asap, so your daughter can nap. If you don't have your heart set on a certain room, they may be able to accomodate you, especially if you go back & check frequently. I did this when my kids were very young & was pleasantly surprised when I got my room an hour or two early. We fly on frequent flyer miles & always seem to arrive super early. Now that they're older, we'll hit the closest park & come back for a late afternoon nap. They don't always call your cell if they're really busy. Make sure you check back in frequently, but politely.

Ask politely. . . . expect nothing. . . . and be happy if does happen is what I try to do in life.


Another vote too for pool v. arcade. My boys LOVE that pool too. If it's not too hot, you can always take a walk over to the boardwalk too. If it's really hot, one parent can also take your son to watch videos in the BC lobby, while the other finds a quiet spot. If you need to walk to get your daughter to sleep there a plenty of hallways to walk. It will be quiet during the day while everyone is at the parks.

If you have any trouble finding a quiet spot, just ask a CM for suggestions or directions to the many nooks & crannies quiet rooms. There are often no people in these--especially during the day.

Have a great trip!

 

[BCV23]

B&C does open at 11 am.

The bathrooms by the BCV pool are large enough to change in and usually very quiet.

When we've checked in before the room is ready, we've been given a card with a # to call.

Have fun.

 

[DJmommy]

Thank you all for the suggestions. My DD doesn't always nap, but because we will be getting up so very early for our flight, I hope she will be able to nap, so as to avoid a melt down later in the afternoon or early evening. I am sure we can find a quiet spot with all of your suggestions.

I forgot to ask... what are the hours for Stormalong Bay? Just from the pictures, it looks like an awesome pool to enjoy in the evening, when the sun isn't so hot.

Are there many shady areas around the pool for seating? We are all quite fair-skinned Irish and do not wish to burn.

Thanks to all. Cannot believe we will be arriving in just 3 days. Whoo hoo!!!