BCV First Timers

[Really_Goofy_Daddy]

We just booked our first stay at BCV and are looking for suggestions (restaurants; pools; must see/do; etc.)

We usually stay at our home resort (SSR) and know that place like the back of our hand. We always take FULL advantage of the community center and the activities they schedule. Are there any we should NOT miss?

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[TosaTrio]

Take advantage of the location... We love to walk to Epcot just before Illuminations or stroll the boardwalk.

Of course the pool is wonderful and movies on the beach are fun to watch!

Have fun!

 

[horselover]

BCV does have scheduled activities but it does not have a community center. There should be a list included in your arrival packet with all the weekly activities. Have fun. BCV is a fantastic resort.

 

[robertdangelo]

Here is a site with resort maps: http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-bcv/
If you click on a villa # you can see pictures of balcony views.
The movies on the beach are great... here is a schedule, be sure to check it before you go: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php
Cape May has a great character Breakfast... it's much more relaxed than other character dining. Dinner at Cape May is good... evey night is a clambake!
Enjoy! BCV was our 1st DVC Home resort & is still our favorite!

 

[Friendofpluto]

Beaches and Cream is a must as well as Cape May buffet.

 

[a742246]

Go to the fitness center. The steam room is amazing.
Do a morning walk around the boardwalk (lake).
The minature golf area is just a short walk away.

 

[jolia]

Not sure if you are going with kids but if you are.. the pool should be enough to keep them busy for a long time... and when they need a break steps away from ice cream!

 

[cosmos]

Beaches and Cream is a must as well as Cape May buffet.

I second Beaches and Cream!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Take advantage of the location... We love to walk to Epcot just before Illuminations or stroll the boardwalk.

Of course the pool is wonderful and movies on the beach are fun to watch!

Have fun!

I LOVE those movies on the beach. I found out that if BC Beach has a private function, head on over to the YC beach for the movie. And if it's raining out, check the Solarium for the movie. And don't miss squishing your toes in the sand of the sandy area.

 

[DIS_Maniac]

The Flying Fish Cafe. Not the normal Disney fare at all. A little on the higher side but it is Disney afterall

Have a great time. BCV is one of our home resorts and as our son is now a teenager it is becoming one of our favorites as it provides an opportunity for him to have more freedom in ranging to the parks

 

[TisBit]

I am going to go a different route than others here and give you a word of warning (hopefully to help you have an enjoyable trip). We went to BCV and did not expect that there could be such a long walk to get to things (like the main part of the resort, etc) we just heard it was such a small resort and didn't think anything of it. Well, the DVC Villas are not part of the Inn and were added on going back away from the main resort towards the parking area, so if you are in the back of the villa's building, it can be quite a hike up to the front and pools (think grandstand to high rock springs!) which just took us by surprise.

Just be aware, awareness helps a lot in these situations and you can always request to be near the main elevators which are close to the main resort are and will cut your trip in half. Other than that, it is great to take advantage of the area and just experience something new. I didn't fall in love with BCV myself (actually BWV was more to my liking) but it is always nice to try something new!

 

[psac]

Also agree on Flying Fish right across the water at the Boardwalk. Standard signature pricing, but really worth it. Great food.

 

[PoohsFan1]

In May, we will be staying at BCV for the first time as well. Even though it is our first time there, we are not new to the area (stayed at BC last December). We really like the Epcot resort area, our favorite things to do there is eat at Cape May Cafe character breakfast (one of our favorite character meals on property), have a burger and sundae at Beaches and Cream and swim around Stormalong Bay pool (which IMHO is the best pool on Disney property). We also like it because we are so close to 2 parks, one within walking distance and the other a very nice boat ride away. Plus a movie on the beach is always nice with the lit up BW in the background. Enjoy your stay there

 

[Really_Goofy_Daddy]

Thanks to everyone for their input so far it is greatly appreciated! We are so excited to stay there because we are used to having to take the bus everywhere (except DTD - water taxi or walk). So the option to walk or a water taxi for Epcot/Hollywood Studios as well as the Boardwalk will make this a whole new Disney experience!

 

[Really_Goofy_Daddy]

I am going to go a different route than others here and give you a word of warning (hopefully to help you have an enjoyable trip). We went to BCV and did not expect that there could be such a long walk to get to things (like the main part of the resort, etc) we just heard it was such a small resort and didn't think anything of it. Well, the DVC Villas are not part of the Inn and were added on going back away from the main resort towards the parking area, so if you are in the back of the villa's building, it can be quite a hike up to the front and pools (think grandstand to high rock springs!) which just took us by surprise.

Just be aware, awareness helps a lot in these situations and you can always request to be near the main elevators which are close to the main resort are and will cut your trip in half. Other than that, it is great to take advantage of the area and just experience something new. I didn't fall in love with BCV myself (actually BWV was more to my liking) but it is always nice to try something new!

Thanks for the heads up on this one... I especially like your comparison to SSR (which we are very familiar with), in fact we usually request the Paddock when we stay at SSR then walk across the long bridge to the High Rocks Spring or the main building... So walking is nothing new..but BCV is still closer to some of the action SSR requires you take a bus for everything except DTD.

 

[jrbarnes]

THis information is very useful. We will be first timers for BCV this summer (July 27-29) for a short stay while in Florida on vacation. We own at SSR and have visited AKV also. We wanted to try something more toward the 'action' as we have teenagers and they will love the activity and the pool I am sure.

I have a question, has anyone stayed in a 2 bedroom on the 5th floor facing EPCOT, and if so, how was the view of the fireworks? Any specific room numbers that you were happy with?

I see using the maps and looking at some of the view of other rooms on teh 5th floor that there is 3 2 bedroom units on the Epcot side. I will try for one of those 3, although nothing is a guarantee. I think it would be awesome to sit on the balcony and watch the fireworks.

 

[wdwlver]

BCV is our home resort, and I would also recommend requesting a room close to the main elevators. There are kids activities every day around the pool area, and there are also art activities a couple of times a week in the sandcastle club. We love SAB and love having two parks we don't have to take a bus to! Also Beaches and Cream, and Cape May Cafe!