BCV or OKW! Help!

[DisneyAndreaM]

I currently have a one bedroom booked direct through Disney at Beach Club Villas beginning of January. I love that you can walk to Epcot and the Skyliner. I know Stormalomg Bay will be closed, but we’re not too concerned as it may not be swimming weather and if is we can use the quiet pools.

I just found a DVC rental for a one bedroom at OKW for $3700 less. I know this should be a no brainer as that is significant savings but I'm worried about the slow buses. Can someone sell me on OKW?!

Thanks!

 

[ark101]

I currently have a one bedroom booked direct through Disney at Beach Club Villas January beginning of January. I love that you can walk to Epcot and the Skyliner. I know Stormalomg Bay will be closed, but we’re not too concerned as it may not be swimming weather and if is we can use the quiet pools.

I just found a DVC rental for a one bedroom at OKW for $3700 less. I know this should be a no brainer as that is significant savings but I'm worried about the slow buses. Can someone sell me on OKW?!

Thanks!

With $3700 you can hail a minnie van every single time you want to go to a park, do a bunch of character dining and still be left with a bunch of money for other experiences. Hope that helps.

 

[Herding_Cats]

The OKW 1br is going to be a lot bigger (about 200sq ft bigger according to google.)


Not all of the OKW buildings have elevators, so there may be a flight of stairs to go up to get to your room, if accessibility is something you need you need to consider.

 

[DeeBee3]

Save the money and use Uber/Minnie Vans and eat more food.
I do understand the location though. That Epcot entrance is divine.

 

[AnnaS]

Two of my home resorts. Love them both for different reasons.

Love, love the Beach Club location - my first choice. But I stay in both. $3,700 is a lot of money. How often do you go? Will you be back soon? You can book another vacation with the price difference

Good luck deciding!!! Your decision!!!

 

[kgou]

Does the Stormalong Bay closure matter to you? If not, how much do you value the convenience of walking to Epcot or the general ambiance of Crescent Lake? I agree with others that the savings is significant and you could use Minnie Vans to avoid the transportation. Will you be using the sleeper/Murphy beds? The lack of Murphy beds at OKW is a dealbreaker currently for me, so we only book 1BDs that have the Murphy.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Most times we'd recommend BCV - one of our favorites with easy access to EP and HS. But for that kind of savings, we would not hesitate a moment to stay at OKW. We've enjoyed the peaceful feel of OKW many times and love the larger rooms. The buses would be a non-issue for us. And like some have said, ride share is an option with the money you're saving. We love BCV, but would absolutely stay OKW in your situation.

 

[ambula603]

We love both of those resorts. OKW has such a relaxed charm. The buses can be a bother, but it can also not be an issue depending on your room location. For instance, we once had a room by the Hospitality House (which I think is a different price group) and we would get on the bus at the last bus stop on its way out. Coming home we would get off at the first drop-off because we were near two different bus stations. So there is some strategy there.

Plus, Olivia's is delicious! Try the brunch there!

If you stay with BCV, you cannot beat the location. But that IS a lot of money when you compare them!

 

[johnandmaz]

Stayed at both for long stays, several times - indeed in September we had a week at both.

EPCOT my favourite park so that walk is great - plus the lovely walk to HS. Skyliner access as well as the boats - what's not to like? However I think we've fallen out of love a little with OKW. It may have been that we were in a studio for the first time instead of the 1/2 bed villas. Just not the same. Plus we weren't near Hospitality House for the first time. Or maybe we've outgrown it.

But then BCV wasn't top notch either. Same situation with BCV tbh. The studios seem darker and older than the 1 beds. Also, the QS at BCV is appalling but I suppose there are options a short walk away at EPCOT and Boardwalk. We used the smaller DVC pool more than Stormalong. Much quieter. Although I suppose with Stormalong being closed, that may not be the case.

However we find the bus service at OKW good. I've had a few long waits at BCV and Boardwalk. We enjoy immensely the boat to DS. Olivias is superb. Bottom line for us - repeating your "no brainer " comment for that price difference. Oh yes. Take the money and run. I'd take BCV if it was around $1000 difference but $3700. where do I sign up??

 

[DisneyAndreaM]

Thank you all for your quick and thoughtful replies! I went to book OKW, and of course, it's gone. I will keep checking, but in the meantime, thanks to your insights, I have moved to a one-bedroom preferred (the only option) at Saratoga Springs for a savings of $1200. I will keep checking.

The space of the one bedroom is very important to us, and I like that SS is next to Disney Springs and has the Murphy bed plus the pull-down single sleeper. Now my kids won't have to share a bed.

I will keep looking for a great DVC rental leading up to the deadline. Thanks again!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

If your worst-case scenario is a stay in a 1BR at BCV, you're in a good place - even have the Murphy Beds there!! No bad decisions here......

 

[Simba's Mom]

I know that the 1/2 Bedrooms at OKW don't have the Murphy bed, but don't they all have the sleeper chair? I know that the one we stayed in last week had the sleeper chair.