BCV or VWL buying????

[dstumpvt]

I just got back from VWL. I have a 1 y/o DD and a 5 y/o DD. I loved the proximity to MK, BUT the boat rides were slow/crowded. Happily, we didn't have to break down the stroller on the boat.

NOW we're interested in buying DVC, I never stayed at BCV, but we did take the monorail from epcot to go to MK- it was fantastic- very easy.

Would BCV be more suitable for our purposes?? We truly wouldn't be going to Epcot much (the kids are still so young), but we would only be catching the monorail there. I'm so torn. Which resort is better??

Thanks for any and all help!!

 

[salmoneous]

First of all, remember that you can always buy at one resort and stay at the other. At your "home resort" you can book 11-months in advance. You can book at the other resorts 7-months in advance. At popular times, the resorts get booked up more than some months in advance, so it does matter somewhat. Best to buy where you most want to stay. But it's not like you are locked in and will only stay at one resort for ever and ever.

Now, to your specific question. Unfortunately, the monorail and BCV are on opposite sides of EPCOT. In order to take the monorail to the MK, you have to walk all the way through EPCOT (having a hopping park ticket for that day), take the monorail to the TTC. Transfer to the MK monorail and take it to the MK. It can be an enjoyable way to spend a morning, but it sure ain't quick. The main way to get from BCV to MK is by bus.

 

[dstumpvt]

Oh my gosh! I didn't even think of where the monorail was in relation to BCV. (The sooner we establish that I'm an idiot- the better ).

Well, that settles it. For at least the next 10 years- MK is going to rule our world. So VWL is the better choice for us.

I know I can move around, but after reading the boards, it seems that if you can't get in 11 months in advance- you won't be staying at BCV.

Thanks so much for the input!

 

[thelobstershanty]

I know I can move around, but after reading the boards, it seems that if you can't get in 11 months in advance- you won't be staying at BCV.

BCV is one of the hardest resorts to get into without the 11 month window, but not impossible. We have stayed at BCV many times and all our pts are at BWV. Matter of fact, we just returned from a trip to BWV and could have stayed at BCV. Both were available when the reservation was made. We love BCV, it is our 2 nd favorite DVC resort, but we were able to get a boardwalk view villa and that won out over SAB. Boardwalk view villas are our favorite rooms, from anywhere on WDW property.
In regards to VWL or BCV, for your family, I think you have made a wise choice with VWL. Both are fantastic resorts, but with little ones you will love the convenience to MK. For the best locations to Epcot and MGM, BWV and BCV can't not be beat,. For MK, VWL is where you want to be. BTW, the boats from the Epcot resorts are not any faster than the boats from the MK resorts. You have to just sit back and relax and enjoy the boat ride as another ride of your vacation. BWV & BCV do have the option of walking to the parks, whereas, VWL does not.
Enjoy you DVC membership, you won't regret it!!

 

[dstumpvt]

Thanks so much- I'm feeling good about the decision. After reading all the posts here- I see that BCV is hard to get into NOW. I just think it's going to get harder and harder as membership increases. But, in the end- I have to make the decision for what's best right now. And- MK is going to be BIG in our trips for the next 10 years. And that's not so bad!!!

I'm really feeling good about this now- thanks guys for sharing your knowledge with a newbie!

 

[Muushka]

We look at the boat ride from VWL to MK as another ride!

And when we take the boat to CR and then the monorail to MK, well that is 2 rides!

 

[mbhoxsie]

VWL is quite a bit smaller than BCV and can be harder to get into without the 11 month window...

Another thing to consider is will being so close to MK be as important to you 10 - 15 years from now? Remember that you will have the contract for at least 2042..

We have a 5yo and 3yo and call BWV home.... While the bus ride to MK is a bit of a chore, it isn't too bad... We actually like being near the BW because of all the other activities and restaurants... The kids love the evening entertainment...

To each their own though...

Remember one thing in this whole process no matter what the salesmen say... "BUY WHERE YOU WANT TO STAY..."

 

[dstumpvt]

I know- the boat ride is fun. But it seems we're always running late for a reservation. But even if the boats were faster, we'd take an extra 5 minutes and still find a way to be late!

I loved WLV! They were amazing! I'm so lucky that this is a choice!

Thanks for the input!

 

[jimmytammy]

Both are great resorts. I agree that VWL is smaller, therefore a tougher ressie to get unless using 11 mos window. BCV is very popular during warmer mos. because of Stormalong Bay. Buy where you want to call "home" We own at VWL and love it!

 

[bears163]

i would go VWL

 

[Granny]

Another thing to consider is will being so close to MK be as important to you 10 - 15 years from now? Remember that you will have the contract for at least 2042..

I think this is great advice to keep in your consideration. I'd go with the resort that you like best....believe me the children will be excited whereever you choose to stay at WDW!

I loved WLV! They were amazing! I'm so lucky that this is a choice!

Sounds like you share our love of this wonderful resort! If you really liked it, and can picture going there with or without children and enjoying it, then it may well be the best choice for you! I know that if we went to WDW for the next 35 years and didn't have VWL as a legitimate choice for many of those trips, we'd be very disappointed.

Good luck in your decision....you really can't go wrong with any of the DVC resorts!

 

[ddhoeg]

We own at both and while we enjoy the location of BCV and SAB, if we had to choose one, it would be VWL! It is our favorite DVC resort, especially during the holiday season. For our family, there is something about the lodge that brings out the "magic" to WDW in a way that no other resort does. Best of luck on your decision.

 

[dstumpvt]

Sounds like you share our love of this wonderful resort! If you really liked it, and can picture going there with or without children and enjoying it, then it may well be the best choice for you! I know that if we went to WDW for the next 35 years and didn't have VWL as a legitimate choice for many of those trips, we'd be very disappointed.
2

We absolutely loved it!

WE MADE AN OFFER AND IT WAS ACCEPTED!!!! It has been sent to Disney for ROFR. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Thanks again to everybody. I have now made the offer with NO BUYERS REMORSE!

 

[Muushka]

Fingers crossed that soon, you will be one of us

 

[Granny]

We absolutely loved it!

WE MADE AN OFFER AND IT WAS ACCEPTED!!!! It has been sent to Disney for ROFR. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Thanks again to everybody. I have now made the offer with NO BUYERS REMORSE!

That's awesome! Let us know how it goes so we can welcome you home properly!

Fingers crossed that soon, you will be one of us

Gee...don't make it sound like a cult! Well, on second thought......