BCV vs. BWV

[TopMop]

We currently own 160 points at AKV and are looking to add 150 to 200 points at either BCV or BWV. We like the quick access that both of these resorts provide to Epcot and am interested in the thoughts and advice anyone might have. We are aware the price per point is lower at BWV, but are leaning toward BCV based on the fact it is a smaller resort and may be a little more private. Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[crisi]

BWV advantages - Boardwalk Views are great. Standard Views are very nice and one of the true DVC bargains. Grand Villas available. Generally, lower initial buyin cost if you go resale.

BCV advantages - Stormalong Bay, 2 Beds in the 2nd bedroom available (but not always, you need to book it, but they aren't even available at BWVs). Dues per point are slightly lower (but if you book standard view at BW, your dues per night are less).

The other differences are preference. BCV is quieter, BWV has more bustle (I don't think either is necessarily more 'private' - but BW does feel busier where BCV is back behind the main resort). I like the dining options at BWV better, but BCV has the Marketplace and if its pouring, you won't get wet getting food like at BW. BCV is a little closer to Epcot, has a kids club. BWV has a community hall. The closets are huge at BWV. BCV has the ugliest couch in DVC (IMHO).

 

[LSchrow]

we own at both, but greatly prefer BWVs.
much, much quieter, a myriad of activities at your fingertips, pools that you can swim in without feeling like a sardine (SAB is too much like a city public pool: very crowded and noisy), & some of the most amazing views anywhere .(BCV EPCOT view is of a street with a glimpse of SSE over the treetops). community hall at BWVs is a big plus also.

waking up to .& going to sleep with a view of the BW, watching illuminations from the balcony is pure heaven

 

[DenLo]

BWVs has a higher MF, about 20 cent more per point. Considering it is the larger resort I am always surprised by this difference. I guess BWV's share of the Boardwalk maintenance is a factor. Although I would have thought SAB would be a pretty large expense for BCV but it is shared with two other hotels (BC and YC). Over the years this higher MF could add up.

Also I read posts that the long hallways at BWV gets old, yet at BCV's everyone reports how close of a walk it is to everything.

 

[wdwnut]

Our home is BWV, but we've stayed at both. You cannot beat the BW view or the standard view there or the grand villas. BCV does have SAB, but it can be a hike to get there from your villa. We do enjoy BCV but prefer BWV.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I suggest you stay at both before you decide to add on at either. When we bought in we bought at the BW site unseen and just fell in love with it on our 1st trip. I got addonitis really bad (before our 1st trip no less) and wanted to buy into BC too-- However, we got lucky and got to stay there for 1 night. I went from having a BW view to a road view at the BC. --Now I know that some of the views are very nice, but the BC does not have a boardwalk view room, nor do they have the road view rooms for less points. I also thought the BC was an afterthought and it was off to the back of the resort too far (it could have just been our room location) but I really didn't care for it at all. I just felt that the BC didn't offer a good value to us as much as the BW did.

So we added onto the BW

 

[Disneypubgal]

I suggest you stay at both before you decide to add on at either. When we bought in we bought at the BW site unseen and just fell in love with it on our 1st trip. I got addonitis really bad (before our 1st trip no less) and wanted to buy into BC too-- However, we got lucky and got to stay there for 1 night. I went from having a BW view to a road view at the BC. --Now I know that some of the views are very nice, but the BC does not have a boardwalk view room, nor do they have the road view rooms for less points. I also thought the BC was an afterthought and it was off to the back of the resort too far (it could have just been our room location) but I really didn't care for it at all. I just felt that the BC didn't offer a good value to us as much as the BW did.

So we added onto the BW

Agree with Tink you should try each and see which suits your needs best!! depending on how many pts you are looking to purchase... if you bought two really small contracts and did each one every three years with banking and borrowing you could add both to your vacation plans!

 

[Sammie]

I can tell you what I love about BCV, sorry I can't do that for BWV, it definitely appeals to many, but not me.

BVC: Stormalong Bay, you can pool hop to BWV but not to SAB.

Parking, oh my with the recent loss of free valet, I hate parking at the BW.

Dedicated two bedrooms. I would never buy into a resort that does not offer dedicated two bedrooms.

Quick service: the one added to the BCV is not great but certainly better than not having one.

Right next door to Epcot.

The BW does have great views but I spend very little time enjoying the view and at the BCV you are only steps from the great view of the BW across the lake.

I had not stayed at the BW recently so in fairness I booked an overnight there recently and honestly I was so glad to check out. It is just too busy, and hectic for me. I think the theme of carnival, Atlantic City really comes out in the decor and everything. I felt frantic the entire time, it was just too much of everything.

And those halls, they remind so much of the Shining, seriously if there was a fire I am not sure I could get out of there.

I love the BW for shopping, dining and entertainment, but at night I want to get away and the BCV is that escape.

I do agree with trying both and make your own decisions, everyone likes different things.

 

[lisareniff]

This is a big debate I have with myself... which would I choose if doing it over?

Pros BCV -
- The Pool - Storm-along bay is great
- 2 bedroms w/2 queens
- Close self-parking
- Next door neighbor w/Epcot
- Calming theme

Pros BWV
- Boardwalk view rooms
- Standard view low point rooms
- GV's available
- Boardwalk
- Midway between Epcot and DHS
- Community Hall (not so big a deal since BCV has improved their activities)

 

[TopMop]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I have put in an offer for 200 points at BWV. I appreciated everyone's input. We'll see how it goes. (ROFR)

 

[AnnaS]

Good Luck and keep us posted!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mikron]

Buy BW, both nice and if a pool is a maker for you then BC has it hands down. We own SSR & OKW but always stay at BW with BWview.

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

Good luck!

 

[JohnnyB2]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I have put in an offer for 200 points at BWV. I appreciated everyone's input. We'll see how it goes. (ROFR)

Good Luck, Hope to see you at the BWV soonIt really is a great resort

 

[momoftwins]

but wished we had bought at BWV. We just like the atmosphere of the BW area. Love sitting out on the "front porch" at the Boardwalk. Especially love the boat launch is right there. We really are not too fond of SAB - go figure. My 13 yr olds love the clown slide at BWV.

If I could call Disney and just get an equal trade of points from BCV to BWV, I would do it in a heartbeat. Good luck with your decision. You cannot really go wrong with either.

 

[LSchrow]

If I could call Disney and just get an equal trade of points from BCV to BWV, I would do it in a heartbeat. .

funny, i say that all the time also
unfortunately, we bought BCV prior to staying there (figured it had to be similar to the BWVs due to its proximity).
a few stays of "EPCOT views" that included a road with a sliver of SSE over the tall trees, very noisy lobby and hallways, and an incredibly crowded pool had everyone from 6 to 70 years old begging to go back to the BWVs!!
we find the hallways at BWVs a non-issue as there are so many stairwells to use (it would be a prob if one has a stroller or wheelchair. but to note: when going with my 80+ yo parents, we request near the elevators and have always gotten the request granted). re the other complaint some have about the parking lot: we prefer walking a short distance to our car over having a lot full of cars beeping with doors slamming, yelling, and exhaust fumes directly by the villas.

BCVs ia a pretty resort, but too crowded and noisy for us

 

[Inkmahm]

This is a big debate I have with myself... which would I choose if doing it over?

Pros BCV -
- The Pool - Storm-along bay is great
- 2 bedroms w/2 queens
- Close self-parking
- Next door neighbor w/Epcot
- Calming theme

Pros BWV
- Boardwalk view rooms
- Standard view low point rooms
- GV's available
- Boardwalk
- Midway between Epcot and DHS
- Community Hall (not so big a deal since BCV has improved their activities)

I own at BWV and stay at both BWV and BCV. The biggest plus to me for BCV is being so close to Epcot. I haven't tried the walk to HS yet, would probably just take a boat. At BWV, we've walked to both HS and Epcot.

We tried Stormalong Bay this last stay at BCV to see what all the fuss was about and and I have to say, I wasn't impressed. I could see where kids might love the pool though so we are taking nieces there in March. For me, I'd rather use the very nice quiet pool at BCV.


I also love the close parking at BCV compared to BWV (wasn't bad when there was free valet...). But I love the BW view rooms and you can't get those at BCV.

 

[Disneypubgal]

funny, i say that all the time also
unfortunately, we bought BCV prior to staying there (figured it had to be similar to the BWVs due to its proximity).
a few stays of "EPCOT views" that included a road with a sliver of SSE over the tall trees, very noisy lobby and hallways, and an incredibly crowded pool had everyone from 6 to 70 years old begging to go back to the BWVs!!
we find the hallways at BWVs a non-issue as there are so many stairwells to use (it would be a prob if one has a stroller or wheelchair. but to note: when going with my 80+ yo parents, we request near the elevators and have always gotten the request granted). re the other complaint some have about the parking lot: we prefer walking a short distance to our car over having a lot full of cars beeping with doors slamming, yelling, and exhaust fumes directly by the villas.

BCVs ia a pretty resort, but too crowded and noisy for us

There are pros and cons to both and I think it is just a matter of what suits your needs... before our daughter was born we were die hard BWV fans and still are if it is just the two of us! But with our 4 year old... SAB is great for her!!! We own at BW an SS... for us we are just happy to be at Disney!