BCV vs OKW vs BWV

[LordAthens]

I'm not sure if this is the right section for this thread or if the Disney Resorts section would be more suitable. I chose here since they're all DC resorts. Mods, please move if necessary.

So, we're planning a trip 8 or 9 day trip for May/June or mid August. This will be my second stay at a DVC, the first time being at OKW.

I really enjoyed OKW, it was quite, "slow", the buses were never packed (though that was probably due to always going in February), nice room, etc etc. I greatly enjoyed the ferry to DTD as I spent quite a bit of time there.

Can anyone give me pro's and con's on one resort versus the other? Obviously BCV has Stormalong Bay and that certainly tips the scale in their favor, though I know we'll be spending more time at the parks than at the resort. Cost isn't factor as it's minimal.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Epcot is in walking distance of both BCV and BWV, correct?

What about room sizes? From the floor layouts I've seen, OKW looks like the rooms might be a tad larger? We will be in a studio. Are the dorm size fridges standard in all of the DVC resorts? I know we had one at the OKW studio.

Any opinions to sway me one way or another? This will be my DGF's first "adult" trip to Disney, so I'm sure she will be thrilled either way. I liked OKW, but at the same time I'd like to try something new. We will be going with another couple and they'll be staying at the same resort that we stay at.

Thanks

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

We have rented points a couple of times and are doing so again this April staying at the Boardwalk.

It's just a personal thing as what I would choose others would differ.

Personally OKW doesn't appeal at all, because it is a vast resort and we prefer 'hotel' style accomodation, also location is the big thing for us and a theme park location is such an advantage.

Yes you can easily walk to EPCOT via the International Gateway, from either BCV or BWV.
I would choose whichever you prefer from these two, BWV would be my first choice as the rental points per night price is cheaper.
Both have had the rooms renovated in the last couple of years.

You are correct in that OKW does have larger rooms, but my personal preferences would be to choose one of the other choices you list.

 

[bookwormde]

We like both (and split between very often).

It is very unlikely that you would be able to bet the full vacation at BCV at 6 months out, BWV garden view is possible.

If you can cet one of these it is always good to try it to see if you like it.

Studios feel a lot smaller than OKW but for an adults only trip location may be key.

bookwormde

 

[JohnnySharp2]

The other thing that favours the BWV/BCV area is in addition to EPCOT, you have several resort hotels in close proximity.

So even if you choose to stay at BCV, you can look around the Boardwalk, Beach Club plus Swan and Dolphin too, that's a big factor to consider.

Personally location wise BCV/BWV have much more to offer.

 

[jekjones1558]

2 big differences between OKW studios and BCV/BWV studios:

1) OKW has 2 beds; BCV/BWV have 1 bed and a sofa
2) OKW has the bathroom sink in the same room as the tub and toilet; BCV/BWV have the sink outside the tub/toilet room

When we used to stay in studios we preferred the BCV/BWV set-up, but there are also many who prefer OKW. You just need to consider which works best for you.
All studios have the dorm type refrigerators.

Yes you can easily walk to EPCOT via the International Gateway, from either BCV or BWV.
I would choose whichever you prefer from these two, BWV would be my first choice as the rental points per night price is cheaper.
Both have had the rooms renovated in the last couple of years.

I will add:
The walk to DHS is a lot shorter from BWV than BCV.
Only the standard view rooms at BWV are cheaper and those may not be available.
BCV has NOT been renovated. BWV renovations were completed a little over a year ago.

 

[TisBit]

I voted for BWV's....I haven't staked at OKW, but have stayed at SSR. I love DTD and would stay at either SSR/OKW for that reason, but if you want something new, I would try for BWV...I enjoyed it much more than BCV. I like having the boardwalk right there, more things to do, retaurants and some night life. It is more centrally located and easy walking distance to both Epcto and Hollywood Studios.

Stormalong Bay was nice, but I am not a huge pool person and it isn't a make it or break it for me. I can live without the pool and just being able to have a pool is enough for me, I won't miss it. I think for teens or someone that is really "into" it, it is more important (IMHO I think it has become more of a status symbol, but thats me).

 

[a742246]

For me doing a split stay is best. We usually spend 5-6 days at the epcot resorts for the disney theme park fix and the last 3 days at either OKW or SSR to calm down and enjoy the night life in DTD.

Note: My children are all grown (20ish) and we have no grandchildren yet.
So this set up is best for us now. Once grandchildren arrive our resort choices will change.

That is the beauty of DVC memberships it fits different lifestyles at different
times in your life.

Split stays are easy just bring your bags to bell services, tell them where you are going, once you check in at your next resort, then tell bell services you are check in and they will deliver them to your room. This transaction takes about 3-4 hours.

 

[Brian Noble]

This will be my DGF's first "adult" trip to Disney, so I'm sure she will be thrilled either way. I liked OKW, but at the same time I'd like to try something new. We will be going with another couple and they'll be staying at the same resort that we stay at.

I think the question is what sort of vibe you are looking for. OKW, as you point out, whispers "island time" to you everywhere you go. I'm not sure there is a more relaxing Disney resort anywhere on property, though VWL's sense of isolation "out in the woods" is pretty close.

BCV and BWV are more "active". And, for me, BWV is a slightly better fit for an adult-only party because of its proximity to the Boardwalk amenities. On the other hand BCV feels a little more "family vacation" to me. SAB is a very nice pool, but it's a very nice pool---if you are serious about that sort of thing, it is worth visiting a water park.

 

[Pakey]

Is this just 2 couples going, no children? My answer would depend on the make up of the group and what you are planning to do on vacation.

For adults only who are planning on spending a lot of time at Epcot, I'd pick BWV. The location, the nighttime activities make it a perfect location.

For a family with decent swimmers who want to spend a lot of time at the pool, I'd pick BCV for Storm Along Bay. If you are adult only or you have small children, I would not pick it. The pool is a zoo.

Both of the above locations have great dining choices within walking distance. To me that's the biggest draw for the Epcot area resorts.

I love OKW. My family loves OKW. I think they'd all pick this as their favorite resort. The pools here are nice and relaxing. The rooms are bigger. The balconies are so nice with the lush vegetation. This is where we like to stay if we aren't doing commando park time because we just love hanging out at the resort. However, for 2 adults, I would not pick this for a studio due to the 2 beds. I prefer staying in studios where there is a sleeper sofa because it makes the room so much bigger.

Like the PP, we also enjoy doing split stays.

 

[LSchrow]

imho, OKW is more for a relaxing, including "no parks" vacations. the rooms are bigger, the area very tranquil, but you do have a bus or boat ride to get to the parks, and the resort activities are limited.
the BCVs have the walk/boat to EPCOT and DHS, and access to activities at the BW. however, the views are not great, their main pool gets very crowded (finding a lounge chair or a spot to actually swim can be an ordeal), and the lobby can get extremelly noisy (we found most areas, even the hallways, to be loud).
the BWVs have some incredible views unavailable anywhere else; we've found even the low points standard view to be nice. of course, there are the same walking options as the BCVs to 2 parks, plus great entertainment options: restaurants, belle vue lounge, carny games and kiosks, jellyrolls, surry bikes and street performers. the main pool is really nice, but not a zoo. plus they have community hall where you can rent (free for DVC members) dvds, play a game of ping-pong, etc. the lobby and resort are much quieter, with an elegant, old world charm.

with little children, i would say BCV, but for older children and adults, the BWVs win

 

[dianeschlicht]

Since you will be in a studio with 2 adults, I'd definitely do OKW for the two REAL queen sized beds over having one of you relegated to sleeping on a full size sofa bed.

 

[jekjones1558]

Since you will be in a studio with 2 adults, I'd definitely do OKW for the two REAL queen sized beds over having one of you relegated to sleeping on a full size sofa bed.

And I assumed that Brandon would be in the same bed as his DGF.

 

[LordAthens]

Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions.

Regarding the pools, the other couple aren't big pool people, I don't think either of the waterparks will be on our agenda, so I was hoping SAB would be a nice substitute. Nicer/bigger than the relaxation pools, smaller than the waterparks. I never thought about how crazy SAB would be at that time of year, so that is definitely a deciding factor.

I'm glad to hear Epcot is in walking distance, that's exciting for me Even more exciting, I never realized DHS was in walking distance as well. More points for BCV/BWV. The recent renovations at BWV is also another motivation.

To those that suggested splitting between 2 resorts, I never even considered it before. I guess I always thought of it as a hassle, but staying at BCV/BWV for the beginning half of the stay then moving off to OKW for the last portion is a great idea, best of both worlds!

I'm definitely leaning towards BWV for the first ~5 days and OKW for the remaining 3 at this moment. Of course, this will ultimately come down to what is available and what isn't. The August dates are probably easier to get right now (we're right at the 6 month mark), but I think we're all pushing for the May/June dates. I'll admit, I'm not looking forward to being there over Memorial Day Weekend. As someone who plans always to go during the least busy time (I love being there in February!), this is going to be a real departure for me. Plus the weather, I'm not a fan of the heat.. But, we wanted to go with this other couple as I've only ever gone with my DGF before, I thought this could be more enjoyable.

Oh, and as for the bed thing.. Yeah.. Considering we have 2 kids, I'm pretty sure we're comfortable in the same bed lol If there was any confusion, the other couple will be staying in another studio where ever we end up, I'm making their reservations with ours. So, 2 couples, 1 studio per couple, each couple only needs a single bed. And no kids at all. Our 2 girls will get to spend the week with the grandparents I think we'll end up taking our oldest (now 2.5) next year when she's a little bigger. Hopefully we will have bought into DVC by then.