BCV vs. VWL

[momsully]

We are planning a big family trip in March of 2004 with my inlaws. We thought everything was decided and that we would be staying at BCV. Now one of the families involved thinks VWL would be better. They have never even been to Disney. We own at both locations. We will have four children in the group ages 13 - 2. There is also one couple without children as well as a set of grandparents. Anyone have any opinions of the pros and cons of the two resorts! Thanks for your help!!

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

Wow, that's a can of worms!

Both resorts are wonderful, some prefer one over the other, and the proximity of VWL to MK often appeals when taking children, whereas the proximity of BCV to Epcot and MGM often appeals more to adults. Then again, SAB is a big draw for everybody.

Though you did not say this, I infer that as the DVC owner, you are making the arrangements. If you have already booked BCV at the 11 month window, and if you are hosting this endeavor, either with or without compensation, I'd be inclined to advise you to do as YOU prefer. But perhaps I'm reading into this more than I should.

Good luck!

 

[MickeyCrazed]

Why?
SAB for the children.
Easy access to EPCOT and MGM for the adults.
Plus the night time entertainment at the Boardwalk for everyone!

 

[greggville]

is there a good FAQ to get all the abbreviation

bcv
vwl
sap
ms
bump

thanks for any help

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

and welcome to the DIS boards

Here is a link to define all those acronyms...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

Except "bump" - thats replying to a thread to bump it back up to the top of a page.

HTH! (Ooops - hope this helps)

 

[DeeP]

Are you going to have cars? If not I would stay with BCV because there are quite a few adults in your party who might want to go off on their own at times and although WLV is super convenient to MK it is way less convenient to Epcot and MGM and really everywhere else and bus transportation can be quite lengthy from WLV. To get to MK from BCV is just a relatively easy bus ride away for the families with kids who will frequent this park.

 

[Dizzie]

Good luck! I struggled with the same question for our trip coming up in October. We are going with our 3 kids 1-8 and my parents for their first time. I wanted my M&D to experience VWL and my kids to have fun at SAB. So I compromised. We will spend 4 nights at each resort. I hate moving, but it gets us at both resorts. On our move day we will go to Cape Canaveral so we won't have to wait on a room. Have fun!

 

[Gillian]

Resort choice aside, when you have a big group, it is best to make a decision & stick with it. If everyone initially agreed to BCV, it is easy to say that the arrangements are made & that's it. Even if you agree that VWL is better for some of the familes, it's likely others will want to stick with BCV and then what will you do?

We haven't stayed at the WL or villas, but found the BCV to be very convenient with a toddler, even though we had to take a bus to the MK. There are a zillion places to eat nearby, you can walk over to Epcot or MGM in the evening if the other parks close early. At WL your evening options are very limited, unless you have your own transportation.

 

[jaysue]

I would stay at BCV given the diversity of ages and groups in the party - close to Epcot and Disney Studios and the Boardwalk. That is a huge pro to me combined with the best pool complex on Disney property - Stormalong Bay. Also, given the size of your group and again depending on diversity, the restaurant choices within the area are the best by far within WDW - so much variety and choice.

"Major" Shortcomings of BCV:

Shares Disney Buses with other Epcot resorts (not a big deal in my mind but has been raised as a point)

No direct transportation to Epcot Main Entrance - you need to walk through the Int'l Gateway and through part of World Showcase into the "back" entrance. If you do not relish the walk (or parts of your group do not), they would need to drive to Epcot front entrance (not a huge deal but something to keep in mind)

You could get a room with a small balcony - again may not be an issue but has been for some

http://www.disneypix.com/2000ft/Roll2/Roll02_017.htm

**********
At VWL, as mentioned, you are close to the Magic Kingdom by boat launch, there are nice views to Bay Lake, the lobby theme is amazing. The room sizes are the same as at BCV. The bus transportation is good in my experience. If so inclined, you can walk or bike over to Fort Wilderness which has stuff for kids to do. You can rent watermice for riding on Bay Lake and 7 Seas Lagoon, you can view the EWP as well.

"Major" shortcomings at VWL:

Boat launch dock to MK is a decent hike from VWL

Not within walking distance to anything - i.e. somewhat remote

Since it is remote, does not have anywhere near the dining options that a stay at BCV gives

http://www.disneypix.com/2000ft/Roll3/Roll03_006.htm

I am sure others will chime in as well, but I would stick with BCV given the diversity and size of your group

Thanks
jaysue

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Both places are great.

For me, to keep the kids really happy, I would vote for Beach Club Villas just because of Storm-Along-Bay.

But either way, I think you will have a great trip!

 

[greggville]

VWL the same as WLV?

 

[jaysue]

VWL = Villas at Wilderness Lodge (the official name used in marketing stuff)

WVL = Wilderness Lodge Villas - the name used by many people

Same place, two names

thanks
jaysue

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by momsully
We thought everything was decided and that we would be staying at BCV. Now one of the families involved thinks VWL would be better.

If you are having a "big family" group and only one wants to stay at VWL, then I'd stick to BCV. And just be aware that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to large groups. You will want to also discuss some "rules" about the large group, realizing that it is almost impossible for everyone to agree about virtually anything!

By rules, I mean things like....it's okay for us to go our separate ways during the day if we all don't want to do the same thing. And we don't wait for anyone if their late....walkie talkies are very handy to help with that rule.

Good luck! Sounds like a great vacation!