Beach Club or Beach Club Villa?

[jpessa]

Hi All,

already starting to plan a future trip to WDW, because I'm done planning my September trip for DD an I and need something to keep me busy!

Next trip DH is joining us. He's not a Disney lover so I have to accommodate his willingness to come along only if he doesn't have to come to the parks and has lots of other non-park things to keep him happy. My idea is to stay at one of the Epcot resorts. That way we can walk to Epcot, which DH likes (mostly for the food, especially if we go during F&WF), and it's close to the ESPN bar and all the Boardwalk restaurants / activities. I also think he'd LOVE the pool, he spends a ton of time at the pool by himself and with DD. PLUS, it would be our first time staying deluxe! So, I pick BC (want SAB and prefer BC decor over YC decor).

So here's the question: do you prefer staying at the hotel or at the villa (renting DVC)? I think since we want to go in September (and if they offer 30% off again), it would end up costing the same for a standard room or a studio villa.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and opinions!!!

 

[HM]

If you are thinking Studio room at the Villas (not a 1-bedroom) stay with the BC resort hotel. I think the room will seem larger to you.

 

[Smile&Nod]

I agree - if you could swing a one bedroom then I'd say the Villas for sure - having the full kitchen and living room make a huge difference. For a studio I would prefer just having a room - in general you will be closer to things than at the villas.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The regular room at BC is much nicer than the studio at BCV. You get two queen beds in a BC room, but usually only a queen and a sleeper sofa in the studio. One advantage of the studio, is that the studios all have balconies but not all BC rooms have balconies.

If you can get a one bedroom villa, that would be best. Otherwise I'd go with the BC room instead of a studio. They are nicer.

 

[Pakey]

I own at BCV. To me, there's no comparison in the quality of the room between the hotel and the DVC units. I would not pay to stay in a studio vs a hotel room as the Beach Club resort rooms are much nicer. And I never recommend a studio, even on a points stay, if the sleeper sofa has to be used because once it's folded out, there's no floor space and the room seems very cramped.

The Beach Club only has 50% of their rooms with full balconies. If this is very important to you, you can request a room with one but there's no guarantee (we have had 2 stays without full balconies). If it's a deal breaker, I would suggest the Yacht Club instead. You give up the convenience of the marketplace off the lobby but you do get a full balcony.

 

[jpessa]

This is all great advice, thanks so much! So definitely a room at the resort vs. a studio villa. Great. If at the time I can afford it, I'll look into a 1-br. Perhaps DH would like to cook us a nice dinner while we are at the parks???

I've never had a balcony before so don't know if it's a deal breaker. I guess you don't miss what you never had. It does sound nice though.

Thanks again!

 

[EagleScout]

You are probably too late to rent dvc points for a bcv this September anyway. Once you hit 7 months out, it is sort of a "free for all", particularly with the DVC smaller resorts like BCV.

 

[chasgoose]

Yeah the rooms at BC are much nicer (and bigger) than the studio villas, not to mention they come with two beds instead of one bed and a pull-out. If the comparison was between a 1BR and a regular room, that might be more compelling.

Also, since the decor of the BC was one of the things that interested you in it, keep in mind that the decor is not the same at BC and BCV. The BCV seems nice, but the BC looks a lot nicer.

 

[ixmnrs]

Also, when renting DVC (as opposed to booking a studio through Disney), isn't there only limited to no housekeeping? I would definitely want daily housekeeping when I'm on vacation.

 

[jpessa]

You are probably too late to rent dvc points for a bcv this September anyway. Once you hit 7 months out, it is sort of a "free for all", particularly with the DVC smaller resorts like BCV.

Thanks, I'm thinking for next year or in 2 years (if DH agrees to the Disney Cruise next fall ). Lots of time!!!

 

[darkwing818]

If you are thinking Studio room at the Villas (not a 1-bedroom) stay with the BC resort hotel. I think the room will seem larger to you.

Agree
In fact we're scheduled for a 1 bedroom mid June this year.

 

[Donald_Quackers]

Also, when renting DVC (as opposed to booking a studio through Disney), isn't there only limited to no housekeeping? I would definitely want daily housekeeping when I'm on vacation.

If you pay cash, you get daily housekeeping.

If you rent points from someone, or are a DVC member that paid through Member Services, you get trash & towel on day 4 for 7 days or less stays.
8 days or longer, full cleaning on day 4, trash and towel day 8.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you pay cash, you get daily housekeeping.

If you rent points from someone, or are a DVC member that paid through Member Services, you get trash & towel on day 4 for 7 days or less stays.
8 days or longer, full cleaning on day 4, trash and towel day 8.

Seven nights or less and eight nights or more.