Beach Club Villas or Saratoga Springs??

[MrsNick]

If you had a choice between staying in a 2BR Villa at the Beach Club Villas or at Saratoga Springs, which would you choose, and why? Thanks to all you knowledgable DIS-ers for your help!

 

[randy55]

I would pick BCV because of the easy access into 2 parks. It's a 5 minute walk into Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM.

 

[BCV23]

I too would pick BCV. In addition to the proximity to Epcot and MGM, we enjoy having the option of room service and any number of dining options at the Y&BC.

 

[della]

I would book two trips, one at each!!

 

[Bribrittmom]

I would book BCV due to Stormalong Bay Pool and the easy walk into Epcot with all its dining options.

 

[Alexander]

It's funny to see this post as we just returned from a week at BCV and spent most of our time at SSR wishing we had stayed there! We picked BCV because we like SAB, well....we swam there exactly once. The rest of the time we spent at the Dunes Cove pool.

DH wanted to go over to SSR since it's our home resort and walk around. We headed over to the Paddock which isn't completely, but darn close, to being done. We swam in the pool over there two different times and had the place to ourselves. It was soooo quiet. We thought it must be because not all of the buildings are opened yet, so we headed over to the main pool. There were only a handful of people there too. There were hardly any cars in the lots which we took to mean not many people in the rooms. Oh and as I fought for the one, yes one, working washing machine at BCV there were 6 (I think) near the main pool at SSR that were completely empty, and 2 more near the quiet pool!

We really like the quiet, and kicked ourselves for not staying at SSR instead of BCV. Granted it was great to walk to Epcot. The boat is great for MGM too. There is one major drawback however to going to MGM from the Epcot resorts in the summer.....If there is a big thunder storm (which happens everyday in the summer) they stop the Friendship boats. Which means no way to get back to the resort unless you want to walk in the storm. We were "stuck" more than once because of the storms.

 

[Granny]

I can't vote....not enough information.

Do you have children? What ages?

What parks do you think you'll frequent the most?

Do you think you will go to DTD and Pleasure Island many times for dining, shopping and entertainment?

Depending on the situation, I could make a case for either resort.

With my family, the ages of my children and our park preferences, I'd choose BCV.


The good news is that you really can't make a "bad" decision here.

 

[aDVCguy]

We recently stayed this past April in SSR (a 2 bedroom @ The Springs)...and
loved the close proximity to Downtown Dis! Since, we've never stayed @
BCV but have seen many photos I'd have to give the thumbs up for SSR!
Have fun!!!!!

 

[Figment2]

It would depend on the time of the year. If it were during the F&W festival then I would say Beach Club. Any other time, I'd say SSR.

Cy

 

[JimC]

BCV for its location - proximity to two theme parks, SAB access, great restaurants, Boardwalk, miniature golf.

Only if the number of points or proximity to DD were considerations would I go with SSR.

 

[Viki]

BCV, one of our home resorts.

Last year, we toured SSR and just didn't get it.

 

[patsal]

Beach Club for the walk to Epcot and boat or walk to MGM as well as walk to Boardwalk. Personally that is a huge timesaver over buses for us. However if you prefer to be closer to DTD than you might prefer SSR for the same reason.

 

[spiceycat]

Alexander - go ask on the transportation board.

but I think when they close the boats - they start having buses.

ask one of the wdw bus drivers that post on the transportation board.

now where you would get on this bus???since the epcot resorts don't have a bus stop.

 

[apurplebrat]

I voted for BCV - Luv being able to wlak to EPCOT. SAB is a great pool. Luv all the restaurants within walking distance

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

now where you would get on this bus???since the epcot resorts don't have a bus stop.

I must be misunderstanding--BWV and BCV have busstops. I know you're a DVC pro Spiceycat, so I am assuming I am not understanding what you are referring to when you said epcot resorts don't have a busstop.

 

[MrsNick]

I can't vote....not enough information.

Do you have children? What ages?

What parks do you think you'll frequent the most?

Do you think you will go to DTD and Pleasure Island many times for dining, shopping and entertainment?

Depending on the situation, I could make a case for either resort.

With my family, the ages of my children and our park preferences, I'd choose BCV.


The good news is that you really can't make a "bad" decision here.

Hi, there, this is the first time that I will be going to WDW without DSD, so it will be me, DH and another couple. No kids, this time.

So, we will be looking to do some of the things that we couldn't do in the past (going out in the evening as a couple - maybe to DTD). However, since my dear friend and her husband have never been to WDW (quel damage!), we will be spending more time in the Magic Kingdom than we would otherwise. One thing that DH and I have never done is the International scene at Epcot, and I am really looking forward to doing the whole Epcot thing, this time.

We will be there in January for four days, (just snagged an unbelievable airfare), celebrating my birthday, and my dear friend's DH's birthday (it's a surprise - he doesn't know we're going ).

Although we're going in January, I have to say I am really intrigued by SAB. DH loves a sand beach, and I think he'd get a kick out of the sand bottom pool. If the water is heated to 89 degrees, I don't think he'd be too cold if daytime temps hit 75. If its in the 50's, then I guess we'll be skipping the pool, so SAB is not a dealbreaker, but a nice option, nonetheless.

I'm leaning towards BCV here, only because I don't know that I will be able to get in to BCV in the future, since it isn't my home resort. I know we'll be able to get in to SSR in the future since it is my home resort, and also has many more villas than BCV.

 

[Granny]

Mrs Nick...sounds like you can't go wrong here. With an "adults only" visit, you could certainly enjoy SSR and its proximity to DTD and PI.

But I think maybe I'd go with the BCV. You still have some night life there on the Boardwalk with Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Club, and if you are going to spend significant time in EPCOT it is extremely convenient. One thing I'm sure is a "must do" on your itinerary is Illuminations. If so, it is very convenient to exit EPCOT through the International Gateway exit and be either on the Boardwalk or your resort in just a few minutes.

For us, it would be BCV. Your logic about being able to stay at SSR anytime since it's your home is pretty good logic as well.

Enjoy the trip!

 

[CharlesTD]

Other than it's proximity to Epcot and SAB we have nothing we like about BCV we love the decor and proximity of SSR to DTD and the pool there is also great so for us it is SSR hands down. We have never stayed at or plan to stay at BCV we did have a look through the different rooms one visit to WDW though but we just didn't find they were to our taste.

 

[MrsNick]

Thanks, Granny-man and all you awesome DIS-ers!

With all of your great points, I think it's going to be BCV. Before I make that my final answer, I have to consult with DH and Dear Friend, but unless there are loud objections, I think we'll just have to live with that decision (oh the horrors - just kidding!)

I can't wait to go, and all this means is that we'll have to come back again so we can stay at SSR.

 

[dvc_john]

If I had a choice between the two, I would choose BCV because I think, generally speaking, SSR will be easier to get than BCV, so if the opportunity for BCV is there, go for it. Then go to SSR next time.

Idratherbeinwdw: I think spicey meant that there is no bus stop AT MGM for the EPCOT resorts, since they are normally served by boats.