BLT vs VGF

[Bellecruiser]

We own at VGF, SSR and BCV. We are staying at BLT this week, as we have never been in this resort, and we want to try new things. All I can say is WOW. This is a beautiful resort. Frankly I had heard so many negative things about the resort, I was skeptical, but DH and I want to try all the resorts and thought I would give it a try. I am totally impressed. I love the soothing color scheme, with pops of color. Love the opaque sliding glass doors and the brightness of the whole unit. The location is second to none, and I love the restaurants and shopping of the CR. If I needed more points I would buy here, for sure.

 

[DougEMG]

VGF is a more beautiful and luxurious resort with bigger rooms for each category. I prefer the dining options, grounds, ambiance, and service I receive at VGF.

BLT: overall transportation and location is better, mainly because you can walk to MK. It is also 1 stop to the TTC where you transfer to the monorail for Epcot.

I agree. I'd prefer to stay at the VGF, but given how hard it is becoming to book a studio there at 7 months, I think I'll end up staying at the BLT more than the VGF.

The VGF lake view is also pretty nice with lots to look at.

 

[Chip n Dale's Dad]

I think it is a matter of personal preference and priorities.

If walking to the MK is important to you, then BLT. If you're a big fan of Mary Poppins, then its GFV. You know what I mean?

BLT:

Walk to the MK, great views of fire works, shares CR amenities, modern futuristic Walt, shopping and variety of dining choices, monorail resort.

GFV:

Close to Polynesian, monorail resort, nice pool, very nice dining, gorgeous resort and grounds, has an "upscale, high society, Victorian" feel to it.

You won't know for sure until you try them all! For example, my Lovely Bride used to LOVE (still does) the Polynesian and GF before she stayed at BLT. We enjoy visiting and walking around the other resorts when we visit WDW. She never cared for CR or its theme. She only agreed to purchase BLT points because I wanted them so bad. (Thanks Sweetheart!) After staying at BLT, it is her favorite place to stay! It reminds her of Walt's vision of the future. Plus, she loves the subtle art work in the rooms.

There was nothing wrong with our brief GFV stay. The grounds are beautiful! Our kids loved the pool and play area. It just came down to a matter of preference.

She always insisted that since I was able to purchase BLT, she should be able to get GFV or PVB points when they went on sale. She isn't interested at all. In fact, she says any add-on will be more BLT points!

My point is, try one this trip and the other next time.

Both are wonderful! They both are not perfect, just different.

I'm sure our preferences and priorities will change in the years to come, but that's what makes DVC so nice.... variety!

You really can't go wrong!

 

[bobbiwoz]

VGF is simply more beautiful to me. I really like the fact that there's a shower with a seat in the studio. Also, I love the fact that you get a bath robe to use.

 

[sleepydog25]

VGF is simply more beautiful to me. I really like the fact that there's a shower with a seat in the studio. Also, I love the fact that you get a bath robe to use.

Yeah, but after the shower, you have to go out in the hallway since that's where you had to store your luggage and extra clothes!

 

[dbs1228]

I have stayed at both and much prefer BLT over GFV! We usually stay in 2 bedroom villas and the living/kitchen space at BLT works so much better for us. The living area seemed small at GFV and no storage in the kitchen. I also prefer the location of BLT to MK. I am a balcony dweller and just did not like the lake view that cost a ton of points at GFV. I will be using less points to stay at a resort I prefer works for me!

 

[goofy4wdw2]

I have stayed at both and much prefer BLT over GFV! We usually stay in 2 bedroom villas and the living/kitchen space at BLT works so much better for us. The living area seemed small at GFV and no storage in the kitchen. I also prefer the location of BLT to MK. I am a balcony dweller and just did not like the lake view that cost a ton of points at GFV. I will be using less points to stay at a resort I prefer works for me!

Uh oh...we are booked for a VGF lake view for our trip and standard is not available. What didn't you like? Thank you!

 

[quinnc19]

I agree - all reasons I love BLT. I would have considered buying there over the Poly if I enjoyed the pool area more. Poly also has better transportation overall.

I've stayed at both and I prefer location, location and did I say location? of Bay Lake Tower!

If it were just the rooms to consider, VGF rooms are very pretty and comfy except for storage.

I love staying in a BLT Lake View north end of the tower on the outside on a high floor. Best rooms as far as I'm concerned! Off to your left you will have that MK and fireworks view and off to your right you will have beautiful Bay Lake with the boats, the birds, eagles, hawks, shorebirds, surrounded by forested area.

From that same room you can see and hear the Walt Disney World Railroad train coming around and opening up MK in the early morning or you can just walk over and watch the show as you get ready to enter the park.

Because it is a tower, there is none of that long walk to get to your room as in other resorts.

I also like the food options at the Contemporary - all within a few yards of your room. Contempo Café - love their flatbreads! Great buffet breakfast at the Wave and great dinner at California Grill plus Top of The World Lounge right in BLT. Chef Mickey's if you have that age group, but I like the food better at the others.

And, if you are driving, coming and going from the Contemporary just seems easier. Easier to get to Downtown the back way.

 

[dbs1228]

Uh oh...we are booked for a VGF lake view for our trip and standard is not available. What didn't you like? Thank you!

We always request high floor and GVF is not that high. We got the 2nd floor - whenever people walked on the path below while sitting on the balcony I felt like I had no privacy. It was otherwise quiet and peaceful - request a higher floor and you will love it. Spent a 100 points more then BLT for 4 nights and it to me was not worth it at all but I am glad we tried it!

 

[sleepydog25]

Uh oh...we are booked for a VGF lake view for our trip and standard is not available. What didn't you like? Thank you!

I believe you'll be fine. We had third floor, lagoon view, and while there was the occasional person or couple strolling by, there weren't very many. Even then, it wasn't as though these folks were lollygagging to look up and into our room or at us. We loved the views as you could see the boats, the Poly (easy walking distance there, too), the Wedding Pavilion, CR, and even the monorail off in the distance. For us, it was definitely worth the extra points over standard view.

 

[djohn06]

I stayed in both this past year and IMO, there is no comparison. None. BLT felt like a contemporary condominium unit that could be placed anywhere. No food, (in the contemp. yes, but not in BLT) practically no decor from disney, a very, very impersonal feel. And while yes, one can walk to WDW...to be perfectly honest, after a long day of walking miles...the last thing I wanted to do was to walk some more. I love the short stroll up to the monorail that took me right to GF.

GF was stunning. We sat on our balcony and watched the sky filled with fireworks and enjoyed all of our meals at the various restaurants. It was a vacation in and of itself being in such a beautiful location.

I would never go back to BLT. Even though I walked to contemp to get food, I was not a fan of the loud environment inside the contemp. and it just didn't work for me.

Have you stayed in the in the DVC Villas at VGF? The only place you can get something to eat within 10 minutes of the DVC building is the pool area which consists of burgers and mostly fast food type items. BLT takes 5 mins. tops to get to restaurants in the CR.

I agree GF was stunning, but the DVC Wing feels a little bit away from everything. Kids had a refillable mug and you had to walk 12 mins just to fill it up outside of pool hours to Gasparilla. The grounds were very pretty. But, I didn't like that trek just for a drink.

What short stroll to the monorail were you referring to? It's a 15 min loop once you get out of the park and another 8 minute walk from the Platform to the DVC wing. If you take the boat ride, you have to walk 12 to 15 mins. across the VGF campus. Either way, the walk/time at VGF is always going to be longer than the walk to BLT from MK.

I am all for walking, but the DVC wing at VGF is very remote. Feels like your on VGF grounds, but kind of across town.

Don't get me wrong I liked VGF. Just feel like you have to realize, you're away from a lot of things unlike BLT. BLT puts you in the heart of Disney. Whereas, VGF places you in the suburbs.

 

[SugarLoaf]

I stayed in both this past year and IMO, there is no comparison. None. BLT felt like a contemporary condominium unit that could be placed anywhere. No food, (in the contemp. yes, but not in BLT) practically no decor from disney, a very, very impersonal feel. And while yes, one can walk to WDW...to be perfectly honest, after a long day of walking miles...the last thing I wanted to do was to walk some more. I love the short stroll up to the monorail that took me right to GF.

GF was stunning. We sat on our balcony and watched the sky filled with fireworks and enjoyed all of our meals at the various restaurants. It was a vacation in and of itself being in such a beautiful location.

I would never go back to BLT. Even though I walked to contemp to get food, I was not a fan of the loud environment inside the contemp. and it just didn't work for me.

I completely agree, Hisgirl. We will personally never set foot in BLT/Contemporary again.

I would walk 30 minutes for a drink to avoid staying at BLT. lol! I, unlike the previous poster, actually feel like the VGF building is right in the heart of things. Right on top of the water slide pool and awesome water-play area. Great food at the pool bar. Covered walkway all the way from the GF lobby to your room (unlike the other Grand Floridian resort buildings). I also didn't find it a very long walk at all to Gasparilla. You can even get there completely undercover if it's raining. We just absolutely love it!

 

[sleepydog25]

This discussion highlights one of the strengths of the DVC resort system--there is something for everyone. While one person's taste might not run to the sleekness that is BLT, for another it feels just right. Many adore VGF, while others find it not their "cup of tea." We love VWL, yet many find it dark and foreboding. For every BCV/BWV lover, you'll find another who believe them to be bland. The point is, I wouldn't discount any resort before personally checking it out.