BLT vs VWL

[fuddster]

I'm considering renting points for my next trip in Feb 2011. I've stayed at the VWL in a 1-bedroom and liked it, but I thought that the BLT might be nice as well being on the monorail and so close to MK. We'll probably only go for the studio at this time.

Which would you suggest BLT or VWL studio? And why?

Thanks!

 

[hakepb]

I'm considering renting points for my next trip in Feb 2011. I've stayed at the VWL in a 1-bedroom and liked it, but I thought that the BLT might be nice as well being on the monorail and so close to MK. We'll probably only go for the studio at this time.

Which would you suggest BLT or VWL studio? And why?

Thanks!

BLT studios are among the smallest in dvc and have the odd bathroom counter/kitchenette galley where the kitchenette sink is 3' behind the bathroom sink. (With hair products flying) I think there may be some detractors about a bathroom sliding door with no locks in BLT

That said, if those things are not a big deal to you, then there seems to be a lot to enjoy at BLT.

Personally, I'm not sure I would ever plan to stay in a blt studio as a family, but would love to stay in a 1BR+ there.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If it is only two of you, the BLT should be okay. It is very small. So if there are four of you staying in the studio, the BLT would be my last choice. It is much smaller than the VWL studio.

 

[DenLo]

A BLT studio is 329 sq. ft. and at VWL a studio is 356 sq. feet.

We stayed at BLT in March and we had plenty of room for the two of us. And the configuration of the bathroom sink and kitchen sink in one room was not a factor for us. Neither of us prepared food while the other was grooming at the bathroom sink.

Being on the monorail and only walking distance to MK was a big plus for us with BLT. I like the access to the restaurants at CR and all of the other monorail resorts.

I can't advise you about VWL as we have never stayed. But hope to one day.

 

[Sandisw]

I have stayed in both and you can notice the difference between the BLT studio and VWL studio.

There were four of us--me, DS21, DD14, and DD17. We only did BLT for 2 nights and it was okay but I am glad we moved to VWL for 3 nights. It was a lot more room for us.

We too were not bothered by the weird sink configuration as we don't really use the kitchen that much so we just planned out who was going to be at the sinks at the same time.

So, depending on how many will be in your party, I would go with VWL if you have more than 3 and BLT for 3 or less.

Good luck!

 

[DizGirl20]

Also, try taking a look at some pictures on this website:
http://allears.net/index.html

If you are like me I always find it helpful to have a "visual" of what others are referring to (like the weird bathroom/kitchen sink combo).

PS: I would pick VWL for more room... but if you've never stayed at BLT and there are only 2 of you, I would give that a try. Guess I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth

 

[fuddster]

There's going to be 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 small kids. It sounds like the rooms feel bigger at VWL, but it's only an extra 27 sq ft.

Thanks! Anyone else want to weigh in?

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

There's going to be 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 small kids. It sounds like the rooms feel bigger at VWL, but it's only an extra 27 sq ft.

Thanks! Anyone else want to weigh in?

Even though the official occupancy is 4, I wouldn't do more than one couple + 1 child in a BLT studio. You can do 4, but it will be cramped.

BLT is really only good for:

Solo traveler.
Two non-coupled adults
Solo Parent + child (any age)
Couple + child (any age)

 

[FCCA]

We've never stayed at VWL, so I can't really make a good comparision. However, here are a couple of things to consider.

Having a smaller studio might not be such a big problem if you're the type of family that doesn't spend a lot of time in their room.

One of the primary reasons why we chose to make BLT our home resort is because of its location. It allows us to walk over to MK in the mornings, and makes getting back to the hotel for an afternoon break easy. If you have two small kids, this may be important if you're going to be heading back to the hotel for an afternoon nap.

 

[wildernessDad]

I am somewhat biased, so I will not list my preference.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Because if the non-locking (leaving a line of light) bathroom door, I'm hesitant of having 1 DGF share a BLT studio with me. I have no such reservations about the VWL. I would definitely go with VWL for your family, but VWL is my favorite resort. I've stayed in BLT in a 2 bedroom, dedicated, and that was wonderful!

Bobbi

 

[toesmom]

feb 2011 is well within the 7 month window, it's very very unlikely blt or wl will be available

 

[DVCGeek]

Stayed in studios at both, I like both for just DW & myself. Can't speak for a larger party in the room. Sink and some light switch placement WAS weird @ BLT but not really a problem, door didn't bother us either. We love and visit WL every trip, but walking to MK from BLT is great as well. In general I like the interior (rooms, lobby, hall) better @ VWL, but I don't spend a lot of time in the room. The monorail is something I've loved since I was a kid. In rainy conditions, the covered walkway from the WL (for food) and bus station works better than the skybridge does; the bridge is narrower and rain blows in sometimes. In short, both have pros and cons. If you enjoy new experiences, I guess I'd say try BLT and if you want take the boat to WL!

 

[spiceycat]

your stay at VWL is on the inside atmosphere, the outside is much the same except near the pool.

at BLT it is outside - for the studio. they are tiny.

Now the 1-bedroom and up at BLT is some of the biggest. looks like DVC could have easily made the studios bigger - but they decide to go with a much bigger 1-bedroom.

so if you can have a 1-bedroom at BLT you will love it. A studio you may not.

3 or more adults would just be crowded. It is perfect for couples or less. One more child might be okay - but it would be to crammed for me.

It is about as large as AKV value room. might try that one first - if you are okay there - then BLT will be fine.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

There's going to be 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 small kids. It sounds like the rooms feel bigger at VWL, but it's only an extra 27 sq ft.

Thanks! Anyone else want to weigh in?

While I love VWL, I'd go for BLT for the walking convenience to MK and the monorail . . . especially if traveling with little ones. Overall, I'd be happy with either choice.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Even though the official occupancy is 4, I wouldn't do more than one couple + 1 child in a BLT studio. You can do 4, but it will be cramped.

BLT is really only good for:

Solo traveler.
Two non-coupled adults
Solo Parent + child (any age)
Couple + child (any age)

I'm in 100% agreement on this.

There's going to be 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 small kids. It sounds like the rooms feel bigger at VWL, but it's only an extra 27 sq ft.

Thanks! Anyone else want to weigh in?

It's not just a bigger feel but also more useable space. The BLT design has one of the largest bathrooms of all the studios that takes up a fair amount of space. Then the kitchenette is the biggest and has the most storage of all studios but that doesn't provide space to hang out. And the closet has a floor safe so you can't store any larger suitcases there so that takes up room usually in the hallway by the front door. If you also are traveling with a stroller or two then it's even more cramped. And all of this leaves a smaller living room/bed space.