Boardwalk Villas vs. Wilderness Lodge

[goofyjuan]

My DW, DD10, DD7 and I are planning one week at WDW in mid September. We have the opportunity to either do WL standard room or BWV studio for about the same price, as we could get a good deal through a DVC member on the latter.

We like the idea of the convenience of the BWV, since we will probably spend more time in Epcot. All things considered (and if I have not answered my own question) which is the better choice?

(This is a great board!!!!)

 

[Desnik]

Welcome to the boards!!!

Is having 2 beds important to you? You will only have 1 queen size bed, and one pull out sofa in the BWV studio. WL you will have 2 beds, and the rooms there are smaller. The studio at BWV will have a kitchenette which comes in hand especially with 2 kids. We love our stays at the BW because of the ability to walk or take a boat to DHS(formally MGM) and Epcot. The pool there is great and so is all the entertainment on the BW at night. Both resorts are beautiful but I would give the BWV a slight edge.

 

[goofyjuan]

Hmm, the sleeping issue is a good point. Anyone have any idea how comfortable the BWV sleeper sofas are? (Factor in that I am sure the kids will be exhausted!)

 

[tgropp]

We were at the BWV and our daughter and her friend slept on them and enjoyed them much more than at the VWL. They are brand new at the BWV

 

[CarolMN]

If you are going to spend most of your time at EPCOT and DHS, the location of the BWV can't be beat. You can easily walk to either. (Or you can take the boat). You have the entertainment options of the Boardwalk right there and are in easy walking distance of several restaurants.

The BWV studio kitchenette includes a small refrigerator, a microwave, coffeemaker, toaster and sink. You'll have paper plates, plasticware and "real" glasses and coffee mugs. All of the BWV studios have either a balcony or patio. There is also a free laundry for studio guests on the first floor near the health club.

If you rent a reservation from a DVC member, you will not get daily housekeeping.

 

[jjeanms]

We have stayed at the BWV many times in a studio. My DD 20 and DS 18 have both slept on the pull out and were very comfortable, believe me I would have heard if my DD was not comfortable. We love the BW and the location. Always something going on on the BW. Kids love to walk around and ESPN was a great place to eat and DS loved the game zone. WL is also great, more secluded. Kids seem to enjoy the activity at BW. You will have a great time with either resort.

 

[Desnik]

My kids love the pull out couch. They never complained. I have laid on it and it was pretty comfy. No bar going across your back!

Housekeeping is a good point to. When you rent points you will not get it daily. This doesn't bother us and I prefer to not have someone in my room everyday.

 

[goofyjuan]

Housekeeping is not an issue. How many people actually vacuum the rugs and clean the toilets every day anyway? And making the bed everyday is no big deal.

 

[toesmom]

You'd be surprised how much you miss coming into a clean room at the end of a park day. Even in the value resorts you come into clean tidy room at the end of the day. But with DVC point rental, room cleanliness and tidiness is totally dependant on whoever does it at home. It was a bit of a shock for me when we bought into DVC as we're always used to housekeeping.

Well I had to clean up the mess in the washroom, beds, generally tidy up things which normally would be done by housekeeping.

And you have to remove your own trash into the trash room (please don't leave trash in hallways).

It sort of felt like home in many ways in that respect.

 

[Callalily6]

We've stayed at both. The WL felt more posh. The mattresses were GREAT. The BWV studio was kind of worn out. Not sure if they've hit rehab since then. The food sit at BWV is fantastic...something for everyone. WL has less choices. The pull out bed at BWV was seriously worn and not too comfy.

 

[62travelDisney]

The BWV has more to offer as a whole, walking to Epcot, you can walk over and check out the Yacht and Beach Clubs and you are across the street from MGM making that an easy commute too. The food there is the best - Flying Fish, Spoodles, ESPN, pizza and it feels exciting to walk back at night and see he boardwalk activity. I dont know about the studio, we get a 2 bedroom, but you spend so little time in your room that I'd go for location, location, location.

 

[DebbieB]

You'd be surprised how much you miss coming into a clean room at the end of a park day. Even in the value resorts you come into clean tidy room at the end of the day. But with DVC point rental, room cleanliness and tidiness is totally dependant on whoever does it at home. It was a bit of a shock for me when we bought into DVC as we're always used to housekeeping.

Well I had to clean up the mess in the washroom, beds, generally tidy up things which normally would be done by housekeeping.

And you have to remove your own trash into the trash room (please don't leave trash in hallways).

It sort of felt like home in many ways in that respect.

I've been a DVC member over 8 years and never found it to be a problem. I actually prefer that no one is in my room.

You can add daily housekeeping for $30 a day in a studio. Or trash & towel service for $15 per day. You don't have to get it everyday, just when you want. Considering the low rate you get by renting points, it will still be cheaper even if you add housekeeping.

 

[n2mm]

I've been a DVC member over 8 years and never found it to be a problem. I actually prefer that no one is in my room.

You can add daily housekeeping for $30 a day in a studio. Or trash & towel service for $15 per day. You don't have to get it everyday, just when you want. Considering the low rate you get by renting points, it will still be cheaper even if you add housekeeping.

I totally agree. I thought I would miss housekeeping, but I never did at all. Hubby makes the bed every morning (just like at home) and we both hang up our towels. Rinse out our coffee cups and everything is neat. I too like that no one comes into our room.

 

[alldiz]

I thought I would really miss housekeeping....but I really didn't. It was nice
not having to wonder if they came....are coming....should I take a shower now...etc.

I would pick BWV only because you said most of the time you will spend
at epcot. they also have a community hall.

Negative to BWV is no good counter service....
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[Desnik]

We've stayed at both. The WL felt more posh. The mattresses were GREAT. The BWV studio was kind of worn out. Not sure if they've hit rehab since then. The food sit at BWV is fantastic...something for everyone. WL has less choices. The pull out bed at BWV was seriously worn and not too comfy.

The BW rooms have not been rehabbed yet. But, they did get new sofa beds since your stay in 2005.