Boulder Ridge vs BW advice needed

[mrsswat]

Currently have a 1 BR reservation at Boulder Ridge 8/12-16 for myself, Daughter, grandson 11, and granddaughter 2. Was thinking of waitlisting for BW - not sure of the condition of the villas at Boulder Ridge, or BW for that matter. Any advice? They were just there in Feb. at OKW and did all the parks. We are going just for a summer get away, not doing the parks, but enjoying the resort. I realize a waitlist is just that - a chance. Thanks for anything anyone can offer.

 

[Ms.Minnie]

Hi, I think I would stay where you are. My home resort is BW and I love it there, it's our favorite resort but BR for a resorts only stay would be very nice. The main pool is very nice and has a fun play area for the kids. You can take the boat to the Contemporary and ride the monorail, all fun things to do that don't involve park time. I'm sure whatever you decide you will have a great time.

 

[Spartan86]

We are not park “hard chargers” but we have never done a resort only stay. With that said the Wilderness Lodge properties would probably be my top choice for a resort only stay.

 

[DVCRSheridan]

Were facing a similar dilemma ourselves. We’re heading down for 10 days in August and we usually stay at either BWV or BLT. Due to certain circumstances this year we weren’t able to book as far in advance as usual. So as of now our 4 options for a 1 bdrm would be BR @ WL, AKL, SS or OKW. We’ve stayed at all 4 (except AKL), but that was before we had our kids so now it would obviously be a different experience. We’re leaning towards BR or AKL, but are open to other input. We’re driving so we’ll have a car which helps negate some of our concerns over AKL’s distance.

 

[beccasmom]

We stayed in a one-bedroom unit at BRV in late April. It was our first visit there and we loved it. We had a terrific lake view and our unit on the 4th floor was clean and very comfortable. We didn’t want to leave! I highly recommend it.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Also from WL/BRV you can take the boat to FWL and take advantage of all of those activities.

 

[BillPA]

I would stick with BRV, the pool is much better, and can see the MK fireworks and the EEP.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Stay at BRV. The youth pool options are much better.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'd go with whatever resort is the one that seems more appealing for your stay since that is the intention. Every resort will have some rooms that are in poorer condition and others that appear immaculate just because of the treatment by various guests. That's just the luck of the draw. The last BRV refurb was in 2014 and BWV was the next one done so they aren't too far apart.

 

[sleepydog25]

I echo what KAT says above: choose whichever one appeals most to you. Are you a family needing some sort of activity and hustle & bustle even when not visiting a park? Or, are you looking for more of a serene vibe with lush landscaping where you can simply sit back and enjoy the sun and quiet time? If it's the former, then BW is a better choice as it sits close to a few other resorts and all the activities there (except SAB). If you prefer the latter choice, then VWL (BRV to some ) is a clear winner.

I will say that the whole WL complex has gotten a little noisier the past couple of years with the addition of the Copper Creek cabins and changing Artist Point into a character meal. Plus, there is no longer a way to walk or bike to Fort Wilderness with the ongoing construction at the Reflections Zen Recuperation Village. Even so, WL/VWL/CC remains an outpost for relaxation unmatched by other resorts. You have boats available to CR and FW (and, of course, MK if you wind up wanting to go into the flagship park after all), family movie nights, rockers on the porch at VWL where you can relax with a libation, Hidden Mickey challenge (hint sheet at the front desk), s'mores in the evenings, watching fireworks at Geyser Point, two pools, a small salon, Sturdy Branches Club if you feel like working out, or simply sit in rockers near a fireplace (there are 4--2 in WL lobby and 2 in the VWL lobby).

As for the refurb, KAT mentioned the schedule, too, so that's a toss up. I will say rooms at VWL are generally very quiet, though it would all depend on who is next to, over, or under you. If you get a lake side view on a higher floor (3, 4, or 5), you can see the EWP and also the higher explosions from the nightly MK fireworks. Be aware that the highest floor--the 5th--has dormer style balconies; however, many rooms also have cathedral ceilings, so they seem larger. Finally, in terms of food, WL as a whole is rather limited, especially compared to the options you'd have within an easy walk at BW. WCC is fine if you enjoy huge platters of average fare. The Storybook Dining meal gets mixed reviews, and it's expensive but might be worth the effort if you need a character fix. Roaring Fork is mediocre at best for a QS. Geyser Point has good food but with a limited menu, and it's more of a bar, albeit a lovely one. Finally, there is Territory Lounge which still serves a good bar menu with some unique food like the long-beloved mushroom bisque and cedar plank salmon. Still, in comparison to what you can get to at BW, the Lodge simply doesn't stack up.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[jimmytammy]

We own at both. I will give what I feel are pros/cons of each in hopes it will help you in your decision

VWL(BRV) Pros
1. Quiet, peaceful, relaxing, especially down at the Villas end. A stroll at night along the paths is a nice way to see the sights at night. It gets busy at times up in the main lodge, but great thing is, you can escape that at the Villas if need be.
2. Territory Lounge, Geyser Pt are great places to grab a drink, appetizer or full fledged meal(GP)
3. Roaring Forks, though a few amongst us may not feel its as good as back in the day, still, IMO, has some good choices, keeps you from leaving resort for quick bite
4. Wonders of the Lodge Tour and Hidden Mickeys find(they have a sheet with clues at front desk) are free, and cool ways to explore the Lodge
5. Boat rides to Fort Wilderness(don't forget Trails End for a tasty breakfast along with Hope Dee Doo Revue) and Contemporary(The Wave is another wonderful breakfast)plus all the other amenities at this resort. Catch the monorail to Polynesian for more eats or Grand Floridian and rub elbows with the swanky
6. From Waters edge(or as close as they will allow you to get)can see fireworks from MK, plus every night Electrical Water Parade

Cons(this is a hard one as I feel its all pro at VWL)
1. A bit remote(if that's a bad thing)
2. Maybe too laid back for kids(though my kids loved it growing up)
3. Whispering Canyon, back in the day it was must do for us every trip, not so much now. I do feel breakfast is still good, but doesn't merit a trip there from another place on property. If there, yes, maybe or not sure
4. Artist Point, a bit on the fence on this one. Snow White, though I love her, my favorite princess. But she is from Germany, not the Rocky Mountains, just my 2 cents

BWV Pros
1. Proximity to other resorts, BC, YC and Swan and Dolphin. Which opens possibilities for more eats(are you seeing a trend here as I like to eat)
2. Walk out to bridge and see fireworks from Epcot
3. Cool arcade(WL is slightly smaller)
4. Cool pool slide(If clowns aren't a factor)
5. Nice shops along boardwalk, very good ice cream shop along with entertainment at night for free

Cons
1. Lounges are a bit less subdued than WL. At times, the convention crowds spill over into the nightlife crowd at BW and it makes for a different vibe
2. Being that close to 2 parks, any possibility it may cause some issue with kids, "we are this close, why cant we go"
3. I feel BW has changed through the years, it seems to draw a bit more rowdy crowd than years before. Maybe its just me, getting old

 

[mrsswat]

thank you all for your very thorough advice. I'm going to leave the reservation as is, at BRV. My daughter and I both have not stayed there in a number of years, so we decided we are actually looking forward to it. Her husband has never stayed there, so we are hoping he can escape work for a bit and join us. Hopefully we will not be disappointed. I'm so on the fence any more about our DVC as last October I joined my second daughter and her family at OKW, which is our home resort and have been members since 1993, and the unit was awful to say the least. I know they were in the process of being refurbished but I was appalled at the condition of this unit, and more appalled that it was given out! And yes I did go through the process of trying to get moved, several times actually, to no avail. But that's another story and I'm going to try and not let that make me too anxious for this upcoming vacation. Thanks again all!