Brief TR: BWV 3/30 - 4/7

[Pete W.]

Hi all,

Enjoyed 8 nights in a standard-view studio (3111) last week and just wanted to post a few quick thoughts:

1) This was our first and last time in a studio. We really missed the extra bedroom (we have 2 kids ages 5 & 1) and the in-room washer/dryer. Borrowed extra points last year for a trip w/ my parents so we had to "rough it" this year. The view, however, was very good. We faced the bus stop and had a perfect view of the Illuminations fireworks. I would take this over a pool view any day.

2) My wife used the walkway to return to our room after experiencing Fantasmic! with my son. She liked the walk and was very comfortable with the well-lit path even though no one else was on it. What a great alternative to the overburdened Friendships!

3) I was surprised to see how close the Beach Club Villas will be to Epcot Resorts Blvd. Some of the standard-view units will be close enough to the road that guests will be able to stand on their balconies and spit on the cars going by. Seems more like "sub-standard view" to me.

4) We rented a VCR from Blockbuster Video on the Central Florida Parkway (less than 15 minutes from BWV via the Sea World exit on I-4) for $9.95/5-nights. Very convenient and inexpensive, though wiring the unit was a little difficult due to the dresser/TV case in the BWV studio being bolted to the wall.

5) The studio unit's shortcomings notwithstanding, this trip reaffirmed my belief that we bought at the right DVC property. The ability to walk to both Epcot and the Disney Studios, the proximity of so many restaurants, and the option to pool-hop to Stormalong Bay make the BWV the perfect destination for my family. I'm sure we'll try OKW at some point (and I've seen the rooms so I know how nice and roomy they are) but we'll always consider the Boardwalk our Disney home.

 

[ronw]

Hey Pete,

We were practically neighbors! We spent 8 days in a BWV 1BR (3119) 4/1-4/8. We much preferred the standard view to the Luna pool view. Being close to the stairs was nice - we used the elevators twice - bringing our luggage in and out. We like the BW because we can walk to MGM and EPCOT so after all that walking the walk to the room is really no big deal.

We got to tour the new AKL on 4/1 - it is really nice. Sort of Wildnerness Lodge done African. Same sort of lobby but a MUCH bigger hotel. The non-savannah side has nice landscaping so even though you don't see animals you don't see cars either! We'll have to try this place at least once.

We also toured the WLV and absolutly LOVED them. The pictures I have seen do not do them justice.
If it weren't for the BWV location we would stay here all the time.

We had a great trip with one notable "Disney moment". My wife noticed a book she had been waiting to come out in paperback in the lobby store on Monday. Tuesday morning she went down to buy it. The clerk explained that they changed stock on Monday nights and the book was no longer there. Then she called a bellhop and told my wife he would drive her to the nearest Boarders to get the book! Now that's customer service!

 

[Lesley]

Glad to hear you had a good trip...you've confirmed my thoughts that "roughing it" in a studio will be tough after we use up points taking family! Oh, well....I'm sure we'll manage...its not like we'll be tent camping at FW or anything (btdt, and pregnant no less )

Who knows maybe dh will become convinced we need more points! Right now he's afraid of not getting enough time off from work to use what we've got...but hey, we're having to occasionally use studios and (hiding from Rich) minimize weekend stays...we really do need more!


Lesley


1979 Contemporary
1992 Off-site
1994 Carribean Beach
1999 Fort Wilderness and Coronado Springs
2000 Polynesian and Old Key West
2002 Boardwalk Villa

 

[MikeBW]

We agree also that a studio is "roughing it". We had a 1 BR at Vero in March and then went to a studio(3132 - a long, long walk) at BWV. You get spoiled very easily. Pete W, we stayed at OKW last September and having 2 young kids also, we found BWV much more to our liking. OKW is more spread out and you might have to walk a ways just to get to the front of the resort. Also, at OKW you are tied to the bus system to go to any of the parks.

 

[TheWho]

I'm going in June (in a one bedroom)for my first DVC time with two kids, also 5 and 1. The VCR was a great idea I never thought of. Any other kids suggestions you can think of? ie, the pool, where did you eat on the BW, is the walk manageable to Epcot and MGM w/ the kids? How is Stormalong Bay w/ the kids? I will have a car.

Thanks for the input.
Dave

 

[Pete W.]

The 1-bedroom units have VCRs so unless you want one in the bedroom too I wouldn't worry about the trip to Blockbuster. You may be pleased to learn that DVC members get free rentals at Community Hall (near the quiet pool). Still, if your kids have particular non-Disney favorites, I would recommend bringing the tapes because non-Disney offerings are slim.

The Luna Park pool allows all manner of flotation devices so I would definitely recommend bringing something that your 1-yr. is comfortable with, plus "swimmies" for the 5-yr. old unless he/she is a strong swimmer. The current at the bottom of the big slide can be a bit much for kids who are less than proficient swimmers (the sign says only strong swimmers are allowed but they don't stop anybody and they definitely let kids with swimmies use the slide).

There is a good selection of kids' meals at the ESPN Club and the Big River Grill, plus all the television monitors at the ESPN Club are a great distraction for kids. Takeout pizza at Spoodles is great for bringing back to the room. The Boardwalk Bakery has all kinds of delicious muffins and donuts, and of course don't forget Seashore Sweets for ice cream and candy.

We brought our large stroller which my daughter sat in and my son stood on like a sled. This was a great option because even the relatively short walk to Epcot is a lot to expect a 5-yr. old to make, especially if you're in a hurry and also assuming you'll be doing a lot of walking once you enter the park. I would recommend bringing two strollers unless you have one of those sled-type models for larger kids to stand on.

Stormalong Bay is a great option for both kids because it has a large kids area with a sandy bottom which is only about 2-feet deep, plus the 1-yr old can sit on the "beach" and play in the sand.

We rented a car and although we didn't use it much I was glad I had it because I like the flexibility of driving to the Animal Kingdom, water parks, The Disney Studios (right across the street from BWV!) and even to the front entrance of Epcot if we want to make a quick exit out of Future World just before Illuminations ends. Also, it's a money saver if you plan to buy groceries (and diapers!) and don't want to deal w/ the limited selection and exorbitant prices at the Screen Door on the Boardwalk.

I'm sure you'll have a great time and let me know if u have any more ???

 

[TheWho]

Great info. I learned a lot. I can relate to all of your comments. I think we're living similar lives.

Dave

 

[mrsdon]

I have to agree that staying in a studio is roughing it while we're at WDW also. Its funny how spoiled we've become.

 

[princess angel]

Glad to hear how much everyone loves BWV!!! dh and I will be staying there for the first time in just a few weeks!!! April 29 - May 9th, our entire trip is from April 28 - May 12, but we're spending the first night at AKL, and then our last 3 nights at Polynesian!!!

We have a preferred view studio, keeping our fingers crossed for BDWK view!! I think we'll be fine in a studio, as we are used to regular resort rooms, we've never stayed in a onebedroom before, and it's just dh and I, no kids! We wouldn't use the kitchen, the king size bed would be nice though, as would the jacuzzi tub, but I'm not sure if it would be worth twice the points for us! I know we'll try it sooner or later (maybe after we buy an add-on!!! But for now, we'd rather take more frequent trips!!!!


Laura
18 days til WDW!!! yipeeeeeeeeee

4/97 - offsite (Hyatt)
6/98 - GF (honeymoon)
12/99 - Grand Floridian
9/00 - Grand Floridian
1/01 - Grand Floridian
4/01 - AKL, BWV & Poly
7/01 - YachtClub lagoonview concierge
10/01 - BWV & VWL
1/02 - running Disney's 26 mile marathon!!

 

[wdwnut]

hi: you will be spoiled by the 1br! my dh never wanted to stay in a studio again after our first time in a 1br. princess angel/laura: we'll be there 5/1-5/7 checking out a standard view 1br. i'll be the crazy lady trying to keep up with or lose 2 14yo boys.

 

[princess angel]

Hi wdwnut!!! Look for me, I'll have lime green ribbons hanging from my pooh backpack!!! I have shoulder length blonde hair, and I'm 27 yrs old! I would love to say hello to a fellow dis'er, and dvc member!!!

Laura
18 days til WDW!!!

4/97 - offsite (Hyatt)
6/98 - GF (honeymoon)
12/99 - Grand Floridian
9/00 - Grand Floridian
1/01 - Grand Floridian
4/01 - AKL, BWV & Poly
7/01 - YachtClub lagoonview concierge
10/01 - BWV & VWL
1/02 - running Disney's 26 mile marathon!!