BW GVs - Worth it?

[SleepyatDVC]

I just stayed in an OKW GV this past January. The "powder room" in the 1st floor of the GV is larger than my bathroom at home. It has a LARGE walk-in shower.

I guess some people might label it a 3/4 bath but with the current lifestyle trends, most people take a shower and not a bath anyways. Some people even opt to have a shower and not a tub in new renovation.

The following is just my opinion. ( I haven't stayed in a BWV GV yet) I think the one level BW GV might actually seem bigger even if the actual square footage is less. This is because you "see" all the square footage at one time. Seems like the living area is bigger. What I don't like is the lack of a powder room or 3/4 bath and the much smaller kitchen.

I think the BWV GV is more like a spacious condo in the city and the OKW GV is more like a townhouse in a country club community. Both can be home.

I like the larger kitchen in the OKW GV, the 4th "full" bath, and the vaulted ceiling in the livingroom. BUT since we get the master bedroom and the guests get the upstairs bedrooms, we never need to go upstairs. Too lazy to go up and "visit," except for the initial tour. Therefore, I, personally, really only see or "use" the square footage of the first level. This may be an advantage for the guests as there is some privacy.

I would really like to try the BWV GV one day because I think I would like the layout and location. BUT due to the lack of desire to travel with family again and the huge amount of points needed, I highly doubt that it will happen.

Now my fellow DVC aunt has stayed in a BWV GV before and may do so again. She is thinking of a BWV add-on just so she will be able to reserve one. If she does reserve a GV at BWV, then I'll schedule a BWV trip around hers just to be able to hang out in her GV!!!

 

[UConnJack]

Wow, I didn't mean to start a fight over BV vs. OKW. I think the apparent size difference between OKW and BW GVs are insignificant, and while having an additional half bath would be nice, everybody has their own bathroom off their own room (and with most BW GV's being on one floor, its doesn't seem to be much of an issue. BTW, if the layout diagram is correct, the additional bathroom at OKW is a half bath, not a full. Yes, there is a shower and jacuzzi tub downstairs, but they are associated with the master bathroom. The additional bathroom is seperate and does not have its own dedicated shower or bath.

My question wasn't "which is better", it was is the BW GV worth spending the points on. In terms of just beds to sleep in and square footage, OKW GV's win out on point value. However, figure in the BW location, balcony overlooking the World, and all the activities within walking distance, BW has more to offer that may justify the extra points. Lets face it, they are two different places for two different types of vacations, one is not necessarily better than the other. I am leaning toward the BW because the group I have are active, on the go people who like to have fun (plus its their 1st time to WDW!). I have some other family member I intend on bringing someday who would be better suited for the relaxed atmostphere of OKW, and don't feel being in the middle of the action is as important or fun.

That said, I was just hoping to get input from people who have stayed in the BW GV and whether or not they thought it was worth it. The pictures look amazing, but there's nothing like first hand experience. I would still like to hear what people thought of particular GV setups (1 vs 2 floors), views, and locations so that I can request a certain one.

Also, in terms of 10 people and 1 baby being too many!??!? By my count, there are 5 beds, and 4 couples and a set of young brothers. Sounds like plenty of room to me. We (and baby) get the MB of course, my cousin and her husband get 2 beds in 2nd br with her two young boys, and my parents and Aunt and Uncle get the last two beds in the 3rd bedroom. Nobody has to sleep on the couch and there is plenty of bathroom space. Maybe the kitchen is a little small, but from the pictures I've seen its plenty big enough (besides, I'm not going to be cooking any 5-course meals). The problem with the 2b, 2 studio idea is there are even less beds (4) than in the GV (5). While my family has said they'd be fine taking a sleeper sofa, I would never ask them too (well, the young kids could suck it up.....builds character).

If anything my family has been pushing for the GV so we can all stay together, and the know the arrangements. Being apart is a disadvantage in our minds. My family comes from very unassuming backgrounds, so they are very appreciative with whatever is offered to them. Besides, who can't find some privacy in 3 bedrooms, a huge great room, and 3 bathrooms in 2,100 sq ft? It would be a different story with a group of unrelated married couples, but these are family who we have bunked down with at times our whole lives. I guess I'm just lucky I have a family thats gets along as well as we do.

 

[UConnJack]

Originally posted by SleepyatDVC
I think the BWV GV is more like a spacious condo in the city and the OKW GV is more like a townhouse in a country club community. Both can be home.

I think this says it all about the OKW vs BW arguement.

 

[BWVDee]

Just one more way that OKW beats BWV.

You are absolutely correct. By all means, avoid staying at BWV-- at all costs! It is the lowest, of the low, of WDW resorts! Why it is the one of the highest priced resorts at WDW, is a true , true mystery!!!! Especially since BWV is so much below other WDW resorts--- most notably OKW! The REALLY confusing part of this mystery, is that-- for some reason OKW is always priced lower, and is in much less demand; than the "beat out" and sub standard BWW ??????

By all means, if you have a reservation at the sub standard resort BWV-- cancel IMMEDIATELY and re book at OKW!!! Especially if you have any of those truely horrible boardwalk view, GVs, Village Green, quiet pool view, Epcot view, MGM view villas booked! Oh wait, that is the vast majority of the BWV villas!! The vast majority of BWV villas offer excellent views-?!?! What to do???? Do not fear.....this is a resort that is substandard; just keep reminding yourself of this as you cancel the BWV reservations for the lower priced, less demanded locations at OKW! Because lest us not forget that OKW ALWAYS beats out BWV and ALL other WDW resorts!! And if you do forget, do not fret--just log onto the DVC board and this will immediately be pointed out to you!
Definitely, definitely, cancel ALL reservations at BWV and book at OKW. You would not want to be among those staying at a resort that gets "beat out", would you??????
BTW, for those canceling reservations at the "beat out" resort of BWV...........could those of you with stays booked at the horrible BWV resort during the months of: July, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, March and May, cancel first?? These are our favorite times to stay at the substandard BWV resort
BTW, just want to clarify myself.........the other personal hygiene room on an OKW GV's 1st floor is considered a 1/2 bathroom not a powder room. Sorry for any errors in posting. However even with the change in terms OKW's GV still has 3.5 baths to the horrible BWV's GVs pittance of 3 full baths!!!!!
See.....BWV is a beat out and substandard resort-----cancel, cancel, cancel those reservations and rebook at the much superior resort OKW. Also can you please cancel the any reservations at BWV between Sept and the Christmas holidays, first? Those are very often difficult times to book at the beat out resort BWV.
Thanks!!!

BTW Mr Yams, since you are now, supposedly, making your fortune in rehabbing and reselling real estate.....you should really get down the terminology needed for this field! A FULL bath consists of a full bath tub/shower, toilet, sink etc. -- a room that you can actually take a BATH in. A 1/2 bath has a shower stall, toilet and sink. I do take back my error in labeling the OKW GV, 1st floor 1/2 bath-- a powder room. Techically a powder room only has a toilet and sink, sans the shower stall that differentates a 1/2 bath accommondation from a full bath, from a powder room. Real estate terms, in certain areas, sometimes eliminate the term of "powder room" and instead consider a room that contains a toilet and sink a 1/2 bath, a room with a toilet, sink and shower stall at 3/4 bath, a room with toilet, sink, shower and tub a full bath.

 

[sunan]

Originally posted by UConnJack

(snip)... the BW location, balcony overlooking the World, and all the activities within walking distance, BW has more to offer that may justify the extra points.

I think you've answered your own question.

You didn't say when your trip will be, but in the overall scheme of things, the additional points for a BWV GV isn't THAT much more than 2 2BR villas. For a family that enjoys being together like yours seems to be, it sounds to me like it would be worth it.

As far as location, etc., there are 2 two story and 5 single story GVs at BWV - all BoardWalk view. The two story are on the top two floors of the yellow "Thimbles & Threads" building below the BoardWalk sign. If you look at a photo, you can see the balcony layouts, which you may or may not like. In general, they are fewer and smaller than the one story GVs. Directly below the two story GVs are two single story GVs with balconies that extend the entire length of the unit.

The remaining three GVs are the three top floors above the "Screen Door" building at the corner by the Village Green area. The one on the third floor is handicap accessible, and used to be (though may no longer be) a smoking unit. Again, if you look at a photo, you can see how the balconies are laid out, if that makes a difference to you.

I can't speak to the practicality of the interior layouts, but have read that some prefer the single story. Others can perhaps share more on that.

In your posts, I think I hear the faint sound of "once in a lifetime" tapping at your door. If you have the occasion and the points now, go for it. In my experience, you never know whether the proverbial stars will line up again... "maybe next time" can have a way of turning into "we should have" very quickly.

As the very wise Maistre Gracey stated in another thread, "The best use of your points is using them for what makes you happy." I have to believe that treating your family to a GV overlooking the BoardWalk would make you very, very happy. What could be better a better use of points than that?

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Richyams]

A 1/2 bath is a toilet and a sink.

But BWV owners see a three foot diameter table and two chairs as dining for 8, so what do I know?

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by Richyams
A 1/2 bath is a toilet and a sink.

But BWV owners see a three foot diameter table and two chairs as dining for 8, so what do I know?

And some OKW owners, with their ever present size inferiority complex, think a room with a toilet, tub and shower stall is a full bath.

 

[UConnJack]

Let it go people!

Whether its a 1/2 bath, 3/4 bath, or powder room, it doesn't matter. It doesn't have a dedicated shower or bath regardless (both of those are in the master bath), so its not a full bath. Whatever the case it doesn't change the fact that functionality wise, it is a nice perk to have an extra toilet/sink for use downstairs, but I personally don't feel its a big deal vs the Boardwalk 3 bathrooms, especially the ones that are one floor anyway. And, BTW, if you want to compare dining arrangements,
it appears that OKW GVs only seat 6 at the main table while BW GV's seat 8 (based on the layout diagrams and photos on allearsnet.com). Also, based on these photos, the BW GVs give me the sense of being much more spacious due to the wide open layout. The 1br and 2brs are a different story, with OKW clearly feeling more spacious (as do HHI and VB). But the studios at OKW do not feel as spacious as BW (and BCV, VWL) due to the irregular shaped room (and the extra bed, which I must say I wish the other resorts had some studios/brs with the two bed setup as well).


We personally bought BW b/c we generally prefer the convience of being close to activities, resturaunts, parks, etc., even if it meant a somewhat smaller room. The irony here is that people who prefer BW because of the activitiy likely spend less time in their rooms, and therefore don't really need the additional space. Plus they are more apt to eat out more, especially for dinner, making the kitchen/dining arrangments not as important. I personally don't want to be cooking dinner every night when I'm on vacation and after a long day out. I like the kitchens more for breakfasts, making/packing lunches, snacks, and a couple easy dinners.

While OKW villas are larger and gorgeous (especially the grounds, more irony is that I am an obsessive golfer) I generally don't "hang out" much on vacation which is what OKW is better suited for. We like to do when on vacation, so OKW isn't optimial for us. Plus, being from the NE and usually flying down and shuttling in, the parking isn't usually a draw for us. All that said, our approach to vacationing may change as we get older, especially at WDW after once we've done most everything. At that time, OKW may be more appealing. At that time we may look to buy additional points there or trade in more.

I'm fairly new to this board, is there always this much petty bickering about OKW/BW? Seems to me that each DVC resort has plenty to offer that the other ones don't, and that favorites are based on personal preferences as to what kind of vacation they want. Not better, not worse, just different. Let it go!

 

[kweaver]

Originally posted by UConnJack
Let it go people!

I'm fairly new to this board, is there always this much petty bickering about OKW/BW? Seems to me that each DVC resort has plenty to offer that the other ones don't, and that favorites are based on personal preferences as to what kind of vacation they want. Not better, not worse, just different. Let it go!

UConnJack...I forgot to say...welcome to the DIS! I think your quote above says it really well. Each person can to pick the resort they like best for the specific trip they have planned. We're very fortunate to have DVC and the flexibility of being able to choose what will work best for us.

Yes, the OKW and BWV debate tends to go on here. Richyams and BWVDee tend to take this issue to heart (and I think they (??) both like a good debate!). Though generally I think most folks here tend to think like you do...there are positives about all of the DVC resorts, and they're just glad to be a part of the club.

Good luck with your vacation!!

 

[UConnJack]

Originally posted by sunan

As far as location, etc., there are 2 two story and 5 single story GVs at BWV - all BoardWalk view. The two story are on the top two floors of the yellow "Thimbles & Threads" building below the BoardWalk sign. If you look at a photo, you can see the balcony layouts, which you may or may not like. In general, they are fewer and smaller than the one story GVs. Directly below the two story GVs are two single story GVs with balconies that extend the entire length of the unit.

The remaining three GVs are the three top floors above the "Screen Door" building at the corner by the Village Green area. The one on the third floor is handicap accessible, and used to be (though may no longer be) a smoking unit. Again, if you look at a photo, you can see how the balconies are laid out, if that makes a difference to you.

Thanks for the info! I checked out a picture that shows both buidling clearly and up close, and I think I can ID the ones you refer to. I see what you mean about the 2-story ones, there is plenty of balcony off the great room, but not off the bedrooms (are all bedrooms on the upper floor, or just the 2nd and 3rd?) Also, the balcony on the bottom villa in the spindle & threads building looks a little dark due to the big columns and the balcony above (and maybe too close to the street, IMO).

Which room is the handicap/former smoking unit? You said 3rd floor, but did you 3 floor of GV's (top floor), or the 3rd floor over all? I ask b/c it looks like the top floor GV of the Screen Door building would be my favorite choice otherwise (master br (?) has a corner room w/ additional window, the center balcony is open to the sky with highest birds-eye view, and is high above street.

I would still like to hear if people have opinions on the 1br vs 2br inside layouts. Also, which building of GVs have the best fireworks view.

Thanks again.

 

[chainkid]

I have actually stayed in a BW Grand Villa Room #5047 which is one story. We had 10 people in all. Plenty of room and worth every point. We use the gigantic laundry room off the master bath as a teenager bedroom....fits two twin aero beds and has room for clothes on the table...also has a sink for morning clean up. Full master bathroom close by. Works great as they don't need to sleep in the main living room.

This Dec we have rented two Grand Villas and a one bedroom for 23 people all at the boardwalk so I guess I feel its worth the points. I personally wouldn't waste my point on a OKW grand villa because the location doesn't suit our family at all. This is not a slam at OKW which is lovely just not what my family wants and we take a vote where we want to stay. We all love the valet parking /no lugging luggage just tip and go., love the dining options within walking distance...like the pool much better and the community hall is great. Jelly rolls in the evening is right below us so we can spend time there then hit the boardwalk for a stroll...very romantic. ESPN club is a daily fix for the sports nuts in our family. we are mostly young adults under 55 LOL with a couple of young children thrown in the mix so everyone is a go go kind of person. As for the dining table being too small, don;t listen to Rich, we never have a problem as we are casual and don;t cook full coarse meals...we prefer to let others do that for us..we have beer,wine and alot of snacks mostly. I highly recommend the Villas...and there is that WOW factor for guests to consider. My family thinks we are loaded to be able to afford this. Love my DVC

 

[Peterd]

Uconn,
Try the BW GV, it's definitely worth it! We've done the Okw GV, yes nice, some love it, but our family found it boring after the first night.

We used to do the two-two bedrooms and extra studios because we thought it was cost efficient on points, that's why we did the Okw GV too. Since we added on 6 or 7 times, we always do the BW GV for our family and friends of 8 to 10 and have always felt comfortable. We still get extra rooms for other friends and family, and make our room the meeting room for breakfast, Sunday/Monday night football, drinks at night, and once a trip a large dinner.

Two trips ago, one of my friends noted that we had over 30 people on the balconies enjoying the action down on the Bw, and probably could have fit double that comfortably in the room at the same time. It was fun watching our kids shoot baskets down at the games below. Since they made the Magic Kingdom fireworks a larger show, you get a really nice view of them. Then wait a half hour or more and the fireworks at EPCOT start. We change each night on watching them from the room one night, inside the park others, or on the bridge by the ESPN club other nights.

This past Nov., we had a chef come in for about 16 of us, and had a blast. They cooked, served, and cleaned everything up. They even put the leftovers in containers for a later time. This Nov., the wives have already decided they're gonna cook a large Italian dinner for the group.

This Past trip we had a two floor GV for the first time. In the two floor, the washer/dryer was upstairs in the hallway by the two studios. In the one floor, you had a seperate huge laundry room. I think it could have been half the size and still big enough, but can't complain about having too much room. We did enjoy the two floor, but We definitely preferred the one floor GV more.

We usually open all of the doors on the six balconies in the morning. One morning, after returning from the gym downstairs, we were sitting in the room having coffee while half the family slept in, and these two ducks landed on the balcony and walked into the room. It was hysterical. We all ignored them, except for the little ones who chased them out. It is very relaxing in the morning and afternoons, and at night you have so many options for entertainment.

As for the convenience of the restaraunts and jellyrolls downstairs, you can't beat it. If we go out late, the other families can have their kids play in the GV while some of the adults go out.
If you don't feel like eating out, you can take out food from all of the places below on the BW. It's a great option when you can split up, Some would rather eat in the room, and the others go to Shulas. I just go downstairs get the take out, and I'm back within 20 to 30 minutes.

We've started a new tradition each trip with all the adults and kids walk to Fantasia gardens and team up to play best ball in golf just before they close. We usually have the course to ourselves. I know we wouldn't do it as much, if we had to get in the car and drive over. It's nice to be able to just walk on over.

As for the bathrooms, We've never had any problems with finding one available. Some as they get older may need them more than others and can't wait. So having a small one on the way to the larger one may be needed. As for the powder rooms, from what I remember, Master Bedroom has the jacuzzi tub with large sink area to get ready for going out. This extended the length of the jacuzzi/sink/powder room. No chair, so I guess that wouldn't constitute a powder room.This connected to the room with a toilet, shower, and another sink. A normal bathroom in each of the other studio rooms, and it Seems like more than enough room and toilets for everyone. Again, some need the extra toilet, and for the points the extra toilet at Okw may be worth it for you. It seems like that's all we did in those rooms anyway.

.

If you get the chance and points, you can't go wrong. I always get a kick out of watching the kids get excited as they walk down the halls and see the double door to our room on the first night. You should try it at least once

 

[SleepyatDVC]

UConnJack,

BW GVs - Worth it?

Bottom Line: If you love the location and are willing to spend the points, then ABSOLUTELY!!! Can you get a better value for your points? Sure, but as many DVCers know, the studios are a great value but we bought DVC for the luxury of a one bedrrom! So, if you can afford it, splurge!!!

Happy vacation planning and good luck with getting the dates amd reservation you want and enough points to make it all happen! Let us know if you do reserve the BW GV so that I can drool with envy!!!

Whether its a 1/2 bath, 3/4 bath, or powder room, it doesn't matter. It doesn't have a dedicated shower or bath regardless (both of those are in the master bath), so its not a full bath.

Don't want to argue about it, just want to clarify the bathroom situation at the OKW GV for those that really want to know. Not sure what the layout diagram shows or what the official definition of this type of bath is but the 4th bathroom on the first floor definitely DOES HAVE a dedicated shower that is SEPARATE from the shower and jaccuzi in the master suite. So, someone can definitely use it to take a shower in without having to go into the master bath or having to take it in the sink!!!

So there is 2 bathtubs with showers, 1 jacuzzi tub, 2 walk-in shower stalls, 4 toilets, and 5 bathroom sinks total. Just in case, someone really wants to know! Lol!

 

[sunan]

Originally posted by UConnJack
(are all bedrooms on the upper floor, or just the 2nd and 3rd?)

Master bedroom is on the lower level, two bedrooms upstairs.

Which room is the handicap/former smoking unit?

Room 3047, the lowest of the three GVs over the Screen Door building.

Also, which building of GVs have the best fireworks view.?

The better Illuminations view would be from the yellow building (Thimbles & Threads).

To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. If your family is anything like mine, you'll have an absolute blast wherever you stay!

 

[UConnJack]

Thanks to everyone who gave me details/advice on the BW GVs, especially sunan, SleepyatDVC, Peterd, and chainkid. Based on everyone's responses, I think we're definitely going to go for it (sometime in May 2005), hopefully we'll get it. Now I just have to decide what buidling/foor to request, but I think we definitly are going to try and ask for the 1 story.

Thanks again!

 

[ceejay13]

UConnJack-Having owned at the BWV for 4 years we have ressies for our 1st GV the first week of December. We can't wait! We are taking a group of friends for 5 days of golf. We chose not to stay for Friday and Saturday and save some points. Just my DH and I are staying for an additional 6 days in a 1 bdr after everyone leaves. Yes, the BW GV are quite a few points but the beauty of the DVC is that you can use your points wherever and whenever you want. I love OKW and VB, the only other two DVC resorts we have stayed at, but my heart is at the BW. I'm sure which ever way you choose you will have a great stay.

 

[Laurabearz]

I think choosing the BWV GV for this trip would be fab! I also think choosing an OKW GV would be fab! You cant go wrong with either villa...

Both are sure to impress your family.. both are wonderful resorts.

You cant go wrong either way.

With that said.... the location of BWV is wonderful and since your planning your trip for May... The Flower and Garden show is walking distance away!

If asked to vote.. I would vote for BWV.

Laura... who owns at both OKW and BWV but has only stayed at a GV at HHI!

 

[Bojo]

Not to add to the debate, but to clear up a misunderstanding:

Whether its a 1/2 bath, 3/4 bath, or powder room, it doesn't matter. It doesn't have a dedicated shower or bath regardless (both of those are in the master bath),

In March, 2004 we stayed in OKW GV #4824 and the master bath in that villa has a jacuzzi tub as well as a seperate shower room. The powder room; 1/2; or 3/4 bath (whatever you choose to call it) has its own shower stall included.

As far as dining arrangements, our villa had a dining room table with eight chairs. There was an additional table and four chairs in the great room.

Bottom line: use your points in the way that makes you happy - DVC villas; World Collection; DCL; II; rent; whatever, they are there for your enjoyment.

 

[DisneyMeMa]

During one trip last June, we stayed in both an OKW GV and a one story HA BWV GV.

We all enjoyed the OKW GV and were very comfortable.

The BWV GV was a disappointment. There was limited storage, an inconvenient and limited kitchen and we all know about HA bathrooms (2 of the 3 were HA). IMO the luxury was given up for HA functionality. We are very thankful we do not need HA accommodations and appreciate that DVC makes them available for those that do. I wish we could make reservations for non HA rooms. We just don't know it is HA until we arrive, and it is a lot of points for something we really don't want.

IMO the gathering spaces in GVs are wonderful, but the sleeping spaces in the studios are better than in the GVs second and third bedrooms.

The OP didn't say what season or days of the week they planned to be at WDW. Often the BWV GV is less points than two BWV studios and a BWV two bedroom for Friday and Saturday night stays. Just something else to consider.

 

[jaysue]

You would also think that a BWV two bedroom unit that sleeps 8(LOL) would have dinner seating for more than two in the dining room.

OK, had to bring this thread back - loving it

Cheers
jaysue