BWV and BCV: Compare and contrast for Home Resort

[CarnotaurDad]

Good morning,

We have done some searches but could not see any direct comparisons between BWV and BCV. We are looking at resale and trying to decide between the two of them.

Has anyone had experience at both and able to share there findings? For example, is one of the villas kept cleaner than the other? Are the beds noticably different? Is it easier to get your reservations at one of them at the 11 month window than the other?

Anything at all that you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

(edited for spelling)

 

[Baileymouse]

The rooms are essentially similar, but there's a slight difference in the bathroom layouts. I don't think there's been much of an issue of difference bed-wise and cleanliness-wise. BCV is slightly newer, and they're both in a very convenient location.

If I had to choose I'd probably go with BCV because I perceive it as slightly quieter, and I love Stormalong Bay. However, I love lots about BWV too.

 

[Richyams]

They both have the same tiny, almost useless rooms.

They are both in the same general area.

I have to agree, that if I was inclined to deal with tiny rooms, I would pick BCV mostly because of SAB. I think SAB slightly beats BWV slightly better location.

 

[Beth]

We decided to purchase an add-on at one of these resorts this past fall - to have points in the EPCOT resort area.

We had stayed at each resort and, after giving it some thought, we went with BCV. Honestly, we could care <i>less</i> about SAB - we both grew up in Florida - swimming pools don't hold much attraction for us. And we don't have children.

We finally settled on BCV because we preferred the parking setup. While valet parking is a treasured amenity to "some," we don't care for it. BCV enables us to park near the unit.

Then, about a week after we received our documents, they changed the room categories at BWV. I was so disappointed. While we don't stay at BWV that much, I sure would have liked to have guaranteed that BW view.

I think the guaranteed Boardwalk view should be another consideration in your decision. Without ownership at BWV, you will have to be pretty lucky to ever get that view.

On the other hand, my DH doesn't care about the BW view, and is still happier with our BCV purchase. He doesn't care for BWV.

You'll get many opinions here, but it's really going to come down to your personal preferences.

 

[Simba's Mom]

On my last solo trip, I split my stay between these 2 resorts specifically so I could weigh in with my choice. I stayed in studios (at BWV, standard view). The nicest view was at BWV, and for fewer points. However, having stayed at BCV last year, I know that's not always the case-I loved my BCV view last year. My choice? BCV. But maybe not someone else's choice. BWV was more equally split in distance from Epcot and MGM. BCV was much closer to Epcot, a good 20 minute walk or a boat ride to MGM. I much prefer Epcot, MGM is my least favorite. Also, I much prefer when you come down on the elevator at BCV and the doors open, you're facing a nice, peaceful, pretty lobby. At BWV, it's much too hectic when those elevator doors open. Lastly, I love the sandy beach at BCV. Sitting in those beach swings, sand under my toes-just love the theming. BWV seemed a little too formal for me. JMHO

 

[Lexxiefern]

We own at both resorts almost equally [with slightly more at BWV]. We have stayed at both and both of us prefer BWV. But BCV is a close second.

At BWV we love having the choice of standard view with the lower points. Also with the new BW view category we love that even more. I personally feel like there is mostly good views [there is always the exception, but I feel you have a greater chance of getting a nice view at BWV over BCV - JMHO]

I am also glad we own at BCV because it is small and may be harder to get into in the future. We also love the exterior architecture.

While we really enjoyed SAB, we also really enjoy Luna Park Pool.

[my DH also would like me to add that the proximity to ESPN club is a huge draw - even though it is not much farther from BCV]

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

BWV has a Community Hall and IMHO, much better views. No 2BR are available with two queen beds in the second bedroom. BWV also has the standard rooms that are lower in points. Easy to walk to MGM from.

BCV has SAB and some 2BR with two queen beds in them. Also has easy access to self parking and the bus for those staying at the BCV. Close walk to EPCOT.

We own at both resorts and are very happy with them.

HBC

 

[rocketriter]

There's a fundamental difference in atmosphere. BCV is a bit more, well, beachy--laid back and unstructured. BWV is a bit more urban--lively and hip. Both are wonderful in their own ways. Ask yourself which atmosphere you'd like to have at your home base.

 

[PamOKW]

It's a tough call. Another consideration is that BCV has far fewer units. If you really feel a "pull" to this resort, it might be best to purchase there since competition for the units at 7 months will be tighter.

On the BWV side, I don't think GVs have been mentioned yet. GVs are not offered at BCV but you do have them at BWV.

 

[BWVDee]

I love them both. I also think these two resorts are the most alike out of any of the DVC resorts as far as fantastic location, atmosphere, dining options etc. The differences between the two resorts are minimal yet they do have their own personalities.
I do like certain things about one over the other like BWV has the lower standard pt rooms and the guaranteed boardwalk view rooms, no other WDW DVC resort offers this to their guests and it is a very nice perk. I also like that BWV, since it was part of the orginial resort design is located nearer to the stores, restaurants, boat dock etc., vs BCV which because it was an add on, the villas are quite a walk from the main pool, restaurants, boat dock etc.
BWV has a bigger % of rooms with much better views vs BCV. There are quite a few BCV's that leave a lot to be desired in the view dept.
At BCV, I love the pool! I also like the elevators at each end of the building and the location of the self parking lots. I also love the secret pathway to Epcot---what a step saver!
Both resorts are among WDW's top notch resorts in everyway.
I own all my pts at BWV, but that is only because it makes life simplier for me to have all my eggs in one basket. I have been tempted quite a few times to add on some pts at BCV because I do love staying at this resort and I think it will get harder and harder to book here as the number of DVC owners continues to grow; due the resort's small size.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

BCV vs BWV

I like the BCV room layout better. Table seats 8 whereas BWV, WLV does not. Bathroom layout nice, Desk in bedroom in BCV.
BCV is newer.
Seemed slower and a little more quiet and relaxed than BC, YC and BWV, yet still close to activities.
Distance to the elevator is better.
Nice Quiet pool
Lots of nice internal spaces for when it's raining, drawing room, breezeway, solarium, BC lobby.
Sandcastle club availability
Outstanding location, boat to MGM, walk to Epcot, Baordwalk area activities closeby, swan and Dolphin restaraunts.
Love the Beach Theme
Great at access to Beach Club amenities, and restaraunts, Jellyrolls, stores, Beaches and Cream, Arcade, etc.
Prefer the sand beach along crescent lake instead of the boardswalk
SAB is nice
Nice Beach Club Workout facility.
Nice access to the parking lot
Bus service fine.
Hotel services available like in-room dining, valet services, front staff.
Nice entrance to the resort walking in BC entrance with large fresh flower arrangements, sometimes music in lobby (saw harpist) front door greetings.
Marina activites, can take boats to see illuminations.
Nice access to parking lot for villas, closer than valet for many units. Just go in the back door or walk along the canal to the middle elevator
Second elevator available in the middle of the resort for pool, parking access.
BCVs has access to a marina along with the YC and BC. WLV and OKW also has a marina. BWV does not.
For us, the circus theme isn't as appealing as the beach theme, circuses don't have a good reputation for cleanliness or humane treatment towards animals, or the most friendly workers, but that's just us.



BCV has
No community Hall and Community Hall activities like BWV, Vero, others.
Uses all preferred view point structure, no advantage of standards view lower point structure like at BWV or lower points requirements like at OWK to stretch point value
Rooms smaller than OKW, lessstorage space - OKW, Vero and HH rooms are larger.
No three bedroom grand villas available (usually requires 11 month window at other resorts)
No outstanding crecent lake views like BWV
Villas in back are too close to roadway, some noise.

I should tell you that I'm bias, we actually owned some points at BWV and sold them to buy points at BCV because we like it better and buying addtional BWV points wasn't available at the time and we wanted more points all at the same resort. But that's just us, Good luck.

 

[crisi]

The biggest draw to BCV seems to be the pool, but not everyone is a SAB fan.

The pool is fantastic, but you may want to check it out before you commit to it. There will be a few years coming up where we will avoid BCV because of the pool - my kids are getting to the age where they will need to be watched, but we won't have to be in the pool with them. SAB is not the pool for this age.

However, it is a really cool pool and our membership will last many years when the watching kids issue is not the big deal it will be for the next few years.

Other than the pool, as has been stated, BWV is a little more elegant - BCV a little more casual. BWV a little more "urban," BCV a little more "laid back" BWV has a few more units, meaning it may be easier to get into without owning, but the prime units (SV, GV, BWView) will be difficult (but not impossible) to book without it being your home. I like the built in dining table at BCVs better. IMHO, the restaurants are a wash - as you are a five or ten minute walk from the other resort and can easily take advantage of the restaurants at both. Dues are pretty much equal (BWV is currently a little more expensive, but no guarentee that will continue). Likewise, BCVs beach and marina and BWVs nightlife is pretty easily accessible to guests at the other resort. (They will card for the SAB pool, they won't card for a beach chair).

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by crisi
Other than the pool, as has been stated, BWV is a little more elegant - BCV a little more casual.

Actually, I'd describe them as exactly the opposite as you have above. The beautiful wood doors for each unit are more elegant than BWV doors, as are the beautiful interior spaces of the BCV as opposed to interior BWV spaces. The fresh flower arrangements as you first walk in the lobby of BC are wonderful. BCV have been described as the Grand Floridian of the Crescent Lake area. BWV seems like it' sjust a little less upscale with the lack of nice interior spaces to hang out in on those rainy afternoons. The boardwalk/circus style theme doesn's seem nearly as elegant to us. The artist inside drawing your picture, characture, harpist playing music during holiday times, nicer shop, indoor hot tube in the BC workout center, better elevator layout, etc. There are some places where BWV seems to be showing it's age. Take a look at the molding where the floor meets the wall in the elevator. Just some touches like that. But my opinion is that both BWV and BCV are the top two onsite DVC resorts, I think your looking in the right direction. Just my opinion, certainly not more valid that the one above (except the nonsense about unusable tiny rooms, I would judge that description as invalid).

We also like the Sandcastle club availability. Does BWV still have that kind of amenity?

 

[chainkid]

I personally much prefer BWV because of the boardwalk view and the less points standard view. We love the atmosphere better. I was not impressed with the location of the BCV as alot of the views are average at best and really noisy at the road locations. I also prefer the layout of the master suite better. For me stayng in the Grand Villa is very important so BCV is out. I also love the nightlife on the BWV side like ESPN and Jelly Rolls. When the doors to your balcony are shut its fairly quiet.

You should really visit them yourself though as everyone has different priorities. but our family with older kids finds the pool not an issue as Boardwalk has a fairly nice one. The takeout windows for Pizza andice cream are more important to our kids.

 

[Judique]

I own at both and I like them both for different reasons. I like the close parking and the room decor better at BCV and I like the view better at BWV. Either one is perfect for Food and Wine Festival!

 

[kathleena]

I have points at both and enjoy each for their uniqueness, but throw the favor over to BWV.

BWV has many good room locations - you can enjoy the BW view or save points and get the standard view. With BCV, you have just one point range. Plus, some of the views are less than preferred in my opinion - who really wants to be looking at the backside of the BC or the road? The BW Epcot view is superior in my opinion and you can now get it guaranteed. Big plus. So I give BW the edge on 11 month ressies - more options for your points.

The pool - SAB - is awesome. Lots to do and you can get away from any crowds because it's so big. You can't do that at Luna Park if it's crowded. Definately a plus over BWV. But, when there without kids - I rarely go to pool, so BW takes the edge on adult trips.

Rooms are about the same. Cheery colors, similar layout. I give BWV the slight edge on the bathroom (more counter space) and the eating table (just like it better than the bench/table - some said it seats 8, but in our room it sat 3 and was crowded. Not sure what room they were in!). I find the mousekeeping service to be the same high quality at both resorts.

Access to lake area. Maybe not a thing for anyone but me - I find the BCV to be a much longer walker to the boats and the lake. If you are way down at the end of the resort and have to get to the boat for MGM, it's a hike. maybe it's the same hike as the far parking lot end of BWV, but to me it seems farther.

Lots of other comments from other people, some I disagree with some I don't. You need to know what you want and know the characteristics of each resort.

Buy where you want to stay......

 

[invalid_char]

Here's an easy test to take to help you decide:

For every question you answer 'yes', give yourself 1 BCV point;

1) There will, or may be, either children or elderly people in your party

2) You will atleast sometimes go down when it is warm enough to swim

3) You like or love Epcot

4) You like ice cream and/or character breakfasts

5) at the end of the day, you prefer a relaxed atmoshphere


For every question you answer 'yes', give yourself 1 BWV point:

1) You plan to regularly use a Grand Villa

2) you are on a very strict point budget

3) You strongly prefer MGM to Epcot

4) consistently getting a great view is a high priority

5) at the end of the day, you prefer more of a party atmosphere

If it's a tie, I'd go with BCV since it will probably be more difficult to get at the 7 month window.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Everyone has been so wonderful and thoughtful with their input.

Thank you so much!

For those of you with BWV as a HR, have you had any problems getting into BCV?

And for those of you with BCV, have you had any issues getting into BWV?

Thanks again!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

As a BCV owner, you'll have trouble getting standard views at the lower points and GV ( I believe there are only 9 of them, but I could be wrong). All resorts are tougher at holiday times.

 

[pod2314]

BWV is our home resort, and last year we had to change our plans for going to HH in July (our son had to go to summer school). When we could not get reservations at HH in August, we decided to try BCV just to check it out. In May we were able to get a 2 br for the last week of August. That was our first and so far our only attempt to get in with in the 7 month window.

I just want to say that we love BWV, and my wife and I have ressies for Oct. For our anniversary and the Food & Wine Festival.