BWV or VWL?

[CapnJacksGirl]

We're looking at buying a resale and have pretty much narrowed it to these two. We only eliminated AKV because of location, though we loved it when we stayed there recently. This is just a request for outside opinions. I'm just trying to get several points of view on the two of them so I can maybe pick up on some points that wouldn't be listed in the brochures! Which one would you choose?

 

[Cajun28]

Personally, I would choose BWV (Actually I have, I'm waiting to close on a resale right now). I chose BWV strictly based on location, we love the Epcot/Boardwalk area, although I don't think you can go wrong with either resort.

Good Luck

 

[Golden Rose]

We love BWV, and are in the middle of a resale purchase there. We did consider VWL, but for us, the benefits of the BW outweighed the benefits of VWL. (We also have points at AKV, which we bought for the Savannah view and Concierge rooms.)

For us, it really came down to wanting the location. We knew we wanted it (or possibly BCV) because we love to be able to walk to both Epcot and the Studios. We loved walking over to Epcot for dinner after we'd done an early day at one of the other parks and come back to the room for an afternoon nap. And I'm someone who would rather avoid the buses when I can, so it is really great for me.

The super cheap point options on the Standard View rooms are nice, too.

 

[popgfd]

we belong to OKW and BWV. i prefer BWV given the cheaper cost for standard view and EPCOT is our favorite park. we especially like the restaurants in Epcot and on the Boardwalk

If MK is your favorite park then there is a case for VWL but i think there are more and better options for access to parks, shows and restaurants at BWV plus the lesser rates of standard view if that is important to you [many prefer the water views].

Pop

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

It seems to me after reading these opinions and adding them to others I have gathered elsewhere that the overwhelming vote of approval goes to BWV. My next question is this: does buying into BWV put me into a huge glut of people who want to stay there? Will I have to reserve exactly at my 11 month point, just like the ADR 180 day point, to get what I want? Having flexibility in reserving may be another determining factor between the two. Thoughts? And thanks for the help!

 

[Mississippian]

It seems to me after reading these opinions and adding them to others I have gathered elsewhere that the overwhelming vote of approval goes to BWV. My next question is this: does buying into BWV put me into a huge glut of people who want to stay there? Will I have to reserve exactly at my 11 month point, just like the ADR 180 day point, to get what I want? Having flexibility in reserving may be another determining factor between the two. Thoughts? And thanks for the help!

To be absolutely certain of getting what you want, you need to book 11 months ahead at any resort. It really depends on the season.

I've booked BWV with less than a month to go. It was a close call, but I got it.

The key is not the 11-month window but the 7-month window. At that point the reservations get thrown open to the world. So if you wait until after the 7-month point you may have to stay at SSR. Of course if you like SSR, as many do, this won't be a problem.

 

[popgfd]

Also at 11 months you can get either the standard or preferred view but as you get closer to 7 months, the options diminish quite a bit.

and an observation that the number of DVC members per site is dependent upon the size of the complex so there would be more OKW members than BCV for example.

Pop

 

[wildernessDad]

I guess what you need to decide is which location you like better, being close to the MK or close to Epcot. Also, you probably want to consider the theme. Does the Wilderness theme appeal to you? Have you stayed at WL and the Board Walk?

 

[crisi]

Two of my favorite resorts.

My heart is at VWL - I love the theming - which is important to me. My husband likes being close to the MK (less important to me). It was the resort we took our kids to on their first trip - so there is sentimental attachment as well. Artist's Point is a favorite restuarant of ours. The resort is a little quieter. Dues are a little lower.

We own at BWV - neither of us are thrilled with the decor or theming there - but both of us LOVE being that close to Epcot. The pool slide is great. The frugal part of me likes getting to be able to reserve standard view rooms with the home resort privledge. And Flying Fish is another favorite restaurant. Belleview Room and the Community Hall also have their attractions (though we don't use the community hall much - its nice to have available). Since calling it home, its developed a lot of sentimental memories for us.

 

[bobbiwoz]

When we were first buying in '03, it was the lower points for the standard view that swayed our decision to BWV and it's there that we own most of our points. We've stayed there with extended family and it's a wonderful location.

However, DGC entered the picture, and the absence of dedicated two bedrooms at BWV is the reason that branch of our family hasn't enjoyed the benefits of staying at the Boardwalk. We don't want the 7 of us, 4 adults and 3 children in a villa with only 2 real beds. VWL has many dedicated 2 bedrooms and it's just a better fit for our family, we've stayed there with our DGC three times so far.

As the DGC get older, we actually have begun booking a 2 bedroom for them and getting a studio for us. However, I don't like the set up at the BWV because the studio section will always have a door to the hallway, and I don't necessarily want the kids, they are now 3,4 and 5 to have the opportunity to even by accident go out in the hallway when parents are sleeping in another room. I know there's an age when I won't have this worry, but I do have it, and will not be booking lock off 2 bedrooms for that family in the near future.

Bobbi

 

[bangzoom6877]

We just bought a resale at BWV (gosh, it sounds so nice to say that!!), for several reasons. Here are the things we love about it:

1. Ability to walk to 2 of the theme parks. The fact that one of those is Epcot is an added HUGE bonus for us! The fact that that entrance is at the Int'l Gateway is another bonus (afternoon break in the room then walk to the WS for dinner!!!)
2. Many dining options plus BC/YC across the lake (including the character breakfast at BC...convenient for our last morning before heading home).
3. The entertainment options in the Boardwalk area (nightlife, entertainers right on the boardwalk, able to see some of Epcot's fireworks from many spots, the Community Hall)

We also did not like the location of AKV, and when we saw the Animal Kingdom Lodge when we ate at Boma in July we were not as impressed with it as we were with other deluxe hotels. We were quite impressed by the Boardwalk area and also the Beach Club. For us it finally came down to a toss-up between BCV and BWV. When we saw the entertainment options at Boardwalk, lower price on resales, the lower points cost to stay in a standard room (meaning a longer stay!), closer proximity to DHS, BWV made more sense to us. Plus we could still dine at the Beach Club resort and enjoy the whole area! Many others choose BCV based on Stormalong Bay, but this was not as important to us (even though we know we cannot pool-hop there).

Can't say anything about VWL. We did not go to the Wilderness Lodge, although I will say this...we did consider it at the very beginning when we were first looking into the DVC, since it is close to MK and we thought the theming looked cool for our sons. But we decided on BWV ultimately for the reasons I stated above.

 

[JonJ]

We own at both BWV and VWL. As mentioned in the posts, each has their own pluses. We have found VWL to be slower paced with a more relaxed atmosphere. As with all of the DVC resorts, the styles or themes are quite distinct. Our preference is probably BWV because of proximity to two parks, the lower point cost of the Standard Rooms, the Boardwalk entertainers, ESPN club, more activities in the area, and that we own more points at BWV than at VWL . (We actually decided to purchase more at BWV). You cannot go wrong with either! The Wilderness Lodge theming, boat trips to MK, the animals in the morning (turkeys, deer, rabbits, ...), and the cast members are what we enjoy at VWL along with the more relaxing atmosphere. Also, walking to Fort Wilderness and seeing the flowers, trees and plants along the way, the Christmas decorations at WL, sitting in the WL lobby and people watching, ... are some of the benefits of VWL.

 

[Forever a Princess]

We own at both. We love both for different reasons.

VWL
-Our first purchase. WL was the first resort that we stayed at. Our favorite because of sentimental reasons.
-We bought here so that we could book for the 11 month window for our December stays. WL/VWL is beautiful at Christmas time. It is one of the favorite holiday disney resorts. VWL is small (compared to the other DVC resorts). Buying here gave us the 11 month window and assured us of being able to book here during December.
-We love being connected to the MK by boat.

BWV
-We bought here so that we wood have the 11 month booking window for Food and Wine Festival.
-BWV and BCV are extremely popular during the Food and Wine Festival. Many have said on the boards that it can be difficult to book at the 7 month window (if you purchase at a different DVC resort).
-The walk from BWV to Epcot is quite short.
-We love to stroll along the Boardwalk itself.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[jekjones1558]

OP,
I notice that you are also from Minnesota. Have you seen the rooms at both resorts? Many folks LOVE the theming at VWL but we don't like the dark color scheme as well as the lighter colors at BWV. I think that is because we get enough of the darker, north woods feeling at home. I know that many buy VWL for the 11 month advantage booking at Christmas. I can understand that if you are from a warm-climate state. VWL Christmas decorations are just like home to us and so not as big a draw. You may totally disagree--I'm just telling you why BWV had more appeal for us. Good luck! Hope you love your DVC as much as we do!

 

[FLYNZ4]

We also bought BWV. For us it was an essential tie between BCV and BWV.

We also like the VWL... but we are happy visiting there only occassionally... and we would not want to be there for every single trip. On the other hand... we would be delighted if every trip was to BWV.

/Jim

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

We don't own either but love staying at both.

If you love F&W having the advantage to stay at BWV for the cheaper point cost of standard view is great.

We live in Canada so initially thought the themeing of VWL would hold no appeal. Then we stayed there and loved it from the minute we walked into the room. We will definitely stay there often. However, not owning there we may not be able to enjoy it at Christmas time.

Good luck with your decision, you can't go wrong with either choice.

 

[Granny]

It seems to me after reading these opinions and adding them to others I have gathered elsewhere that the overwhelming vote of approval goes to BWV. My next question is this: does buying into BWV put me into a huge glut of people who want to stay there? Will I have to reserve exactly at my 11 month point, just like the ADR 180 day point, to get what I want? Having flexibility in reserving may be another determining factor between the two. Thoughts? And thanks for the help!

Sounds like you're pretty much leaning towards BWV. It's a great resort, we are owners there and have never regretted that decision. We also own at VWL and likewise completely enjoy that resort. It sounds like location is important to you, so I'd probably vote for BWV as well for your family.

BWV is a much larger resort than VWL, so it has more owners. But it has the same number of owners per villa in each, so as has been pointed out it is always better to reserve at 11 months if possible to make sure you get what you want. I will say that BWV has more availability within the 7 month window (except during F&W Festival) in general but you will most likely end up with a Pool & Garden View which many don't prefer.

You can't go wrong..they're both great resorts. But I think BWV will give you the location advantage you like.

 

[DVC Mike]

BWV (1996)
• Attached to a deluxe resort hotel (BWI)
• Lively atmosphere: ¼-mile Atlantic city Boardwalk midway
• Well-themed pool (Luna Park) with 200-ft Keister Coaster water slide
• Boardwalk location (lots of activity - street performers, games, nightlife)
• Standard View rooms are low on points!
• Boardwalk view rooms offer great view of Crescent lake
• Ten-minute walk to Epcot; 15-minute walk to DHS
• Boat launch to DHS and Epcot
• Room service and valet parking
• Great restaurants (Flying Fish Café and Spoodles)
• Community Hall with lots of activities for children
• No food court / counter service inside the resort
• Long hallways from lobby to room

97 Dedicated Studios - 130 Dedicated 1-BR - 0 Dedicated 2-BR - 149 2-BR Lockoffs - 7 Grand Villas = 383 Units / 532 Max. Available Rooms

VWL (2000)
• Magnificently rendered theme - probably the best!
• Quiet, peaceful and romantic setting/architecture (mountain retreat)
• Smallest DVC resort at WDW
• On Bay lake – just a relaxing boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom
• Attached to a deluxe resort hotel (WL)
• Award winning restaurant (Artist Point) plus Whispering Canyon Café
• Silver Creek Springs feature pool
• Fire Rock Geyser
• Valet parking and Room service
• No community hall
• No 3-BR GV

20 Dedicated Studios - 27 Dedicated 1-BR - 44 Dedicated 2-BR - 45 2-BR Lockoffs - 0 Grand Villas = 136 Units / 181 Max. Available Rooms

 

[jar]

I agree with all of the posters who said that it really comes down to which park you prefer. We love both VWL and BWV. We actually bought (and still own, until we buy BLT) BWV a few years ago but then discovered VWL and, as a result, for the past two years (including my reservation for next month), I have booked BWV at 11 months and then switched to VWL at 7 months because we have young children and like the proximity to MK. While nothing can top BWV's access to Epcot (and MGM or whatever it's called now), VWL not only has the boat to MK, but you can also take a 3 minute boat ride to the Contemporary and have access to the monorail for the resort restaurants and for Epcot if you want to avoid the bus.

As for the notion that it is more necessary to book BWV at 11 months than elsewhere, my understanding is that all of the older resorts have sold the full number of points to match resort capacity so that technically, they all need to be booked in the 11 month window if you want to be sure of staying there.

 

[spiceycat]

how about both?

I own (small amount) at both VWL and BWV - it works for me.