Hi!
Having stayed at the BW 3 times, twice at the villas in a studio, and once in the Inn I think I can help answer some of your questions.
Our favorite thing to do is just hanging out at the BW watching the entertainers in the evening. They have magicians, jugglers, organ player on wheels! Also Carnival type games.
What would I recommend for a trio of 20 year olds? Well, I'm in my 20's, but married with 2 kids, so we usually don't stay out too late! Alot of people go to Jelly Rolls or ESPN restaurant. And there is also Pleasure Island.
Yes, you can see Illuminations from the BW. Keep in mind that anywhere other than Epcot you will only be able to see the higher up fireworks and you can hear the music. When we had a BW view we got to watch it from our balcony every night!!
Here's a link to info on an Illuminations cruise. It is not only available on the Breathless, you can also get a Pontoon boat:
http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/illum.htm
Having 2 young kids we thought we would miss a food court. Not at all. We have been able to get food to go from all the restaurants on the BW to bring to our room or eat on the BW at one of the many tables. There are food carts with things like hot dogs, fries, etc.. Spoodles has a pizza window with pizza, calzones, etc.. Here's a link to the menus for all the restaurants on the BW.
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm#res
As far as meals in the room, we usually just get food to go from the restaurants. In the shop on the BW they sell breakfast items and micro meals. They have bread, milk, and ice cream and other food items. There is a toaster and coffee maker as well as the fridge and micro in the studio.
As far as tips, let's see. I would say if you can, walk to Epcot and MGM instead of taking the ferry. The ferry will stop at YC/BC, and the Swan/Dolphin. We always make it to both parks before the ferry, even with small kids in tow!! Take advantage of the boats around the lake at the YC marina. We love doing this and have so much fun. We have rented every kind they have! The best was taking lunch on the pontoon boat. Rent a surrey bike, it's a lot of fun and laughs especially trying to get up the small hills where the bridges are!! Too funny LOL we have such a hard time, maybe we're just weak!
I don't have any of my own pics to share. But, here's a link to some pics of the BW, rooms, etc..
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_bwv.htm
The main pool is great with a great slide. We really like the quiet pools. Especially the one on the Inn side.
Also, if you rented points for your stay on your room card it will say "DVC member". You will be entitled to our DVC discounts. They will give you a list of DVC "perks". Some are free valet parking at all DVC resorts, 10% off lunch at certain restaurants, and more.
We really love the BW. The resort is beautiful and the location is the best! We also love how it comes alive at night, even in the off season! The ice cream at the place on the BW is really great too. You can also take a walk around the lake to the BC and have some great ice cream at Beaches and Cream. There are also more restaurant options at all the resorts around the lake. A short walk away or you can take the ferry.
Hope that helps and feel free to ask any more questions! You will have a great time!! Oh, and here's a link to the info about the countdown clocks:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=381216
Edited to add, I just noticed your name! It's the same as mine, and spelled the same way!
