BWV reservation advice (or should we SSR?)

[jmhillrph]

Hi, BCV-owners too late to make a home reservation (1BR) for May 9-15. We're (i.e. self, wife, and 6yo son) debating between BWV and SSR-- in favor of SSR we like the DTD access for its food options, would expect to find rooms in better condition, think it has a more desirable secondary pool/hottub setup, and we'd save a few points.

Despite those advantages we're leaning towards BWV (where we've never stayed although we have pool-hopped) for the obvious reason of its location. I have a few questions/concerns that I'm hoping the board can help me with though:

(1) I've read a number of reviews lamenting BWV's need for refurbishment-- not sure what to make of it-- I don't expect pristine/new but do want clean, aesthetically pleasing, and in good repair-- any feedback here? Does any one know if there's refurbishment work scheduled for this time?

(2) I don't believe BW view is an option-- I think half of the days are available, half not-- I'm assuming that waitlisting is unlikely to be productive-- is that correct?

(3) Assuming that we would be reserving preferred garden/pool area is there a clear-cut favorite area to request? Looking at Granny's color-coded aerial view of the resort, the Luna pool view appears the most interesting although it's hard to judge never having been inside. I understand the elevators/long hallway issues-- that aside, still curious as to what most prefer and why (not that we EVER get our view requests anyway!).

Thanks for any advice/help you folks can offer.

Mike

 

[5forDiz]

Our family & DDs friends & family of one friend had a total of 4 rooms (studio & 1 bedroom villas) first week of July at BWV ( standard & preferred view ) and not one room had an issue with cleanliness or condition and we were scattered on different floors.

I'm not saying it can't happen but guess what I'm trying to say is an issue can happen at any resort so don't dwell on it when deciding where to stay.
jmho, try to book where you'd think you and you're family would have the most fun/most like to try out and if you do have any issues with your villa call mousekeeping &/or maintenance asap. In our experience & many others here as well, any occasions we needed to do something like this our concerns were quickly addressed.

Your son would probably enjoy BWV for its Community Hall activities and boardwalk entertainers in the evening, ESPN Zone is great for video games & sports atmosphere and BCV has movies on the beach some evenings that you can go to as well.

SSR is great too; Grandstand location has its own great pool with interactive water play things & is just a short walk over to the main pool area.

Best wishes on your planning

 

[crisi]

We had two rooms in October and no issues with cleanliness or need for refurb.

Preferred view - the Luna Park area is convienent, but can get loud with the pool noise. A lot of people like to over look the community pool - longer walk down the hallway, but a quieter view. Quieter yet are the rooms that don't overlook any pool at all (I like the croquet lawn). Lower floors are nicer for pool access - BW has lots of stairs that can make your trip easier, but the higher the floor, the less appealing the stairs.

 

[drusba]

Rooms we have had at BWV have been fine. A little wear and tear is noticeable but generally no problems (and ones we have had at different times over the years -- lightbulbs not working, a slow drain, an unusual noise in the air conditioning unit, and an overly loud dryer, were fixed first day we were there each time -- we always do a room inspection upon arrival and call immediately for anything that needs to be repaired). Some have reported rooms in worse shape.

As to refurbishment none has yet been announced but BWV is about due -- last major one was 6 to 7 years ago (took a year and was done in phases) although they have done some things since then -- new couches, new mattresses, some others); also indicating it will likely be soon is that the amount in the annual capital reserve budget for a major refurbishment has now accumulated to an amount that is getting close to the estimated amount needed for a major refurbishment.

Small chance to get either boardwalk or standard view at this late date. More possible for preferred garden or pool (which is about 60% of the rooms) as those can often be available well into the seven month window. Questionable a waitlist would come through if you waitlisted now for May. We have had only boardwalk view since it was adopted as a booking category and mostly had only that view going back to the 1990s but we once overlooked the quiet pool and another time the Luna pool area. Both are fine, the former is the longer walk to the lobby but provides the shortest to MGM if you use stairs rather than elevator. However, if we personally had to choose between the two we would likely choose Luna view but it is not a huge difference. Also reported to be good are the rooms overlooking the Village Green (small number) which have a partial boardwalk view but are not considered boardwalk view.

 

[jmhillrph]

Thanks for the helpful responses that have been given-- they've been reassuring and have me more excited about booking this reservation.

I'm still undecided about which view I might request-- perhaps there's no need to make a request at all as it doesn't appear to me that any of the views would be bad.

A couple of points of clarification for me, though-- I am assuming that "croquet lawn" and "village green" referred to above are one and the same-- is that correct? Is the appeal of these rooms the quiet aspect or the view or both? Also, crisi, you mentioned the Luna Park area can get loud-- is this more likely/problematic at any particular time of day? I probably have a bit of a misimpression based on my limited pool-hopping experience-- on the 2 or 3 occasions we've been there I've always been surprised by how light the crowd has been.

 

[alldiz]

I love BWV. Have been there 2x and I thought the place was fine. My room was in good condition both times. I am not picky though, One time there was a small hole in the carpet near the sliding doors, didn't give it another thought.

I have had a room facing the lawn....which is nice because it is a "boardwalk view". I could see parts of Wishes AND Illuminations.

I also had a room facing the villa pool and TOT....very nice. I lucked out both times without having to walk far.

SSR is nice for the DTD option and walking to any bus for dinner at the resorts. I think all resorts have great things about them. For me my favorites are WLV 1st.....then BWV
Kerri