BWV - Standard vs. Preferred

[auroraarielella]

Since there is a significant point difference from Standard to Preferred for a 2 BR at BWV, (You can just about get a 2 BR Standard for a little more points than a 1BR Preferred), I was wondering what the actual differences are in the units?
I assume the layout and furnishing in the unit are the same, so it becomes a question of what is different?
(1) the view? How bad is a standard view vs. a preferred?
(2) the location? Are they far away from the bus stops/boats?
(3) location in buidling? Are they tucked too far or too close to elevators/public areas/noise?
Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Granny]

The standard view rooms at BWV primarily overlook the entrance driveway and the parking lots in the distance. It's not a "bad" view at all, but certainly not as pretty as overlooking the Boardwalk or the pools and canal.

You are correct, the layouts and furnishings are basically the same for all BWV villas of the same designation.

The difference was created early on when many BWV members became upset with the large difference in room view scenery between this area and the other areas of the BWV. So they created a point difference, and in so doing created one of the best DVC values out there...the BWV Standard View room. That's why these room can be very hard to book without the home booking advantage for much of the year.

 

[auroraarielella]

So, in a nutshell, the difference is view, and not location or furnishings?
And the view isn't a blank wall or a noisy service area?
Sounds like a deal to me.
Now I have to convince my friend who has BWV as her home to make me a ressie at the 11 month window and swap.

 

[Cruelladeville]

As someone who tried standard view twice--and never again, I do need to w arn you that if you like your balcony, you could get over by the tennis courts and the air conditioning units are right by your balcony, and VERY annoying. The second time I was right by the service area, where they are storing the luggage, also very noisy. I will gladly pay the extra points to avoid those two rooms.

 

[Granny]

So, in a nutshell, the difference is view, and not location or furnishings?
And the view isn't a blank wall or a noisy service area?
Sounds like a deal to me.
Now I have to convince my friend who has BWV as her home to make me a ressie at the 11 month window and swap.

Correct, though location is part of the view. But you are really no closer to the amenities (in total) in Preferred Views than in Standard View. Some preferred views have easier access to the pools.

As for the noisy service area, I do believe that a small number of the standard view rooms now are near the storage/unloading area for the Magical Express buses. Those could definitely be noisy and not much to look at, especially the lower floors.

Here's a view I had from a Standard Room balcony looking down the wing of SV rooms:

 

[Simba's Mom]

So, in a nutshell, the difference is view, and not location or furnishings?
And the view isn't a blank wall or a noisy service area?
Sounds like a deal to me.
Now I have to convince my friend who has BWV as her home to make me a ressie at the 11 month window and swap.

Frankly, even for the same # of points, I much preferred the view I had from my standard view studio than from my preferred view. The standard view was at least 1/2 way down the hall, way past the elevators, overlooking the lawn, then the bus stop in the distance. I think it was #3111, or near there. The preferred view was in a corner, and all I saw was down below there was a doorway coming out, and since the studio was in a corner, I saw another part of the building. I'm not sure of the #, but I think it was around 4027 (I've got a map right here, and I see where the room was, but not sure of the #). If I'd been staying there more than one night, I definitely would have complained about my view. Put me back in a standard view, or better yet, I'll take the BW view!

 

[dis-happy]

I stayed in a standard room, very close to one pictured in Granny's photo---overlooking the grassy area on the right (a little farther right than the balconies shown). It was great. Yes, we did hear the ME buses a bit when the balcony door was open, but we also got to watch the Epcot fireworks (high ones) while laying on the bed one night...could hear all the music too. So glad we added on to BWV, and the SV points option is wonderful.

 

[Dean]

So, in a nutshell, the difference is view, and not location or furnishings?
And the view isn't a blank wall or a noisy service area?
Sounds like a deal to me.
Now I have to convince my friend who has BWV as her home to make me a ressie at the 11 month window and swap.

Actually it's location even more than view. The locations that are deemed SV are those that are felt as a group not to have a view. Some are better (and worse) than others and some of the preferred view rooms don't have as good of a view as some of the SV rooms do.

Timeshares in general tend to adhere to this philosophy that location is the view and is not a promise of the type of view from a given unit. For example, I own at an Ocean Front resort in HH where many of the Ocean side units have better views than a portion of the ocean front units.

 

[50 years Too!]

We are going to be in a SV 2 bedroom in March. I don't care how far the walk is, but would like to avoid the noise of elevators and ME luggage loading.
Could anyone warn me which rooms not to get?
Thanks.

 

[jekjones1558]

One of the best things about BWV is the advantages of the different room categories. 2 bedroom SV rooms are a great bargain. When I book multiple 2 bedrooms for big family groups I appreciate the low points. BW view rooms have the best view in all of WDW, IMHO. I love to see Wishes and Illuminations fireworks from the balcony every evening, sleep on the sofabed in the living room and leave the drapes open so I can go to sleep watching an illuminated Spaceship Earth and wake to watch the early park-goers boarding the Friendship boats. I've only been home for a few days and it seems forever since my trip.

 

[LisaS]

We just got back from a stay in a standard-view studio. Our room faced the main pool area behind Leaping Horse Libations. It is classified as a "standard view" because the view of the pool is partially obscured by Leaping Horse. It was a bit noisy since we were on the ground floor steps away from the elevator and doors out to the pool area (lots of hallway traffic) but it wasn't too bad. It was the closest studio to the fitness center which was very handy for us. It was also an HA studio but we managed just fine. The location was really quite convenient.

 

[byoung]

Just had 4005 studio, great view long walk from elevators.