BWV vs. VWL

[Camster0307]

I posted this over at the DVC site - hoping to get more opinions here.

I've just booked a 5-night stay in a studio at VWL. My first choice, though, was the BWV (I'm on the wait list). They just had 1bdrm.available for our stay in June, and since it's just my daughter and I, didn't think we needed all that space.

I'm kind of second-guessing this though. We are truly BW snobs - it's our "home" resort and we stay there every year! We love the night time activity and the closeness to Epcot and MGM. We usually spend most of our evenings in Epcot and really appreciate that quick walk back to the resort.
We also go to MK alot (mostly during the day); so I know being at the VWL will be convenient for that. But considering what we love about the BW, would we find the VWL too boring and quiet? I need someone to "sell" me on this resort.

 

[Booyakasha]

Good questions we had the same problem. We love the BV and BCV too. The conveinece to Epcot and the Studios and all the restaurants is amazing. Getting to MK is a little bit of a pain though. We also like the VWL because of the boat to MK and the quiteness and themings. So our next stay we couldn't make up our minds so we decided to do a split stay with 4 nights at each. We will spend our time at Epcot and the Studios when we are at BV and MK and AK when we are at VWL. AK is a pain to get to anyway. Will let you know how it goes.

B.

 

[fla4fun]

I spent 2 weeks at VWL in September and I'll be spending two weeks at BWV in January. Both resorts have their good points. I feel VWL is more relaxing, simply because there isn't as much going on. But there are tons of activities at FW right next door to keep you from getting bored. Another VWL convenience is that the walkway to the lodge (and the food!) is covered. So when those summer thunderstorms come up, you can get back and forth without getting wet. That may not seem like much, until you're hungry and it's pouring!

If you typically end your days in Epcot, I would lean toward BWV. For some reason, I never seem to mind inconvenient travel to get to a park, but at the end of the day, I want to get to the room NOW. I find when I'm at VWL, I never spend a late night anywhere but MK, and when I'm at either BCV or BWV, I don't spend any late nights at MK or AK.

I think you'll have a good time, whichever resort you end up in. I would ride out the waitlist and if you get in BWV, great. If not, you'll still have a great vacation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I guess I won't be much help because you could call me an anti-BW snob. It's my least favorite resort because of the long corridors and just too much noise and busy-ness. I'd choose VWL over the BWV in a minute.

 

[lisaviolet]

Hey!

A one bedroom is never too much space.

Anyway, I would stick with the VWL. It has so much to offer. It's not just the proximity to the MK. It has great places to eat right nearby as well. And I don't even mean TS which between FW, CR, GF, Poly there are many. CS access is terrific. It's nice to have CS right there at WL - the one downfall to BWV for me. Captain Cook's at Poly is great. Nice atmosphere to sit outside.

Plus, easy access to FW. Campfires and movies. And a nice walk from WL to FW. Also, it's nice to rent a boat from VWL and speed (at Disney speed unfortunately ) around the Bay Lake area. Just having all the other resorts so close is a plus to me. I know that BWV has this as well. But in the MK area they are so diverse.

And for VWL itself you could never leave there and have an outstanding vacation. WL is so beautiful and relaxing.

Have a great time no matter what you decide.

 

[Desnik]

I completely understand where you are coming from. Your reasons were the same reasons we kept staying at the BWV. Then on our last trip we had a few bad experiences and frustrations coupled with a room that was in desperate need of repair(yes I reported it)which made us look at it in a different light. I really don't like the lack of CS options there especially when you are on the DDP. Anyway, we have given other resorts a try and while we love the proximity of the BW, we have found things to love about the other resorts. WL is a beautiful resort and I agree with everything lisaviolet said. An option would be to give the BCV a try! Or how about a split stay or just take the 1 bedroom at BWV?

 

[Camster0307]

Hi all! Thanks for your input.

I did try for a studio at BCV - they too only had 1bdrm. available. I'm not opposed to trying other resorts - we've also stayed at OKW and GF. I just know what we like - and have always appreciated the location of the BW. Never took into account the availability of CS though. Have never done the DDP; was actually thinking of trying it for this trip. Sounds like VWL would offer more in that area.

My question is - do they just offer the boat service to MK? Can you take the buses to the other parks? If we were at Epcot at night, how would we get back - monorail to MK; boat to resort?

 

[Desnik]

They(WL) offer buses to all the parks including MK.

 

[Camster0307]

Hey!

A one bedroom is never too much space.

I hear ya! But I'm also booking a stay for mid-Nov. Will definitely need the 1 Bdrm. then - will have my older daughter for that trip - she's in a wheelchair so I DEFINITELY appreciate the space then.!

 

[DebbieB]

I own at BWV and it's my #1. However, a couple of years ago friends invited me to stay at VWL. I'm really not a "wilderness" type of girl but I really enjoyed it. It's nice to try something different for a change.

 

[Camster0307]

I own at BWV and it's my #1. However, a couple of years ago friends invited me to stay at VWL. I'm really not a "wilderness" type of girl but I really enjoyed it. It's nice to try something different for a change.

That is EXACTLY my concern! My daughter and I are not real "woodsie"-type of people. Was wondering if it would be too much at the VWL.