Can you share your opinions on these hotels?

[rubymom]

Double post. Sorry!

 

[Cee]

I chose BWV simply because we love going for F & W Festival and it's SO convenient to Epcot. Otherwise, we love OKW for the beauty and relaxing ambiance. Plus, the villas are HUGE.

 

[twebber55]

i chose beach club..awesome pool and close to epcot and studios..love that whole area around the boardwalk...btw all are great resorts

 

[Brian Noble]

It really depends on what you are looking for. So far, I've stayed at BWV, VWL, and OKW. Each has its distinct advantages.

BWV: Smack in the middle of the action. Very lively, several dining options. Close to Epcot and Studios.
VWL: A relaxing escape. Theme seems "cool" even in summer. Lovely boat ride to MK.
OKW: Best units in the DVC system---large, well-appointed---with most convenient parking. "Island time" even more relaxing than VWL. Boat to DTD opens up tons of dinner options.

Of the three, I have a soft spot for VWL. But, that's just me. Everyone will have a different "favorite" resort, and all of them have something going for them. So, pick the one that speaks to *you*, or offers you the "vibe" you are looking for.

 

[AKLFan3]

I am a bit biased since my family owns at AKV, but even before it became a DVC resort, it was my favorite. The ambiance, restaurants, ANIMALS...it is the most unique resort on property. It is also one of the newer resorts, so it is very clean. When I stayed at OKW and BCV, I thought the rooms were rather grubby and needed refurbishment. My second favorite resort is VWL because it is very cozy. I think I just like the "lodge" theme.

 

[DizDays]

I struggled with this between Beach Club and Animal Kingdom Villas. Really close for me. They are both so unique and it depends on the time of year as well as what we're seeking from our vacation. If we come off a long run at work of long hours and high stress, it's always AKV - the resort is so peaceful and serene and it feels like you're in another world far away from everything. If we're in the party or park mood, it's Beach Club.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I chose OKW, as I will be there with my party of 6 in just, yes 45 days! Needed OKW for this trip for the room and resort amenities. We are doing a Disney park hopper day, a day at Universal (both Parks), a day at Blizzard Beach, another day for Extreme Go-Karts & Outlet Mall shopping!

My son would have chosen BWV, he loves being in the thick of things, amidst the action, though he still loves OKW!

We love AKV-Kidani and SSR as well!

In the end I pick which ever resort has room when I want to go!

 

[Island Mouse]

For me the answer changes depending on the situation. When you are going, how far in advance you are booking, what you plan to do on vacation (park heavy trip or relaxed), who is traveling, etc. You can make a case for any of the resorts depending on the situation. But I chose VWL because regardless of the situation, it's so darn majestic and nice!

 

[SINK]

We own at the following places:

Beach Club
Broadwalk
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge

We have stayed at all DVC resorts in Orlando, and got to say, we love Broadwalk view accomodations. We will be finally staying in the Grand Villa there in November (we have done the grand villa at Old Key West twice and the treehouse villas).

 

[dianeschlicht]

Are you asking about "hotels" or timeshares? Since some of your choices are part of hotels and some are only timeshares, I'm going to assume you mean timeshares. Given that, I am also going to assume you mean at least a 1 bedroom villa or larger. Also given that, I would rank the choices in an order, but the poll was not set up in a way for me to do that.

Given the above assumptions, my rankings are:
#1-OKW
#2-AKV/Kidani
#3-BCV
#4-VWL
#5-SSR
#6-BWV
#7-BLT

 

[dgaston]

I picked Beach Club mostly because it's the one I haven't been to in a while. Each resort is wonderful for some reason. Beach Club is wonderful when you have time to enjoy Stormalong Bay, or the easy access to Epcot.

 

[downontheBW]

You didn't say what you were looking for in a resort so I'll just give my opinion on the 5 choices. I have many "favorites", it depends on what we're doing on that trip; I voted for BWV. Disclaimer: we own BWV but have stayed at AKV (Jambo), BWV and OKW, and non-DVC rooms at WL and BC.

Animal Kingdom Villas:
Beautiful resort, a bit far from the parks (except AK and BB), pools are nice, great restaurants. Great for a relaxing vacation.

Boardwalk Villas:
Great mix of location (EP & DHS) and plenty of restaurants close by; enjoy walking the Boardwalk. I'd pick either a room with a view of the Boardwalk or a standard room to save points.

Wilderness Lodge:
Very nice relaxing resort, quiet, remote except for MK. Not much of a view from the rooms. Easy boat ride to MK, Contemporary, GF and Poly. The path from WL to the boat dock is exquisite!

Beach Club Villas:
Very close to Epcot (and DHS), Stormalong Bay, plenty of restaurants close by. Not much of a view from the rooms.

Old Key West:
Large rooms, love the boat to DD (take it every day), quiet but not that far from parks. Easy parking next to each building. My DH's favorite resort.

My suggestion is to pick one to stay at and visit the others. Each resort is an experience in itself!

 

[delaneyc52]

BWV with the Boardwalk view will always be my first love, but ya know what? ...I just love them all. I cannot begin to tell you the fun we had at AKV and the super savanna pictures we were able to get .... Beach Club was so relaxing and sitting on the beach at night is so wonderful. What's not to like about Wilderness Lodge? The show on the lake at night...the fabulous lodge..all wonderful. And last but not least Old Key West...comfy like an old slipper and watching the golfers miss their putts!!! And hey ... how about SSR? if you are in the Congress area and at the quiet pool you can look at DTD and listen to the music. I just love WDW.

 

[Kewz1]

I picked BWV because it's our home resort and I really love it there. But, I've stayed at all the resorts you listed and they are all great. I really don't think you can make a bad choice.

Kristen

 

[mickeys girl 52]

Beach Club is "Home" for me. I go to other Resorts and Enjoy them all but always split the stay with 4 nights at Beach Club

 

[KS_Disney_Dad]

We loved OKW on our last trip and are headed to AKL this year. I voted AKL based on decor, theme, etc. Ask me after I've stayed at them all and I'll have a better answer for you.

 

[jarestel]

Considering only the resorts without any external factors in the mix:

1) AKV (animal views - no other resort has this)
2) OKW (fabulous rooms, nice views)
3) BWV (for the Boardwalk view)
4) VWL (theming)
5) BCV

When you start to consider the external factors this list might get re-prioritized. For example some people place great significance on the shape of the container the pool water comes in. Others place importance on the ability to walk to theme parks or other close by attractions. Proximity to restaurants is a plus to many as well. It really all depends on the things each family values when it comes to choosing a resort.

Good luck!

 

[wifey]

Just wanted to say I think Wildeness Lodge is due a refurbishment in 2014 so I would wait before booking it. We did research this hotel very recently and it has many mixed reviews ...mostly complaining about noise levels and mildew in the bathrooms I grant you but no one wants a noise disturbance when they need to rest and sleep.

Do your research into your other options too and remember there are good and not so good rooms at every Disney hotel just as at any chain hotel group.

Check out travel times from each location to the parks and read up on the restaurants they offer and typical menu offerings. While the Animal Kingdom Lodge is stunning and perfect to see the animals from your hotel the food there may not suit every family and even though it's close to AK it could take a while to get to other parks or restaurants if you don't drive.

Boardwalk Villas look good , great rooms ( if your budget allows ) and is ideally situated for Epcot and Hollywood Studios just a short walk away as is the Beach Club and Yatch Club, great dining choices at these locations too and the lovely pools etcetera.

OKW and SSR look less themed from the outside but they are relaxed without guests feeling cramped in .

The Polynesian was looking a bit dated the last time we saw it ,despite its closeness to Magic Kingdom and monorail access , some of the rooms may need a bit of TLC by now this resort is getting on in years but I still love it.

Can't comment on vacation club properties as we have never been able to try them out. All I can say is buy some guide books and read forums to decide what suits your family and your budget best.