Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge

michaeldorn1

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Apr 7, 2009
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Hello All! We are planning our WDW trip for next Summer and want to know your opinions - We have not been to Wilderness Lodge and have wanted to. We are gonna be using DVC points to stay at either Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek. Which do you think is better/nicer? Or is there really any difference? Thanks for any Magical advice you have!!
 
Are you looking at studio or a larger room?

Copper Creek has been recently "added"/transformed in the actual hotel side and Boulder is it's own separate building, but is older and does show that. You can see the pics online. The rooms at Boulder are slightly larger.

A Boulder studio is set up to fit 5 people whereas Copper only fits 4.

The Wilderness Lodge itself is beautiful and we love it. There is a boat ride to MK as well as the regular bus transportation.
 
Are you looking at studio or a larger room?

Copper Creek has been recently "added"/transformed in the actual hotel side and Boulder is it's own separate building, but is older and does show that. You can see the pics online. The rooms at Boulder are slightly larger.

A Boulder studio is set up to fit 5 people whereas Copper only fits 4.

The Wilderness Lodge itself is beautiful and we love it. There is a boat ride to MK as well as the regular bus transportation.
We are getting a Studio (all we can afford, unfortunately) I like that Boulder has the "turndown" bed in the wall for extra sleeping. In your opinion which has the better views? We definitely don't want like a parking lot view. But, Lake views, Pool Views, or a high floor with possible views of the MK fireworks are good? I've also heard that there are some Studios at CC that are kind of a corner unit that are much larger than the regular Studios, is that true?!
 
We are getting a Studio (all we can afford, unfortunately) I like that Boulder has the "turndown" bed in the wall for extra sleeping. In your opinion which has the better views? We definitely don't want like a parking lot view. But, Lake views, Pool Views, or a high floor with possible views of the MK fireworks are good? I've also heard that there are some Studios at CC that are kind of a corner unit that are much larger than the regular Studios, is that true?!


I would say chances of a better view will be from Copper just based on the building layout. They had to take a bunch of trees out for the Cabin construction so depending on the regrowth you may have a chance at seeing something toward MK. There is also the boat dock area that has a few benches where you can see the Electrical Water Pageant - also could sit or eat at Geyser Point which is by the water.

Our experience with Boulder is that we had views of trees or garbage removal area. haha I'm sure others could tell you they had a better view.

I wouldn't count of fireworks views though. It's just too much of a gamble based on room location.

Those corner rooms at Copper are rare but are also awesome. You can find YouTube videos doing reviews of them - I can't think of the room numbers off hand.

Copper is going to give you views of either pool - there is 1 on either side of that section.
 

You stay at CCV or BRV because you like the Wilderness Lodge. You cannot really go wrong with either choice. Sometimes it comes down to what is available. CCV is newer, noisier, and has smaller rooms as it was a hotel conversion. BRV is older, quieter (in my experience), has slightly bigger rooms and is due for a renovation. The renovation has been postponed at least a couple of times. If there are newly renovated rooms at BRV by next summer (certainly possible), I would stay there as they will be getting the murphy bed instead of the pullout sofa.
 
I have had some lovely views at BRV. Key thing to know at BRV is that the hallways can be long. But the layouts are far more reliable - the CCV studios are all over the place for layout, and while the alternate layout is nice (but not bookable - it's luck) some of the layouts are just squeezed tight.
 
I have had some lovely views at BRV. Key thing to know at BRV is that the hallways can be long. But the layouts are far more reliable - the CCV studios are all over the place for layout, and while the alternate layout is nice (but not bookable - it's luck) some of the layouts are just squeezed tight.
Do you know if there is any place that lists the square footage of each room? I don't see that on Touring Plans website
 
Do you know if there is any place that lists the square footage of each room? I don't see that on Touring Plans website
the reason TP doesn't is because at CCV you have the Studio, the Reversed Studio, and the Alternate studio, plus you throw in that some are shower-only versus tub with shower. The size of the dedicated studios is often different than that for the lock-offs. The declaration floor plans don't have the square footage but they are typically small - 330-340 square feet. BRV is 356 or so, which isn't a lot larger, but the floor plans and baths are far more homogenous.

https://dvcnews.com/index.php/resor...eek-villa-details-point-requirements-and-more
 
We recently returned from a stay at CC and we loved it! Now we had a 2 bedroom, so size really wasn't an issue for us. We liked to convenience of the all the hotel amenities and we had a nice peaceful view of the DVC pool and the BR building and the lake. We were at the end of the hall so super quick walk down to either pool, Roaring Forks, Geyser Point and the boats. I didn't mind the walk to the room much since it was A/C! Even the walk out to the car was not bad at all. I do NOT like rustic style, so the more rustic/modern style of CC appealed to me much more than the BR style. There was an AWESOME view of the fireworks right outside the front doors of the resort, plus they pipe in the music.
 
Do you know if there is any place that lists the square footage of each room? I don't see that on Touring Plans website

The "DVC Shop" website has a spot on it to see actual square footage of rooms...

We spent almost 2 weeks in a BR Studio last month. I would definitely stay in CC if I had it to do again. BR is way past due for a refurbishment! Enjoy your stay.
 
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Does anyone know the square footage of the Alternate Studios at CC? I'm finding only the generic s.f. for the average studio there.
Just curious. I know the odds of getting one of those is very low, but think they are pretty cool anyway!
 
I've owned at VWL for a decade and a half...oh, sorry--yes, some people call them BRV now but I will always refer to them as the original VWL. pirate: On to your inquiry...

All the major enjoyment points about the Wilderness Lodge hold true for both CCV and VWL: the lovely ambiance, the majestic music, the stunning architecture, the beautiful landscaping, and the overall sense of serenity you get there. Both DVC resorts share all the amenities, as well, such as the pools, Roaring Fork, Geyser Point, et. al. As someone posted earlier, you can't go wrong with either choice, truly.

In particular, CCV has updated interiors, though the studios are slightly smaller than at VWL. The latter is due for a refurb which is reportedly going to happen next year, and that might factor into your decision if so. Some current rooms at VWL are in fine shape--others are showing their age. However, overall, those rooms at the old building (it's connected by a covered walkway) are quieter and seem somehow more peaceful. The views from studios at VWL will either be lake/pool side or simply facing the woods on the other side of the building. Lake/Pool side rooms are our preferred view, though looking out into woods is relaxing, as well. The hallways really aren't that long, especially if you've ever stayed at BCV or AKV, though the final 2-3 rooms on either side do offer views of the dumpster (lake view side) or the linen collection area (woods view). In my opinion, the higher rooms on the lake view side are the best, and you can see EWP from most rooms on the lake side. At one time, years ago, you could see the higher explosions from Wishes if you stood on your balcony on the lake side. I haven't attempted to do such for quite some time now since fireworks stopped for a long time.

As for CCV, you have a little quicker access to the eateries (except GP which is equidistant between CCV and VWL). The views at CCV will largely be either the main pool (north side) or somewhat overlooking the secondary pool and the VWL building (south side). Again, they are newer but I don't particularly care for the thematic elements in them--seem too modern given it's called the Wilderness Lodge. The dock to catch the boat to MK is closer to CCV, though it's only an extra couple of minutes to get there from VWL. The bus stop is essentially the same distance from both resorts as it sits between them.

Finally, the restaurants. Whispering Canyon Cafe is a solid place to eat, certainly plenty to eat if you like BBQ-like fare done well enough. Roaring Fork used to be one of the better QS places, but since it reopened after CCV was built, it's mediocre at best. Geyser Point is quite good, but it can get crowded and doesn't offer either mobile ordering (unless that has changed recently) or ADRs. Essentially, it's first come, first served--though you can put your name on a list to be texted when a spot opens. The menu is fairly limited, but the food is good, as are the drinks.

In the end, it likely boils down to which one has availability and whether you want to be closer to the main Lodge or enjoy the touch more tranquility of being in a separate building. Have fun!
 
Does anyone know the square footage of the Alternate Studios at CC? I'm finding only the generic s.f. for the average studio there.
Just curious. I know the odds of getting one of those is very low, but think they are pretty cool anyway!

PCDev has a video on YouTube from one of those corner studios. It's From August 21, 2020 if you want to check that out. His room # was 2115. Looking at the Touring Plans hotel map- there are only 6 of those rooms. 2115, 3115, 4115, 5115, 6115, and 7115. You could try requesting it, but still unlikely. I requested it for my trip last fall and was not successful.

We own at Copper Creek and love it. Still feels new, but the studio did feel small compared to other studios. I would be willing to give Boulder Ridge a try after a refurb- but not in its current state.
 
Boulder Ridge has a cozier lobby, nooks and crannies to hide away in, pictures of trains...
It also has the better name, and merchandise. I love Copper Creek, our contract is there, but as we will never be able to afford the cabins I wish they'd take it off the title 😉
 
Thanks for any Magical advice you have!!
If the sleeping capacity is not make-or-break, I'd base it on the vibe you are looking for. CCV is more active because it is part of the "main" resort. BRV is more of a respite as it is in a building off to the side a little bit.

I happen to lean BRV, because I like WL precisely because it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Parks. But, others might feel differently.

The views form BRV can be lovely. Here's a sunrise from my 50th birthday/1st year sober trip, from a 1BR on the top floor, lakeside:

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