Decisions decisions.....BW or BC

[blujaymama]

I'm reposting for another location - sorry if you've seen this already!
Planning our next trip for May. We have DVC and Its me, my DH, DS along with my family (4 adults). DS is 5 now and to save points we don't think we need a 2 BR villa and can a manage with 2 studios but I can't decide on locations. We've stayed at WL, AKL, SS and loved them all. BW and BC are available and we want to try something new. BW has a gorgeous setting/view with a walking/ boat potential. The pool doesn't seem that exciting and while there are food places, there's no quick service caf. style location ( remember we aren't going to have a kitchen this time). BC has an amazing pool set up, quick service food ,quick walk/ boat options but seems "ehhh" on the setting. What are peoples thoughts? We tend to park in the morning, pool mid day and park again with the little man so we will definitely be back and forth. Thanks in advance!

 

[jimandami]

Have stayed at both and would do BC for sure. The pool is much better, there is quick service on at the Marketplace, and I think the setting is great!

 

[vettegirl]

We have stayed at the BC once and are headed back again in Dec. For us the deal breaker is SOB. I know in December we won't be using it probably but are hoping for at least a day or two. I feel the BW is a lovely resort, but I do not care for their pool area at all. Also BC is just a little closer to WS.

 

[figment_jii]

In terms of location, they're pretty much a wash to me. They're both very close to Epcot and (technically) walkable to DHS.

The pool at the BC is markedly better than the one at the BW.

The boat is much better at the BW because you can watch for it from inside the store. So if it's hot, humid, and/or raining, you can wait somewhere air conditioned before heading down to the dock when you see the boat leave the YC (if heading to Epcot) or coming into view (if heading to DHS). At the BC, the boat dock is situated in front of the YC, so you'll have to walk there each time. Using the boat won't save you much walking if heading to Epcot.

In terms of QS foods, the Marketplace was good. I haven't tried the new Boardwalk Bakery, but it looks good. The pre-refurb version was pretty good for sandwiches and snacks.

I liked the look of both resorts, but for different reasons. So in the end, it probably comes down to SAB (pool) versus transportation (boats) to me. If you want to visit SAB, then you have to stay at the BC. If you're ambivalent about the pool, then I would go with the BW because the boat transportation is better.

 

[JasonMouse]

What is SOB? I have reservations for the BW Villas, because it's among the cheaper rates in Jan/Feb, love EPCOT, kinda wanted a microwave for some cheap/quick breakfasts, and we've never stayed there. We're non-DVC so we stay wherever.

I don't think either BC or BW Villas have been remodeled yet correct? So they are both the same older layout, "normal" feeling hotel rooms. I say this because it appears BW Inn has been remodeled and they look so much nicer. Two bathroom sinks! lol! But seriously both settings are really cool -- I don't know what you mean about ehhh! There are no ehhhs at the BC! I prefer Beach Club because we've stayed there a bunch at both the BC and BC Villa.

However we did walk around BW last time and really felt it would be nice to stay there. Still undecided because I'm looking at anything under $250/night - hard to choose between walking distance to EPCOT or saving only a few $$$ for AKL (usually the cheapest Deluxe) or a moderate. Kinda tired of the Value resorts.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would choose the BC. We've never been but are staying there in August.

I chose it because of the awesome pool and location. We like that there is a QS in the resort and Hurricane Hanna's at the pool. Also Epcot is such a close walk getting food isn't a problem.

And the pool is just awesome!

 

[figment_jii]

What is SOB?

Stormalong Bay is the name of the pool area that is shared between the Beach Club and Yacht Club.

 

[ttfn3]

My preference between the 2 would be the Boardwalk. The pool area is much easier to watch a 5 year old. Not as crowded and more "contained" than SAB. Nice community room. Room views are also better from the villas. I really liked a top floor studio that I had facing the village green. Nice view and close to the elevator. I made breakfast in the room. Plenty of options for lunch/dinner in the boardwalk area and easy to get to BC and other resorts nearby. The evening entertainment on the BW is really fun - especially for a 5 year old.

 

[kmorlock]

I'm reposting for another location - sorry if you've seen this already!
Planning our next trip for May. We have DVC and Its me, my DH, DS along with my family (4 adults). DS is 5 now and to save points we don't think we need a 2 BR villa and can a manage with 2 studios but I can't decide on locations. We've stayed at WL, AKL, SS and loved them all. BW and BC are available and we want to try something new. BW has a gorgeous setting/view with a walking/ boat potential. The pool doesn't seem that exciting and while there are food places, there's no quick service caf. style location ( remember we aren't going to have a kitchen this time). BC has an amazing pool set up, quick service food ,quick walk/ boat options but seems "ehhh" on the setting. What are peoples thoughts? We tend to park in the morning, pool mid day and park again with the little man so we will definitely be back and forth. Thanks in advance!

Been to BW Villas, ok, better views but, unless you are near the one bank of elevators, the walk could be looooong! Also, BCV has a handful of 2bdrms that offer two queen beds in the 2nd bedroom rather than 1bed, 1 sofa bed. Depending on your group's needs, that might be a nice option. FYI - BCV should be under refurb sometime in the near future once BC is 50-75% done.

 

[jcjen519]

We have stayed at both, the villas at both and club level at both. beach club is a nice resort but we love bw. while sab is cool I suppose we much prefer the boardwalk pool. sab is actually low on the list as I found it really hard to keep an eye on our son who is 5 (was almost 4 when we stayed there)

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

Have stayed at both and would do BC for sure. The pool is much better, there is quick service on at the Marketplace, and I think the setting is great!

I agree. We love the BC. It also has QS at Hurricane Hanna's by the pool.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Have you considered SSR or OKW? Both those two bedrooms should require fewer points than the BCV or BWV two bedroom. OKW would have two queen beds in the second bedroom (whether lockoff or dedicated). You also have the twin sleeper chair in the living room at OKW.

Buses are pretty good from OKW and SSR.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Bc is one of my favorite resorts on property. I find the setting to be wonderful, the location to perfect, walking distance to EPCOT, boats, food, and my favorite - the POOL. IMHO, the pool is a reason to stay there in itself. And, even better you can experience the BW as its only a walk away!

Good Luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[TowMater92]

What is SOB? I have reservations for the BW Villas, because it's among the cheaper rates in Jan/Feb, love EPCOT, kinda wanted a microwave for some cheap/quick breakfasts, and we've never stayed there. We're non-DVC so we stay wherever.

I don't think either BC or BW Villas have been remodeled yet correct? So they are both the same older layout, "normal" feeling hotel rooms. I say this because it appears BW Inn has been remodeled and they look so much nicer. Two bathroom sinks! lol! But seriously both settings are really cool -- I don't know what you mean about ehhh! There are no ehhhs at the BC! I prefer Beach Club because we've stayed there a bunch at both the BC and BC Villa.

However we did walk around BW last time and really felt it would be nice to stay there. Still undecided because I'm looking at anything under $250/night - hard to choose between walking distance to EPCOT or saving only a few $$$ for AKL (usually the cheapest Deluxe) or a moderate. Kinda tired of the Value resorts.

BW villas have been refurbished. The rooms have much better views at the BW then the BC. There is quick service at the BW in the bakery, pizza window and to go cart. The bakery was just expanded and has more food options. I will agree SOB is the best pool at WDW but the pool at the BW is fun and the slide is fun. You can't go wrong with either villa

 

[robndani]

Beach Club! Have stayed at both, and while I like the BW, Stormalong Bay is awesome! We were just there and kept pushing back our plans (or rushing them along) to go back to the hotel.

ENJOY!

 

[raddisneyfan]

If you are purely going for pool, I would say the Beach Club. I just stayed there last year and was very disappointed with the quality of the room--so, of course, they are rehabbing them this year. However, the room I got was really, really, really, really close to International Gateway, and I certainly liked that. I'm actually going to stay at the Boardwalk Inn in February since I'm assuming the current room rehab will be complete by Feb. I can't wait. It will be a little further from the International Gateway then BC, but it will be a shorter walk to HS than the BC. I'm sure you'll have a great time either way!

 

[blujaymama]

Thanks for everyone's suggestion and thoughts!!! I called last week and there was availability at both. Called Friday and there was NONE! At either! In 2- studios or 1- 2 BR. I went on the wait list but I'm so bummed out really wanted this for my parents. We figured we would wait on the list for a few months and then if no luck book at SS or somewhere else.....anyone ever luck out w using a wait list?

 

[clapton]

Have you considered either BLT or VWL? Both great resorts and BLT is a short walk to MK. Having stayed at every DVC except OKW, I do prefer the Epcot location but it always seems the hardest to get! Good luck!