Did I make the right choice? BWV?

[vdub322]

We booked in Spring for our January 2013 trip, and at first we were booked at AKV (our home resort). We went back and forth about trying something new (while staying within our points) and decided to stay in the Epcot resort area for the first time. We are currently booked at Boardwalk Villas in a 1 BR standard view from 1/24-1/31. Did we make the right decision? I keep reading complaints about the hallways, views, dated decor, etc. We love Epcot and DHS, so I was looking forward to being so close. Is it worth it or should I go back to AKV?

 

[disneynutz]

IMO the best view at BWV is the Boardwalk View. You should really try all of the resorts and as a owner you will have plenty of time to do so.

Bill

 

[vdub322]

I wish we had the points for the boardwalk view. Unfortunately we don't after our big 2012 trip. Hopefully it will still be worth it!

 

[Granny]

Did we make the right decision? I keep reading complaints about the hallways, views, dated decor, etc. We love Epcot and DHS, so I was looking forward to being so close. Is it worth it or should I go back to AKV?

First off, you are taking the complaints on these boards WAY too seriously. Keep in mind that people tend to post complaints much more than they post compliments about a resort. Just human nature.

We bought at VWL and love it there. Our second DVC trip we stayed at the BWV. Shortly after that trip we bought a contract there. It is a great resort and I bet you have a great time. You'll really enjoy being able to walk to EPCOT and DHS, especially after Illuminations as the bus and monorail lines form and you're back at your resort in no time!

Stop stressing about posts with bad experiences. EVERY DVC resort has had reports of issues and if you only read those you'd think we all joined the worst vacation club in the world. But in the vast majority of times, people are happy with their DVC purchase and resorts.

If you go with an attitude that a less than perfect view or a little walk from the elevators isn't going to make you feel like you made a bad choice, then you will certainly have an awesome trip. Good luck!

 

[vdub322]

First off, you are taking the complaints on these boards WAY too seriously. Keep in mind that people tend to post complaints much more than they post compliments about a resort. Just human nature.

We bought at VWL and love it there. Our second DVC trip we stayed at the BWV. Shortly after that trip we bought a contract there. It is a great resort and I bet you have a great time. You'll really enjoy being able to walk to EPCOT and DHS, especially after Illuminations as the bus and monorail lines form and you're back at your resort in no time!

Stop stressing about posts with bad experiences. EVERY DVC resort has had reports of issues and if you only read those you'd think we all joined the worst vacation club in the world. But in the vast majority of times, people are happy with their DVC purchase and resorts.

If you go with an attitude that a less than perfect view or a little walk from the elevators isn't going to make you feel like you made a bad choice, then you will certainly have an awesome trip. Good luck!

You are so right...it is easy sometimes to get wrapped up in all the negative reviews and experiences because they do seem to be more prominent than the positive ones. We are "try it for yourself" kind of people, and any Disney resort I have ever stayed at has been wonderful. We know what we are getting into with standard view, and I'm thankful to spend a week in any 1 BR for 156 points!

 

[magicaldisney]

We love BWV. We enjoy taking in the sites, sounds and entertainment that comes with the Boardwalk and the walk to Epcot is wonderful. Don't give it a second thought!!

 

[ercrbc]

We were there the same time last January and had a wonderful visit! We are fairly new members also (joined in 2010) and have stayed at AKV, BWV, OKW, HHI and WLV. We have enjoyed every resort very much, I asked my 7yo if she liked WLV better than OKW or BWV. She made a confused face and said she liked ALL of them. Like duh, mom, it's Disney!

I think it depends on the type of trip you are planning to which resort is best. We stayed at the BWV for just 3 days so it was great to go to one park during the day and then walk into Epcot each evening for a few hrs. We took the boats and walked to DHS and Epcot, we wandered around the BW, enjoyed the character meal at the Swan (or Dolphin?), my kids loved the pool (yes, even in Jan!). We did have a BW view, but honestly, I would have enjoyed the trip just as much with pool or standard (maybe a teensy bit more with standard to have saved the extra pts!). But it was overcast and we were on the 2nd floor so the view wasn't near what some others probably are.

But to answer your question, no, I don't think you made a mistake! Enjoy the BWV

 

[TSMMANIAC]

I often book other resorts and always end up back at the BW. We love to walk to HS. Remember in a standard view the further from the elevators down the long hallways the closer you are to HS. I always request far, far from elevators. You will love the Boardwalk!

 

[sechelt]

I've only been to WDW twice but one of those was a January stay at BWV in a standard view room. Sure we overlooked the entrance but no big deal to us. We often people watched on the balcony but really, we weren't inside the room much. Loved being able to walk to Epcot and HS or take the boats. My only disappointment, not a complaint, was no counter service eating area like at SSR. With a 1 bedroom, you'll probably be preparing your own meals anyway. You'll love BWV!

 

[drusba]

As to long hallways, it was true that BWV used to have the longest walk down an internal hallway to end rooms of any DVC resort. But then came AKV at which you are an owner. The longest walk at BWV is less than 1/3 of what it is from lobby to end rooms at Kidani.

As to standard view, it is actually decent, but for standard rooms now what you will mostly see is large trees since they have grown up in the front of the resort. You also have a chance of view of tennis courts and Hollywood Studios.

As to decor of rooms go here and view pictures of 1BR taken since the refurb from two years ago; if you don't like what you see change ressie: http://www.oyster.com/orlando/hotels/disney-boardwalk-villas/photos/one-bedroom-villa/show/#image=0

Location is ideal; boardwalk is fun and you have choice of restaurants at the resort; also consider that you are actually within walking distance of about two dozen restaurants -- the ones at the Epcot resorts, Epcot and Studios.. Pool is fine although you might not be able to use it much in January.

 

[wiigirl]

I wish we had the points for the boardwalk view. Unfortunately we don't after our big 2012 trip. Hopefully it will still be worth it!

Its always worth it!

 

[castle1]

We love BWV. Our last visit we had a 1Bdr standard view and had a great view of Epcot's fireworks. I believe it was room 3117. There were stairs at the end of the hall that we took to get to main level. And from there, it was a short walk to bus stop. It is also great to be able to walk to Epcot and HS! Enjoy your visit!

 

[Jackie Psarianos]

We love staying at the BoardWalk Villas, the location alone is unparalleled. Here are some aspects we consider. We are not DVC members, and usually book through our Hilton timeshare through RCI.

-We pay extra for and request the inner courtyard that also has a view of the dock. This view is directly opposite the BoardWalk Inn. Being close to the lobby, or elevators really helps us out with our son, who is autistic,

-We always order light groceries from Garden Grocer for those quick breakfasts and snacks (we are eaters),

-Take advantage of the Belle Vue Lounge (BoardWalk Inn side), especially in the morning before you head out to the theme parks, because they have hot coffee, cocoa, tea, muffins, scones and the like, making for a quick breakfast, or you can go down to the BoardWalk Bakery for their Quick Service meal options. During inclement weather, I always go down and pick up food and bring it back up to our room, as the seating offered is outdoors.

-The BoardWalk pool is a lot of fun and my kids love the water coaster type slide.

-Car rentals are nearby at the Swan and Dolphin and the convenience store/gas station with less expensive snacks is right across the street.

-Getting to another resort is super easy, just walk over to Disney Hollywood Studios or grab the Friendship Boat over and then head over to the resort bus stops.

-Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club is directly across the lagoon and The Kitchen Sink is always a great treat!

-Catch Illuminations from EPCOT right from the BoardWalk Promenade while enjoying an ice-cream, not to mention all the nightly entertainment along the Promenade itself.

Hope this helps you a little.

It's a whole new experience over at the BoardWalk!

 

[Caren90]

No one can tell you what you do or do not like until you have experienced it for yourself.

Consider this trip a "fact finding" mission to determine whether BWV is on your top list of places to stay at Disney. Be honest about the things you like and dislike based upon YOUR travel interests and needs.

Have fun.
Stephen

Disclaimer: I don't mind the hallways or the Creepy Clown slide.

 

[LisaS]

I wish we had the points for the boardwalk view. Unfortunately we don't after our big 2012 trip. Hopefully it will still be worth it!

We usually book boardwalk view but on our trip earlier this month we wanted to stay an extra night and were short of points so I booked Standard View. We got a great view and enjoyed the trip just as much as we always do. I posted a photo of our view in this thread of BWV standard views in post #45.

Yes the hallways are long but it's worth it to get further away from the main entrance where the baggage handling can be noisy. Plus we had a great view of the fireworks from our room. If you don't mind using the stairs, it's a short walk to the bus stop from many of the Standard View rooms.

 

[PlutoBaby]

We've stayed at the BWV many times and have loved it every time. Even when our room wound up at the very end of the longest hallway in existence! It's so convenient and has everything you need right there on the Boardwalk - restaurants, shopping, gym, pool, etc. And you have the choice of either walking or taking the boat to DHS or Epcot. The only negative I can think of is sometimes you have to share a bus to the parks and end up stopping at the Dolphin/Swan (one stop) and then Yacht and Beach Clubs. So by the time you actually get on the road to either MK, AK, or DD, another 15-20 minutes has gone by. Just plan accordingly, and you'll be fine.

 

[jimmytammy]

We love BWV though we have only stayed there once. We stayed in 1 bed standard almost as far down the hall as you could go, very near the tennis courts. Advantage was we could head out the door and be near HS in about 7 mins. Or we could walk other way and be in Epcot in about 7 mins. We had our car, so real near the parking lot at that end.

You are removed enough from the BW noise at night, yet have the advantages of all that BW offers.

I say go for it!!

 

[goofy4tink]

I love BWV...I own there, so that's a good thing. It's the one resort my dh said he would consider buying DVC at. So, we did!!!
Yes, it has long hallways, but I have to tell you...BW no longer holds the title of longest resort hallways. Kidani holds that one. My friend and I walked to the far end of Kidani once....we practically had to go back to our room and take a nap afterwards. It made BWV look like an amble in a small park!!!

The only thing I don't care for at BWV is the lack of quick dining. The other DVC resorts have places you can grab something very easily. At BW, you have to take your mug with you, get your drink in a paper cup and then pour it into your mug..drives me nuts. It would be nice if they put something in at BWV that is like the Marketplace over at BCV. Not huge but at least it's something.

Other than that, I love everything about BWV...even like the standard view villas.

 

[DVCTiff]

Well I hope you didn't really want to be talked out of your trip because this thread just made me all the more excited for our April trip at BWV. We honeymooned at the Yacht Club so we already know how fabulous the location is. That whole area holds a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to head back and stay in our BWV studio for my nephew's Spring Break.

 

[vdub322]

We were there the same time last January and had a wonderful visit! We are fairly new members also (joined in 2010) and have stayed at AKV, BWV, OKW, HHI and WLV. We have enjoyed every resort very much, I asked my 7yo if she liked WLV better than OKW or BWV. She made a confused face and said she liked ALL of them. Like duh, mom, it's Disney!

I think it depends on the type of trip you are planning to which resort is best. We stayed at the BWV for just 3 days so it was great to go to one park during the day and then walk into Epcot each evening for a few hrs. We took the boats and walked to DHS and Epcot, we wandered around the BW, enjoyed the character meal at the Swan (or Dolphin?), my kids loved the pool (yes, even in Jan!). We did have a BW view, but honestly, I would have enjoyed the trip just as much with pool or standard (maybe a teensy bit more with standard to have saved the extra pts!). But it was overcast and we were on the 2nd floor so the view wasn't near what some others probably are.

But to answer your question, no, I don't think you made a mistake! Enjoy the BWV

Thanks for the feedback! I am very excited and I have no clue why I was having any doubts last night. It's great to hear you got to swim in January...we hope we have that option. As northerners we will consider swimming in anything warmer than 65!

I often book other resorts and always end up back at the BW. We love to walk to HS. Remember in a standard view the further from the elevators down the long hallways the closer you are to HS. I always request far, far from elevators. You will love the Boardwalk!

I didn't even think about being closer to DHS if we are further from the elevators! We don't mind stairs, so I am really not worried now!

I've only been to WDW twice but one of those was a January stay at BWV in a standard view room. Sure we overlooked the entrance but no big deal to us. We often people watched on the balcony but really, we weren't inside the room much. Loved being able to walk to Epcot and HS or take the boats. My only disappointment, not a complaint, was no counter service eating area like at SSR. With a 1 bedroom, you'll probably be preparing your own meals anyway. You'll love BWV!

We actually aren't planning to cook much, but we might order some groceries and eat a lot of our meals at Epcot. I will remember to take the lack of a CS into consideration when I order groceries! Thanks!

We love BWV. We enjoy taking in the sites, sounds and entertainment that comes with the Boardwalk and the walk to Epcot is wonderful. Don't give it a second thought!!

Thanks! Now I'm getting really excited! And we LOVE Epcot, so I know we made the right choice!

As to long hallways, it was true that BWV used to have the longest walk down an internal hallway to end rooms of any DVC resort. But then came AKV at which you are an owner. The longest walk at BWV is less than 1/3 of what it is from lobby to end rooms at Kidani.

As to standard view, it is actually decent, but for standard rooms now what you will mostly see is large trees since they have grown up in the front of the resort. You also have a chance of view of tennis courts and Hollywood Studios.

As to decor of rooms go here and view pictures of 1BR taken since the refurb from two years ago; if you don't like what you see change ressie: http://www.oyster.com/orlando/hotels/disney-boardwalk-villas/photos/one-bedroom-villa/show/#image=0

Location is ideal; boardwalk is fun and you have choice of restaurants at the resort; also consider that you are actually within walking distance of about two dozen restaurants -- the ones at the Epcot resorts, Epcot and Studios.. Pool is fine although you might not be able to use it much in January.

You make a very good point! We read so much about the Kidani hallways before our 2012 trip and we got a room all the way at the end, closest to Jambo House. I kept telling DH that I read about the long hallways on Disboards and he said he didn't think they were that bad! So I know we will be just fine! Thanks so much! And I'm so excited about the restaurants and the proximity to Epcot. (And I'm not sure if we will swim...DH is NOT a fan of the clown!)

Its always worth it!

Thanks! I"m so excited and now I wonder why I had any doubts at all!

We love BWV. Our last visit we had a 1Bdr standard view and had a great view of Epcot's fireworks. I believe it was room 3117. There were stairs at the end of the hall that we took to get to main level. And from there, it was a short walk to bus stop. It is also great to be able to walk to Epcot and HS! Enjoy your visit!

Thanks so much! It would be awesome to see the fireworks from the room. I'm glad I am saving the points now!

We love staying at the BoardWalk Villas, the location alone is unparalleled. Here are some aspects we consider. We are not DVC members, and usually book through our Hilton timeshare through RCI.

-We pay extra for and request the inner courtyard that also has a view of the dock. This view is directly opposite the BoardWalk Inn. Being close to the lobby, or elevators really helps us out with our son, who is autistic,

-We always order light groceries from Garden Grocer for those quick breakfasts and snacks (we are eaters),

-Take advantage of the Belle Vue Lounge (BoardWalk Inn side), especially in the morning before you head out to the theme parks, because they have hot coffee, cocoa, tea, muffins, scones and the like, making for a quick breakfast, or you can go down to the BoardWalk Bakery for their Quick Service meal options. During inclement weather, I always go down and pick up food and bring it back up to our room, as the seating offered is outdoors.

-The BoardWalk pool is a lot of fun and my kids love the water coaster type slide.

-Car rentals are nearby at the Swan and Dolphin and the convenience store/gas station with less expensive snacks is right across the street.

-Getting to another resort is super easy, just walk over to Disney Hollywood Studios or grab the Friendship Boat over and then head over to the resort bus stops.

-Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club is directly across the lagoon and The Kitchen Sink is always a great treat!

-Catch Illuminations from EPCOT right from the BoardWalk Promenade while enjoying an ice-cream, not to mention all the nightly entertainment along the Promenade itself.

Hope this helps you a little.

It's a whole new experience over at the BoardWalk!

Thank you for the great tips! You made some suggestions I didn't think of and I will definitely be taking advantage of your great advice!

No one can tell you what you do or do not like until you have experienced it for yourself.

Consider this trip a "fact finding" mission to determine whether BWV is on your top list of places to stay at Disney. Be honest about the things you like and dislike based upon YOUR travel interests and needs.

Have fun.
Stephen

Disclaimer: I don't mind the hallways or the Creepy Clown slide.

You know, that's exactly what DH and I said. This trip is an "extra" for us, and it works out perfectly that we can stay at BWV and try an entirely new area for such low points. I really think that it will be a great new experience...different than what we have experienced at BLT and AKV. And Epcot and DHS our favorites in our family so I know this will be a great trip. Thanks!

We usually book boardwalk view but on our trip earlier this month we wanted to stay an extra night and were short of points so I booked Standard View. We got a great view and enjoyed the trip just as much as we always do. I posted a photo of our view in this thread of BWV standard views in post #45.

Yes the hallways are long but it's worth it to get further away from the main entrance where the baggage handling can be noisy. Plus we had a great view of the fireworks from our room. If you don't mind using the stairs, it's a short walk to the bus stop from many of the Standard View rooms.

We don't mind using the stairs at all! I hadn't thought of that. I'm thinking I might even request further from the elevators now after all this great feedback!