Disney BCV suggestions and upgrading to an AP

[jvmbmc]

My family and I had a great trip to WDW last month and we are going back in August and will be staying at BCV for the first time. Our January ( 1/21- 1/26 ) trip was wonderful the weather was warm the first two days and we were able to swim, then it was cooler after that but it kept the park crowds down and most rides were walk on or very short wait times. We stayed at VWL in a studio which was very nice. We have stayed at Wilderness Lodge before in the hotel, so we were familiar with the layout and boat transportation which we like very much. We also did the dining plan and it worked really well for us. We ate at Liberty Tree Tavern ( our favorite) , Chef Mickeys for breakfast, O'hana, Mama Melrose( our least favorite) and LeCellier ( also very very nice!). We used all our credits. My youngest (4) was tall enough and loved the mild ride on Mission Space ( go figure ).

Since we were planning to go back in August I had purchased 10 day no expiration park hoppers thru Underground Tourist. I read on allearsnet that MYW tickets could be upgraded to AP's at a nominal cost. Essentially they said Disney would take the difference between the gate price and the AP and charge you the difference. The first day there we went to Guest Services at MK and asked about upgrading. We were quoted a price of approximately $400 for the 4 of us ( 2 adults 2 children ) to upgrade. This didn't jive with what I had read but I didn't argue, I just declined and left. The next day I decided to try again this time at GS at MGM. Good thing I did! We were only charged $48 total for the 4 of us to upgrade which was a considerable saving since we had purchase at less than gate price to begin with.

We're are already planning our summer trip. Any suggestions for dining or room location etc. for BCV would be appreciated. We'll probably go back to the hotel midday and rest/swim to avoid the heat.


Joe

 

[BCV2002]

My DH and I own at BCV and it's great place to stay. For rooms, I would suggest to request one close to the BC resort itself. It has a nice walkway that connects the two buildings. The pool, Stormalong Bay, is amazing! It's at the Y&BC resort, so you'll have to walk there. The BCV pool is ok, but Stormalong Bay, I think, is by far the best resort pool at WDW, and most people will agree. It's like a water park. Also, for eats, I have lots of suggestions for that area:

1. Get the mug if you drink soda/fountain drinks a lot. That path I told you about will lead you right to the Beach Club Market, which has an area to get fountain drinks. It's very convenient (much more so that VWL).

2. Beaches and Cream is a great little place to eat. My DH and I had dinner there once, it was good food, and not very expensive. It's usually packed, though. We usually go there for ice cream at night. It's got some of the best ice cream, and I love mint chocolate chip, and it's better there than anywhere on sight IMO.

3. Cape May Cafe has a great character breakfast. It's buffet style and has Goofy, Minnie, Chip, and Dale in beach gear. It's really fun and great food.

4. Go eat at the Boardwalk. It's a short walk away. They've got great places to eat. We love ESPN Zone (probably eat there 2-3 times/trip). The Big River Grille and Brewery is OK. Haven't been to Flying Fish Cafe, but I hear it's excellent.

Honestly, I have stayed at Disney 20 times, and besides the GF, this is by far my favorite resort, which is why we bought there. It's got everything and is just a walk (or boat ride) away from EPCOT and MGM. Hope this helps!

 

[wendydarling826]

We are BCV owners and go every August. I enjoy spending the afternoons at Stormalong Bay as much as I enjoy going to the parks. Staying there is like having a seashore vacation along with a Disney World vacation. The villas building is not that big, so I don't find the room location to be much of an issue. We just don't like to be near the elevators because it can be noisy. Our favorite places to eat are Beaches and Cream for lunches and light meals, The Yachtsman Steakhouse for a nice dinner, Spoodles on the Boardwalk or the Boardwalk Bakery for breakfast, and of course it's an easy walk into Epcot and we often have dinner there. The Yacht Club Galley is also good for breakfast and lunch. We just love the BCV. I hope you will too!

 

[disneystick]

Request higher floor with a EPCOT view...that way you can view some fireworks each night from your balcony.

 

[jvmbmc]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! BCV sounds great we're definitely looking forward to Stormalong Bay in August and being close to Epcot. We'll be doing the dining plan so I wasn't sure about using 2 TS credits for the Yachtsman steakhouse? We loved LeCellier so we may do that. By the way when you walk to Epcot where do you enter? We did it once after dining at Spoodles but I can't remember where in the World Showcase we came in?



Snow Bound in Albany, NY.
Joe

 

[DMKEDM]

The International Gatway lets you into Epcot between Great Britain & France...once you're through the gate if you turn right, you go to France; if you turn left, you go towards Great Britain/Canada...

ONe of the greatest things (among many) about the BCV is how close it is to the Epcot International Gateway entrance...it's closer than some of the rooms are to the lobby!!

Have a great time...