DVC Resorts: Pick Three for Me

[Jack Kerouac]

I'm planning a solo trip for late September 2025. It'll be for a total of four days and three nights. I have stayed at six WDW DVC properties and I would like to use this trip to knock off three more from the list. I mentioned to my wife that I wanted to visit the different resorts rather than pay for park tickets and she suggested doing a three resort split stay since I like split stays and I will have a carry-on at most with me. I really want to get an idea of the dining and amenities, along with any updates at the three resorts for future trips with my wife and boys (ages 9, 6, and 4). The resorts I have stayed at include AKV-Kidani, BLT, BRV, OKW, PVB, and SSR. Also, I believe the renovations at BLT should be done hopefully, so even though I didn't really like BLT during our stay, I'm including it to see the new rooms. So if you had to pick three resorts to spend one night at each, which ones would you choose?

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I'm going BWV, GVF and BCV making for a very walking-friendly trip

 

[DVC Deac]

VGF -> BLT -> CCV

Take the monorail from VGF to BLT and the boat from BLT to CCV. You won’t have to step foot on a bus when moving from resort to resort.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

I'm going BWV, GVF and BCV making it for a very walking-friendly trip

I said the same.
VGF - might not be ideal for 3 boys, but you should scout the restaurant scene for you and the Mrs.
BWV - maybe the most underrated pool/slide. Easy walk to DHS. That resort is just FUN
BCV - SAB is go be a kid and ride the big slide, then enjoy an overpriced ribeye at yachtsman’s

I think you got the gist with CCV and BLT already. Can rely on the battalion of influencers to judge how well they did the BLT refurb later.

 

[MyDogTink]

Fun! I’m picking VGF and CCV for the adult only vibe. Enchanted Rose at VGF and Territory Lounge at CCV. Third one is a toss up for me.

 

[tarheellovesdisney]

BWV will always be our favorite. Crescent lake has so much to do/eat/see. I think it would be worth you trying BLT again for just one night, without your family, to see if you liked the refurb. Plus with it being on the monorail you will have easy access to other resorts/activities since you're not going to the parks. CCV would be a good, relaxing last night resort before you head home. Have fun!!

 

[Cfabar1]

BWV is to me, the epitome of Disney at its best under the Eisner/Wells regime... Playful, nostalgic, and enjoyable... I wish they had kept the Carousel, taking it out was a BIG miss....

Now there is a refurb and the rooms are looking better than ever... Even with some of the more zany elements like the clown pool being removed, it is still a really terrific resort.

And then, there is the flagship, the Grand Floridian. The Enchanted Rose is one of the best bars I have ever been too - incredibly amazing drinks, great people, and just a terrific vibe... almost makes you forgive that they removed the orchestra... Great dining options abound, and so many different ones, and room service, and hotel robes... a dedicated check in, and privacy in your own building, but still close enough to the action... Only disappointment is the pools, which need to be expanded and reconsidered...

 

[gottalovepluto]

BCV or BWV to experience EP area, GFV, CC. These are my votes because they are the most different from what you’ve tried before. Solo trips are THE BEST for trying new things!

 

[MartyParty]

I'm planning a solo trip for late September 2025. It'll be for a total of four days and three nights. I have stayed at six WDW DVC properties and I would like to use this trip to knock off three more from the list. I mentioned to my wife that I wanted to visit the different resorts rather than pay for park tickets and she suggested doing a three resort split stay since I like split stays and I will have a carry-on at most with me. I really want to get an idea of the dining and amenities, along with any updates at the three resorts for future trips with my wife and boys (ages 9, 6, and 4). The resorts I have stayed at include AKV-Kidani, BLT, BRV, OKW, PVB, and SSR. Also, I believe the renovations at BLT should be done hopefully, so even though I didn't really like BLT during our stay, I'm including it to see the new rooms. So if you had to pick three resorts to spend one night at each, which ones would you choose?

I voted Grand Floridian, Boardwalk, and Beach Club.

• Grand Floridian is a flagship resort. This tops the list in my vote. In fact, my wife and I were just talking the other day that we need to book a stay there as well. Then take the resort monorail to the transfer ticket station and then the MK to Epcot monorail to the BWV and BCV area.
• Always hear lots of good things for Boardwalk and Beach Club. Plus, they are both right there near each other but are completely different resorts in style and amenities. Given the age of your kids I think this might be a location you'll want to come back to for a family stay.
• You've previously stayed at Boulder Ridge; thus, I ruled out Copper Creek as it's similar / in the same area.
• We love BLT and believe the refurb will be fantastic but.... you've already stayed at BLT. And as far as the refurb, take the monorail over from VGF and have a look. Or simply look at the hundreds of pics and videos that will follow.

Sounds like fun. Enjoy hooping around and do follow up with a trip report(s)!

 

[starry_solo]

I picked BLT, VGF and BCV.

BCV for Stormalong Bay, a water park on its own, especially with the Pirate Ship slide
BLT and VGF for proximity to each other.

 

[CarolynFH]

BWV and BCV so you can compare the two pools with your kids in mind (I agree with @MarkNC2Disney that the BWV slide is underrated - I think it’s the best at WDW). And VGF (the original DVC building, not BPK) because, well, everyone should stay at the Grand at least once in their lives.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've stayed solo at almost all the ones you listed (not BLT) and at VGF, I was in a lake view (which I loved). But, for the money, VGF is lots more, I'd vote BCV all 3 times if I could. Closest to Epcot, you can still use the BWV community hall, Beaches and Cream, right next to Skyway, and Trattoria De Forno and Ale and Compass for breakfast. And lots of choices for QS. Also, as someone pointed out, if you have an AP, there's nothing like going in to Epcot, heading to France, just getting a pastry, and heading back to your room.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I've stayed solo at almost all the ones you listed (not BLT) and at VGF, I was in a lake view (which I loved). But, for the money, VGF is lots more, I'd vote BCV all 3 times if I could. Closest to Epcot, you can still use the BWV community hall, Beaches and Cream, right next to Skyway, and Trattoria De Forno and Ale and Compass for breakfast. And lots of choices for QS. Also, as someone pointed out, if you have an AP, there's nothing like going in to Epcot, heading to France, just getting a pastry, and heading back to your room.

My Crescent Lake morning routine!

 

[Sandisw]

I picked BCV, VGF and CCV....completely different vibes and areas!

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

BLT and CC to check on refurbishments and BCV for Stormalong and Bake/Cake shop/Epcot area.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

BLT and CC to check on refurbishments and BCV for Stormalong and Bake/Cake shop/Epcot area.

That’s a good strategy - pick resorts where we all benefit from the recon

 

[Stormalong Smiths]

I picked BCV, VGF and CCV....completely different vibes and areas!

This was exactly my thinking except I chose BWV instead of BCV, solely based on personal preference for BWV.

@Jack Kerouac, let us know what you end up deciding!

 

[Jack Kerouac]

This was exactly my thinking except I chose BWV instead of BCV, solely based on personal preference for BWV.

@Jack Kerouac, let us know what you end up deciding!

It’s going to be a while, since the 7-month mark isn’t until late February 2025, but I will let everyone know my decision. It’s so helpful to know what others think, but it makes the decision all that much harder too as I gather more information.

Thankfully, we have DVC and we have gone from 220 points to 395 points once we close on a couple of resale contracts. So we will eventually get to each resort hopefully.

Funny enough, my favorite DVC resort always seems to be the last one I visited. Each of them is wonderful in their own way, despite their differences.

For some reason, BWV is the one resort I have not been to that I really want to experience. I told @MarkNC2Disney that I fully expect to be looking for a small contract after staying there. Same thing happened at BRV. We stayed at BRV in late May and are now buying there because we loved it so much. Financially, there were better deals per point and dues, but the contract fit our UY, we were comfortable with the amount of points, and we want to use it mainly for BRV. So good enough for me.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

For those of you who picked CCV, is CCV that much different from BRV? TBH, BRV is currently my favorite DVC property, so I don’t mind visiting WL again. Just curious if there’s any major differences that I should be aware of. TIA.

 

[CarolynFH]

For those of you who picked CCV, is CCV that much different from BRV? TBH, BRV is currently my favorite DVC property, so I don’t mind visiting WL again. Just curious if there’s any major differences that I should be aware of. TIA.

CCV villas are smaller than BRV and don’t sleep as many people. CCV studios sleep 4, BRV sleep 5. The 1BR in both have sleeping surfaces for 4, but BRV allows bringing a sleeping bag etc. for a 5th, CCV doesn’t have enough floor space for that. Same for the 2BR - both sleep 8 but BRV allows a 9th. (I might be wrong about BRV, given that the studios sleep 5, the 2BR should sleep 9.)

OTOH, CCV has the gorgeous Cascade Cabins. I don’t think you need 11 month booking advantage for them due to the points cost, but I could be wrong.

CCV is in the main building while BRV is separate but reached by a covered walkway, so not a big issue to me.