DVCrs Chime In: VWL or BWV @ Xmas? (The Solution)

[stlrod]

Okay, I'm looking for help here as I am a very indecisive person when it comes to travel. We are a family of four meeting another family of four (wife's sister) at WDW over Xmas. We land on the 25th for 3 nights at WDW followed by 3 nights at HRH. Originally, I had a booked in concierge rooms at AKL. Then, I got better rates at both WLV (2 BR) and BWV (2 1BRs). So, here's the situation. I need to choose and get back to a normal life. I'm probably leaning towards WLV even though the quarters will be a little tighter, we probably won;t got to the MK and we won't have that fantastic water slide (figure we'll get a decent one at HRH.) The main reason is that we have all stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and loved it. I think I want the trip to be a little more low-key than the hustle and bustle of the BW area. On the other hand, I'm always anxious to try something new. I do believe the adults will want to go to CG one night and understand that BW does not have child care. Any more issues I should consider? Any advice you can give me? Do I need therapy?

 

[slimplaw]

WL and VWL are both beautifully decorated at Christmas. BW is nice at Christmas, but nothing like WL. When we were there last Christmas, they had CM's caroling in the lobby. Their tree is beautiful. VWL also has a tree in their small lobby. VWL and WL had a definite Christmas feel to them. We hope to return there in Dec. 2003 for our 30th anniversary.

 

[GCM13]

Just to let you know, BWV does have childcare for ages 4 and older. It's called the Harbor Club. Good luck with your decision.

 

[prncssjas]

I think I am going to agree with Slimplaw...the WL at Christmas time is beautiful....the decoration everywhere throughout the resort make it very special!! If it were me, I would probably do the VWL...good luck trying to get back to a normal "not thinking about Disney" kind of life. LOL!

 

[RAD]

I was at BWV last December and would agree that WLV looked a bit nicer. The lobby area at BW just doesn't have that much extra space for decorations or the big tree they can set up at WL. One thing that got on my nerves was that they played the same Kenny G Christmas CD on the boardwalk over and over and over and over.

 

[PamOKW]

Okay, I'll make your life more difficult. If you aren't planning on going to the MK, I'd go with the Boardwalk. I think the decorations are beautiful (although the size of the WL lobby does make it more spectacular). You will each have your own one-bedroom at BWV giving you some "time away" space which is always good on a long trip. You will have easy access to all the wonderful holiday events happening at MGM and Epcot and can easily meet up again at the resort.

You can't go wrong with either choice but my vote is for BWV.

 

[stlrod]

I think RAD might have just cinched it--I can't stand Kenny G--I'd rather have a root canal without anasthesia.

 

[RAD]

Originally posted by stlrod
I think RAD might have just cinched it--I can't stand Kenny G--I'd rather have a root canal without anasthesia.

I would hope they found the money to purchase a new CD for this year so I wouldn't base my decision on that alone.

 

[kda]

Maybe if you think about what's more important:
1. Location? ------ BWV is really in the heart of things and you can walk to a lot of restaurants and two parks.
2. Atmosphere? ---- If you've stayed at WL you know how relaxing it is. Like being at a beautiful lodge AND Disney at the same time. The holiday decorations are spectacular, and it seems to me that it would have the best holiday "feel" to it. Picture sitting in the main lobby with the fire place going.
Seems like either would be great, but my taste runs toward VWL.
Have a great trip.

 

[TiggerFreak]

We were at the world last december and visited both BW and VWL. I'll have to agree with others that the "Chistmas Feel" was greater at VWL than at BW. I think seeing the lodge all "decked " out for Christmas had an influence on our decission to join DVC. We have always liked WL and that was our first Christmas time visit.

Wishing you and yours a "Happy Holidays" in advance.

 

[pgjam]

Hi:
Just to add to the confusion I would vote for BWV. You can go the VWL & look at the decorations but you can't beat the BWV for location. We were there in December & it was great to walk to MGM & Epcot. We also walked thru Epcot hopped the monrail to TTC & went to MK; It's not that long of a walk & it beats waiting for a bus. Have a great time.
Peggy:

 

[Bumpy]

In my opinion VWL wins hands down. I guess it depends on weather your going to disney to experience the usual Disney experience or to experience Holiday season Disney style. If it is the is the latter then I would go with VWL. The decorations are fantastic and the whole atmosphere just reeks of Holiday hooplaa! Enjoy whicever one you pick!

 

[stlrod]

Thanks to all those who chimed-in. I listened to each and every one of you and decided to heed your advice. We're staying at...drum roll...BOTH! We decided rather than wake up early Xmas morn to rush off to the airport, we'd just go down on the 23rd and spend two nights at the BWV before heading over to the WLV. This way, we can go to EPCOT for CP on Xmas eve before meeting my in-laws at the VWL the next day (in-laws do not want to go to CP.) I am a little worrried about my 8 year old, but I undertsand that Santa can send something down there and the front desk will hold it for delivery on Xmas morning. Although not the traditional Xmas we're used to, perhaps we'll just start a new tradition. Thanks to all (and Happy Holidays.)

 

[PamOKW]

Your 8 year-old will most likely also find Santa in the lobby of BWV on Christmas Eve. And, it's not just one of his helpers....I'm pretty sure it's the real guy himself.

p.s. I like your thinking!