First DVC / BCV trip report 12/3 to 12/10!

[get_us_to_WDW]

After all the great info and creative ideas I’ve received from this board I wanted to share our trip report!! We were at BCV 12/3 through 12/10 and had a wonderful, wonderful vacation!!

History: My family and I are longtime Poly loyalists who’ve enjoyed many trips there over the past 30 years. When Disney began selling BCV timeshares, my parents bought in (200 points - enough for themselves, my family of 4 and my brother’s family of (then 3, as of today 4!!), to reserve three studios every other year. We planned our first DVC / BCV trip for Oct 2004. Unfortunately, my family had to cancel at the last moment due to a medical crisis. My parents and brother went ahead with the trip and my brother was so enthused he came home and bought 200 points at BW. I couldn’t be left out of the fun, so this summer I bought 250 BCV points via TSS resale!! We all planned a “replacement” trip for December 2005 at the eleventh month mark. This time my brother was the one who had to cancel – this time for a happy event! He and my SIL found out they were expecting and due in mid Dec 2005. (Baby arrived this afternoon!!). So maybe in 2006 we’ll finally get down to WDW all together!

The trip: Well, my trepidation about saying goodbye to the Poly quickly disappeared as I surveyed the BCV 2bdrm accommodations, SAB, B&C, the convenient walk to Epcot, etc. We checked in Sat 12/3 at 11:00am and were assigned room 107 (our French doors basically opened to the Ariel statue). To our surprise the room was ready! The room was beautiful and the location was very convenient. I had planned to walk to Epcot that day, buy our AP’s and begin touring FW, but once my kids saw SAB there was no other agenda except swimming! (US Air lost all of our checked luggage, but luckily I had packed summer gear for DD (8) and DS (3) in my carry-on so we let them play in the 2ft sand bottom pool). Our wegoshop food delivery arrived right on time. Although I’d dealt with Eric when making the arrangements, the actual delivery was made by very nice lady (named Lou, I believe). The order was complete and we were very satisfied with the service. (I had considered canceling after reading the postings the week before our trip, but I’m glad I didn’t.) My parents arrived around 6:00pm and we headed into Epcot for dinner and followed it up with ice cream from B&C. The week just got better and better. It was a wonderful trip and I am more happy than ever to be a BCV owner.

The Highlights: SAB, 2 bdrm accommodations, light crowds, holiday decorations, breakfasts at O’Hana’s, Norway and Cape May Café. Dinners in Japan, Mexico and Canada, watching my 8yo master rides she wouldn’t even consider in the past (all the mountains, Test Track, Soarin’!), watching my 3yo jump up and down with excitement when he got to meet his favorite Power Rangers, MVMCP, DS looking out the window and complaining “mom, people are looking at OUR Ariel again!” Waking up each morning in Disney!!

The Lowlights: Sleeper sofas mattresses (you DISers weren’t kidding, they are truly awful), US Air losing our luggage, rain all day Thursday, and, most of all, the trip just flew by much, much too fast!!

Questions for experienced DVCers / BCVers:
Must you always prance through BC lobby in your swimwear to get to SAB? Anyone else a little uncomfortable about this?
What is the average number of trips it takes before you can truly stop being commando?
Is the $80 Chateaubriand at Yachtsman’s steakhouse worth it?
I already have addonitis, how can I infect my spouse with this bug?!?

Thanks for letting me share!!

 

[AMcaptured]

I am glad you had a great trip.

I can't imagine trampling through the Beach Club Lobby in my bathing suit. We always have shorts and a shirt over our suits with flip flops on.

And yes, the sofa beds really are bad, aren't they? Supposedly they are going to be replaced, not soon enough in my opinion.

 

[jade1]

Nice report. We stopped commando trips at about number 10 (plus the older the kids get the more they seem to want to sleep in and stay out until 1AM) and the AP helps a lot since we can just go in later for dinner and a show without burning an "entire day pass". I have friends that only do the POLY also and I just dont get it either so its nice to hear your thoughts. I know they spend way more than DVC and have no equity either.

 

[coasterbob]

Nice report! We were in a studio at BCV from 12/2-12/10. It was wonderful! We now have the DVC "bug" (we were renters), and expect to buy some points real soon. I agree with your observations of the resort, and really felt "at home" there. We did it all: MVMCP, Keys to the Kingdom tour (HIGHLY reccomend it), Soarin 4 times..amazin, Raglan Road Pub....great Irish music......wonderful dinners (Yactsman Steakhouse...outstanding)........

It was truly magical, and a great way to celebrate my bride-and-joy's __0th Birthday!

Bob

 

[get_us_to_WDW]

I am glad you had a great trip.

I can't imagine trampling through the Beach Club Lobby in my bathing suit. We always have shorts and a shirt over our suits with flip flops on.

Clarification: We also wear shorts / shirts or other cover-ups and flip-flops, they don't come off until we're actually at the pool, but I still find it awkward, especially on the way back to the room...with wet hair, etc. I wish there was a convenient outdoor path back to the villas that would allow you to avoid the lobby.

 

[zulaya]

Must you always prance through BC lobby in your swimwear to get to SAB?

Don't really prance (and I did read your comment after your OP), but yes, that is the best and most direct way. Even the BC people have to walk through the lobby so it doesn't bother me if I do it, or see others. We're all on vacation.

Anyone else a little uncomfortable about this?
What is the average number of trips it takes before you can truly stop being commando?

DH says never, but I have to say, we are relaxing a bit more. We tend to plan most of our meals, and we do like EMH at MK in the AM. Other than that, I try to have a loose, flexible plan. You can't do with no plan in my opinion, but I am a little Type A in the planning department.

Is the $80 Chateaubriand at Yachtsman’s steakhouse worth it?

Haven't had it, but I am not at the stage where I am willing to spend $80 on any steak. JMHO.
I already have addonitis, how can I infect my spouse with this bug?!?

Can't answer that as my DH is just as infected as I! We'd love to have more points, but what we have now will have to suffice for a bit. We already have added on once!

 

[donmil723]

It doesn't bother me or my family to walk to and from SAB in our swimsuit coverups. Since we usually find a spot at SAB near B&C, we almost always take the door by Ariels and walk around Cape May Cafe. I love SAB so much that I feel everyone waiting to check in, or waiting for their table at Cape May is envious that I have the time to spend relaxing at the pool. However, if you don't want to walk through the lobby, you could walk along the sidewalk by Crescent Lake from SAB as if you were heading to Epcot and take the path along the east side of the BC which will take you to the BCV without having to go through the lobby but it is quite a bit longer.

I'm glad you had a wonderful trip and that you love BCV. I know my family loves it!!!!

Donna

 

[BCV23]

We are a family of long time Polynesian lovers who also now own and love BCV. We usually split our stays.

With regards to the lobby tromp, there is a door by the restrooms off the BC lobby that really eliminates most of the "lobby walk." My family always uses some kind of coverup as well though.

 

[ceejay13]

Great report. We splurged on the $80 chateaubriand a couple of years ago and it was wonderful.

Addonitis is something many of us have been afflicted with. We have added on 3 times since our original BWV purchase in 2000, twice at the BWV and once at the BCV. Although I said no more, we are contemplating another add on in the next couple of years. It is truly addicting.

Comando for us stopped the second visit as DVC members. The APs and DVC have made our WDW trips the most relaxed place we vacation now. We leave in 3 more days for our next visit and can't wait.

 

[disgirl]

I agree about walking through the lobby, with wet hair and our "coverups", being a little uncomfortable. DH does not seem to mind, but I feel a little self- conscious. I guess there are many like ourselves who have to do this, so that helps, just knowing we are not alone.

We love the Yachtsman, but have never splurged on the 80 dollar Chateaubriand. Sorry.

Thanks for your post and I am so glad your family finally got there. :

 

[AMcaptured]

To the OP, I see what you mean now, however, everyone staying at the BC basically has to walk thru the lobby too, BCV members are not alone in this "trampling"...

On that topic, about 10 years ago while staying at the BC, I went up to get something in our room on the fifth floor and I admit, I was a mess having been outside in the August sun and SAB all day. Just as the doors were closing, an arm came between them and a REALLY tall man got on the elevator. Much to my surprise, it was Charles Barkley, the NBA player. He just sort of looked at me like, You're a Mess, and I looked at him and said,"you don't have to say it, I know , I'm a mess " and he was kind and said, "Why would you say that?"

If it is any consolation, the guests staying at the Yacht Club have to pretty much trample too unless they know the way to the second elevator but depending on which wing of the YC one is staying, its usually the lobby for those guests too.

 

[BCV23]

To the OP, I see what you mean now, however, everyone staying at the BC basically has to walk thru the lobby too, BCV members are not alone in this "trampling"...

On that topic, about 10 years ago while staying at the BC, I went up to get something in our room on the fifth floor and I admit, I was a mess having been outside in the August sun and SAB all day. Just as the doors were closing, an arm came between them and a REALLY tall man got on the elevator. Much to my surprise, it was Charles Barkley, the NBA player. He just sort of looked at me like, You're a Mess, and I looked at him and said,"you don't have to say it, I know , I'm a mess " and he was kind and said, "Why would you say that?"

If it is any consolation, the guests staying at the Yacht Club have to pretty much trample too unless they know the way to the second elevator but depending on which wing of the YC one is staying, its usually the lobby for those guests too.

But you don't have to go through the lobby.

From those main elevators at BC, take a left and head toward the restrooms. There is a door right there. From there you can ead down the main walk or cross over and enter the BC again below Cape May. Either way you don't go through the lobby.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Must you always prance through BC lobby in your swimwear to get to SAB? Anyone else a little uncomfortable about this?
What is the average number of trips it takes before you can truly stop being commando?
Is the $80 Chateaubriand at Yachtsman’s steakhouse worth it?
I already have addonitis, how can I infect my spouse with this bug?!?

1) I never minded the ladies prancing around in their swimwear, although I put myself at risk of getting a smack from my wife...

2) I figured you would be de-commandoed by now, seeing as though you've done several Poly trips.

3) We just tried the chateaubriand for the first time last week. It was melt in your mouth outstanding. And remember, it's for two, so the $80 price tag isn't as bad as it sounds.

On a side note, my wife didn't finish hers so she had the leftovers boxed. She set them down in a chair at the BC so she could take a picture of the chocolate carousel. Unknowingly, I came along and sat on her leftovers. I had bearnaise sauce all over my back end.

4) Hmmm... I don't think it can be spread by casual contact.

MG

 

[NMW]

Great trip report! I also love the POLY, DH prefers the BC or BW. We canceled our 2004 POLY stay to buy our BWV resale and are thrilled beyond belief with our decision. We too were there on Thursday with the rain. We did MK in ponchos until we were just too wet! It stopped raining around the time we were having before dinner drinks at Ohana .

 

[erikthewise]

Thanks for the report! You checked in 45 minutes before us! (We were in 358.) We are also Polynesian fans who hesitated to join DVC for that reason, but it's worked out well and we're glad we did. Still plan to stay a couple days at the Polynesian from time to time.

I'm glad to hear wegoshop worked out well for you. I have to admit I was considering it but "chickened out" after reading about their problems. Maybe next year we'll order from them.

Walking through the lobby in bathing suits doesn't bother me, perhaps because I always wear a T-shirt when I'm not in the water anyway (don't like getting sunburned). Most of the BC and YC guests have to do the same anyway. I'm with Maistre Gracey on this one; the problem is that you don't see enough guests going through the lobby in bathing suits!

There are degrees of commando-ism. After 5 annual trips we still enjoy going to the parks and doing attractions, and doubt that will change. I think people who go several times a year may be less interested in doing attractions each visit. We've slowed down a little and no longer feel the need to do "everything" each year, but we still do quite a bit. Our approach is to go at opening, have a touring plan in mind, do as much as we can in the morning, then either slow down or go back to our room after lunch.

Our two boys and I spent Thursday morning in AK in ponchos, but decided to come back after lunch. I think someone said we were promised mattress upgrades and sleeper sofa upgrades at the annual meeting. I certainly hope so as for us a new sleeper sofa may make the difference between a 1BR and a 2BR.

 

[get_us_to_WDW]

But you don't have to go through the lobby.

From those main elevators at BC, take a left and head toward the restrooms. There is a door right there. From there you can ead down the main walk or cross over and enter the BC again below Cape May. Either way you don't go through the lobby.

Thanks BCV23, I can't picture the door you are referring to, but I appreciate the tip and I will definitely try this on our next trip!

 

[lisareniff]

But you don't have to go through the lobby.

From those main elevators at BC, take a left and head toward the restrooms. There is a door right there. From there you can ead down the main walk or cross over and enter the BC again below Cape May. Either way you don't go through the lobby.

BCV23, this is a great tip, thanks. I hate that lobby romp too. So there is a outside door next to the men's bathroom near the main elevators? Cool. That's my next route!

This map is a little old. I assume we enter from the BCV across from the old sandcastle club.

 

[Forever a Princess]

Hi there!

Thanks for your post! I enjoyed reading this.

We thought that we had lost the commando style after about ten trips but when we were there last week we had a major relapse. All those wonderful holiday events kept us in the parks and not in the room.

We bought at VWL about two years ago, I have had add on itis since that time. Last week we added on at BWV!!

Took care of some of the itching of the add on bug, but I don't think our case of "addonitis" is over yet.

May you and your extended family enjoy many wonderful stays at the BCV.