First time renting DVC - help me choose a resort!

[Ava]

Thread title says it all. I'm looking into renting DVC for the first time for our 2017 trip. LOCATION is the big reason for me. We've only stayed at Values and one Mod (CBR) and the bus transportation starts to wear on me after a few days. Cost is also a factor, so I'd be looking for a studio and am trying to stick to the cheaper options that will still give me the location advantage that I want. All that said, I've narrowed down my choices to:

BWV
VWL
BCV
BLT

We're looking to go the last week of April 2017, pending confirmation of DD's spring break dates. Kids will be almost 8 and almost 4 at time of trip.

Which resort would you choose/prioritize for kids those ages? Any pros/cons of any of them that I may not have thought about? Or any others that you'd recommend instead?

 

[ptlohmysoul]

BLT studios are smaller, but I would think well worth the location. For kids that age, I would suspect you are going more than once to MK, so my vote is for BLT. (However, we've never stayed in a studio there.) If you are getting park hoppers, BWV or BCV are great too, so that even when you go to MK, you can get home via the monorail (going through Epcot) if your littlest is asleep in a stroller.

 

[Ava]

BLT studios are smaller, but I would think well worth the location. For kids that age, I would suspect you are going more than once to MK, so my vote is for BLT. (However, we've never stayed in a studio there.) If you are getting park hoppers, BWV or BCV are great too, so that even when you go to MK, you can get home via the monorail (going through Epcot) if your littlest is asleep in a stroller.

I didn't think about using the monorail to get from MK back to BWV or BCV, that's a good idea! I don't know yet if we'll get park hoppers or not. We had them last year and only used them twice, but if we're closer to a park we may be more inclined to "pop in" in the evening even if we spent the rest of the day elsewhere. I'd also be more likely to get them if we stay at BWV or BCV, so we could go into WS to eat even if we weren't spending that day at Epcot.

I did think of a question about BLT - do you get access to the Top of the World Lounge when renting points, or is that access only for the actual DVC member?

 

[sleepydog25]

Hard to go wrong with any of these resorts.
BLT - Walk to MK; access to monorail; nice pool area--however, studios are small though nice.
BCV - Walk to Epcot; walk to DHS (though it's a long walk with two small kids) or boat to DHS, but the boats can take a long time; access to best pool on property which, no doubt, your kids would love; access to monorail but have to get through Epcot to take advantage of it.
BWV - Similar to BCV only no access to the BCV pool
VWL - Boat to MK or CR (which gives you monorail access or walk to MK); Villas part under construction until late 2017 or beyond. Shouldn't affect stay, but there will be fencing and such around the area. Still, it's a lovely, quiet resort overall.

Taking these things into account, I'd opt for either BCV or BLT.

 

[ptlohmysoul]

I did think of a question about BLT - do you get access to the Top of the World Lounge when renting points, or is that access only for the actual DVC member?

It's my understanding that that is only for DVC Members and their guests staying on points.

 

[sleepydog25]

I did think of a question about BLT - do you get access to the Top of the World Lounge when renting points, or is that access only for the actual DVC member?

Members only. They check ID before allowing you upstairs.

 

[disneynutz]

VWL will still have construction going on, BCV and BLT might still have their rehab work going on.

Bill

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Adding on to Sleepy's list of some comparisons between those resorts:

BLT - will be bus to DHS and AK that will share with other deluxe hotels around the monorail but you have to do monorail to Epcot (which includes a transfer at TTC and can take time). Frankly it's quite a long trip back on the monorail - we consistently have it take 45 minutes or more with waits for the monorails. MK is easy walking access or you can take the monorail. The pool does have a splash area for the kids. Has Contempo Cafe - probably the best QS option of all the resorts you are looking at. Both BLT and CR pools have counter service too - more hot items at CR pool and sandwiches at BLT pool.

BWV - bus service to MK and AK. Boat or walking to Epcot and DHS. There's a kiddie pool there but no splash area. No real QS for eating - have to go out to the Boardwalk stands.

BCV - bus to MK and AK. Boat to DHS and Epcot or walking to Epcot. It's a fairly long walk to DHS from that resort. There's no splash pad for the kids but you have SAB with a nice sandy entry. Marketplace for QS option but it is fairly limited menu. And Hurricane Hannas out at SAB for a quick bite.

VWL - bus to Epcot (shares with FW), DHS and AKV (will share with Poly or maybe VGF). They do operate a bus to MK too - best bus ride out there - less than 5 minutes till you arrive. It has a new splash area at the main pool - looks quite nice. Has Roaring Fork for QS meals - small and we like it but it's not an extensive menu. And likely still some construction although it's difficult to say what exactly will be going on at that time.

VWL will still have construction going on, BCV and BLT might still have their rehab work going on.

Bill

They certain could go longer but it seems that BLT is scheduled for April 2 - October 14, 2016. And I think BCV is also scheduled to be completed in Oct 2016.

 

[disneynutz]

They certain could go longer but it seems that BLT is scheduled for April 2 - October 14, 2016. And I think BCV is also scheduled to be completed in Oct 2016.

Hope for the best but plan for the worse. The schedules thus far have not been very accurate.

Bill

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hope for the best but plan for the worse. The schedules thus far have not been very accurate.

Bill

What I still can't believe is how they did VWL in a single month and yet other resorts are taking 6-9 months or with BWV even longer. Although VWL shows that speedy refurb IMO. Still, the soft goods refurb at BLT should be able to stay on schedule one as long as they start on time.

 

[pooh2001]

We are leaning towards VWL - they at least have a small dresser with 4 drawers

356 square feet = queen bed, pull out sofa and a pull down Murphy bed (Bambi themes background)
Also a small 4 drawer dresser one closet
One bathroom – one sink, tub/shower, toilet
Sliding glass doors lead to a patio or balcony in each room.
Still can be The Wilderness Lodge Flag Family of the day
Laundry - VWL - 1st floor down the hallway behind the elevators


Our dream is the Poly Studio DVC
1 queen-size bed, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 pull-down bunk size bed - that features Lilo and Stitch artwork
Kitchenette with paper plates, bowls and plastic utensils, small refrigerator, wet bar, toaster
Each will have a split bathroom, one with a shower and sink and one with a sink and tub/shower.


We have 2 young adults (college age) who will be with us
The Poly Studio has the most space and bathrooms!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Note the Murphy bed is 75" long, but the framing means that it sleeps shorter than that. Maybe 5'6" or so for comfort, taller if they're okay hitting their head.

 

[2boys2cute]

With kids 8 and under I would always stay near MK if you have the choice. We love the WLV, its an compact resort with a great quick service restaurant which I always found useful when my kids were younger. We have never done BLT because my kids don't "get" the theming, we often visit the contemporary to go to Chef Mickey's though. BCV has the coolest pool on property, but with kids that age you will be exhausted because it is a big pool complex, the Flying Jib slide is on one side and the place where they come out is far away on the other side of the pool. A great pool for someday, but I think with a 4 and 8 year old it will make you nutty. As for BWV, we have never stayed there partially because of the lack of a quick service, there is pizza and some other options down on the boardwalk but sometimes my kid just needs a quick chicken nugget meal. They are bigger now and this isn't such a concern.

 

[loves to dive]

You may find that availability dictates your decision. I know you are a year out but unless you are renting from an owner you might find your fist choice isn't there. I've found the MK resorts book up fast, traditionally April is smack dab in the middle of Flower and Garden at Epcot so the Beach Club and Boardwalk are going to fill up fast for that. Having said that, with the age of your kids, I'd go with WL just because of the quick access to MK, personally, I shoot for one of the Epcot resorts.

 

[Ava]

Thank you for all the responses, you all have given me lots to think about!

I didn't realize VWL will still be under construction into next year. That bumps that one down to the bottom for me. I'm sure it's a beautiful resort so I'd rather wait and see it in its full glory.

@2boys2cute I have read other reviews of the BCV pool that said the same thing, that it's tough to manage with smaller kids because it's so big. So I will save that one for later too.

That leaves BLT and BWV, which are pretty tied in my mind. I guess it will come down to which (if either) I can get. I plan to look for someone who owns at the resort I want and try to book at 11 months out so I'll have a better chance. I've already been checking the rent/trade board but I can't book until May so it's a bit early to start contacting people. I also need to wait until the school schedule is released for next year before I commit to dates.

 

[quinnc19]

I was also going to suggest bumping VWL to the bottom because even if the rehab is done, you'd be taking more buses from there than any of your other options. I think in your situation I would recommend one of the EPCOT resorts. Studios a bit larger and cheaper than BLT, you'll be close to the F and G festival, and it really is magical using the International Gateway to enter EPCOT (especially if you are used to taking the bus there). If you and your wife enjoy time on the balcony, I'd recommend BWV.

 

[Happy_Haunt999]

I would take BLT and VWL out of the choices if it was me, because BLT is smallest, and VWL is going to be under construction.
Another thing you are needing to consider if you are trying to save $. Renting points during the time you want to is the during the second highest renting price season there is. The points are going to be higher per $ during that season/time period. Just something to be aware of.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you for all the responses, you all have given me lots to think about!

I didn't realize VWL will still be under construction into next year. That bumps that one down to the bottom for me. I'm sure it's a beautiful resort so I'd rather wait and see it in its full glory.

@2boys2cute I have read other reviews of the BCV pool that said the same thing, that it's tough to manage with smaller kids because it's so big. So I will save that one for later too.

That leaves BLT and BWV, which are pretty tied in my mind. I guess it will come down to which (if either) I can get. I plan to look for someone who owns at the resort I want and try to book at 11 months out so I'll have a better chance. I've already been checking the rent/trade board but I can't book until May so it's a bit early to start contacting people. I also need to wait until the school schedule is released for next year before I commit to dates.

Both BLT and BWV would be a good choice, but all the remarks about VWL and construction prompts me to say that it would still be a pretty resort other than the construction zone (and little kids generally don't tend to notice such things). Moreover, VWL will likely have a bit more availability since many will choose not to stay there during construction. Whatever you wind up with, I feel certain you'll have a great time.

 

[2boys2cute]

Ava, not sure if you've ever been on allears.net but they do a great job of providing pictures, videos and other information about all the WDW lodging and dining choices. (hope that doesn't offend any disboard people!) My kids always like to go on there to check out the place before we stay. Good luck with your search!

 

[Happy_Haunt999]

Ava, not sure if you've ever been on allears.net but they do a great job of providing pictures, videos and other information about all the WDW lodging and dining choices. (hope that doesn't offend any disboard people!) My kids always like to go on there to check out the place before we stay. Good luck with your search!

In this respect, David's DVC rentals has a youtube account where they post video tours of the different DVC resorts and room types. That might be of help to you as well! Have fun and good luck!