First Visit to BWV - Utterly Disappointing

[CGregoryJr]

We just returned from our first trip to BWV. In a word--disappointing. With all the positive DVC member posts on this Forum regarding BWV, I'll simply chalk this visit up to bad luck. Nonetheless, we can't wait to get back to OKW...

Summary of Initial BWV Trip:

1) 35 minutes to check-in; more than 25 of which was spent directly with front office personnel (fewer than 10 minutes of waiting in line).
2) Tremendous amount of food in the hallways.
3) Extended boat and bus transportation time to/from theme parks because of so many stops to Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, etc.
4) Lousy food and service at Big River Grille.

 

[minniestheone]

I was nervous before but am really nervous now. We usually stay at the VWL but are trying the BWV this June, and now I don't know what to do! It is our first time getting a 2 bedroom for a week, and if it is not positive experience that is a lot of wasted points. I don't know what to do!!!

 

[DVC@BWV]

Sorry to hear you had a bad time. What took so long to check in, and what was the tremendous amount of food in the hallways (food/trash on floor, room service trays, etc.) ?

 

[BWVDenise]

I'm sorry to hear you were disappointed. I really don't think that Big River Grille can be blamed on BWV. Food in the hallways-- I've seen it before but I don't remember it being a "tremendous" amount. That could be a problem that may need to be addressed by management. You didn't say if there was a problem at check in that caused it to take a long time? I know it does take more than 2 minutes, but I don't ever remember being significantly delayed.... can you elaborate?
Also, wasn't there a recent post about the bus service being split up so that they weren't going to all of the Epcot resorts?

 

[Disney-Kim]

minniestheone...don't panic. a long wait at the front desk, food trays in the hall, and a bad restaurant experience won't mean you aren't going to have the best trip ever. Could those things really ruin the whole trip?
As I have seen on the resort boards all these years....people read these boards and build up this magical stay in their minds and then if one or even a few little things are not perfect then it was all terrible.
Don't worry....the majority of the posts you read are positive.

 

[CarolMN]

Sorry to hear you were disappointed. We're BWV owners, too.

1. Yep. Sometimes that happens. Not sure why. I always chalk it up to a new front desk CM, but I don't really know why it has to take so long - it doesn't happen all the time, though.

2. Haven't encountered that, ever. You must have been there with lots of people who wanted room service! Too bad the dishes & leftovers didn't get picked up more frequently.

3. We usually walk to EPCOT & MGM and drive to AK. THey must have changed the bus route for the MK runs. BWV used to be the last stop before the MK so we never had to stop anywhere else on the way to the park. On the way back to our room, we always got off at the Swan (first stop) and walked back from there. Only takes about 5 minutes. Truthfully, we've never really been bothered by the wait times and it was easy to work around the stops - if they've changed things around, I guess our methods won't work so well.

4. Totally agree with you. When we tried it, food was only OK, delivered cold and service was poor. Won't go back. There are so many choices (including eating yor own cooking) that we don't even miss it.

Hope you give BWV a try again sometime and have a better experience!

Best wishes -

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by minniestheone
I was nervous before but am really nervous now. We usually stay at the VWL but are trying the BWV this June, and now I don't know what to do! It is our first time getting a 2 bedroom for a week, and if it is not positive experience that is a lot of wasted points. I don't know what to do!!!

Do not be nervous! BWV is a wonderful resort. I have stayed at BWV many, many times over the years and always have very wonderful trips. This is my DVC home resort and we absolutely love it. The long check in, unsatisfactory boat times etc can be experienced at any resort anywhere. Restaurant reviews are based on personal opinions, we LOVE Big River, their meatloaf is fantastic, in my opinion.
Relax, BWV is a great place to stay!

To the OP,
I am sorry you did not enjoy your stay at BWV. I hope you enjoyed all other aspects of your trip.

 

[Cap]

In response to CGregoryJr's comments, we stayed at BWV in late January and again loved it. The front desk service was great, even with a new Cast Member learning. We did a lot of kidding with her trainer. Of course, we were there for vacation, so were not up tight about getting inprocessed in two minutes. We ended up with a really great BWV room on the 5th floor.

We took the boat to MGM, stopping at the Swan / Dolphin first. It was the normal, relaxing boat trip, and the return was fine also. We also took the boat across to Beach Club one night, just because it was chilly. Had a nice talk with the assistant captain (navigator, first mate, or whatever) who was feeding the ducks at each stop. He said he had to bring his own bread - Disney did not provide it for the ducks.

Member valet parking worked fine. We did not use the buses. One day we walked to the Epcot entrance.

We saw some food trays in the halls in the evening after dinner hours. I suspect that this was from guests who didn't know to call to have the trays picked up (or were too lazy or afraid they'd have to hand out a few dollars in tips). I didn't think it was unreasonable, considering that Boardwalk is a large building with long corridors and offers room service.

Now Big River Grille - that's another issue. I don't see it related to the Boardwalk Vacation Resort, but I do think they should either close it, or completely fire the management and staff and start over. We had a third bad experience there and don't think we'll go back until we hear dozens of positive things about the place.

We went to BCV for a great dinner one night and to the Swan for a really nice breakfast. Both are within easy walking distance.

Overall, I believe that most DVC members will enjoy staying at BWV and should not be scared about reserving there.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We have stayed at BWV in June and loved it. We ate at Big River Grille once and didn't like it. Most negatives are erased by being able to walk to MGM and Epcot. But I don't think BRG has ever added to the DVC experience!
Robin M.

 

[jaysue]

It is unfortunate that your trip did not meet your expectations

During our recent two trips to BWV:

1) Virtually no wait at check in and only about 10 minutes with a pleasant front desk person - we had no problems - not sure what would cause a 25 minute interaction at front desk - pls share with us what caused such a long wait

2) Occassional food in the hallways which is still too much - when we have trash/food we take it to the trash room - the exception would be for room service which usually advises that the dishes etc. are to be left in the hall - could the "food" have been room service related?

3) Yep bus and boat service at the Epcot Resorts are "challenged" to say the least - source of frustration for us - we walked to MGM, Epcot, Drove to AK and hoped for a bus to MK during our trips - this is a BCV issue as well from time to time

4) Have not tried Big River Grille but have heard mixed reviews so this is not a surprise to me - I believe this restaurant is not even run by Disney

Glad to hear you like OKW though

thanks
jaysue

 

[JVL1018]

Originally posted by CGregoryJr
We just returned from our first trip to BWV. In a word--disappointing.

I am sorry to hear that.
If it makes you feel better-our first visit to BWV--ehhh.
Our first visit to HH-ehhh
Our subsequent visits to both HH & BWV-What the heck were we thinking not loving these places??? I can't imagine why we didn't love it immediatly, but ever since, we have had nothing but wonderful trips, I hope the same is true for you!

 

[ceejay13]

I, too, am sorry about the bad experience. We were there for 8 days in January and actually had 2 2 bdrs and a studio for our party of 12 and everything was great. I do have to agree about Big River Grille though. We didn't eat there this time but last time when we tried we decided we wouldn't return. I don't think this should be a negative for the BWV, however. ESPN, Flying Fish and Spoodles are certainly very good. Room service is good, as well. And you have so many options right at your doorstep such as the Y & B club, Swan & Dolphin, MGM and Epcot restaurants that you can either walk or take a boat to. As to the bus service, we always rent a car so can't speak to that. Our rooms were in great shape and ready when we arrived. There was no wait for check in and all the castmembers were very kind. This has been my experience for each of the 7 times we have stayed there and I love it more every time I return. We also love OKW and VB and am sure will enjoy the BCV when we stay there in December. I realize that there are bad experiences from time to time and they should be addressed. Having said that, this is not the norm and you should not be worried about your upcoming visit. The magic will still be there.

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by CGregoryJr
We just returned from our first trip to BWV. In a word--disappointing. ...

1) 35 minutes to check-in; more than 25 of which was spent directly with front office personnel (fewer than 10 minutes of waiting in line).
2) Tremendous amount of food in the hallways.
3) Extended boat and bus transportation time to/from theme parks because of so many stops to Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, etc.
4) Lousy food and service at Big River Grille.

I can't argue with check in times, it depends on when you get in...but, there should never be food trays and garbage piling up in hallways-Mousekeeping needs to keep up with this.

Transportation at BWV has been a big issue for a while- it needs to be improved!

We don't like Big Grille, either. Food is mediocre and the chairs are extemely uncomfortable!

 

[Richyams]

I'm not surprised.

 

[MelissathePooh]

4) Have not tried Big River Grille but have heard mixed reviews so this is not a surprise to me - I believe this restaurant is not even run by Disney

it is part of the big river chain. imho, not as good as other big river/rock bottom locations, and not as diverse a beer selection, but hey it is a tourist area. i guess a chain microbrew is kind of a weird concept. it is an ok place to drop in for a beer when in the area, but i wouldn't go in expecting a whole lot more than an expensive burger. flying fish is the place for good food at bwv, then spoodles.

DR

 

[BWVDee]

I am telling all you Big River nay sayers.......if you like meatloaf, you got to try Big River's. You won't be sorry! LOL!
Seriously though, restaurant preferences are very varied and differ greatly from person to person. What one person loves very often someone else hates. For instance I have seen quite a few praises for Spoodles. We have frankly been very disappointed in Spoodles food for the past few visits. It is ok but nothing like what it was a few years ago before they got rid of the breakfast buffet and changed the menu. Spoodles at one time was one of favorite WDW restaurants but not any longer. I also really am not crazy for ESPN, my DS however loves the place. But he is also a huge sports fan so I think that has a lot to do with it. I personally like all the boardwalk restaurants to varying degrees with Flying Fish being my absolute favorite.
To anyone considering staying at BWV, rest assured it is a fantastic resort. One of Disney's finest and most sought after resorts on property.

 

[gantzcrew]

Wow we also just returned from our first stay at the BWV. Have stayed at BCV and OKW and BWV may now be my favorite. Stayed 6 nights Standard view 1 bedroom, 4th floor and loved it. Quiet, clean, nice view, friendly staff. Check in was quick and smooth. CM tried to meet our requests, got into the room about 2 p.m. Ate at Big River, terrific food, not too expensive. parks were more crowded than I had expected.

So I guess we all have different experiences. I give the BWV a big thumbs up!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

I have stayed at the BWVs, although not in a few years. I don't recall a terribly long wait at check-in. I have had long waits at other WDW hotels...sometimes I think it depends on what time oyu arrive, did a big glut of people arrive just before you and whatnot. We usually leave the CT/NY area early in the AM, so we arrive at the hotel by 11AM, which seems to be a good time to miss the big check-in crowds. Of course, we don't have kids, so that makes our travelling ability more flexible, as we are not dealing with school schedules etc.

As far as food in the hallway...this seems to be a bit of an issue with the BWVs and BCVs. Maybe it is because they are more "hotel-like"? Although, VWL is also "hotel-like", and I don't seem to hear the problem referred to as much over there. By "hotel-like", I mean with interior entrances rather than exterior entrances like OKW.(PS-I am not looking to turn this into and OKW vs. BWV debate).

Big River Grille has always been mediocre at best.

Bus service can be improved.

 

[DebbieB]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've been 4 for 4 with good experiences with BWV. Never had a long check-in. I've noticed a couple room service trays in the hall but not enough to be worth mentioning. We rarely use the busses, we prefer to drive. Boats are OK. We usually get the "brew burger" at Big River and it's always been good.

 

[new_yawka]

Sorry the OP had a less than fulfilling experience.

We just returned and, Richyams not being surprised aside, found BWV to be wonderful!

Try Spoodles or ESPN if you don't want to go to Big River.

As for transportation. It's not great, but it isn't all that bad either, if you do it in a smart way. Walking to Epcot is absolutely great. We walked from the Swan after returning from AK and it was fine...it's only a few minute walk, not unlike walking from the bus stops at many resorts....

As for the resort itself, the CM's were very friendly and the activities available were fantastic.

My only significant complaint is the length of the hallways, but, seeing as exercise is something I need plenty of...I didn't mind that too much either

BWV is great...I will look forward to our return!