FW, BLT, or BWV - Let's hear your thoughts!

[hiwaygal]

I'm starting some very early planning for a trip for my DH and me, Brother, SIL, and niece (14) and nephew (4). DH and I have been to the world twice, my brother has never been, not sure about SIL or niece, and it will be my nephew's first trip too.

I'm considering three options for accommodations and I want some help with listing pros and cons, good and bad, amenities, etc for each one. I'm hoping I can use some of the information to help us make a more informed choice.

The choices are (in no particular priority):

Fort Wilderness Cabin

BLT (possibly MK view)

BWV

DH and I have stayed at BWI and the Poly so we kinda know a little more about BLT and BWV, but have absolutely no experience with FW.

So…let's hear your opinions!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with Boardwalk Villas because of their theme and atmosphere. Since you already stayed at the Boardwalk Inn you already know about the walkways to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, all their restaurant options and entertainment along the Boardwalk everyday from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM.

Now some cons that others might bring up is the walk from their self parking lot to the lobby and their hallways. Well assuming you had a car when you previously stayed there I am sure you know about that, however I personally never thought that was a major issue. I mean at the Grand Floridian their self parking lot is a lot smaller and located across the street. As for the hallways once again I am sure you got use to them having stayed on the BWI side and I personally don't think they were anymore longer compared to other resorts like the Beach Club, which I thought were as long if not longer. So those two things come down to a matter of personal opinion.

 

[hiwaygal]

No worries about parking - when we are in the world we are IN the world.

 

[hiwaygal]

bumping...and hoping for some thoughts...

 

[TaraPA]

Be sure & check availability for BLT when really starting to choose - that is the 1st to book up, and is often unavailable. Check first so you don't agonize over your decision, then choose BLT, THEN find out you can't get it!

Happy planning!

 

[hiwaygal]

Thanks for the tip!

I had considered that...especially since I hope to rent DVC points. The trip is planned for August 2013. I figure I may need to book something in August of this year to confirm.

I'm starting early because I hope to send my brothers family information too so I can hopefully get their input.

One thing I've been thinking about are the transportation options. We LOVED the accessibility to the MK from the Poly (on the boat and walking to the TTC).

We also loved the accessibility to Epcot and DHS from the Boardwalk. This would be especially great later in the evening when the 4 year old is sleeping, maybe mom and dad can go do some drinking around the world.

Since my DH and I have never been with children, we also kinda wonder which of the three resorts might best suit a 14 yo girl and/or a 4 yo boy. And why...

Lots of stuff running through my head.

 

[Deesknee]

I've never stayed at FW. My family has stayed BWV and BLT(mk view). Tough to say which. There is the awe factor at BLT and like you say the short walk to MK. But, long term, there is so much to do on the Boardwalk for both ages of children. We stayed there when my oldests were about 6 1/2yrs. Both the boys and our daughter loved it. It within itself was an amuzement park to them at night with all the entertainers out. One thing I think worth mentioning, some kids are afraid of clowns..... keep in mind the pool.
Any way to go on this one it is a win win.
Also, I have been in the situation of older kids with younger one. (12 year diff) They all loved BLT. (we usually stay OKW). We haven't stayed BWV since we had the youngest. So, can't speak on behalf of older kids with younger ones there.

IMO, I think I would lean toward BWV if you aren't renting a car. I would think the option to walk to 2 parks combined with the activity onsite would be a good option. Again IF neither kid has a clown issue. (can you tell one of mine has a serious clown issue? hahaha)

 

[sleeperclan]

BLT with MK view--I think this would be a once in a lifetime experience! I saw pictures someone posted from their villa and they were amazing...gave me goosebumps!!

 

[hiwaygal]

IMO, I think I would lean toward BWV if you aren't renting a car. I would think the option to walk to 2 parks combined with the activity onsite would be a good option. Again IF neither kid has a clown issue. (can you tell one of mine has a serious clown issue? hahaha)

LOL! I don't think anyone has a clown issue, but I will definitely keep that in mind!

BLT with MK view--I think this would be a once in a lifetime experience! I saw pictures someone posted from their villa and they were amazing...gave me goosebumps!!

Too true about the lifetime experience...and it would be one that my DH and I haven't experienced too! But, I do have to admit, I might not be able to swing it cost wise. Would you still do BLT without the MK view or does that change things?

 

[sleeperclan]

LOL! I don't think anyone has a clown issue, but I will definitely keep that in mind!



Too true about the lifetime experience...and it would be one that my DH and I haven't experienced too! But, I do have to admit, I might not be able to swing it cost wise. Would you still do BLT without the MK view or does that change things?

I would still do it if I could do the lake view, only because this is DS dream resort and hope to stay sometime in the future. I love the convenience of the monorail resorts! Just an aside, BWV is my DH favorite...he's an early riser and loved walking around the boardwalk in the wee hours while waiting for the bakery to open!!

 

[LSchrow]

while we loved FW, i agree with PPs, the BW would be your best choice.
the BW is so much more convenient if the group splits up. say a few want to go to EPCOT, others to DHS, someone else to lay by the pool. you are still all within walking distance of one another. the 14yo can also go to the bakery and grab a treat or shop (with cel phone, of course), without worry.

there are also adult options (jellyrolls, belle vue lounge, espn) if you want to go out for a few drinks while the 14yo babysits.

 

[Havana]

BLT is our favorite. Be sure to check availability for your dates. It tends to be full most of the time.
BW is very nice since it is close to EP and HS.
FW is the last on my list. I have been there to eat and drive around, it really doesn't appeal to me. I like the Deluxe resorts too much.

 

[hiwaygal]

I like the Deluxe resorts too much.

Oh I do understand that!!! LOL!!

We've been very fortunate with our only trips being able to stay at Deluxes, and to some extent I think the experience you get at these resorts would also be a nice indulgence for my family.

Not that we're "resort snobs" by any means! Hell, I'd sleep on a chaise lounge somewhere for the week if I had to!! It's just that I talk about Disney so much that I want my brother and SIL (but mostly my brother) to be impressed and pleased with the experience.

I have to admit, the Boardwalk has a very special place in my heart and it is a beautiful resort. We're not big DHS fans, but the kids might be. We do love Epcot (I'm craving a Grand Marnier slushie even now).

But that MK view and accessibility has a draw too.

Keep your thoughts coming everyone!! And thanks so much!

 

[fla4fun]

I have stayed at all three, and liked all three.

Due to your party size, you would need to get a two bedroom villa at either BLT or BWV. That will be a much larger space than the FW cabin, and will give you the benefit of an in room washer/dryer (so you don't have to pack as much). You would have a king bed in the master, and a sofabed and chairbed in the living room, and then the second bedroom as well - you could probably each have your own separate bed, if you wanted it. My BLT one bedroom was a lake view, overlooking the CR marina and pool area, on the 8th floor. I really liked that view. At BWV, I've mostly overlooked one of the pools. While I agree that the parking lot is a lot farther from the building than your other two choices, if you don't plan on using the car once you check in, it's not as big a deal.

The cabins at FW will sleep six, but it's a little tight. I have stayed in the cabins as a solo, and found the space just about right. I can't imagine being there with six people. The bedroom is pretty small - just big enough for a double bed and bunk bed with a small nightstand inbetween. The other bed is the Murphy bed in the living room, also a double. I like having my car parked in my own little "driveway" outside the cabin. Although some people say a golf cart is a necessity, as a solo I can't justify the cost, and have found no problems in using the Disney transportation to get around.

At BLT and BWV you will be within walking distance to some of the parks, which is a godsend at the end of the evening. I tend to stay quite often in the Epcot resorts area, just because of this.

I would stick with a villa for your party size.

 

[Chip n Dale's Dad]

We have stayed at FW (with a camper, not cabins), BLT (2br. MK view), and visited BWV many times. There are a lot of fun things to do at FW (like the campfire program), but if you stayed at BLT, all that FW has to offer, along with WL, is a short boat ride away. Kind of two for one. Our kids love to spend time at FW! You'd have much more space at BLT and BWV. Our preference is BLT. The 5 minute walk to MK is great, especially if the 4yr old needs some down time. Epcot is just a couple of monorail rides away. You mentioned theme park view. This would be great with a 4yr old. Being able to see the MK and watch Wishes and the monorail from the room is a huge plus. We stayed at BLT w/theme park view Dec 2010. It was amazing. Our younger children got ready for bed quickly so they could watch Wishes! Then as soon as Wishes was over, it was lights out. How cool is that! Our 3yr old was mesmerized by the monorail whooshing by and still talks about it a year later! Because of that and the convienence, my wife insists on staying at BLT, MK view from now on! Some lake views also have views of the the MK, but don't count on it. The Contemporary has a nice arcade, restaurants and shops. An add bonus is being able to easily visit the other monorail resorts and their shops and restaurants, too! BWV looks like a lot of fun and is in a great location. A lovely stroll to Epcot and BCV/YC. Again, convienent if 4yr old needs down time and perfect for "drinking around the world" tours!

I would definitely look into renting points (if your not a DVC owner) to save $$$.

BLT seems to work best for us. Just my humble opinion and experience. I hope this helps. Have fun choosing and planning!

 

[DLFT]

I have stayed in a cabin w/ 5 others and have been just fine. Fort Wilderness is a lot different than any of the other choices. I have stayed with various amounts of family at the Fort in both the cabins and campsites several times. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros: Atmosphere, often cheaper than any room that could sleep 6 at BLT or BW, boat to MK/Contemporary/Wilderness Lodge, lots of activities to see and do, outdoor campfire and movie every night, more secluded and spread out(being in your own cabin, not right up against someone else's room), more privacy (in the cabins), uniqueness
Cons: Have to use internal busses if you don't want to rent a golf cart to travel to bus stop or marina, more secluded and spread out (a pro and con all in one), one bathroom in each cabin (though there are sometimes comfort stations nearby in the camping and laundry areas), might be a bit tight with six people in a cabin, few resort dining options.
Every Disney Resort has its pros and cons. Personally, I love FW, but everyone's opinion differs, so you should choose whatever works best for you, and many other posters suggest BWV as your best option, which I don't necessarily disagree with. All three choices you have considered are good choices. Have a great trip!

 

[spiceycat]

the problem with MK view at BLT is it started on the 2nd floor.....

so anything under 7th floor and you will see either more of the monrail or the parking lot.

so don't think to me the MK view is worth the price. Love the standard views and lake views are fine.

okay a big reason for me to love the standard views they don't go above the 5th floor. since I have a heights problem this works great for me. plus the bridge to the CR is on the 5th floor.

 

[hiwaygal]

First of all - THANK YOU to everyone for sharing your thoughts! You have given me lots to think about and consider, but I especially appreciate your personal insights and experiences too!

I have stayed at all three, and liked all three.

Due to your party size, you would need to get a two bedroom villa at either BLT or BWV. That will be a much larger space than the FW cabin, and will give you the benefit of an in room washer/dryer (so you don't have to pack as much). You would have a king bed in the master, and a sofabed and chairbed in the living room, and then the second bedroom as well - you could probably each have your own separate bed, if you wanted it. My BLT one bedroom was a lake view, overlooking the CR marina and pool area, on the 8th floor. I really liked that view. At BWV, I've mostly overlooked one of the pools. While I agree that the parking lot is a lot farther from the building than your other two choices, if you don't plan on using the car once you check in, it's not as big a deal.

The cabins at FW will sleep six, but it's a little tight. I have stayed in the cabins as a solo, and found the space just about right. I can't imagine being there with six people. The bedroom is pretty small - just big enough for a double bed and bunk bed with a small nightstand inbetween. The other bed is the Murphy bed in the living room, also a double. I like having my car parked in my own little "driveway" outside the cabin. Although some people say a golf cart is a necessity, as a solo I can't justify the cost, and have found no problems in using the Disney transportation to get around.

At BLT and BWV you will be within walking distance to some of the parks, which is a godsend at the end of the evening. I tend to stay quite often in the Epcot resorts area, just because of this.

I would stick with a villa for your party size.

Thank you! If I could find a space with two bathrooms that would be great. But I don't want to spend the $$$ for it! While DH and I don't spend an outrageous amount of time at the resort, we do spend some time there. And I'm sure my family will want down time as well - so more space is better.

We have stayed at FW (with a camper, not cabins), BLT (2br. MK view), and visited BWV many times. There are a lot of fun things to do at FW (like the campfire program), but if you stayed at BLT, all that FW has to offer, along with WL, is a short boat ride away. Kind of two for one. Our kids love to spend time at FW! You'd have much more space at BLT and BWV. Our preference is BLT. The 5 minute walk to MK is great, especially if the 4yr old needs some down time. Epcot is just a couple of monorail rides away. You mentioned theme park view. This would be great with a 4yr old. Being able to see the MK and watch Wishes and the monorail from the room is a huge plus. We stayed at BLT w/theme park view Dec 2010. It was amazing. Our younger children got ready for bed quickly so they could watch Wishes! Then as soon as Wishes was over, it was lights out. How cool is that! Our 3yr old was mesmerized by the monorail whooshing by and still talks about it a year later! Because of that and the convienence, my wife insists on staying at BLT, MK view from now on! Some lake views also have views of the the MK, but don't count on it. The Contemporary has a nice arcade, restaurants and shops. An add bonus is being able to easily visit the other monorail resorts and their shops and restaurants, too! BWV looks like a lot of fun and is in a great location. A lovely stroll to Epcot and BCV/YC. Again, convienent if 4yr old needs down time and perfect for "drinking around the world" tours!

I would definitely look into renting points (if your not a DVC owner) to save $$$.

BLT seems to work best for us. Just my humble opinion and experience. I hope this helps. Have fun choosing and planning!

Thank you so much for your thoughts!!! You mentioned a lot of things I thought about for my nephew (the 4yo) and how well they worked for you and your younger ones.

I have stayed in a cabin w/ 5 others and have been just fine. Fort Wilderness is a lot different than any of the other choices. I have stayed with various amounts of family at the Fort in both the cabins and campsites several times. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros: Atmosphere, often cheaper than any room that could sleep 6 at BLT or BW, boat to MK/Contemporary/Wilderness Lodge, lots of activities to see and do, outdoor campfire and movie every night, more secluded and spread out(being in your own cabin, not right up against someone else's room), more privacy (in the cabins), uniqueness
Cons: Have to use internal busses if you don't want to rent a golf cart to travel to bus stop or marina, more secluded and spread out (a pro and con all in one), one bathroom in each cabin (though there are sometimes comfort stations nearby in the camping and laundry areas), might be a bit tight with six people in a cabin, few resort dining options.
Every Disney Resort has its pros and cons. Personally, I love FW, but everyone's opinion differs, so you should choose whatever works best for you, and many other posters suggest BWV as your best option, which I don't necessarily disagree with. All three choices you have considered are good choices. Have a great trip!

Love your pros and cons! This will be really helpful!

the problem with MK view at BLT is it started on the 2nd floor.....

so anything under 7th floor and you will see either more of the monrail or the parking lot.

so don't think to me the MK view is worth the price. Love the standard views and lake views are fine.

okay a big reason for me to love the standard views they don't go above the 5th floor. since I have a heights problem this works great for me. plus the bridge to the CR is on the 5th floor.

LOL! Sorry about your height problem! And thank you for pointing out the locations of the better views (for the MK). So, we should try to get above the 7th floor for a better view of Wishes and the park?

 

[Missyrose]

Like many of the PP, I don't think you can go wrong with either BW or BLT. Couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to booking.

If you're planning to rent points, your best bet would be to find someone whose home resort matches where you want to stay. That will allow you to book the room 11 months out (Sept for August). If you rent from someone whose home resort doesn't match where you want to stay, you'll have to wait until 7 months out to try and get your reservation.

If you're planning to book through Disney, people have reported the DVC villas being available at about 10 months out and you'll have to be vigilant about checking so you get what you're looking for.

Happy planning!