Help Choose DVC Resorts for our Upcoming Stays!

[FinnFogg]

We are west coast DVC owners, and have made two prior trips to WDW, staying at Kidani, OKW (short stay before cruise) and BCV (shirt stay after cruise). We have legacy Gold Passes that have not been activated (due to COVID) and are hoping to have a year of WDW trips starting in March of 2022. For our first stay, we are going for 2 weeks and are split between BLT/BWV/AkL (Jambo). We hope to go again in May 2022 for 5 nights and Feb 2023 for 9 nights. I love the location of BWV and BCV, but am keen to try out other resorts. We are a family of 5 and need a one bedroom, so unfortunately Poly is off the list. What are your favourite resorts and which do you think we should add to our list of “must stays” during our “year of WDW”?

 

[Stargazer65]

If between BLT/BWV/AKV (Jambo), I'd recommend BLT. It sounds like you have not stayed at a monorail resort, so to me BLT is a must do in your case. Especially for a family of 5, the 1 bedroom is superb with 2 full bathrooms. AKV has that also, but you already stayed at Kidani, so BLT would be a way different experience.

 

[FinnFogg]

If between BLT/BWV/AKV (Jambo), I'd recommend BLT. It sounds like you have not stayed at a monorail resort, so to me BLT is a must do in your case. Especially for a family of 5, the 1 bedroom is superb with 2 full bathrooms. AKV has that also, but you already stayed at Kidani, so BLT would be a way different experience.

Thanks! We are staying in all 3 next March (4 nights BLT, 5 nights BWV and 5 nights AKL Jambo). Trying to decide what to do for our May and Feb trips. Do we stick with the tried and true, and go for more BCV and BWV stays, or are there other monorail resorts (other than BLT) that offer convenient access to the parks and awesome theming? And what about Riviera? Is it somewhat comparable to BCV and BWV re access to HS and Epcot (assuming the gondola is running). So many choices!!

 

[Stargazer65]

Thanks! We are staying in all 3 next March (4 nights BLT, 5 nights BWV and 5 nights AKL Jambo). Trying to decide what to do for our May and Feb trips.

Oops sorry, misread your post. I thought you were split on deciding between those three, not that you were doing a split stay at all three.

Well, there is Grand Floridian (VGF) which is the flagship monorail resort. That's really nice, just more point cost than most.

Next to the monorail, near the Contemporary, Wilderness lodge is a fantastic resort. The downside, is CC would require a 2 bedroom for 5. BRV (a.k.a. VWL) can accommodate a 5th person if on points, but they don't get bedding. You need an air mattress, or at least a sleeping bag for them. Also, BRV is getting some bad rap due to being in need of a refurb. But we are staying there in the spring anyway just because the WL resort is really, really nice. You can take a boat to MK, and to the monorail station to get around. Even if you don't stay there...you need to at least visit and see Wilderness Lodge. Also, if you can book a reservation to eat at the Whispering Canyon, I highly recommend.

You should tour VGF and WL when you are at BLT, maybe you'll pick one of those.

I've been to Riviera to visit, eat, and ride the gondola, and it is a nice resort. That would be a different experience. Although I've never stayed there, I toured the rooms, and they are really nice.

 

[Nabas]

Trying to decide what to do for our May and Feb trips. Do we stick with the tried and true, and go for more BCV and BWV stays, or are there other monorail resorts (other than BLT) that offer convenient access to the parks and awesome theming? And what about Riviera? Is it somewhat comparable to BCV and BWV re access to HS and Epcot (assuming the gondola is running). So many choices!!

We are big believers in varying our trips, and have stayed at every WDW hotel & DVC more than once. Unless you are heads-over-heals in love with one of the resorts you've already stayed at, I suggest mixing it up.

Regarding Monorail resorts, you should give VGF a try since you need a one-bedroom (eliminating PVB) and already have a stay planned at BLT. It's a lovely resort with a nice pool, Monorail access, and a (long) walking path to the Magic Kingdom.

Regarding the Riviera, as a whole, BCV and BWV are subjectively better, being within walking distance to two theme parks. The Skyliner has a habit of closing a lot (due to Florida's almost daily thunderstorms) and is crowded every morning for the opening of DHS and Epcot. However, the Riviera is new and beautiful, well worth a stay. Still, since you explicitly mention theming, some consider the Riviera's theming to be a bit generic. (It reminds me of several pricey non-Disney hotels that I have stayed at.)

 

[DeeBee3]

I 2nd Wilderness Lodge!!! Beautiful resort and we love the boat ride to MK. Great place.

Copper Creek was recently renovated so it's nice and new and modern. Boulder Ridge (like said above) is scheduled for a refurb, which it needs.

 

[RanDIZ]

Great selections for the March trip. You mentioned Riviera. If you’re trying to make it a point and stay at different resorts, that’s one thing. But I would not give up BCV or BWV for Riviera if the intentions are to utilize EP and HS. Being able to simply walk to either is a huge benefit. Skyliner has lines to wait in and can go down. I would also suggest trying CCV as others mentioned. You have AKV covered so you’re good there. I own at both and they both have their pros and cons. Mainly pros though.