Help me decide between BWV & BCV

[Roveer]

We will be visiting the world on August 16 and this trip will very likely result in us purchasing DVC. Our youngest just turned 3 so we will no longer be able to stay in a standard room. Time to face the realities of having 4 kids.

We will be going in with a referral and a named guide to explore BLT, BCV & BWV. Obviously BLT is the only current propertly DVC is selling but I'm told that I should also ask about the other 2. I'm already working on my TSS options should I decide to purchase resale.

So, that being said. I have a sneaky suspision that even know my wife thinks that we will love what we see at BLT, we may find that it's not for us. What we love about most of the WDW resorts is that they don't feel like hotel rooms or a hotel for that matter. The theming just does that. BLT is a hotel complete with 17 floors... We are going to give it a shot but I think we'll end up looking at BCV & BWV.

My question, or challenege is to educate me on what is good/bad or worth considering with BCV & BWV.

We've stayed BCV in a 2 bedroom for 2 nights a a few years ago and really enjoyed ourselves. SAB was at first very daunting (it was crowded), but then it turned out to be the kids favorite resort pool. We've been Poly, GF many times. We stayed YC last fall so we now know our way around the area and enjoy the location and its proximity to Epcot and HS. Other than walking the boardwalk in front of BWV we haven't really been on that property. I've looked at lots of pictures of both the resort and the rooms. The theming though different seems on-par with BCV.

Any comments about the Pool? We swim a lot so it's important. SAB can be both great and a nightmare at the same time depending on how crowded it is. I think that is probably the most hopped or invaded pools of any resort. We've had to do the wrist band thing at least twice and have never done it at other resorts.

So I'm interested in anything you can tell me about either of the two properties, your observations, your experiences or anything that I could include along with our visit that would help us decide which one to purchase.

Thanks in advance and I appreciate your input. Hopefully this thread will help others in the future who will be making the same decision.

 

[chalee94]

if you are hanging out on the boardwalk, there is a BWV model you can walk through to get a feel for the furnishings - no planning ahead is necessary. BWV is a slightly shorter walk to the studios than BCV.

BWV is often criticized for the long hallways - so it might be too "hotel-like." and the BWV pool unfortunately has this.

BCV is a smaller resort and SAB is extremely popular (and unhoppable - officially anyway), which is part of why BCV has held its value more than other DVCs.

 

[Boardwalker]

I would look at it as a choice between the view and the pool.
If swimming is important to your family, go with SAB and BCV. My dear BWV can't compete pool wise. SAB makes BCV more of a resort unto itself.
However, in defense of my beloved BWV....
If you are willing to spend extra points on a BW view, you will get one of the best views in Disney. You get to watch the evening entertainment from your balcony, often get limited views of Illuminations and occasionally get a limited view of Wishes in the distance.
The hallways at BWV are only a problem for people who don't bother to look for alternate exits...
BWV are perfect for me, but I rarely go to the pool and I like the evening excitement. Back when we bought in, we actually were allowed to use SAB, so we had the best of both worlds. Then they went and built the BCV, and the debate began.

 

[Mtnman44]

I would probably go with BWV as the SAB pool is not a particular draw for us. Yea the kids might like it once in a while but we spend so little time at the resort pools. If we want a water park day, there are better options.

I like BWV for the flexible point choices. Standard rooms are cheap or you can go for a View room. Nice walk the Studios or Epcot, pretty good pool, oh yea and it can be had for a lower purchase price than BCV via resale. I also like the multiple and close food options.

 

[Roveer]

It's sounding like BCV might be the way we want to go. We will always stay 2 bedroom, I'd say 95+% of the time. View is not terribly important to us but if we ammassed enough points it would probably be nice once in a while. We've always stayed SV at Poly, GF & YC. We It'll probably come down to which pool the kids like better and which resort has a better feel for us. Based on my thinking that will probably be BCV, but my spreadsheet is telling me BWV is a better value. That being said, BLT is still in the running, but I'm preparing my plan B in the event that it doesn't click with us. That's my gut feel right now.

Keep em coming, It all goes into the blender and the DVC Smoothie that comes out is going to be one heck of a drink!!!

Ok, I've got to be realistic here... Should we be looking at SSR? I've looked at the maps it seems so far from everything. We've always stayed on the monorail because WDW is better when you are not on busses all day. Heck, we've been jumping a monorail or train pretty much every vacation we've ever had. But SSR is cheaper than my other choices. I'm just concerned that we'd be too far away and would lose some of what makes WDW special for us. Thoughts?

 

[disfanRN]

Our home resort is AKV and we love it. Having said that we have stayed at BWV and BCV. Loved Boardwalk for the night life, views and location. Loved BCV for pool, location, and Beaches and Cream. But in my opinion they are so close together that it makes going from one to the other a quick boat ride or short walk. We just did an add on of 100 points at Beach Club because we love staying in that area for the Food and Wine festival. I think you will be happy at either of them. I say whatever one you find a better price on go with it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are no dedicated two bedroom villas at BWV. They are all lockoffs. So the second bedroom always has a queen sized bed and a double sleeper sofa and a door to the corridor from the room. Plus kitchenette in the room. It can be reserved as a one bedroom and a studio.

With four kids, you may not want them to be able to go out of the villa through their bedroom. And you may want two real beds in the second bedroom.

Which is also an issue at BCV. There are only 25 dedicated two bedroom villas that also have two queen beds in the second bedroom. All the rest of the dedicated two bedroom villas have a queen sized bed and a double sleeper sofa - but no door to the corridor from the bedroom.

 

[Jillpie]

It sounds like the pool is really important to you. Even though SAB can be daunting with 4 little kids, you must remember that those little kids will become older very soon, and independent swimmers. BCV is the way to go. How can you beat that awesome pool, it is in a league of its own. (don't even consider SSR, ick, way too big and the pool is no where near as nice, jmo)

BCV also has that awesome room to "call home" off the lobby, when you don't have a room, or you're just waiting for the ME bus on the way back to the airport. I love that room. Nobody ever seems to go in there, but its terrific when you just want to put your feet up and have no where else to go (not to mention they have a great restroom right off the lobby of the BCV's too).

Have fun deciding! Thats a fun thing to do.

 

[edk35]

We have stayed at BCV the past two summers. We loved both of our trips. SAB is the best pool on WDW in our opinion. We love everything about BCV. We stayed at BWV summer of 07 and didn't care for it. We are new owners at Kidani Village and just stayed 2 nights in 2 br. savanna view and LOVED LOVED LOVED IT. However the pool does not compare to SAB. However the decor/style of AKV Kidani is amazing. The 2 bedrooms are HUGE......just beautiful. Good luck!!! We love DVC because we have been able to stay at almost all of them in 2 1/2 years. We just need to stay at VWL and Vero and we will have hit them all. We are trying HHI out in Dec. When we first joined we bought into SSR and added on at AKV Kidani last fall. We love SSR too. The great thing about DVC is you can stay at all of the resorts eventually.

 

[DeeCee735]

We are fans of BWV. It is one of our home resorts and our favorite. When my kids were younger they got a kick out of going to SAB (before the days of no pooling hopping there), but once or twice was enough for them. I didn't like the lazy river type pool because I had to be in the water to watch them, and I've never seen it NOT crowded, but I understand the draw it has, it is pretty cool.

My kids (from when they were younger to now - and they are 20) really love the slide on BW pool. So did I for quite awhile, I haven't been done it in a few years!

As far as the long hallways, I never understood why people don't like them. All of the DVC resorts are not small, so walking around in them is no different to me, except at BWV you're in an air conditioned hallway, and you don't get rained on. In OHO, we prefer the hallways...but that's just us.

BC is beautiful, but there are no views to speak of....that I know of at least, we have never stayed there, being BW owners, and just across the pond. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, please.

It's a personal decision, which is why it's so great that DVC has very different DVC resorts options. We have stayed at OKW a couple of times and we LOVE it there. It's away from everything, but perfect for a quiet and relaxing stay...and the rooms are huge!

Good luck with your decision, and have a great vacation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...As far as the long hallways, I never understood why people don't like them. All of the DVC resorts are not small, so walking around in them is no different to me, except at BWV you're in an air conditioned hallway, and you don't get rained on. In OHO, we prefer the hallways...but that's just us.....

I think it's the tunnel feeling. Or claustrophobia.

 

[ITGirl50]

IMHO I would like to own at Boardwalk because I could get a standard view room using the 11-month booking window.

We stayed in a standard view 1-bedroom for 6 nights a couple of summers ago. There was nothing "standard" about that view. We saw the Eiffel tower and the fireworks in distance from our huge balcony and this room was 171 points for 6 nights instead of 210 points like BCV and B/P view at BWV.

My DD liked the clown slide at BWV.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

BCV is very very busy. Lots of people running around the pool area and in the lobby. It is very noisy from the loud music they play by the pool. If all of this activity doesn't bother you than you may like BCV. For us, BWV is much more quiet. Plus there are better views at BWV if that matters to you.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I haven't stayed at BCV yet, but we own at BWV and love it. However, my perception is that unless you want use of a Grand Villa or want a boardwalk view, I don't see why you'd pick to own a BWV. Really didn't like the pool much. BCV has the huge advantage of SAB. I also like that it's a little closer to Epcot. And it's an easy walk to go to any restaurant on the boardwalk. We'll stay at BCV in May. Maybe I'll have a different view after that.

 

[JCW]

BCV is very very busy. Lots of people running around the pool area and in the lobby. It is very noisy from the loud music they play by the pool. If all of this activity doesn't bother you than you may like BCV. For us, BWV is much more quiet. Plus there are better views at BWV if that matters to you.

We own at BCV and I actually prefer BCV over BWV because I think BCV is quieter and prefer to be away from it all.

I can recall the BC lobby being busy during dinner time, usually from the people waiting to go into the Cape May buffet, but the villas are separate from that.

But I've never noticed noise at SAB, at least nothing out of what I would expect at a pool. And I don't think I have ever heard them playing music there, am I missing the parties at SAB?

BWV does have nice views and the standard point rooms give you more usage options.

When we purchased, we had the choice of BCV and BWV, and though we initially thought BWV, in the end BCV won out-it's what made sense for US.

So it is a personal decision.

Good luck with your purchase. Happy shopping

 

[Deb & Bill]

BCV is very very busy. Lots of people running around the pool area and in the lobby. It is very noisy from the loud music they play by the pool. If all of this activity doesn't bother you than you may like BCV. For us, BWV is much more quiet. Plus there are better views at BWV if that matters to you.

Add me to the list that disagrees with this comment. If you are talking about the BC/YC, these statements may be true. But the BCV are tucked away behind the BC and are very quiet all the time. Nearly no one in the lobby at the BCV. Not nearly as noisy as the Luna Park Pool. That's why we prefer the BCV over the BWV which we consider to be hoppin' most of the time.

I will agree with your comment about the views as BCV doesn't have much of a view. But I'm not a fan of the BW view, either. I prefer OKW - Trumbo Canal/golf course view. Or SSR, anywhere view.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Add me to the list that disagrees with this comment. If you are talking about the BC/YC, these statements may be true. But the BCV are tucked away behind the BC and are very quiet all the time. Nearly no one in the lobby at the BCV. Not nearly as noisy as the Luna Park Pool. That's why we prefer the BCV over the BWV which we consider to be hoppin' most of the time.

I will agree with your comment about the views as BCV doesn't have much of a view. But I'm not a fan of the BW view, either. I prefer OKW - Trumbo Canal/golf course view. Or SSR, anywhere view.

I have no idea when you visited BCV, but it must not have been in the afternoon. That is when they have all the pool games, DJ's, etc. So to each his own, but to say that BCV is "quiet"? Gotta disagree here.

 

[lisareniff]

We are owners at BCV but have stayed at BWV once.

They are both so close together that you can consider the location the same for both and the restaurants are the same for both - with the exception of counter service that you may want a quick bite close to your resort.

BCV has...

- The coolest pool at WDW. I just love the sand bottom. Although I do consider this a 2 parent pool. It is just too spread out to watch more then one with out those extra eyes (and feet) The quiet pool is pretty nice too.

- It is themed in a calming quiet way. The seaside beach theme really leads to this. The building is also tucked quietly away behind the main resort.

- Dedicated 2 bedrooms. There are 25 with 2 queens in the second bedroom. Being an owner would be an advantage in reserving one.

- Close self-parking. If you have a rental and get groceries this is great!

- Quick Service? -BC Marketplace and Hurricane Hannahs - Not bad

- The biggest drawback is the views. Nothing to right home about but not horrible either.


BWV has -

- Grand Villas!!! I miss that about BCV. It's fun to dream and if you own there you can.

- Boardwalk View Rooms - a guaranteed good view.

- Standard View Rooms - A great location at a lower point price. Most are great views.

- Views are for the most part very nice.

- a bit closer to DHS

- Counter Service - Boardwalk Bakery and Boardwalk to Go - could be better

- The boardwalk theme very busy/stimulating. I didn't enjoy the multi colored and patterned rooms but I'm sure others do. They are also redoing the interiors of the rooms so my impression might be dated.

- The major drawback (other then my personal opinon on the theme) are the long hallways with one set of elevators (although there are many stairways available) and the self parking.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I have no idea when you visited BCV, but it must not have been in the afternoon. That is when they have all the pool games, DJ's, etc. So to each his own, but to say that BCV is "quiet"? Gotta disagree here.

We just stayed there at the end of May into the first week of June for ten nights. Never saw anythink like this at the Dunes Cove pool since I was out at that pool several times in the afternoon during our time there. There is far more going on at Luna Park pool than at Dunes Cove pool. We stayed in a studio way back when that had a dead on view of Luna Park and it was the noisiest place of all.

You have to be talking about Stormalong Bay and not Dunes Cove pool.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We just stayed there at the end of May into the first week of June for ten nights. Never saw anythink like this at the Dunes Cove pool since I was out at that pool several times in the afternoon during our time there. There is far more going on at Luna Park pool than at Dunes Cove pool. We stayed in a studio way back when that had a dead on view of Luna Park and it was the noisiest place of all.

You have to be talking about Stormalong Bay and not Dunes Cove pool.

Yes, I am talking about Storm Along Bay.