Help with Epcot Resorts!

[NeverlandPixie]

Please help me ... I spend most of my time in and around Epcot.

I am currently booked at CBR, the only moderate Epcot resort. However, since this is a special trip for me, I would really like to upgrade to one the deluxes.

The price is the same for each of BWI (GV), BWV (Studio) or BCV (Studio).

For slightly less, even though it is not an Epcot resort, I can also stay the VWL Studio (boat/bus to MK and the access to the monorail).

Which one should I choose?

Thanks DISsers!

 

[maxiesmom]

If you plan on spending the majority of your time in Epcot, I would stick with one of the Epcot resorts. The Beach Club is only a 5 minute walk away from the World Showcase. It is nice to be able to walk in just for dinner of just to see the fireworks. The bus service is not great, but that is the trade off you make for being thisclose to Epcot.

When you talk about the Wilderness Lodge having monorail access, are you thinking about walking to the Magic Kingdom and hopping on the monorail? To me, that is not hugely convenient.

 

[NeverlandPixie]

When you talk about the Wilderness Lodge having monorail access, are you thinking about walking to the Magic Kingdom and hopping on the monorail? To me, that is not hugely convenient.

No, definitely not walking (I don't even think that is a possibility). Rather, that WL and VWL are MMK resorts so even being close to MK with monorail is better than nothing (GF and Poly are out of my price range this trip, but CR GV Deluxe is also another option).

 

[Tinkbellfan]

Since we spend alot of our time at Epcot, the walk back to BC/YC is such a bonus, especially with kids. I also like all the dinning options in this area. If you don't mind the second bed being a pull out sofa, I would recommend the BCV. If you need two "real" queen beds, than BWI would be your only option.

If you can swing the upgrade, go for the Epcot resorts! Any of your choices would be great, it just depends on your personal favorite!

 

[jordanyosh]

The BCV is very close to Epcot, probably no more than a 5 minute walk. The BCV also has a refrigerator AND microwave. The decor @ BCV may be a little more sedate than the BWI...It really depends on your taste. Check out www.allearsnet.com under accommodations and check out resort pics to help you decide. My two choices would be BCV first and then the BWI.

 

[maxiesmom]

No, definitely not walking (I don't even think that is a possibility). Rather, that WL and VWL are MMK resorts so even being close to MK with monorail is better than nothing (GF and Poly are out of my price range this trip, but CR GV Deluxe is also another option).

No, of course you are not walking to MK. What was I thinking? I must have substituted Contemporary in my mind for Wilderness Lodge. And I haven't even been drinking yet!

Walking to MK from the Contemporary is one of the best things of staying at the Contemporary. And to me, you just can't beat staying at any of the monorail hotels for convenience. If you are throwing CR into the mix, I would pick it over the Beach Club. But from most of the posts I have read, I am in the minority.

 

[NeverlandPixie]

What is the difference between a garden view and garden view deluxe at CR? Or is the theme park view worth the extra $400 over 6 nights?

 

[jade1]

Yea BCV, if not- BWV.

 

[J and R's mom]

I really like the studios (BWV or BCV or VWL) because the pull-out sofa makes the room seem roomier and gives a nice bonus seating area w/o having to sit on the bed. Also, the kitchenette is really nice. I like having the fridge/microwave/second sink.

I would pick BWV studio--boardwalk view--over any of the other options you've listed. If you cannot get a boardwalk view, then it becomes more of a matter of taste. BCV is closer to EPCOT than BWV (but not by much--depending on your room locations).

VWL studio would be nice as well...but since this is a trip for you, and you prefer EPCOT, I'd pick one of the EPCOT resorts. (As a side note--When we've stayed at the WL, we hop on the CR boat from WL to go catch the monorail.)

Have you considered staying at either the Swan or Dolphin? I haven't stayed at either one, but they're both close to EPCOT as well.

Good luck deciding...and have a great solo trip!

 

[G8r4evr]

My dream Epcot resort is BWI! =)

 

[newcomer52]

Can you get one of the discount rates at the Swaphin? teacher, nurses, gov worker? If so you could get a rate close to the mods. You would be in the Ecpot area, but not spend so much. I loved the Swan when I stayed there.

js

 

[antmaril]

Our favorite EPCOT resort is The Boardwalk Inn. We have stayed there three times and LOVE it.

We are staying at Pop Century (for the first time) in less than 10 days and I have to keep reminding myself that it will be okay. It's going to be very hard, since I'm used to the BWI. I'm spoiled.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[NeverlandPixie]

Thanks everyone!

Newcomer: Yes, I can get the teacher rate at Swolphin of $199 plus tax for a standard, but I won't have a car, plus I REALLY like charging to my KTTW card and sending back my purchases, so a true Disney resort is more to my liking. However, the reservations desk there told me to keep calling back as the rates may drop even more closer to my trip dates. If it does, I would definitely consider it.

Antmaril: I've stayed at Pop and loved it. I was actually considering it for this trip as well. As long as you go knowing it is not a deluxe, you should enjoy it for what it is. (Tip: request a lake view).

VWL and WL itself may not seem as "magical" to me as the others, as it reminds me of home. When I go to Disney, I like to stay at places that are very different from home (so it's like two vacations in one). He he.

So, it really comes down to BWV vs BCV. Which have the better views? Does either come with a balcony?

Thanks again!

 

[Hopefully]

The BCV are my favorite place on property!!! I love it there. I love being so close to the International Gateway. I spend most evenings at EC, eating in one of the restaurants in WS.
I like the decor there better than the BWV - just my taste.
Both will have balconies. There really are no spectaular views from the BCV, they mainly overlook woods, a canal or the pool. There are villas that overlook Epcot, but that is across a service road that some find noisy - it never bothered me. I couldn't hear a thing if the balcony door was closed. I loved seeing the color change on Spaceship Earth late at night and early in the morning.
At BWV the Boardwalk view is only for DVC owners. So unless you were renting points from an owner you would not be able to get a Boardwalk view. Most Standard View units are also booked by owners, since they are less points per night. So you would most likely have a pool or canal view looking toward the Swan and Dolphin hotels.
Lastly if you stay at BCV you have access to Stormalong Bay, which is the best pool in the World. It is really nice to drift in the Lazy River section and to relax with a snack and an adult beverage during the heat of the afternoon, before cleaning up and heading back to WS for an International Dinner.
Oh I wish I was there now.
Good Luck with your decision.

 

[DeborahA]

We love BWI for many reasons--but one real plus is that it is walking distance to EPCOT and MGM. No waiting when you want to get to a park or get back to your resort. We have stayed many times in a standard room and always had a balcony on the back with a view of the Eiffel Tower and gardens.
The rooms have always been quiet too.
Deb

 

[dallasdisneymommy]

For sheer convenience to Epcot, Beach Club wins hands down. As other posters have mentioned, it's a 5 minute walk and you're in the gates! It's fantastic.

However, my favorite is still Boardwalk. I like the views and I like the vibe! I also like that it's convenient for walking to both Epcot and MGM.

You can't go wrong either way -- tomato, tomato.

 

[J and R's mom]

Thanks everyone! ...So, it really comes down to BWV vs BCV. Which have the better views? Does either come with a balcony?

Thanks again!

...I really like the studios (BWV or BCV or VWL) because the pull-out sofa makes the room seem roomier and gives a nice bonus seating area w/o having to sit on the bed. Also, the kitchenette is really nice. I like having the fridge/microwave/second sink.

I would pick BWV studio--boardwalk view--over any of the other options you've listed. If you cannot get a boardwalk view, then it becomes more of a matter of taste. BCV is closer to EPCOT than BWV (but not by much--depending on your room locations)....

Even if you are unable to get a boardwalk view at BWV, the canal view or quiet pool views are really nice.

Our view from our BCV room was mainly of the woods area facing the France section of EPCOT. At night, we could see the high fireworks of Illuminations. Both studios will come with balconies that you can sit out on.

Here are some pictures of our views from our BWV and BCV stays:

Here're are our BCV views night and day:

Here are some shots from our Boardwalk View room (only view we've had there):

Whichever you choose, have a great stay!

 

[disfountainofyouth]

Don't know if anyone has also mentioned that the BC has Stormalong Bay pool. My kids love this pool and so do I.

 

[Mr.Monk]

Another vote for BWV!

 

[Tiffany]

Please help me ... I spend most of my time in and around Epcot.

I am currently booked at CBR, the only moderate Epcot resort. However, since this is a special trip for me, I would really like to upgrade to one the deluxes.

The price is the same for each of BWI (GV), BWV (Studio) or BCV (Studio).

For slightly less, even though it is not an Epcot resort, I can also stay the VWL Studio (boat/bus to MK and the access to the monorail).

Which one should I choose?

Thanks DISsers!

If you want the EC area and not the price checkout the Swan/Dolphin. We have stayed at the S/D many times and we are booked to stay at the Swan for three of our four upcoming trips becuase I can get a room for around $200 a night inc. taxes and since I am an SPG Gold member I usually get upgraded to a very nice rooms in June we were upgraded to a resort view balcony room from our $169 a night limited view room that I booked. Right now the YC is offering $245 a night plus tax as an AP rate for this coming December and that is to look at the parking lot. I have the Swan for $169 plus tax for a limited view room. The YC/BC and BWI are just not worth the price difference to us.