We stayed last fall at the BW. Personally, I think it's a great hotel because A) we don't spend much time in the hotel, and B) it's location with regards to DTD and the Epcot area is great, since we spend most days in the Epcot/MGM/TL arena, and most nights at the AC.
I think the hotel has actually improved since Anne Marie stayed in 2000, with complete renovations in the lobby and commons area. They have a great breakfast buffet at a great price, the bar is nice. The pool we found really nice, but being there in September we were only sharing it with ten people, max, at a time. I made a mental note that if the place was at capacity and there were fifty people out there, it wouldn't cut the mustard, size wise.
Toppers, the restaurant on top of the hotel that we really wanted to see, was shut for renovations. I'd be interested in someone posting how that turned out. We found no hassle from the Timeshare people. They did approach us once, and I made it quite clear to them that repeated attempts would not only fail to sell a timeshare presentation, it would result in massive verbal abuse (all said with a smile, of course!).
A major suggestion: Ask for a DTD view, preferably above the 7th floor. You can clearly see Illuminations from the balcony, peak at Pleasure Island at night, and with something with a zoom lense, you can look at the Comtemporary and Space Mountain (the Contemporary blocks your view of the rest of MK). And if at all possible, get a corner room. Due to the odd shape of the hotel, the corner rooms had about a third more balcony.
The rooms are worn, but clean and big.
If you're into hanging out and taking in the "resort atmosphere," it doesn't cut it. But for an inexpensive, decent place to sleep with adequate amentities and a great location, it's a pretty good deal.
Pat
