Home resort - narrowed down the list

[FindingFigment]

My DH likes for me to make decisions and handle the money and he's very non-committal about WDW so I've been going at this alone. I like all of the resorts and see the positives and negatives of them all but have been trying to decide between SSR (because it's the best logistical choice for our family) and VWL (because that one seems to fit DH's personality the best). Well, surprisingly, neither of those were his top choices. He likes:
BCV
AKV
BWV

He said VWL wouldn't be anything new. He said a vacation should be different than what you're used to. So...wow! Good thing I pushed him to help me narrow down the list! While, I'm still surprised he agreed to do it, I'm relieved to have a shorter list to choose from.

So here are the positives and negatives of each option that stand out the most to me. Any other big ones you can add to the list?

BCV - positives - pool, location, resale value, 11 month booking window since it's smaller than the others; negatives - price

AKV - positives - animals for my DD4 and definitely fits the "experience something different" feel. negatives - lack of CS restaurant in Kidani.

BWV - positives - walking distance to 2 parks; better price than BCV; negatives - lack of CS restaurant

The dark room issue isn't a problem for us so I didn't list it as a negative for AKV.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Both BWV and AKV have multiple point charts.

As a BWV owner, I will say that IF you can regularly book your room early enough to get a standard or boardwalk view then I think it is definitely a great way to go.

We the boardwalk view!!! It is also so awesome, and so convenient. Having the option of standard view is so great too. We decided that we want to go to WDW for both Food & Wine & for our 20th anniversary. Since we don't have many points, it was a great blessing that we could save points by getting the standard view for Food & Wine.

We've gone to AKV twice, once to be with friends, and the 2nd time because we were travelling last minute. It is very nice, but it is really not as convenient.

As for BCV, the pool is fantastic and the food choices are better than at Boardwalk, but the views are worse than the standard views at Boardwalk.

 

[kerri0616]

Don't forget that BC and BW expire in 2042 and AK expires 2057. This is something I'm considering while I decide about DVC.

I love all of your choices!

Kerri

 

[Sandisw]

We have stayed at BWV and BCV and I liked them both. Between the two, I did like BCV in terms of how quiet it was, how quick it was to Epcot, and the fact that it had the marketplace.

Both of them were booked in the summer at the 7 month mark. We may even try for a BW view room for a few nights this summer if I can get it when my 7 month window opens Monday.

Anyway, the price of BCV and the fact that this is the one resort that Disney seems to be excerising ROFR on makes it a difficult choice.

AKV has so many options and the price difference between that and BCV/BWV, especially on the resale market, is not much and you do end up with the longer expiration date.

I think they all have pros and cons. I will say, that it seems much harder to find smaller contracts for BCV than the other two so depending on the size contract you have decided on could play a role in the resort you pick.

Good luck!

 

[FindingFigment]

Yes, yes, great advice so far. I'm compiling a list of pros and cons. I'll be sure to post the list when I'm finished in case anyone else comes along comparing the same 3.

Thank you and keep them coming!

 

[kansas_wazzu]

Pros:

Pool - Kidani has a great pool and splash area for 4 y/o. My kids love it.
Rooms - Nice condition, new fixtures, etc. I never noticed the dark-look-and-feel that others comment about.

Cons:

Transportation - Everything is a bus ride. Everything.

 

[ToddyLu]

Yes everything at AKV is a bus ride--but didn't you find the buses very good there? We have noticed a big difference in the buses from AKV than say Pop and we did both our last trip. We find the bus system very convienent at AKV. I think another pro would be--that it is kinda remote so you get Africa and WDW in one trip.

Con for both AKV and BW would be long hallways.

 

[DizGirl20]

Wow, AKV and BCV are my 2 favorite resorts so you have narrowed it down to some excellent choices (personally not a fan of BWV). We own at AKV and were in the position a few months ago to add-on with either more AKV points or go with a new BCV contract. We ended up picking AKV primarily b/c of the longer use year. I also have to tell you the inside of BCV is "nice", but AKV accommodations are exotic and in much newer/better condition (well, at least I can speak for Kidani). I have no complaints about BCV cast members but AKV cast members go the "extra mile". BCV has a great pool but so does AKV Kidani. We always rent a car no matter where we stay so that is not an issue for us. Finally we LOVE Boma, Jiko and Sanaa. No restaurants at BCV but having the Boardwalk a short walk away is great. I know - so much to consider - right?! Good Luck. You can't go wrong!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you have a car, BWV, Jambo House, VWL have worse parking. OKW, SSR have the best parking. Kidani Village, BCV have good parking.

Buses have never been a problem for us at OKW, BCV, VWL or SSR.

Counter service isn't a big concern for DVCs. None of them really have a good counter service except for SSR (Artist's Palette). BCV and VWL have counter service except it's in the main hotel. So it's walking distance.

Spacewise ? OKW hands down.

 

[sskem96]

Our main reason for choosing AKV was the extra bathroom and the extra pull out chair in the living room. With 2 teen girls, those were very important points for us. Lack of a CS restaurant doesn't impact us much because we cook 2 meals/day in the villa. There is a refillable mug station and a few convenience items in the gift shop at Kidani. We have walked over to Mara a couple times. It's not a bad walk as long as the weather is good. As far as the dark interior, I didn't think I'd like that so we visited before buying and it was actually very soothing to walk into a dimly lit area after the craziness of the parks. It helped the stress melt away and I felt like I was on an entirely different vacation in a remote location instead of the middle of a busy theme park.

 

[mdphilps]

My DH likes for me to make decisions and handle the money and he's very non-committal about WDW so I've been going at this alone. I like all of the resorts and see the positives and negatives of them all but have been trying to decide between SSR (because it's the best logistical choice for our family) and VWL (because that one seems to fit DH's personality the best). Well, surprisingly, neither of those were his top choices. He likes:
BCV
AKV
BWV

He said VWL wouldn't be anything new. He said a vacation should be different than what you're used to. So...wow! Good thing I pushed him to help me narrow down the list! While, I'm still surprised he agreed to do it, I'm relieved to have a shorter list to choose from.

So here are the positives and negatives of each option that stand out the most to me. Any other big ones you can add to the list?

BCV - positives - pool, location, resale value, 11 month booking window since it's smaller than the others; negatives - price

AKV - positives - animals for my DD4 and definitely fits the "experience something different" feel. negatives - lack of CS restaurant in Kidani.

BWV - positives - walking distance to 2 parks; better price than BCV; negatives - lack of CS restaurant

The dark room issue isn't a problem for us so I didn't list it as a negative for AKV.

Go with BCV

 

[TosaTrio]

Buy where you want to stay...

If all are equal than I would pick AKV since the contract is longer. I think BWV and AKV will be easier to get at the 7 month mark than BCV so if that is important you may want to choose BCV. With that being said, I have gotten BCV at the 7 month mark both times I tried. Also if you have any need for a GV remember that BCV do not have one.

Good Luck with your decision...

 

[DMKEDM]

If you (or anyone in your family) values either exercise hikes/jogs, or just going for a walk, you might want to think about whether you'll experience what I did at AKV: a feeling being "trapped." I LOVE AKV; it's a beautiful, interesting fun-filled resort, with excellent bus service. But I can't walk more than 10 minutes and then only in one one direction (to/from Jambo/Kidani)...and I'm a walker...despite all the walking one does in the parks, for me being unable to just "go for a walk" (in more than one direction and for more than 1/3 of a mile) is a big negative. One trip I just jogged up and down hallways, floor-to-floor, in Jambo for lack of any other alternative on a day when I felt the need for a jog...not ideal jogging conditions!

So, while my DS puts AKV up w/BCV as his favorite, and we go there reasonably often (and I love it when I'm there), I find I almost always prefer to go somewhere else (and DS has to talk me into going to AKV)...

BCV/BWV are great for walking...the track around the Lake is 3/4 of a mile; there's a 3/4 mile path from BWV to the Studios, plus you can follow paths around the fronts and the backs of all the Epcot area resorts--lots of variety and varying lengths...

You don't list SSR or OKW as among your choices, so the fact that those resorts are also super for exercise/strolling walking won't be relevant.

Another factor I'd think about: AKV is much bigger than BCV, and I think noticeably bigger than BWV, too--so it's easier to reserve there at 7 months (or later)...I've never been unable to reserve AKV at a time that isn't a problem in general (two months out availability is an issue no matter where you're looking, as are the holidays and resort-specific times (marathons, Food & Wine, etc.) So the home resort advantage isn't as valuable there as it as at smaller resorts (or resorts connected to the high-desireability events like F&W or the races).

Bottom line, for me, I think would be the availability issue. Your home resort advantage (and resale value) at BCV is the absolute best.

Good luck--you really can't make a wrong choice. And please don't anyone think we are not huge fans of AKV--we are! As others have said, nothing is "perfect" and the "feeling trapped" feeling I get at AKV is not that big a deal...

 

[ToddyLu]

I loved reading your post and was thinking DMK doesn't like the layout and I could never, ever swim in front of the clown, especailly at night...but then I keep my eyes closed on HM. DVC has something for everyone.

 

[mamian16]

I have gone back and forth and always I come to Beach Club. It is always wonderful. Every trip we have been on.

 

[FindingFigment]

Just wanted to give an update that I made my decision. I decided I like the option of Standard rooms to save points when needed so that eliminated BCV. And I like having the choice between being in the middle of all the action or choosing a quiet location so that eliminated AKV since the Boardwalk seems to have a certain type of energy about it that's pretty exciting. I love the idea of walking/boating to 2 parks and the access to all of the restaurants close by. The only negative is the clown but I think we can get past that. We just won't swim in the big pool at night.

So...ding ding ding...we have a winner! BWV it is! Thank you everyone who gave feedback. Now I just need to find a small contract that I like! Wish me luck.

 

[ToddyLu]

The Dancing Banana says--Congratulations on making a great decision !! The clown pool is , but I am sure you could handle it....just don't swim alone.

 

[Mississippian]

Just wanted to give an update that I made my decision. I decided I like the option of Standard rooms to save points when needed so that eliminated BCV. And I like having the choice between being in the middle of all the action or choosing a quiet location so that eliminated AKV since the Boardwalk seems to have a certain type of energy about it that's pretty exciting. I love the idea of walking/boating to 2 parks and the access to all of the restaurants close by. The only negative is the clown but I think we can get past that. We just won't swim in the big pool at night.

So...ding ding ding...we have a winner! BWV it is! Thank you everyone who gave feedback. Now I just need to find a small contract that I like! Wish me luck.

Congratulations! I was going to point out that BWV and BCV both had lots and lots of dining options, whereas AKV has very few. Soon you will be able to see for yourself. It's just very convenient to head over for dinner, see Illuminations and then head back. No hassle, no bus, lots of food variety. And at night if we want we walk to the monorail and eat at the California Grill and watch the MK fireworks. Again, no bus, no hassle, just fun.

I do think AKV is really neat. I'd just hate for it to be my only or main place to stay.

 

[Sandisw]

Just wanted to give an update that I made my decision. I decided I like the option of Standard rooms to save points when needed so that eliminated BCV. And I like having the choice between being in the middle of all the action or choosing a quiet location so that eliminated AKV since the Boardwalk seems to have a certain type of energy about it that's pretty exciting. I love the idea of walking/boating to 2 parks and the access to all of the restaurants close by. The only negative is the clown but I think we can get past that. We just won't swim in the big pool at night.

So...ding ding ding...we have a winner! BWV it is! Thank you everyone who gave feedback. Now I just need to find a small contract that I like! Wish me luck.

Congratulations!! You did a great job as a perspective owner asking lots of questions, going back and forth, and coming up with the resort that works best for you!!!

I hope that you find the right contract soon! I have this feeling that I am going to put BWV back at the top of my list this summer once we stay in that BW view room and that my next add on in a few years will be there!

 

[princessbride6205]

I'm glad you have decided - I think you'll love BWV! I love the grounds and theming of the buildings. (We actually had our wedding portraits there!) I think you'll be happy owning BWV and you can always stay at AKV with those points when you want.