I hope no one minds if I post here but I need some advice on resorts.

[DisneyFan09]

I'm thinking about renting points for my Sept./Oct. 2006 trip and really thought I wanted to stay at VWL due to the proximity to MK and the other resorts that we like to eat at but yesterday I was looking at pictures of Stormalong Bay at BCV and my daughters went crazy and insist that's where we need to stay. My question is should I base my decision based solely on the pool? We do like to have a couple of days away from the parks so a fun pool would be nice. We are not huge Epcot fans, so the proximity to that park isn't a big deal. We are a family of 4 with dd's 10 & 11.

I would love some opinions of someone who has experienced these resorts!!

I also have a couple of questions: Is the fold out couch comfortable enough for 2 kids to sleep on for 5 nights? How far in advance should I make rental arrangements?

Thank you so much for your help!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think that the main pool at WL is often too crowded to really enjoy. The quiet pool isn't as bad. So, if you have children who are pushing for SAB, that's where I would go. We are empty nesters, and I have to have a BCV fix once a year, I love the small "lazy river" area.

BCV owners can book 11 months out. I have no experiece renting, I'm sure others will give you that info.

There are mixed review on the sofa beds, apparently the new ones at SSR and some refurbished BWV sofa beds are very comfortable. But, foam egg crates or some sort of mattress pad can be asked for to help with sleep comfort.

Bobbi

 

[spiceycat]

will all you trip be to the MK? or will you visit Epcot, Studios and AK, too?

if your entire trip will be at the MK then I would go with VWL.

BCV has bus only to the MK. It can be slow and other than in the morning and some evening you are sharing a bus with the other Epcot resorts.

Although that pool is certainly worth staying at BCV. One more thing this pool can be and is dangerous - it has several lifeguards. If your children aren't good swimmers I would definitely go with VWL.

you can walk through Epcot to get the monrail to the MK - but this is at least a 20 minute walk. Plus you can only do this when Epcot is opened.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

The pool at BCV is reallly really cool. If that is what the kids want do it. BCV is a great location. The bus to MK is not that bad. We did it last Christmas. My kids love that pool and I love Beaches and Cream. WE have points to rent and could help you with that too..

+visits to disney and lovin it.

contract and references too.

 

[Scoootch]

If your kids want to do SAB then definetly go to the BCV's. I wouldn't go by which park you'll be near ....you'll have transportation to any park from all WDW resorts, it just might be a few mins longer. Your kids are old enough that a few extra mins wouldn't be a big deal and taking the bus wouldn't be a problem since you won't have strollers to deal with (they're WAY past that stage ) JMO but if your kids are dying to use SAB then go for it ! It's a great resort. VWL is a great resort too but the pool there is not SAB and it sounds like you'll spend alot of time at the pool.

 

[Granny]

[snip]yesterday I was looking at pictures of Stormalong Bay at BCV and my daughters went crazy and insist that's where we need to stay. My question is should I base my decision based solely on the pool? We do like to have a couple of days away from the parks so a fun pool would be nice. [snip]

Let's face it...this trip should be all about the kids. I'm assuming you really don't care where you stay all that much? If they are bonkers about SAB, and rightfully so, then go ahead and stay there. At your daughters' ages, there aren't all that many more family trips ahead before they are off on their own. Let them be the "directors" on this one and call the shots!

As for the pull out couch, my daughters have never complained. If you ask, mousekeeping will bring one of those foam "egg carton" pads that does improve the comfort.

As for rental arrangements, BCV owners can book a September trip in October of this year (11 months before the check out date). So it's not too early to start looking for owners willing to rent points. At the 7 month prior to checkout point, any DVC owner can make a reservation at BCV.

Sounds like loveswdwdvc is ready to work with you right now!

Have a great time planning your trip! Anyone who thinks 15 months ahead of time for trips is a great candidate as a DVC owner!

 

[mikesmom]

If they love the pool, then I say go for it!

My DS slept on the pullout with a budyy at ages 16 and 17 and were fine with it. If they were comfy, I'm sure your two are a lot lighter weight and will be fine.

As for how early? If you are talking last week of September into the first week of October, that is now the beginning of the Food & Wine Fest at Epcot and the BCV and BWV will fill up very fast. You will want a DVC member who has home resort advantage at BCV to get you a reservation at 11 months out. If you are talking mid-September, then I wouldn't think there would be as much urgency, September is pretty quiet for DVC ressies.

 

[DisneyFan09]

Oh my gosh!!! Thanks you guys for all of the quick responses!! I've actually been planning this trip for about 2 years and I'm so excited to have my countdown finally in the 400's!! It sounds like BCV is the way to go. This trip should be about the kids but it's actually a ploy to convert my non-believing dh so I really want it to be great.

I've changed my mind 1000 times so far and need to make sure this is it before I make arrangements but lovewdwdvc I'd love to discuss this more!! Please feel free to email or pm me when you have time. It would be great to already have something lined up!! I helped my (nondisboard) sister rent points over spring break and found that it was a wonderful way to stay at a deluxe resort without the HUGE pricetag!!

Thank you again for the help.

 

[Granny]

I've actually been planning this trip for about 2 years and I'm so excited to have my countdown finally in the 400's!!

You DEFINITELY have DVC potential!

Good luck with the renting/reservation process. I'm sure your DH will be wowed by the whole DVC set up, and that you'll have a great trip!

 

[Cinderella]

Kids that age will definitely love BCV and so will you. They even have waiter service at the pool!

 

[kda]

October is a very, very popular time for BCV, due to the Food and Wine Festival @ Epcot. Don't wait too long to try to make an October reservation. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Paul in CT]

I agree that BCV with SAB may be better for you if your daughters are excited about the pool. I would not worry about giving up the proximity of VWL to MK because we found that, although it is close, the only way to get there when we stayed there was by boat and that boat filled up fast during busy times. The bus from BCV will get you to the MK very efficiently.

VWL is a beautiful resort and we love it. You can see the fireworks (partially obscured) at the MK from the dock and the Electrical Light pageant and the lobby is OUTSTANDING! The main pool is usually crowded. The pool for the DVC is not, but it has no slide or anything that would impress young children like yours.

 

[LSchrow]

just chiming in with a few comments.......

we really didn't care for EPCOT until we started staying in EPCOT area resorts. now, it's our fav park! (there's something about walking in the world showcase.......it's like having a whole other world ~ literally ~ right next door). we "stop in" for lunch in mexico, a show in japan, some shopping in england, or just go to see "our buddy" figment.

mornings we walk over to the BW bakery (YUM!!), sometimes we take the "little fairy" (don't ask!! lol) over to MGM (even the ferry trip is pleasant).

BC pool is awesome! (tho i've found most WDW resort pools great )

re the pull-outs: my almost 6' 16yo DS finds them very uncomfortable. we just bring an aerobed for him, which is VERY comfy & fits in the L/R without a prob (it inflates/deflates in less than a minute). if your girls would prefer sleeping seperately, that is an option.

have a great time planning!

 

[DisneyFan09]

Thanks again to all that replied!! I'm still undecided, I can't seem to get excited about the theming of BCV. I'm sure pictures don't do it justice but to me it just looks like a hotel!! If I do rent points I will still need another resort for the w/e so maybe I can pick something that is a little heavier themed like AKL or WL!!

Am I correct that there is no maid service at the DVC resorts? Will I miss that? What do I do about towels? I don't mind using the same one for a couple of days, but not the whole time!!

I know this should be a "no brainer" but I just can't seem to make a decision but thanks again for the input, you are all so nice!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you're thinking of renting a 1-2 bedroom, there will be a washer and dryer right in the unit, so you can wash your towls. At any rate, on the 4th morning of your stay, if it's under a week's stay, you will get 4 sets of fresh towels.

If you're in a studio, there are washers and dryers that are free for DVC members to use. You will have to provide (or buy from machines) detergent and dryer sheets. In the 1-2 bedroom, they provide 1 sample box of laundry det.

You can pay for "towel and trash" days if you want.

There are towels at the pool for pool use.

Bobbi

 

[lovewdwdvc]

It is not a "no brainer". you are making a good decision to investigate many locations and choose what seems nice to you. The pool at BCV is wonderful. My SIL does not like the theming at BC either. We like it though. Nice switch from midwest.

 

[DisneyFan09]

It is not a "no brainer". you are making a good decision to investigate many locations and choose what seems nice to you. The pool at BCV is wonderful. My SIL does not like the theming at BC either. We like it though. Nice switch from midwest.

OMG!! I'm from Iowa, maybe this is a sign! Where are you from?

 

[LSchrow]

i wouldn't recommend switching resorts if you're only going for 5 nights (IMHO, you really can't fully unpack, relax, & "move in" ).
BC really is beautiful ~ the lobby is great (art the doorman is an not to be missed icon!), the grounds beautiful, & the solarium is great for curling up with a book.
& siting on the "make believe" beach (hey, i'm from long island ), watching fireworks, people, etc is a wonderful way to end the day.

 

[DisneyFan09]

i wouldn't recommend switching resorts if you're only going for 5 nights (IMHO, you really can't fully unpack, relax, & "move in" ).
BC really is beautiful ~ the lobby is great (art the doorman is an not to be missed icon!), the grounds beautiful, & the solarium is great for curling up with a book.
& siting on the "make believe" beach (hey, i'm from long island ), watching fireworks, people, etc is a wonderful way to end the day.

Actually my plan is to book a resort through CRO for Thurs., Fri, Sat and then rent points for Sun. - Thurs., so 8 nights total (sorry, I wasn't very clear). I've switched resorts before mid stay and I agree 5 nights wouldn't be worth it.

 

[ddave]

You DEFINITELY have DVC potential!

When you have to 2-3 reservations booked, you know you are there.
:thewave: