I'm surprised at how much more we liked BCV over BWV!

[Anal Annie]

Although we own at BWV I have stayed at BCV and I was surprised how much I liked it. They are a tie for me.

BWV - Love being able to get a Boardwalk view or standard for less points. LOVE the lobby, Community Hall and overall atmosphere of the resort. Also, love the rose gardens on the BWI side.

Don't like the long walks for mug refills, no quick serve food options. Also, the walk to the rooms can be long. (A mug refill station in the pool area would be ideal).
I didn't realize there was no CS type of restaurant at BWV!
BCV - Love the marketplace for mug refills and quick serve items, the easy walk into Epcot. Rooms seem to be in better condition overall. Able to get a 2 bdrm. with 2 queens.
I thought you could walk to Epcot from either property in about 10 minutes?! No? I had heard if you don't own at BWV fat chance of getting a unit with 2 queens or the Std. view.

The views are not as good as BWV (we are view people). Stormalong Bay has no draw for us as we would likely be at one of the quiet pools.
Being that we are "points challenged" we will usually sacrifice view for points when we can.

I'm happy at either resort with a slight edge toward BWV. You've made at great choice with BCV and I'm also hoping for better economic times for all of us!

Are the few units that have 2 beds all BW view or are they scattered among all of the views? Anybody else have any comparisons to share?

 

[WDWorld2003]

The BCV has the dedicated 2Q in the 2 bedrooms units - may be difficult to get if you're not an owner and I'm not sure where they are in the resort as far as views. BWV does not have dedicated 2 bedrooms.

Epcot is virtually in the backyard of BCV. It's only a 10 minute walk to BWV but it seems long at the end of the day.

That's my one BIG complaint at BWV.... they really need a counter service or quick serve area.

 

[mickeymorse]

Thanks for starting this thread. I've only stayed at OKW on rented pts so far so I like hearing OPs takes on all the resorts. I am planning on trying every one at one time. I am certainly looking forward to my VWL stays but I want to take advantage of all that DVC ownership offers. With younger kids it seems that BCV would be the logical first choice. Sitting here thinking about these tough choices I face is sure putting a smile on mine.

 

[snowbunny]

I didn't realize there was no CS type of restaurant at BWV!

Here again it depends on your priorities and likes/dislikes. I'd rather spend money on dinner at a signature restaurant than takeout, so we pick up some items at the Screen Door (or have wegoshop deliver) and do our own quick-serve breakfast and snacks from our kitchen while we relax on our balcony and enjoy the scene down below. Haven't been to Beaches & Cream lately, but last time there it was one of the longest waits for food I've experienced at WDW. I agree that Boardwalk Bakery could be set up better to move faster. Everybody seems to want their Krispy Kremes in the a.m.
I don't think you can go wrong with either resort.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Also, BWV have Grand villas and BCV have none, correct? So if you ever wanted a GV you would never get one at BCV.

 

[chris4disney]

Also, BWV have Grand villas and BCV have none, correct? So if you ever wanted a GV you would never get one at BCV.

I don't like enough of our relatives enough to fill a Grand Villa! So I doubt we'd ever need the space. In fact, our next trip we're leaving our own kids at home!!!

 

[photobob]

I stayed at YC three times and i've stayed at BWV twice and really enjoyed both. I think I like YC/BC better but I really like the low points for standard view rooms at BWV. Location-wise they are both terrific. Your summary of both was pretty spot on. If you haven't tried VWL, it is a really neat place as well. It is really cool to stay at all the different DVC resorts because each one truly has it's own feel.

 

[photobob]

I don't like enough of our relatives enough to fill a Grand Villa! So I doubt we'd ever need the space. In fact, our next trip we're leaving our own kids at home!!!

I'm right there with you on that!

 

[Anal Annie]

I don't like enough of our relatives enough to fill a Grand Villa! So I doubt we'd ever need the space. In fact, our next trip we're leaving our own kids at home!!!

That's funny.

I am seriously considering multiple studios rather than a 2 bedroom for just that reason. (We don't have enough points for a GV). We could get 3 studios for 6 n for less than the # of points that a 2 bedroom takes for 7 nights. I am not sure my nerves could handle the constant closeness and that would give everybody their privacy. SOMEBODY will be complaining about something all the time I am sure...I don't think I'll be up for the ungrateful side of the conversations! Also, if we reserve studios rather than a 2 bedroom and then someone backs out it would be easier to cancel just one villa and not feel like we were wasting the larger 2 bedroom unit.

 

[chris4disney]

That's funny.

I am seriously considering multiple studios rather than a 2 bedroom for just that reason. (We don't have enough points for a GV). We could get 3 studios for 6 n for less than the # of points that a 2 bedroom takes for 7 nights. I am not sure my nerves could handle the constant closeness and that would give everybody their privacy. SOMEBODY will be complaining about something all the time I am sure...I don't think I'll be up for the ungrateful side of the conversations! Also, if we reserve studios rather than a 2 bedroom and then someone backs out it would be easier to cancel just one villa and not feel like we were wasting the larger 2 bedroom unit.

You know, maybe I am too set in my ways or maybe it's just me being selfish... but there are maybe just a couple people that I would be willing to go on vacation with for longer than a weekend. Our Disney vacations are special to us and are not cheap. And because of that, we want to do what WE want to do. I don't want to spend a week wondering if someelse in the group is having a good time or what ever. And like you said, someone WILL be complaining about something. I'm on vacation and don't need to hear it. We spend enough time disciplining our own two kids while at Disney, I don't want to waste any additional time disciplining adults too!

 

[312.Duck]

We tried OKW on our first ever DVC trip and were extremely disappointed in the overall condition of our unit and we would've been mortified to have brought guests. So now I am hesitant about the overall condition and upkeep of both BCV and BWV since we've never stayed there I don't know what to expect.

Interesting, as that's sorta what I thought about my BWV stay in 2008. The room was in need of a face lift, the carpet was as everyone talks about, different sized knobs/handles had been replaced, and grime & spillage left uncleaned over time (see below). YET, we understand these things happen as a resort ages, and every resort at some time or another does get rehabbed, thankfully.

I've recently wanted to stay at OKW due to the size of the rooms, close parking, and gorgeous vegetation. My parents used to stay there with friends years ago and loved it. Hopefully we will not have a bad experience room-wise.


(Click to Enlarge)

 

[312.Duck]

Epcot is virtually in the backyard of BCV. It's only a 10 minute walk to BWV but it seems long at the end of the day.

While I'm excited about that considering our next trip will include BC or BCV, one positive about BWV is if you're at a far end (read: cheap room) you're almost equidistant to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot (see pic below).

Granted, there's little comparison between those to parks, yet HS still has some great attractions, so I usually hit it once per stay.


(Click to enlarge)

Those carpets are ALWAYS worn even when they were new--hate the pattern and wish they would go back to the original boardwalk wood pattern when the BW was built.

WOW; wish I could've seen that!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We love BWV because:
1) Boardwalk Views
2) Standard Points
3) personal reasons - we visited the Boardwalk several years ago just for the evening, and got hit with lots of magical pixie dust! Like the theming.
4) Resale price is lower at BWV than they are at Beach Club Villas
5) We don't swim.

We dislike:
1) Higher points charts
2) Scary clowns

Dh and I have both said that we would choose BCV over the pool view at the boardwalk.

 

[312.Duck]

I consider BWV a great swimming resort since it has a great slide (compared to most resorts), and a quiet pool. The quiet pool sold me. That said BCV will surely trump that with Stormalong and their own quiet pool!

The only resort with better swimming that I've stayed at is AKL/AKV. <- I wish they had a quiet pool, but the AKL is so large you can get away, and the new AKV slide really whips you around. Again, I'm positive YC/BC will top all in that regard!

 

[Longhairbear]

We just returned from 8 day trip at WDW. We did a split stay between BCV and BWV. We had stayed at BCV before and loved it, but thought we better try staying at BWV too before deciding which to make our home resort when we buy into DVC. (hopefully soon!!) DH and I were very surprised at how much more we liked BCV over BWV. I'm sure everyone has their own tastes and preferences, which is why DVC is so great that it gives you different resort options. I just wasn't expecting to be so unexcited about our BWV stay. I knew the hallways were long and I expected that... no biggie. But comparing our stay with the BCV, here is what our issues were...

1.) It seemed like at the BWV there was always a wait to get on an elevator. In fact the first time I waited for an elevator to go up to our room, two elevators filled up before we can get on one. Never had that problem at BCV.

2.) We bought the refillable mugs at BC Marketplace and it was so easy to stop by the Marketplace to fill them up ourselves. At BWV it was a hike to go out on the Boardwalk and fill them up. The pool wasn't as far away to go, but I thought it was a real waste that at all three places to get refills that you couldn't refill them yourself. The CM had to give you a new cup of your beverage choice and you then poured it into your refillable mug.

3.) Ease of a quick breakfast... the BC Marketplace hardly ever had a line. Even if it did, it always moved quickly. The Boardwalk Bakery always had a line and it never moved quickly...

4.) Atmosphere... while we enjoy walking on the Boardwalk for an evening stroll and get a slice of pizza, we love the relaxing feel of the YC/BC. Sitting on the beach at night watching a movie, walking thru the sand, and yes... enjoying the lights of the Boardwalk from a distance.

5.) I will say that I liked the actual room size of the BWV over the BCV. We stayed in studio's at both places and the BWV studio seemed a little bigger in the vanity and entrance area. We had our DD2 and DS5 with us, so our DS slept on the sofa bed, while our DD slept in the pack-n-play. At BWV the pack-n-play fit easily by the front door without having to move it around to get out. At BCV we had to put it in front of the vanity sink during the night and then move it out of the way in the morning while getting ready. BUT, since this was probably the last time we'll need to use a pack-n-play, that doesn't really affect our choice between the two resorts.

6.) It never rained the entire 8 days we were there but if we did have days of rain, at the BCV we could walk everywhere within the resort under cover. Not the case at BWV.

I know everyone has their own personal reasons why they like or dislike certain resorts, and that's fine! I'm just so glad that we tried out the BWV before choosing it as a home resort. Because apparenlty our hearts are at BCV. Now if this economy would just get stable again so that we can feel confident about purchasing DVC we'll be happy DVC owners!!.

I have to say the BWV is our least favorite, and is not on our list of places to stay. Once was enough, glad we stayed, but never again. Mostly for the reasons you pointed out, but also because of the grocery, and getting something to eat or drink in the morning. It was the only time we left a bad review on the guest comment card in the all the years we have been members. It's only upside, is that is in walking distance to BCV, and EPCOT.

 

[LSchrow]

I agree as a BW owner the lobby has the most WOW factor as is the grand drive up to the porte cocher (spelling)! Even at christmas it has the most lovely decor. We stayed at AKL this past sept for one night and it was nice but the hallways were just as long as at BW. The BCV holds no interest for me as the resort is full of screaming kids as it is somewhat more kid friendly and probably has more young families as owners. --Just my opininion --I guess having no kids the BW is a more adult resort than the other DVC properties and thats why I love it so much.

Scott

ditto
the bw is soooo much quieter, imho, & feels more like a resort than a hotel. and after trying in vain to actually swim in sab (which was a mass of ppl, akin to a crowded city pool), my nephews and own kids begged not to stay there anymore.
our multiple stays at bcv have convinced us to sell our points there & buy more at the bwvs
glad op found the resort that fits them tho

 

[corpcomp]

You are all overlooking the real reason to buy at BCV.

Its a short walk to the Gellato!!!

 

[DebbieB]

BCV - Love the marketplace for mug refills and quick serve items, the easy walk into Epcot. Rooms seem to be in better condition overall. Able to get a 2 bdrm. with 2 queens.

I thought you could walk to Epcot from either property in about 10 minutes?! No? I had heard if you don't own at BWV fat chance of getting a unit with 2 queens or the Std. view.

Are the few units that have 2 beds all BW view or are they scattered among all of the views? Anybody else have any comparisons to share?

There are no 2 bedrooms with 2 queens at BWV. All the 2 bedrooms are lockoffs - 1 bedroom plus studio. Some of the dedicated 2 bedrooms at BCV have the 2 queens.

It can be hard to get the boardwalk or standard view at BWV, but not impossible. Depends on the time of year.

I thought both our rooms were fine when it came to showing the age of the resort. Our studio at BCV had a bulb out, no biggie. The sink in our BWV studio drained a little slow. Again, no biggie. The only place that I felt one of the resorts was showing it's age was the hallway carpets of the BWV. They looked a little worn, but not enough to affect my enjoyment of the place.

BWV is in the middle of a renovation. New carpets are being installed. Most of it is done, what was your room # or area?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2201734

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Well I'm glad we won't be hearing about the bad conditions of BWV now that it's been renovated! I have been trying to find reasons to stay at BCV, but everytime I walk over to visit it just seems way too chaotic. I think BWV "feels" more adult and quieter. Love the quiet pool! Love the water view.

 

[missy2217]

I thought both our rooms were fine when it came to showing the age of the resort. Our studio at BCV had a bulb out, no biggie. The sink in our BWV studio drained a little slow. Again, no biggie. The only place that I felt one of the resorts was showing it's age was the hallway carpets of the BWV. They looked a little worn, but not enough to affect my enjoyment of the place.

They are in the process of re-doing all of the carpets in BWV, they did the hallway carpet while we were there two weeks ago.