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

[dizney4us]

We want to try all of the different DVC resorts over time...but next summer we want to take some extended family (including my parents) and we haven't decided where we want to go yet. I really want wherever we stay to leave a nice impression. We own at SSR and haven't stayed there yet - but I am concerned about how spread out it may be (too much walking for my parents). Thought about trying for the THV's but am afraid they will be too far from dining and pools at SSR too.

That brings me to the idea of choosing between BCV and BWV. 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. Anyone who has stayed at both recently - how do you think they compare? Has one resort been kept up better than the other? i.e. does one resort show more wear & tear over the other? This nagging memory of OKW is making me wonder if we should return to one of the resorts we've already tried and are happy with like AKV or VWL. I am afraid to get there and be disappointed in the condition of the units. Even though it's more spread out and not as convenient would we be better off going to SSR or the THV's because they're newer?

I guess what I'm wondering is if there's a chance we would be disappointed in either BCV or BWV because of upkeep & maintenance and the age of the resorts? OP - did you notice anything like that on your split stay? How would you decide where to go if you were taking guests?

Annie...we just got back from a great 6 night stay at BWV. The room was a studio BW view and had all been updated. The room was beautiful, fresh and clean. The view was fantastic...sometimes it could get loud as we were above Big River Grill. We have also had standard views, which is what we will have in February and the views are lovely out front too and it's very quiet. We dont' care about refillable mugs as we buy drinks from the store and keep them in our room for convenience. BWV is beautiful, it has an awesome lobby, very fancy, and the theme of it all just takes you back. It's all connected and under one roof. The views from the lobby and the patio area off the lobby are breath taking. There are white wicker chairs right there to just sit and relax in outside the lobby. My family has been going to Disney for years, and from my parents in their 60's to my 7 year old nephew.... they all just love, LOVE the Boardwalk. I bet you would too!

 

[mom2rb]

So I am part of a split family. DH and I like BWV better, our boys like BCV better. Our next trip will be at BCV. It was hard because we had a choice between Boardwalk view or BCV two queen room. We went with BCV to make the kids happy. I just know that DH is going to want to walk over to BWV a lot.

 

[msteddom]

It's interesting, I had just about the opposite reaction to BWV vs. BCV to the OP. I too was renting points trying to figure out where to buy and I thought I would fall madly in love with BCV. It just didn't happen. I thought that the villas were too far away from the rest of the resort. I wasn't crazy about the room itself or the view, and I also found out that I just don't care as much about pools as I thought I did. I did love the Market Place though, and I wish BWV had something similar. The Bakery just doesn't cut it!

Overall, I much prefer BWV. I like the layout of the resort, I love feeling right on top of the action, I love the non-stop boat service to and from Epcot. So I bought at BWV and I'm glad I did!

Melissa

 

[Kris10luvsDisney]

I too, have stayed at both BCV and BWV, and I wish I could morph the 2 resorts into one! Our kids loved the pool. We especially liked that they had the smaller water slide on the back of the pirate ship for our DD. BCV was definitely more convenient, but like others had posted it does get a little more noisy with all of the families w/ small kids. Our last trip was to BWV and I have to say my kids loved that pool just as much (and they didn't even use the slide!). Our biggest complaint was that it was a pain in the neck to get drinks or lunch while at the pool. When we were there in Feb. 2008, they only had 2 sandwiches to choose from (panini type that were sold in the bakery). Not very kid friendly. However I loved how quiet it was when we were there, the resort was very nice. We did have an issue w/ our tub not having hot water, but we were moved to another room and all was fine after that. We also loved the community hall for activities and the close distance th HS & Epcot can't be beat.
I would probably stay at BWV again, but would just plan ahead for lunch if I was going to spend the day at the pool.

 

[disneynutz]

The posts in this thread confirms my feelings about prospective owners/members renting before they buy and buying where they love to rent.

Everyones tastes and thoughts are different. What's important to me, may not be important to you.

We bought BLT with our DD because she really wanted to own there. Now after staying there we have all decided that it's a lovely resort, but it's not our favorite. Now she says... Dad I should have listened to you and stayed there before I bought.

Our favorite hotel style resort is BWV and our favorite condo style is SSR and we don't even own there!

Bill

 

[VLee]

It would be hard for me to state a preference between BWV and BCV. I own at both of those, plus AKV, VWL and now BLT. At any time I even think of selling, I then think about the pros of each. For example, I (like others have stated) like the low-pt usage of BWV and the beautiful lobby, plus having the choice of getting a boardwalk view at times.

On the other hand, I really also like the informality of BCV, especially when the grandkids are along, plus the SAB pool usage. I love the proximity and convenience of the Marketplace and the fact that you can take the shortcut paths to Epcot, even making that trip faster. I like the variety of atriums and places to just sit and relax at BCV. My kids love the Ariel statue--that photo shoot is a must each time. The elevators are quick and it only takes a minute to run down after coffee, etc. I don't really care for Cape May ...after a few times there, I would rather go elsewhere. The castmembers seem to be more service-oriented at BCV.

Now, if I were to get started on AKV and VWL, I could list many pros for each of those. I have yet to stay at BLT, and didn't think a high-rise would really be for us, but after reading the wonderful reviews and thinking it might be possibly hard to book sometimes, I added on there, with the convenience of walking to MK and the Top Lounge two major factors.

I have also stayed several times at OKW and really like it too for the laid-back style and parking next to the room. Love the low points there too.

All in all, I think it depends on WHO is going with you, WHEN you are going and WHAT your plans revolve around ... when I take my mother, we like to stay at BCV or BWV. My husband prefers VWL, my extended family likes AKV.
Sad to say, I will probably try SSR one of these days, but it is very low on my list of priorities--even though I realize that some people prefer it.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I love both resorts. They are my favorites. I fell in love with the Boardwalk when they first opened and we have stayed there so many times. When we were ready to become DVC members they were selling at the BCV's and we bought there, love it and are happy stay there most of the time

However,I stayed at the Boardwalk with my daughter for 4 days 2 years ago and loved it and the great view we had. My heart always skips a beat when I am there. I love the lobby and the action on the Boardwalk.That being said I did miss many of the BCV's amenities. I love parking close to the hotel at the BCV's and had to adjust to parking out further at the BW. I love Cape May being off the lobby and! I love the pools at the BC and BCV's.I do not find the BC Villas crazy with kids although the BC itself is. I love the beach and the fact that the BC Villas are quiet at night. I always stay in a two bedroom with two queens there. It is closer to Epcot too.
So bottom line I am very happy being a BCVilla owner but also love the Boardwalk Villa's and Inn.