Is it that great...

[KSR0330]

...being so close to EPCOT and HS when staying at one of the EPCOT Deluxe resorts? It really seems like it would be. They are definitely our favorite parks, and to be able to walk/take a short boat ride to them seems like it would be fabulous! I was planning on CBR (for April 2016), but am now considering BC because of this. Although I prefer the theming of CBR, BC would also be great because of the pool and room balcony to be able to sit on. Clearly the difference in price is a big consideration and I'm wondering if it's worth it.

 

[karly05]

Honestly, that is my favorite thing about BC (which I love) - the walk to Epcot and boat to DHS. I love that whole Epcot resorts area. Whether or not it's "worth it" is subjective - it is pricy, and I'd rather be able to go every year (I love POFQ and have been happy there, but if money were no object, it would be hard for me NOT to stay in the Epcot Resorts area).

That said - do be aware that BC has 2 kinds of balconies - some rooms have a full balcony with chairs, but others have a small, "standing room only" (and not much of that) balcony. If a full balcony is important to you, you might want to look at YC instead.

 

[meowser]

For me, it is that great! Love being able to walk to Epcot and DHS. And eat in Epcot whenever we want.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Worth is subjective But it's just lovely being over there. I love strolling over to Epcot at night for Illuminations, strolling back. It's so pretty, especially at night with the lights and all of the boats.

 

[kastoney]

It's pretty darn perfect IMO

 

[KSR0330]

Honestly, that is my favorite thing about BC

For me, it is that great!

I love strolling over to Epcot at night for Illuminations, strolling back. It's so pretty, especially at night with the lights and all of the boats.

It's pretty darn perfect IMO

It does sound perfect! Convenience vs. money...such a difficult decision!

 

[ArwenMarie]

It does sound perfect! Convenience vs. money...such a difficult decision!

I know, darn money

Sometimes a split stay is a good way to cut the total cost a bit. Especially since you probably won't be going to only Epcot and DHS.

 

[AliceIn]

I agree, it's wonderful to be so close to Epcot and DHS. The cost can be pretty high, depending on when you go. We only book if we can get a good discount.

 

[gdrj]

As a DC member and BWV owner being able to walk or boat to two parks is tremendous. You could check Swan and Dolphin hotels might be a little less expensive. You still have EMH's just no ME or charging privileges in Parks etc.

 

[Sue M]

We enjoy being able to nip into Epcot and not have to think about standing in those long bus lines at closing. And all the dining options in walking distance!

 

[busymommy2pink]

BC is what feels like "home" to us. Our daughters have always preferred Epcot over MK since they were very little. Cost is really subjective. Personally, we go when there is a good deal out and the 30-35% off room rate for us brings it down closer to moderate pricing. Walking home after watching fireworks is pricessless in my opinion. We always take the monorail home from MK and walk through epcot and do a few attractions, stop for one more passport stamps etc (you do need park hoppers for this). The boat ride to Epcot is very nice (you can also walk, but it is quite the hike! Gorgeous though! Wouldn't likely do it again lol). Last year there was a bald eagle that kept perching on the top of the swan hotel...our boat driver always pointed him out. It was a highlight for my 5 year old lol. BC is also incredibly tranquil, the smell is AMAZING (we've searched years to find something similar), the staff is lovely, and the POOL..oh my lands the pool!!! We are trying out the GF this november...but just in case we missBC too much, we are stayed there for two nights at the end!

 

[runmickeyrun]

We absolutely love BC or BWI. You can walk to DHS or Epcot. We are runners so we run around Crescent Lake every morning. Totally worth it if it is in your budget.

 

[KSR0330]

BC is what feels like "home" to us. Our daughters have always preferred Epcot over MK since they were very little. Cost is really subjective. Personally, we go when there is a good deal out and the 30-35% off room rate for us brings it down closer to moderate pricing. Walking home after watching fireworks is pricessless in my opinion. We always take the monorail home from MK and walk through epcot and do a few attractions, stop for one more passport stamps etc (you do need park hoppers for this). The boat ride to Epcot is very nice (you can also walk, but it is quite the hike! Gorgeous though! Wouldn't likely do it again lol). Last year there was a bald eagle that kept perching on the top of the swan hotel...our boat driver always pointed him out. It was a highlight for my 5 year old lol. BC is also incredibly tranquil, the smell is AMAZING (we've searched years to find something similar), the staff is lovely, and the POOL..oh my lands the pool!!! We are trying out the GF this november...but just in case we missBC too much, we are stayed there for two nights at the end!

Well if this doesn't persuade me I'm not sure what would! I never thought of taking the monorail from MK to EPCOT and walking back from there. What a great idea!

 

[patty57]

It's pretty darn perfect IMO

Agree. Hands down my favorite area to stay is the Epcot resorts. I'm also a big Swan & Dolphin fan for the location, amenities and better price point.

 

[KSR0330]

Agree. Hands down my favorite area to stay is the Epcot resorts. I'm also a big Swan & Dolphin fan for the location, amenities and better price point.

I never really thought about Swan/Dolphin. Is there anything we'd be missing by staying there? I'd love to hear what you feel are their pros and cons if you don't mind!

 

[Sue M]

I never really thought about Swan/Dolphin. Is there anything we'd be missing by staying there? I'd love to hear what you feel are their pros and cons if you don't mind!

You would be missing DME and airline check in at resort. Very handy not to have to drag luggage to and from MCO. You'd still get EMH. And WDW transportation to parks. I'm not sure how they handle FP+ or dining ADRs. Don't think you'd get MBs.
When thinking about Swan/Dolphin you'd have to factor in extra cost of airport transportation, and their daily resort fee. And for those who have a car, parking fee.

 

[DebbieB]

That's why I bought DVC at BWV. Love being to be able to walk or boat to Epcot & DHS. Plus I'm a sucker for the boardwalk room view!

 

[Hi Pluto]

Nobody mentioned the amazingness of having boardwalk right there too. It's so nice to sit by the lake late at night, or take an early morning walk/run around the lake. I am imagining the smells of the BC right now...

~Cari~

 

[JennyDrake]

...being so close to EPCOT and HS when staying at one of the EPCOT Deluxe resorts? It really seems like it would be. They are definitely our favorite parks, and to be able to walk/take a short boat ride to them seems like it would be fabulous! I was planning on CBR (for April 2016), but am now considering BC because of this. Although I prefer the theming of CBR, BC would also be great because of the pool and room balcony to be able to sit on. Clearly the difference in price is a big consideration and I'm wondering if it's worth it.

I stayed at BWV in November for the first time, renting DVC points which made it much more affordable--and absolutely it was worth it!!!

 

[busymommy2pink]

Well if this doesn't persuade me I'm not sure what would! I never thought of taking the monorail from MK to EPCOT and walking back from there. What a great idea!

Sorry..that should say you can walk to DHS, but it's quite a hike and we prefer the boat. Epcot is merely a hop skip and a jump! We love heading out (and in) the door by the quiet pool. We always request a room close to the quiet pool so that we are near Epcot. This also helps greatly if you are caught in the rain

Walking back through Epcot from MK we've had some of our most favorite moments. The aquarium is always quieter at night, so our girls would just look for their friend the sea turtle. Catching a street show in WS. Sampling through Club Cool. Or even playing in the water geature, because we aren't heading on a busy cold bus, we are walking to our room . They LOVE doing the Epcot passports, if you haven't tried these, they are the best! More interaction than just getting the mask stamped in each country. They both still look at them almost daily. $10 well spent! We always have a dedicated World Showcase day where we see the shows, shop in the stores, do the passports, but we never get done. So hitting a country in the evening is a relaxed way to end the day.

The ambiance of Epcot at night is just our favorite. I will admit staying that late and still having to transport home would have ruined that magic for us lol. Hubby and I did always chuckle about "swimming against the stream" if we chose to stay for fireworks. We were happy that in less than 10 minutes we would be in our beds, whilst 95% of the people were all heading to the bus bay/monorail.

Also..other things that always persuade us to stay at BC are: s'mores roast on the beach (free), movies on the beach (amazing with fireworks from either Ep or DHS in the background, the pool area...seriously..I can't say it enough. Our kids LOVE the sand bottom pool...but Disney sand is magic I am pretty sure, because it doesn't stick to you like scratchy glue like the beach. The sunsets over the bay. Seeing the Boardwalk all lit up. People in those 4 person bicycles riding down the boardwalk. Entering Epcot via world showcase at rope drop there is virtually no crowd...and since WS isn't open, the walk to Future World is VERY serene. Beaches and Cream milkshakes (walk in and SNACK credit...what?!?!??!). The fun separate kids pool with slide for those less adventurous swimmers. Seeing the fireworks while swimming in the pool (a night swim is definitely a must do!).

I should stop, before I convince myself not to try GF and just book BC our whole trip lol.