Just back BCV & VB

[sueg]

Back to work today, after a great week at BCV/VB. We own at OKW, but decided to try BCV & I'm glad we did. We really liked our 2BD & we have always loved the Epcot location. It was great for a change, but our heart is still w/ OKW. The whole "hotel experience" w/ its parking issues just isn't the best for our family. We were on the top floor, Epcot view & could see the fireworks over the trees. Not a bad location, but not a view to die for.
On the other hand, our view from our VB ocean view Inn rm. was the best! Top floor, w/ an open patio, you could lay on the bed & see the beautiful ocean. We are not big VB people, but we neeeded to drive our oldest DS from WDW to Melbourne, for baseball spring training & decided to spend our last 2 days at VB. Very relaxing and youngest DS really enjoyed the pool.
Unfortunately, Orlando airport was a zoo when we left on Tues. nite. I almost felt the relaxation drain from me. Delta employees were stressed & security was unpleasant. I had just about convinced DH that we don't need to get to the airport 2+ hrs. before the flight, mainly because EWR was so under control. But Orlando airport required ALOT of up-front time. It was the first time we arrived at our gate, after the plane was boarded.
All & all, a wonderful trip. We thought the crowds were down & the shortened hours did not really limit us, except we did not make it back to MK for the only offering of Spectromagic on Sat. Glad to answer any questions.

 

[CK1]

I was in Orlando on business last week but did stop by the BCV and BWV (we own at BWV but have only ever stayed at OKW NUMEROUS times and recently VWL). I was comparing rooms to see where we want to stay next -- BCV or BWV. So how were the thermostats at BCV? Any issues? What room # (if I can be so rude as to ask?) Was it a dedicated or a lock-off? Bed situation (fold-up or queens)?

You don't note whether you had kids with you -- we will have 3 (aged 9,8, and 4). We usually stay for about 10 days, and like you, OKW sure is nice for that "drive-up" convenience when you have lots-o-stuff. We missed that at VWL. Did you use the pool at all? OUr kids have pool-hopped to BWV Luna Park pool before -- that one is great for kids. I realize many many of you are SAB lovers, but at first, unexperienced glance, all I could think was, Holy Toledo -- I'll never be able to keep my eyes on 3 kids here -- kiss my sanity goodbye!

Thanks for any / all info --

Cindy

 

[mgoble]

What were the wait times like in the park?

 

[PamOKW]

Unfortunately, Orlando airport was a zoo when we left on Tues. nite.

They may have already stepped security measures and that's why you faced delays. They are warning folks to allow plenty of time at the airports around the country because they are doing more checks, including random searches of cars.

Thanks for the report and I'm glad you had a great trip!

 

[sueg]

Sorry I didn't respond sooner. Backpiles of work interfered w/ DIS time. We were in Rm. 533, a dedicated 2BD. w/ 2 qns. in 2nd BD. I have 2 DSs ages 15 and 7. DS15 really liked the layout of our unit & always enjoys a qn. bed to himself. DS7 loved SAB, but the slide was closed for the early part of our trip. I heard rumblings among CMs that the slide would open before we left, but they wouldn't confirm when asked directly. DS got to enjoy the slide on our last day in BCV, which was the only cloudy, somewhat cool day of the trip. We were only heading to Melbourne/VB, so we let him swim as long as he wanted and he swam/slid till lunch. We didn't pool-hop, but we never pool-hop.
I was not thrilled w/ the thermostat. It seemed the rm. was either too cool or too warm. We still hadn't fully mastered it by the time we left.
There were not real wait times at the parks, because we got an early start every day & really maximized our FastPasses. My DSs are really park-pros. They know what rides are must-dos early in the day (we always start MK day w/ 2 rides on Peter Pan)& flex when our plans need it. We did Splash Mountain & Big Thunder RR w/ FP in MK (Wed.). We rode Test Track 2 times w/ FP & DS15 rode a third time w/ DH's FP. In MGM(Fri.), we did RRC w/ FP & I was a solo FP rider on TOT.
We also enjoyed a spring training game on Thurs. nite at WWoS & were able to get excellent seats (behind homeplate w/ the scouts & their speedguns)buying the tkts. on Wed. Admittedly, the demand was down because the Braves were playing Tampa Bay.