Just back from 1st time ever - did VWL, OKW & BCV - great time!

[qqq]

Split up our 2 week stay among 3 resorts so we could check them out! All 1 BR units.

VWL - Strong points: Great theming, rooms are super quiet.
Bike & boat plan is a winner, easy boat ride to MK (we were among the first people for early entry), tall pines make those hot days a little cooler, nature and wildlife, quiet pool was never crowded.

Not so strong points: Long walk from your room to the car. If you take the bus it might be a lengthy trip to he other parks.

OKW - Strong points: Rooms are huge! (bigger than VWL & BCV) Whirlpool tub is huge! (bigger than VWL & BCV) Points cost less. Can drive your car right up to your unit (great for groceries). Bright and cheerful, palm trees outside the windows.

Not so strong points: At night, we could hear the people next door through the walls - well enough to understand their conversation. We also knew when they took a shower or went to the bathroom. Not the kind of stuff I care to hear. But that was only the first night. After that the room was empty so not a problem. The resort is really spread out (good for space & privacy) but we were so far from the main building that we had to get in the car and drive from our room to the restaurants and main pool. Now that we know what location to ask for - that shouldn't be a problem. Our room was on the golf course - they cut the grass outside our window at 6:00 AM every day! Didn't need an alarm clock to wake up.

BCV - Strong points: Easy walk to Epcot. Easy boat ride to MGM. Storm Along Bay! Good quiet pool. Fun walk to Boardwalk - lots to do. YC/BC was crowded - BC lobby was always packed with people - but a short walk to BCV was like a different world - didn't feel crowded at all. Feels brand new and sparkling. Good views.

Not so strong points: Could hear the neighbor's shower and toilet while trying to sleep at night. VWL is the only place that was really quiet at night.

All in all a great trip. DVC will be a good investment for us. I called today and added 100 points at BCV!

 

[karebear1]

Thanks for the report! It helps me to read the pro and cons of each of those resorts so I won't be so surprised when we get there for the first DVC trip! And, like you, I'm afraid we'll come home with an add on in our future!

 

[Credit Man]

Thanks for the report. Congratulations on your add-on.

 

[laceemouse]

Great report!!! We will make our first trip home to BCV next March. What room did you have there? What view did you get? Thanks for the great info, can't wait for our trip!!! Lacee

 

[spiceycat]

did you by any change have a dedicated 1-bedroom at VWL and a lock out at the others - if so that was the problem.

 

[travelbug]

Thanks for the excellent report on the 3 resorts! Glad to hear you had such a great time! Congratulations on your add-on.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanx for the report(s) qqq! I'm glad DVC made a good first impression.
Congrats on your add-on!

 

[qqq]

Lacee - our view at BCV was top floor pool view over the canal. It worked for me. That view is identical to a BCV postcard I have.
The canal has turtles, fish and an occasional baby alligator.

Rooms opposite us were Epcot view. At 9:00 each night we would go outside and walk around to that opposite side to watch the fireworks over the tree tops. Above us, people were always out on their balconies to catch the show - so those are good rooms too. I think we'll try one of those next time!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I guess noise level all depends on your neighbors. When we stayed at WLV in March we heard the fight between the kids over the popcorn and then smelled the burnt popcorn.