Just back from 1st trip to BWV 7/5 - 7/12

[mouseclick1]

After buying into BWV 2 years ago, we finally made it down for our first trip! We had a wonderful time and enjoyed our stay very much. Our party consisted of me, DH, DS 12, DS turned 11 on trip, my brother and SIL. My parents also joined us in our room for the first night. For us, 6 adults and 2 kids in a 2 BR was way too crowded. It was fine for 1 night, but I would not schedule an entire week that way. I would have to either split us up or splurge and go with a GV.

My parents did an exchange with their own timeshare and traded a studio in Cancun for a 1 BR at the Marriot Grande Vista. Their ressie went from Sat - Sat, which is why we were all together for the first night (Friday). They only stayed at the Grande Vista half the week, and we took their villa for one night to extend our stay and visit Seaworld. It was an interesting comparison. It seemed weird to have a "welcome home" greeting from the Marriot! I always thought that was exclusively a DVC thing! The room was much bigger and better equipped than BWV, but lacked the atmosphere. I wouldn't trade my BWV for anything!

Back to BWV- Yes, there was scaffolding and renovations going on, but that never interferred in our enjoyment. There was a white screen over the scaffolding, so you really couldn't even see the people working. The only thing that was a bummer, and I'm not sure if this had to do with the renovations or not, was our top floor balcony. I heard that the awnings were taken down as they prepare to paint the standard views. I am not sure if there originally was an awning over our room or not, but there was no cover over our balcony at all. I am one who would have sat out on the balcony in the rain if it was covered, but couldn't do so this trip. Like I said, maybe we wouldn't have been covered anyway, I don't know. Wasn't a big deal, anyway.

Housekeeping was great. My DH got a few extra things we needed without any problems. Room was neat and clean when we arrived. The only exception would be a bit of mildew in the master shower.

Actually, all CMs at the BWV were great. Everyone was friendly and helpful, and we got several "welcome home" greetings upon arrival.

Loved the walkway to MGM. We timed our walk at 12 minutes, and that was even walking with our kids (11 y/o can be very pokey when it comes to walking!). Forgot to time the walk to Epcot, but it was definitely shorter.

We had birthday sundaes at Beaches and Cream. They gave my son a balloon, flickered the lights and everyone sang happy birthday to him. We also had ice cream at Seashore Sweets on a couple of evenings. My brother got a slice of pizza from the carry-out window at Spoodles and said it was pretty good, which is contrary to almost everything I have heard about their pizza. Also ate at ESPN on our first night.

We hit all four parks, Blizzard Beach, Discovery Cove, and Seaworld. In addition to the Boardwalk restaurants, we had a riot at Prime-Time 50's Cafe(birthday dinner), and either ate in the room, off-site, or counter service the rest of the time.

I didn't mean for this to be so long! I miss WDW already, though it is kind of nice to be home. Would be happy to answer questions!

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for the report. It made me homesick! Glad you had such a good time.

 

[TheWho]

I was also there last week staying in a standard view on the first floor. Wasn't the weather pretty good? It did rain sometimes but the tempertures were the best I 've seen (Compared to the previous 4 years I've gone in July). I thought the parks were more crowded than I expected, but very manageable early in the day.

Glad you enjoyed BW.

 

[mouseclick1]

The weather wasn't bad, but it was the most rain we have ever had. Our only other summer trip was August 2 years ago. I think we had only 1 rain day then, and 1 very short pm shower. We had to alter our plans a couple of times this trip because of rain, but everything worked out fine. The temperatures were great this time, though, especially at night. I only wished the parks were open a little later in the evening because that was really the best time for us to walk around. My SIL wouldn't go out at all during the day, because she thought it was way too hot. And she would never walk around in the rain, like the rest of us did at MK on Thursday. The parks were kind of crowded, but I don't think we waited in line for anything longer than 20 minutes. This was our 5th time to WDW as a family, and I think it may have been the best!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Glad you had a great time. We have never felt cramped with 8 in a 2 BR at OKW, but I would imagine it depends on the size of the kids and adults too. We have usually had at least on young one along. I think that is where the 2 queen beds in the second bedroom will make a difference at OKW.

 

[mouseclick1]

It wasn't so much the sleeping arrangements as much as the living room set up. I do think you have more room in the living room area at OKW, which may be more comfortable for 8. The room just felt crowded. Again, not bad for 1 night, but wouldn't want to do it for 7. Eating dinner in the room would have been very hard for 8 of us. It was even tricky for the 6 of us after my parents left. Tricky-but still manageable. We ate at the counter, the table, and sitting on the couch. At the Marriott, they had a complete dining area with a rectangular table that seated 6, plus 3 bar stools at the kitchen counter. This was in a one bedroom villa. I still like the BWVs much better than the Marriott, but you couldn't help but notice the difference in the size of the room! I think most of our near future trips will be with just the 4 of us anyway, until our children are grown.

 

[TheWho]

It really did rain on Saturday (7/13). That day the system seemed to really stall over WDW. We were in AK at 8:30am and I think the first drops hit around 10:30 am and never stopped. Like you, we managed. One thing I'll always remember is the Safari Kilamjarro (sp). We did this ride in the rain which was very cool!. There was no wait and the animals seemed to enjoy the damp air.

That same night, we saw Illuminations in a light rain which also added something different.

I agree, the park hours should have been longer or earlier. IMHO, the crowds seemed to justify it. It wasn't overly crowded, but there were plenty of folks having a good time.

 

[llp479]

Sounds like you had a great trip. I agree, 8 can be a bit tight in the living area at BWV.

Was interesting to read your impressions of Grand Vista. My sister owns there. I've seen pictures but it's hard to compare the room size.

Going home to OKW in 30 days! Can't wait!