Just back from a poor trip

[Lisa F]

I personally was glad to see Rich bashing BWV. In this time of uncertainty, it's comforting to see that some things never change. If Rich suddenly had something nice to say about BWV, I'm not sure I could take it.

Lisa (happy BWV and VWL owner, who would prefer to not stay at OKW even if they tripled the size of the units and gave me my own private attached garage because she doesn't value those things!)

 

[Muushka]

Great attitude Lisa F!

I will try to do the same!!!

(Dean, you are a great poster. You give info without bashing.)

 

[brittsmum1998]

Well put Lisa.......I think people that have been on this board a while learn to take Rich with a grain of salt... a BITTER large grain of salt I don't think too many people expected Rich to come back from anywhere OTHER than OKW saying he enjoyed his mini vacation....DITTO TO DEAN...your posts are never bashing. They are well informed and NOT biased.

 

[Regina]

Hey Barb,
Don't give your purchase at VWL a second thought. We bought at OKW early on. There were less than 500 DVC members at the time. We've watched the DVC system grow at an incredible pace.

We just bought an add on at VWL, and we're very excited at having this second "home."

I'm glad that all of the DVC resorts have something different to offer. It would be pretty boring if they were all identical.

Yes, the room sizes vary, but they're all spacious compared to the days when my family of 5 would sleep in a hotel room with a rollaway brought in. Talk about cramped! There's no comparison.

We love it, and have never regretted our decision. I'm sure that you'll be very happy when you hear your first "Welcome Home!"

 

[PKK/MJK]

Okay, since we are allowed to give our opinions--here goes. I disagree with DeeP. I FAR prefer the studio at OKW to Boardwalk--and YES, I have stayed in both of them. The storage in the BWV studio is not nearly as good--nothing can be put under the bed (like suitcases), half of the closet is inaccessible as it is "hidden" behind the sink, there are only two tiny drawers in the bureau. The bathroom is TINY and if you are standing at the sink outside the toilet area and someone comes out, they slam into you with the door. The sofa is nice, but when opened it really crowds the room--and I don't believe it is queen size, although I could be wrong here. The balcony at BW is positively tiny. That being said, the "kitchenette" area is nice, although I had problem reaching things because I am rather short. Some people would prefer a sofa to two beds--so for a couple--this would be nice. Boardwalks view is tremendous and of course, it has wonderful access to both Epcot and MGM. As for the looooong walks to the rooms--this can definitely be true. The argument that people walk all day at the parks so a long walk at the hotel shouldn't be a problem is a silly comparison. If you are exhausted from a long day at the parks, a looooong walk to the room can be a pain in the neck!!

I do not consider this BWV bashing--it is a lovely DVC facility and what I've said here is fact. Lots of people disagree with me--and that is fine. Fortunately Disney has made accommodations for everyone's tastes. So we can all stay where we are happy!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Pkk/MJK

Amen! Expressing an opinion is not bashing. So many of us have preferences that differ, and we all have options.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Expressing an opinion is not bashing. So many of us have preferences that differ, and we all have options.

Agreed. Expressing opinions is one thing, especially when it helps others make informed decisions. Constantly overly negative, repetative bashing without resonable purpose is another. Some of us are simply (and hopefully politely) asking that the tiresome later be toned down. The request to tone down the negativity is itself repetative so I'll stop my repetative request in this thread with this posting.

May the future of all DVC resorts be very bright and may many people (including those who are overly negative) enjoy the benefits and advantages of any of the wonderful resorts they wish, both on-site and off-site. May the DVC experiences help bring much joy to all DVC families and thier guests. That is the beauty of DVC ownership. I hope to stay at almost all of them through the coming years. My thanks to this DIS board and excellent moderators and contributors for helping me participate in that DVC ownership beyond just my DVC resort stays.

 

[KirstenB]

Ya know, each DVC property has its advantages and disadvantages. Big whoop. We own at OKW, and have a 3 year old daughter. Right now, it suits our needs well. Some time ago, when this topic came up, I believe it was AnnK who pointed out how much her teenagers love BWV. When our daughter gets older, we may try to book at BWV as well. A good part of what sold us on DVC was the flexibility. Who knows which resort will suit our needs and wants best over a 40 year span. That's why choices are so great---we don't need to try to gaze into a crystal ball.

Bottom line: book what you like, and quit beating up on other resorts. Just because a resort suits your needs now does not make someone else's choice bad. It is just different.

Pam, good analogy on the ice cream. That really sums up my thoughts on the flexibility of DVC.

 

[Joeblack]

Dean: Your posts are always informative and very useful.

I don't expect to read all wonderful posts about any restaurant, resort or attration every time. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, in my post I was refering to the same old repetitive "BWV stinks because units are smaller"attitude that I have read almost 2500 times. I mean, if someone does not like it....Fine..don't stay there. All the better for the hundreds of people who want to do so and cannot because it's unavailable.

Lisa: I loved your post

Barb: I forgot to mention WLV in my post. Well... WLV is GORGEOUS. I own at BWV and decided to add on at WLV a few months ago jsut becasue of the beauty and themeing of the resort. The atmosphere at WLV is amazing and it suceeds in taking you to a "world of nostalgia" It is conveniently located and has great restaurants and an incredible pool in it. WL is arguably the most beautiful resort in WDW. The first time I saw the lobby, my jaw dropped to the floor.

When WLV is sold out it will be as difficult to get in as the BWV unless you have the 11 month owner's window. On the other hand, more often than not, you will find availability at OKW within the 7 month window. With this, I am not putting OKW down. I will emphasize again that OKW is a beautiful resort and a great value.

You did the right thing. Just wait until you stay in the WLV and you will just regret not having joined before. BWV and WLV VILLAS ARE NOT TINY!!!!. They are about 20% smaller than OKW, but they are waaay bigger than a deluxe hotel room and more than enough for 4 people to stay in total comfort.

 

[dianeschlicht]

CaptainMidnight,
I hope you don't consider me to be a "basher". I think the options of DVC are very clear cut. For those of us who really don't like the hotel atmosphere, we have the option of OKW. For those who don't mind the hotel setting and value location to the parks over other amenities, there is BWV and VWL. For some the point cost of a stay is the difference in where they book. I can't tell you how many times I have read on this board that people are booking at OKW because it was less points or all that was available. It is not bashing to state a fact about what amenities and pros and cons there are to each resort. No, I do not believe OKW is perfect.... It is farther from the parks etc. For some of us that is a plus not a negetive. That is why we have the options.

 

[Barb]

Thank you, everyone, for your opinions, good and not so good. I feel very strongly that we've made the right decision for us. As for the size of rooms, it won't matter that one room may be 20% smaller-my husband and I are probably going to be the primary users, without the kids. (the boys are 18, 21 & 22) We do love the themeing of WL, always have. As for the rooms, the resorts, etc. we will keep an open mind and reserve judgement until we've stayed there. (just as we do when we stay at one of the regular WDW resorts) We are very much looking forward to our trip in May!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

I hope you don't consider me to be a "basher".

Nope, thanks for sharing your views.

 

[Goofy Fan]

I guess I'm more of a "lurker" as well on these boards. But I have to tell you, Rich sometimes has me doubled over with laughter with some of his posts. I'm willing to bet that he's never uttered an opinion in anger, or in a "bashing" kind of way. All are opinions, some are "tongue in cheek". I remember his post entitled "Turncoat" before he left on this trip to BWV. Hilarious! Some of us need to re-read that post to get in the right mood for his after trip report. You can check out his previous post below. I don't see the "bashing" here, or in other people's opinions besides Rich's. It's all good fun, so to speak.


http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105993

 

[Lesley]

Welcome home Barb! It's about time you joined! If you hang out on the DVC board more you'll get used to Richyams...he's one of the more colorful members.

We did an add-on at VWL ourselves...not having ever stayed there, but having visited WL, looked at photos of the VWL rooms and read many wonderful reports here. I'm sure you'll be quite happy with your choice. I believe it was Lisa R who made a great post about her trip to VWL in April that got me really considering an add on there.

And I'll be happy to tell you all about our stay at VWL after our trip in January!

 

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
For those who don't mind the hotel setting and value location to the parks over other amenities, there is BWV and VWL

First, I just want to say that I am not saying that you're a basher at all... but since you asked, I just wanted to point something out. This may sound nitpicky, but usually it's the small things that people say that end up snowballing into a big fight.

There's a difference between objectively comparing the two resorts and implying that one is worse than the other because of the whatever that difference is. I quoted your one sentence here because it strikes me as that kind of a statement.

The implication is that BWV and VWL's more hotel-like atmosphere is a necessarily bad thing and that the only good thing about those two is their proximity to the parks. As a BWV owner, it's generally thinking like that which can put me a little on the defensive about my home and might turn a post that starts as the positives and negatives of one resort vs another into something that people call resort bashing.

Not only do I not MIND the hotel atmosphere of BWV and VWL, I actually PREFER it. I love hotels because to me, they are part of what makes a vacation special and different from being at home. I love dropping my car off and forgetting about it for a few days while I walk to and from MGM and Epcot from BWV or take the boat from VWL. I love being able to pick it up for a few evenings to go to downtown disney or to a nice dinner at a different resort and have it brought to front of the resort for me with the a/c already running and the car already cooled off rather than getting into a steaming hot car. When it's pouring and I'm coming back in my car, I love being able to drop it off under cover and just stroll back to my room rather than having to make a mad dash through a torrential downpour, even if it is just 20 feet.

I love full room service and take advantage of it at least once a trip. I don't mean pizza and sandwich delivery, I mean the whole 9 yards with the white tablecloth, the table set with real flatware and a gourmet meal served on real dishes. I love that I don't have to cook or clean up afterwards (touch the room service button and they come back and take it all away). When I have room service I feel pampered and relaxed and on vacation. In my opinion, not only am I not giving up amenities to stay at BWV or VWL over OKW, but I am actually gaining some.

Of course hotels have their drawbacks. If I need to do laundry, I need to go to the laundry room. If I want to store leftovers, I have to request (and pay for) a fridge. Generally there's no way to heat them up the next day, though. If I want to have breakfast in the room my only choice is room service and that can get expensive after a while.

To me, BWV and VWL take all of the positives of a wonderful, luxurious hotel vacation and adds the conveniences of home. I can do laundry in my room, I can store leftovers, I can heat them up, and I can even cook breakfast if I desire. When we have kids, we can put them to sleep in the other room while we continue to enjoy our evening, also not a luxury you generally have with a hotel room unless you get connecting doors.

I guess the equivalent to what you said about BWV for talking about OKW would be me saying "OKW is perfect for those who don't mind being nowhere near the parks and having to park their own car in order to have a larger unit." That really makes it sound negative. I know that being away from the hustle and bustle of the parks and being able to park your own car are two things that OKW owners actually value very highly, and if I were to describe OKW in the way I just did before I'd have a ton of people jumping down my throat for bashing OKW.

Anyway, like I said, I don't think you're a basher at all. I think you're a wonderful poster who has a lot to contribute. I just wanted to point out how these kinds of things can get out of hand and cause one group of owners or another to become defensive. I'm sure Rich is getting a good chuckle out of all of this too.

Lisa

 

[sgtpet]

Can't we all just get along? Let's bash VB. Only kidding. I just purchased at VWL and think it is fantastic. I purchased at the offices in the BWV. They are fantastic too. On my trip I visited the OKW area and it is also fantastic. They all are great in their own way. Being proud of where you own is great, but don't let it get personal. Hopefully we are purchased where we want to stay and we should all have the opportunity to stay at all WDW DVC resorts already or over the next 40 years. Everybody has their own choices. Let's respect that.

 

[PamOKW]

Let's bash VB.

Uh, oh.....Rich has led some pretty strong arguements there as well!

 

[Lisa F]

Why don't we go back to bashing other orlando area timeshares?

Lisa

 

[Dean]

The pull out in the second BR/studio at BW, WL, VB, etc are love seat size = full size, not queen.

Also, that white and black checked chair at WLV is ugly, I dont' care what anyone says. LOL.

 

[JonHM]

*Excellent* post! You said exactly what I was thinking. I, too, noticed that single sentence in Diane's post and was going to respond until I saw that you had already said everything that I was going to say.

That said, I must add along with everyone else that Diane is NOT a basher, her posts are always informative, valuable and well thought out; it just goes to show you how one little sentence can convey connotations that will evoke defensive responses in others.

The room size difference does not bother me at all, BUT (and this is a very big BUT) we just discovered and joined DVC this year. *IF* we had been used to having all that space in the OKW villas and THEN gone to BWV and VWL, I could see where there would be a tough adjustment. It's hard to accept change once you've gotten used to something.

Dean: I must also agree with others that you definitely were *not* bashing, even in the slightest, either.