Just back from BCV and VWL

[newt1912]

Just returned from spending 4 nights at BCV and 3 nights at VWL in a 2 BR lockoff. This was my first DVC trip. We bought in at VWL but I wanted to experience the BCV for its location as Epcot and MGM are my favorite parks. Since I am from PA, when I go to WDW during the winter months I want to feel that I am in FL so I had it in my mind that I would much prefer the BCV over the VWL. I was so wrong! Once I got past the darker decor of the VWL and a view of trees out my window (that I can see everyday in PA), I absolutely loved the place. Both BCV and VWL essentially have similar layouts for their 1 BR and studio design but I felt that the VWL was so much better designed. I cannot understand why they did not keep the same detail at the BCV. For instance in the 1 BR:

At the VWL there was shelving underneath the side kitchen counter to store snacks, etc. At the BCV I had to rearrange kitchen items stored in the top shelves to store our food.

At the VWL there was a lot of drawer/shelf space in the large vanity which enabled us to not have to clutter up the vanity top as we had to do in the BCV. BCV had only small drawer in the large vanity.

BCV did not have towel racks in essential places. VWL had towel racks all over the place in the different parts of the bathroom/shower room.

Sliding door of the closet in bathroom at VWL was so much nicer than door that opens out at BCV.

There was a large closet in the VWL entry way which I didn't need to use but would be great if you had 4 people staying in the1 BR. There was no closet in the BCV entry way - there was a table and mirror.

I just feel that a resort room can never have enough storage space and it seems that they took a lot of storage space away when they built the BCV.

Has anyone else felt this way about the BCV?

If anyone has any questions about the difference between the 2 resorts, feel free to ask.

Jeanette from PA

 

[ErinC]

Jeanette,

Thanks for the trip report! We have two stays under our belt at VWL and loved it. We are trying out a studio at BCV in May. I'm anxious to compare the two myself. I'll really miss that closet next to the door, we usually put our stroller in it, and store suitcases, ect. Glad you had a good time! Erin

 

[palmtreegirl]

We just got back from the BCV and BWV and felt that the layout of the studio at the BWV was much better then our studio at the BCV. I wonder why they changed things for the BCV?

 

[jaysue]

Thanks for the trip report

DW and I do not like the kitchen layout at BCV - not at all practical

Have not stayed at VWL to compare

thanks
jaysue

 

[kingj]

Thanks for the report. We just purchased at VWL (close on 3/11). Reading your report makes me feel better about our decision.

John

 

[lat]

We are going in April for a dedicated 2-br at VWL.

When we first bought DVC, I had no interest in staying at VWL because it seems dark and not as convenient as BCV or BWV. However, for our upcoming trip, the only place DH wants to try is VWL!!!!

Never say never, I did not think we would ever want to stay at OKW. But we stayed at OKW reluctantly because that was the only resort available last October and absolutely love it now. Looking forward to our VWL stay!!!!

Thanks for the report.

 

[Olaf]

VWL or BCV. Do I have to choose sides? We've done one-bedrooms at each resort, and I loved both of them. I mean nothing can beat the pool at BCV. But the VWL is absolutely gorgeous. I like the colors better at BCV and the proximity of Beaches and Cream, but DH liked the running trail at VWL. DS loved it when they brought the pony out to the pool for the kids, and it is nice to take the boat back after a day at the Magic Kingdom. I'll take either of them--coin toss.

 

[KLR-wlv]

I actually like the studios at BCV better than at VWL - but I haven't stayed in a 1 BR at BCV...I think our studio at WL was set up slightly smaller than norm - you had to be a contortionist to reach the toilet paper in the bathroom there! And everything seemed cramped to me in that studio - but I really liked the studio at BCV - as well as the tv cabinet/drawers and a bigger balcony!

 

[OkieDisney]

We go to VWL in Dec for the Xmas theming and BCV in May for SAB.

So we don't have to choose!!!!!

Yippee!!!!

 

[Tagrel]

Another 'both' vote!

We own at both VWL and BCV, and love them both for different reasons! The last two years we have spent 5 - 7 days at each over a 2 week period. I have to agree that the VWL seems better designed, and feels roomier. While a bit darker, we still loved the decore and the lobby and grounds just can't be beat!
That boat to the MK, and access to Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon is great. And we love having access to the Monorail resorts just a short boat ride away!

BCV - its all location and SAB for me! While I like the beachy theme, VWL is more to my liking style-wise. But after having both a pool view and an Epcot view - I have to say I like those better than the woods views at VWL. (Actually, we were lucky enough to get a pool view at VWL, but they are few... and we won't always be so lucky!) Walking to Epcot is the BEST, and we also love walking back to the resort from MGM after Fantasmic. Very peaceful and much better than packing in with everyone on a boat. BCV has so much access to so MANY restaurant choices - Yachtsman Steakhouse, Cape May Cafe (character breakfast and clambake!), Beaches and Cream, then there are all the choices at the BW and Swan/Dolphin (20% DVC discount!) - all an easy walk away!

Splitting stays between VWL and BCV is the PERFECT vacation! Well, for us at least!

Thanks for the report. Can you tell I wanna go home? This year its a cruise and BWV. I'll miss both VWL and BCV...

 

[d-r]

and a view of trees out my window (that I can see everyday in PA), I

You can see long leaf pines and cedar trees outside your window in PA? I've never been to PA so I had no idea. Cool, I thought that was just Florida and the southeast. Do you have the spanish moss and palmettos also?

DR