Just back from BCV: observations

[jodifla]

We stayed at BCV the first month it opened, and did a small add-on there last year. We've been staying at the Yacht and Beach Club hotel since it opened 10 years ago (got a $99 special per night!) and it's probably our favorite on-site non DVC hotel. We own most of our points at OKW, which brings me to this:

BCV is really nice, but for some reason, it doesn't feel like "home."

The rooms seem too small, not enough storage space. The kitchens are one-man operations. The place seems really undecorated and sparse. The bathroom doors are plentiful, but don't make a lot of sense.

The location next to the boardwalk is great though, we love the Yachtsman Steakhouse, and SAB was great as always.

But I'll be glad when we have a slide at OKW!

(wow, I sound like Richyams!)

 

[BWVDee]

That is what is so great about DVC, there is something for everyone! I am sure you will have no problems using your BCV pts at OKW at the 7 month mark. Plus that will leave more availability at BCV for those of us that absolutely love it!

 

[Disney Doll]

While BCV rooms are smaller than OKW, I do think they are amply sized for a vacation condo. Unfortunately, I think the more sparse decoraitng comes from lessons learned from other DVC properties. I have gone into DVC rooms where there are spots where there is no finsih because someone "removed" a decoration that was glued down there. Theft is a problem, and ultimately it costs the members' money. The best way to combat this is to not have too many "knick-knacks" in the rooms, that people might be inlined to take. Makes the room a bit more sparse looking, maybe, but also solves the problem of repairing furniture or replacing things that have been stolen.

Each property has its "pros and cons". BCV has location and SAB. You can't beat that!

 

[chainkid]

Again, those of us who were sorry enough to buy into the tiny room DVC deserve to get those useless kitchen. I can't understand why anyone would ever leave the spaciousness of OKW. When I go on vacation I want to be able to cook and have my husband cook.....NOT

 

[jodifla]

I do think we'll feel differently when our son is older. Since he's only 2, we spend a lot of time in the room for naps and such, and we eat many of our meals in (hence the kitchen comment). And we have the pack n play open, his toys strewn about, etc, so space becomes more of an issue than if you're just using your room as a home base.

While I understand how knickknacks have the tendency to walk away, what we really noticed at BCV was the lack of things on the walls.

 

[BCV23]

You know, I love the decorating of BCV. The lamp in the LR is so cool and the print of the girls at the beach in the MBR is lovely I think. Never thought that decorating was too sparse. But I guess that just shows how different tastes can be.

Love the bathroom configuration, too. Love the doors as they offer lots of privacy. Kitchen is plenty big enough for us although I would certainly enjoy the size of the LR of OKW.

But with a little one in a crib, I bet I'd prefer OKW too. Don't know where it would go easily in BCV/BWV/SSR.

 

[magicmouse2]

WOW I have stayed at OKW and whilst I loved it, it felt like retirement home to me. There, were hardly any kids there, no slide and it was not close to any park. My DH adored it but he is not into the parades and fireworks that I am. I am longing to stay at BCV for the pool, restaurants and convenience for EPCOT. We all have different tastes and thats what makes it interesting!!!! thanks for the review!

 

[jodifla]

Well, maybe I'm showing my age

Re: transportation. I find that getting to MK is just as easy from OKW as about anywhere, since it's a dedicated bus and you don't have to share with Swan, Dolphin, etc. Walking to Epcot from BCV is nice, certainly. We walked to MGM but it was a hike...took about a half-hour.

I just looked at Webmasterdoc's SSR photos. Can't wait to try that, too!

 

[MiaSRN62]

BCV has location and SAB. You can't beat that!

Now see, I feel as BWVDee does......you can beat this if you apply the sentiment that there is something for everyone with DVC. BCV/BWV has less appeal (though they are very nice resorts) for us as a family than OKW. It's just a personal preference and we all have our own likes and dislikes. We don't feel OKW is anything like a retirement community. My kids have always been able to make friends at the pool, the playground and all around the resort. The addition of the pool slide at the end of this year will just be the cherry on top of what we personally feel is the perfect resort for us ! We don't need to be mere paces away from a park to feel like we're in WDW or whatever. We just love the ambience of OKW. Our family enjoys the feeling of being out in nature & away from it all more than the bustling BWV/BCV themeing. In fact, when we decide to do an add-on, it's going to be at OKW or VWL. It's really nice DVC has something to offer us all.
Thanks for the report Jodifla. And, btw, that $99/night special at Y&B Club is awesome Was that an AP rate or a Disney Visa discount may I ask ?

 

[DisneyPhD]

While we "own" at VWL our 1st stay at home was BCV and it will always feel like home to me. I love the thememing, I mean morning glories with hidden Mickeys on the bedspred is just my kind of thing. I love the feel of the resort, so beachy and sunny. I love how it is close together, (not spread out like OKW, makes walking with young children easier.) I know you share busses with other resorts, but there is less stops then OKW over all, so it even outs. (and you can walk and or take the boat to 2 out of 4 parks.)

I also don't mind the smaller rooms, in fact for now it seem studio's are enough for our family at this time. (just having the freg and microwave is good enough). Aso I despretaly want an add on, but since we are "adding on" to our house (2 new bedrooms and a bathroom) adding on to our family (new baby this Aug) and getting a new mini van, the points we currenlty have at DVC will have to due us for the next few years.


Now I must admit, I have not been spoild by the larger rooms at OKW, but compairing studio to studio, BCV is my 1st choice. Also the room we had at OKW was less then the best location, if we stayed in more prime spot I may feel differently.

Point being, to each his own. That is why DVC has vareity, and I am glad they do. Different families have differnt needs. As familes grow and change their needs change. That is way I love DVC.

 

[jodifla]

The $99 was during the first months the Yacht & Beach was open...was that like 1994 or so? We often get fliers for the new Disney hotels...that's why we stayed at Vero the first time, and were enticed by the DVC tour.

We love all the DVC properties we've been to. It just struck us as odd that although the Yacht and Beach is our favorite hotel, it's not our most favorite DVC resort.

 

[WDWguruDH]

jodifla, I know what you mean. Wilderness Lodge was hands down our favorite resort before buying DVC. It is also where we purchased our first set of points. But staying at DVC, our favorite is BWV - don't get me wrong, VWL is an excellent place, we love it, but BWV edges it out. Before DVC, we had stayed at the Boardwalk once and thought it was overpriced, preferred WL, until DVC. Can't really put my finger on it, just do. As has been stated many times above - "to each his own".
FYI - our favorite is now AKL, keep hoping for a VAK.

 

[kathleena]

Sorry you didn't enjoy BCV as much as you would have hoped.

I agree with BWVDee. One of the nice things about DVC is the variety and the ability to find the resort that suits you.

Both my DH and I much prefer BWV first, BCV second when we have the grandkids and neither of us like OKW (and after my last really, really awful stay there, I'm at the don't-want-to-go-back-there point). I feel home when at BWV; comfortable, but not quite home (kind of like at a close relative's) at BCV; and feel like I'm on vacation at any typical florida resort at OKW. Has never felt like home at all.

But that is not an OKW blast, it's just a fact with me and my vacation style. OKW obviously suits many just fine.

As for decorations - I've never really noticed except in general color and decor - I would just as soon there aren't too many. One is I hate clutter, but two is because of upkeep and replacement. Helps to keep the cost down.

Look forward to many years of good experiences - you will have them!

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by jodifla
The $99 was during the first months the Yacht & Beach was open...was that like 1994 or so? We often get fliers for the new Disney hotels...that's why we stayed at Vero the first time, and were enticed by the DVC tour.

We love all the DVC properties we've been to. It just struck us as odd that although the Yacht and Beach is our favorite hotel, it's not our most favorite DVC resort.

They opened in Nov. 1990.

 

[laceemouse]

We own at BCV and LOVE the style of the units there! In fact, after our first trip home in March I would love to make my home here look just like it! We already have some on the light blues and greens on our walls and I am trying to talk DH into letting us paint all of our stained woodwork (YUK) a cream like at BCV! I even love the way the cabinets are painted. The living room is a little on the small side, and we really need a table where all 6 of us can eat, but over all we are very happy with our Disney "home!" We do look forward to visiting ALL of the DVC resorts though.....Lacee

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I own at VWL and I have to agree that BCV felt oddly sparse. That could mean that it is more an issue with the choices of patterns and pictures used on the wall than anything else.

Colorwise I thought BCV had a lot in common with OKW.

I do have to agree with Kathleena that OKW feels more like other timeshares in the Kissimmee area...that's what stopped me from buying there initially. Not that there is anything wrong with that...I love my other OKW-like timeshare too... Just to share the knocks the one/two bedrooms at the other DVC's remind me of a beefed up Residence Inn.

 

[HookdonWDW]

I agree. BCVs is an awful resort. I really think everyone should make reservations at one of the other DVC resorts, because they are much better. Especially in October, January, and May.

Oh, btw: just a head's up: VWL is just as bad in December and March. I would avoid that resort during those time periods also.