Just Back from VWL and BCV

[LodgeMan]

Well, sadly, we just returned from 3 nights at VWL (4538) and BCV (259). Both were very nice and ready early.....Couldnt have asked for more. Any questions, fire away!

 

[Granny]

What kind of accommodations are those rooms?

and was that 3 nights at each? Or a total of 3 nights?

Just curious as to why you'd move if only staying for 3 nights.

Glad you had a good trip!

 

[LodgeMan]

Hi Granny,

Sorry, I should have been more descriptive. Both were studios and we stayed three nights at VWL followed by two at BCV. We wanted to take advantage of Stormalong Bay for the kids so we split it up. Our room at VWL was on the bus stop side , which was a first for us, and a nice change. The room at BCV was overlooking the infamous oval, not bad either.

Had many "firsts" this trip, among them (in order of favorite):

1) Beaches N Cream
2) CRT for dinner
3) Kona Cafe for breakfast

Also had dinner at the Brown Derby, quite tasty , but disappointed in the portions.

All in all a great trip, despite high fevers on the kids. Beach Club is quietly slipping up on my beloved VWL as our favorite spot though.....

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

Glad you had a good trip. Seeing your restaurant list is making me hungry. Hope the kids' fevers didn't mess up your SAB plans!

Has the heat wave they were reporting in May broken yet? How was your weather overall?

 

[LodgeMan]

Hi Mrs. Snowgod,

Thankfully, the fevers were gone by SAB time. The first part of the week was nice, but hot....even fairly cool for Florida standards at night. Wed and Thurs was overcast and raining intermittently. Today is just absolutely blistering...Highs in the 90s.

Had a great time.....couldnt believe how good Beaches N Cream was. Thanks to everyone for the suggestion!

 

[FriendsOfEeyore]

Lodgeman,

Glad to hear you such a great vacation. We were just at WL over Memorial Day Weekend. Nice Resort. We had a regular room, bot VWL.

My question is related to the infamous oval. What is this? I am a new DVC-BCV owner and this is the first that I have seen that note.

 

[LodgeMan]

Behind our room was an oval "track" of sidewalk, connected to nothing and going nowhere, just an oval in the middle of the grass. Some have surmised it was leftover concrete from sidewalks and they just went ahead and poured it.

Check it out next time you are there....maybe they can race those midget remote controlled cars there!

 

[laceemouse]

Hey Lodge, what size were your rooms and what was your "view" ar BCV called? We have our first DVC trip scheduled for 3/04 with a 2 bedroom booked at BCV! We can't wait. We will have "woods view", will we get to see the oval???

 

[LodgeMan]

We had a standard BCV view, I think they characterized it as "Epcot/Roadway"view. If you are where I think you will be, you may not see it. Just walk to the stairs near unit 161 and it is in that area. You will love BCV.....I do, and I didnt think anytihng could top VWL......The rooms "felt" bigger at BCV, for what thats worth.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

Hey LodgeMan -

We were there last week and saw that too. Don't know about you but I did think it a bit odd - maybe it's part of some sort of hidden Mickey or something.

Glad you had a good trip!!

 

[LodgeMan]

I was also suprised how quiet SAB was on Thurs and Friday.....not complaining, just a bit surprised.

 

[TiggerFreak]

For our family, no trip to WDW is complete wihout a vist to the Kona Kafe

How did you like the Tonga Toast?

Thinking that we will also add BCV to our favorites list after we visit for the first time this fall.

 

[LodgeMan]

Tonga toast was delicious!!! Also spent some time at the volcano pool at Poly. Very nice indeed.....

 

[Pig Pen]

We just returned from VWL and will be trying BCV in September. We absolutely adored the Lodge and had a wonderful studio overlooking the Villas pool and a sliver of lake.

Can't wait to try out SAB at BCV. I know we will enjoy the proximity to Epcot and Disney Studios...along with all those fabulous restaurants.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by LodgeMan
Beach Club is quietly slipping up on my beloved VWL as our favorite spot though.....

Oh man, you're going to have to change your user name if you keep that up!!

That's the great thing about DVC and the theming of the resorts....you can have very different vacations while still going to WDW. That's why we bought a BWV resale last year.

Thanks for the information, and the update on the oval "crop sign" at BCV!

 

[LodgeMan]

Crop Sign, LOL!!!! good one Granny!

I still hold VWL on the number one favorite....but my cousin who was visiting pointed out that it had a "The Shining" kind of vibe to it and I sort of agreed, LOL.....I still think there is no better lobby anywhere on site, with the possible exception of GF.

One small positive note about BCV and one negative. They had a gentleman dressed as an admiral or captain or something welcoming everyone "aboard". What a genuinely nice man who brought enthusiasm and spirit to his job. I hope everyone gets to meet him....

Now on to SAB.....Sinking sands was shut down and the area that has the jets(opposite the big whirlpool) is shut down as well. It was the last time we stayed there(Sept) so hopefully it was a coincidence and not a bigger problem.....the other issue is the various bridges over the lazy rivers, etc.....the wood is rotting and rather than being replaced, they just built a wood box over the bad area.....very grim indeed....

That being said, SAB is outstanding, and I hear rumors that the pool at Saratoga Springs may challenge SAB one day....Here's hoping!