Just returned from our first DVC trip-- HH (2 nights) and BCV (3 nights)

[westjones]

We bought into DVC last April, and finally got to go on our first DVC trip. It was WONDERFUL!

We stopped for 2 nights at HH on our way to WDW. We had a 2 bedroom and it was VERY nice. The only resort lead activity we did was the bird watchers hike around the resort. It was nice. The girls loved the beach, and really enjoyed the pool (but the slide closed at 5:00 and we arrived at 4:55 so they only got to go down a couple of times).

We fell in LOVE with BCVs! When we arrived they only had one non-smoking studio left and they were defrosting the fridge, so we had to wait a bit (it was after 5:00 when we arrived and I guess I thought that they would just have a room waiting for us by 4:00, but we didn't have to wait too terribly long).

Storm Along Bay was a BIG hit with the kids. It was better than I expected. We also loved Beaches and Cream (ordered the Kitchen Sink, but the 4 of us failed to finish it off).

We 'pool hopped' over to Boardwalk to try out the Roller Coaster Slide, but the kids prefered the pool at BCV (they actually like playing with the sand the most, but did enjoy the slide also). We also went over the visit VWL. We would really like to stay there sometime, it looked wonderful!

I am tired (just got in), so I will keep it short. Bottom line, we had a wonderful trip and DH and I were both very pleased with our DVC purchase. We only have 150 points, but figure we can get 2 trips a year out of that by going in off season and using studios (which were fine, we were use to regular hotel rooms, and so the studio seemed VERY nice to us).

Thank you everyone for all of your advice, it has been a big help. Now we are looking forward to trip #2 for this year in September to OKW.

DJ

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Glad you had a wonderful trip.

BCV is our home resort cant wait to stay there.we are going to be at VWL in May and itt is also ourhome resort and this will be our first time there also.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

i did not see that you are going to be at OKW the september, we are too we stay there when we take family members cause the rooms are bigger.

 

[westjones]

Since we are new to DVC we want to 'try out' the different resorts. We are getting a 1 bedroom at OKW in September (14-17) for 4 nights before we go on a 3 night Disney Cruise (for our twin daughters' birthdays). From pictures I have seen, OKW looks very nice.

I told DH that I need 2 WDW trips a year so I am also looking forward (and planning--something that I love to do) for our next time at Disney! So now I can start planning for OKW and the DCL!

DJ

 

[luvindisneyworld]

You will love OKW, we were there last september and fell in love with the resort we were in a 2 bedroom and it was huge.i cant wait to stay there again.
i have to go twice a year or i cannot take it, it drives me insane.my DH loves DW but near as much as i do.

 

[newarknut]

Glad you enjoyed your first trip "home". Please be aware that once you use a 1 bedroom, it may be difficult to "go back" to a studio. I know how much we enjoy having some privacy from the kids. Two TV's are very nice in the morning when doing our devotions.

I'm sure when my wife and I make trips in the future without children, we'll consider a studio. Until that time comes...only 1 or 2 bedrooms will do.

 

[Simba's Mom]

westjones, first you went to my 2 favorite DVC resorts. Did I read your post correctly that you had a 2 BR at HH, but a studio at BCV? If so, how did that seem to go from a 2 BR to a studio? DH and I had a 1 BR at HH recently (first experience in a 1 BR) and yet, he thinks we'd be OK in a studio at WDW. And which studio did you have at BCV? How was the location, view, noise level?

 

[westjones]

Well, it was VERY nice having the 2 bedroom at HH. We spent a lot more time in our room there also. So yes, it is hard going from a 2 bedroom to a studio. But the studio was VERY nice. We were in 276, which was at the end near the self parking lot. That was nice because it was easy to run to the van. We didn't notice any noise problems at all (only fireworks from Epcot, which wasn't that loud really).

I can see why everyone loves the 1 and 2 bedrooms. They are VERY nice. But we only have 150 points and right now we want to go twice a year to WDW. We can do that if we use studios, and so it is worth it to me to get to go more often. I am sure that the 'new-ness' of being DVC owners will wear off in a few years and we would probably go to once a year trips (leaving our second vacation a year to go other places---and we do want to see other parts of this wonderful country sometime). Is we go once a year, our 150 points can get us a 1 or 2 bedroom (we tend to travel in September, and were thrilled to see that the points were lowest in that month; it has always been our prime vacation month).

The one big difference I can see in HH and BCVs is that we spent a lot more time in our room at HH (making it very nice to have the living room area). At BCVs, we were either at the parks, pool, or just out exploring. So by not being in our rooms very much, the studio was just fine. I think the amount of time you plan to be in your room can make a difference in the size you may want to get.

DJ

 

[westjones]

One more thing I wanted to mention, the toilets at BCVs have some sort of 'power' flush, which is so great! Our family has members (whom will remain nameless) who have caused us to be without a toilet while we wait for someone to come and unclog the one we have (not fun). These toilets were SO GREAT! There was NO worry about them getting clogged.

Now at HH, those toilets did not work well. We had to hold the handle down to get them to flush.

OK, maybe this is more information than anyone really wanted to know. It was just something that our family was very pleased with at BCVs. DH even took the lid off the back of the toilet to see what was inside. I told him I want one of those toilets at home!

DJ

 

[westjones]

OK, I am tired, and things are coming back to me. I did want to say that we really loved the E Ride Ticket night at Magic Kingdom. It was so nice going back to our room and resting in the afternoon and then going back for evening (and not having to walk out with the crowds after the fireworks). THIS was one of the best parts of our trip. I highly recommend it for anyone who doesn't like crowds.
DJ

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I am hoping they will have E Night in May.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

westjones, I agree on economizing points. I would rather have more and longer trips than a big room. Not everyone agrees, but I have no problem with the studios. I can tell you that the studios at OKW are bigger, and it is nice having the 2 queen beds and a huge bathroom. I suggest staying there on one of your trips. OKW is older, but still very, very nice. Since it sounds like you drive, you will appreciate driving right up to the front of your building. It really is a big plus for us. And, just so you know I am not prejudiced, we own at both OKW and BCV.

Glad you had a first trip "home".

 

[westjones]

We are anxious to try out OKW in September. I had thought about getting the studio, but since we tried the 2 bedroom at HH and the studio at BCVs, we decided to try the 1 bedroom in at OKW in September just so we can 'see' what each is like.

Thanks for the tip about OKW, it does sound nice to be able to park close to the door. I think that DH and I would love that! The kids love Storm Along Bay, though, and we have to take them back to BCVs sometime. We also fell in love with VWL! It is just so hard to pick.

DJ