Large family & BWV questions

[emmalouise]

We are thinking about buying into the DVC, and would really prefer BWV. Presently, we're a family of five: DS14, DS12, DD3. We're also expecting a new baby next Feb. Our Disney trips will be about every other year.

My first question is for families of 5 or more, do you feel that DVC is worth it? We've been comparing costs of the larger rooms (1/2 bedrm) and it seems like we'll be saving money in the long term.

The other question I have is about BWV. One of the main things that appeals to us is the fact that you can walk to both Epcot and DHS. What I'm wondering is how realistic (long) is the walk? It would be great to avoid the long bus lines, and lugging the stroller on the bus, etc.

Thanks in advance for any help on this!

 

[corky441]

IMHO - DVC is perfect for your family. A 2 bedroom villa will give everyone enough space so as not to one on top of the other in the resort. The full kitchen and laundry will fill your needs too.

The walk to Epcot and the Studios from the boardwalk resorts is so quick. Even with little ones getting over to Epcot will take no time at all. The Studios are a bit farther, but still very manageable. You also have the option of taking the boat to either.

Check out the resales at the Timeshare Store ( link at top of page) for both the Boardwalk and Beach Club Villas. Thet also have a point chart for the resorts so you can figure out how many points you'd need for you trip wvery other year. With banking & borrowing - you might not need as many as you think. Good luck

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We bought at the BWV 2 years ago and stayed in a Grand Villa last year with two other families. It was wonderful! The Boardwalk view is amazing and makes the vacation extra special.

We had 4 little kids with us and the walk to Epcot was easy. Kids in stroller of course, although several times the two and four year old walked it. The walk to the Studios was quite a bit longer or at least felt like it. We walked once, but took the boat the other times. It was very convenient. I think that on the way to the Studios BWV is the last stop, so it takes you right there. On the way back, we exited at the Contemporary and walked the rest of the way (unless you want a longer boat ride.)

Anyway, very very convenient to both locations!

 

[emmalouise]

Thanks for the quick answers! I was hoping that the walk wouldn't be too much. Plus it's nice to know about the option of taking the boat.

We're looking at the Timeshare Store for a re-sale, so hopefully everything goes well.

 

[dis-happy]

We bought into DVC because we are a family of 5 (and now a family of 6, suprise!). The extra space is great. Another plus about buying in at BWV is getting to book there 11 months out in a standard room...you can't beat the points for what you get. Plus, I love the resort (service for us has been the best we've experienced at Disney) and the easy to walk to both Epcot and DHS. The Community Hall right off the villas pool is a big draw for my kids. Plus, all the neat things to watch on the Boardwalk at night (and when the weather is bad, just hang around the lobby and the performers come inside and do their stuff!). Hope it works out for you!!

 

[WendyinNC]

We bought into DVC when we became a family of 6 and we purchased our 1st Contract at BWV through The Timeshare Store. BWV is great for large families with babies in strollers. We walk to Epcot and the Studios most of the time and even walk through Epcot to take the monorail to the MK. Good luck with your decision.

 

[paults]

you exited at the S/D not the Contemporary( that would be a long walk) and then walk over the bridge to the BWV

We bought at the BWV 2 years ago and stayed in a Grand Villa last year with two other families. It was wonderful! The Boardwalk view is amazing and makes the vacation extra special.

We had 4 little kids with us and the walk to Epcot was easy. Kids in stroller of course, although several times the two and four year old walked it. The walk to the Studios was quite a bit longer or at least felt like it. We walked once, but took the boat the other times. It was very convenient. I think that on the way to the Studios BWV is the last stop, so it takes you right there. On the way back, we exited at the Contemporary and walked the rest of the way (unless you want a longer boat ride.)

Anyway, very very convenient to both locations!

 

[Laurabearz]

Family of 5 here and we love our DVC!!!

Most regular hotel rooms dont sleep 5, so we would have to book 2 rooms but they can never garrentee those rooms would connect or even be next to each other... what kind of vacation is that!!!

DVC 2 bedrooms with the full kitchen, because sometimes kids just need a home cooked meal, and a washer and dryer, which is glorious when you have little kids!!!

BWV's is my favorite resort. We walk most days to Epcot, but find as the trip progresses and all of use get a bit more tired, we take the boat. And we have never walked to DHS, always hopped on the boat. Love it! Much nicer than the busses.

I dont think you would regret buying in there, but then again we are huge fans of the resort.

 

[spiceycat]

BWV has no dedicated - so only lock out

a 1-bedroom plus a studio

the studio has queen bed and double sleeper sofa

the 1-bedroom has king bed and queen sleeper sofa

since the second bedroom is a studio - there is another door to the interior hall.

with those options might suggest BCV over BWV - same area - BC is closer to Epcot and further from Studio.

bcv has dedicated 2-bedrooms a few with 2 queens. the others have queen bed and double sleeper sofa

dedicated does not have an outside door on the studio, no kitchennett, no balcony in the second bedroom.

 

[bellazachmom]

Completely agree with spiceycat above, BCV might be a better choice if you don't want anyone having to sleep on a sofa/pullout bed. The ones at DVC are getting better, but my family still prefers an actual bed.

That being said, there are no Grand Villas at BCV, which we are really sad about. I know that they can be really hard to book at the 7 month mark. If you think that type of Villa is one that you would like at some point in your vacationing future, then BWV is probably the best way to go.