Looking for feedback on BCV

[House_of_Mouse Fan]

We're looking at buying at BCV as we like the proximity to Epcot. I'd be interested in any feedback you may have, good and bad please, about the resort, its location, and its amenities.

Thanks!

 

[DisneyWalker44]

Great resort. Nice size. Access to the BC Marketplace is a huge bonus. Walking to Epcot in the mornings is fantastic. The ability to walk to DHS is nice-to-have (even though most will take boats). The quiet pool is good, and the feature pool is the best in all of Disney. Just about a perfect resort.

The one problem is cost; it's probably the most expensive resort to own. While BLT/VGC may cost more per point to buy-in, their low maintenance fees will largely offset that in the long run. In addition, they should depreciate a lot less due to the 2060 end-date vs 2042.

For much of the year, you can get reservations at BCV at the 7-month mark. So it might make sense to buy elsewhere even if BCV is your first choice. That said, you can't always get in at the 7-month mark, there's no guarantee it won't be harder to book at the 7-month mark in the future and it's always nice to be sure you have a reservation 11 months out rather than stressing up until you know for sure.

 

[starbox]

BCV was the last resort we tried because I did not like it in theory - once we stayed, I loved it! It's one of my favorite DVCs. Lots of preference just come down, I think, to style and decor - either a resort is or is not your taste. I really liked the blues and whites of BCV, and the Victorian echos.

That said, here's what I'd list as plus and minuses:

Pluses:
1. Higher resale value than other older resorts
2. Access to SAB (a GREAT pool for older kids-adults)
3. Convenience to EPCOT
4. DVC units are set back from the resort and are therefore quieter
5. Access to all BW-area activities without having to stay in the BWV (we love the Boardwalk at night much more than we love the resort itself).

Minuses:
1. Lack of convenient CS dining
2. You have to walk through the lobby area to get to the main pool
3. No on-site community hall
4. Points per visit are higher/ no "value" categories of rooms.

We've gotten BCV at 7-months twice w/no wait list.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

The best thing about BCV in location, location, location!!! I also love the size, nothing is too far away from anything. Dining options are great with the Boardwalk area being so close as well as the Swan and Dolphin. There is the Marketplace for some CS meals. As everyone has mentioned, SAB is wonderful. I am also a fan of the quiet pool. Good luck

 

[pennilessinpa]

We stayed at the Beach Club one time and promptly walked over to the sales office that was at the Boardwalk and bought!

That was years ago now and we still love it - the theming, the atmosphere, the pool, THE PROXMITY to our favorite park, Beaches and Cream, and of course SAB. Oh, and we went at Christmas and the decorations were just no wonderful!

Plan ahead, and there's never been a problem getting a room. Maybe they could have more dedicated 2 bedrooms since we've ended up with lock-offs a few times. And I'd like to always get a 2 bedroom with 2 queens instead of a sleeper and a queen.

That said, we also like BWV. It has almost everything - OK, no SAB). We've stayed at SSR (yikes, - but no offense to its fans - just not for us) and OKW (it would be really nice for a long, extended, relaxed vacation where we weren't running to the parks all the time. The rooms are HUGE there!)

BCV Cons (IMHO):
1. I know I'm lazy, but sometimes, after EMH, it's a REALLY long walk back to our room. Oh, and those many times I forget something and have to run back too.
2. Why can't they fix the locks on the bathroom doors? I've had some surprise encounters with the kids!
3. I think the marketplace went downhill when it tried to become too many things in one SMALL area. Bakery, counter service, merchandise, merchandise pick-up, video rental, etc. Granted, I don't know where else they'd put another shop, but when you try to be too many things to too many people, you end up not doing a quality job on any of them!
4. I think the walls may be thinner. I hear the kids running in the halls (something my little darlings have done too) and some "quality adult time" next door one time!

That said - we own there and there's NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

 

[pennilessinpa]

My dh just read my post and wanted me to add:

It's a long and often chilly walk fro SAB to your room, but h wouldn't give it up for any other resort.

 

[Mississippian]

I personally think BWV is a much better resort. It just has a better feel for me, and I would suggest you stay at both before pulling the trigger. But with that said, the BCV location is unbelievable. The extra hundred yards or so of walking that you have to do from BWV isn't that bad, but BCV is literally at the back entrance to EPCOT.

The first time I stayed at BCV I started walking to EPCOT and then came to the boat dock and decided that we would just take the boat instead. Well, we were at the boat getting OFF at EPCOT, not the BCV boat dock. It's that close. So try both places, or at least stay at one and visit the other, and then decide.

 

[DznyDreamz]

We own at BCV and LOVE it!! I can't talk my DH into staying anywhere else.

There is just something about the whole resort that just feels so....right. We love the walk to Epcot, proximity to DHS and all the resort is.

The only "negative" is that I wish there were more QS choices. The make your own salad bar in the Marketplace is fantastic and I love Hurricane Hannah's, but the choices are limited and can get old. Especially at breakfast.

Other then that, its perfect in my opinion.

 

[House_of_Mouse Fan]

Thanks so much for the great feedback!!! I think we're going to take the plunge!

 

[tink4ever]

Our household is split on our favorites. My DD and I love the VWL while my DH, and 2 DD's love the BCV. Don't get me wrong we have sooo much fun when we stay at the BCV but it is sometimes too busy for me. Sometimes it is nice to stay at a quiet resort and just relax. But it is just a matter of opinion and you should definately buy where you love.... We booked a late vacation this year and are booked at the BWV and have been waitlisted for the BCV for about 3 months now and I don't think it will come thru. So I have learned to only book at 11 months. JMHO!! Good luck

 

[bellazachmom]

We own at BCV and LOVE IT!!

That being said, there is one thing that I didn't realize about the resort before we bought in ... no 3 Bedroom Grand Villas!!!

Now, most of the time that will never be an issue for us, but sometime during our ownership I would LOVE to stay with extended family, all together (crazy, I know!!) and that will probably not be an option for us since they are not available at our home resort and very hard to get at the 7 month reservation window at other resorts.

If you think you might ever want to utilize this type of villa, another resort might be a better choice.

We have considered an add on, but our second favorite DVC is VWL, and there aren't any GVs there, either!!!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[DemoBri1]

For much of the year, you can get reservations at BCV at the 7-month mark. So it might make sense to buy elsewhere even if BCV is your first choice. That said, you can't always get in at the 7-month mark, there's no guarantee it won't be harder to book at the 7-month mark in the future and it's always nice to be sure you have a reservation 11 months out rather than stressing up until you know for sure.

I wouldn't necessarily guarantee this is true. It all depends on the size room that you need, and remember that BCV is the smallest of the DVC properties.

 

[DemoBri1]

For much of the year, you can get reservations at BCV at the 7-month mark. So it might make sense to buy elsewhere even if BCV is your first choice. That said, you can't always get in at the 7-month mark, there's no guarantee it won't be harder to book at the 7-month mark in the future and it's always nice to be sure you have a reservation 11 months out rather than stressing up until you know for sure.

I wouldn't necessarily guarantee this is true. It all depends on the size room that you need, and remember that BCV is the smallest of the DVC properties.

 

[culli]

BCV was the last resort we tried because I did not like it in theory - once we stayed, I loved it! It's one of my favorite DVCs. Lots of preference just come down, I think, to style and decor - either a resort is or is not your taste. I really liked the blues and whites of BCV, and the Victorian echos.

That said, here's what I'd list as plus and minuses:

Pluses:
1. Higher resale value than other older resorts
2. Access to SAB (a GREAT pool for older kids-adults)
3. Convenience to EPCOT
4. DVC units are set back from the resort and are therefore quieter
5. Access to all BW-area activities without having to stay in the BWV (we love the Boardwalk at night much more than we love the resort itself).

Minuses:
1. Lack of convenient CS dining
2. You have to walk through the lobby area to get to the main pool
3. No on-site community hall
4. Points per visit are higher/ no "value" categories of rooms.

We've gotten BCV at 7-months twice w/no wait list.

Agree with these but add to the "PLUS"..........SAB is an awesome pool for young kids too. We have a 6, 3 and 2 year old and the zero entry "beach/sand" pool was their favorite thing. Also the beach is great and they movies and activities at night. We are waiting to get through ROFR on our add on. I wouldn't count on getting at the 7 month window and is why we are adding on there, but the MF and cost is high plus the 2042 exp date might be an issue.

 

[Simba's Mom]

BCV is one of our homes and my favorite. On our last stay there, DH and I noticed that you can stay dry walking to B&C from there, so we were definitely glad we owned there! Also, I just love squishing my toes in the sand of the sandy bottom part of SAB.

 

[MinnieLee]

We love BCV and our favorite. Definitely agree with location, location, location! We spend alot of time at EPCOT - especially through the F&W and love that we can be at the International Gateway in 10 minutes. No one mentioned Beaches & Cream! Love their sundaes. Cape May is a great character breakfast and the clambake is good also. The decorating is really nice and no other resort has Art the greeter.