Looking into BWV . . . reviews?
- Thread starter robinsegg
- Start date
We like BWV so much we just added it as a second home resort. YOu can't beat the location. You can easily walk into the back entrance of Epcot, and can also walk to DHS,
The resort has a great feel and offers three different views in 2 different point categories.
What is it that interests you in the resort? YOu certainly can't go wrong owning there.
The resort has a great feel and offers three different views in 2 different point categories.
What is it that interests you in the resort? YOu certainly can't go wrong owning there.
BWV is a great DVC, very popular. If there is a "con", it's because it's attached to the hotel BWI. We personally prefer the condo style to the attached DVCs to a hotel, some prefer the attached properties and some don't care. I liked staying there in the standard rooms, my DH loved being close to Epcot and DHS but didn't like the "hotel" feel. If your plans are to do WDW stays during Food and Wine or the holidays, then you need to own BWV for the 11 month booking at your home resort. We were lucky to get a standard view in the summer at 7 months, but I really feel we got pixie dust on that one. I don't own BWV but I can't really think of any real "cons".
Sammie
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Aug 20, 1999
- Messages
- 22,130
There are lots of pros to it, location, newly rehabbed, fun pools, views.
Cons: Parking, probably the worst of any DVC resort
No counter service food area
Its big and the hallways can get really long when you are tired.
In our opinion, we have had the worst front desk experiences at this resort over any other. I know this is just our situation and others have been experienced differently but when it happens multiple times over years, we just can't think we are the only ones.
Cons: Parking, probably the worst of any DVC resort
No counter service food area
Its big and the hallways can get really long when you are tired.
In our opinion, we have had the worst front desk experiences at this resort over any other. I know this is just our situation and others have been experienced differently but when it happens multiple times over years, we just can't think we are the only ones.
rice00
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2000
- Messages
- 261
BWV is probably one of the most popular DVC resorts. The location is great. There are many hotels within walking distance with great restaurants, BCV, Swan and Dolphin, along with all the options at BW. It is a short walk to the EPCOT back entrance and a boat ride, or walk (10 minutes), away from Disney Studios. I like that BWV is quiet by day and changes faces at night and becomes alive.
All the the DVC resorts are great. You have to decide what you like best in each, location, atmosphere, room size, decor, theme, etc.
All the the DVC resorts are great. You have to decide what you like best in each, location, atmosphere, room size, decor, theme, etc.
Ciciwoowoo
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2007
- Messages
- 1,414
BWV is our home and we LOVE it! 
Pros: Very easy to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Lots of walking options for dining: Beach and Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin
Fun entertainment at night
Great Community Hall
Lots of different snack options (not on DDP)
Cons: Shared bus with Beach and Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin
Only place you can use a CS on DDP at Boardwalk is Bakery
You have to go outside to get something to eat (a big deal if it is raining)
Long hallways
Pros: Very easy to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Lots of walking options for dining: Beach and Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin
Fun entertainment at night
Great Community Hall
Lots of different snack options (not on DDP)
Cons: Shared bus with Beach and Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin
Only place you can use a CS on DDP at Boardwalk is Bakery
You have to go outside to get something to eat (a big deal if it is raining)
Long hallways
- Joined
- Aug 18, 1999
- Messages
- 32,482
Have you seen all the info available right here on the DIS? 
Disney's Boardwalk Villas - Info on www.wdwinfo.com
I love the BWV and stay there almost every trip.
The BWV just completed a room rehab, and IMO, the rooms look great. We love the BWV for the location and the opportunity to guarantee a view of the Boardwalk or book the lower priced standard view rooms. (IMO, those are the very best DVC bargain at WDW).
You can easily walk to EPCOT and DHS. If you'd rather ride, just hop on the boat. Many complain about the bus service, but we have always had good luck. We usually travel in May, October and December.
The EPCOT area resorts are filled with a variety of restaurants and shops. DVC members get a 20% discount at most of the eating establishments in the Swan/Dolphin resorts. The Hess gas station across the street has a convenience store attached for those who want to buy less expensive beverages and snacks.
The Boardwalk area itself is a mini-entertainment area in the evenings. Both adults and children love the games and entertainers that appear in the early evening. Atlantic Dance and JellyRolls provide "after hours" entertainment for those so inclined. Don't forget to watch out for the surrey bicycles - always seems to be at least one family taking a spin around the lake.
The BWV shares a Community Hall with the BWI. It has activities for kids and adults, a small game room and free movie rentals for DVC members.
All resorts have their pros and cons. Most of the cons are not a big deal to us.
* Parking can be an issue, but since the advent of Magical Express, we usually do not rent a car. No need. Since we are past the commando stage park touring, we just go with the flow.
* Some do not like the long hallways. Since we are easily able to do stairs, being close to the elevators is not an issue. In fact we like to be at the end of the hallway - most of the noise at the BWV comes from people talking and running in the hallways. The farther from the elevators, the less that happens, LOL.
* CMs. Some say the BWV CMs are mean, rude, etc. We have not encountered that to date. (Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, though). But we have encountered rude, entitled guests at the BWV check in desk on more than one occasion, so maybe it's harder for a CM to keep positive attitude there.
* Bus service. As mentioned, we haven't had an issue with the bus service at the BWV. Perhaps we've been lucky or travel at the right times. But I don't think the bus service is any better or worse than any other resort, plus we have other options for two of the parks - EPCOT and DHS.
Good luck with your purchase. I predict you will love your home resort!
Disney's Boardwalk Villas - Info on www.wdwinfo.com
I love the BWV and stay there almost every trip.
The BWV just completed a room rehab, and IMO, the rooms look great. We love the BWV for the location and the opportunity to guarantee a view of the Boardwalk or book the lower priced standard view rooms. (IMO, those are the very best DVC bargain at WDW).
You can easily walk to EPCOT and DHS. If you'd rather ride, just hop on the boat. Many complain about the bus service, but we have always had good luck. We usually travel in May, October and December.
The EPCOT area resorts are filled with a variety of restaurants and shops. DVC members get a 20% discount at most of the eating establishments in the Swan/Dolphin resorts. The Hess gas station across the street has a convenience store attached for those who want to buy less expensive beverages and snacks.
The Boardwalk area itself is a mini-entertainment area in the evenings. Both adults and children love the games and entertainers that appear in the early evening. Atlantic Dance and JellyRolls provide "after hours" entertainment for those so inclined. Don't forget to watch out for the surrey bicycles - always seems to be at least one family taking a spin around the lake.
The BWV shares a Community Hall with the BWI. It has activities for kids and adults, a small game room and free movie rentals for DVC members.
All resorts have their pros and cons. Most of the cons are not a big deal to us.
* Parking can be an issue, but since the advent of Magical Express, we usually do not rent a car. No need. Since we are past the commando stage park touring, we just go with the flow.
* Some do not like the long hallways. Since we are easily able to do stairs, being close to the elevators is not an issue. In fact we like to be at the end of the hallway - most of the noise at the BWV comes from people talking and running in the hallways. The farther from the elevators, the less that happens, LOL.
* CMs. Some say the BWV CMs are mean, rude, etc. We have not encountered that to date. (Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, though). But we have encountered rude, entitled guests at the BWV check in desk on more than one occasion, so maybe it's harder for a CM to keep positive attitude there.
* Bus service. As mentioned, we haven't had an issue with the bus service at the BWV. Perhaps we've been lucky or travel at the right times. But I don't think the bus service is any better or worse than any other resort, plus we have other options for two of the parks - EPCOT and DHS.
Good luck with your purchase. I predict you will love your home resort!
bobbiwoz
I'm happy to dance with you!
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2003
- Messages
- 175,580
The lower points for standard view villas beats any con that I can think of. We just stayed in a great 2 bedroom standard view, 4th floor at BWV over the NYE holiday. I had shied away from booking BWV when we stay with DS and family because of the lack of dedicated 2 bedrooms but for NYE, I just didn't want to stay any place else and it worked fabulously. The DGC (6,7 and 8) loved the boardwalk entertainment, pool and community room. I loved the lower point cost (redundant, I know, but really it's a bargain!). DS, DGD walked to DHS for the New Years Eve celebration, DH and I walked to Epcot for theirs. DDiL and other DGC enjoyed the party on the Village Green and the entertainment on the Boardwalk.
We had an excellent view of the high fireworks in Epcot from our 4th floor 2 bedroom.
The lobby decorations for the Christmas Holidays are absolutely gorgous, the whole lobby is festive. The CMs that we encountered were friendly. (There was 1 exception, a CM who just seemed to be there and not go out of her way to help when I believe she could have. DH asked her, she was in concierge, if the Brewery accepted any discounts, DVC or TiW, for instance. She simply said, "I don't think so." Well, they do accept DVC, 10%.)
The lifeguards at the Main Pool were very courteous in their job of keeping children safe.
I don't walk very well, but the hallways are not an issue. I've stayed at all of the DVC's and they all have a long walk to someplace. Buses were fine, I stood once or twice, but I expect that and BWV was the first stop on the way home from MK. For this time of the year, the MK bus only serviced BWV, Swan and Dolphin.
Bobbi
We had an excellent view of the high fireworks in Epcot from our 4th floor 2 bedroom.
The lobby decorations for the Christmas Holidays are absolutely gorgous, the whole lobby is festive. The CMs that we encountered were friendly. (There was 1 exception, a CM who just seemed to be there and not go out of her way to help when I believe she could have. DH asked her, she was in concierge, if the Brewery accepted any discounts, DVC or TiW, for instance. She simply said, "I don't think so." Well, they do accept DVC, 10%.)
The lifeguards at the Main Pool were very courteous in their job of keeping children safe.
I don't walk very well, but the hallways are not an issue. I've stayed at all of the DVC's and they all have a long walk to someplace. Buses were fine, I stood once or twice, but I expect that and BWV was the first stop on the way home from MK. For this time of the year, the MK bus only serviced BWV, Swan and Dolphin.
Bobbi
bobbiwoz
I'm happy to dance with you!
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2003
- Messages
- 175,580
Only know about this time of the year....MK bus went from MK to BWV, then Swan, then Dolphin to MK. It's possible that busses from AKV could go in a different order.
At different times of the year the BWV busses go the entire loop, BWV, Swan, Dolphin, YC, BC...then park.
Our interests here:
1 Disney Transportation: We found that we very much prefer monorail & boats rather than the buses, when available. With parkhoppers, we'd even be able to walk through EPCOT, get on the monorail, and get to MK.
2. Proximity to Parks: We walked from DHS to YC and from EPCOT to BC for meals and found it very easy.
3. Theming: We are extremely displeased with CR/BLT theming (*totally* not our style).
4. Point Value: Since we'll generally need a 2br, this seems like the "best bang for our buck", so to speak.
I hope this helps a bit!
Have you seen all the info available right here on the DIS?
Disney's Boardwalk Villas - Info on www.wdwinfo.com
I love the BWV and stay there almost every trip.
The BWV just completed a room rehab, and IMO, the rooms look great. We love the BWV for the location and the opportunity to guarantee a view of the Boardwalk or book the lower priced standard view rooms. (IMO, those are the very best DVC bargain at WDW).
You can easily walk to EPCOT and DHS. If you'd rather ride, just hop on the boat. Many complain about the bus service, but we have always had good luck. We usually travel in May, October and December.
The EPCOT area resorts are filled with a variety of restaurants and shops. DVC members get a 20% discount at most of the eating establishments in the Swan/Dolphin resorts. The Hess gas station across the street has a convenience store attached for those who want to buy less expensive beverages and snacks.
The Boardwalk area itself is a mini-entertainment area in the evenings. Both adults and children love the games and entertainers that appear in the early evening. Atlantic Dance and JellyRolls provide "after hours" entertainment for those so inclined. Don't forget to watch out for the surrey bicycles - always seems to be at least one family taking a spin around the lake.
The BWV shares a Community Hall with the BWI. It has activities for kids and adults, a small game room and free movie rentals for DVC members.
All resorts have their pros and cons. Most of the cons are not a big deal to us.
* Parking can be an issue, but since the advent of Magical Express, we usually do not rent a car. No need. Since we are past the commando stage park touring, we just go with the flow.
* Some do not like the long hallways. Since we are easily able to do stairs, being close to the elevators is not an issue. In fact we like to be at the end of the hallway - most of the noise at the BWV comes from people talking and running in the hallways. The farther from the elevators, the less that happens, LOL.
* CMs. Some say the BWV CMs are mean, rude, etc. We have not encountered that to date. (Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, though). But we have encountered rude, entitled guests at the BWV check in desk on more than one occasion, so maybe it's harder for a CM to keep positive attitude there.
* Bus service. As mentioned, we haven't had an issue with the bus service at the BWV. Perhaps we've been lucky or travel at the right times. But I don't think the bus service is any better or worse than any other resort, plus we have other options for two of the parks - EPCOT and DHS.
Good luck with your purchase. I predict you will love your home resort!
Just go back about an hour a go, we had a GV and two standard studios. Although there was a rehab I was very disappointed to discover that the sleeper sofa in the LR of the GV was not replaced. The fabric was worn and the mattress was very uncomfortable. Everything else was fantastic!!!!!
We like all the DVC resorts (the only WDW DVC resort I haven't yet stayed in is Wilderness Lodge, but I've been over there to eat and wander around, and love it)...Boardwalk is probably my least favorite (keeping in mind that I like it a lot; I just like the others better)...
I'm one of those who's had almost exclusively indifferent-to-surly CM experience at BW front desk (altho I worked w/a completely delightful CM in the little store off the lobby my last visit...she helped me figure out what to buy to take care of my blisters-on-blisters on both feet...it worked great (moleskin) and I was MUCH happier for the remaining days of that visit, thanks to her)...I've stayed at BWV at least five times in the last five years, and I've yet to meet an actually friendly front-desk CM...but altho the folks at the other resorts' check-in are nicer, they're no more (or less) competent...we've found varying degrees of competence on different trips at all the resorts...
There is something extra magical about a resort next to a park (walking distance next-to--somehow AKV being closet to AK doesn't count, since you still have to wait for a bus...it's just not safe to walk into or out of AKV...there's no place to walk that isn't "taken up" by buses (and other traffic) there...that fact keeps me from totally loving AKV, which otherwise I think is great)...
But I much prefer BCV...I prefer the BCV theming, decor and CMs...I'm not the huge fan of Stormalong Bay that most folks are (altho I do like it), and I do like the clown pool at BWV...and I love the DVC quiet pools at both BWV and BCV...
I totally love being able to walk to both the Studios and Epcot...and I love to stroll around the lake (or jog around it in the mornings, for exercise)...I do miss an inside eatery at BWV...altho you can "almost" get to the gen'l store w/out getting rained on if you go out by the pool, go thru the "tunnel," and then walk toward the Gen'l Store under the covered walkway...you can't get to the Bakery, tho, w/out getting rained on, and that's the only Counter Service spot at the Boardwalk...
The porch in front of BWI is awesome...a great place to sit in a rocker and just watch the world go by...and the previous poster who noted the gorgeous Christmas decorations was spot-on...BWI/BWV is lovely--just lovely--w/its holiday decorations...
I also agree about the value of standard points rooms...when I can get a SV at BWV the unfriendly-to-surly front desk CMs become a minor irritant--not even an irritant, just a less than pleasant welcome--but who cares--we're there and being there is what it's all about...
And yes, you can get a villa at the end of a seemingly endless hallway--but that, too, isn't enough to "put me off" at BWV...walking is a fact of life at Disney and while you can choose a resort where you don't have to walk much, you can't really enjoy Disney if you mind walking! And scooters work in the hallways as well as in the parks, on the Boardwalk itself...so impairments aren't any more of an issue there than they are anywhere else...
Our villas at BWV have always been well-maintained, clean and totally up to snuff--we've stayed both in studios and in one-bedrooms...we like the decor and the "atmosphere" of the resort...but to my eye, altho colors and patterns vary some, all the DVC villas look about the same...they're very "cookie cutter" (except for OKW)...but since I like the DVC villas' look, this doesn't bother me at all...
Good luck w/your decision-making...
I'm one of those who's had almost exclusively indifferent-to-surly CM experience at BW front desk (altho I worked w/a completely delightful CM in the little store off the lobby my last visit...she helped me figure out what to buy to take care of my blisters-on-blisters on both feet...it worked great (moleskin) and I was MUCH happier for the remaining days of that visit, thanks to her)...I've stayed at BWV at least five times in the last five years, and I've yet to meet an actually friendly front-desk CM...but altho the folks at the other resorts' check-in are nicer, they're no more (or less) competent...we've found varying degrees of competence on different trips at all the resorts...
There is something extra magical about a resort next to a park (walking distance next-to--somehow AKV being closet to AK doesn't count, since you still have to wait for a bus...it's just not safe to walk into or out of AKV...there's no place to walk that isn't "taken up" by buses (and other traffic) there...that fact keeps me from totally loving AKV, which otherwise I think is great)...
But I much prefer BCV...I prefer the BCV theming, decor and CMs...I'm not the huge fan of Stormalong Bay that most folks are (altho I do like it), and I do like the clown pool at BWV...and I love the DVC quiet pools at both BWV and BCV...
I totally love being able to walk to both the Studios and Epcot...and I love to stroll around the lake (or jog around it in the mornings, for exercise)...I do miss an inside eatery at BWV...altho you can "almost" get to the gen'l store w/out getting rained on if you go out by the pool, go thru the "tunnel," and then walk toward the Gen'l Store under the covered walkway...you can't get to the Bakery, tho, w/out getting rained on, and that's the only Counter Service spot at the Boardwalk...
The porch in front of BWI is awesome...a great place to sit in a rocker and just watch the world go by...and the previous poster who noted the gorgeous Christmas decorations was spot-on...BWI/BWV is lovely--just lovely--w/its holiday decorations...
I also agree about the value of standard points rooms...when I can get a SV at BWV the unfriendly-to-surly front desk CMs become a minor irritant--not even an irritant, just a less than pleasant welcome--but who cares--we're there and being there is what it's all about...
And yes, you can get a villa at the end of a seemingly endless hallway--but that, too, isn't enough to "put me off" at BWV...walking is a fact of life at Disney and while you can choose a resort where you don't have to walk much, you can't really enjoy Disney if you mind walking! And scooters work in the hallways as well as in the parks, on the Boardwalk itself...so impairments aren't any more of an issue there than they are anywhere else...
Our villas at BWV have always been well-maintained, clean and totally up to snuff--we've stayed both in studios and in one-bedrooms...we like the decor and the "atmosphere" of the resort...but to my eye, altho colors and patterns vary some, all the DVC villas look about the same...they're very "cookie cutter" (except for OKW)...but since I like the DVC villas' look, this doesn't bother me at all...
Good luck w/your decision-making...
The only thing I haven't seen mentioned is that BWV feels "busy" compared to a lot of the resorts. ESPECIALLY if you stay with a Boardwalk View.
I think the post BWV resorts have better setups for dining room tables. Not a huge thing, but something.
Also, be aware that you CAN walk to the monorail and back - but for mornings you can't walk there until Epcot is open. And its a long walk. We find that we take the bus in the morning and the monorail back in the afternoon. On the way through, we do a Future World Attraction and pick up a Fastpass for Test Track or Soarin' to use after our World Showcase dinner.
I think the post BWV resorts have better setups for dining room tables. Not a huge thing, but something.
Also, be aware that you CAN walk to the monorail and back - but for mornings you can't walk there until Epcot is open. And its a long walk. We find that we take the bus in the morning and the monorail back in the afternoon. On the way through, we do a Future World Attraction and pick up a Fastpass for Test Track or Soarin' to use after our World Showcase dinner.
photobob
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2003
- Messages
- 3,552
I've stayed at BWV twice and the main pros to me are the proximity to Epcot and DHS as well as the Boardwalk itself. If I had to do it all over again I would have bought at BWV. DW and I really enjoy Epcot and love the atmosphere of the Boardwalk, the resort itself is ok, it is the surroundings that we like.
DebbieB
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Aug 24, 1999
- Messages
- 55,258
Sorry to hear you had problems. I've stayed at BWV at least 10 times and only recall 1 time where we had a unfriendly check-in experience.
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2000
- Messages
- 9,453
We have stayed at BWV at least 25 times. We have had front desk CMs who were more efficient than others but I can't say we have ever had a crabby CM. Some are more chatty and outgoing but I honestly don't remember a surly one. We have had exceptional service from some front desk CMs and I have even tried to tip one who was wonderful but found out that is not allowed. We also have had fantastic service from a couple of the long time concierge staff at BWV. And then there is our favorite mousekeeper who even offers to do our room when we are not in her station. I guess that we have been super lucky and maybe the odds are ready to catch up with us.
The rooms themselves at BWV are unremarkable, similar in layout to some other DVC rooms, except for the wonderful big closet off the bathroom to the master. It is the BW view and the BW itself that draws us to this resort. Sitting on the balcony in the quiet of the morning or watching the boats come and go during the day or enjoying fireworks at night -- we just love those BW view rooms.
The rooms themselves at BWV are unremarkable, similar in layout to some other DVC rooms, except for the wonderful big closet off the bathroom to the master. It is the BW view and the BW itself that draws us to this resort. Sitting on the balcony in the quiet of the morning or watching the boats come and go during the day or enjoying fireworks at night -- we just love those BW view rooms.
alldiz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2006
- Messages
- 8,171
BWV is my 2nd favorite after WLV....A split stay with them is a perfect stay....IMO.
I like BWV better than BCV. 1st time in my life I have preferred something cheaper...LOL
IMO BWV feels more upscale....I like the shops....Love the pool....much more relaxing than BCV.
I love walking to Epcot or DHS....I love the entertainers at night.
Haven't utilized this one....BUT I LOVE THAT STANDARD VIEWS ARE CHEAPER THAN OKW....
OMG and the resale prices are very attractive.
CONS.
Only con for me is small CS(bakery). BCV(CS) is not big either for that matter....but it is inside.
Honestly....I like having all of my points in 1 place(WLV)....but BWV is the only other place I would consider adding on.
Why....for standard view points at F&W fest. I think it is 166pts for a 1BR for a week
Happy planning
Kerri
I like BWV better than BCV. 1st time in my life I have preferred something cheaper...LOL
IMO BWV feels more upscale....I like the shops....Love the pool....much more relaxing than BCV.
I love walking to Epcot or DHS....I love the entertainers at night.
Haven't utilized this one....BUT I LOVE THAT STANDARD VIEWS ARE CHEAPER THAN OKW....
OMG and the resale prices are very attractive.
CONS.
Only con for me is small CS(bakery). BCV(CS) is not big either for that matter....but it is inside.
Honestly....I like having all of my points in 1 place(WLV)....but BWV is the only other place I would consider adding on.
Why....for standard view points at F&W fest. I think it is 166pts for a 1BR for a week
Happy planning
Kerri
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