Main differences between WLV, OKW, BCV, & BWV?

[iluvtig2]

We are looking into the villas, have been researching points, etc, but really don't know the differences between the resorts. Can anyone help us?

Thank you!

iluvtig

 

[PamOKW]

Just a few thoughts to start you off....

Basically, the physical villas at BWV, BCV and VWL are the same with only some slight modifications and differences in decor. They are all roughly the same size with the same size bathrooms, kitchen areas and stacked washer/dryers. The OKW units are larger. Not as noticeable in the studios but considerable in the larger units. OKW studios also have 2 queen beds while the others have a queen bed and a full size sleeper sofa.

OKW is a luxury condo set-up on a golf course. You can pull your car right up to the unit. The others are hotel-like condo/apartments and are attached to full-service Disney hotels.

The different locations are factors for some. BCV and BWV have easy access to Epcot and MGM. VWL has boat transportation to the MK. OKW is centrally located but has bus service to all but DD. DD can be reached by bus, boat or by walking.

Only BWV and OKW offer the Grand Villas.

There's a start....

 

[iluvtig2]

Thank you so much. Any other input is greatly appreciated!! This is a big and special trip for us, so we are really getting into the planning!

Thanks again!

iluvtig

 

[PamOKW]

Have you looked at www.disneyvacationclub.com? They give a good overview of the resorts.

 

[DeeP]

As PamOKW said, OKW villas are a deluxe condo resort on a golf course while BWV, VWL & BCV are villas within a deluxe Disney hotel resort and are located in the midst of theme parks, many restaurants, etc. The DVC villas that are located within a Disney hotel resort have the amenities of bell/luggage services, room service, interior hallways, elevators, valet parking and enhanced pools with water slides. DVC villas located in a deluxe Disney resort offer all the amenities that a Disney deluxe resort offers. OKW villas offer big villas in a laid back atmosphere with at the door parking in a location that is quiet and away from the hustle and bustle. All the DVC resorts are wonderful, you can't go wrong with any of them! Enjoy!

 

[SueM in MN]

We recently returned from our first stay at VWL after being members of DVC at OKW aince 1993.
One of the things we missed at VWL was a balcony/porch. The ones at OKW are big and have a table where you can easily seat 4 people with room to spare. One of the things we enjoy doing on our vacation is making some coffee and just having a leisurely cup of coffee and donut on our porch. The balcony at VWL was just barely large enough for 2 chairs and a side table the size of a large pizza. When my DD wanted to come in, I had to move, since I was sitting in front of the door. The balconies at all the villas are similar in size. For some people, this would not be a minus, but for us, it was.
The villas would be a good choice for someone who doesn't plan to spend much time in their room. They are comfortable and well furnished. We sometimes end up spending a lot of time in/near our room because of DD's special needs and we are traveling with elderly grandparents. The 1 or 2 bedroom villas are significantly smaller than the 1 or 2 bedroom at OKW. We have no problem with a wheelchair in the OKW unit, but if we ever stay at one of the villas again, we will definately reserve a wheelchair unit. The room size would probably not be a problem for other people, but it was for us.

On the plus size for VWL, there seemed to be a lot of activities, beaches, nature walk areas and there were 2 restaurants plus a food court. The sitting areas in the villa building were nice (the Spike room, etc.) You could spend time there with family members in spacious surroundings. They were mostly empty when we were there, but there are comfy looking sofas, rockers and large tables with quite a few chairs (would be a good place to play cards).

The boat transportation to MK was nice, but during non-peak travel times, the boat went to Fort Wilderness for pick ups before going to MK. That meant a 25 minute boat ride, which is similar to the bus ride from OKW. If not stopping at FW, the boat ride was about 7 minutes (the same amount of time as the bus ride from OKW to Epcot). Traveling to places other than MK from VWL would be time consuming since we were told you had to take a bus to TTC than pick up either the monorail to Epcot or another bus. This might not be the fact, but it was what we were told by the front desk when we asked about wheelchair transport to the other parks. We wer advised that taking our van would be a good choice for other than MK.

 

[Terry S]

Okay, I don't want to start another resort size debate or anything and OKW units are definatly bigger, but I think the comment "The villas are a good choice for someone who doesn't plan to spend much time in their room" is something I have to comment on. The All Star resorts are a good choice for someone who doesn't plan to spend much time in their room, not ANY of the DVC resorts. The 2 bedroom villas are over 1,000 square feet, that is bigger then my first house and I spent a good amount of time in my first house.

 

[SueM in MN]

I did not mean to start a room size debate either.

Looking at my whole post, it was meant to say that with our circumstances and being in the room a lot, VWL was not as comfortable a fit as OKW. We do spend more time in our room than most people because of our special needs. That's one of the reasons we joined DVC. We also had a large party (7 people). I did end up the space comment by saying "The room size would probably not be a problem for other people, but it was for us" after I described our circumstances.

I didn't say they were small or uncomfortable (they are definately not), just not the best for us. Maybe I should have stated my opinion in a more positive way - like, OKW would be a good choice for someone who needs to spend a lot of time in or near their room. Everyone needs to look at their own situation and preferences and decide what works best for them.

Also, before someone corrects the bus info: that's what we were told, but the transportation map shows that you can catch buses at VWL to the other parks without going to the TTC.

 

[Richyams]

I do find them small and uncomfortable.

The dining area in any of the two bedroom units anywhere but OKW is actually laughable. They have a table with two chairs!!!! These units are supposed to sleep eight....I guess that as long as they don't plan to eat together.....the kitchen area is also very small.

For us, the other DVCs are only good for a one night stay. We bought in to be comfortable, OKW provides that very nicely.

 

[spiceycat]

the outside area are very different.

OKW is surrounded by a golf course.

BWV is surrounded by the broadwalk area - it is the closest DVC resort to the Studios.

VWL is surrounded by WL (so you get the geyser, the pool, the beaches, marina) and woods - it is the closest DVC resort to the MK.

BCV is surrounded by BC (so you get the storm a long bay pool, the restuarants,the beaches, the marina) and Epcot - it is the closest DVC resort to Epcot.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

I believe the new villas in the Beach Club complex have added some additional table and bench eating space that wasn't available in the BWV or WLV 2 bedrooms. The table is larger and a three person bench along the wall along with two chairs expands the table eating space. I haven't stayed in a BC Villa yet to try these out, but it does seem like a nice improvement from BWV or WLV room set ups. We'll have to test them next Christmas.

 

[BillPA]

Here is a link to a thread, where people had some nice things to say about the resorts they didn't own. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=176716

 

[Granny]

Nicely turned, BillPA