New to DVC System - where would you stay?

[kool_kat]

Hi All,

I'm relatively new to the whole timesharing industry as I just bought my first time share last October (non-DVC). I am now looking at attempting to trade into DVC sometime September - November. I'm pretty flexible with my dates and type of unit, so from what I can tell it looks like I will be able to pretty much stay where I want (with the exception of AKV). So if you all could help me out.

Which DVC would you pick and why (ones in Orlando not Vero or HHI). What are some of the pros and cons of the different resorts. I will not have small children, or any children for that matter, so wouldn't mind a more adult type resort, but ok with a kid resort too.

I had been looking at the BCV. What's everyone's opinion on this resort - good, bad, and ugly? I've read it is within walking distance of Epcot, can someone give me an estimated distance/time to walk to Epcot?

Also, for anyone that has traded into DVC are there some pointers or info that I should know?

Thanks in advance from a newbie with her first post on Dis Boards.
Kathryn

 

[5forDiz]

DVC resorts are suitable for both adults and kids and you will find plenty of both at all. DVC's attached to hotels (& therefore more hotel-like) are BCV, BWV, VWL, AKV & BLT beginning in August (walk through lobby, hallways); for a more condo-like/golf resort type experience that would be OKW & SSR (can pull your car up to or quite close to building where villa is located) - you can take boat between these resorts and to Downtown Disney(DTD) for shopping & dining; transportation to parks is via bus. When BLT opens in August it will be adjacent to Contemporary resort on monorail and walking distance as well to MK. VWL is close to MK as well via boat (other parks & DTD via bus or get monorail at MK to Epcot) AKV closest to AK park(AKV transportation to parks & DTD is by bus only) - and although all DVC's are well themed throughout these two resorts are very elaborately themed.

BCV & BWV are across Crescent Lake from each other and walk around lake will also take you to Swan/Dolphin, Yacht/Beach Club resorts so there are many places to dine, browse, BW resort has ESPN Club, JellyRolls piano bar and Atlantic Dance Hall for late evening bar/club. Staying at BCV means you may use Stormalong Bay which is includes lazy river, sandy bottom pool. Both BCV and BWV are under 10 minute walk to Epcot's International Gateway which is entrance into World Showcase between Great Britain & France (BCV bit closer) and also to DHS (BWV bit closer) or take FriendShips to/from either park; transportation to all other parks & DTD is via bus.

There is an abundance of information & photos on each resort here on the DIS and on these boards. Also you may want to check out allears.net too for info & lots of photos as well and dvcnews.com is a great site too. At the top of Mousecellaneous board very first thread is for DVC pictures too.

 

[WALTSAGOD]

You'll get almost as many preferences as posters, enjoy the info.

 

[kool_kat]

Well, I ended booking a 2 bedroom at the BCV. Does anyone have any tips or must do's for that area?

Thanks

 

[chalee94]

the pool at BCV ("stormalong bay") is unusually nice, so make use of it, if possible.

there are several nice places to eat along the boardwalk: a filet at the yachtsman steakhouse, maybe try the red snapper at flying fish, or walk over to the swan hotel to kimono's for some great sushi.

after dinner, take it slow around the boardwalk and check out the entertainers (jugglers, comedians, swordswallowers...)

(and while you could walk to hollywood studios from the BCV, you might prefer to take the boat.)

 

[nyck]

Well, I ended booking a 2 bedroom at the BCV. Does anyone have any tips or must do's for that area?

Thanks

Congads on the choice and most of all, ENJOY yourself. BCV is my favorite for many reasons: the location, many dining options, great pool at stormalong bay, ice cream at beaches and cream, the clam bake at Cape May Cafe, movies on the beach, I love it all. I do force myself to try other resorts, but I always come home to BCV.

 

[mikron]

You will enjoy BCV, close to lots of things. Walk to Epcot or boat, same with MGM. Lots going on at BW and very nice restraunts on both sides of the board walk.

 

[Jack1234]

We love to split our week between WDW and VB. As far as where to stay at WDW it depends on what time of the year and children. WIll we want to swim a lot (BCV) go to the MK (VWL) or just hang and walk (BW). THe choices are endless....