Newbie trying to figure it all out - VGC??

[ClaraOswald]

I know very little about Boardwalk except their rooms are a bit 'blah' looking. I wonder how bad the walk from a garden view studio to Epcot is. Or how long the boat takes to get to Epcot and Hollywood studios. I'll need to do some research.

I looked at the charts and it seems like the easiest choices might be Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom - Kidani, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, BLT (standard view), and Polynesian (standard and lake view.) Those were all in the green at a 7-month mark.

I've never been to any of them and I've only looked at them online a little bit to make my rankings in that thread I started. So I'll definitely need to dig a bit deeper as well as read how others ranked them and why. I'd say for us our top "wants" would be good location/easiest transportation and a nice, relaxing "vibe."

Jambo standard view studio and Copper Creek studio with walk-in shower fell into yellow and are 2 resorts I like the look of more than some on the list above.

Definitely don't want to use extra points for a 1-bedroom since this would fall in the same UY as our June trip. And we want to bank some leftover points towards a 1-bedroom in December later that year at VGC.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I know very little about Boardwalk except their rooms are a bit 'blah' looking. I wonder how bad the walk from a garden view studio to Epcot is. Or how long the boat takes to get to Epcot and Hollywood studios. I'll need to do some research.

I looked at the charts and it seems like the easiest choices might be Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom - Kidani, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, BLT (standard view), and Polynesian (standard and lake view.) Those were all in the green at a 7-month mark.

I've never been to any of them and I've only looked at them online a little bit to make my rankings in that thread I started. So I'll definitely need to dig a bit deeper as well as read how others ranked them and why. I'd say for us our top "wants" would be good location/easiest transportation and a nice, relaxing "vibe."

Jambo standard view studio and Copper Creek studio with walk-in shower fell into yellow and are 2 resorts I like the look of more than some on the list above.

Definitely don't want to use extra points for a 1-bedroom since this would fall in the same UY as our June trip. And we want to bank some leftover points towards a 1-bedroom in December later that year at VGC.

It all depends on which park you want to prioritize. If Epcot and HS are your thing, then I think BWV is actually the better location than BCV. Having stayed at both, I think BCV as a whole felt a little more deluxe than BWV. But in terms of location, I found BWV to be more convenient for both parks. Of course, nothing beats BCV when it comes to Epcot access and Stormalong Bay. Also, if your WDW trip isn't until 2024, all the BWV rooms will be fully refurbished by then so the rooms will probably be really nice.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Before we had our son - my husband and I spent most of our time at Epcot. And then a decent amount of time at MK and AK. We weren't big HS people. When I look at the attractions now, with my son in mind...I think we'll spend most of our time at MK and Epcot, for sure. And we'll likely use hoppers.

It won't be until January of 2025, if all goes according to plan.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

Before we had our son - my husband and I spent most of our time at Epcot. And then a decent amount of time at MK and AK. We weren't big HS people. When I look at the attractions now, with my son in mind...I think we'll spend most of our time at MK and Epcot, for sure. And we'll likely use hoppers.

It won't be until January of 2025, if all goes according to plan.

I found going to Epcot from BLT or Poly to be a little more convenient than going to MK from BCV/BWV. You have the option of the bus or monorail to Epcot with the first one. And it could be an attraction by itself, kinda like the skyliner. Both BLT and Poly have great 7 month availability. If you're looking at studios, then Poly is probably your best bet since it's much larger than BLT. But they cost more points. You got options!

 

[ClaraOswald]

We would likely NOT take a skyliner anywhere. It freaks me out.

I didn't realize BLT was so easy to get to Epcot. I also noticed people said it's a 5 minute walk to MK but it seems like it would be farther. I ranked BLT really low just based mostly on looks and the fact that it seems forgettable. I might need to look into it more.

My husband looked at Poly and said the lobby reminds him of a mall. Ha! I've read Poly can seem more busy. I know it's WDW and every place is crowded/busy. I guess we would just like to stay at a place that seems quieter. But I don't think that's possible without sacrificing location.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

We would likely NOT take a skyliner anywhere. It freaks me out.

I didn't realize BLT was so easy to get to Epcot. I also noticed people said it's a 5 minute walk to MK but it seems like it would be farther. I ranked BLT really low just based mostly on looks and the fact that it seems forgettable. I might need to look into it more.

My husband looked at Poly and said the lobby reminds him of a mall. Ha! I've read Poly can seem more busy. I know it's WDW and every place is crowded/busy. I guess we would just like to stay at a place that seems quieter. But I don't think that's possible without sacrificing location.

BLT is awful for studios IMO. Very tiny. But the larger villas are GLORIOUS. I understand your feeling about BLT's "lack of theming." For me, I feel that Magic Kingdom IS the theming. You're so close, you can almost touch Space Mountain from your balcony. It's like staying in a modern apartment, right next to MK. WRT to the Poly. Yeah, no thanks. Coming from Hawaii, it is our resort of LAST resort. The whole theming is almost offensive to the Hawaiian culture. But hey. To each is own. I was just pointing out that the studios at the Poly are much much bigger. Probably the largest in all of DVC. And yeah, the monorail from MK to Epcot is fun. I've heard it actually takes longer than taking the bus since you haveto transfer at the TTC. But my kids love riding the monorail. It's a ride in itself! We love riding the skyliner too.

 

[LilyJC]

I looked at the charts and it seems like the easiest choices might be Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom - Kidani, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, BLT (standard view),

Just want to clarify that BLT standard view is also highly unlikely at 7 months. Lake view would be your best bet…

 

[AZMermaid]

BWV Garden view will be more likely at 7 months. We really like the laid back vibe at old key west. OKW has two queen beds in the studios- not sure if that’s a pro or con for you. It’s a spread out resort, but if you have your car thats not a problem. We got lucky with the “near Hospitality house” booking when we stayed. It’s also th3 cheapest point wise. The one bedrooms are huge too!

 

[Chili327]

WRT to the Poly. Yeah, no thanks. Coming from Hawaii, it is our resort of LAST resort. The whole theming is almost offensive to the Hawaiian culture. But hey. To each is own.

I never thought of Poly llke that, but how do you think most feel about Aulani??

I see Poly being born from midcentury tiki craze of the late 60s, early 70s which i think is very cool, so it makes me want to visit Poly (and buy in if i could)

 

[NVDISFamily]

I never thought of Poly llke that, but how do you think most feel about Aulani??

I wont claim to be as much of an expert as @HIRyeDVC but here in the 9th island most of my HI amigos say Disney nailed it with Aulani and they feel it was done very well. Most love to visit if they can.

We are trying to book our first visit sometime in 2024 or 2025 for sure

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I never thought of Poly llke that, but how do you think most feel about Aulani??

I see Poly being born from midcentury tiki craze of the late 60s, early 70s which i think is very cool, so it makes me want to visit Poly (and buy in if i could)

I wont claim to be as much of an expert as @HIRyeDVC but here in the 9th island most of my HI amigos say Disney nailed it with Aulani and they feel it was done very well. Most love to visit if they can.

We are trying to book our first visit sometime in 2024 or 2025 for sure

Meticulous research and extensive coordination with the native Hawaiian community went into the design and build of Aulani. Getting the approval of the Hawaiian people is saying a lot in this hyper politically charged environment. I fully understand the theme behind the Poly and the mid century tiki culture born out of California. I personally don’t take any offense but my wife does. Walking into a Trader Sam’s is a direct assault to her senses and upbringing. But I get why people love it. Living in Hawaii, the last place I want to vacation to is a tropical island setting. The Wilderness Lodge or Grand Californian speaks to my heart. But like I said, To each is own and why DVC is so wonderful!

 

[ClaraOswald]

BWV Garden view will be more likely at 7 months. We really like the laid back vibe at old key west. OKW has two queen beds in the studios- not sure if that’s a pro or con for you. It’s a spread out resort, but if you have your car thats not a problem. We got lucky with the “near Hospitality house” booking when we stayed. It’s also th3 cheapest point wise. The one bedrooms are huge too!

We won't have a car for WDW trips. We'll fly and not likely to rent a car.

I never thought of Poly llke that, but how do you think most feel about Aulani??

I see Poly being born from midcentury tiki craze of the late 60s, early 70s which i think is very cool, so it makes me want to visit Poly (and buy in if i could)

I was also curious to see what people from Hawaii actually think of Aulani. I've seen a lot of videos online of people there telling mainlanders not to vacation in Hawaii, in general.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I've seen a lot of videos online of people there telling mainlanders not to vacation in Hawaii, in general.

it’s a small minority, albeit a Vocal one. It’s foolish IMO considering the importance of tourism industry to our economy. But There is a lot of history here in Hawaii. A lot of it dark and not so pleasant for the native Hawaiians whose land was essentially taken and the Hawaiian monarchy illegally overthrown. It’s been over a 100 years but people still remember. There has been momentum, even in our state legislature to tame the over-tourism that has taxed our infrastructure and ecosystem. Covid was a bit of a reset but tourists have returned with a vengeance. As long as you are respectful, and are aware of some of these cultural sensitivities, you‘ll be fine. Hawaii is a beautiful state along with its diverse people people. The Aloha spirit and hospitality, like the Disney magic, is fully alive!

 

[ClaraOswald]

it’s a small minority, albeit a Vocal one. It’s foolish IMO considering the importance of tourism industry to our economy. But There is a lot of history here in Hawaii. A lot of it dark and not so pleasant for the native Hawaiians whose land was essentially taken and the Hawaiian monarchy illegally overthrown. It’s been over a 100 years but people still remember. There has been momentum, even in our state legislature to tame the over-tourism that has taxed our infrastructure and ecosystem. Covid was a bit of a reset but tourists have returned with a vengeance. As long as you are respectful, and are aware of some of these cultural sensitivities, you‘ll be fine. Hawaii is a beautiful state along with its diverse people people. The Aloha spirit and hospitality, like the Disney magic, is fully alive!

I would love to visit some day. And Aulani looks so amazing! Maybe someday our son will be able to handle longer flights so we can make it over there.

 

[ClaraOswald]

We just got our closing documents!! So crazy since we just passed ROFR on Monday.

 

[kboo]

Congratulations and welcome home!

If the earlier WDW convo was about a 2nd home resort at WDW after VGC, I would suggest that you look at something that's different from VGC (ie not WL DVC). And look beyond studios - BLT has tiny studios but terrific larger units, and the walk really IS that short, with its own security line. We are staying there in August and I had a waitlist going for BWV but I may just cancel it because it's a good value for a standard room.

When we go to WDW we don't rent a car - my favorites for transportation:

MK: BLT > VGF > Poly
EP: BWV > BCV
Riviera somewhere in there depending if you like the Skyliner (sounds like you don't)
HS: BWV >> BCV
Although we have made it from BCV to Brown Derby for a dinner reservation, jogging, in 20 minutes It had fully negated the reason we were leaving from BCV to begin with, though (to shower!)
AK: AKV

Most places, if you can walk, it will be faster than the transportation option, and when we had kids in strollers, we often chose to walk. That said - to/from VGF we have rarely walked (it's a long walk) and we usually take the monorail going and the boat coming home.

 

[ark101]

When we go to WDW we don't rent a car - my favorites for transportation:

MK: BLT > VGF > Poly
EP: BWV > BCV

Why is BWV better location than BCV for epcot, I thought BCV was closer to the gate? Never stayed in either so curious.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We won't have a car for WDW trips. We'll fly and not likely to rent a car.

A flight you say? Christmas trip! Christmas trip!

 

[limace]

We love BWV and were able to book at 7 months during flower and garden. It seemed closer to Epcot than BCV for us.

 

[DianaMB333]

We love BWV and were able to book at 7 months during flower and garden. It seemed closer to Epcot than BCV for us.

Sorry to tell you that BCV is closer to Epcot.. the walk from BWV is like 5-7ish mins more but it is very nice

Congrats on the closing