Now that you've convinced me...I need to decide on a home resort!

[Maistre Gracey]

I admit that I did not read every post in it's entirety.
If VWL/WL is too much like home, I would LOVE to see your home.
I have never understood this line of thought. My wife and I have looked at log homes for several years, but have yet to seen anything in the same league as VWL/WL.
I can understand that people have different tastes, but I just don't understand how some can say that VWL/WL is too much like home???

Well, I'll put this mystery along side the pyramids of Egypt!

Good luck with your decision...

 

[spiceycat]

for same reason that some people use to say that BWV were too much like home that lived in NJ on the Atlantic Coast

some people want something completely different when they vacations others don't.

that what makes the world interesting - it would be very boring if we all liked the same.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by spiceycat
for same reason that some people use to say that BWV were too much like home that lived in NJ on the Atlantic Coast

some people want something completely different when they vacations others don't.

that what makes the world interesting - it would be very boring if we all liked the same.

Hi, spiceycat. I agree that it's a good thing that everyone has their own tastes, and I don't expect everyone to love the lodge.
However, my point was that not many folks could possibly have a home that resembles VWL/WL....Could they?
If so, I'm certainly doing something wrong!

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
Hi, spiceycat. I agree that it's a good thing that everyone has their own tastes, and I don't expect everyone to love the lodge.
However, my point was that not many folks could possibly have a home that resembles VWL/WL....Could they?
If so, I'm certainly doing something wrong!

I think, and I could be wrong, that what people may mean is the general surroundings remind them too much of home. When I go to Florida, I want to feel like I am in Florida. To me, that means lush tropical vegetation, palm trees, Florida architechture, decor, the tropics... WL and VWL have very rustic surroundings. Lots of Pine trees, etc. To people who live around that, it probably just feels too close to home. I spent a lot of time in Northern Wisconsin as a kid and it reminds me of that. I bet you that is what people mean.

I would love to live in Florida some day, but would never buy in Celebration for the same reason.. It reminds me of old style homes, colonial architechture, garages in the back, etc.. I prefer the homes in Florida with the tile roofs, stucco walls and huge patios and lots of palm trees. To me, that feels more like Florida.. Maybe it isn't the 'real' Florida ( I know pine trees are more native to Central Fla than Palms) but it is a perception I have of what I think Florida should be....

 

[DeeP]

for same reason that some people use to say that BWV were too much like home that lived in NJ on the Atlantic Coast

As someone that has lived in the AC and it's very immediate surrounding areas my whole life, I have been over this before on this board and I can't really see how anyone can really say being at BWV is like being in AC. Just the other night my DD and I were on AC boardwalk to see the Cher concert at Boardwalk Hall and as we were walking down the boardwalk after the concert in the VERY MUCH party/wild totally different atmosphere than BWV and I was telling my DD about posts regarding how people say BWV is very much like AC's boardwalk and my DD looked at me and said, "You have got to be kidding, this is nothing like BWV!", I have also had this conversation with a fellow DVC owner who was also born and raised and still resides 15 min outside of AC and she also says BWV reminds her nothing of AC. I don't know maybe to us natives who know what the real thing is, we look at it in an entirely different way than the shoobies that come down for a visit ????

 

[DeeP]

and lots of palm trees. To me, that feels more like Florida.. Maybe it isn't the 'real' Florida ( I know pine trees are more native to Central Fla than Palms) but it is a perception I have of what I think Florida should be....

You should drive over to Clermont, FL....they have very large hills higher than any hills we have in southern NJ, and there is not a palm tree in sight. Clermont is a very pretty area with very natural vegetation and is close to WDW. Palm trees are found in abundance as you go further south, not in central FL. You see palm trees in WDW, at Universal etc because that is what the landscapers want us to see, it is what the tourists want to see also!

 

[Disney Doll]

I will try to keep my post to the facts, "just the facts ma'am" for you.

OKW-has the largest rooms, you have the ability to park a car in front of yor room, encompasses a large physical area, so you could be very far from the main drag(Hospitality House), depending on where your room is located. This could be good or bad, depending on whether you like to be close to the main drag or not. The main pool area is nice, but there is nothing way out of the ordinary about the main pool...no jazzy slide or anything. The restaurant, Olivia's, is nice enough...I've had good and bad meals there. It's generally a quiet, relaxing resort. They have a cute little boat that goes to DD, there is also a walking path to DD. Bus service to all other parks. Must be bought as a resale.

BCV-great location, within walking/boating distnce to Epcot and MGM. The rooms are smaller than at OKW, but still sized well enough for a vacation condo. You have access to the whole Boardwalk area. You have SAB. There is a generally "busier" feel to the hotel, which can be energizing, so it's not necessaarily a negative. The quiet pool is nice. Bus service to all other parks..I've heard some people complain that the bus to MK is slow, but I've never felt that way. You can walk to mini golf across from the Swan. Dues etc are more expensive than OKW. DVC is selling the BCV right now.

BWV-same location essentially as the BCV, walk/boat to Epcot//MGM, rooms smaller than oKW, but still amply sized for a vacation condo, access to the Boardwalk, decent pool, but not SAB, again, busy, which is not necessarily bad. Dues are more expensive than OKW. I think DVC is selling some BWV points now, and they are probably also available resale.

VWL-a little secluded, boat to MK, bus everywhere else. I have always found bus service here slow!!!!!!!! Room size like BCV/BWV. Nice pool area...both the WL main pool and the DVC pool. I am not sure if these are still sold by DVC or if they are purely resale.

DH and I won at OKW. When we were buying DVC, the only 2 available were OKW and BWV. BWV was more expensive per point and the dues were more expensive as well. Basically, DH and I asked ourselves "If we came to WDW every year for the enxt 42 years and could only stay at OKW, would we be happy?" The answer was yes, so we bought. Now, of course we have stayed at all the properties, but we do like OKW.

 

[DeeP]

A couple of the facts that were missing from Disney Dolls post are: not only are BWV, BCV & WLV located closer and much more convenient to parks and mini golf, they are also located much closer to a very wide variety of dining options, night shows at 3 major parks-which is ALL the WDW major parks that do night time shows, parades, fireworks, and also within walking distance is nighttime entertainment and clubs AT the resorts, and also available are full deluxe resort amenities which includes the basics like room service and valet parking--which to many people are very much expected/desired amenities while staying in a deluxe resort.
To many people these "facts" are very important and desired in their resort choice; to others they are as insignificant as self parking at the door of a villa, is to many others.
If we are keeping posts to the facts, I just wanted to make sure we were dealing with a full deck of facts.

 

[MiaSRN62]

BWV is very much like AC's boardwalk and my DD looked at me and said, "You have got to be kidding, this is nothing like BWV!", I have also had this conversation with a fellow DVC owner who was also born and raised and still resides 15 min outside of AC and she also says BWV reminds her nothing of AC.

I'm within a hour of AC and I'd have to agree with you DeeP--and this is a rare thing for us to agree Perhaps the BWV more closely resembles the AC boardwalk pre-casino days, or actually it's a mix between Cape May, NJ and the older AC boardwalk days. But as far as the lights, crowds, shops etc, I think it loosely follows along the lines of the pre-casino AC boardwalk days where I spent many a vacation (i.e. a bustling, busy boardwalk---which can be fun).

they are also located much closer to a very wide variety of dining options, night shows at 3 major parks-which is ALL the WDW major parks that do night time shows, parades, fireworks, and also within walking distance is nighttime entertainment and clubs

Well, as many here stated, I think there is a wide variety of choices for a wide variety of personal tastes (thank goodness !). I personally like all the DVC resorts for what each one specifically offers. I'm staying at the BWV in less than 2 weeks and looking forward to it, but I'm still happy to go back to a more peaceful, relaxing OKW. I find it very convenient to shops, dining and entertainment of DD. None of the other DVC resorts offers a great little boat ride directly to this area and this is a perk of this resort, just as MGM & Epcot is to BCV and BWV and that MK is to VWL. My kids REALLY look forward to this when heading to the Marketplace.
But I'm the type of person, that when I retire from the parks, I actually like to relax in a more tranquil setting and hear the crickets chirping. I find this easier to do at OKW. Actually, had VWL been offered when we bought, I would have gone with that as my home resort because it's so peaceful there also and I just love THE LODGE
I'm sure I'll love the BWV & it's convenient location to Epcot during our stay there ,but for us, a peaceful, relaxing & slightly less formal atmosphere at the end of a busy day is priority and having DD only a short scenic boat ride away at OKW is just an added perk. I don't feel so removed from everything as some make it sound here on these boards (and I wouldn't want newbies to be turned away based on this either)---but this is just my own, personal opinion and I know opinions are very varied here ! I respect them all, I'm just stating my version of what I understand the facts to be
Someone said it would be a good idea to go around and check out all the DVC resorts in person if you can before making your decision. I think you really do get a true "feel" for the resorts when you do this.

 

[DeeP]

I'm staying at the BWV in less than 2 weeks and looking forward to it, but I'm still happy to go back to a more peaceful, relaxing OKW.

I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at how "un" noisy and very relaxing a stay at BWV or any of the Epcot resorts can be, once you actually stay there. If you do not have a main pool or boardwalk view this is especailly true, the villas are just as quiet and peaceful as any villas I have stayed at in OKW, actually they were quieter because they do not cut the grass at 6:00 AM, LOL!
We also enjoy and spend a lot of time at DTD. I even have an Annual Pass to Pleasure Island (so you know I am in this area alot, LOL) and we eat at a lot of the restuarants and do a lot of shopping there but from my experience I think it is easier to take the bus to DTD from OKW than the boat. The boat only holds 12 people so if you get there behind others you have to wait and it only runs on a limited time schedule. The starting time of almost noon is late but the ending time of before 10 PM is ridiculous!

I think it loosely follows along the lines of the pre-casino AC boardwalk days where I spent many a vacation (i.e. a bustling, busy boardwalk---which can be fun).

That is the part I don't get, to me BWV is anything but bustling and busy even at night. Yes you see people strolling around but it is not any busier than walking around the Poly at night where people are coming and going to the Luau, O'Hana, the beach to watch fireworks, or it is not any busier than going to the Contemporary at night and walking around the floor with the shops and restaurants and the monorail coming and going etc. or AKL etc., etc. I have been living in AC way before casinos and I do not think BWV is anything like any of the boardwalks I have ever been on, ours are MUCH better! LOL!!!
The only reason I brought up the convenience and the location for restaurants etc, is when Disney Doll was stating the facts she omitted those things and I am sorry, but when people are investigating resorts things like location to restaurants and entertainment are BIGGIES, the fact that these resorts have also the huge benefit of being within walking distance to 2 of 4 major parks just enhances them even more so.
I have said quite a few times that one should go the all the DVC resorts and preferably stay at them, if not at least have a meal there, test out the transportation options, walk around and spend some time there to really get the feel of the resort and then decide on a home resort. That's what I did and when I bought only OKW and BWV were available. I had been to OKW several times and had stayed at the Epcot resorts many times so when BWV opened I knew this was the place for me and it had nothing to do with the theming it was purely for the location, convenience and the deluxe resort amenities. But I am a biggie on convenience and making life as hassle free as possible, I think I got this way from years of being a single parent, who thank goodness successfully raised 2 kids alone,-- I needed all the convenience and hassle free times I could get! LOL!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Basically, DH and I asked ourselves "If we came to WDW every year for the enxt 42 years and could only stay at OKW, would we be happy?" The answer was yes, so we bought.

Great test. For us the answer to that question was NO, OKW isn't for us. Nice points about each of the resorts. Good luck.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at how "un" noisy and very relaxing a stay at BWV or any of the Epcot resorts can be, once you actually stay there. If you do not have a main pool or boardwalk view this is especailly true, the villas are just as quiet and peaceful as any villas I have stayed at in OKW, actually they were quieter because they do not cut the grass at 6:00 AM, LOL!

I've never experienced grass cutting at OKW, but that's just my experience. But I agree that it's not that I think I'll be hearing lots of noise or won't be able to get a restful sleep or whatever at BWV, but rather that it's setting is more "urbanized" than say OKW or VWL. This is not a criticism in any way----believe me, I wouldn't have spent the points at BWV if I didn't think we'd enjoy it. It's just that at OKW and especially VWL you feel like you're out in the woods at night---listening to the crickets and frogs etc. I don't know....maybe it'll be like this at BWV ? I'll let ya know when I get back.

That is the part I don't get, to me BWV is anything but bustling and busy even at night. Yes you see people strolling around but it is not any busier than walking around the Poly at night where people are coming and going to the Luau, O'Hana,

I think I find BWV more bustling in comparison with OKW or VWL...that's all. Nothing at all wrong with this, just an observation. When I've been in the BWV area at night, there seems to be more activity , but that's how it was designed to be and it fits the bill just fine.

 

[ford family]

In our case we deliberately bought BWV because, being closer to the "action" it is more appealing to our teenage daughters.

When they stop coming with us we can switch to the more relaxed atmosphere of OKW.

With BWV as our home resort we have the 11 month window for peak time access. With only a 7 month window we can still get into the much larger OKW at almost any season.

This strategy would not work in reverse.

ford family

 

[MiaSRN62]

This strategy would not work in reverse.

I agree in part with this. OKW is a much larger resort and doesn't fill up as quickly as the smaller ones do. BUT, I've been able to secure twice outside of my home resort in the 7 month or less window. Our trip to BWV for 3 nights was made at 53 days out. So it is possible during certain times of the year. I agree, during low point season this might not work at the 7 month window, but then again, I've never tried to do this in say, Nov or early Dec. But I was quite pleasently suprised to find BWV available at 53 days

 

[FredS]

We are staying in a one-bedroom villa at BWV the opening weekend of the F&W festival in October. Those reservations were made six months in advance, for STANDARD view. I rented points for two units for July for BCV, making the reservation in March, and had no difficulty with availability. In March, I made reservations for villas for myself and my sister's family for BCV for Memorial Day weekend without difficulty.

I keep hearing about difficulty in booking without the 11-month window, and I would think that some of the major holidays might have a problem with availability, but so far for me it has been a "non issue."

Also, we have experienced grass cutting at OKW (NOT at an early hour, though!) but during our May trip to BCV my husband got a little perturbed that it seemed that every time we walked out of BCV they were edging/weed eating. (He was almost huffy about how normally you don't see maintenance being done and what was up with that.) I reminded him that fairies don't actually come and tend to the property, even at WDW.

 

[erikthewise]

Originally posted by Richyams
BWV- no good, points too high, dues too high, tiny rooms, huge marathon hikes, some over a mile, to your room.

I'm sure they do intentionally give you the most distant room, Rich! Apparently last time they gave you one of those houses in the back of MGM, which are about a mile from the front desk. I think they were just kidding you...

 

[DeeP]

It's just that at OKW and especially VWL you feel like you're out in the woods at night---listening to the crickets and frogs etc. I don't know....maybe it'll be like this at BWV ? I'll let ya know when I get back.

I can understand what you mean about VWL having this atmosphere, matter of fact if you like that atmosphere you should try staying at the cabins in FW someday, they are very quiet, peaceful, woodsy and a lot of fun. The cabins are very nice sized with a huge wooden deck w/grill and there are tons of things to do for families and all kinds of wild life to observe and MK is a very nice boat ride away. We stayed at FW for years when the kids were little, then as they got older we outgrew the MK resorts and now find the Epcot/MGM area much more convenient for our wants.
I personally, do not get the same woodsy feeling at OKW, to me OKW feels like I am in any other very nice condo development that can be found in many, many other places right outside of WDW property.
I have never felt as though I was out in the woods at BWV, so I doubt you will hear crickets or frogs, but then again the only WDW resorts I have ever felt this way at was FW/WL.
I agree 100% with you, BWV and all the Epcot resorts and also the MK resorts are more urban than OKW, OKW to me, is like being out in the country.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by erikthewise
I'm sure they do intentionally give you the most distant room, Rich! Apparently last time they gave you one of those houses in the back of MGM, which are about a mile from the front desk. I think they were just kidding you...

LOL.... good one!