For us resort choice comes down to time of year and what kind of mood we're in when we book a vacation. When we go to WDW, we're hardly ever in the room - we're in the parks, at the pool, eating out. We don't drive 600 miles to sit around a room, so a studio does it for us just about every time. If we had more points, we would make it a 1 BR.
That said, ambience DOES matter to us. The rustic surroundings just make VWL the only choice at Christmastime - FOR US. We like BWV or BCV for the summer. They just feel more "summery." While OKW is well-manicured, and I like the golf course views, it just feels like an apartment complex to us. It's just not much of an escape - FOR US. When go to VWL, BWV, or BCV we feel like we've actually been to a resort.
As for BCV specifically, we stayed there once, and we never noticed the water problems, or the A/C problems. Nor were the long hallways a bother. Just try walking from VWL to Roaring Forks for a drink sometime - talk about a patience tester. And what's all this about the proximity of self-park. Gimme a valet any time! The valet service at BCV is very prompt, and it always makes me feel like a big shot (which I am not!) to use it. To me, the most relaxing words I can hear at WDW, aside from "Welcome Home!" are "Can I get your car, sir?" I'm on vacation; of course you can get my car! And while your at it you can wash and wax it and shine my golf clubs. But I digress.
SAB is a blast. Everyone should go at least once. Beaches 'n' Cream makes one of the best burgers on the planet. Add a Frozen Sunshine ( I have the recipe - so now now we have a little of the magic at home) and you've got artery-clogging heaven. BCV is also just a water taxi away from the Boardwalk if you like being there. The place is beautiful - landscaping there is as a good as it gets! The rooms are well-decorated and there's plenty of light - could be important if you've survived a long, gray, icy winter.
Yes, the sofa bed takes up alot of room, but what do I care - I'M SLEEPING! Sure the bathroom doesn't have alot of room to put out make-up, or hair junk, or shaving sfuff, but WHAT THE H*** ARE YOU DOING SHAVING - YOU'RE ON VACATION!!!! Laundry? See the previous comment. The kitchens are small, but they're not exactly equipped to make a really great meal anyway. Try chopping carrots with a plastic knife. Besides as much as I like to cook (I really do) I'M ON VACATION!!!! I want it brought to me hot, fresh and without delay. Then I want the table cleared for me.
It's a long rant I know, but it all has a point. IT'S MY VACATION, AND I WANT WHAT I WANT - AND SO DO YOU! So figure out what you want and then try them all. Try out different sized rooms, try out different restaurants - whatever. That's the beauty of
DVC, you can have lots of different experiences, and you've got 40 years to do it. "Can I get your wheelchair, sir?" Damn right you can, and don't forget to strap on my oxygen tank - I'M cough, wheeze ON VACATION!!!!
We've tried 'em all, and we can't wait to try Saratoga Springs (are we calling that SS yet?). Just don't get too uptight about the right this or the right that. You'll find out what you like best over the next 40 years. So relax - YOU'RE ON VACATION!!!
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