OKW vs. BCV vs. WLV

[KandK'smom]

I would like to get the opinions from all of you veterans out there about which location to choose from if you had a choice. I know no one has actually stayed at BCV, but maybe BC itself? We are planning on renting (if we can) next Spring Break (April 12-19,2003). I know that there may be circumstances that affect our decision in the long run (i.e. availability, cost, etc), but IF you could choose from the three properties listed above, which would you choose if you had: two kids - ages then will be 12 and 8, love the water -pools, Magic Kingdom was their favorite park 3 years ago, and can probably only afford a studio ( if points are at 10 dollars each). The dates are set if we can get a week from a DVC owner- now I just have to think about where and want to have as much information to help decide ( or make it harder to decide ) as possible! Thanks in advance for all of your thoughts.

 

[Granny]

Without checking the actual points required, I'd guess that OKW would require the fewest points and would probably be your least expensive route. However, the pool is nice but pretty straightforward (no slide).

BWV is right in the thick of things and an easy walk to Epcot and MGM. My guess is that MGM will be of increased interest to your children at their projected ages, though they are still good MK candidates as well. BWV has a nice pool itself.

BCV is closest to Epcot, but still walkable to MGM from there. Also, by next year, the rumor is that the renowned Stormalong Bay pool at the BC will only be available to BC, YC and BCV guests. If your kids love the water, this has the consensus best pool at WDW.

VWL is the closest to MK and has a very nice large pool at WL. It is my personal favorite because of the theming.

You really can't go wrong with any choice, but the way you describe your family...you might be best off with BCV. However, since it is just now starting to sell, you might find a difficult time getting someone to rent points. Just not that many members yet.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[kem330]

Points for that time would be 170 (one weekend night Magic season, 6 nights premier season) at VWL, BWV (preferred view), and BCV. OKW would cost 138 points. Personally I think your children would really enjoy the BCV, especiallly the pool. BC is where we stayed prior to buying BWV and BCV. They would also love the action at the BW. VWL is beautifully themed, but a little quieter. I haven't been to OKW , but I'm sure many will comment on its fine points. Keep in mind it will be VERY crowded that week everywhere- parks, pools and resorts. Members can reserve 11 months out so you might line up someone before May 13.

 

[vacationman]

Instead of spending $10 a point to rent, why not buy 150 points? With the $10 a point you are willing to spend to rent, you cost for buying 150 points at BCV would be down to $60 per point. Just a thought.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We stay at the VWL when we want our vacation to be primarily a "Magic Kingdon" vacation. When we are in an EPCOT or MGM state of mind, we stay at the Boardwalk (and now hopefully the BCV).

We have four children and you have to give your family at least one hour from the time you leave your room until you are spinning a turnstile at the MK, when you are staying at an EPCOT resort. By staying at the VWL you cut this time considerably, but on the other hand have to plan the hour for going to EPCOT or MGM.

As a result, we mix up our trips and concentrate more time at the theme park nearest the hotel we are at.

The VWL and BWV pools are great and our kids love them. The BCV pool at SAB is amazing and that is a big hook for the kids.

Since you are looking at renting, what about staying at a couple of places to get an idea of what you and your kids like the most?

Good luck.

 

[CarolMN]

Just wanted to point out that the week before Easter is popular -DVC accomodations tend to book up quickly for the two weeks surrounding Easter.

I encourage you to decide soon so that you have time to find an owner who is willing to rent and call at the 11 month window. It's the only way to be absolutely sure of getting what you want during that time. Studios book the quickest. OKW is usually easier to get than BWV or VWL. It may be difficult to find BCV points for rent because it is so new.

You will have a great trip no matter which resort you choose!

 

[KandK'smom]

Thank you everyone for your replies. If I decide on trying for the BCV's do you think it will be imperative that we find an owner there to rent from or is there a chance that we can get someone who owns elsewhere to book at 7 months? Has anyone had any experience in booking a studio into that heavily used period with a new resort (i. e. when WLv's were new) in less than 11 months out? Finally, where are the best places to advertise that we want a studio for that time of year at BCV's for instance? Would here on the DIS be the best location? What do you all think? I thought we had plenty of time, but it will be May before we know it and I would like to "get my ducks in a row" so to speak! Thanks again for being so helpful!

 

[mooses41]

Well, I know that new resorts are usually pretty empty the first few months, so good luck

 

[kem330]

Check out the rent trade board here. You can post our browse if anyones renting points there. I wouldn't wait until 7 months out - too risky for that time of year- if you can't find BCV owner, I'm sure you can find a BWV owner to do one at bwv at 11 months.

 

[fkj2]

You should also consider a few more things. SAB will be like a sardine can. It will have to accommodate Yacht/Beach Clubs and BCV. I never find an overly crowded pool to be "fun". Also, I understand that pool-hoppping privileges to Storm Along Bay for those of us who own at the other DVC will be terminated, so staying at another DVC resort won't get you access to it like it has in the past.

If you want to hedge your bet, so to speak, look for someone who owns points at your resort of second choice, say BWV. That way, the owner can reserve at the 11 month window and then try to change into BCV at the 7 month window. The entire facility is not available to us as owners in DVC; it becomes more available as the points sell.

And, DON'T WAIT. If you REALLY want that week of vacation, plan it now. For those people who want to stay at BWV during early December, the ENTIRE resort is reserved just to give you an idea how quickly that area fills.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I agree with fkj2.

If you can't get anyone with BCV points to rent to you, rent from someone else at your second choice resort with the proviso that at the 7 month window he/she try to switch it to the BCV. Get this set up front. Be prepared to pay full price (at least $10.00) for the points. It is a prime season at Easter and at the 11 month window a point owner has lots of options.

You may also want to look at renting only from Sunday through Thursday nights that week. Points for Friday and Saturday stays that week are "killers". Staying Sun-Thurs. nights will give you a good feel for the resort. We are going at that time next year and are leaving for Universal on Friday morning.

 

[fkj2]

Somebody just posted at the rent/trade board that he is offering BCV points. There's your first chance to secure that 11 month window, but even then, you won't be able to book until May.

 

[KandK'smom]

Fkj2,
If he only has 100 points at BCV and I think we will need at least 170 , how do you get the other points? Should I wait until there is one person who has enough for all of our stay at one resort? My dh doesn't want to split our visit between resorts ( I think it would be neat, but...) How does it work if the owner has enough points but they are split between resorts like his is? I don't want to respond without knowing. Thank you for taking the time to look for me!

Terri

 

[fkj2]

His points at the other resorts will not give you the 11 month advantage in booking at BCV. But, there is always the chance to get the rooms through CRO. Friday and Saturday are high point nights and there may not be any $$$$ advantage booking through a DVC member vs. CRO for those two nights. In other words, you may not have any monetary advantage renting points for a Friday or Saturday night stay. If that's the case, you may want to go ahead and rent points for any Sunday through Thursday nights from a DVC member (with BCV points) and call CRO about the prices for the Fri-Sat nights, if there are any in your plans.


You may also want to rent what BCV points will fit into your vacation plans and then if you still want/need additional BCV points, someone else might book whatever days you need and then the ressies can be "linked" together so you wouldn't have to move. Ask Doc for sure.