Our second stay at BWV

[Dancind]

We stayed in a 1 BR at BWV in 2001, and haven't been back, for a variety of reasons. But my brother and family decided to join us for five nights starting June 5, after the 7 month mark for our home resort at BCV. We were able to get a BWV 2 BR, so we booked it, and our waiting list for BCV never came through.

The room was lovely and clean. We had issues with both sofa beds, and spent the second day with a half folded in bed in the Living room, to keep it out of the way. They did bring a new one the third day (called twice to make sure), and it was the old style again. Thought they might be replacing them with the SSR style beds, since we had one at OKW the week before, but no.

Our rooms were 2019 and 2021, overlooking a garden area facing the Swan, toward the Jellyrolls end. Long hallway, yes, and very hard to figure out alternate routes to. Back in the maze area, I would say. My brother was lost for 35 minutes the first night, I actually think he was over at BWI. I did get a map the second day, and we did eventually figure out how to get to our room!

The biggest issue we had was probably bell services. We checked bags at AKL to be moved to BWV, and called for our bags at about 6 pm on Sunday. They told us we had to be in our room to receive the bags. Well, they didn't arrive until almost 8! Kind of ruined our plans for the evening. SIL even made a trip to bell services to see if we could take them up ourselves, but no. This was also an issue when we went to get groceries, we had to carry them ourselves, as well as carry our bags out the day we checked out. We were leaving at 5:30 am for an early flight, and were told the "guy" was slammed, but we were in line. Apparently, there was only one "guy".

Normally we do handle our own luggage at DVC, but we had two sets of scuba equipment and a very long hallway, so this was unpleasant. Are they short staffed? Maybe they're losing bell services help due to ME? It wasn't a problem at AKL, they were very prompt.

Bus service is still a problem, I think, shared by BCV. For some reason it took 45 minutes to get to DTD one day with only two other stops (Swan/Dolphin). I really couldn't figure that one out. And you know how it is with return busses from MK. They still stop at Swan, Dolphin, YC, BC, and then BWV. No matter how tired we were, we always got out at the Swan and walked. We never waited very long for a bus, though.

On the bright side, the boats were always available, and the CM's we dealt with very pleasant. Our teens enjoyed the Boardwalk and the pool. They never tried the slide (closed when they went) but got to go to Typhoon Lagoon.

Sorry, BWV lovers! When I compare the hassle free ease of staying at BCV, OKW, SSR, and even VWL, it's just last on our list. But would I stay at BWV again if the others weren't available? Duh, yes! Just need to adjust my patience and humor level when staying there, I guess. YMMV

 

[DISNEYWORLDBORN2SHOP]

Bus service is still a problem, I think, shared by BCV. For some reason it took 45 minutes to get to DTD one day with only two other stops (Swan/Dolphin). I really couldn't figure that one out. And you know how it is with return busses from MK. They still stop at Swan, Dolphin, YC, BC, and then BWV. No matter how tired we were, we always got out at the Swan and walked. We never waited very long for a bus, though.

We were at BWV 6/5-6/11 and only shared the bus with the Swan and Dolphin. Only one time did the bus go to the Swan and Dolpin first. Every other time BWV was the first picked up and the first dropped off. A huge improvement over the old bus route.

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

I'm sorry to hear about your luggage troubles. I have never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for either a p/u or delivery of luggage at BWV.

During peak times BWV usually only shares buses with Swan/Dolphin, generally it's only slow times the bus also stops at Yacht/Beach clubs. But agreed, the bus ride does seem to take a long time when going or coming from MK. However, I find the ability to walk to Epcot and MGM more than evens things out.

I really don't agree with your statement "When I compare the hassle free ease of staying at BCV, OKW, SSR, and even VWL". Obviously it seemed that way to you and you're entitled to your opinion of course. I have never once had a hassle at BWV, I have always found it to have great service. Sorry it things didn't go well for you there, but happy to hear your trip mostly went well.

Mar'

 

[QuiltTeddy]

I really don't agree with your statement "When I compare the hassle free ease of staying at BCV, OKW, SSR, and even VWL". Obviously it seemed that way to you and you're entitled to your opinion of course. I have never once had a hassle at BWV, I have always found it to have great service. Sorry it things didn't go well for you there, but happy to hear your trip mostly went well.

Mar'

Totally agree with you. We've stayed there quite a number of times in the 2 bedroom, 1 bedroom, and also studio and NEVER had any problems. In fact, we will be in a 1 bedroom. come 12/18.

 

[Dancind]

Yeah, I guess we are BWV cursed. Because we had some of the same issues last time we stayed there. Not the luggage though, I'm thinking this is a recent problem, or we really just wanted service at the wrong time of day!

But I promise you, we did experience the "last bus stop" thing. Fifth stop, in fact, both times coming back from MK. Also when the kids came back from Typhoon Lagoon. The really endless ride, though , was the one to DTD.

 

[scootert]

We've always had problems with buses to DTD, regardless of which resort we were staying. If we have a rental car, we use it to go to DTD. If we don't have a car, we just count on the fact that it's going to take lots of time to get there.

Sorry you had issues with BWV... we were there in May and everything was great.