Synonymous
I know all about it, see?
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2000
- Messages
- 1,119
Well, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I am a die-hard VWL proponent and I never thought I would find a resort that didn't just make me wish I was at VWL. Although I still like VWL better, I really liked BCV and will stay there again. (Truth-in-advertising: I don't really have a choice, because DW and DD, for some reason inexplicable to me, claim they like BCV BETTER. I can understand that from the 5-yr old, who loved the pool, but c'mon.) (No insult meant to BCV lovers, I just REALLY REALLY love VWL.)
Anyway, we checked in around 11:30 on saturday morning. Yeah, I got a "welcome home." I was underwhelmed. Silly gimmick.
The good part was that, although I had requested an Epcot view, the CM said they could get us a pool view that was available immediately. Sweet! I hate spending the whole day with no room to go to.
We got Rm 202, a dedicated 2BR. This is the last one at the end of the hall, above the stairs that let out close to the bridge to the bus stop. We had a great view of the quiet pool and the canal. Although the parking lot was directly in front of us, it was barely noticeable because of the trees and landscaping. This room also has a huge balcony, stretching the entire length of the villa, with sliding doors from both bedrooms and the living room. Also, it has lights outside, which I noticed many of the balconies did not. I like to read out there at night, so this was very nice.
Theming is very important to me (see comments above re VWL). We own most of our points at BWV, but haven't stayed there since our initial DVC trip, because it felt like just a "regular hotel" to me. BCV definitely makes you feel like you're at a Disney resort. The decor is great; the Villas, in particular, with the Drawing Room and other sitting area, have a wonderful atmosphere.
Although I'm not a big swimmer, I have to admit that Stormalong Bay is great. DD could have spent the whole trip there.
The only thing I didn't like about the BC is the lack of a quick place, like Roaring Forks, to grab a bite to eat. Forget about Beaches & Cream- almost always a 25-minute wait to get in. At least they have squeezed pastries and coffee into the bar area near the reception desk in the morning, but it's a poor substitute.
Beaches & Cream was a huge disappointment. It desperately needs to be expanded. Only 10 tables, max, and most of those too small for more than 2 people to eat a meal at. What are they thinking? I can't understand why they don't take over the arcade, like Roaring Forks did.
The only service problem was with our trash & towel day. On other occasions, when I have left a nice tip, the housekeeper tidied up a bit, ran a load of dishes, arranged the stuffed animals, etc. Not a full cleaning, but enough to make the place a little more presentable. This time, she didn't even empty the bathroom trash, let alone do anything extra.
I think that, in the future, I may pay for a full cleaning half-way into the trip. The room started to get a little grungy by the 5th and 6th days.
It was so great to be that close to Epcot and MGM. On Friday night, our last night, we ate at ESPN Club, took the boat from BW to MGM for Fantasmic, walked back to the BCV (huge line for boats), dropped off DW and DD, and my mom and I walked over to Epcot for Illuminations. Can't beat that for convenience.
In short (at least something about this post should be short) we really enjoyed this resort and will be staying here again.
Anyway, we checked in around 11:30 on saturday morning. Yeah, I got a "welcome home." I was underwhelmed. Silly gimmick.
The good part was that, although I had requested an Epcot view, the CM said they could get us a pool view that was available immediately. Sweet! I hate spending the whole day with no room to go to.
We got Rm 202, a dedicated 2BR. This is the last one at the end of the hall, above the stairs that let out close to the bridge to the bus stop. We had a great view of the quiet pool and the canal. Although the parking lot was directly in front of us, it was barely noticeable because of the trees and landscaping. This room also has a huge balcony, stretching the entire length of the villa, with sliding doors from both bedrooms and the living room. Also, it has lights outside, which I noticed many of the balconies did not. I like to read out there at night, so this was very nice.
Theming is very important to me (see comments above re VWL). We own most of our points at BWV, but haven't stayed there since our initial DVC trip, because it felt like just a "regular hotel" to me. BCV definitely makes you feel like you're at a Disney resort. The decor is great; the Villas, in particular, with the Drawing Room and other sitting area, have a wonderful atmosphere.
Although I'm not a big swimmer, I have to admit that Stormalong Bay is great. DD could have spent the whole trip there.
The only thing I didn't like about the BC is the lack of a quick place, like Roaring Forks, to grab a bite to eat. Forget about Beaches & Cream- almost always a 25-minute wait to get in. At least they have squeezed pastries and coffee into the bar area near the reception desk in the morning, but it's a poor substitute.
Beaches & Cream was a huge disappointment. It desperately needs to be expanded. Only 10 tables, max, and most of those too small for more than 2 people to eat a meal at. What are they thinking? I can't understand why they don't take over the arcade, like Roaring Forks did.
The only service problem was with our trash & towel day. On other occasions, when I have left a nice tip, the housekeeper tidied up a bit, ran a load of dishes, arranged the stuffed animals, etc. Not a full cleaning, but enough to make the place a little more presentable. This time, she didn't even empty the bathroom trash, let alone do anything extra.
I think that, in the future, I may pay for a full cleaning half-way into the trip. The room started to get a little grungy by the 5th and 6th days.
It was so great to be that close to Epcot and MGM. On Friday night, our last night, we ate at ESPN Club, took the boat from BW to MGM for Fantasmic, walked back to the BCV (huge line for boats), dropped off DW and DD, and my mom and I walked over to Epcot for Illuminations. Can't beat that for convenience.
In short (at least something about this post should be short) we really enjoyed this resort and will be staying here again.
