Pros and Cons of buying into BWV vs BCV

[peacefrogdog]

Realizing that they would have to be purchased via resale , what are the pros and cons when comparing BWV vs BCV? Both have location going for them, but what would make you choose one over the other (if thinking of buying a resale)?

From what I found from this board:

BWV:
- higher maintenance fees, but seems to sell at lower prices on the resale market
- no dedicated 2-BR units
- no kid's club (although I understand you could still use the one at BCV?)
- better selection of restaurants....?
- standard view room option for less points

BCV:
- lower maintenance fees
- pool/water area
- still has kid's club

Anything key differences I missed?

Rene

 

[LisaS]

Realizing that they would have to be purchased via resale , what are the pros and cons when comparing BWV vs BCV?

You can purchase any DVC resort directly from Disney. BCV is $101/pt and BWV is $98/pt. You would probably have to go on a waiting list for BCV but if you will take any Use Year your wait may not be very long.

 

[CarolAnnC]

You can also purchase these resorts through DVC direct if you like. They often have inventory available, and if not will put you on a list and contact you when the points become available.

I own at both BWV and BCV so I can't help you pick one over the other I am afraid. Both are fabulous!!

 

[LisaS]

I would add "Boardwalk View" to your BWV list.

We went through the same decision process when we decided to join DVC. We had been Yacht Club fans so we were leaning towards BCV. We like the restaurants on the BCV side as well, especially for breakfast (the character breakfast at Cape May, or Yacht Club Galley for a quiet breakfast).

On the other hand, we always booked a water view room at YC and loved looking out at the lake from our balcony. Unfortunately you can't see the lake from BCV since it is behind the hotel. In the end we went with BWV because of the Boardwalk View rooms. It turned out to be the right decision for us. We don't mind walking over to the other side of the lake for breakfast in exchange for the wonderful view from the balcony of our Boardwalk View room.

 

[peacefrogdog]

I had been learning towards BWV - but they don't have dedicated 2-BR's but BCV does. I was wondering, just for functionality, how much difference there was between the two? I would prefer to have a dedicated 2-BR but I'm not so sure whether it would be worth picking a different home resort just because of that.

Can anyone who has stayed in both dedicated 2-BR's and the lockoffs share your views about the two types of 2-BR's?

Rene

 

[DebbieB]

I own at BWV and my #1 - Boardwalk view. I was there last week and one night watched the fireworks from Wishes & Illuminations from my balcony.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc26b3127cceb26c851cc91b00000026108AZOGTFq4ZtJ

Dedicated vs lockoff: The dedicated only has 1 entrance, lockoff has 2 (second bedroom). That could go either way. If you have young kids, you may not want them to have their own door. If you have adults in the second bedroom, they may want it. A kitchenette in the second bedroom in a lockoff. Some of the BCV dedicated have 2 queens in the second bedroom vs a queen and a sofabed (type specificially reserved).

 

[CarolMN]

I would add "more convenient location" to BWV. Both EPCOT and MGM are within easy walking distance of BWV.

BCV is a few minutes closer to EPCOT than BWV, but it is a long walk to the Studios.

FWIW, I think you have a tough decision. We bought BWV before BCV was announced. Kind of glad we didn't have to decide, LOL.

 

[browniemtb]

If you ahve narrrowed your search to these two resorts than I truly think know matter which one you pick you will be happy. Both are fabualous in the own right.....Good Luck!
Brownie

 

[Granny]

I would add Community Hall to your list of BWV features.

Also, if you care about resort ambience or theming, I do think there is a different "feel" to each of these resorts. BCV, to me, is a little more laid back and "beachy" while BWV is a little more "in the middle of things" with the Boardwalk right there.

One thing I'd emphasize....if you think you will want to be a "point miser" and stretch your points, the BWV Standard View point schedule is hard to beat. It's also not particularly easy to book as a non-owner.

Likewise, if SAB pool is a great draw, BCV is a small resort and tougher to book for non-owners than BWV.

As others have said, you can't go wrong. What you really need to do is set down a list of priorities of features to see not only the differences but what's important to you. Good luck!

 

[LSchrow]

we own at both.
BWV has boardwalk view
BCV has no BW view

we always wind up using our BCV points for BWV at the 7 month mark (have an extra trip in May that way ).

BCV does have SAB (a big draw for many, however we enjoy the quiet beauty of the pool in our backyard much more ).

it'll be a tough decision, either way ~ good luck with it!!

 

[peacefrogdog]

If staying at BWV, are you allowed to go to SAB?

 

[dallasdisneymommy]

No, Stormalong Bay is only for guests of Beach/Yacht Club and BCV. But I wasn't as enamored with Stormalong Bay as I thought I'd be...we love Boardwalk and it is by far our favorite DVC Resort! Go Boardwalk!

 

[Granny]

If staying at BWV, are you allowed to go to SAB?

No. But if you're at BCV you can hop to the BWV pool.

You must be staying at BC/YC/BCV to use SAB.

 

[LisaS]

If staying at BWV, are you allowed to go to SAB?

No it's for YC/BC/BCV guests only. While DVC members can pool hop to many pools at WDW, SAB and the pool at AKL do not allow pool hopping.

 

[thelobstershanty]

Both are great resorts, we love them both. But a few things to consider with BCV is their fantastic pool - Stormalong Bay; which is open only to guests staying in the YC/BC/BCV resort complex. Stormalong Bay is the most popular & elaborate pool on WDW property. Also, BCV is a much smaller resort than BWV, so it is harder to get into if you do not own points there. Another added plus at BCV is they have multiple sets of elevators! This is a BIGGIE when talking about large, spread out resorts!
BWV has other things to consider also. On a whole, the view from any BWV villa is much nicer than from a BCV villa. The standard view villas at BWV are lower points per night than a villa at BCV--with better views. BWV villas are located closer to the main themed pool, signature restaurants, shops, boat dock, etc., than BCV.
They are both wonderful resorts. One could go on and on, comparing both the pros and cons of each resort. Bottom line, they are very popular and sought after resorts. It really boils down to what grabs you, as a home resort. I have always said that BCV and BWV are the about as similiar DVC resorts, as you will ever find---and it is true!
We bought when BWV first opened their doors. When BCV opened we were really torn as to what to do. We have always been and always will be BIG YC/BC fans. After alot of thought and comparison; we decided to continue to add on at our home resort--BWV. We made this decision based on: the ease of managing 1 combined DVC contract vs multiple resale contracts-- with multiple use year dates, etc. , and because of boardwalk view villas. As much as we LOVE SAB, that BW view villa advantage won out!
Which ever resort you choose--you will not be sorry. You have to let your heart guide you in this decision. ALL DVC resorts are wonderful, etc., but they are all also different. Only you can decide which DVC resort is destined to be your "home" resort.

 

[mjy]

We bought when BWV first opened their doors. When BCV opened we were really torn as to what to do. We have always been and always will be BIG YC/BC fans. After alot of thought and comparison; we decided to continue to add on at our home resort--BWV.

I, too, purchased when BWV was selling.

Later, I added on points at BCV.

However, I found out that I was really spending all my time at BWV. I liked the views from all locations there much better and liked being half-way between MGM and EPCOT. Also, it was so much nicer to be right at the boat dock.

Scheduling my vacations at BWV, I finally sold off my BCV points and purchased more BWV. I am really happy with my choice.

And, to the OP, I recommend, as so many others have, that you, too, purchase where you are and will be most happy. We could give you lots of reasons for either place. Ultimately, it is up to you.

 

[disneynutz]

Rent where you want to stay.

Buy where you love to rent.

 

[snowbunny]

But I wasn't as enamored with Stormalong Bay as I thought I'd be...we love Boardwalk and it is by far our favorite DVC Resort! Go Boardwalk!

Same here...on our first stay at BWV we walked over to the Beach Club and took a look at SAB. Not nearly as big a deal as it's made out to be IMO.

 

[lisareniff]

There was a recent post with some good posts on this topic... BWV vs. BCV

This was my answer...

This is a great question! We own at BCV (Disney was selling it at the time) but I always like to play the game 'what would you buy today if you could do it over'. My answer always has the majority of my points at one of these two. I keep going back and forth. We really like BCV but this spring we stayed at BWV for the first time and really like it too!

The objective list of pros for each would include...

BWV
GV's - Even if you'll never get one at least you can dream!
Std. view - Boardwalk for the price of OKW
Boardwalk View - Ohhh La La!
Community Hall - Kids love it!


BCV
SAB - Need I say more!
Ded. 2 bdrm w/2 Queens - BWV only has lock-offs
Close self parking - Right next to the villa building!
Smaller building - more intimate

Their locations are so close that you can enjoy the amenities of both (except SAB), so it's hard to give either resort too much credit for them, but will be more convienent if you were staying there. These are a list of those types of things...

BWV
More restaurants - I give BWV the nod for slightly more restaurants
Boardwalk Entertainment - Nice end to the evening
Better views -
Midway between DHS and EPCOT

BCV-
Sand Beach - A nice relaxing
More quick service food - HH by the pool.
Soo close to EPCOT
Calming decor

So which would I choose? Hummm.... I guess it would come down to if I wanted SAB or GV/BW view/Std. pts.


...I still can't decide!

 

[MdmMim]

We, too, purchased when the BWV were selling and then added on at the BCV.

The BW is my favorite, and I normally use my BCV points at other locations (OKW, and recently, AKV).

SAB is not a big deal to me.

I enjoy the pool bar at the BW. At the BC, drinks may be purchased, but there is no bar at which to sit and relax. Yes, I could go to a table, but DH and I like to sit at a bar.

I like the point values for the standard rooms at the BW. Fewer points required for a reservation translates to more and/or longer trips.

I like being closer to both MGM and Epcot.

At the BWV, I like the feeling of being part of a resort complex, not an afterthought stuck in out the back.

I'm just a big BW fan.

Good luck with your decision!