Pros and Cons

[JLitfin]

Trying to decide over BCV or VWL for our home resort. Not really interested in the others as our home resort. Already decided to purchase, just trying to decide where. We have a family of 5 with 3 teenage boys, they enjoy being active during the day and spending time around the hot tub during the evening hours with other young adults. I'm back and forth over being in the middle of everything Disney vs. being at a more quiet wooded type lodge.

I would like pros and cons of each resort in order to help me make up my mind. Thanks in advance.

 

[dianeschlicht]

First of all, I would say the desires of your teenagers will change soon and often, while your ownership will go on for 35 years yet. I would base your purchase on YOUR desires rather than those of your children. That being said, I think there are benefits to both those resorts, but location can and would play a part in your decision. If you are most interested in being near the MK, VWL would fill that need. If you are most likey to spend more time at Epcot and MGM, then BCV is the right location. I suspect the boys would enjoy Storm along Bay for swiming as well.

 

[Granny]

First of all, I would say the desires of your teenagers will change soon and often, while your ownership will go on for 35 years yet. I would base your purchase on YOUR desires rather than those of your children.

AMEN!!!!

Jean...There are very big differences in the theming and ambience of these two resorts.....dark/woodsy vs light/beachy. Which do you like best?

Also, for some the location of BCV within walking distance of two parks is a big draw. For others, location of the resort isn't the biggest factor.


What time of year do you intend to vacation? If during the slower DVC times, then you can have your cake and eat it too by staying at the non-home resort of the two now and again. But due to their smaller size, they are very hard to book during the busy DVC times of the year without the home booking advantage.

We own at VWL and BWV. Depending on the number of total points you are buying, it might make sense to buy two contracts...one at VWL and one at BCV. By doing this, you could borrow points on one contract and make the entire reservation there with the home booking advantage. You would then bank the other contract points and use those points to do the same thing at the other resort the following year.

 

[browniemtb]

I agree with dianeschlicht that your needs will change as your ownership progresses. Teenage boys will be happy anywhere you put them in Disney, IMO.

BCV-Location to Epcot and MGM...either by foot or boat. Storm-a-long bay for swimming and the Boardwalk for nightly activities. As they get older there is a dance hall and piano bar....they may be a ways off but the somewhat adult entertainment is right there.

VWL-Unfortunately I haven't stayed there. But on my visits I would say its much more laid back, quite, and a boat ride away from MK.

Personally I feel if you were to make a decision based on your kids I would go with BCV.........If you were to base a decision for yourselves and you like your really quite time consider VWL.

Either way you win....it Disney after all!

Good Luck in your decision...
Brownie

 

[Tigger031266]

Well it depends on what type of style you look. If you like the rustic feel and like to be a little issolated for your vacation. VWL is the place. If you want to be close to parks and night time activities, BCV is probably the place.

IMHO BCV has sooooo many more benifits:

BCV Advantages:
The best pool in WDW
The only character meal
The Boardwalk
Walking distance to Epcot
Walking didstance to Epcot restaurants
BAsically close to 3-4 other massive hotels

VWL advantages:
Some really good restaurants
Nice boat rides to both MK and FOrt Wilderness
Close to Contemporary
Fast Boats to rent
Great natural Theming

Both have
Beaches
Vallet parking
Both have beaches

It is close but, I would go with BCV

 

[paults]

BCV for the closeness of the OCT F&WF and MAY F&GF
walk to Epcot and MGM.

JMO, depending on how many pts you want I would look into spliting them into 3 equal contracts to leave to your sons in the futrue. Sounds like you need enough for a 2 bedroom. If you buy from Disney then 1 contract needs to be the main one at 150 pts min. The additional pts you need can be split into 2 more contracts if available (say 2 x 75 for another 150 pt) total 300 pts. Then if you add on later you can equal out the contracts.
It's easier to sell small contracts then larger ones.

We love VWL but there's more to do at BCV area.

 

[JimVL]

First of all, I would say the desires of your teenagers will change soon and often, while your ownership will go on for 35 years yet. I would base your purchase on YOUR desires rather than those of your children.

As Granny said; Amen!!!! I had to make a similar decision 6 years ago when my kids were teenagers. The salesman told me to buy what I wanted, and others could adapt. He was so right.

 

[tjkraz]

First of all, I would say the desires of your teenagers will change soon and often, while your ownership will go on for 35 years yet. I would base your purchase on YOUR desires rather than those of your children.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

It will be 7-8 years at a MINIMUM before you break even on the DVC purchase (compared to paying cash rates at the same resorts.) By that time the teenagers either be off to college, off to their own careers and/or starting their own families.

Either buy were YOU enjoy staying (and plan to stay long after the kids have left the nest) or reconsider whether DVC is right for you.

 

[mochabean]

I figured that it was worth mentioning the semi-confirmed rumor that some of the rooms at the new Animal Kingdom Villas will sleep 5. If you are planning to always book a 2BR for your family then this makes no difference, but if you're like me and try to stretch you points as far as you can, then it may be something to consider.

 

[JLitfin]

Thanks everyone for responding..

I guess I'm going to stick with BCV, for the same reasons that was mentioned. I'm currently on the waitlist with Disney which could be a while before I recieve the pts I would like to purchase. Than there's resale which is charging more for the pts than Disney, plus resale charges closing cost. Didn't really want to pay more than Disney's price for a 150pt package. I'm so confused. What to do, What to do...