Pros/Cons BCVs, BWVs, AKVs, BLT

[disneymagicgirl]

The one con for AKVs is that we have stayed at Jambo house twice already and wouldn't mind something new. However, my 2 yr old loves animals! We also have to consider the stroller (stretch limo) that we have to fold up, which is why I was considering easy tranportation options.
We want a 1 bdrm at one of the above resorts. We like to use the pool facilities to relax.
I would like a quick rundown of any pros/cons that DISers can think of for any of these resorts. Why do you love/hate them?
TIA!

 

[missenmickey]

We chose BLT specifically because of the location. I am so excited that after the fireworks at MK we can leisurely stroll 10 minutes home. No waiting in a long line for a bus. You also have the option of watching the fireworks from your room if you have a MK view. For us BLT is all about location, location, location.

 

[Ms Rox]

We choose BWV for, again, location, location, location. Only for us it's EPCOT/Hollywood Studios. Love to stroll home after Illuminations. It's nice to be able to walk over for dinner. We love to stop & watch the buskers on the way back, too. How about that early morning view of the Boardwalk when few are out & about? Can't wait to go "home" in May!

BCV could be a good option with the zero-entry pool at Storm-along Bay.

With stroller-aged kids, though, BLT might be the way to go for access to MK. Our son is now 12 and he lives for Rockin Roller Coaster & Mission Space.

You probably can't go wrong with any of the locations. Good luck with the decision and have a great time.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with Bay Lake Tower because of their overall location, walkway to the Magic Kingdom and Resort Monorail access from the Contemporary.

 

[francie57]

BWVs due to their location to Epcot and the Studios. We love the short walk to the two parks and all the restaurants that are available in the area.

 

[BCV23]

BLT advantages: 10 minute walk to the MK, 2 bathrooms in a 1 BR, nice pool, great views, monorail access to the other MK resorts and their restaurants.

AKV: if in Kidani, a second bathroom and the water play area. Animals, of course.

Both BLT and AKV have larger living rooms than BCV and BWV I think.

BCV: 5 minute walk to Epcot, boat ride or walk to DHS. You can even walk through FW to use the monorail, monorail/ferry to get to MK if you have hoppers or APs. Easy walk to many restaurants around the Epcot resort area. Stormalong Bay.

BWV Very similar to BCV's advantages minus SAB. Busier atmosphere which many enjoy. Better views than BCV in some people's estimation although we personally prefer the quiet woods views at BCV.

 

[jockey]

We just love AKL and I really wanted to stay here next trip. However we have decided to do a split stay 1 week at BWV and the next week at BLT! It is all about location location especially travelling with little ones!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

BCV could be a good option with the zero-entry pool at Storm-along Bay.

So is the pool at BWV not zero-entry? If not, that is def a con for us!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

BLT advantages: 10 minute walk to the MK, 2 bathrooms in a 1 BR, nice pool, great views, monorail access to the other MK resorts and their restaurants.

AKV: if in Kidani, a second bathroom and the water play area. Animals, of course.

Both BLT and AKV have larger living rooms than BCV and BWV I think.

BCV: 5 minute walk to Epcot, boat ride or walk to DHS. You can even walk through FW to use the monorail, monorail/ferry to get to MK if you have hoppers or APs. Easy walk to many restaurants around the Epcot resort area. Stormalong Bay.

BWV Very similar to BCV's advantages minus SAB. Busier atmosphere which many enjoy. Better views than BCV in some people's estimation although we personally prefer the quiet woods views at BCV.

Thanks so much for your wonderful breakdown!

Anyone have anything to say about the dining options at these resorts?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Anyone have anything to say about the dining options at these resorts?

Bay Lake Tower doesn't have any restaurants or counter service locations, so you would need to walk over to the Contemporary for their dining locations.

 

[Jutori]

We have a 1bdm booked at BLT for last week of Aug but I'm having 2nd thoughts b/c I think I would like some more "theme-ing" this time around. Though you can't beat the location, it's just a "hotel". DD6 wants to go back to see the castle from the room (which overlooks that aweful parking lot!) and go back to the CR water slide that's pretty much nothing but a slide into a hole on the ground.... I mean at least the others including the mods "try" to have something more appealing. Is the BLT pool any better (the pics don't indicate so...) Is stormalong bay all that impressive? the pics don't look very impressive to me, but maybe I just don't find that NE- Jersey Shore theme all that appealing since I'm from the NE...

Then there's AKL, love the building and animals but it's kinda far....

I've considered 2 rooms at CSR even but I read on the other post "pros" may hang out there b/c of the convention crowd....

I just don't know, DH and DD aren't all that helpful

I'll prob just stick with BLT....

Any thoughts?

 

[Upatnoon]

Have you considered Wilderness Lodge? If you are looking for a place with a theme, it is pretty amazing. You take a boat to the Magic Kingdom, which is fun.

However, for location and an awesome pool, the Beach Club is my favorite. You can walk into the World Showcase at Epcot, enjoy the Boardwalk and Hollywood studios is a short boat ride away. Stormalong Bay is very impressive in person.

 

[rance]

We decided against BWV because of the pool. with little one's we would have to hold them up in the water. BCV and AKV have the zero entry which is easier at the parents.

 

[BCV23]

Anyone have anything to say about the dining options at these resorts?

CR/BLT: California Grill for dinner, Chef Mickey's character buffet for breakfast and dinner and the Wave for all three meals.

Y&BC/BCV: Yachtsman's Steakhouse for dinner, Captain's Grille for all three meals, Cape May for character buffet for B &D. Crew's Cup offers a limited menu in the afternoon and evening.

BWI/BWV: Flying Fish dinner only, ESPN lunch and dinner, Kouzzina breakfast and dinner, Big River Grille lunch and dinner.

AKV as you know has Boma and Jiko at Jambo. Nothing at Kidani other than a couple sandwiches and salads at the pool bar.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I think I will try for BCV and second choice will be BLT. Depending on availability with my PIN, that is the order of preference.
Reasoning:
1) pool
2) theme
3) location

Now if the BC was on the monorail line, I would be in bliss!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

CR/BLT: California Grill for dinner, Chef Mickey's character buffet for breakfast and dinner and the Wave for all three meals.

Y&BC/BCV: Yachtsman's Steakhouse for dinner, Captain's Grille for all three meals, Cape May for character buffet for B &D. Crew's Cup offers a limited menu in the afternoon and evening.

BWI/BWV: Flying Fish dinner only, ESPN lunch and dinner, Kouzzina breakfast and dinner, Big River Grille lunch and dinner.

AKV as you know has Boma and Jiko at Jambo. Nothing at Kidani other than a couple sandwiches and salads at the pool bar.

Great summary! Thanks!
That is what I was afraid of with BWV. I like the food court option for quick stuff...the one at AKL is great, IMO! Also, isn't BnC at Y/BC? I have always wanted to eat there.

 

[BCV23]

Sorry....didn't cover QS as I thought you meant restaurants.

Mara and Contempo Cafe at the CR offer much more than the quick service spots at the Epcot Resorts. At Y&BC/BCV, BC Marketplace has yogurt parfaits, egg and cheese croissants, and pastries in the morning, salads and cold sandwiches the rest of the day. Hurricane Hannah's has cheeseburgers just like B&C and various salads, wraps, etc. when the pool is open. The bar at the YC offers a continental breakfast but no reason to walk there when you're at BCV. How could I leave B&C off the restaurant list?!!!! But it is not counter service other than ice cream treats.

BWV has the bakery but I don't think much else. Hopefully someone else can help more there. There is a stand or two on the BW.