Rate the DVC Resorts from First to Worst

[Simba's Mom]

My absolute favorite is off property-the HHI resort. I get the feel of the way all CMs should be. And a true vacation.

At WDW of the resorts we've been to-

1. BCV-can't beat the location, both to Epcot and a wide variety of dining options (with Beaches and Cream near the top).

2. AKV-Jambo-love the animals, dining options (including the ones at Kidani)

3. BWV-just the Boardwalk view. Can't beat sitting on the balcony people-watching

4. VGF-have only stayed in the Lake view, and when Electric Water Pagent stopped and did its performance in front of my room, my stay was complete! The room and the whole building were so well-appointed and spotless, I'm sure the Standard view rooms were a treat also. And the CMs there were the nicest I've encountered at a DVC/WDW resort.

5. OKW-the only reason that I ranked this so low was the lack of elevators. Otherwise, it would be higher-I love the vacation-y, relaxing vibe and the size of the porch.

The last 3 I don't like-
6. Poly-haven't been since the remodel. In all fairness, I should give it another chance
7. AKV-Kidani-after 3 tries when they never gave me any of my requests (and one request was just to be on the side closer to Jambo-so they gave me one way out past the Pemba Savannah. There was nothing closer?), 3 strikes plenty of other places to stay.
8. SSR-not much interest in Disney Springs and I don't "get"the theming. But like the Poly, I stayed there before the latest redo-maybe I should try again.

 

[ak517]

What I love about this thread is we all have different top favorites! There really is something for everyone in DVC.

We own at AKV and VGF, and have only been able to stay at a few WDW locations, so my ranking is based on limited first-hand experience. Honestly, I have had good experiences everywhere so far, so I’m not sure I’ll make it to the rest of the WDW DVC resorts, but I am always up for a tour at Riviera to check out the Grand Villa.

1) BWV. A lot of this is nostalgia for me because we would always come to the Boardwalk for our arrival dinner as a family when I was growing up, but the location between DHS and Epcot is perfect for me. Now as an adult I love an evening at jellyrolls! Also, Boardwalk view is for visits outside of the summer season or you will be extremely toasty on your balcony in the AM.
2) Poly. This was my bucket list hotel, and we spent our first night as DVC members here!
3) AKV-Jambo. I looooooove love love it here. It is the perfect home resort for us. Like others have said, the point chart for the ambiance and views are superb. I could go on and on, just don’t ask me to stay at Kidani!
4) VGF. Yes, it’s perfect! And I spend a lot of time at Enchanted Rose! But the original DVC building is sort of far…. And truly I’m just looking for something to nitpick.
5) BLT. I’m very excited to see what the new rooms will look like during the upcoming refurb because wow do they need a facelift. But, I was so pleasantly surprised by my stay here! The walk to MK, seeing the fireworks on the fourth floor overpass, and catching the Electric Water Pageant AND Spaceship Earth all lit up from my lake view studio really made me question if we need a third home resort.

And I’m sure the others will fill in here, but for now…
6) BCV. I was underwhelmed. Much happier to be a visitor coming from BWV for Beaches and Cream

 

[Jwaire]

1. PVB - Top pick for the entire family, easy access to TTC and MK, variety of food choices, monorail, pools
2. VGF - Top pick for the entire family, easy walk to MK, variety of food choices, monorail, pools
3. BWV - Great pick for EPCOT dominated trip, easy boat access, Skyliner, good on points, etc.
4. RIV - Great pick for EPCOT and Studios trip, Skyliner, food
5. BLT - Good for parties, out of the hustle of Contemporary lobby, easy access to monorail, food
6. CCV - Beautiful resort, boat access to MK, Geyser Point, air bubble tub
7. BCV - Location, good pool for older children
8. BRV - Nice lobby, Geyser Point, boat access to MK
9. SSR - The adult WDW DVC, easy access to food at Springs, quiet, beautiful grounds, golf
10. AKL - Unique, great food, more of an experience than a hotel
11. OKW - Spacious rooms, feels very Florida

I don't recognize CFW as a DVC property.

At DLR, it's GCV only. They're not getting inflated points per night plus an additional TOT from me at VDH. I'd rather just rent points at GCV or even stay off site.

HHI doesn't appeal to me. VB is on the agenda and AUL is planned for 2025.

 

[RanDIZ]

AKV - own
Prefer Jambo over Kidani. Bigger lobby and better restaurant selection. I actually like the fact it’s far away from everything. Feels like a true vacation. This would be a top resort if dropped anywhere in the US. Overall favorite resort.

CCV - own
Awesome theming. Also feels like a true vacation. Best resort during Xmas. #1 lobby. Good restaurant selections and close to MK and monorail loop, yet far enough to still relax.

PVB - stayed
Great theming. Love the volcano pool. Right in the middle of monorail loop. Perfect fireworks viewing. Love the 2 bathrooms!

BCV - stayed
Proximity to EP and HS are unbeatable. SAB is nice, but highly overrated.

 

[BaybeeYoda]

Rate the DVC resorts from first to worst, but only rate those you have actually stayed at for at least one night. Feel free to provide your reasoning and where you own.

Here are my ratings and I already know my views may be heretical.

1. Boulder Ridge
2. Animal Kingdom
3. Saratoga Springs
4. Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
5. Old Key West
6. Bay Lake Tower

We had a 2BR in May at BRV and loved it; loved the pools and restaurants; loved the grounds and transportation. Just an amazing resort. Sorry it’s a 2042 resort.

We love the animals, pool, and dining at AKV. Buses always seemed to be on time. Walking to and from the room was a bit longer than other resorts. We are currently buying AKV resale and we are okay if we get stuck staying here.

SSR in February was awesome. Pools were quiet and great pool bars. Standard rooms didn’t seem too far and buses were never full. DS is nearby, but our kiddos aren’t really into that yet.

PVB was our first love and our first home resort. Love the theme and vibe. Lava pool is great and the LV studios can’t be beat. Just a bit too busy overall for me. We just sold our resale Poly contract.

OKW was our first stay on WDW property. The boys love the large rooms, as do we. It’s home away from home. But not a lot of dining and the quiet pools are a bit lousy. We just bought a direct contract but the points will be used for OKW and other resorts during our future trips.

BLT just doesn’t vibe with us. But we loved the location and pool bar food (especially the Cuban). I guess I love the Disney resort themes more than their locations.

Was just at PVB and it’s sooooo crowded this past weekend that I was honestly turned off and couldn’t wait to leave. I loved it on Thursday but by yesterday, I wanted to leave.

The beach was very crowded during the fireworks. The pool was incredibly busy. So, I’m going to stick with BWV and BCV going forward

 

[s.r.disney nut]

I think it's hard to make this list, to many variables. Each one has pros and cons, taking into consideration, location, resort only stay, parking (we drive and don't use valet), food options, etc.

 

[Judique]

1. BWV - first home resort - back in 2000
2. HHI - 2nd home resort
3. Poly - my first love at Disney but I didn't buy when it opened because I already had more than enough points.
4. BCV and Vero Beach - own at both, but prefer my top 3.
5. - 12. All the rest I've stayed at: BLT, VGF, AKV both Jambo and Kidani, SSR, OKW, RR, BRV. Ok in a pinch.
13. CFW - booked a couple of nights in December. Have stayed in the old cabins a couple of times.

 

[PrincessNelly]

Oooh that's hard. All of them have pros & cons.

1. Riviera
2. Polynesian
3. Boardwalk
4. Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo
5. Copper Creek
6. Beach Club
7. Saratoga Springs
8. Old Key West (home resort, easily tied w/ SSR)
9. Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani
10. Bay Lake Tower

It's funny because we stay at OKW, SSR, and AK Kidani the most LOL
But we would be happy to stay at any of them again except BLT. Until the rooms are updated, it's a hard pass. It was wonderful when we went to MNSSHP to walk back to our room instead of waiting for a bus. And the views were lovely.
But the room was in terrible shape, not clean, the pool was so-so, and it was annoying to walk to the contemporary main bldg for everything.

 

[beccasmom]

OKW - Our home resort since 1992. Spacious rooms and relaxing vibe. Love Olivia’s, but wish there were other options besides the existing counter service. The pools are fine for adults IMO. Friendly staff. Enjoy the watercraft access to DS. Love being able to park right outside room.

BRV - Woodsy, cozy vibe. The WL lobby is awesome, as is the smaller BRV lobby. Separate building for added privacy. Fun food options. Great pools. Very relaxing and serene.

Riviera - Large rooms and beautifully furnished. Very nice eateries. Lovely pool area. Easy access to Epcot. Has a “boutique hotel” feel.

BLT - Awesome views of MK or lake. Easy access to restaurants/shops at CR. Love added convenience of extra full bathroom in one-bedroom units. Can walk to MK. Mediocre pools, but not a dealbreaker for me. Looking forward to renovated rooms.

SSR - Have not stayed here for several years but enjoy being close to DS. The theming is lost on me and seems a bit haphazardly applied. The units are nicely designed. Directional signage was lacking for such a huge resort. More food options needed, but access to DS counter-balances that pretty well.

BCV - Wonderfully convenient for Epcot. Like that the DVC units are in a separate building. No real views to speak of (or we’ve just been unlucky in that regard). The units were very nice, but felt small. Enjoy the access to pool area.

BWV - Access to Epcot is fabulous. Rooms were in need of refurbishment during our stay (and that is currently taking place), but loved the water view. Appreciate the access to BC and YC and ease of getting to HS. Glad the clown pool is gone (it always felt kind of creepy to me).

 

[hhisc16]

resale version: (never visited aul)
1. Hhi
2. Vgc
3. Wl (either)
4. Akl (either)
5. Blt
6. Bwv
7. Ssr
8. Poly
9. Bcv
10. Vgf
11. Vb
12. Okw

 

[lukemorenus]

From where we've stayed so far:

1. Aulani - can't beat the vibe in Hawaii
2. Poly - "fake Hawaii" is a close second to real Hawaii
3. Animal Kingdom - coffee with a giraffe is magical
4. Boulder Ridge - Geyser Point is legit
5. Grand Cal - that park entrance is awesome
6. Grand Flo - love the Enchanted Rose
7. Boardwalk - location, location, location
8. Old key West - was the BEST RunDisney option back in the day
9. Beach Club - great location, crappy views
10. Saratoga - thank goodness for Disney Springs
11. Bay Lake - meh

 

[DVC Gma]

My list:
1. GFV Loved the view. Loved walking out of BPK & pool was Right there! Good options for food if not feeling like mono-railing it somewhere.

2. PVB Loved the atmosphere. Loved the old Hawaii feel. Loved food & quiet pool. BUT loved the Pineapple Lanai the most!

3. BWV Loved the atmosphere here, too. Loved being close to Epcot for food. Rooms were nice, it was pre-covid. So they were prob a little newer. Liked sitting on the boardwalk in the Mornings. Walking back after fireworks.

4. BLT I actually loved the way it looked, clean. I had been avoiding it. Listening to the comments about it, but we tried it in May. Def would purchase here. The walkway to the CR was annoying to get to from the room, but doable, Can't wait to see the refurbishment,

5. SSR As long as I am in the closest room to all the main stuff, I can do it. So Big. Pool was busy but nice. QS food was ok when we tried it. The table service was good too.

6. OWK I liked the size of the rooms & 2 regular beds. Someone else said "Florida Feel" Yes! That is the feeling I had when going around. I did like Olivia's too. That trip we didn't stay close to the main bldg. Preferred wasn't available. I loved that main pool & pool games.

I like reading about the other place everyone has tried & why they like them.

 

[maui22]

1. Aulani - it's Hawaii!!!! Only negative for us is the location on Oahu.
2. PVB - love the theming, seeing castle across the lagoon, TTC access for both MK and Epcot, Trader Sam's, etc. Ohana means Family.
3. VGC - we were there after Christmas, but were able to enjoy the Christmas decorations, cookies, etc. Really liked being able to walk into back entrance of CA, easy walk to Downtown Disney, easy walk to DL.
4. BCV - smaller resort, best access to Epcot, boats to DHS, SAB.
5. BLT - best walking access to MK. Love the monorail access and seeing lagoon + lake. 2 bathrooms in the 1BR.
6. BWV - location. Love BW view rooms. One negative is the long hallways.
7. CCV - loved being in the main building. Not much walking. The lobby is awesome.
8. VGF - great food options. We stayed before the walk to MK was open. Haven't stayed at Christmas, but they have our favorite Christmas decorations.
9. AKV - like the animals, restaurants, pools, CMs. Don't like that it's so far from everything except AK. Don't like the long hallways (we were in the last section of the longest Kidani side and walked 25k-35k steps every single day). When we have a car, we like Kidani.
10. OKW - love the huge rooms. Don't like it when on upper floor and have to haul luggage up for several family members who over pack. When we have a car, it's so convenient with parking outside your building.
11. SSR - great access to Disney Springs. Haven't stayed here since the rehab. When we stayed, a marathon ended and many people had to leave early one morning. There must have been 40+ bags on wheels that rolled past our doorway around 7am. Also, we had the displeasure of a couple guests refusing to smoke in the smoking section. Another resort where a car comes in handy.
12. VB - we really enjoyed our time here. For us, the negative is the location. We found some fun restaurants that others recommended. It's definitely a vacation away from the parks. Recommend having a car to explore the area.

 

[KPeterso]

Interesting idea for a thread. It does prove there is a resort for everyone.

1. VGC - we just love it there
2. AKV - love the animals and what a unique experience it is having the animals right off our balcony. Jambo is my favorite but I will stay at either very happily.
3. BWV
4. CCV
5. BRV
6. BCV
7. VDH - love everything about it but the ToT. Would be 3 if not for that.
8. Poly
9. OKW
10. BLT (This is so far below the others it could be 35 on the list)

 

[Lumpy1106]

It's a small sample size for me, but my list;
3. Boardwalk - no QS here was a real deal-breaker. only 1 bathroom in the 1 BR's was not great either
2. BLT - LOVED the 1 BR with 2 bathrooms, loved the location, but it's still not quite "Disney" enough.
1. CCV - loved the theming and atmosphere. WL is amazing, taking the boat to MK was incredible. In giving my top ranking I do have to ignore the elephant in the room - 1 br's are small and only sleep 4. We have to splurge on a 2 BR here. If I am saving points, the top rank goes to BLT

 

[starsaber25]

1. AKV - Kidani Village


My only stay so far. It was a nice resort. I didn’t think the bus system was as bad as people say. The hallways are really that bad though. So looooooong.

 

[Cfabar1]

Personal preferences based on resorts we have experience with:

1. VGF
2. VB
3. BC
4. BW
5. AKV-KID
6. RIV

 

[Chili327]

1) VGC
2) Aulani
3) VGF
4) VDH
5) Poly & PolyT
6) BWV
7) AKV
8) BCV
9) RIV
10) BLT
11) BRV/CCV
12) VB
13) HHI
14) SSR
15) OKW
16) CFW

Yep, hard to disagree. (although surprised VDH is above some others)

1. VGC/BWV
2. AKV
3. BRV (I assume BLT will be somewhere down here too)

 

[AstroBlasters]

Yep, hard to disagree. (although surprised VDH is above some others)

1. VGC/BWV
2. AKV
3. BRV (I assume BLT will be somewhere down here too)

Completely fair. My list definitely may shift in the future…. but being walking distance to Disneyland, having the original Trader Sam’s on property, and being the location (hotel side) where my wife and I have many memories from when we were dating and when our kids were very young means that it will always be meaningful to me.

When I was at VDH in Feb, I had an aunt visit me and we got the bartender at The Palm Breeze to create a personalized rum tasting for us. We told stories and laughed for over an hour. My aunt is in her 70s and has early onsets Parkinson’s…. so I know she won’t be able to do things like that forever and that experience added another layer of happy memories.

I don’t own at VDH, but I’m very happy that I have points that allow me to stay there from
time to time.

 

[Minniesgal]

1. Aulani
2. Bay Lake tower
3. AKV Kidani
4. Grand Floridian
5. Copper Creek
6. Saratoga Springs
7. OKW