Recommendation for DVC property

[Danimb3]

Hello,
I am in the process of planning our next Disney vacation and we are thinking of trying one of the DVC propeties. We have narrowed it down to Beach Club Villas or The Villas at Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk Villas. Please help us decide. I know it is so much a matter of a preference, but could you give me your opinions of which you prefer and why?
I appreciate your help. BTW, we are a family of 3--DH, me, and DD (5), if that helps.
Thank you,
Danielle

 

[RuthnPaul]

Staying at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge would give you the easiest and quickest access to the Magic Kingdom which I'm certain is the park of most interest to your 5-year old! Just a quick boat ride from the pier across the lagoon -- you're dropped off directly in front of entrance to MK.

BCV has the wonderful pool area (SAB - Stormalong Beach). BCV and BWV are both in the Epcot area and close to Disney MGM studios as well.

You wouldn't go wrong selecting any of the 3 resorts but I'd vote for the Villas at Wilderness!

Just my 2 cents worth!!

 

[rinkwide]

If your DD likes the water stay away from Beach Club. Storm Along Bay will spoil her forever!

 

[JimC]

BCV -- SAB is best pool on property and has easy access to Epcot and MGM by walk or boat

BWV -- Easy access to Epcot and MGM by walk or boat. Nice pool, but not the equal to SAB, largest of the three

BWV/BCV -- close to many great restaurants, miniature golf and the activities of the BW

VWL -- most extensive theming of the three, lovely boat ride to MK. This would be my pick with the 5 year old, assuming that you will spend the bulk of your time at MK. Restaurant choices are very good to excellent.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Also, of the 3, BWV is the only one that has Community Hall, which a lot of children like. And I've heard complaints from a few parents that SAB is not laid out well for keeping an eye on young ones (don't know from personal experience though). However, BCV is the only one of the 3 that has a character meal at the resort (Cape May Cafe). Now, are you thoroughly confused yet? Just trying to give you more facts, I know this isn't giving you any recommendation.

 

[lenshanem]

We own at BCV and I have two small kids. If I were to do it over again I would have picked either VWL or BWV. Maybe even a combo of VWL for the family, BWV for when we're empty nesters.

Yes, SAB is awesome, but it is true it is hard to keep an eye out for the kids. Course, how long is it until they're all grown up anyway? I'm fine that we bought at BCV, like the location, resales seem to be the best of them all, BUT I don't get quite the same feeling from it that I do VWL or BWV. It seems to me to lack something, plus I'm not crazy about the lack of food options.

 

[offtheice]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
Also, of the 3, BWV is the only one that has Community Hall, which a lot of children like. And I've heard complaints from a few parents that SAB is not laid out well for keeping an eye on young ones (don't know from personal experience though). However, BCV is the only one of the 3 that has a character meal at the resort (Cape May Cafe). Now, are you thoroughly confused yet? Just trying to give you more facts, I know this isn't giving you any recommendation.

I stayed at the yacht club last yr. The Sab is nice ,but it is hard to keep an eye on your kids. Cape May Cafe is a great place to eat,but make sure you get priority seating if your going there.

 

[jimmytammy]

I have never stayed at BCV or BWV so I cant give an honest opinion on either. The close proximity to Epcot would be a very nice plus. SAB at BCV would also be a plus for the kids.

We own at WLV and have stayed there twice so far. We love the peaceful atmosphere and the theming. The boat ride to MK is a plus. The 3 restaurants as someone posted are another plus for variety. WCC is a real hoot and kids love it.

But I am biased to WLV. You will enjoy any of the 3 mentioned.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We own at all three. Our favorite is the BWV.

We go to the VWL every other year during the holiday season and the BCV every other year for SAB. We enjoy BWV for its proximity to EPCOT, MGM the Luna Park Pool, the Community Hall (which kids love) and the whole Boardwalk area. It is also close enough to the YC/BC/BCV area to take advantage of all that resort has to offer (except SAB).

Another factor would be if you are taking a vacation that will center around the MK, then I would choose the VWL for that too.

HBC

 

[BEACHCLUBVILLAS]

We own at BCV but for your situation, I'd pick WLV. The pool is gorgeous there too and like others have said, its easy to get to MK. Its an easy boat ride home for a break and back again. Storm Along Bay pool at BCV is big and definitely worth experiencing some day. I have teenagers who prefer BCV. But a 5 year old won't know the difference between SAB and WLV pool. Both will be nice. My recommendation in order:

1. WLV
2. BCV
3. BWV

 

[Danimb3]

Thank you to all. You gave some great information/suggestions. I'm not sure how much easier it is going to be, since they all sound great and each offer something unique. But, as many of you had said, we will be spending most of our time at the MK, so WLV may win out for the convenience. Plus, SAB sounds great, but it may be too overwhelming for her (and me chasing her!). Maybe next time, we will try it. I guess we will just have to plan a couple more trips, so we can try out each one!
I have to say this board as well as the resort board (where I spend most of my time up until now) is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. It must be the magic!
Thanks again,
Danielle

 

[mickeymouse710]

I agree with many of the others, for your group VWL would be the best choice. You can't beat being in a MK resort with a little one. The convenience to MK is fantastic, you will see the nightly electrial water parade, you will be close to many character meals (Chef Mickey, LTT, Cinderella's Castle, CP, 1900 Park Faire), you will be right next door to FW which has a ton of stuff little kids enjoy like: the petting zoo, pony rides, nightly campfire with movies and a visit from Chip & Dale. There is the HDD at pioneer hall which is a fabulous dinner show, that DD will love, and the list could go on. When our kids were young we always stayed in a MK resort, you can not beat the location for little ones. As they got older we outgrow the MK area and now the Epcot resorts are our favorites, but for your family group, imo VWL is by far the best choice.

 

[timC]

If you want to have a "DVC" vacation, and assuming the 3 of you would be renting a studio... I think BWV would be a better choice. With a VWL vacation, you might as well stay at WL, and save a couple of dollars... With a BCV, you could stay at BC and get housekeeping. I suppose you could also consider BWI and BWV to be comparible, too... but of the three I'd say that BWV offers the most "DVC" experience.

Otherwise, here are some other considerations.
VWL - Best access to MK. Nice boat ride, fun kid stuff @ FW.
BCV - Best pool.
BWV - Best access to Boardwalk fun...nice pool.

 

[Pumbaa_]

The think I love about the DVC properties is that there is something for everyone. We own at BCV and BWV. I have stayed at all 4 though. Here are my very subjective pro's and con's for each:

VWL Pro's
Easy access to MK
Gorgeous theming
Variety of food options
Nice pool

VWL Con's
The villas are set away from the main area kind of like an afterthought (yes, I know they came later )
The rooms are darker than the other DVC resorts due to theming. For me, it was a little too dark (I like bright rooms)

BCV Pro's
SAB is the best!
Easy access to EPCOT and MGM
Can have some greast room views of Illuminations or quiet pool
B&C rocks
Cape May has character Breakfast

BCV Con's
I found the EPCOT view to be loud
Some rooms feel like they are almost on the road (first floor)
Limited breakfast choices
Parents did not care for BCV location - felt it was too removed
SAB can get really crowded

BWV Pro's
My favorite resort
Lots of nightime action
Close to EPCOT and MGM
Lots of food choices
Bakery (need I say more )
Rooms are bright and airy feeling
different views - pool or Boardwalk

BWV Con's
(I have a hard time with this one)
There is a lot of activity all the time, harder to get that restful feeling
The nightlife can be loud at night

Let us know which resort you choose. There are so many good things about each one you can't make a wrong choice!