Spring Break 2011

[purpliequeen]

Hi DVC members (and DVC fans)!

I need your help! I am currently planning a spring break trip for next year (2011). Gotta get started early, as it'll be me and my friends' senior year! I'm expecting to bring roughly eight Cornellians (including me) to WDW for a week in mid-March. Right now, we're caught between a two-bedroom at the Beach Club Villas and a two-bedroom at the new BLT (lagoon view).

My parents are very sweet in giving me their points as an early graduation present. My friends and I are all respectful, Disney-crazy young women. No worries- we will not turn our villa into Cancun. We're just hoping to get some good Disney fun, nice tans, and many restaurants checked off of our lists.

I anticipate that we will be spending the majority of our time at Epcot and MK (which is why I'm debating between these two resorts). We also like the theme of both resorts (which is how we narrowed it down to these two). I understand that SSR would be a good choice due to its close proximity to DTD, but we like what BCV and BLT have to offer. Here are my thoughts:

BCV: I had an amazing high school graduation trip with my parents and best friend here. Good memories. Amazing pool. Amazing location-- can walk to Epcot. Need I say more? I also love how it's close to the BW. Lots of great restaurants. We already have Tutto Italia, Beaches and Cream, Marketplace (gelato!), BW Bakery, Le Cellier, Teppan Edo, and Kouzzina on our "must-do" dining list. These restaurants are all in walking distance. Have I mentioned the pool yet?

BLT: Brand new. Want to try this resort. New furnishings, new everything. Extra third bathroom would be a plus with all of us women. Amazing location-- can walk to MK. Pool is decent, but I don't picture it as a "spring break" pool; however, at least we can rent a cabana. Lots of great restaurants as well. "Must-do" dining list includes: The Wave, the rooftop lounge area (yes, DVC members), and Kona Cafe. These restaurants are all in walking distance or via monorail (Kona).

So help, please! Thanks in advance!

 

[Inkmahm]

What is your parents' home resort? Do you have 11 month booking advantage at either BCV or BLT? Reality is you should book at your parents' home resort at 11 months and then do a transfer at 7 months to the resort of your choice, if available.

 

[spiceycat]

when in spring break - if early March - it can be kinda cold to go swimming.


you need to decide what part of Epcot you prefer. if Future world then BLT, if world showcase then definitely BCV.


voted for BLT - the bus transportation from BCV to MK - can be long.

the monrail (when it works) is pretty nice (for transportation to Epcot)

you can walk to the MK from BLT and it is quicker.

 

[DenLo]

I voted BLT as you have not stayed there as yet. You already had a fabulous high school graduation trip at BCV, so now that you soon to be a college grad go for something different.

You can use the pool at CR as well as the one at BLT. I'm not sure if you will be eligible for pool hopping, since your parents are the DVC members, but if you are you could go over to the Poly and use their pool. Check out the marina at CR and rent those little speed boats and race around the lakes. Do a Segway tour at Ft. Wilderness. Or perhaps high tea at the Grand Floridian.

You are still just a monorail ride from Epcot and Poly or even Grand Floridian. In addition you are just short boat rides from the Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness. There are plenty of restaurants at all of those places as well.

And if your really need a waterpark fix, you could always go to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.

Congratulations to you and your friends and may you find happiness and success in your futures.

 

[Donna M]

How about half the week in each resort? This way you can visit both parks easily by foot and you get the experience of both places. BLT will give you one more place to sleep too so someone doesn't have to share the bed every night.

The pools are heated. We've been in them at the end of Feb. A lot depends on where you are from. "Cold" is different for different people.

 

[spiceycat]

The pools are heated. We've been in them at the end of Feb. A lot depends on where you are from. "Cold" is different for different people.

i agree but it is getting back to your room. BLT is cooler than BWV. so it can be a cold walk and elevator ride.

 

[Jaaron2]

Hands down.....BCV.....

Walk to Epcot....walk or boat ride to HS.......Boardwalk a hop away......Dining at Epcot a short walk away.....

Pool.....Pool.......Pool.......Pool Bar.......Beaches and Cream.......Pool Bar.....Pool......


Need I say more?

 

[Chuck S]

Both resorts are good choices. If you want close proximity to the EPCOT restaurants for dinner time, BCV would be the better choice..but for sheer fun factor, probably BLT would win. It is convenient to both MK and EPCOT via monorail. There are some really interesting restaurants in the MK area resorts, too. We tried Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch, our fist time at that restaurant, and we really enjoyed it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I voted for BLT, I just think it would be a better fit for you gals with the extra bathroom, and the convenience to MK and monorail to Epcot.

Best wishes as you plan! Congratulations on being so close to graduation!

Bobbi

 

[quirty30]

I voted BLT - I think your group will REALLY appreciate that extra bathroom and the fresh modern decor there. And for you personally, it will have a nice contrast to the trip you previously enjoyed with your parents.

 

[Malaguti Ball Clan]

My DD's will be celebrating their spring break at Disney in 2011, gonna try for for BLT at 7 months we will see......of course I will already have my back ups in order, including an existing ressie at AKV...

 

[purpliequeen]

Thanks, everyone!

All this advice is fantastic. And to be quite honest, I value DVC members' opinions more than my girlies! It's not that I don't listen to what they have to say, but rather I trust you guys, as you've all been to DVC resorts and have previous experiences and advice to add in. I can't thank you all enough. I will definitely be making a reservation at my parents' resort 11 mo. out. We're crossing our fingers for our first choice at the 7 mo. window (whatever that will be... it seems like you guys are split 50/50 too). Knock on wood, we've had really good luck in the past (most recently a 1-bedroom AKL concierge for a week during New Year's) so I'm crossing my fingers for this next trip. I hope March isn't too busy down in the World.

Donna- I thought about doing a split stay, but with eight girls and the amount of luggage we'll have (plus the souvenirs we'll buy ), I don't think that that's a possibility (or anything that we'll want to do).

The pool is still quite important to all of us, as Ithaca winters are brutal. Trust me- walking up steep slopes in 20*F weather with -15*F windchill? I'd gladly swim in a swimming pool- even if it's 60*F out! hah... my friend we're bringing along from Hawaii is shaking her head.

Malaguti- Perhaps we'll run into your daughters during spring break. How exciting! They are so lucky as well!

Thanks everyone for the good wishes. While we're all excited to graduate, we want to stay here a little bit longer. It's so hard to get jobs and internships right now! Staying in college sounds like the best option!!!

 

[jakenjess]

With eight girls you'll definitely want that extra bathroom! BLT is a wonderful resort. The walk to MK, the monorail to Epcot, the Top of the World lounge, you will love it. The living area feels more spacious than BCV, too, but I'm not sure what the square footage difference is. Either way, it sounds like a great time!

 

[kristenrice]

With eight girls you'll definitely want that extra bathroom! BLT is a wonderful resort. The walk to MK, the monorail to Epcot, the Top of the World lounge, you will love it. The living area feels more spacious than BCV, too, but I'm not sure what the square footage difference is. Either way, it sounds like a great time!

I was thinking the same thing! Eight girls with 2 bathrooms is just crazy!! Heck, I can barely stand sharing a bathroom with my DH, let alone 7 other women. Although I am not a huge BLT fan, I would still vote for that over BCV, only for the extra bathroom.

Have a great trip!

 

[lisareniff]

I voted for BCV because of the great location, so much to see, do and eat within walking distance. Jellyrolls would be really fun to walk home from. The pool was the other big factor. I'm from Rochester so I know you guys will think it is warm enough to swim at any time of year. Spring break will be balmy.

However my head was turned by the talk of a third bathroom at BLT. Hummm.. There will be 4-5 sinks in a two bedroom at BCV. I guess it depends on how high maintenance your friends are.