Standard at BWV, what is the story?

[lenshanem]

Just curious... Standard is about the same in points as OKW, quite lower than the preferred category.

What is the story? How did this category come to be and why? Where are the standards and what are the views? Are they that bad they had to drop the points so on these units?

I have the thought in my mind to waitlist for standard instead of our OKW ressie we have now.

Love to hear the scoop! (And just why the infamous VWL dumpster view wasn't given a standard view category, too???)

Thanks!

 

[DebbieB]

From what I understand, when BWV first opened people complained that guests getting the boardwalk view paid the same points as guests with the driveway and parking lot view. Since most points were not sold yet, they changed it to make standard view lower.

I stayed in a standard view 1 bedroom the past 3 Decembers. I didn't think they were bad, there is alot of grass between the building and the driveway and the pond area at the end is pretty. I had a standard view in April that was over the old DVC offices facing the Swan, the very end of the hall next to Jellyrolls. Now that they are tearing down that building, these rooms may change to preferred view.

If you need to save points, I would not hesitate booking standard view.

 

[Simba's Mom]

My standard view was #3111, across from the bus stop. Like the previous poster said, though, there's so much lawn there, you're not really near it. I loved it and would also not hesitate to book it again (depending on when you're going, remember the convenience of Epcot-that seems to be "the happening place" for F&W, Christmas, and F&G)

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by lenshanem
Where are the standards and what are the views?

IIRC, you stayed at BWV at least once. The Standard View rooms are all of them that directly overlook the driveway entrance to the resort.

Personally, I was reluctant to even waitlist for a Standard View during our first stay because I didn't know what sort of a drop-off in quality might exist. After seeing the resort first-hand, I wouldn't hesitate to book a SV. In fact, I've already got reservations for a SV 1B next May.

 

[jekjones1558]

We have had standard views that were fine. We were NOT pleased with recent ones that were of a weed patch and a roof, 2nd floor over old Welcome Center (2004,2006, 2008, 2010). The landscaping has been neglected terribly and they are too low to see anything attractive. Boardwalk views across the hall were okay (2007, 2009). These rooms also had plastic (looked like torn up black garbage bags) covering the hallway carpets and lots of workers/equipment in the halls during the day. They were also a long way from elevators. I would NOT recommend these rooms at this time.

 

[slp87]

The room itself is exactly the same, it's just the difference in view. We've always stayed standard and have been pleased both times. As someone else stated you are back a little from the driveway, so you don't hear any noise. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony and people watching.

 

[MinnieGi]

We bought BWV b/c of those standard point options! I just love getting a villa in a prime Epcot location for just a point more than an OKW villa. (I'm not bashing OKW - we stay there too and love it) For our standard views we have both overlooked the canal and out at the Swan hotel and the front entrance of BWV. The one time we did book preferred (b/4 BW view was guarenteed) our room also faced the Swan just a little closer to the elevator but the view was the same. I'd rather pay the lower points.

 

[Laurabearz]

I am going to be trying for our first standard rooms at BWV for December 2005. BWV is my fave resort, and we have always gotten prefered view (BWView twice, luna pool once) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE BWView.... but we are taking freinds in 2005 and the lower points of standard view will allow us to stay at the BWV instead of OKW (We also LOVE OKW) but for Christmas.... Boardwalk is my Fave!

 

[drusba]

Are standard views OK? Members have more or less decided that issue by their reservation practices: the rooms with the highest demand at BWV and which usually fill-up first (even before boardwalk view is filled) are the standard view rooms. The view is fine and, measuring by demand, the savings in points is not outweighed by any preceived view disadvantage.

As noted above, the original set-up was for all rooms to have what is now the preferred view point schedule. Within the first few months after BWV went on sale in '96, that was changed because members and potential purchasers saw and complained that parking lot view was undesirable for the same points as other views. DVC redid all the offical sale documents to reflect the change (at the time there was not the brisk sales pace for DVC that has existed for the last few years and Disney was more willing to make changes that could effect sales).

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by drusba
...(snip)....(at the time there was not the brisk sales pace for DVC that has existed for the last few years and Disney was more willing to make changes that could effect sales).

And if they could easily undo/redo that decision, I bet they would.

Instead of lowering the points for the rooms now called "standard" view, I bet they wish they'd increased the points for the Boardwalk view rooms and left all the others at what is now the preferred rate.

Oh, if we only knew then what we know now! Wasn't that a Rod Stewart song? LOL!

Best wishes -

 

[spiceycat]

2 schedules for one resort is a problem - that the computer system has - don't tell me that VB always had two - you didn't try to reserve a garden view studio at VB - or you would have been told impossible for the first few years...I tried in 96,97, and finally 98 it was working.

DVC is very unhappy with this system and won't do it again.

there are unpleasant views in each and every DVC resort.

however that say - I would think they will have to for SSR - some of the new building won't have a water view or DD - those should definitely be lower points - but DVC has say they won't do 2 structures for points again?

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by CarolMN
Instead of lowering the points for the rooms now called "standard" view, I bet they wish they'd increased the points for the Boardwalk view rooms and left all the others at what is now the preferred rate.

Or, at the very least, they could have just made them separate booking categories with no point differential. Those who own at BWV would have the best shot at reserving the BW or Pool/Garden view at 11 mos, while others booking later would get the "Standard" view for the same point schedule.

Sad to say but I'm actually HOPING they at least make this move at SSR. As it stands now, there are no separate booking categories at my Home. If I book a room at 11 months, I'd like to be able to guarantee a Downtown Disney view. But with the current system, someone who books 2 weeks ahead has just as good a chance of getting the DD view, while I could be stuck in the unimpressive "Paddock" area.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by jekjones1558
We have had standard views that were fine. We were NOT pleased with recent ones that were of a weed patch and a roof, 2nd floor over old Welcome Center (2004,2006, 2008, 2010). The landscaping has been neglected terribly and they are too low to see anything attractive. Boardwalk views across the hall were okay (2007, 2009). These rooms also had plastic (looked like torn up black garbage bags) covering the hallway carpets and lots of workers/equipment in the halls during the day. They were also a long way from elevators. I would NOT recommend these rooms at this time.

They are supposed to be tearing down the red building and upgrading this area. After the building is gone, there should be an unobstructed view of the canal, which they may reclassify as preferred.

 

[jekjones1558]

They are supposed to be tearing down the red building and upgrading this area. After the building is gone, there should be an unobstructed view of the canal, which they may reclassify as preferred.

That is good news. In the meantime they are letting the landscaping go to ---- and it makes for a very UNdisneylike view. 4 of our 6 rooms had this view. Coupled with the mess in the hallway it was a disappointment. As I said, I would not recommend these rooms at this time. I would gladly have paid extra points for a BW view had I had any idea that there would be such an unpleasant standard view. Until such time as the red building is torn down, the courtyard should be maintained properly. JMO

 

[downontheBW]

Which "red building"? Please correct me if I'm wrong but...the only red building I know about in that area is Community Hall. They wouldn't tear that down, would they?

Last year, our BWV visit was in a preferred garden/pool view and we overlooked that roof also. Probably the standard views are lower and preferred views are on higher floors so do have a better view when looking over the roof.

 

[westjones]

We have a Standard View studio reserved for Dec. 18th at BWV. We picked this resort because 1) we haven't stayed there yet and would like to try all of the DVC resorts at least once adn 2) when we were at WDW last year for Christmas we stayed at the Swan (out of points) and the Boardwalk was a WONDERFUL place to be for Christmas. They had Santa, and people singing Christmas Carols and other entertainers out on the Boardwalk as well as beautiful decorations inside the resort.

I am glad to hear that people do enjoy the standard view. Of course we are only there one night (going on the Disney Cruise the next day).

DJ

 

[jekjones1558]

Which "red building"? Please correct me if I'm wrong but...the only red building I know about in that area is Community Hall. They wouldn't tear that down, would they?

Last year, our BWV visit was in a preferred garden/pool view and we overlooked that roof also. Probably the standard views are lower and preferred views are on higher floors so do have a better view when looking over the roof.

This is not community hall. It is in back of the old Welcome Center and was, I think, offices. You cannot see the pool or anything else from the rooms we stayed in, only a small courtyard now full of weeds. It is almost behind Jellyrolls.

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by tjkraz
Or, at the very least, they could have just made them separate booking categories with no point differential. Those who own at BWV would have the best shot at reserving the BW or Pool/Garden view at 11 mos, while others booking later would get the "Standard" view for the same point schedule.

Sad to say but I'm actually HOPING they at least make this move at SSR. As it stands now, there are no separate booking categories at my Home. If I book a room at 11 months, I'd like to be able to guarantee a Downtown Disney view. But with the current system, someone who books 2 weeks ahead has just as good a chance of getting the DD view, while I could be stuck in the unimpressive "Paddock" area.

As a SSR owner, I agree completely. The Paddock area doesn't seem to have much to offer, unless they put in another feature pool over there, which I"m hoping for. While the Springs, won't have a DD view, it has close proximity to High Rock Springs feature pool, Artist's Palette, and the arcade areas. I've actually requested that building area for my August 2005 trip. Closer proximity to the "important" areas outweighs the DD view when I'm with my kids. In August 2004 when I was there with just my husband, I was not fortunate to get a DD view, but was still in the "far from everything" Congress Park. It wasn't a problem for 2 adults, but I'd hate to have to trek back from the feature pool with 3 kids for something forgotten.

I also wish that there was some way that people who book at the 11 month window have more choice in their accomodations than people that squeeze in at the last minute. It all comes down to what order you get in at the desk at check in day, and I would think requests should be given more weight to someone who requested them 11 months ago and not when they pull up to the front desk.

 

[lenshanem]

I also wish that there was some way that people who book at the 11 month window have more choice in their accommodations than people that squeeze in at the last minute. It all comes down to what order you get in at the desk at check in day, and I would think requests should be given more weight to someone who requested them 11 months ago and not when they pull up to the front desk.

You got that right! Especially regarding nonsmoking and non handicap accessible studios with no tub! I think these should be guaranteed especially when you are booking eleven and seven months out. If when you book they are taken then you know it going into your trip. I just actually finished sending MS an email expressing this very concern.

I think back in the day they used to do this. I really don't like the room ready policy at all. Someone could book days before check in, while you book eleven months out. They check in an hour before you and get the better room. Doesn't seem quite fair, does it?

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by lenshanem
...(snip)...... I just actually finished sending MS an email expressing this very concern...............

Thanks for doing that. I'm sure we have the present policy because of all the complaints/problems the front desk CMs have to deal with on room assignments.

Maybe if more of us told MS how we feel, the "room ready" policy would be modified to at least give members who book at their home resorts "request priority".

Best wishes -