Swan V. Beach Club Villas

[4mickeyfans]

OK-

Need some advice! I'm trying to decide between the Swan Hotel and Beach Club Villas for our upcoming June trip.

I currently have the Swan booked at the teacher rate of $129/night but I have discovered through these boards that I can get the BCV for around $140/night (for a studio) by renting points.

I'm traveling with 2 kids (ages 4 and 7).

Has anyone stayed at both?

I was spoiled by staying at the GF my first 3 trips so now nothing stands close, but I've also stayed at the POR, CBR, and Grosvenor by DD. I saw where the BC was listed in the same category as the GF so I thought it would be really nice and at $140, shouldn't pass it up, but how are the VILLAS compared to the regular hotel rooms?

Also, if I rent DVC points, I know I won't have housekeeping...can you pay daily for fresh towels?

Any suggestions on room #'s or locations? The BC would be for a studio as opposed to a regular room at the Swan.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[ducklite]

You're actually going to be paying more after tax and the resort fee for the room at the Swan! There is no tax on point rentals through DVC, and no resort fee there either.

Here are some other differences:

At the villas you'll get a standard size deluxe room. It will have a sofa bed and a queen bed. It will also have a minifridge, microwave, and coffee maker. When the sofabed is folded up, it makes the room feel VERY spacious.

You will also have use of SAB, as well as being able to have charge priveleges all over WDW on your room key (this is a biggie for us).

At the Swan you will have two "real beds" and they will be the "Heavenly Beds", which are nice, but IMHO not like sleeping on air as some people tend to state.

I'm sure other people can give you more info.

You can pay extra for either daily housekeeping or daily towels, which will probablay cost as much as the hosuekeeping! We just hang our towels and then reuse them for a couple days. You will get clean towels every three or four days, plus there is free guest laundry you can use as well if you want to wash them more often.

Anne

 

[4mickeyfans]

Anne~

Thanks so much for your thoughts! Actually, since I posted, I did the math and came to your conclusion. With tax and resort fee (which despite what some online sites are saying about being "negotiable" I have learned is impossible to refuse) the nightly fee at the Swan would be around $154.

I have found an owner to rent points to me but we are unsure (until Monday) of availability at the Beach Club - I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks for letting me know about the free guest laundry - I read somewhere that DVC members had that service but I thought if I rented the points - rather than being the owner myself - I wouldn't get that perk.

Any thoughts as to a specific room # or location?

Marla

 

[Connears]

The laundry rooms at DVC are for those who are in studios because the other villas have their own washer and dryer. The laundry is free of charge. we stayed at OKW in a studio dec/jan and used the laundry by the pool for the first time because we always get a 1 or 2 bdroom.
Connears

 

[4mickeyfans]

Connears~

Have you stayed at both BCV and OKW? If so, how would you compare the two? I'm worried that the studio won't be available at BCV for the dates I need.

Marla

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

BCV's is closer to the action, but OKW is really nice too. If they don't have BCV's go ahead and take OKW. You won't be disappointed at all.

 

[4mickeyfans]

Thanks, Erika, for your suggestion. Would you say to take OKW over the reservation I already have at the Swan? Is it easy to get around to the parks from OKW?

Thanks
Marla

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Well, that's a tough decision. At OKW you have to rely completely on the bus (except they do offer a boat to downtown disney). But at the Swan you can walk or boat to Epcot and MGM.... which is great. I think it all boils down to price and personal choice. I really like the relaxed far away atmosphere at OKW. It always makes me feel like I'm near the ocean or on an island. The Swan gives me the feel of a "city" hotel. Typical highrise type accommodations... but very nice also. The negative is you don't get the lush tropical setting. But the location is fantastic. Tons of dining options and nightlife. That's why I think BCV's or BWV's would be my first choice if I were you. Hopefully they'll have availability.

Either way you'll have a great time.

 

[4mickeyfans]

Thanks, again, ...

I'll poll my family and see what matters more - location or ambiance! Hopefully, it will all be moot and the BCV will come through on Monday!

Hey~

Any thoughts on the studio v. 1 BR - it would cost more than double to do the 1 BR but I haven't seen too many posts raving about the studios. What type do you stay in?

Marla

 

[Terry S]

You can pay $10 per day for to have your towels refreshed and your trash taken out or you can pay $6 per day for new fresh towels at any of the DVC Villas.

As far as one bedroom vs Studio, that is really up to you. The Studio is definately as nice as any deluxe resort, if not a bit nicer with the fridge and microwave, but you can't beat the 1 bedroom since you can put the kids to bed and still have another room to walk around and do things with the lights on. And the washer and dryer in your room is really nice too!

 

[Dancind]

If you accept a reservation at OKW, it will also cost less. OKW points for a studio after June 10 will work out to $110 per night. Keep in mind, that's only weekday nights, weekends are double at all DVC resorts. With just you and two kids, I'd ask your "landlords" if they would be willing to waitlist you for the BCV (and waitlists often come through). It's just that much more convenient, and the pool is nicer. If it comes through, you would owe them the extra $30 per night.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

A one bedroom is like staying in a small apartment. You get the living room, dining area, full kitchen, laundry room, huge master bedroom, awesome master bath, jacuzzi, etc. Once you've stayed in one everything else at Disney seems tiny and cramped.

The studios are also nice. Similar to a deluxe resort but you also get the microwave and small fridge. The big difference with OKW compared to a deluxe is that they only have one restaurant (Olivia's). Most of the deluxe resorts have several different restaurants to choose from. Especially around the BW area.

Good luck!!