Switching Rooms at BWV-- Worth It?

[wordwitt]

We are new DVC members and were fortunate enough to be able to book a 1BD pool/garden view room at BWV over Labor Day weekend at four months out. I waitlisted for a standard view to save points, but then I saw that for three nights of our five nights there were Boardwalk view rooms available. I ended up booking those three nights (our last three nights) and waitlisting the first two nights. Worst case scenario, our waitlist doesn't come through (not holding my breath), and we end up switching to a new room after two nights. Has anyone ever done a room switch at the same resort? I'm assuming the process is pretty much the same as switching from one resort to another-- we'll have to leave our bags, etc. with bell services and come back after 4, etc. But is the hassle worth if for the view? This will be my husband's first trip to WDW, and he is already a reluctant DVC member, so I want to make it nice for him. I told him the noise could be an issue, but this didn't seem to bother him (and I'm hoping if the doors are closed the late night noise is minimal; he finds boat horns soothing). What do you guys think? Was this a stupid move?

 

[justcruisin]

While I've never done a split stay at the same resort I wouldn't hesitate to do it as long as you can make it fit with your touring plans. I'd love a view of the Boardwalk!

If you're planning a rope drop on the day of your move it won't work.

Moving also permits the purchase of a dining plan for a shorter period of time; just run the numbers to make sure it will work for you.

 

[wordwitt]

While I've never done a split stay at the same resort I wouldn't hesitate to do it as long as you can make it fit with your touring plans. I'd love a view of the Boardwalk!

If you're planning a rope drop on the day of your move it won't work.

Moving also permits the purchase of a dining plan for a shorter period of time; just run the numbers to make sure it will work for you.

I know my daughter may want to do EMH at HS that night, so we'll keep it low key during the day. There will be no rope drop for us that morning.

And yes, we'll probably do the dining plan the first two nights. I can do it anyway b/c I have two memberships and I've booked the first two nights under one. MS told me they can unlink my reservations, add the dining plan, then re-link so we don't have to move (assuming the WL goes through). We will need to get new RFID cards, though.

 

[Kidanifan08]

Generally, I would not favor a split stay for a trip of less than 7 days. But, in your case, the BW view is so great, I would make an exception! The switch day can make you feel a little homeless, but there is so much to do in the BW area, that you should be able to easily pass the time. Keep stalking the website -- sometimes those BW view rooms will show up as available before your WL is fulfilled. We got a 1 night WL for a BW view studio during Spring Break and it came through at less than two months before arrival!

Enjoy your first stay as DVC members!

 

[gojoe]

We had a studio the first night, we got in late. The next morning I called bell service they picked up our bags. We went off to the parks for the day. When we came back in the afternoon we call bell services again to bring them up to our new 1 bedroom villa.

 

[jekjones1558]

I think you did the right thing. If your DH likes boat horns then he will enjoy sitting on your BW view balcony and watching the boats come and go from the dock. We love doing that and I also like those horns! It would be great if the waitlist clears (hope it does!) but for your DH's first trip I think even the move is worthwhile. Good luck!

 

[wordwitt]

Thanks everyone! I was pretty excited to see three days in a row of BW view, so I snagged it and felt happy. But then the doubts started creeping in. My daughter (12) and I were at Yacht Club in May (before our DVC purchase closed), so we are fond of the area. We didn't think my husband would like the idea of a BW view, but surprisingly, he did. We requested the highest floor available. I anticipate being at Epcot a lot during our stay. Since my daughter and I were just there, we don't feel the need to go all hardcore at the parks. The idea is to enjoy the resort and maybe stroll Epcot/Boardwalk in the evenings, and make rope drop a couple times to stay for a few hours. I have ADRs at Flying Fish for dinner and Cat Cora for BF. I had a coveted Be Our Guest reservation but let it go b/c I don't know that we'll do MK this trip.

 

[wordwitt]

So I have a question: If I'm cruising the DVC site and see a BWV available for my WL dates, do I have to call MS to make the change? Or can I do it online? So far I've made all my modifications via MS because I can't see a way to do it online.

 

[twinmom108]

We've done it too. And we're doing it again in the Fall.
1 night AKV studio concierge
2 nights AKV 1 bd concierge
2 nights VWL
3 nights Disney Dream
6 nights BWV std view

Lots of moving around, but we'll get to sample almost a little of everything.

 

[NoleFan]

We were @ BWV this weekend in a Standard View Studio, 4th floor across from bus stop. We could see the fountain & bridge in front of the hotel. The walk to our room was not bad at all. We heard a couple car horns early night & bus beeping (think when they lower it for the handicap ramp?) a couple times. Nothing major. The BW view looked really awesome. We saw some people watching some of the street performers below from their balcony. Looked very cool. Our room was ready early (noon) so if you have to switch, your room might be ready early? Also, we used bell services & they were very helpful- hotel staff overall were great. Not sure if your daughter is too old but community hall was awesome. My DS 7 LOVED it & the staff was excellent. They have ceramics for the kids to paint & they glaze it in the kiln for you to take home. If you decide to do that, do it early in your stay so they have time to put it in the kiln. The pool was nice. We have stayed @ BC, too. BWV seemed to have more of a relaxed feel & more dining options right there. Just walking on the BW is just so nice & relaxing. The only thing that we did not like was the bus service to DTD. Way long & crowded. Better to get off @ Swan & walk back to BW. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[Kidanifan08]

So I have a question: If I'm cruising the DVC site and see a BWV available for my WL dates, do I have to call MS to make the change? Or can I do it online? So far I've made all my modifications via MS because I can't see a way to do it online.

If you have enough points leftover currently, you can book the room when you see it available, and then call MS later to link it to your current reservation and to drop the night in the garden view. If you don't have enough points, then you would need to call MS to have them do it.

 

[wordwitt]

Thanks for all the great and useful replies! In answer to your question, my daughter is not too old for Community Hall activities, and she loves craft projects, so hopefully we can take advantage of some of those while there. And yes, maybe we can get in early, esp. because we'll just be coming off the long weekend?

 

[NoleFan]

Thanks for all the great and useful replies! In answer to your question, my daughter is not too old for Community Hall activities, and she loves craft projects, so hopefully we can take advantage of some of those while there. And yes, maybe we can get in early, esp. because we'll just be coming off the long weekend?

Then your daughter will LOVE community hall. I think the only things they said you have to do during a scheduled event (they give you calendar @ check in) is ice cream making & tie dye because they have to set the stuff up for group. They can color, paint, do beads, etc. anytime. I was really impressed on how helpful the staff was. You also get DVC discount on some stuff, too. Enjoy your trip- I think your family will have a blast!!!

 

[LSchrow]

we did a split stay at BWV in may.
first night was in a standard view, and the other 10 nights in a BW view.
the first night:
- had bell services hold our suitcases & only used carry-ons (had suitcases & OL delivered next day to BW view)
- did the DDP for one night, using it for mama melrose/fantasmic package (TIW not valid on pkg), BW bakery for b'fast, tangerine cafe (YUM!) for dinner next night. loved having the mugs

we had the 2 reservations noted before arrival, then again at first check-in. our new room was ready when we vacated the first