The I Love BWV (yes, Hallways and Clown Pool too!) Thread

[bobbiwoz]

I'm going to miss you by a week! I'll be at BCV next Sat., but I'm 100% certain I'll be making a trip or 2 over to the Bell Vue lounge. Best wine pour on property! Have a great trip. Save some nice weather for me!

We've never been there. I'm surprised my DSis never mentioned it to me. BWI/BWV are her favorite places to stay!

It looks like I'm missing lots of people. Still...it's a great time to go!

 

[arthur06]

3 weeks from tomorrow we check in for 6 nights!!!

 

[kristenrice]

Help me out!!!

I haven't set foot on the property of the BWV since 2001 when we first took a DVC tour! To my utter amazement, I was able to get a standard view 1BR for three nights in October for my birthday.

I've scoured the boards, looking at every picture and diagram that I can find so that I can prepare myself as much as possible. DSiL is coming with me and this will be her first trip to WDW! I told her how much fun F&W is and she accepted my invitation to join me. Now the planning begins....

The only request I can think of off hand is for an upper floor. I've read that the rooms closer to the elevators can be noisy and the quiet rooms can be quite a hike. Given the fact that we will need to walk off a lot of calories, the walks do not bother us. Is there any other request we should make? Or should I just leave it at "higher floor" and deal with what we're given? I'd love to get one of those "special" 1BR's, with the wraparound balcony, but I won't press my luck.

How is the transportation situation? We're currently booked at AKV for our first two days with a waitlist for BLT so we will get AK and MK out of the way before we move to BWV. I'm assuming that the boats and our two feet are the only transportation options to DHS and Epcot, correct? How long of a walk is it? I read about people loving BWV because it's "just a short walk" to Epcot and the studios....then they complain about the long hallways. I can't believe that the hallways are longer than the walk to the parks.

Boardwalk Bakery....the only CS restaurant? How late is it open? I've read that it gets very busy in the morning. Is it possible to get pastries or sandwiches at night and save them for the morning?

That's all for now....I'm sure there is more to follow...

 

[lowe@massed.net]

Hi Kristen,
Sounds like a fun trip for you and your DSiL!

...The only request I can think of off hand is for an upper floor. I've read that the rooms closer to the elevators can be noisy and the quiet rooms can be quite a hike....

I think being on the top floor will ensure more quiet than being far from the elevators. I'd specifically request "top" rather than just "upper" floor.

...I'm assuming that the boats and our two feet are the only transportation options to DHS and Epcot, correct? How long of a walk is it?...

It's about a 10-minute walk to Epcot's International Gateway from BWV and 20 or so to DHS. You can also bus to DHS. We love both walks, but will take a boat back from DHS if we're tired. You can get off the boat at the Swan/Dolphin and walk back to BWV from there and you'll beat the boat back.

...Boardwalk Bakery....the only CS restaurant? How late is it open? I've read that it gets very busy in the morning. Is it possible to get pastries or sandwiches at night and save them for the morning?...

You can also get breakfast items, although more limited than the bakery, at the Bellevue Lounge inside the Boardwalk. The bakery is open until fairly late at night, so yes, you could pick up some food there the night before.

That's all for now....I'm sure there is more to follow...

Keep 'em coming!

 

[kristenrice]

Hi Kristen,
Sounds like a fun trip for you and your DSiL!



I think being on the top floor will ensure more quiet than being far from the elevators. I'd specifically request "top" rather than just "upper" floor.



It's about a 10-minute walk to Epcot's International Gateway from BWV and 20 or so to DHS. You can also bus to DHS. We love both walks, but will take a boat back from DHS if we're tired. You can get off the boat at the Swan/Dolphin and walk back to BWV from there and you'll beat the boat back.



You can also get breakfast items, although more limited than the bakery, at the Bellevue Lounge inside the Boardwalk. The bakery is open until fairly late at night, so yes, you could pick up some food there the night before.



Keep 'em coming!

Thanks for the info!

 

[LSchrow]

The only request I can think of off hand is for an upper floor. I've read that the rooms closer to the elevators can be noisy and the quiet rooms can be quite a hike. Given the fact that we will need to walk off a lot of calories, the walks do not bother us. Is there any other request we should make? Or should I just leave it at "higher floor" and deal with what we're given? I'd love to get one of those "special" 1BR's, with the wraparound balcony, but I won't press my luck.

How is the transportation situation? ... I'm assuming that the boats and our two feet are the only transportation options to DHS and Epcot, correct? How long of a walk is it? I read about people loving BWV because it's "just a short walk" to Epcot and the studios....then they complain about the long hallways. I can't believe that the hallways are longer than the walk to the parks.

Boardwalk Bakery....the only CS restaurant? How late is it open? I've read that it gets very busy in the morning. Is it possible to get pastries or sandwiches at night and save them for the morning?
...

most of your questions have been answered, so i'll just add:
it can't hurt to request an end room - i would try at check-in, you might get lucky
rooms far away from the elevators will still have a stairwell nearby. if you are on the top floor, you'll love the convenience going don, but might not so much going up all the flights (use the elevator then). we love using the stairwells - they feel like our private exit/entrance.
the walk to both EPCOT and DHS is wonderful - we prefer enjoying the scenery, atmosphere, and having chats along the way. the friendships have gotten much more crowded over the years, as more people started using them for transportation between the two parks. we do ride them occassionally, but only during slow times.

the "long" hallways are grossly exagerated, imho. it is still a beautiful walk to your room, with windows to look out of, and cozy seating areas along the way.
consider renting a car for at least part of your trip, and stock the kitchen with goodies so you are not dependent upon counter service. alamo and national have a car rental counter (with wonderful service, btw) a short walk away at the dolphin. there are other places for a quick bite.: a few kiosks with hot dogs, funnel cakes, etc, b'fast at the belle vue lounge (with cakes, etc from the bakery), take-out from BRG. hurricane hannahs at the BC has good burgers, and remember, you are just a short walk to all the counter services in world showcase.
BWV is an amazing resort, have a wonderful time

 

[kristenrice]

Did I read correctly that the BellVue Lounge accepts the TIW card? I thought it was like a "bar" (ala Victoria Falls at AKV) and I did't realize they serve breaksfast there. That would be great since we are not big breakfast eaters, but we would definitely need something before heading out. The danishes and pastries at the France pavilion in Epcot are also yummy!

 

[horselover]

Did I read correctly that the BellVue Lounge accepts the TIW card? I thought it was like a "bar" (ala Victoria Falls at AKV) and I did't realize they serve breaksfast there. That would be great since we are not big breakfast eaters, but we would definitely need something before heading out. The danishes and pastries at the France pavilion in Epcot are also yummy!

They do indeed. It takes a little longer because the bartender needs to call a manager, but as long as you're not in a hurry it works out great.

 

[LisaS]

I didn't realize they serve breakfast there.

They don't "serve" breakfast there exactly. They sell single-serving boxes of cereal, little cartons of milk and juice, coffee, some fruit, some pastries maybe or muffins or bagels (can't quite remember). They have a couple of small tables where you can sit and eat your food. It's OK if you want something simple and quick. But then again, you could fix exactly the same meal in your villa with items purchased from The Screen Door, the bakery or from a grocery delivery for less money.

If you want a hot breakfast, try the Captains Grill at the Yacht Club. They have a small buffet or you can order off the menu. The food is good and not as outrageously priced as most other WDW table service places.

 

[kristenrice]

Here's another one...

The Hess station that I hear so much about....can we buy liquor there or just beer? We won't have a car (thank goodness...) and I know that on-site liquor is a budget-buster, so could we consider the Hess station?

Last trip, I just wrapped a couple bottles of booze in bubble wrap and stowed them in my checked bag. I'm not sure I'll be checking a bag this time so I need an alternative as a backup.

 

[Cant wait for Disney]

i'm sorry if this has been answered before-there's a lot to read through! we are staying at BWV for the 1st time this summer and arent too familiar with them. Are there plates, bowls, utensils there? thank you!!

 

[LoveKermit]

I know the Hess has wine, so it may have some liquor. DH isn't home now and he's the only one that has done the Hess runs.

Yes, all 1BR villas have fully equipped kitchens. If you google allears, they have complete kitchen supply lists. It at least tellls you what you should have, then you know to ask if it's not there.

(We were sure we were missing our bottle opener at SSR so we called and they brought us one....about 10 minutes later we found it, right in front of our eyes. duh)

 

[LSchrow]

i'm sorry if this has been answered before-there's a lot to read through! we are staying at BWV for the 1st time this summer and arent too familiar with them. Are there plates, bowls, utensils there? thank you!!

what size villa do you have.?
1-bdrm and up have full kitchens with all the amenities.
studios have paper bowls and plates, plastic cutlery, but "real" coffee mugs and glasses. there is a small fridge (fine for 2 ppl, imho), toaster, microwave, coffee maker.
you will get supplies on your first day - coffee, etc, and the day of your full cleaning. if you need additional coffee, bring or buy some (basket filters are good, but a paper towel can be used also).

 

[ariel5884]

They have got the best pool on property! During f&w they have the best location. I love the fact that u can get funnel cake or fried ice cream right on the boardwalk. They even have performers at night. They also have jellyrolls when noone else has entertainment.

 

[Melani]

We're looking at getting a small tag along trailer.
Will we have any issues with parking at BWV?

 

[cman]

We just came back form a trip to BWV. It was the 4th time my parents came along and parked their RV in the BW parking lot. They've never had a problem. Plenty of room.

 

[nydisney14]

Love the BW. Can't beat the Boardwalk view, best sight in Disney!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Last month we spent a week at the Boardwalk and we walked over to the Hess Station for a few needs. I took a bunch of pictures and notes of what they have for selection. I hope this helps someone!

WDW only has Chase ATMs, this might be useful for someone to avoid a charge...

Lots of random stuff. You could make spaghetti (without meat), Mac & Cheese and PB&J...wait, they were out of peanut butter. You could make jelly sandwiches. Or Spam ones.

You might have spied the coffee. The 8-12 type filters are the ones you use in a DVC Villa, but for the regular hotel rooms you need the 4 cup ones.

Some single-size cereals and full box too.

I know this matters to a lot of people!

Trail mix type stuff on the end.

Only Coke products. And no, they don't sell gum!

Handy stuff!

The only fruit in the entire joint.

Single-serving type and 1/2 Gallons.

Half & Half

Overall, here is what I put in my notes: Hess is a lot smaller than I had imagined. They have a LOT of various chips and a few "healthy" choices like pita and veggies chips. The only fruit they had were bananas that were still green and Red Delicious apples. Boring. No veggies, not even a bag of baby carrots. They sold hot dog buns, but no hot dogs. No string cheese or cups of yogurt. 1/2 gallon of milk was $3.09, it's $0.15 cheaper at the Boardwalk, which was surprising. Soda was on sale, and the worker told me about that, so I got 2-12 packs for just over the price of one. A gallon of water is $1.99. A few toiletry items, feminine products, diapers, wipes, toilet paper, tooth care, hair stuff. Candy bars and other candy-typical gas stations stuff. There was a section for hot food, but the displays were empty while I was in there. One was for hot breakfast sandwiches. There was a coffee bar area too, and they did have a roller cooker of hot dogs. The only juice they had was single-serving style. A lot of things didn't have price tags.

It was kinda strange to see the CM's...in costume...pumping gas and purchasing items!

 

[dansyr2514]

Thanks for posting the pics.... Good to know there is a PNC ATM. Dbf has an atm card with that bank..now we can avoid all the extra charges.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks for posting the pics.... Good to know there is a PNC ATM. Dbf has an atm card with that bank..now we can avoid all the extra charges.

Glad to help!!