Trying to decide between BW or BC for our next trip.

[disfanforlife]

We are new members AKV - just went on our first trip in Nov with DP to SSR and had a great time. So, I took advantage of our 11 month booking window and booked 8 nights at AKV for Nov 2009. I would love to try another resort too, either Boardwalk or Beachclub. Dh would too, but things packing and unpacking will be a major inconvenience. I think it will be a small inconvenience to be able to experience another resort during the same trip. We are only planning to go once a year. So, if you recommend one over the other which one? Also, we do you think we should go to AK the first 4 days or the last 4 days. Thanks for any suggestions or input!

 

[starbox]

Well, while I have done my share of split trips, I would suggest that since it's your first trip home to AKV that you just stay there the whole time - the resort has so much to offer that I think it takes some time to really enjoy/experience being "home".

That said - BWV and BCV are both nice resorts. This is just my personal preference, but I typically start our trips going a little heavier on the parks because it's all so exciting. After a few days, I'm ready to just enjoy the resort. For this reason, if you do a split stay, I'd suggest a different order based on which you choose:

BWV first - then AKV - the reason is that BWV gives you access to parks and is great for LOCATION. AKV is more of a stay and enjoy being at the resort place - you could spend hours and hours watching the savanna, dining, etc and the lobby/lodge are awe-inspiring.

OR

AKV first - then BCV. Beacuse lets be honest, BCV is all about that pool. Get the parks out of your system and enjoy the second half of the trip doing a little park touring and a whole lot of enjoying the pool and Boardwalk/beach area at night.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Every year is different, but this past November had colder temperatures than we expect to have this coming week. We were at BW/BCV this past November and hardly used the pools, well, 3 times in the 7 night stay.

If you could get the Standard view at the BWV, that's the one I would go to, and save BCV, with the higher point cost for a time when you expect warmer weather.

I'm someone who loves the animals at AKV, and I watch them a lot. Either first or last in the trip doesn't matter, but be sure that you do pencil in time to see the animals at night and talk to the CMs from Africa.

Disney has done a great job moving our things from resort to resort, and I wouldn't hesitate to do a 2 resort trip. All of my "changing resort trips" have included some time at AKV!

Bobbi

 

[DebbieB]

Standard view at BWV at 7 months might be difficult to get. If it's early November, any BWV or BCV might be difficult due to the Food & Wine Festival.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Yes, that's true about SV at the BWV, but in that case, try to book the last part of your trip at BWV...maybe it will be after the F&W. It's those "extra points" that I would hate to spend for a resort loved for it's pool when the weather is so iffy, plus the BWV's pool is very nice, so if you can swim, you've got a good one pool too, and a convenient Community Hall as well.

Bobbi

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

I would say if it is your first trip "Home" then I would recommend staying the length of the trip at your home resort. Explore around and get to know your new home in depth. Take in everything you can and enjoy your new home.

If you do decide to split your stay, I would pick BW over BC for a late fall trip. If it were a summer trip, I'd say BC over BW as the best part of BC is SAB and in Nov the weather will be hit or miss. Both resorts are nice and have great locations but I prefer BW for everything other than the pool.

 

[disfanforlife]

Well, while I have done my share of split trips, I would suggest that since it's your first trip home to AKV that you just stay there the whole time - the resort has so much to offer that I think it takes some time to really enjoy/experience being "home".

That said - BWV and BCV are both nice resorts. This is just my personal preference, but I typically start our trips going a little heavier on the parks because it's all so exciting. After a few days, I'm ready to just enjoy the resort. For this reason, if you do a split stay, I'd suggest a different order based on which you choose:

BWV first - then AKV - the reason is that BWV gives you access to parks and is great for LOCATION. AKV is more of a stay and enjoy being at the resort place - you could spend hours and hours watching the savanna, dining, etc and the lobby/lodge are awe-inspiring.

OR

AKV first - then BCV. Beacuse lets be honest, BCV is all about that pool. Get the parks out of your system and enjoy the second half of the trip doing a little park touring and a whole lot of enjoying the pool and Boardwalk/beach area at night.

We are the same way - going heavier to the parks at first, then we tend to slow down "a little". Those are both great idea on which resort to go to and it what order - thanks so much for you ideas.

 

[disfanforlife]

Every year is different, but this past November had colder temperatures than we expect to have this coming week. We were at BW/BCV this past November and hardly used the pools, well, 3 times in the 7 night stay.

If you could get the Standard view at the BWV, that's the one I would go to, and save BCV, with the higher point cost for a time when you expect warmer weather.

I'm someone who loves the animals at AKV, and I watch them a lot. Either first or last in the trip doesn't matter, but be sure that you do pencil in time to see the animals at night and talk to the CMs from Africa.

Disney has done a great job moving our things from resort to resort, and I wouldn't hesitate to do a 2 resort trip. All of my "changing resort trips" have included some time at AKV!

Bobbi

I agree when we were there in Nov. this year - the first day was 82 and was the ONLY day that the kids went in the pool. It dropped down into the 60's after that and stayed there. We were there for 6 nights - Nov 15- 21. So, you are right, we might not be able to use the pool at BC, but I hope that if we do stay there we would have a chance to use it at least once. We love the animals to and had a great time going on the trail at AK and seeing the gorillas and the hippos - those were some of the best suprises for us. The last time we went it was even colder and we hardly saw any animals. (2/07)

 

[disfanforlife]

Standard view at BWV at 7 months might be difficult to get. If it's early November, any BWV or BCV might be difficult due to the Food & Wine Festival.

I think when we are going the festival will be done. We are booked for Monday, Nov 16 until Tuesday, Nov 24.

 

[disfanforlife]

Yes, that's true about SV at the BWV, but in that case, try to book the last part of your trip at BWV...maybe it will be after the F&W. It's those "extra points" that I would hate to spend for a resort loved for it's pool when the weather is so iffy, plus the BWV's pool is very nice, so if you can swim, you've got a good one pool too, and a convenient Community Hall as well.

Bobbi

I am not too worried about points right now because we used DP for our trip this Nov. So next year 11/09 will actually be our banked points from 08 plus a few of 09's. I figure with us going once a year and having 200 points we will be able to use the extra points divided in 3 - by banking for the next 3 years and get to stay longer. We will be staying at a 2 BD no matter what every time. My oldest DD and son would love to go to BW one for the looks of the BW and the other for the pool. My DH really wants to try BC - says it looks quieter and more relaxing to him. Me, I want to go to ALL of them!!!!!

 

[disfanforlife]

I would say if it is your first trip "Home" then I would recommend staying the length of the trip at your home resort. Explore around and get to know your new home in depth. Take in everything you can and enjoy your new home.

If you do decide to split your stay, I would pick BW over BC for a late fall trip. If it were a summer trip, I'd say BC over BW as the best part of BC is SAB and in Nov the weather will be hit or miss. Both resorts are nice and have great locations but I prefer BW for everything other than the pool.

I think it would be more relaxing to just stay at one resort, but let me be honest - I don't really go to Disney to relax much.... That being said if we actually had some nice weather I could be pursuaded to spend a day hanging at the pool, but that hasn't happened to us yet. We went in 2/06 and 2/07 - both VERY cold and this year our first year as DVC owners 11/08 seemed warmer to us than Feb. We were happy with the crowd level and that is why we are choosing the same time again. Spring, Summer or early Fall are out of the question for us due to work. Our vacation can only be from Nov - March. What else do you prefer at BW? Having never visited BW or BC in person I would love to know.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

If I was planning on hitting them all eventually, I'd take the first available. If they're both open then go with the smallest resort first which would be BC and prob. harder to book in the future.

 

[disfanforlife]

If I was planning on hitting them all eventually, I'd take the first available. If they're both open then go with the smallest resort first which would be BC and prob. harder to book in the future.

Good point! Thanks.

 

[starbox]

What else do you prefer at BW? Having never visited BW or BC in person I would love to know.

Well, for me, it's the atmosphere of the boardwalk at night and the boardwalk view rooms - BUT you have access to everything at BWV if you stay at BCV - you can use the pool, boardwalk, and rec center - in fact, on our last stay at BCV, they listed BWV's recreational activities as well at ECV's at check-in.

If you stay at BWV, you can't use BCV's pool. After staying in both places, we'll always choose BCV over BWV since we still get to enjoy the recreation hall and boardwalk entertainment. All the dining and shopping is along the boardwalk and accessible to anyone.

This is just me, but out of all the Disney area DVC resorts (and we've stayed everywhere at least once) - BCV and AKV are the only two that I regularly wanted to leave the parks to come back to my room and enjoy the resort during the day.

 

[disfanforlife]

Well, for me, it's the atmosphere of the boardwalk at night and the boardwalk view rooms - BUT you have access to everything at BWV if you stay at BCV - you can use the pool, boardwalk, and rec center - in fact, on our last stay at BCV, they listed BWV's recreational activities as well at ECV's at check-in.

If you stay at BWV, you can't use BCV's pool. After staying in both places, we'll always choose BCV over BWV since we still get to enjoy the recreation hall and boardwalk entertainment. All the dining and shopping is along the boardwalk and accessible to anyone.

This is just me, but out of all the Disney area DVC resorts (and we've stayed everywhere at least once) - BCV and AKV are the only two that I regularly wanted to leave the parks to come back to my room and enjoy the resort during the day.

I am so glad that I asked this question - thank you! I LOVE Epcot, so being within walking distance is very appealing to me. I haven't stayed at AK, but am definitely looking forward to it and from everything I have read it seems like there will be an awesome new pool area. Also for this trip we are planning to take MIL and it will be her FIRST trip to Disney and she is so excited. She doesn't care where we stay, she just wants to go. The only thing about AK that I am a little concerned about is the dining. Shall we say my family is not always interested in trying new things - that is the polite way to say it. A lot of days though - we eat at whatever park we are in.

 

[starbox]

The only thing about AK that I am a little concerned about is the dining. Shall we say my family is not always interested in trying new things - that is the polite way to say it. A lot of days though - we eat at whatever park we are in.

You don't have to be adventerous with dining at AKL - Mara has good ole theme park burgers, chicken nuggets, and pizza in addition to a couple of more themed offerings. Boma's breakfast is very unintimidating - no more exotic than Tonga Toast at the Poly IMHO, and the dinner is only as adventerous as you make it - there are entrees like roast beef and a whole section of kid food like fries and nuggets. Jiko offers a really good filet mignon with mac and cheese. It's really very family-friendly. My kids are both pretty picky eaters, and they were happy.