Let me start by saying that our home resort is BWV and we love it. However, at my husband's urging, we stayed at VWL for 4 nights in October. I had seen the model when we were looking at DVC and did not like it for the reasons you stated.
We all loved it. We had a dedicated 2BR on the 5th FL overlooking the pool and a little of Bay Lake. The boat transportation to MK was outstanding- short waits and very reliable. Even the bus to MGM and DTD was fine. The family restaurant downstairs was very good and Artists Point was outstanding. Check in was smooth due to an efficient staff and the kid's tv area. The beach area was nice and the kids (3 & 5) loved the pool and the slide. The best part for the kids was that every night when we came back to the room, we would see a frog or two suctioned to the outside glass on the hall windows! Anyway, to sum it up, everything surpassed our expectations and we booked it again for 8 nights next October.
Try it, it might surprise you!!
We all loved it. We had a dedicated 2BR on the 5th FL overlooking the pool and a little of Bay Lake. The boat transportation to MK was outstanding- short waits and very reliable. Even the bus to MGM and DTD was fine. The family restaurant downstairs was very good and Artists Point was outstanding. Check in was smooth due to an efficient staff and the kid's tv area. The beach area was nice and the kids (3 & 5) loved the pool and the slide. The best part for the kids was that every night when we came back to the room, we would see a frog or two suctioned to the outside glass on the hall windows! Anyway, to sum it up, everything surpassed our expectations and we booked it again for 8 nights next October.
Try it, it might surprise you!!