VWL or BCV? Update. Yippee...... we bought!

[Disney Enthusiast]

O.k. I asked the question as to whether I should add-on at SSR (I have 200 pts now) or add-on elsewhere and received some great advice. With DVC growing so much, I want to be assured of being able to stay elsewhere once in a while even at a smaller resort. So I will prob. buy the 100 pts at another resort.

Question....... Give me your opinions on VWL and BCV. I need help deciding. I know most of the "on the record" pros and cons, but tell me what you personally think. I'm interested in not only the facts but opinions as well.

Some facts about our family which may help you w/ your advice. We normally travel in Dec (VWL is esp. beautiful at that time of year and hard to get into), and have small children (they would love MK and MGM right now), but my husband and I love EPCOT and when the children are older may want to be closer to there for the F&W Festival etc, and we love good views (BCV are known for that). We LOVE the theming of the Boardwalk, but at SSR, we will be in the center of things, and feel we will be getting the same sort of atmosphere at BWV and that's why we are leaning more towards VWL (secluded) and BCV (laid back atmosphere). OKW is also a wonderful resort, but we really wanted a themed pool so I think OKW is out for us right now. We live on a mtn bordering state game lands and hiking trails, and got married in Vail, CO and met on a ski slope, so our favorite theme has to go VWL. It just makes us all warm and fuzzy. But the BCV are newer and have the water activities we love so and are bright and cheery. I know we can't go wrong at ANY of the resorts, but thought your helpful advice might help us in making a decision..... cuz eventually we have to narrow it down and make a choice. I don't have enough $ to buy at every one of them. Bummer.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks so much.

 

[Granny]

You have done a great job of thinking about your add-on points, and the location you might want to go to. You are to be commended for putting a little time and thought into this (IMHO) important decision.

You list lots of great pros for each choice you have. But to me, this one is the real decider...

Originally posted by Disney Enthusiast
....so our favorite theme has to go VWL. It just makes us all warm and fuzzy.

That emotional connection was the deciding factor to us. Let's face it, WDW is pretty much a "state of mind" vacation and anything that connects with someone emotionally can only enhance that.

From a practical standpoint, VWL may work well too because if you go to F&W Festival, you have two resorts to choose from at BWV and BCV that will be nicely situated.

You can't go wrong...they're both great resorts. Good luck!

 

[jaysue]

I think VWL will be a good choice given your overview...unless SAB is a strong priority for you and the family as the kids get older

thanks
jaysue

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by Disney Enthusiast
But the BCV are newer and have the water activities we love so and are bright and cheery.

Oops...forgot to comment on this too. I'll grant that the BCV has a brighter, cheerier decor, but as for water activities I think you'll find that VWL has a much broader assortment and a bigger "play area" in Bay Lake. Unless you're referring to the Illuminations Cruises?

 

[pumpkinboy]

Reading thru your post tells me that what you really want is to buy in at VWL. In the near term it suits your needs best, and hey, you might trade with someone with BCV later on when that becomes more appealing (or better yet, another add-on ).

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Thanks jaysue. I just got done looking through all of the SAB pictures and it is MARVELOUS! My kids are just starting to go through that stage where SAB will be highly important and sought after. I know you have to watch them like hawks but it is worth it. I also like the rooms and decor at BCV. Very relaxing. SAB would definitely be a deciding factor on BCV. But if I don't get BCV, I guess I could always take the kids to BB.... a little bit of a pain to leave the resort, but an option.

Thanks Granny for your comments. Just reading what you said about the "state of mind" vacations really hit home for me. I could feel myself just relaxing and smiling right here at my desk. Although I REALLY do love ALL the resorts, VWL is nestled in my heart and I do believe it has some sort of hold on my DH and me. I can't necessarily explain why, but it does. We feel some stronger connection to it emotionally than all the other resorts. It may be more emotional than logical and that is why I am asking for your advice on this matter. I didn't know if I was thinking w/ my head and going w/ the best possible choice for a young family. And yet it sounds to me like you think that should be the strongest deciding factor when choosing a resort.... following your heart. I guess it really is an emotional decision. That makes sense to me. You should choose a resort as you would choose a spouse, by following your heart, not by deciding based on careers or money or location. If you are in love, then you are in love, period. Thanks for putting that into perspective for me.

And, Granny, I didn't realize that the water activities (water sprites and such) are more prevalent at VWL. But, you are right, they are. I was thinking the other way around. And you think I'd have a better chance at getting into the EPCOT area because I have 2 resorts to choose from, but it will be more difficult to get into VWL because it is only one? That makes a lot of sense to me. And I do like BWV and would be happy staying at either BWV or BCV and wouldn't be broken hearted if I got one over the other. But I would be broken hearted if I never got VWL.

So I guess my choice has already been made. I knew most of the pros and cons of each but just couldn't get off the fence. I needed someone to go beyond the usual opinions and facts, and give me some good hard subjective advice. You both gave me the info I really needed to make this important decision. I've read many of your posts and I feel I've gotten to know you both and I trust you implicitly. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to help out a fellow neighbor.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

LOL. Hi Pumpkinboy.... I think I was typing when you were and I came to the same conclusion. You had some really great points on it being better for us now that kids are younger and we love the theme so. I feel my heart really wants VWL.

And the add-onitis doesn't stop here does it? Going on more vacations is not an option for us, but as my husband gets older and maybe finds a few good men/women to watch the business while he is gone, adding on might just come into the picture. So BCV may be in our future anyway. And there is always the option of trading. My cousins own at BWV and I could always trade w/ them. And that gets me into the EPCOT area. Not a bad idea.

Thanks for posting me. Sincerely.

 

[Granny]

Well Brigitte, since you've decided anyway, let me throw some more "support" your way.

You have those cute young ones in your picture, and VWL is the closest to MK. And at that age, the boat ride to MK will be like an attraction all in itself!

Also, this quote strikes home...

Originally posted by Disney Enthusiast
Although I REALLY do love ALL the resorts, VWL is nestled in my heart and I do believe it has some sort of hold on my DH and me. I can't necessarily explain why, but it does. We feel some stronger connection to it emotionally than all the other resorts.

While you look at those two youngsters, you might not be realizing that the odds are that over the course of the DVC contract, you might be making just as many trips without your children (when they're older) as you do with them.

Your quote above describes DW and I very well. And the thought of "empty nester" trips to VWL sounds....perfect!


I guess we'll let the grandkids go too if we have any!

Good luck in your decision and add-on pursuit.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Thanks Granny. I do enjoy reading your posts and you are right on the mark regarding my family and VWL. You just solidified my decision that VWL is right for us, now and always. And we do love to take the boat over to the MVMCP in December. It is an attraction all in itself and a wonderful way to enter the MK.

Do I remember reading that your heart belongs to VWL as well? I seem to remember reading a post from someone stating they stole your quote about VWL and that you are an expert on VWL an VWL's number one fan. Well, maybe we'll be neighbors someday. It's nice to meet ya.

And thanks for the "cute young ones" comment. I appreciate your kind remarks. Sincerely, Brigitte

 

[littlestar]

We've got 200 at VWL and 85 at BCV. If I could only own one, it would have to be the VWL. I relax just as soon as I enter the lobby.

I think you have a good chance of Preferred points at BWV or BCV when you want the Epcot area (as long as its not peak time). Don't be afraid of the wait list. It has worked quite well for us when we go at nonpeak times.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You have done a wonderful job of thinking out your decision. Sometimes we just need a boost from someone here to help us know what we really want. Good luck, and hope you find the PERFECT resale!

 

[Lexxiefern]

As I was reading your post I thought the same thing that Granny posted in his first post. If you get warm and fuzzy, then that is the place for you.

We (DH and I ) get that warm and fuzziness at BWV. It is a wonderful feeling isn't it? And to be able to book there 11 months in advance is the best.

Glad you made a decision that will fit you and your family!! Hope you get your points soon!

 

[kcashner]

Where you buy doesn't have to be where you stay! Yes, I am aware of the 7 months vs. 11 months window. However, unless you are looking for Christmas holidays...either I've been lucky, or my home resort doesn't really matter. I've never had a problem getting into the resort I've requested. I've always called with my list of "alternatives," but always gotten first choice. The only time I couldn't get my choice, I also couldn't get in anywhere (late decision right before a holiday.) However, we were wait listed, and one week before the vacation, we got in at our first choice.

All that said...the only place I've had a problem was at WL. I like the decor, etc. However, on 2 consecutive mornings, housekeeping woke us at 7am. The first time, it was a pure and simple mistake on their part--our check out was the next day, and had never been changed. The next day, they wanted to clean the unit at 7 am. Check out is 10 or 11, and I wasn't ready to leave at 7. Unfortunately, the housekeeping staff spoke almost no English. I had to get someone on the phone to deal with it. Also, we once stayed in a studio at WL. There are not nearly enough washers/dryers in that place! I've made that complaint in person and in writing.

Bottom line...go with your heart. I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[crisi]

I'm going to try to make you feel better about your choice.

We are BWV owners and were there when the pool slide was closed. We used our chance to pool hop over to SAB. I was thrilled for the chance to check out SAB. Until that moment, I'd always really wondered if we should have bought BCV just for SAB.

SAB is really, really, really cool. It is also a pool where it is really, really, really hard to watch your kids. They were right there, then the floated down the lazy river, got out of the pool someplace and they are now......where? going down the slide? Over by the pirate slides? Playing in the sand and the shallows? Hopped over to the beach? In one of the hot tubs? And of course, you jump to the worst conclusion - you can't find them because they've drown! When we were there our kids were little enough that we were always with them, but I can't imagine being there with the six to twelve crowd. I'd lose it. The woman who had the beach chair next to us lost her seven year old daughter for an hour. Having lost a child for forty minutes before, you age a week for every minute they are missing.

I am ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that there are parents who aren't such basket cases as I am who love SAB and are either able to track their children through that warren or just trust they will meet them at the appointed time and place. I'm not one of those moms. Maybe you are.

(We love the VWL theming as well. My home resort sort of picked me - right price, right use year, resale available - when VWL wasn't selling and resales at VWL were far and few between....if I would have picked, I think we'd be at VWL)

 

[pumpkinboy]

I forgot to mention, Disney Enthusiast, congratulations on producing redheaded offspring! I have two (one each), plus myself, so we have a redheaded majority in our family (my wife always wanted redheaded children, but still shies away from chemical enhancement to match us).

 

[DeeP]

I agree with everyone else, your heart is with VWL so that is your answer.
Also the following statement you made says it all:

........would be happy staying at either BWV or BCV and wouldn't be broken hearted if I got one over the other. But I would be broken hearted if I never got VWL.

 

[eporter66]

It seems to me that you are really leaning towards VWL. If you go by most of the advice here, it is always buy where you want to stay the most - so that seems like great advice.

I have stayed at WL but never the villa's. I think the theme is great and if I was to add on, I would be in the same dilema, it would either be VWL or BCV. Our favorite park is also Epcot (no kids yet), and that would probably be the biggest reason for BCV.

But, that being said - I dont see the big deal with the transportation to and from the parks. I have never been to WDW at the busiest times of year, but I think people are missing something with the VWL. All you need to do is get to the ticket and transportation center which is basically right around the corner from the VWL. You can get the monorail, or a bus to get to Epcot - and we never have waited long. Of course - MK is a boatride, monorail, or bus.

It is a tough decision, but one I would be happy to have. We also own at SSR - and if we do decide to add on - we will be in the same shoes you are.

I guess my vote would go to VWL - just based on how much it sounds like you want to be there. Think of it this way - you cant go wrong being in Disney, so that is why I did not subscribe to the buy where you want to stay the most. We just want to be in Disney, and DVC provides great accomodations in all the resorts. If there comes a time when I will only be able to make ressies at SSR, I cant see that being a real bad thing. I can always hop a bus, or rent a car and get to any of the parks or resorts in no time.

Good luck and let us know!!!!!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Littlestar: Thanks for the support on VWL and the pointers. I think I will have a better chance of getting the EPCOT area now that my neighbors brought that to my attention, but I didn't realize it before. And I will give the waitlist a try seeing as a lot of the posters seem to have success w/ that option. I appreciate your opinions and advice.

Dianeschlicht: Thank you for the warm wishes on my search for a resale. And you are absolutely right in that I did need my fellow posters and experts on DVC to help direct me to the right choice for my family. I already had the answer, just needed a push towards it. And I wanted to know the information, not stated in the guidebooks or websites or other general locations. I wanted to know the unknowns. And my friendly posters gave me exactly what I needed. Thank you.

Lexxiefern: Also, thank you for the warm wishes and kind regards. It's nice to know there are a lot of us who go with our instincts. I consider myself a Type "A" personality.. highly organized, everything by the book, objective (I'm a Libra too), so it is difficult for me to just go w/ my heart. I have to over-analyze EVERYTHING. So I needed a little nudge to relax and follow my heart.

kcashner: Thank you for your opinions on WVL. I was afraid that was the resort which was most difficult to get into. And I appreciate your take on the resort itself and I am sorry you had problems w/ it. I'll keep that in mind when I stay there.

Crisi: I agree that SAB is marvelous..... but I am a complete basketcase when dealing w/ the safety of my children. I put the baby on a front pack and follow my son around the playground and keep my eyes on him at all times, because I know an abduction can happen in an instant. Although my DH's parents are wonderfully caring people, I will not allow my son to be at their home w/o me because there is a pool and my MIL is deaf and can't swim, my FIL had a stroke and has lost a lot of his mobility, and both of them are in their 70's and can't keep up w/ my energetic little boy. My friend's son drowned in an instant while visiting the grandparents (he broke the screen and slipped out of the house w/o them knowing) and I swore after that that my kids would not be near a pool w/o me being close by. My MIL would never even hear him. Call me paranoid... but I don't care. So going to SAB w/ my kids sounds like more work than a vacation. I'd need a tranquilizer just to get through it. And if I was the mother who lost her kid for an hour, I'd be dead right now from the trauma. I like the pool at VWL where I can see them at all times. Thanks for bringing home that point for me. It definitely influences my decision.

Pumpkinboy: LOL. I have called my boy Pumpkin because of his hair. We have no idea where it came from though. I was born w/ strawberry red hair, then turned into a blonde after a couple mos. My husband was blonde for years and his finally turned brown. Go Figure. My son's hair has stayed w/ his red highlights and we are thrilled.... a little hesitant at first because I heard about redheads and their tempers, but I guess that is just a rumor because our son is a happy fellow. My daughter was born w/ brown hair and now it is strawberry blonde as well. We are hoping it changes to his color because it so unique and everyone comments on how different and pretty it is. My grandfather had reddish hair so maybe he passed that gene along. Guess we got very lucky!!! Redheads are very beautiful and unique.... your wife must feel very lucky to be surrounded by them.

 

[gopherit]

Originally posted by crisi
I'm going to try to make you feel better about your choice.

SAB is really, really, really cool. It is also a pool where it is really, really, really hard to watch your kids. They were right there, then the floated down the lazy river, got out of the pool someplace and they are now......where? going down the slide? Over by the pirate slides? Playing in the sand and the shallows? Hopped over to the beach? In one of the hot tubs? And of course, you jump to the worst conclusion - you can't find them because they've drown! When we were there our kids were little enough that we were always with them, but I can't imagine being there with the six to twelve crowd. I'd lose it. The woman who had the beach chair next to us lost her seven year old daughter for an hour. Having lost a child for forty minutes before, you age a week for every minute they are missing.

I am ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that there are parents who aren't such basket cases as I am who love SAB and are either able to track their children through that warren or just trust they will meet them at the appointed time and place. I'm not one of those moms. Maybe you are.

(We love the VWL theming as well. My home resort sort of picked me - right price, right use year, resale available - when VWL wasn't selling and resales at VWL were far and few between....if I would have picked, I think we'd be at VWL)

THanks so much for your post -- we too are BWV owners (it "picked us" too, since it just happened to be for sale when we were interested in '99, and VWL was still being built). DH and I just fell in love with VWL when we visited the first time in Jan 2001. DH later fell "more in love" with BCV because he's just more of a beach nut than I am, and all his childhood summers were spent at the Delaware beaches (right near the "real" Cape May!) But MY heart still belongs to VWL! So we are add-on conflicted, and ended up buying our recent add-on at BWV! (I guess that's a compromise, to just get more of the same?!?)

But what I really wanted to comment on here was the pool issue. Thanks so much for stating what I think I was already fearing -- the inability to watch kids at SAB! My kids are itching to get into SAB. We have 3 water nuts (ages 3, 7, and 8) and have used the Luna Park, VWL and OKW pools with great success. HOWEVER -- I found just the layout of SAB daunting. I like to be able to see ALL my fishies at any given moment! THe open layout of VWL and BWV pool make that very simple. At VWL, our boys could slide to heart's content while their sister and I watched from the pool. And even though the Luna Park slide is huge, you can see them ascend the stairs nearly the whole way, and watch as they come out the "Evil Clown".

THe landscaping of SAB gets in the way of kid-monitoring. It looks like a logistical nightmare to me! I wandered over to it before it opened one day and just stood there, trying to mentally picture keeping track of 3 active kids -- yikes. The lifeguards readying the pool must have thought I was nuts as I wandered around with this worried look on my face, examining an empty pool! Even so, we are going to give it a brief shot on our next trip (spending 2 nights at BCV -- let kids enjoy it then move 'em out over to BWV for the next 8 nights!) That whole "kid, kid, where's my kid" feeling is NOT a vacation to me.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

DeeP: Thanks so much for your input. It means a lot to me to hear from you. I have read many of your posts and I trust your opinion since you are so knowledgeable in this department. It helps to hear from someone w/ experience to set my mind at ease that I am doing the right thing.

Eporter66: I have read many of your posts as well and I appreciate you taking the time to answer mine. I agree that transportation has NEVER been an issue for us because we go at slower times of the year as well. Even the buses at BWI seem to work like clock work when I'm visiting. So thanks for bringing that up. I do resort hop a lot and have never had a problem w/ going from one to the other and I am used to using the TTC for transfers to get around and I think I'm pretty confident about getting around the resorts. But I appreciate you reminding me. Thank you also for reminding me that any decision is a good one when you are talking WDW. Like I've mentioned before, I LOVE them all and they have all been my favorites at different times of my life. How could I go wrong? And I am soooo lucky to be able to have choices like this. It's a good life when you have to choose which WDW resort you want. That is why my decision was so difficult... how do you chose? Congrats on your SSR purchase! It's nice to meet one of my neighbors.

gopherit: See, there are lots of us basketcase mothers out there... and for good reason... it's a crazy world and we must keep our children close to us. You just have to be vigilant at all times. SAB can be a lot of fun as long as you are on your toes constantly.... esp. w/ 3 children. But I think you did the right thing by buying BWV.... this way you can "visit" SAB when you want to and feel up to getting lots of exercise, and stick w/ your own resort when you want to enjoy and relax on your vacation as well. I'm glad crisi brought that point to your attention for you and for all of us, because crisi confirmed my fears as well. There is no question it is a fabulous pool, I would just rather be a visitor than a resident. Thanks so much for contributing to my post.