VWL or BWV?

[Juliet25]

I think I have it narrowed down between these two resorts. DH and I really enjoyed our stay at the WL, so I thought I would prefer this location. However, when I looked at the photos, it's a little more rustic that I like. Nice around the holidays, I imagine, but I kind of like light and airy when I'm on vacation (and I'm so NOT an outdoorsy type).

The BWV are looking more appealing. I've been to the BC but not the BW. I've heard the BCV are hard to get into and I wasn't really "wowed" by the resort. I sort of like the hustle and bustle of the BW-being in the middle of the action, but I definetely don't want to hear a party going on at 2 am. But I like the idea of being able to save some points on a standard view.

The travellers will be me, DH, and our soon-to-be 3 year old.

Any advice you can offer to make this decision easier?

 

[bicker]

3 year old son == VWL better than BWV

Ten to fifteen years from now, BWV will be better.

 

[Juliet25]

Really? I was thinking the opposite! I thought BW would be more interesting for kids (a DD).

 

[bicker]

The convenience to MK is the kicker at VWL. We own at both resorts, and we take children with us to VWL, adults with us to BWV.

 

[mydogdrew]

The convenience to MK is the kicker at VWL. We own at both resorts, and we take children with us to VWL, adults with us to BWV.

We own both and I agree. Love them both but BWV is a better long-term spot for us. However, if you need VWL in December you better buy there.

 

[crisi]

Are you buying for the long haul, or renting points for one trip?

If you are buying - when do you intend to travel? What do you see your vacations being like in 10-15-20 years? Are you Epcot fans or MK fans?

If you are renting, when are you traveling?

 

[Juliet25]

This would be for a purchase. We do enjoy Christmas time at WL, but it's not a "must do." We're both MK ~and~ EPCOT fans. I guess at the moment I'm leaning towards BWV.

 

[Beca]

I really like both of these resorts!! For me, it is a no brainer...I would choose VWL because I own at BCV, and would like a different location. However, if I were only to own at one of the resorts, I would definitely choose BWV.

You son will love the Keister Coaster when he gets older, and being in walking distance to two parks is really cool. Plus, BWV has the "community hall" which my dd really enjoyed when we stayed there. Plus, as an owner you could have access to those "standard view" points which require about 30% fewer points per night...a REAL bargain. Just be aware that the standard view rooms are only about 10% of the resort...so, book early...these are truly an "owners only" perk, as seldom do non-owners get those rooms.

There are some really nice advantages to VWL...the boat to MK is the big one, but we have found that with our "little one" (my dd is 4), we all tend to get a little "restless" in the evenings (we like to travel in Dec when the parks close early). We felt a little isolated at VWL in the evenings. We also felt (like you) that the resort was a little "too" rustic. Unfortunately, I saw this hotel AFTER spending much time at the Grand Californian...and, well....the Grand Californian is so "rustically elegant" with its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, that the totem poles and Native American influences just did not compare (for us). At the Epcot resorts, we never feel "isolated" as we can always walk to Epcot, or MGM, or just explore all the happenings on Crescent lake.

BWV is a GREAT resort (so is VWL), but we did not enjoy being elevated from the lake as much as we like having access to the sandy beach out of our hotel. Our dd HAS to feed the ducks every day we are at BCV, and we often feed the turtles in the creek as well. Parking at BWV is far from the resort, so we always used valet parking, which can get a bit expensive. We also prefer the amenities of the hotel being inside the lobby instead of being "on the boardwalk" for inclement weather. And, then there's SAB....my dd is just "hooked" on that place!!! However, she did really enjoy the elephants at the pool at BWV (although the clown did scare her....but, hey...it scares us too!! ).

For us, we cannot imagine a WDW trip without staying at an Epcot area resort!! Although we LOVE the MK, we like staying closer to Epcot....it's just an elegant park...it makes us happy!!

Good luck in your decision!!



Beca

 

[Juliet25]

Thanks, Beca! I've come across a lot of your posts and you give really good advice.

I was kind of sold on buying into SSR, though my "gut feeling" was that it wasn't the best option for us. I read a post of yours that convinced me to look into these other resorts more, and I feel so much more comfortable with my decision.

 

[crisi]

BWV is my home, and I love the WL - great theming. I think I might go with your gut and buy the BWV points - then, if you feel a need for more points, buy enough VWL points as an add on for a once every three year trip over the holidays. Or rent points for the VWL on occation.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

3 year old son == VWL better than BWV

41 year old guy == VWL better than BWV


MG

 

[bicker]

My wife and I love VWL as well, but we find that with most of our (adult) friends and family, BWV works better, just because of the ready-access to Epcot. The BoardWalk itself is just icing on the cake.

 

[Muushka]

41 year old guy == VWL better than BWV


MG

ditto for this gal!

 

[wingkng]

My wife and I love VWL as well, but we find that with most of our (adult) friends and family, BWV works better, just because of the ready-access to Epcot. The BoardWalk itself is just icing on the cake.

I have been torn about this decision for awhile now. I love Epcot, and would consider being close to Epcot as one of the nice incentives of BWV and BCV. However, I prefer the VWL theme and setting (more relaxing), as oppose to the busyness of the BWV. When I recently joined DVC, I decided to start with SSR, and then added on VWL, to take advantage of the 11 month window for Christmas.

While I am still not married (but engaged), I can see myself going to Epcot on every trip to Orlando. I cannot say the same about MK, AK, or MGM. However, when I have children in the future, I am sure that we will be visiting MK quite frequently. At that time, VWL will be the preferred spot because of its proximity to MK. I guess it won't be so terrible to take a bus or drive my car to Epcot from the other DVC resorts.

 

[byoung]

BWV gets my vote, love it there. Thats why we own there.

 

[tink4ever]

My DH and I love the VWL. If you are looking for a loud resort with a lot of commotion then the BW is for you. Whenever we visit the boardwalk we are always happy to go back to the VWL. It is a beautiful hotel but we love the VWL. We are so glad we own there. Good luck with your decision.

 

[zillow]

Maybe the choice should be made dependent on how you feel about scary clown slides . I love the WL pools for my young children (though zero entry would be nice). The slide at the main pool is a nice introduction to pool slides for semi-young children. We borrow life vests for the entire stay from the marina and use those for the pool. There is no charge, just need to return them on your last day.

 

[Lisa F]

We own at both. How's that for sitting on the fence? But the bulk of our points are at BWV... we own 50 at VWL and every once in a while we take a trip there. In fact we are going there this coming december, no better time of year for that resort. If you're looking for a big enough resale contract consider a smaller one of each and alternating.

 

[Sherri]

Lisa F- You have the sweetest looking cats. I wish I could get all three of mine in one picture (lol).
Can anyone tell me if there is a boat to the CR from the VL?
We are staying at the WL in July but I know my kids want to walk around the CR but am not quite sure the best route to get there.
Any help from any of the experts would be very helpful. I guess while I am asking that I should also check on the best way to get to the Poly.
Thanks for any input.

 

[bicker]

There is a boat that goes between CR, WL and FtW, in a circle.