VWL vs. BWI-Help me decide!

[Juliet25]

I have a trip booked for June in a studio at VWL (we're a family of 5, so studio there is our only option). I was all excited to show my kids the Lodge. DH and I have been twice and we love it. I knew there was construction going on, but I was OK with it. Until I saw these pictures http://blog.touringplans.com/2016/01/06/wilderness-lodge-construction-update/#more-103529. That view would be horrible! I'm not one to sit out on the balcony for hours, but I don't want to look down and see a big patch of dirt.

So I called to see what's available with the package we have (free dining bounce back). I can switch to the Boardwalk Inn for $300 more. I've stayed at the BWV and like it well enough. We'll likely be spending a lot of down time at the resort. Being able to walk to EPCOT and HS is a nice perk, and I like the atmosphere of the BW. I'm thinking with the BW room we'll have more square footage. It'll be me, DH, and our three kids--13, 8, & 5. OTOH, I love the interior of the WL and if we spend time at the pool we won't really see the construction. But that awful view...

WWYD? I don't like split stays, so that's not an option. I'm sort of leaning towards BWI, but I do love WL...

(ETA: I'm really on my own with this decision. If I asked DH, he'd pick WL because it's cheaper. He'll defer to me on this though since it's my 40th bday trip.)

 

[cynditech]

We stayed at VWL this past October, the construction was just starting. I honestly didn't like it there at all. This was our 4th Disney trip, and my least favorite resort. I would switch for sure. I haven't stayed at Boardwalk, but have at Beach Club - we loved the walk to Epcot. Oh, and the room seemed really small at VWL to me too.

 

[WildGinger]

I would choose the BWI. That view at VWL is horrible and there is tons of construction. We stayed there in November and the villa pool was closed. Everyone had to use the main pool...it was really crowded. Like crazy crowded.

 

[Juliet25]

We stayed at VWL this past October, the construction was just starting. I honestly didn't like it there at all. This was our 4th Disney trip, and my least favorite resort. I would switch for sure. I haven't stayed at Boardwalk, but have at Beach Club - we loved the walk to Epcot. Oh, and the room seemed really small at VWL to me too.

I would choose the BWI. That view at VWL is horrible and there is tons of construction. We stayed there in November and the villa pool was closed. Everyone had to use the main pool...it was really crowded. Like crazy crowded.

I'm looking at pictures of BW and really leaning towards it. We were at WL last August and the construction was minimal. Now it looks crazy.

 

[cynditech]

I'm looking at pictures of BW and really leaning towards it. We were at WL last August and the construction was minimal. Now it looks crazy.

We had three rooms, three families and everyone did not care for VWL at all. At least the quiet pool was still open when we were there, but now with it closed, no way. Beach is closed too, so they play the evening movie in a small room on a tiny tv.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

There is even more construction than that Touring Plans post shows, since the construction has reached the main lodge, and they'll be starting the bungalows soon.

Run, do not walk, to BWV.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are here at the WL right now, leaving for home tomorrow. I would switch to the BWI. There is nothing but a lot of dirt and construction equipment in front of the villas right now. They have taken out most of the trees between the building and the shore. They are still clearing the land but as soon as the soil settles they will be starting the pool construction for the redesigned Hidden Springs pool. They don;t have a start date for the cabins but once those get started it will be nothing but heavy construction.

They have closed off all of the south wing and put up panels to close off that side of the resort. They have closed off all the lovely outdoor sitting areas on the fourth and fifth floors. And they have blocked access to the fifth floor sitting area over the front door. I was surprised to find out how much they have altered the lobby and the things that have made it special. It will not be the same lodge for a long time, probably until 2017.

 

[Juliet25]

Well I'm convinced. BWI it is. I just called and switched. Thanks so much for the advice and IRL reports. I think I would have been so disappointed. I was just there in August and the disruption was minimal. This is the most expensive trip we've ever booked, so I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself if I were to find it so altered. I'm so glad I asked. I'm feeling much better about this decision. Now to break the news to DH, lol.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Now to break the news to DH, lol.

He'll be fine, unless he hates clowns.

 

[Aurora0427]

Yeah, this is a no brainer. Switch go BWI. Run, don't walk!

 

[Aurora0427]

It will not be the same lodge for a long time, probably until 2017.

Yes, we've decided to avoid WL until 2017. It sounds like a huge mess!

 

[Juliet25]

He'll be fine, unless he hates clowns.

 

[ontheuptick]

Just returned from a split stay including the Boardwalk. Such a fantastic resort. Relaxing spending time down on the actual Boardwalk in the evening, or taking the easy walk over to Epcot to stroll around there - can't beat it. The best location of any Disney resort, IMO.

 

[eliza61]

I avoid construction at hotels at all cost. not just disney but anywhere. sorry but fences, backhoes, dirt and noise are not my idea of an ideal situation. I'm sure the Disney is doing the best it can, personally I wish they had done like the Mandarian Oriental did when it upgraded it's hotel, it simply closed it for 3 months.

 

[dsanner106]

BWI is my home resort, so I always love it. VWL is also nice but for different reasons. My wife and I like it for a relaxed, quiet visit and enjoy the atmosphere. The boats to MK are nice as well. BWI is my choice if the whole family is along as it is closer to the action and seems to satisfy everyone. Have fun.
D