What is the appeal of BCV?

[4mcbjCtr]

Why did you buy BCV? Is it mostly the pool?

The reason I ask is because we are about to do an add-on. We are currently SSR owners and had the opportunity of spending a week at the BWV. I absolutely fell in love. I loved everything about it. I loved the Boardwalk at night. I loved being close to Epcot and MGM. I loved the Bakery. I loved the entertainment. I loved the hotel - hustle and bustle feel. I loved the rooms. I loved the pool. I loved the little grassy area right on the BW, where the kids gather and play ball at night. It was all just so Disney for me. I was ready to sell all my SSR points right there and buy BW.

So, I am just wondering about BCV. I know it is one of the most loved resorts. I am just wondering what it is that you love about it. I know the pool is the best on Disney property and it is outstanding. What else do you love?

I just want any input before we jump in. They happen to have BWV points available in my UY, so I want to act soon. Just wondering if I am missing the boat here on a different resort. We have only stayed at SSR and BWV now.

 

[Beca]

I think the BWV is a REALLY nice resort, but we did sell our points there to buy BCV. Our reasons were:

1) Can stay at BCV and pool-hop to BWV, but not the other way around (not that we are pool hoppers, but nice to know we can).
2) The BW is built up and away from the water, the BCV has a beach where you can sink your toes in the sand, watch Illuminations from the beach all the while enjoying an "adult beverage" from Hurricane Hannas. My dd also loves to go to the beach to feed the ducks.
3) We love that the hotel was built "around" the pool, and that the pool is on the lake side of the hotel. There really is no more beautiful sight than sitting in a chair at SAB looking at the BWV (day or night), or sitting in a chair at SAB watching Illuminations over the roof of the beautiful hotel.
4) We like the amenities of the BCV better than those of BWV. We think the Marketplace is nicer (and less crowded) than the Screen Porch. We love the fact that you can get custom salads, sandwiches, gourmet desserts and yummy gelato in the shop, as well as fill your mugs. We love the fact that there is a character b'fast on site for out dd. We LOVE Beaches and Cream, and even Hurricane Hanna's is GREAT. We love just "hanging out" and eating at SAB...seeing all the soothing blue colors, and hearing the waterfalls.
5) We love the fact that some rooms overlook Epcot and Illuminations...not all, but some...and, we simply ADORE getting those rooms. One room we had overlooked SSE, and was over the water. Every morning our dd would wake up and throw bread off the balcony to feed the turtles....it was really cool!
6) SAB itself....it really is a magical pool!!! For a couple of years, it was the ONLY pool my dd would swim in, and she talked about it almost non-stop. The sand-bottom experience was SOO cool to her, that it got her over her fear of the water. She would sit in the kiddie area and play for HOURS...she couldn't get enough of it. SAB is the ONLY reason we go to WDW at warm times of the year.

I do like many of the DVC resorts (we have, at one time owned at 4 of them), but now we just own at BCV...we simply cannot get enough of that place. I would definitely think, if you are torn between the two, you might want to wait to purchase until you can see BCV for yourself. It sounds like you already have some "resort envy". You wouldn't want to sell SSR and buy BWV, only to discover that you REALLY like BCV!! BWV may be the best resort for you, but there really is only one way to be sure.

Good luck!!!



Beca

 

[Granny]

You will hear from many BCV owners, of which I am not one, but they will tell you of the great ambience and "beachy" feel of BCV, the beach out front, the really, really close walk to EPCOT and the decor.

FWIW, the Beach Club Resort itself continuously gets some of the highest independent and AAA ratings of all resorts on property. BCV has all the amenities of the BC with the great accommodations that DVC brings.

By all accounts, BCV is a tremendous resort whose owners should be justifiably proud.

If "hustle and bustle" is more your thing, then BWV is certainly a little more in the thick of that. We find BWV (we own there) to be a very quiet place when in the rooms, but the boardwalk activity is right outside the steps of the resort. It is also a little more centered between EPCOT and MGM, though you can walk to either from BCV easily as well.

From a practical standpoint, BWV has Grand Villas and BCV does not.

BCV has dedicated 1BR and 2BR and BWV does not.

If you stay at BCV you can use the great pool there or hop over to the BWV pool. If you stay at BWV, you can't use the BCV pool.

A really big difference....BWV has three reservation classifications while BCV has one. So at BWV you can save points and go for the Standard View rooms along the front drive. Or you can get Preferred Boardwalk View to guarantee a view over the boardwalk. Or you can get Preferred Water/Garden view along the "back" of the resort with the pools and canal.

At BCV you can request various areas of the resort but not be guaranteed them....same as all other DVC resorts.

If you loved BWV, I'd say go for it there. Long after the pool years with the children have come and gone, you will still be enjoying BWV.

We are currently SSR owners and had the opportunity of spending a week at the BWV. I absolutely fell in love. I loved everything about it. I loved the Boardwalk at night. I loved being close to Epcot and MGM. I loved the Bakery. I loved the entertainment. I loved the hotel - hustle and bustle feel. I loved the rooms. I loved the pool. I loved the little grassy area right on the BW, where the kids gather and play ball at night. It was all just so Disney for me.

This is what clinches it for me. You've found a place you can call home, and will always feel that attachment throughout the years.

I'm a firm believer that if you have an emotional attachment to a place and would be less willing to stay elsewhere, you should buy there. For us, that's VWL and BWV. Added to that the fact that BWV has the most significant home resort advantage (due to SV and Boardwalk View rooms) and I'd say that you should move on those points now if you're ready.

Good luck!

 

[crisi]

I think all the resorts are loved by someone. BCVs is getting the most hype at the moment. But BWV, VWL, OKW, HHI, VB and SSR all have their fans. And some people fall in love with many resorts (polyamorous), and have points at several resorts.

 

[debbiepump]

I owned at both (BWV/BCV.....has since sold BWV) and my youngest is 30,so the pool didn't factor in for us. Biggie is location, location, location. BCV is harder to get into
(hence the advantage of the 11 mo ressie) vs the BWV. Happy with my decision.

 

[rinkwide]

...(polyamorous)...

Reminds me of the last time we ate at 'Ohana. There was this honeymooning couple seated next to us that just could not keep their hands off each other. I had to politely remind them it was a family restaurant.

 

[Corinne]

VWL is our home resort, and although we have stayed there (and loved it) several times prior to becoming DVC members, we have never stayed there since we became members! All of our DVC stays have been at the BWV or BCV. Our first choice will always be the BC (unless they build them at the YC~ lol, I am KIDDING). The YC was the first place we stayed once we started staying on property, so it will always be our fav.

Why do we love the resort? Location, location, location (yes, I am a realtor ). We love being able to walk to Epcot & MGM, as well as having all the BW has to offer also.

Since you have already stayed at the BW, and it sounds as though you love it there, I would not hesitate to buy there! If it had been available when we bought, we would have done so. BC was not yet available for purchase so that was why we bought at WL. Good luck!

 

[Granny]

Reminds me of the last time we ate at 'Ohana. There was this honeymooning couple seated next to us that just could not keep their hands off each other. I had to politely remind them it was a family restaurant.

Oh man, now you're going the pun route!

Back to the thread... the beach is great

....but hard to beat that boardwalk action!


They're both great....go with your heart on this one!

 

[rinkwide]

Oh man, now you're going the pun route...

I'm just saying...

To the OP:

Take some time and visit each resort. It's educational and entertaining (edutainment). Anyway, there's no substitute for seeing the place with your own two eyes - especially when considering a real estate transaction.

 

[kathleena]

If you ever want to take advantage of the lower prices SV rooms at the BWV during peak DVC renting times, you must have BWV to get the 11 month window. I'm talking Oct, Dec and Easter primarily.

Otherwise, the BCV maint fees are cheaper than the BWV.

Every time we stay at BCV, I miss the BW activity. It's just not the same staying across the pond.

I own at both and love BWV the best. Actually right now doing the opposite of another, selling some BCV and going for an add-on at BWV. (Note to all who read this - the points are already under contract......). Even the ones I have left may not last long - as the grandkids are saying they love the BWV pool more than the SAB pool. I'm thinking BW SV will be in all of our future trips eventually.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I agree with what Granny said, that if "hustle and bustle" are more your thing and being in the middle of things going on, BWV is probably better for you than BCV.
However, Beca nailed it perfectly when she said that one thing she loves at BCV is it "has a beach where you can sink your toes in the sand." One time I stayed at BWV because my waitlist for BCV never came through (last minute trip), and I felt Crescent Lake was teasing me-so close and yet so far without a beach. And it's no secret that I LOVE the gelato, I love everything about BC Marketplace. Unlike at BWV, you can go down there and get something to eat or drink without really going outside (OK, you go outside, but it's not much). I like that it's more quiet and restful than BWV. And since I grew up with vacations at Cape Cod, I guess it just reminds me of my youth.

 

[jade1]

I absolutely fell in love. I loved everything about it. I loved the Boardwalk at night. I loved being close to Epcot and MGM. I loved the Bakery. I loved the entertainment. I loved the hotel - hustle and bustle feel. I loved the rooms. I loved the pool. I loved the little grassy area right on the BW, where the kids gather and play ball at night.

Why dont you marry it?

Kidding, but really if the SAB pool is not a big factor you cant go wrong with BWV-especially guaranteed BW View or Stadard view saving (plus the reasons you love)

 

[rigsby25]

We are going to BCV for our first time this January. We own at OKW. I can't wait!!!!!

 

[4mcbjCtr]

LOL! Why don't you marry it.

I appreciate all the comments so far. I am beginning to think I will probably wait until September when we are down there, so I can have the opportunity to adventure over to the BCV a little more. We dropped by, but it was a really quick visit. I didn't see the pool or the marketplace, or much of anything for that matter. I think in the end, BWV is where it will be, but I would love to be a little more in the know about my decision. Who knows, maybe I will end up adding on at both places. My husband would just love me then.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

Location!, Location!, Location!

 

[JABEAR]

Your choices are: or


I would buy at BWV since the points are there now and then after a year or so maybe there will be points available at BCV

BWV really does offer you more options as a member there. If you want a less "expensive" stay, it is great to have the option of a standard view. That was the main reason we looked into buying in at BWV. The Boardwalk view was also something to consider, but in the end, it wasn't that big of a deal for us in deciding where to buy (however we will make sure to try to get that view on a future vacation-very cool).

BCV offers great amenities. By the way here is the definition of amenity, I think this sums up what I love about BCV:

Amenity: The quality of being pleasant or agreeable; a feature or facility conducive to the attractiveness of something; pleasing manners, civilities; attractions, charms.

Simply put it is a great facility. A resort with great charm.

I like the Marketplace over the Screen Door.
I like that BCV is closer to Epcot. (even if it isn't by much)
I like that BWV is closer to the Studios.
I like SAB hands down over Luna Park (Luna Park is a cool pool in it's own right, plus it is open later than SAB.)
I like the point options at BWV over BCV (plus BWV has GV's)
BCV has room service.
Art (BCV greeter) has to be one of the best, most genuine people I have ever met in my life! (salutes......"to the lady, to the lady, to the gentleman.")

Oh my gosh, am I long winded tonight or what?


With more DVC resorts opening up and more and more members coming into the fold, your home resort will be increasingly important with each new member to our little club. I will be willing to wager that it will be a greater challenge each year you try to book a non-home resort at the seven month window and be able to get what you want. BCV is a small resort and will fill up fast. BWV standard view rooms will also be more and more difficult to get for members that don't own there.

In summary, no matter which one you chose, you won't regret it.

 

[canwegosoon]

I have stayed at both...both are great. To me BWV reminds me of the big old style NE resorts that are in popular vacation destinations(esp. like a Kennedy Compound-I know it probably me-but I can see JFK there-playing ball outfront at night). I love the pool, the location, the lobby, shopping, and the late night activities.


The BCV is nice, it is more like a NE hotel to me(with the exception of the room near the Marketplace)...it is nice and Art is the best!...but it seems like you are constantly walking through the lobby or other public areas to get to the pool. I love Beaches/Cream, and the boats...but I have also taken advantage of thos thing while at BWV. The pool/slide are fantastic.
Tough Choice!

 

[Beca]

Oh, one more deciding factor I forgot to mention:

BWV has the standard view/guaranteed BWV rooms which usually go to owners,

BCV is the only DVC property to have some 2bdrms with two queen beds in the second bedroom. There are a limited number of these rooms, and they usually go to owners. I don't know if this is even anything you are interested in....but, I wanted to pass on the info

 

[Beca]

We are going to BCV for our first time this January. We own at OKW. I can't wait!!!!!

We're going in Jan too! Maybe we'll see you there!!



Beca

 

[jmatias]

Your choices are: or

I think that pretty much sums it up



Aloha,
Jen