What is your least favorite DVC resort and why?

[ClarabelleCow]

Northwoods - finally those young teens come in handy for something!!!! We have Nextels that work great at WDW.

 

[WDWLVR]

We have stayed at BWV (our home), VWL and OKW. Of those VWL is our least favorite.

I think the main reason is the decor is a little too dark for my taste. It didn't help that on that trip the first room they gave us had someone sitting on the bed when we walked in. Or that when we did get a room (ground floor) and I went to sit out on the patio that a snake came by

I'm glad others love it, but I'm happier at BWV.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Quadman
I don't see why those who would consider it resort bashing can't behave like grownups, read the OPs message as a preface for what’s about to come and not read further if they don't feel as though they can contribute to the flavor of the thread. It’s kind of like change the channel if you don't like what’s on?

Oh brother, what a bunch of garbage. Please note, that while I posted that I disagreed with the thread, I certainly didn't resort to patronizing characterizations. Now whose not behaving grown up

I'm perfectly willing to stand corrected on this issue, if people see this a worthwhile discussion, fine. I can easily contribute my thoughts concerning the least desirable resort. By the way, there have been problems in the past with too much resort bashing according to 85% of the folks participating in the following thread:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=421276&highlight=+resort++bashing

Top on my list in order?
BC
Vero
WLV
HH

Main reason is proximity. Love a break at the offsite resorts. Like to be close to the action at the onsite resorts.

 

[CarolA]

Hilton Head.... If I go to the beach I want to be on or very near the beach. Not across a busy highway.

It is a beautiful resort. Disney just got in too late to get a prime piece of property.

 

[Quadman]

Originally posted by CaptainMidnight
Oh brother, what a bunch of garbage. Please note, that while I posted that I disagreed with the thread, I certainly didn't resort to patronizing characterizations. Now whose not behaving grown up

I'm perfectly willing to stand corrected on this issue, if people see this a worthwhile discussion, fine. I can easily contribute my thoughts concerning the least desirable resort. By the way, there have been problems in the past with too much resort bashing according to 85% of the folks participating in the following thread:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=421276&highlight=+resort++bashing

You're kidding right?...... I mean I go and read this thread that you post about and I see that it's not nearly as passive a question as this thread invites you to respond to ......The thread you post is an invitation to all to defend their favorite from the existing negative comments. This would CERTAINLY start a bashing fourm.....

BUT THEN..... I see that that thread was STARTED by YOU??? , and you title it "Which DVC resort is victim of more unfair negative criticism than the others?"

Excuse me while I say, you seem to have far too much time on your hands when you instigate people to bash in your thread, and then you tell people they should not post things such as the OP in this thread did becasue it may result in bashing??

So to respond to your question "who is not acting like a grown up?" I would have to still say you as you seem to be participating in a thread that you don't want to be in.

Yours was the first and last remark made away from the flavor of this passive thread since I had posted suggesting that it should get back on track......

 

[Dean]

It always amuses me when some people see resort bashing simply because someone sees a negative in "their' resort or doesn't like a resort for some reason. That's different that all those people with unreasonable expectation such as characterized on Deb Wills site about the person that went to Whispering Canyon then was upset that ALL the antics posted didn't happen to them.

OKW is my favorite resort and I personally have characterized it as a Moderate IN SOME WAYS. BWV is my second favorite and it does have long hallways and I find the pool lacking. And HH and VB were failures from a sales standpoint. LOL.

 

[tjkraz]

My problem is that I'm 99% certain which resort would be my least favorite, and thus have little intention of ever staying there. The decor and theme at VWL just doesn't interest me. Too dark. Not really into the whole backwoods / hunting lodge theme. Maybe we'll try one night on a resort hopping trip just to say that we've been there, but it just ain't my cup 'o tea.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Quadman
I see that it's not nearly as passive a question as this thread invites you to respond to ......

I agree, I didn't mean to say it was. Only there was a time where there was a strong history of resort bashing as 85% of 400+ vote indicate. Certainly this thread isn't the same as that thread.

I see that that thread was STARTED by YOU??? , and you title it "Which DVC resort is victim of more unfair negative criticism than the others?"

Yep, I started it. There was a ton of resort bashing going on at the time. Actually it was a poll. My reference is to the 85% of 400+ votes. As you can see from the poll results, I wasn't the only one who noticed the problem.

Excuse me while I say, you seem to have far too much time on your hands when you instigate people to bash in your thread, and then you tell people they should not post things such as the OP in this thread did becasue it may result in bashing??

Whatever this convoluted sentence is supppose to mean, there's not really a good reason to excuse you, and my time is my business, and doesn't have anything to do with negatives about resorts. There's no need to get personal.

So to respond to your question "who is not acting like a grown up?" I would have to still say you as you seem to be participating in a thread that you don't want to be in.

Yours was the first and last remark made away from the flavor of this passive thread since I had posted suggesting that it should get back on track......

Hmm.... there was this:

Originally posted by DisneyBill
Pointless

and then this...

Originally posted by Granny
...I just think that we've both been around long enough to know that asking for a list of negatives about resorts is going to open a can of worms....

And now you certainly took it off track again for some unexplicable reason. You should re read my post:

Originally posted by CaptainMidnight
I'm perfectly willing to stand corrected on this issue, if people see this a worthwhile discussion, fine. I can easily contribute my thoughts concerning the least desirable resort.....

Top on my list in order?
BC
Vero
WLV
HH

Main reason is proximity. Love a break at the offsite resorts. Like to be close to the action at the onsite resorts.

I gave in, backed off on the position of this not being a worthwhile discussion and offered my preferences. How about jumping on the "grownup" wagon your professing to have such a handle on?

Originally posted by Dean
It always amuses me when some people see resort bashing simply because someone sees a negative in "their' resort or doesn't like a resort for some reason.

Ya, I see your point. If you like your own resort, that's what counts. If others don't what's the big deal?

OKW is my favorite resort and I personally have characterized it as a Moderate IN SOME WAYS.

I think your right about it being a Moderate in several ways.

And HH and VB were failures from a sales standpoint. LOL.

Sure, sales were slow. That doesn't make them least favorite for someone staying desiring to stay there. Certainly they would have every reason to be someone's least favorite bacause there is no WDW right next door to enjoy.

 

[Sammie]

Boardwalk Villas would be my least favorite. I do not enjoy the selection of dining choices and no quick place to eat breakfast. I do not like having to go down to the Boardwalk to find a place to eat. This is very inconvenient if it's pouring rain. Also I do not find the views enjoyable. I love being at the Yacht and Beach and looking across the water at the Boardwalk, therefore I don't like to stay there as I lose that view. Do not care for the parking lot situation or the bus situation. I think its a beautiful resort however the layout of it being a resort and retail, entertainment area does not appeal to me.

As to resort bashing, not sure I even understand that term. If someone states their opinion and the opinion is based on fact and not fallacy how can it be considered bashing.

If I stated that I don't like the BW because they only have one pool, the rooms are smaller than Pop, and everyone that works there is mean and hateful, that's bashing because there is no truth to it.

Stating one's perference or (lack off) in a resort is not bashing. Actually it is no different in stating one's favorite resort. It is simply one's opinion.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Sammie
As to resort bashing, not sure I even understand that term. If someone states their opinion and the opinion is based on fact and not fallacy how can it be considered bashing.

If I stated that I don't like the BW because they only have one pool, the rooms are smaller than Pop, and everyone that works there is mean and hateful, that's bashing because there is no truth to it.

Stating one's perference or (lack off) in a resort is not bashing. Actually it is no different in stating one's favorite resort. It is simply one's opinion.

I agree. However, truthful statements can also be used for resort bashing in the following manner:

Originally posted by CaptainMidnight
An example of what I would consider resort bashing in addition to the discussion above would be if I started a thread asking the forum if they know where a good place to get an ice cream cone was when staying at the Beach Club Villas and the responding replies said something along the lines of: I would never be in the beach club area to get a cone because of the lack of crescent lake views, tiny rooms, no monorail, yadda, yadda, yadda.... a response that has nothing to do with the intent of the thread by the original poster and is directed deliberatly negatively towards a specific DVC resort in a repetative ongoing manner with the same issues reported over and over by the same poster in multiple unrelated to BCV negative issues threads. The statements may very well be true, but when way, way, way out of context to the discussion and brought up only with the intention of goading or non-trip report complaining, I see that as an example falling into the rhelm of resort bashing.

If a thread is comparing the pros and cons of a resort with balanced discussion, or reporting a bad resort experience to let others know of a problem, I don't see that as resort bashing.

Just my $0.02.

 

[bethyg]

Not being a DVC owner, but considering it, I feel this particular thread is helpful. I actually like negatives to be addressed. Better to know them up front and make an informed decision about where to stay/buy, than to be uninformed and unhappy. As with all "sales pitches" you are only given the positives. It's helpful to me to know all about the property I'm considering investing money into.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by bethyg
Not being a DVC owner, but considering it, I feel this particular thread is helpful. I actually like negatives to be addressed. Better to know them up front and make an informed decision about where to stay/buy, than to be uninformed and unhappy.

That makes sense.

 

[WDWMom]

We have stayed at OKW, BWV and BCV's. Boardwalk would be my least favorite as we had a bad experience plus...

Do not like the restaurants. We like simple food and feel the food there is not our taste, plus we have picky eaters and the cost is too high for us.

The rooms are too small for our family. We need room to spread out even on vacation. Kids need to do homework and the tables are not big enough for 3.

With that said, I would stay at BWV again if it was just DH and myself. We love Jellyrolls and it would be convenient. It is just not great for OUR family.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by WDWMom
We have stayed at OKW, BWV and BCV's. Boardwalk would be my least favorite as we had a bad experience plus...

Do not like the restaurants. We like simple food and feel the food there is not our taste, plus we have picky eaters and the cost is too high for us.

The rooms are too small for our family. We need room to spread out even on vacation. Kids need to do homework and the tables are not big enough for 3.

With that said, I would stay at BWV again if it was just DH and myself. We love Jellyrolls and it would be convenient. It is just not great for OUR family.

Not quibbling with you, only pointing out that the units are the same size as all other onsite options except OKW.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Dean
Not quibbling with you, only pointing out that the units are the same size as all other onsite options except OKW.

While there may not be a difference in size, there is a difference in room layouts. One of the reasons we prefer BCV over BWV is the larger eating table with more seating via the bench seat. All 7 of us have been able to sit down at the same dinner table and be comfortable. Not spacious, but comfortable.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by CaptainMidnight
While there may not be a difference in size, there is a difference in room layouts. One of the reasons we prefer BCV over BWV is the larger eating table with more seating via the bench seat. All 7 of us have been able to sit down at the same dinner table and be comfortable. Not spacious, but comfortable.

While all WDW resorts outside DVC have the same unit size, they all have minor variations. To me the table is a minor improvement and to some it's a danger. And some rooms vary one to another a little. As for 7 at the table, that must have been a sight. I can see 7 with the table plus bar but not at the table by itself.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Dean
...As for 7 at the table, that must have been a sight. I can see 7 with the table plus bar but not at the table by itself.

Nonsense. It was fine. 3 on the bench side, one at each end and two at the kitchen side. It is strange that somone would take issue with it.

 

[Quadman]

While all WDW resorts outside DVC have the same unit size, they all have minor variations. To me the table is a minor improvement and to some it's a danger. And some rooms vary one to another a little. As for 7 at the table, that must have been a sight. I can see 7 with the table plus bar but not at the table by itself.

Originally posted by CaptainMidnight
Nonsense. It was fine. 3 on the bench side, one at each end and two at the kitchen side. It is strange that somone would take issue with it.

Gee I wonder if resort bashing threads become so becuase someone posts an innocent message asking for OPINIONS and what happens is OPINIONS get posted and they get corrected and then those that correct are told that their post is nonsense......

...Go Ahead.......

 

[CaptainMidnight]

For those using this thread to learn more about DVC resorts, here's some opinions of mine I'll share:

BCV vs BWV

I like the BCV room layout better. Table seats 8 whereas BWV, WLV does not. Bathroom layout nice, Desk in bedroom in BCV.
BCV is newer.
Seemed slower and a little more quiet and relaxed than BC, YC and BWV, yet still close to activities.
Distance to the elevator is better.
Nice Quiet pool
Lots of nice internal spaces for when it's raining, drawing room, breezeway, solarium, BC lobby.
Sandcastle club availability
Outstanding location, boat to MGM, walk to Epcot, Baordwalk area activities closeby, swan and Dolphin restaraunts.
Love the Beach Theme
Great at access to Beach Club amenities, and restaraunts, Jellyrolls, stores, Beaches and Cream, Arcade, etc.
Prefer the sand beach along crescent lake instead of the boardswalk
SAB is nice
Nice Beach Club Workout facility.
Nice access to the parking lot
Bus service fine.
Hotel services available like in-room dining, valet services, front staff.
Nice entrance to the resort walking in BC entrance with large fresh flower arrangements, sometimes music in lobby (saw harpist) front door greetings.
Marina activites, can take boats to see illuminations.
Nice access to parking lot for villas, closer than valet for many units. Just go in the back door or walk along the canal to the middle elevator
Second elevator available in the middle of the resort for pool, parking access.
BCVs has access to a marina along with the YC and BC. WLV and OKW also has a marina. BWV does not.
For us, the circus theme isn't as appealing as the beach theme, circuses don't have a good reputation for cleanliness or humane treatment towards animals, or the most friendly workers, but that's just us.


No community Hall and Community Hall activities like BWV, Vero, others.
Uses all preferred view point structure, no advantage of standards view lower point structure like at BWV or lower points requirements like at OWK to stretch point value
Rooms smaller than OKW, lessstorage space - OKW, Vero and HH rooms are larger.
No three bedroom grand villas available (usually requires 11 month window at other resorts)
No outstanding crecent lake views like BWV
Villas in back are too close to roadway, some noise.


Vero Pros -

Wonderful theming
Very relaxing
No park crowds
Ocean
Ocean breeze
Great pool
Nice long slide
Pirate ship kids area
Kids playground
Contained pool/play area
Kids activities
Large rooms
Covered parking
Ability to use points at WDW at 7 month window
Time to relax, recharge, and take it easy
Campfire and sing along twice per week
Stargazing
Turtle walks (in season)
Wonderful service
Room service
Relaxed, non-resort, non-hotel area
Mall, movies, outlet mall reasonably close by
Boat rentals closeby
Sunrise on the ocean
Putt Putt, tennis, basketball, bikeriding,
Outstanding customized Christmas decorations
Kid's club twice per week
Nice exercise activities
Community hall activities
Pool parties
2 onsite restaraunts
Kid friendly green cabin room with live entertainment
Allowed to use the swimming pool after 10:00pm
Bleachers poolside bar service
Friendly guests/members as a rule
The wonderful entrance and lobby as you first drive up and enter the resort
Secluded
Close to WDW resorts (2.5 hrs.) ideal for combination WDW/beach vacations.
No need to purchase $$$ park passes during stay.

Vero Cons -

No park activies close by
Narrow beach
Many rooms/villas without ocean view/limited ocean view
Few places within walking distance along the beach like shops, restaraunts, etc.
Sharks, jellyfish and man-o-war live in the ocean.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I haven't stayed at SSR or VB.

So far the resort that I liked the least was Hilton Head. However I'm willing to give it another shot in the future because I think it might have been a "Series of Unfortunate Events". Things that won't change that I didn't like.
- didn't seem to be wheelchair accessible. They chose elevators instead of ramps and when elevators break...then what?
- didn't like the layout of the one bedroom. Not enough draw space for 3 adult women...let alone a whole family.
- I didn't mind the beach house being in Palmetto Dunes...probably because I grew up with the beach nearby and I don't think of beach front as an automatic positive thing.
- Live Oak Lodge should not have been so far away from Broad Creek Mercantile.
- They should have made a bigger effort to alert you to things to do in the area to make up for the lack of theme parks.
- I'll return but not for a full week.

Onsite the resort I liked the least was OKW mainly because it is spread out and I like the couch in the studios at the later resorts. Again I'll give it another try but probably ONLY in a one bedroom.

BWV was too noisy. Something about the halls and the doors lets noise carry into your room. I didn't like the pool...as an adult the theming encourages too much screaming and carrying on from younger guests.

I loved VWL & BCV...but I thought the BCV colors were too washed out...they should have picked up the color scheme from BWV.

Let me re-state that I am willing to re-try them all.