What makes the villas considered luxury?

[Jillpie]

As a new member that has always stayed in the moderate resorts, I'm just wondering what I can expect when I walk into the BCV's for the first time that will make it a "luxury" resort? What exactly will be the difference?

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not sure what you mean. Even the studios will be larger and have finer furnishings than a moderate. You will also have a balcony and, of course, the full kitchenette. In a one-bedroom and above you will be living in an actual "home" right in WDW....can't think of anything more luxurious than that.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

It is like being at home but a home where you can also get room service and valet parking if you want them. You can have a meal in your own dining room or in a top notch restaurant that is part of the resort. The BWV's have the feel of a fine hotel.

HBC

 

[CaptainMidnight]

I'd say one of the big factors is the ability to walk out the back of your hotel/villa and catch a boat either to MGM or Epcot (although you'll probably want to just walk to Epcot). You can't do that at a moderate. You'll have several very nice dining options all within walking distance around Crecent lake, and a few entertainment options, one of my favorites being Jellyrolls. Drop the kids off at the services thay have for them, drop in the store and pick up some Baileys, or other libation, schedule a massage in the exercise facilities, order a nice snack in your room, walk to Epcot for dinner, or better yet, splurge on of the cruises they have to see illuminations, and then head over to Jellyrolls for the evening, to celebrate your Luxury resort purchase. Are you going during the holidays? Wait till you see the decorations......

 

[vernon]

The "luxury" part comes from all the little "extra" touches. But much of what makes it special is really down to the individual, what makes the difference to me could be a complete bore to you. To say what will be the difference for you is impossible for someone else to say, just go look around and see for yourself.

 

[Dean]

The resorts are more in line with the other Disney luxury resorts like WL, Contemporary, YC/BC. To me the "luxury" of having space, kitchen and a more relaxed feel is the best part.

 

[Jillpie]

OK, thanks everybody! I can't wait to see it.

 

[SheriB]

Hi Jillpie!

I'm assuming you didn't tour the sample rooms when you bought?
I can tell you, we toured while staying at CBR, and there is no comparison. The thing that we (DH and I) can't stand in a hotel room is the total lack of privacy when dressing, grooming, etc. Wait until you see the size of the rooms! The two bedroom is just so spacious! You can stay in the living room and watch TV while the kids are sleeping in the other room. Listen to me, I'm talking as if I've stayed in one. We won't be taking our first trip home until June, but having seen the samples, you will not be disappointed! You're going before me, make sure you post a report and let us know what you think!

Sheri

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks Sheri. We have not seen the models at all. Thats why I really don't have a clue what they look like, other than the pictures that people have posted, thanks to all that have done that! So I am very excited to just walk in and see the difference.

 

[Terry S]

Jillpie, I don't think you mentioned what type of room you will be in? That makes a big difference. Even the studios are nicer then a regular deluxe room because they come with a microwave and a mini-fridge. If you in anything bigger then that it really makes a big difference to have the extra room. As far as amenities, you are getting the amenities of a deluxe resort so in general everything is just much nicer.

 

[Bexx]

I'd also be interested to hear what makes the OKW villas considered luxurious. I know that the rooms are the biggest of the DVC properties, but from what I'm reading on these boards the little touches that made them homely are gradually being taken away - originally by guests and, because of that, now by the resort!!

A little reassurance would be gratefully received.

 

[PamOKW]

While over the years some things have been removed from the OKW villas for a variety of reasons, you really don't miss what you never knew was there and still have a fabulous "home". OKW is a little different than the others because it is truly unique to WDW. You really are living in a luxurious golf community with all the wonders of WDW right at your doorstep. It is not "hotel" style living so it's not a fair comparison to the other WDW DVC's. The luxury is "different but equal". I love all the DVC's. Some here don't like the hotel atmosphere of the others, some have made known their displeasure with staying at OKW. For those of us who are lucky enough to be flexible, we can enjoy different luxuries on our many DVC trips.

While little things may have changed in the villas, you still have fabulous furnishings with top of the line appliances....and who can resist those spacious balconies and large whirlpool baths?

 

[Bexx]

Thanks Pam, I knew you'd be there for me!

 

[sheryl0521]

Oh Jillpie...
I am starting to think you may not be able to wait to get to BCV while you stay at POR!
You could always stop over to BCV and take a look at the models before you check in, but I think it will make you wish away your time at POR.
My hubby said, that the 1-bedroom villa at BCV is larger than his 1st apartment out of college. So just stretch out and relax!

Sheryl

 

[inky dinky doo]

Jillpie,

The other day, I noticed a thread on the resort board (I think, started by Janet2K or something llike that). It included a link to her picture site, where she had posted pictures of her recent stay at Port Orleans and a BCV studio. You ought to try to find that link if you can.

Everything everybody says here is true, but those pictures spoke worlds to me. I've never stayed at a moderate, so I can't make a real comparison. However, as nice as the moderate room looked, there was just no comparison to the BCV studio.

The difference IS in the details.

Pat

 

[mb168]

One stay at CBR convinced my wife to join. Our "non-smoking"room smelled worse than other smoking rooms I've had to stay in, the paper thin walls with toilets flushing all night and early the next morning, sinks running, noisy outside. We were facing the "beach" at CBR and there was some kind of service vehicle riding around with its headlights shining in our room for about 30 minutes after 11PM! Then there was no hairdryer in the room so after a call to house keeping and a hour wait my wife's hair was already dry... The lady in house keeping asked her "can't you re-wet your hair?"

We now have 300 pts

We stayed at OKW and at BCV, near the elevator and never heard a soul at any time of the day or night...

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

To me the difference between deluxe...and not deluxe...needs to be in the items you can't buy (because if you buy it, is an extra charge).

So...

1. Atmosphere. Every DVC and the deluxe hotels have common areas that are spectacularly relaxing. Beach Club is amazing in this regard.

2. Gyms. Deluxe hotels offer them...and with DVC its "complimentary".

3. Hot showers and lockers for that last day.

4. The dining area....I don't recall moderates having one.

5. Except for OKW, proximity to a theme park.

6. The balcony

7. And then of course...those extras for a fee...rental boats (water mice!), tennis, golf, spas & beauty salons, multiple dining choices.

8. Finally those items unique to DVC (and a very few suites?)...a full kitchen, free (self service) laundry, utensils...frozen food & a small grocery. And space...


And in closing a negative remark (of course). DVC is sort of deluxe...a true deluxe hotel would have more extra special touches than DVC does...but then you'd pay for it.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

While I agree with the other comments, the most important thing for me is the attention to detail in theming.

 

[DeeP]

What makes a true luxury resort for me is ease, convenience and amenities offered. The super convenient location of BCV and all the amenities offered to their guests cannot be stressed enough. This is prime real estate in the land of Mickey and for very good reason. You will have the convenience , and it IS a biggy, of being able to walk or take a boat to Epcot and MGM and their amazing nighttime shows, you will have numerous wonderful restaurants at your doorstep, nighttime entertainment, shopping, minature golf, boating, etc all within walking distance. Plus you will be staying in a brand new villa that offers a lot more space and all the comforts of an apt, and you will have valet parking to park your car, luggage services to carry your bags, room service to bring you food, a health club if you need a massage, etc. It is pampering and luxury to the highest! Go enjoy, you will LOVE it!!!!

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks everyone! Wow, sounds just great.