what personality does VWL have?

[gray]

I have read many comparisons on this discussion board between the differences in Old Key West and BWV, and between the two, I think my family would prefer the hustle and bustle of BWV. However, I haven't run across a discussion as to the type of feel that VWL has.

If we join DVC, we'll have to decide between buying a resale of BWV or buying from Disney at VWL. Of course, we could wait for the new resorts if we are patient enough.

It probably will not be possible for us to see any of these resorts before making our decision, so any pros or cons would be appreciated.

Many thanks!

 

[wdwnut]

hi: you may want to check out the pictures on the official site, www.wdwig.com and www.ourlaughingplace.com
have you ever been to the wilderness lodge? the villas continue that theme. it's a bit of a compromise between okw and bwv. it's a very relaxing atmosphere, but you have the convenience of the hotel right there. we had liked wl to stay at here and there, so we checked it out on our may trip. we would definitely pick up a couple days here and there in the villas. make no mistake, we absolutely love our "home", bwv, but we would also stay here. our youngest is a teen, and there's definitely more to do at bwv for him and his friends. they may have an updated video out now that you could get.

 

[brittsmum1998]

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION (and I stress that ) Our home is BWV. We stayed in May @ VWL and none of us were happy w/ it. DH kept saying he missed his BWV, DD who is 3 did not like the theming and the murkiness of it. This was her third trip to WDW so it wasn't that she was intimidated. I was bored. It took 1 1/2 hours one nite to go get an icecream. There was no place to "people" watch...which we really enjoy. Not many food choices compared to the BWV. The pool theming is wonderful and the boat to the MK is wonderful. We found while staying at the BWV, we would bus to MK in the AM, relax in late afternoon and catch a boat or walk to MGM and or Epcot. We find this schedule very relaxing and allows us to visit differant themes. AGAIN, IMHO I would look for resale at BWV or wait till BCV becomes available which unfortunately will most likely be more expensive. I'm sure you will get many opinions on this which is a great reason to own DVC in the first place...SOOO many options , But if you feel as we do that you like the option of the "hustle & bustle" I'm not sure VWL is for you. Good Luck in your decision, and I'm sure whichever you decide will work great!!

 

[Lisa F]

but the bulk of my points are at BWV and I wouldn't have it any other way. We have 300 points at BWV and 50 points at VWL, mostly because we wanted 350 total (and couldn't get a small add on at BWV) but also because when we first stayed at VWL, we fell in love with the place. Although I don't anticipate spending the majority of our time at VWL, it will be nice to go there once every third year or so for a slight change of pace.

The atmosphere at BWV, to me, is always very festive. The colors in the rooms are pastels, but fairly bright ones. All of the woodwork is painted white. The main pool is the luna park pool and has a very "amusement park" feel and theme to it. We've never actually used the pool while at the BWV because I'm much more interested in going to Epcot (even if it's just to walk around the world showcase and catch some shows there). The one thing that always struck me as totally wonderful at the BWV is that you can go out onto the boardwalk and there is lots of activity... shows, shopping, clubs etc... However, I've never understood people not liking the "hustle and bustle" of the boardwalk because I've found that once you get inside the actual hotel and into your room, with the exception of possibily a BW view (which I have never had the pleasure of having) you can completely leave that hustle and bustle behind. In our opinion, the rooms at the BWV are as quiet and relaxing as any other room we've been in (and we've tried out OKW) only you're just steps from the action.

The atmosphere of VWL, in a word, is cozy. The colors in the rooms are all "ralph lauren" type colors... rich reds, dark greens, deep royal blues. The woodwork is stained dark. The theming of the pool is more about nature than about manmade things... there are large rocks, a water slide that is not nearly as large as the one at luna park and stone decking around what I think are the best hot tubs on property. I really liked the atmosphere here because even though you're not just seconds from lots of activity like at the BWV, you still feel like you are at disney. The theming of the main building, the availability of the restaurants and room service choices and the fact that the resort is compact and walkable give this resort all of the amenities of a deluxe resort like at BWV, but at the same time it has that "relaxing" "get away from it all" atmosphere (I'm less likely to hit a park if it's not as convenient and I never realized how relaxing it could be to just hang out at the resort!) yet I don't feel isolated like I did at OKW. When it's running (and it doesn't for E-ride night ) the boat is a nice alternative form of transporation to the MK. I guess part of the reason I go to disney is for the complete themed experience and at the VWL you are completely enveloped in the WL theme.


As I said, I love both resorts and for me they are two very different types of vacations... but BWV is still #1 in my book.

Lisa

 

[MinnieMe2]

We just made our first trip 'home' to VWL last week. We love it there. It's quiet, and the transportation is usually fine. Having said that, it's possible that at some point in the future we'll be looking to purchase some resale points at BWV. We have three teens and one 'adult' (at least, according to the calendar) child, and they'd probably enjoy some time at the Boardwalk. Like others have said, the nice thing about DVC is it provides something for everyone.

 

[Muushka]

I think you answered your question when you said that your family would prefer the hustle and bustle of BWV.

We have no children. When we go to WDW, we get about all the stimulation we can stand just visiting the parks. We actually had a contract at BWV a few years back, and decided to wait for VWL to be built. We find the wilderness area very relaxing. In addition, we lived in S. FL for 10 years and the WL area was always more appealing visually for us. When I think if WL I think of shade. When I think of BWV, I think of sun! Also, we loved WL at Christmas, so we wanted to be guaranteed the ability to book there for that season.

Everyone has different tastes. That is why they gave us a choice!

 

[kda]

That's how I'd describe WL. [Let me qualify by saying that we've stayed at WL four times, but are new DVC members and doing our first trip to VWL this month. We waited to purchase here because we have loved staying at WL, even though we almost bought at BWV last year.] We feel like it's the best of two worlds there --- it actually feels like we're in a peaceful, serene, remote lodge, but Disney is just around the corner. We definitely do enjoy the BW area, however, and expect to stay there sometimes, but am glad VWL is our home.

 

[Luv2Dream]

I think everyone has posted fair opinions of VWL and I agree with them. The reason we purchased at VWL was that it was the only site offered at the time we were purchasing. We weren't savvy enough to look into resales. However, that being said, the main reason I enjoy VWL is the fact that there isn't any hustle and bustle. Therefore, I think you would be happier at BWV or BCV. Don't get me wrong, I love hustle and bustle sometimes but it sure is nice to get away from it all at the end of a long tiring day.