What Should I Know to Avoid Surprises on First BWV Stay??

[Bill From PA]

The thing that concerns me about our 9 day stay at BWV next March is that, well, I don't know what I don't know! We usually stay at S/D, so we know the area, and I know we'll have a kitchenette in our BWV Studio room, but I'm certain that there are little surprises that await my wife and I. What should I bring that I don't need in a 'regular' hotel room, what won't I need, what should I do different than in a stay at a conventional hotel? Extra towels/linen? Anything?

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[las3888]

The biggest surprise we had (just something we didn't think about) was that the room has only a Queen size bed and a sofabed. Our first stay was just my DH and myself. We thought we could do a queen size (have a king at home) but we were cramped for the week.

We really liked having the little kitchen area...

You might want to bring extra towels if you are the kind of person who goes through them quickly. We didn't have too big of a problem. Just kept hanging ours up and re-using them. You may collect a few from the pool area while you are there too.

From what I remember, toiletries are very minimal. Make sure you bring your own.

It was weird making the bed for our first stay too, but I got used to it (I'm sure some people don't bother, heck, we're on vacation). I actually am now used to NOT having housekeeping in a hotel room so when I stay somewhere where they come and clean, it's kind of a pain in the butt because they never come when you want them to! I now appreciate that I don't have to worry about somebody coming in the room every day (hiding the valuables etc.), or coming back from a swim and finding the maid there and having to wait when I just want to hop in the shower.

I'm not sure what your view is, but we were pleasantly surprised with our standard view. It does look over the parking lot, but that is off in the distance somewhat. We did not have fireworks views as some of the standard rooms do.

We did have a room at the very end of a loooooonnnng hallway. I'm sure you've heard about this. We did get used to it, and found that it was to our advantage because we had a side door we used all the time for going to the pool and to our car/bus stop.

I can't think of anything else right now...I'm sure you'll have a great time!!!

 

[bpmorley]

I'd love to help, but haven't stayed at BWV. What kind of surprises?

 

[AJKMOM]

They really do have long hallways with rooms very far away from only one set of elevators.

 

[MiaSRN62]

If views are important to you.....you should know that some "preferred view" rooms overlook the valet parking lot and a service area driveway. We had one of these (#4131). The room was far from the elevators and had a view of the parking lot predominately. Though to be fair, we could see the TOT off to the right if we stood out on our balcony. I think I would request pool view next time if we had a reservation for "preferred view" to avoid the disappointing parking lot scene.
Other than that, this is a great resort. Have a wonderful stay.

 

[n2mm]

If you're a coffee drinker, you need to bring coffee. They start you off with a pack or 2 and you need sugar and creamer if you use it. There was dish soap and dish towels. Paper products: plates, forks and spoons, can opener. Trash bags. You need to take your trash out to a central trash location or wait until your 4th day for trash and towel service or full cleaning. If you are there 9 days, you should get one full cleaning and one trash and towel day. Extra washcloths are a plus. I believe you only get 4 of each towels and they are not replaced until day 4. There is only enough linen for the 2 beds. The queen is made up and the sofa bed has blankets and pillows in the closet. There is also a vaccum cleaner. You can request more towels, but there is a fee. I believe $6.00. We requested more towels our last trip. We are heading to the BWV this weekend for our 13 day vacation and can't wait to get there.

 

[Judique]

The thing that concerns me about our 9 day stay at BWV next March is that, well, I don't know what I don't know! We usually stay at S/D, so we know the area, and I know we'll have a kitchenette in our BWV Studio room, but I'm certain that there are little surprises that await my wife and I. What should I bring that I don't need in a 'regular' hotel room, what won't I need, what should I do different than in a stay at a conventional hotel? Extra towels/linen? Anything?

Thanks,
Bill From PA

I'm a BWV owner who has also stayed at the Swan on numerous trips. I think you'll love it! We were there just last week and had a perfect stay in a studio, although I certainly love having a one bedroom. I'm happy at either Swan or BWV, with the edge going to BWV. I had planned on getting extra towels, but one evening we just dropped them in the wash - the laundry room is free except for your soap - you may want to pack a small box if you plan on doing laundry. I did laundry also and each time was the only one using the machines.

If you drink coffee you can bring coffee and filters, or buy a mug and go downstairs for refills. Or just buy coffee in Screendoor.

Enjoy your visit.

 

[PamOKW]

One pleasant surprise -- if you need to get your car out of valet, be sure to call from the room before you head downstairs. 9 times out of 10 it'll be ready and waiting for you.

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks for all the great 'insider' info, this is just what I was looking for, the kinds of things you don't know unless you've lived there. The coffee thing is important, knowing about the towels, free laundry room but bring the soap thing and all the rest. We've got a standard view studio room and except for maybe having our morning caffeine on the balcony, the view isn't a big deal. Thanks again for all the input.

Bill From PA

 

[lizziepooh]

We always bring a paring knife (in our checked luggage) for cutting up fruit, cheese, etc. for snacks in the studio.

 

[granmanh603]

It funny how different peoples opinions are we just stayed 2 weeks "down the long hall" in 2125 it think and loved it. Very quiet and overlooking a little pond with ducks etc. Back door out to walk to MGM, side door out to short walk to Bus stop and other side doors to get to pools. Would request the room again.
The sharp knife packed in suitcase is a great idea too and we did wash too and laundry is usually empty during the day. Go to pool while waiting for it to get done.

 

[CapeCodFam]

Since you know the area, you know to bring those stretchy pants.

I would recommend bringing your own coffee. I'm not a fan of WDW coffee. Studios only have paper plates/plastic utensils. You can bring your own if you want the real thing.

Due to the price, I'd say stay away from room service. You can get the same food on the boardwalk for less money. One of my favorite things to do is to go the bakery when they open and sit on the boardwalk and watch it wake up. I swear my wife and kids think Mickey magically delivers the pastries while they are sleeping.

While I think they're fine, you may find the bed not as comfy as the swan/dolphin. I hear those beds are truly luxurious...

Best wishes for a great trip!

 

[CarolMN]

We almost always stay in standard view rooms and love the location - you may even be lucky enough to see some of the IllumiNations fireworks from your balcony. The best rooms for that will be on the upper floors, across from the bus stop.

My advice: Check out the stairways if you aren't on lobby level. They often provide quick access to the bus stop, self-parking lot, both pools and the walkway to MGM. No need to walk back through the lobby unless you have other business there and no need to use the elevators if your party can utilize the stairways.

Best wishes -