What's wrong with the BCV?

[jimmiej]

You all are getting me really excited about our upcoming stay at BCV.

Question: what is that (building?) in Epcot to the right of BCV shown on the pic by erikthewise? About 4 o'clock. Anyone know? It looks like it's in UK or Canada. I'm trying to get a perspective of exactly where BCV is. Thanks.

 

[disneycrazed139]

Honestly, it is one of our favorites....oh, well they all are, aren't they? Okay, but really, BCV had two negatives to me. The transportation to DTD--especially back to resort at night....really bad. I can't say a good thing about how long we waited each and every night. I did complain about it. I hope it improves.

Also, I think the character breakfast at Cape May Cafe leaves something to be desired in terms of character interaction compared to others I've been to.

Other than that, it's the perfect place in every way, and I would still give it a 10.

Plus, the gellato in the market place. Yummy.

Wish I was there now.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Honestly, it is one of our favorites....oh, well they all are, aren't they? Okay, but really, BCV had two negatives to me. The transportation to DTD--especially back to resort at night....really bad. I can't say a good thing about how long we waited each and every night. I did complain about it. I hope it improves.

It's funny you mention that. 4 years ago, we didn't give a hOOt about Downtown Disney. This year (two weeks ago) we spent quite a lot of time there. First off we found Cpt Jacks Margarita bar to be OUTTADISWORLD and secondly, there is just so much to do and look at. Even the kids liked it (6 & 3).

I just took the 360 degree tour of SSR (which I own but have never seen) and it looks incredible. The rooms look VERY nice. I'm starting to think maybe we need to stay there and quit avoiding it. Hmmmmm..... What to do....

 

[d-r]

we've owned at beach club for over three years now, and I think that we've been there 6 times, and on some of those trips we had multiple rooms for guests. One time we had a situation where I know they pulled a switch on us in the room assignment, and we got a room about an hour late that had soaking wet carpets and the big fan blowers going full blast. But they told us there were no other rooms, this was the last room in the resort, so we had to take it. We had family in two other two-bedrooms or I might have pushed it a little, but it wasn't the end of the world. Every other time, everything has been perfect.

But here's the reason I posted. Last september I finally figured out that there is never a time that the beach club villas are not at capacity. It just doesn't happen. We have never gone during a "busy" season, and we have never, ever been there when they didn't tell us they were at 100% capacity. Think about it. There are enough DVC members that want to stay at bcv because of the location or because of stormalong bay that it is ALWAYS full. In september the beach club resort was very quiet, the park were very quiet, the bcv was at capacity. I don't know if anyone could ever get the data, but I would bet that bcv has the highest occupancy rate of any wdw resort.

This is why the furniture gets beat up. It is always in use. This is why there can be problems with room assignments, etc. at check in - they are always working with a tight puzzle.

What I hate is that almost every time we go SAB doesn't open until 10. There is no chance of a late check out at BCV, they just don't do it (because they are always full). So it is very hard to go to the pool on your check out day, and get your stuff out and get dry for lunch. I know that SAB opens late during "off-season" but there is no "off-season" for the villas, it is always on-season. How can it be "off-season" if it is filled to capacity and 90-odd degrees outside? We still pay dues whether we visit in Sept. or July, and I'd like to get the same pool hours. Beach Club needs to understand that there isn't such a thing as "off-season." I'd really like to see BCV owners get together and say something about this - we have to recognize that the villas are always at capacity and it isn't OK to turn down the services during certain parts of the year.

 

[vjhom]

If the SAB at BCV is AOK & you can see FW, WS and SSE from the room, then MDF is GTG for SMW reservations!

 

[vjhom]

Honestly, it is one of our favorites....oh, well they all are, aren't they? Okay, but really, BCV had two negatives to me. The transportation to DTD--especially back to resort at night....really bad. I can't say a good thing about how long we waited each and every night. I did complain about it. I hope it improves.

Also, I think the character breakfast at Cape May Cafe leaves something to be desired in terms of character interaction compared to others I've been to.

Other than that, it's the perfect place in every way, and I would still give it a 10.

Plus, the gellato in the market place. Yummy.

Wish I was there now.

Are they better Character breakfasts at the other DVC resorts? Thanks

 

[Beca]

Are they better Character breakfasts at the other DVC resorts? Thanks

No, BCV is the only DVC that has a character b'fast on site. Whether it is "great" or not is a matter of opinion. On the dining board you will see many posts of people who say they LOVE it, and it is VERY underrated. We are trying it in a few weeks...I can let you know my opinion of it.



Beca

 

[jade1]

we've owned at beach club for over three years now, and I think that we've been there 6 times, and on some of those trips we had multiple rooms for guests. One time we had a situation where I know they pulled a switch on us in the room assignment, and we got a room about an hour late that had soaking wet carpets and the big fan blowers going full blast. But they told us there were no other rooms, this was the last room in the resort, so we had to take it. We had family in two other two-bedrooms or I might have pushed it a little, but it wasn't the end of the world. Every other time, everything has been perfect.

But here's the reason I posted. Last september I finally figured out that there is never a time that the beach club villas are not at capacity. It just doesn't happen. We have never gone during a "busy" season, and we have never, ever been there when they didn't tell us they were at 100% capacity. Think about it. There are enough DVC members that want to stay at bcv because of the location or because of stormalong bay that it is ALWAYS full. In september the beach club resort was very quiet, the park were very quiet, the bcv was at capacity. I don't know if anyone could ever get the data, but I would bet that bcv has the highest occupancy rate of any wdw resort.

This is why the furniture gets beat up. It is always in use. This is why there can be problems with room assignments, etc. at check in - they are always working with a tight puzzle.

What I hate is that almost every time we go SAB doesn't open until 10. There is no chance of a late check out at BCV, they just don't do it (because they are always full). So it is very hard to go to the pool on your check out day, and get your stuff out and get dry for lunch. I know that SAB opens late during "off-season" but there is no "off-season" for the villas, it is always on-season. How can it be "off-season" if it is filled to capacity and 90-odd degrees outside? We still pay dues whether we visit in Sept. or July, and I'd like to get the same pool hours. Beach Club needs to understand that there isn't such a thing as "off-season." I'd really like to see BCV owners get together and say something about this - we have to recognize that the villas are always at capacity and it isn't OK to turn down the services during certain parts of the year.

I agree, cant prove it, but I agree. Maybe there should be a "user fee" if you stay there on NON BCV points? That would help cover the additional maintenance cost associated to a high demand resort and all the furniture/paint/carpet problems could be taken care of faster. Heck, I'd pay a user fee to stay there-oh yea I guess I will when my dues go up from all the additional traffic.

 

[vjhom]

Thx

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

What does all these acronyms mean? Thanks

SAB = Stormalong Bay. It's a pool.

BCV = Beach Club Villas. It's a DVC resort.

AOK = A-Okay. It's an expression

FW = Future World at Epcot. Home of Soarin'!

WS = World Showcase at Epcot. Lot's of food and beer

SSE = Space Ship Earth. The big golf ball looking thing at Epcot

MDF = Montana Disney Fan. Some DIS creep that lurks the boards.

GTG = Good to go. An expression.

SMW = Seven Month Window. DVC members can book DVC resorts "Other" than their home resort at the seven month window.

 

[vjhom]

 

[witandwisdom1234]

we've owned at beach club for over three years now, and I think that we've been there 6 times, and on some of those trips we had multiple rooms for guests. One time we had a situation where I know they pulled a switch on us in the room assignment, and we got a room about an hour late that had soaking wet carpets and the big fan blowers going full blast. But they told us there were no other rooms, this was the last room in the resort, so we had to take it. We had family in two other two-bedrooms or I might have pushed it a little, but it wasn't the end of the world. Every other time, everything has been perfect.

But here's the reason I posted. Last september I finally figured out that there is never a time that the beach club villas are not at capacity. It just doesn't happen. We have never gone during a "busy" season, and we have never, ever been there when they didn't tell us they were at 100% capacity. Think about it. There are enough DVC members that want to stay at bcv because of the location or because of stormalong bay that it is ALWAYS full. In september the beach club resort was very quiet, the park were very quiet, the bcv was at capacity. I don't know if anyone could ever get the data, but I would bet that bcv has the highest occupancy rate of any wdw resort.

This is why the furniture gets beat up. It is always in use. This is why there can be problems with room assignments, etc. at check in - they are always working with a tight puzzle.

What I hate is that almost every time we go SAB doesn't open until 10. There is no chance of a late check out at BCV, they just don't do it (because they are always full). So it is very hard to go to the pool on your check out day, and get your stuff out and get dry for lunch. I know that SAB opens late during "off-season" but there is no "off-season" for the villas, it is always on-season. How can it be "off-season" if it is filled to capacity and 90-odd degrees outside? We still pay dues whether we visit in Sept. or July, and I'd like to get the same pool hours. Beach Club needs to understand that there isn't such a thing as "off-season." I'd really like to see BCV owners get together and say something about this - we have to recognize that the villas are always at capacity and it isn't OK to turn down the services during certain parts of the year.

My family just returned from a stay at BCV in late Sept/early Oct. Our villa was in great shape.
I have to disagree that the resort is always at capacity, though. We orginally were to stay in a 2 BR villa for 5 nights. The day before our checkout day,we decided to stay for an additional 6 nights. We were able to add on the additional nights with no problem and did not even have to change villas. We had a great 11 night stay at BCV without even one problem or complaint.

 

[d-r]

My family just returned from a stay at BCV in late Sept/early Oct. Our villa was in great shape.
I have to disagree that the resort is always at capacity, though. We orginally were to stay in a 2 BR villa for 5 nights. The day before our checkout day,we decided to stay for an additional 6 nights. We were able to add on the additional nights with no problem and did not even have to change villas. We had a great 11 night stay at BCV without even one problem or complaint.

well, I stand corrected, and I'm actually glad to hear it. I have never checked in when they didn't at least *tell* me that they were at capacity. They told us that the second week of Sept. I still think that BCV probably has the highest occupancy rate on property.

 

[Simba's Mom]

If the SAB at BCV is AOK & you can see FW, WS and SSE from the room, then MDF is GTG for SMW reservations!

And if we don't keep it on the QT, we'll all be put on KP. Does this remind anyone else of "Good Morning Vietnam"? I've only seen this movie about 30 times. I think I need a life.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

And if we don't keep it on the QT, we'll all be put on KP. Does this remind anyone else of "Good Morning Vietnam"? I've only seen this movie about 30 times. I think I need a life.

Hehe, that's where I stole the idea. The acronyms can be very confusing even for DIS vets, let alone some of the newbies.

 

[BCV23]

Cool photo! How do request those rooms at the BCV that "stick out" there and face the WS lagoon?

If you are talking about the part that sort of points to 4 o'clock, there aren't any rooms on the end that face toward the lagoon. There is a hallway down that wing with rooms on either side. I don't think there are extra windows on the side either.

Erik, the room we had with the dropdead view of SE was on the uppermost wing on the fifth floor. Although it may have a more oblique view (hard to tell since SE isn't in the picture) it makes up for it by proximity. It seemed to be floating outside our window.

 

[erikthewise]

If you are talking about the part that sort of points to 4 o'clock, there aren't any rooms on the end that face toward the lagoon. There is a hallway down that wing with rooms on either side. I don't think there are extra windows on the side either.

Erik, the room we had with the dropdead view of SE was on the uppermost wing on the fifth floor. Although it may have a more oblique view (hard to tell since SE isn't in the picture) it makes up for it by proximity. It seemed to be floating outside our window.

Ditto, BCV23! I'm curious how Soarin' has affected the view. I'm sure it hasn't blotted out SSE entirely. Hope I have a chance to find out in person next month!

Most of the rooms in red (back on page 4) as well as the middle section of green have views of the lagoon (or at least in that direction). The upper section of green probably has an oblique view of the lagoon as well. You should be able to see Illuminations fireworks from all these rooms. In the lower section of green you can see fireworks if you go out on the balcony, and belly up to the railing.

In response to another question, I think the large building at 4:00 is backstage. At least that's the only sense I can make of it.

 

[BCV23]

My husband think the mystery building might have been that temporary display from many nations a few years back. We don't recall the name.

Erik, this trip we were in the bend between the uppermost green segment and the middle segment. It is hard to see this bend in either the photo or drawing but it is a couple of short turns in the hall. Anyway, Soarin didn't block the view of SE at all and so of course it doesn't for the top segment either. It may for the lowest segment of green and some or all of the middle.

 

[erikthewise]

Yes I think it is the Millennium Pavilion (http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep/mil_mv.htm).

 

[Disney Doll]

I guess it all depends on how one approaches a vacation. I tend to take a pretty "relaxed" view of vacation, so if I have to wait in line for something, I don't get all bent.

I love BCV. I love the themeing of the resort, I love the location, I love the pool. I have never had a horrible experience there. I have encountered CMs who were less than stellar there, as well as elsewhere on property, so I don't think BCV "attracts" bad CMs. I have always found the rooms to be in pretty good repair, and a couple of times when I had small issues (and I do mean small) they were quickly rectified. I have had a pool view twice and a woods view twice...I know there is technically no "woods" view, but I had a view of the area that is along the left side of the walkway to Epcot...wooded & shrubby, I guess. In any event, both those views were nice in their own ways. I have never had a view of the road, but I also don't request an Epcot view. If you request an Epcot view at BCV you will also get a view of the road because that is the side of the building that faces Epcot. View has never been all that important to me either.

I am an owner at OKW, so BCV is not my home resort. I have to tell you, that I have stayed at OKW, BCV, BWV and loved them all for different reasons. I still, after all these years of being a DVC member (8 years now) consider myself very fortunate to be able to have purchased into the program. It is some of the best money DH & I have ever spent.