Where to do my split stay?

[Thegoatfeeder]

I'm being positive and ignoring Covid for the time being. I have a 14 night stay at Riviera booked for next April, the last 5 nights of which are separate because I am hoping to do a split stay.

For those 5 nights, there is availability currently at the following resorts: BLT, BWV, BRV and VGF.

I have discounted Poly because we also own there, OKW, SSR and AKL because we aren't hiring a car this time and prefer those resorts when not relying on Disney transportation.

So out of BLT, BWV, BRV and VGF where would you stay (assuming availability remains the same)?

Each has positives for us:

• BLT has the ability to walk to MK and the DVC lounge, however the resort itself doesn't really appeal to us.
• BWV is seemingly hard to get a studio at, so feels like a good opportunity, however with us staying at Riviera as well, do we really want 2 Epcot resort hotels on the same trip?
• BRV, I have heard mixed things about, but we love Wilderness Lodge itself, the downside is that I use an ECV and worry about the boat transportation.
• VGF is beautiful, and we can walk to MK, but it would require the borrowing of points from another UY!

What are your thoughts?

 

[Geomom]

I would probably pick an MK resort. Not sure which one though. Are there any amenities that interest you at the resorts? Currently very few restaurants are open at the resorts, no idea when they'll open more. TOTW is not yet open at BLT. I would check the Disney site to see what is open at each resort, although it is subject to change, there shouldn't be anything removed from the list, only added on as capacity increases.

The BLT studios are small. We delayed staying at BLT as we disliked the theming, but stayed in a 2 bedroom there with friends 4 years ago and really enjoyed it. The ability to walk to MK as well as accessing everything in the Contemporary was great. BLT has a community hall, and you can use both the BLT and Contemporary pools.

VGF will be a longer walk to MK than BLT once the GF walkway to MK opens, but they are right on the monorail loop, accessed through the GF lobby. Not sure what the current status of VGF is, we stayed while the NBA bubble was there, so only had access to 1 pool and the QS was a good walk from VGF... especially with the blue bubble fence in place.

BRV...been 7 yrs since we stayed there, but we stayed at CCV last year. Loved Geyser Point grill outside, very relaxing there. There are 2 pools open here, Whispering canyon cafe TS, roaring fork QS, and the Geyser Point grill QS.

 

[TCRAIG]

I’d choose BRV/WL - And I also use an ECV

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

I’d choose BRV/WL - And I also use an ECV

Can you take an ECV on the boats that run from WL to MK? I have only been to WL by car previously.

 

[justadreamaway77]

I have heard a lot of rumbling from VGF guests that the monorails are always full by the time they get to GF. I'm sure that is why the completion of the pathway to MK has been fast tracked!

 

[TCRAIG]

Can you take an ECV on the boats that run from WL to MK? I have only been to WL by car previously.

They have 2 types of boats - the small ones don’t handle ECVs but the larger cruisers do - i think it’s the ones with the Red flags

 

[Sandisw]

I voted VGF because it’s my favorite. But, BLT would be my second choice because it’s pretty close to VGF in terms of my favorite.

 

[Shellyred8]

BLT would be my vote.

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

We did the same poll on our Insta and GFV won there as well, maybe we should accept the masses have spoken!

 

[Ms.Minnie]

I voted for BLT because I really like the resort for it's location to MK, access to monorail, dining options and TOWL. If I were going to stay at a MK resort this is the one I would pick. We have stayed here before, very convenient walk to monorail via bridge that connects the tower to the main resort and monorail wasn't full in the AM when we boarded but was too full to allow guests from Poly or GF to get on monorail. Easy access to TOWL and we could see the electric water parade from our lake view room. I like the modern theming because it's so different from my home, it's a nice change.

The GF is a beautiful resort but my DH isn't a fan of this resort. We once stayed there for 10 days in the actual hotel and once at the villas, he just doesn't like it there. I found that its a long walk to the monorail and an even longer walk to the boats so to me it's not nearly as convenient as BLT. Also we couldn't see the electric water parade from our lake view room, could only see from outside. I was very disappointed by that.

I wouldn't pick another Epcot resort because you are already staying in that area. If it were me I would concentrate my time while at the RV on Epcot and HS and the many dining options in that area and the MK and those dining spots while I'm in the MK area. It's an easy boat ride from BLT to WL to enjoy Geyer Point, very nice spot to enjoy an adult beverage, a meal or both.

Whatever you decide I hope you have a wonderful time. Sending you pixie dust!