Which DVC and why

[rentayenta]

Next October we'll be staying at the THV for 7 nights with our friends. The next 4 nights will be just our family. I am looking Oct. 16-20 for the 4 remaining nights and would appreciate opinions and insights on where to stay. Before owning our 2 previous DVC stays were OKW GV and AKV 2 bedroom in Jambo and we thoroughly enjoyed both. I am looking for opinions on everything from CS to pools to room size and everything in between. DH wants to stay at SSR and DD(12) wants to stay at AKV again. I am open to all.

 

[Chuck S]

Since it will still be 5 of you, why not just keep the THV, they are the same number of points as a 2 bedroom at SSR, unless you wee wantin a one bedroom...in which case I'd probably go with AKV Kidani or BLT, which both have sleeping areas for 5 and a second bathroom.

 

[rentayenta]

Since it will still be 5 of you, why not just keep the THV, they are the same number of points as a 2 bedroom at SSR, unless you wee wantin a one bedroom...in which case I'd probably go with AKV Kidani or BLT, which both have sleeping areas for 5 and a second bathroom.

The thought of not moving sounds enticing. We did a split stay last trip and it went as smooth as possible but it would be nice to unpack and stay put for 11 nights.

I do like the idea of moving to a 1 bedroom and saving a few points. Need to check out the points chart for a 1 bedroom at BLT and AKV Kidani. If we stay BLT I will so want an MK view and if we stay AKV I will want a SV. After seeing DVC Mike's pool pics, I would consider BLT when before it would have been last on my list.

 

[jelwallace]

I voted BCV because of the great pool. I think your son would enjoy it and you might need some relaxing time after a busy week with friends. It also has the advantage of a great location next to EPCOT. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[rentayenta]

I voted BCV because of the great pool. I think your son would enjoy it and you might need some relaxing time after a busy week with friends. It also has the advantage of a great location next to EPCOT. Good luck with whatever you decide.

We will be there during the F&W Festival and I am wondering how hard BCV will be to get into at the 7 month mark? The pool there is fabulous. Our friends own there and they gave us the tour. Awesome!

 

[wideeyedwonder]

(Write-in vote for GCV!)

 

[rentayenta]

(Write-in vote for GCV!)

That was almost the plan for June 2010 but I would like the DCA work completed before we go. We are in Utah and Disneyland is so much closer and I miss it so. We are thinking GCV in Dec 2011. I would love to add on at GCV.

 

[Sandisw]

I voted BLT but only because I love the resort and am very biased towards it. We bought in to DVC because of it as we were CR fans and like being so close to MK, our favorite park.

Having just stayed there, though, we still think it is a wonderful resort (also did BWV and VWL).

Here is what I like:

1. It feels like I am on vacation in a hotel atmosphere (what I prefer).

2. Very easy to get to MK by walk or monorail. DH and I always walk but the kids take the monorail--we feel comfortable letting them do this (16 and 13).

3. Can take the monorail to Epcot if need be. We usually drive, but it only took 30 minutes this last trip to do it. Nice option when wanting to dine at Epcot.

4. Easy access to other resorts via the MK bus depot. If we want to visit other resorts for meals, and don't want to drive, we can just walk right over, take a bus to the resort, and then catch a bus back to MK and walk back to BLT.

5. We enjoyed the food at the Contempo Cafe but it is also a quick boat ride to VWL, where you can get CS at Roaring Forks or a quick monorail ride to both the Poly or Grand Floridian to eat at their CS places (and Poly has dole whip!!!)

6. We find the resort relaxing and enjoyed the pool area.

7. The views are beautiful. We had a LV studio, but were in an even #'d room so we also could see both the castle and MK. We watched the fireworks from our deck. Saved points and still had a beautiful view!!!

Good luck!!

 

[rentayenta]

I voted BLT but only because I love the resort and am very biased towards it. We bought in to DVC because of it as we were CR fans and like being so close to MK, our favorite park.

Having just stayed there, though, we still think it is a wonderful resort (also did BWV and VWL).

Here is what I like:

1. It feels like I am on vacation in a hotel atmosphere (what I prefer).

2. Very easy to get to MK by walk or monorail. DH and I always walk but the kids take the monorail--we feel comfortable letting them do this (16 and 13).

3. Can take the monorail to Epcot if need be. We usually drive, but it only took 30 minutes this last trip to do it. Nice option when wanting to dine at Epcot.

4. Easy access to other resorts via the MK bus depot. If we want to visit other resorts for meals, and don't want to drive, we can just walk right over, take a bus to the resort, and then catch a bus back to MK and walk back to BLT.

5. We enjoyed the food at the Contempo Cafe but it is also a quick boat ride to VWL, where you can get CS at Roaring Forks or a quick monorail ride to both the Poly or Grand Floridian to eat at their CS places (and Poly has dole whip!!!)

6. We find the resort relaxing and enjoyed the pool area.

7. The views are beautiful. We had a LV studio, but were in an even #'d room so we also could see both the castle and MK. We watched the fireworks from our deck. Saved points and still had a beautiful view!!!

Good luck!!

Wow, thanks Sandi! I checked the points for a one bedroom MK view and it is a little more than I wanted to use after the 251 points the week in the THV will cost but good to know the LV was nice too. Seriously, when I first saw BLT I was totally unimpressed but the reports and photos that coming in are really making me want to stay there. MK is my favorite park so the location rocks. The rest of the family prefers DHS.

 

[Sandisw]

Wow, thanks Sandi! I checked the points for a one bedroom MK view and it is a little more than I wanted to use after the 251 points the week in the THV will cost but good to know the LV was nice too. Seriously, when I first saw BLT I was totally unimpressed but the reports and photos that coming in are really making me want to stay there. MK is my favorite park so the location rocks. The rest of the family prefers DHS.

If the rest of your family likes HS, then you may want to consider BWV. We just stayed there for 2 nights and the walk to HS was around 10 minutes or so. Now, we were at the end of the hallway, farthest away from the elevators (which made it inconvenient for everything else) but, we went right out the door, down the walkway, and to HS very easily.

On the way back, we took the boat and got off at the Swan and Dolphin and it was a 5 minute walk back to the resort from there. While we only visit HS one day of our trip, this made if very easy, especially since we got FP's for TSM on our way out at 1:00 pm and walked back at 7:30 pm (when they were for) just to do that ride! It was very nice!!!

 

[rentayenta]

If the rest of your family likes HS, then you may want to consider BWV. We just stayed there for 2 nights and the walk to HS was around 10 minutes or so. Now, we were at the end of the hallway, farthest away from the elevators (which made it inconvenient for everything else) but, we went right out the door, down the walkway, and to HS very easily.

On the way back, we took the boat and got off at the Swan and Dolphin and it was a 5 minute walk back to the resort from there. While we only visit HS one day of our trip, this made if very easy, especially since we got FP's for TSM on our way out at 1:00 pm and walked back at 7:30 pm (when they were for) just to do that ride! It was very nice!!!

Who cares what they like? DHS is my least favorite park but the boardwalk looks fun. Thanks for the insights. Being close to DHS does make sense unfortunately. If not for TSM and The Great Movie Ride, I wouldn't step foot in the joint.

 

[yandbfan]

BCV, and my top five reasons are:

5) The view of Boardwalk from Yacht and Beach Club
4) The view of Yacht and Beach Club from Boardwalk
3) The quiet pool at BCV
2) Watching the movie on the beach and the fireworks at the same time
1) Walking the circle around the lake with my son at 7:00am

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I would stay at BCV's or BWV's. I love the newness of BLT but it leaves me cold as does the Comtemporary. Different strokes for different folks. If you like the style stay there.

 

[rentayenta]

BCV, and my top five reasons are:

5) The view of Boardwalk from Yacht and Beach Club
4) The view of Yacht and Beach Club from Boardwalk
3) The quiet pool at BCV
2) Watching the movie on the beach and the fireworks at the same time
1) Walking the circle around the lake with my son at 7:00am

Tell me about watching a movie on the beach and watching the fireworks at the same time! Sounds really cool!!! I haven't heard anything about their quiet pool. I am a total pool person.

I would stay at BCV's or BWV's. I love the newness of BLT but it leaves me cold as does the Comtemporary. Different strokes for different folks. If you like the style stay there.

With BLT it's the style that keeps me away. The pool looks really cool and the views are unreal. I do like that 5 can fit in a one bedroom though.




BWV keeps coming up. But according to the poll, BLT is way ahead.

 

[dizneyfan23]

I can't comment on BLT since I haven't stayed there yet (hurry up Jan)
but of the others I picked either BWV or BCV because you are in walking distance of two parks (Epcot & The Studios)

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

BWV and BCV are really part of the same area. Surrey bikes as well as live entertainment are on the Boardwalk side, rental boats and movies on the beach are on the Beach Club side. Both areas are really convenient to each other. The miniature golf behind the Swan and Dolphin is really convenient to the Boardwalk.

The food options are a little better at BCV than at BWV.

BWV is a little closer to DHS and BCV is a little closer to Epcot.

SAB at BC is said to be awesome. However, its harder to keep up with kiddos. My nephews really liked the slide at BWV.

The Boardwalk Views are fantastic. Even the standard views are pretty good. I submit that some of the standard views at Boardwalk are as good as the views at BCV, and are cheaper.

BWV and BCV have different feels about them. Boardwalk is a little over the top guilded glitz, while BCV is a much more understated elegance.

Theme wise - you are kind of choosing between New Jersey and Connecticut.

Good Luck!!

 

[rentayenta]

I can't comment on BLT since I haven't stayed there yet (hurry up Jan)
but of the others I picked either BWV or BCV because you are in walking distance of two parks (Epcot & The Studios)

You are staying at BLT in January? Awesome! The pictures look amazing! Thanks for the insights; BCV/BWV seem to be an overall favorite thus far.

BWV and BCV are really part of the same area. Surrey bikes as well as live entertainment are on the Boardwalk side, rental boats and movies on the beach are on the Beach Club side. Both areas are really convenient to each other. The miniature golf behind the Swan and Dolphin is really convenient to the Boardwalk.

This sounds fun and we tend to spend more time at our resort the latter part of our trips.

The food options are a little better at BCV than at BWV.

Good to know.

BWV is a little closer to DHS and BCV is a little closer to Epcot.

Really good to know. We will be there F&W Festival so being close to Epcot would be terrific.

SAB at BC is said to be awesome. However, its harder to keep up with kiddos. My nephews really liked the slide at BWV.

This gives me an idea. My family loves to do a water park one day but maybe by staying at BCV we could just do SAB and save the $200+ we would spend at TL or BB.

The Boardwalk Views are fantastic. Even the standard views are pretty good. I submit that some of the standard views at Boardwalk are as good as the views at BCV, and are cheaper.

I really like this. I hate a bad view. The clown pool at BWV looks scary from the photos.

BWV and BCV have different feels about them. Boardwalk is a little over the top guilded glitz, while BCV is a much more understated elegance.

Theme wise - you are kind of choosing between New Jersey and Connecticut.

Good Luck!!

That was a great overview. I appreciate your insights!!






Anyone know if BWV guests can use SAB at the BCV? I wouldn't normally pool hop but since they are so close, it wouldn't be a big deal and it would save me the extra water park moola.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

If you stay at the Beach Club, you can go to SAB and to the pool at Boardwalk.
If you stay at the Boardwalk, you CANNOT go to SAB.
(Bummer)

My nephews were 7 & 9 when they visited BWV and never flinched or thought about the clown. They did enjoy going down the slide though.

Thank you so much for liking my review!!

One other thing...I had said that BCV is closer to Epcot, and BWV is closer to DHS. Its all so close together that it really doesn't make a difference.

Disney walking is a bit of a struggle for me. The boats are really convenient. I sometimes walk to Epcot from Boardwalk, and sometimes take the boat. I would probably never take the boat from BCV. As for DHS, I think most people would think the walk from BC would be a bit too long. I've told DH that I would consider walking to DHS from Boardwalk if we really had one of the very closest rooms to DHS, but I would personally still be really reluctant.

 

[rentayenta]

If you stay at the Beach Club, you can go to SAB and to the pool at Boardwalk.
If you stay at the Boardwalk, you CANNOT go to SAB.
(Bummer)

My nephews were 7 & 9 when they visited BWV and never flinched or thought about the clown. They did enjoy going down the slide though.

Thank you so much for liking my review!!

One other thing...I had said that BCV is closer to Epcot, and BWV is closer to DHS. Its all so close together that it really doesn't make a difference.

Disney walking is a bit of a struggle for me. The boats are really convenient. I sometimes walk to Epcot from Boardwalk, and sometimes take the boat. I would probably never take the boat from BCV. As for DHS, I think most people would think the walk from BC would be a bit too long. I've told DH that I would consider walking to DHS from Boardwalk if we really had one of the very closest rooms to DHS, but I would personally still be really reluctant.

Clowns scare me but the kids don't care. I have a fear of Bozo from childhood. I like that both DVC are so close to 2 parks. Bummer about not being able to use SAB, I would like to save that water park money.

I don't predict walking will be an issue for us except back to the room after a long day. I really appreciate the insights!







Keep 'em coming.

 

[VrBchJ]

If you choose BWV and get a Boardwalk view room you can see both Illuminations and Wishes (in the distance) from your balcony. You can watch the sun rise over Space Ship Earth and the lake while you drink your morning coffee. And you have the famous clown pool for the kids.