Which DVC resort to woo DH?

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to talk my DH into joining DVC and he's going to need a little convincing. We decided we need to actually stay at a DVC resort and experience it so - when next we return to WDW I'd like to know which resort you think is most impressive. I have to admit that although OKW sounds very nice, I believe I've read there is no slide at the pool which would be a big negative for DS (and therefore DH) and no lifeguards - which I'm not sure I like. Anyway, we have two small kids DS who is almost 6 and DD - 2 years old. My DH worries about losing the perks of staying at a resort. He likes bell services, valet parking, room service etc. But we also like convenience and space. I plan to get a 1 bedroom at least, I not sure about the layout of 2 bedrooms.

So what do you think?

Thanks and have a good weekend!

 

[spiceycat]

what does he like - if the forest/moutain then VWL - and yes it has room service (OKW except pizza does not), valet parking, bell service - so does BWV and BCV - VWL is also a boat ride from MK

If you like to be near Epcot and Studios - then BWV or BCV - the BW is like the Atlantic Broadwalk, the Beach club has the best pool on property - it just depends upon he likes.

maybe this website will help

www.dvc-resorts.com

the pictures in the above website aren't very good - I think the camera flash is too bright or something -

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

We would like the themes of any of the other three I think. Although my DH might give VWL a edge as he would probably like the mountain/woods thing the best. We do like a good view - is BWV the only resort that you can book a preferred view? At VWL, are most of the views good and what might you be looking at? Does VWL have the dedicated two bedrooms as I don't think I'd like the other setup (I think this is what is called a lockout?) with the little kids. My DH and I like to relax at night after the kids are in bed so being able to put them to sleep in their own bedroom would be great - and that's when a nice balcony or patio with some atmosphere would be a wonderful thing.

Sorry for so many questions. I guess I'll do some searches also Thanks a lot.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Okay, I just looked at the floor plan on the DVC website for a 2 bedroom at VWL, it looks like a dedicated 2 bedroom. I find it strange that the second bedroom has a balcony and not the bedroom that I'd call the master - Is it really that way, or do they vary at all?

Thanks again.

 

[spiceycat]

the master bedroom does not have a balcony because the livingroom does? I don't like either especially when you compare it to OKW which has a balcony that includes the livingroom and the master bedroom.

VWL and BCV both have dedicated 2-bedroom (BWV does not they got enough complaints that I don't think they will do this again).

on the dedicated 2-bedroom I don't know about the balcony hopefully someone who has stayed in one will answer your question.

the views at VWL are generally the woods - there are a few, very, very few views of the quiet pool/lake - I would ask to be near the elevators regardless - the bad views are far away from the elevators.

Granny has some wonderful pictures of VWL -

 

[Granny]

In my opinion, VWL would be the best since you used the word "impressive". The WL lobby where you check in is very impressive (5 story high atrium style). And the mountain lodge theming is carried perfectly over to the VWL.

As for the 2BR. Most of the 2BR will be lock-offs...that is, a 1BR and studio combined. There are a few dedicated 2BR, but you might not get them even if you request them. The lock off is appealing to DVD management since it provides a lot of flexibility to offer studios, 1BR or 2BR. If they were all dedicated, there would be a lot of times that members would be forced to "trade up" accommodations to a 2BR, using more points than they might like.

I think the floor plans must vary a little. On our recent stay, we were in a dedicated 1BR. Both the living room and the master bedroom shared one long balcony. But looking from the outside, it appears that the layouts are not the same. And the balconies are both the enclosed type with solid walls that you can see over but not through, or the more common see-through balcony railings.

Most views at VWL are of the woods. There are a relatively small number of rooms that overlook the quiet pool there. It is a very quiet place and the room and the woods make a perfect retreat after a hectic stay in the park.

Personally, I think any DVC resort would impress your DH. But if you're going for the "first impression" impact, my vote would be for VWL. Just my opinion.


Edit addition: Just read spiceycat's note and I'm afraid I'm not the one with the wonderful pictures (at least not on the web). I seem to recall Bucky LaRue having some real good ones. Like any place, it's hard to capture in pictures, especially the WL lobby.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi again,

Thanks for the replies. The woods would be great as a view, it seems I've read a few posts about looking at service entries etc - maybe that's WL, I'm not sure. I've seen deer twice around the Ft. Wilderness area, and I haven't been over there but maybe 4-5 times. It would be great to see some friendly forest creatures from your balcony.

So then to check into the villas - you do that in the WL lobby? - am I understanding that right? I've been in the WL lobby (DH hasn't) and it is beautiful. Hmm- this is beginning to sound pretty good.

I can see why the lock off would be beneficial but I'd prefer the other setup - I guess all you can do is request it. If I can swing it at all I'd like to go with a 2 bedroom, all the more to impress DH with

Granny - Are your pictures somewhere I might be able to see them?

Thanks again. Am I seeing a recurring theme that it's the DH's that have to be convinced?

 

[spiceycat]

I got the bad view once - so I posted it here so other members would know to refuse this room (if possible). It was a dedicated studio - also it was as far from the elevators as possible - the reason for being near the elevators.

Yes you check in the lobby of WL (impressive) then you walk over to the VWL (under cover the whole way) - the VWL has so many little spaces (as does WL).

People have said that they have seen deers - I haven't - but I have seen rabbits, birds, foxes, squirrels, etc - there is alot of wildlife here - some of the wild birds and hares will take food from your hand. Lately I have looking for the hawks haven't seen any but I am still looking.

 

[zulaya]

LTS&A--

I think you are unclear on the difference between the dedicated and lock-off 2 BR. The lock-off doesn't mean the kids are in the 1 BR villa with you. They are in the studio part, which has its own door that can be closed OR left open, if you have it booked as a 2 BR. You and DH would still be able to move around without walking over children sleeping. While the dedicated may be nice, the lock-off is still do-able. The studio part is like a real 2nd bedroom and not part of the living room or anything. I don't think this is something for you to worry too much about. Good luck in convincing DH.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi,

spiceycat - it does sound nice. I like the animals and the checking in at WL, I didn't know that and it would indeed impress DH.

zulaya - thanks for the explanation. What bothers me about the connecting studio layout is that it would have a separate entrance right? I guess I just don't like another exit to the outside hallway off the kid's bedroom. But I'm sure we could work with that and it'd be ok, I'm pretty good at childproofing.

I've tried search and it looks like it's disabled right now - so thanks again for the answers.

 

[DaveH]

I posted pics of a 1 bedroom at VWL. Here is a link to that thread. PIcs of VWL 1 BR I hope this hepls.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi DaveH,

Thank you! Love the pictures - they are light enough to really see the rooms. I think the last one is a really nice view of the pool

Thanks again!

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by LadyTrampScamp&Angel
Am I seeing a recurring theme that it's the DH's that have to be convinced?

LadyTramp....LOL, but as you can see under my avatar, I'm a guy. In my case, it was the DW that needed convincing! But I think it's safe to say that the majority of the time it is the DH that needs the nudge!

DaveH...again, thanks for those great pictures. They really make me "home sick"!

Thank goodness I'm going to be staying at BWV in another 9 days!

 

[ErinC]

My DH finally gave into the DVC purchase after 4 years of looking at it. We bought at VWL site unseen. We took the 4 day cruise in May followed by 4 days at VWL. My DH was totally impressed. We stayed in a studio and loved having the extra space compared to a moderate resort that we were used to. When we entered our room around 4:00p.m. we saw deer out our balcony. Your DH will probably love it. Best of luck!

 

[gracelrm]

My DH and I are not really the "outdoorsy" type so prior to seeing WL and VWL, I wouldn't have thought their theme would be "our thing". However once we step foot in the lobby of WL, we were sold! The massive lobby just took our breath away after arriving for the first time last summer. We did the DVC appointment that summer and bought at VWL and have not regretted it. I think the WL and VWL are great places and most impressive!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

My DH went along with my initial BWV purchase, and has enjoyed two stays there. He also went along with my VWL addon and walked through the resort with me last year--but he wasn't sold on it until we stayed in a dedicated 2BR Sunday and Monday nights. He loves it! He likes the BWV but his favorite was always our first resort the Poly--but he likes VWL better!
Our 2BR had a balcony outside the 2nd BR and the living room--we had two big windows. Don't know why. Actually the only issue I had was that the balcony door in the 2nd br--where the kids were--had a faulty latch and it was 5th floor! We told them no balcony without us.
I am currently looking in to another addon to get us up to a week at VWL every other year instead of our current 5 days. Also hope to stay there before our 3 day next year.
Robin M.

 

[Richyams]

Walking into the OKW Grand Villa back in '92 did it for me. We were actually sold before we even knew Disney had a timeshare for sure. Once we walked into that showplace, we were rushing to get the papers signed.


We were originally thinking of the two bedroom and maybe splurging on the GV once in a while. We had two years of points for our first stay, so of course we had to get the GV. By the second day we realized that we were going to need the GV for more than a week every year. We added 200 to our original 230 during that trip.

 

[erikthewise]

I'm mostly kidding, but a fair number of people seem to sign up for DVC during a cruise, buying it sight unseen! Must be something about the sea air that makes people spend money.

Actually my DVC Guide has gone on two cruises since being assigned to me two months ago, presumably to make such sales. He's always gone when I need him, LOL!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Thanks everyone,

I hope to get my DH over to do a tour on our next trip and I hope we get to see a Grand Villa? Aren't they about 2000 sq feet? I thought I read that somewhere. About the same size then as our house!

I wish I could get my DH on a cruise but we went on one about 5 years ago (not Disney) and he was so seasick that he swears he won't do it again. I'll have to get someone else to go with me for that

Thanks again for the input. Granny - have a great trip!