Which is the BEST Home Away From Home Resort?

[eclipseSD]

Old Key West

Boardwalk Villas

Beach Club Villas

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Villas

As far as space, comfort, amenities, ambience, convinience, and style goes, what would you say is the best Home Away From Home Resort?

If this has been posted before, please post the link, as I could not find a thread like this in my searches.

 

[DebbieB]

I own DVC at BWV but also like staying at OKW. The rooms at OKW are bigger and nicer but BWV's location can't be beat. OKW is more "laid back", BWV is in the middle of everything. We like to stay at OKW for our May trip, we are in the room more relaxing and come and go alot so it's nice to have the car right outside. We like BWV for our early December vacation, it's great to be so near Epcot & MGM and the Christmas activities, it's a more festive atmosphere. If I had to pick one, it would be BWV.

 

[mikesmom]

It depends on your family and what you're up for. We originally bought at BWV because you can walk to 2 parks very easily. We have a teenager and that gives him a lot of freedom. Plus, we live in a small town so our normal environment is pretty quiet anyway - the Boardwalk is a fun change.

That being said, we have stayed at OKW twice now, and are quickly falling in love with it. First of all, for the SPACE. It really is much larger. When we go there and are all stressed out from work and need to chill, OKW is really the place. You can get away from it all, sit on nice large balconies and watch the world go by (quietly).

By the way, they are ALL good. After staying in regular hotel rooms, you will be mightily impressed.

 

[ncligs]

All of them are 1st class, you can't go wrong with any of them.Our preference is OKW because of the laid back atmosphere,parking, and larger rooms.Here is a link for OKW that may help you.

http://wdwig.com/g_okw.htm

 

[Pinnie]

I agree with ncligs. Each resort has it's own uniqiue personality and brings something different to the table. I am an owner at BCVs and I like it for the convenient access to EPCOT. Also, Stormalong Bay is a super pool. I am from the north, so I appreciate the decor at the BCVs

Boardwalk has the easy access to both MGM and EPCOT and the restaurants and nightlife there are great!

OKW can't be beat for the room you get.

VWL are beautiful, but can be a hike from the parking lot. Also, the decor there for me is too much like what we have up here in MI, so it doesn't appeal that much to me.

You really can't go wrong at any of the "home away from home" resorts, they are superior in my book!

pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCVs 2002

 

[drusba]

BWV: best location on site (walk to Epcot and MGM), best hotel like amenities, best nightlife

OKW: Largest rooms, best home like feel, quiet area, longest distance to parks.

VWL: Closest to MK, best themed hotel/resort

BCV: Newest resort, location almost equal to BWV, use of best pool on site

 

[DeeP]

drusba, summed it up perfectly! Just pick the location, atmosphere and amenitites that appeal most to your family. You can't go wrong with any of the DVC resorts they are all top shelf. Also the cabins at FW are not DVC resorts but they are home away from home resorts that also provide the kitchen, seperate br, etc and are very nice especially for families with young children becasue there are a lot of activities at FW for kids and you have the most space for the kids to ride bikes, go outside to play, etc

 

[Sharper]

As a practical matter, I consider Beach Club villas in a better location than Boardwalk because BCV is generally nearer to Epcot, and I don't think most people would actually factor in the possibility of walking to MGM from Boardwalk as a real advantage over Beach Club. Both because most WON'T make that hike, and two, if you are willing, the minimal extra distance of Beach Club won't deter you.

Just curious, has anyone walked to MGM and do you plan to make that your primary method of transportation there?

 

[minster22]

For Sharper...yes I have walked to MGM from the Boardwalk and since they put in the walkway I would say I have walked to and fro more times than taking the boat. The boats take longer than the walk and for me unless I am totally exhausted I would rather walk than wait.

 

[Disney Doll]

Each of them have their good and bad points. It really depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. That's the beauty of the DVC(which is what the home away from home resorts are part of).

OKW-largest rooms,parking right at your front door,laid back ambience,large spread out resort...lots of walking,some complain of poor bus service(although I have not personally experienced that),boat to DD

BWV-location,location,location, rooms are smaller than OKW,sometimes long halls to walk to get to your unit,right in the middle of things

VWL-serene restful "feel", some complain of slower bus service,boat ride to MK,smaller rooms than OKW

BCV-location,location,location,smaller rooms than OKW, sometimes a long walk to your room,riight in the middle of things.

 

[Gillian]

I know everyone has said OKW villas are larger, but I don't think anyone has said that the other three are virtually identical in size and very similar in layout.

Also, OKW is generally the least expensive choice, if this matters.

The other things are mostly a matter of personal preference. Seems like you can't go wrong with any of them

 

[Samsma]

We stayed at OKW in 2001 with a two year old, that needed a nap everyday. More room for the eight year old to run around without waking his sister! Also, it has a full size washer and dryer, I'm not sure the others do. This was really nice for me, since laundry is my favorite hobby LOL.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I agree with everything that's been said, but be aware that even within families "the favorite" may be different from person to person. DH couldn't be dragged from OKW to try anywhere else. He went to VWL first, then spent 1 nite at OKW, that's it! Now, for me, although I like OKW very much, BCV is my very favorite. There's nothing like sitting on the balcony in the morning with a cup of coffee and listening to the music from Epcot. Our only way to settle it is for me to go solo once a year, stay at BCV, and yet when DH and I go together, I wouldn't dream of asking him to consider anywhere but OKW.
BTW, I have walked from BCV to MGM several times. I wouldn't recommend it in the heat of the summer, but in cooler weather I really enjoy the scenery.

 

[Pig Pen]

I plan on trying them all over the next few years!

 

[Rhonda]

If you have kids with you, you can't beat the amenities at the Fort Wilderness Cabins! You have your own private cabin, complete with full kitchen (all appliances), and a deck & patio with a grill & picnic table! They also have full housekeeping services, just like the other resorts (they even do your dishes!!)

FW has so many things to do, you won't have time to visit the parks! LOL! The campfire program at night is great! You can also go horseback riding, swimming in one of 2 pools, fishing, shopping at the Trading Posts, rent a bicycle, rent a canoe or paddleboat, visit the petting farm and blacksmith shop, go to the Hoop Dee Doo dinner show, have all 3 meals at the Trail's End Buffet, relax in Crockett's Tavern, rent a boat or watermice at the marina, watch the Electrical Water Pageant every night at 9:40, rent a golf cart, go for long walks and explore the resort, and much more! They offer great bus service to all the parks, as well as a boat directly to the Magic Kingdom!

 

[Captain38]

I have to agree with Rhonda about the kids loving it. We've stayed at OKW which my wife and I love, CBR, but the resort that really captured the kids imagination was FW Cabins. This year we are going back in January with our kids (20, 15 and 11) and the resort they most wanted to stay at was FW. I was ready to book OKW or BV, but the kids remembered all the fun they've had at FW and wanted to go back again. There is something about the environment there and all the fun things to do that there that gives them that warm feeling in their tummy.


1985 Off site
1989 Off site
1992 CBR
1995 FW Cabins
1998 FW Cabins
1999 OKW
2003 FW Cabins