Which resort should we choose?

[JNance16]

Hey guys! Quick question...a friend and I are looking at staying at one of these DVC Resorts: OKW, GF, SS, RR, or BC. Which would you choose and why? (Points don't matter). If there's another DVC resort you suggest, let me know! We are 2 adult women, late 20s, looking for a nice, relaxing resort to celebrate our graduation from PTA school!

 

[curias]

For you I would choose Beach Club - mainly because of the amazing pool. There is also entertainment (if it is open) at the Boardwalk that you can go to in the evenings. Plus, it is a short walk to Epcot.

 

[JoeyPeligroso]

I would go with Beach Club - in addition to the pool you have an easy walk to the EPCOT entry to grab some food from France. its a very relaxed atmosphere at BC in general. Runner up is VGF for nice outdoor atmosphere and walk to MK and Poly. I think that BC has better non-park entertainment options close by.

 

[steviebw]

Another vote for BC - we've just bought there due to the location - so close to the parks and access to that pool.

 

[crisi]

So the question is when are you travelling. If its within seven months - or any time in the last quarter of the year, BC may be difficult to book - as will GFV. RR has some issues after seven months since it isn't bookable by everyone - plus its new - that usually means owners are staying there themselves and other DVC owners are wanting to try it out.

I'd do it in this order BCV, GFV, RR, OKW, SSR.....that's also the order from most difficult to easiest to find points for - depending on how far out you are and when you are travelling.

 

[GoingSince1990]

Two adults, definitely BC. Having Epcot WS within a short walk is a joy.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Beach Club. Lot more central, have options for boats and sky liners and buses, close to the boardwalk.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I also voted BCV (and would suggest BWV if BCV is unavailable). BCV has a great pool. My favorite thing about this location is being able to tour MK/AK/HS during the morning, come back and take a swim/nap, then finish the night at Epcot. Unless your trip will be MK heavy, the BCV/BWV have my favorite location on property.

 

[BillPA]

Do you plan to go to the park everyday? If not, I would go with SSR to be close to Disney Springs for the night life.

 

[hexfetton]

We are 2 adult women, late 20s, looking for a nice, relaxing resort to celebrate our graduation from PTA school!

I voted OKW because it's my home resort, it feels like you're off Disney property when you're there, and there are plenty of geriatric current or future physical therapy patients roaming around that you can pick up as clients to start your own practice.

 

[Ronaldo17]

If you're not going to the parks then I would suggest SSR for the easy access to Disney Springs, for all the dining and shopping experiences and the Nightlife.

 

[PsycProfPlum]

I voted Grand Floridian. Definitely nice for an adult trip, fantastic dining, super elegant.

 

[RanDIZ]

Copper Creek at WL or AKV. Both off the beaten path and more secluded than others. Spectacular architecture and relaxing feel. I own at both so maybe I’m a bit partial, but both are amazing.

 

[Mle8308]

I know I am in a minority here, but I strongly dislike the Beach Club. The pool is always packed and loud, there are people traipsing through the lobby in wet bathing suits and sitting on the furniture wet (skeeves me out), it's not a relaxing resort to me. We are a one and done there. Though I will admit the location is good. Like others said, if you want more night life and restaurants, then SS is great. Riviera is nice because of the Skyliner and it is still new, but not heavily Disney themed, if that is what you want. My favorite is the Wilderness Lodge. Very relaxing, close to the MK (boat transportation), only downside is that it is not on the monorail loop and the BR rooms are in need of a refresh. You'll have a great time anywhere you stay, there are really no bad choices - and congrats on graduation!

 

[RanDIZ]

I know I am in a minority here, but I strongly dislike the Beach Club. The pool is always packed and loud, there are people traipsing through the lobby in wet bathing suits and sitting on the furniture wet (skeeves me out), it's not a relaxing resort to me. We are a one and done there. Though I will admit the location is good. Like others said, if you want more night life and restaurants, then SS is great. Riviera is nice because of the Skyliner and it is still new, but not heavily Disney themed, if that is what you want. My favorite is the Wilderness Lodge. Very relaxing, close to the MK (boat transportation), only downside is that it is not on the monorail loop and the BR rooms are in need of a refresh. You'll have a great time anywhere you stay, there are really no bad choices - and congrats on graduation!

I agree with you. I’m probably one and done as well. Stayed at BCV last Dec and even though it was empty, was not a fan of walking out of pool area and across pedestrian traffic to get to slide entrance. Yes, location is premium, but that’s about it. WL and AKV are by far much nicer resorts and better restaurants as well.

 

[Brian Noble]

Which would you choose and why?

The one you should stay at is the one that sounds like the best fit for what you want out of this vacation, based on what matters to you. This means that other people's opinions don't really help, because they may be looking for something different for their (hypothetical) trip than the two of you are, even if the basics (age, party composition, reason for going) are the same.

So, how does one do this? IMO, by having a list of two or three "really important" things, and going from there. You might want to focus primarily on rides and shows, or not. You might want to "be kids again", or instead have this be a celebration of an adult milestone. You might want dining to play an important role--and that could be either fine dining, or "we want to indulge in french fries and ice cream." You might want a relaxing escape from it all, or immerse yourself in the middle of the action. You might want a really upscale deluxe pampered experience, or a more casual one.

Each of these dimensions plays a role in the right resort that fits what you are looking for--and any resort is a candidate! Based on my experiences at the resorts I've stayed at, here are some of the ways I'd describe them (in alphabetical order):

• BCV: In the middle of the action, Epcot-focused (both as a theme park and a dining destination), casual but adult, highly active pool scene.
• BLT: The "mullet" resort: party (MK/Seven Seas Lagoon) in the front, relaxation (Bay Lake) in the back. Very adult in vibe, sophisticated in a forward way, but not stuffy. Monorail resorts provide a wide array of dining options. Pool area is an afterthought.
• BRV: A world away from the theme parks while still managing to be very MK/fantasy-focused, resort (especially the pool area) is deeply connected to nature, casual and whimsical, dining as a priority is an effort without a car but possible via a boat ride to CR and the monorail loop.
• BWV: The resort that is in the middle of the action while still giving something of a respite. Casual and whimsical. Same Epcot dining advantages, but Studios has more of an influence here too. Boardwalk area more relaxing during the day but still active at night (pre-COVID, at least).
• OKW: Constantly whispers island time, casual and IMO the most relaxing atmosphere of any of these six. Definitely a respite from the parks. Pools are only okay. Olivia's is a gem but any other dining without a car requires either a boat or a bus somewhere else. On the upside, the boat to Disney Springs is awfully pleasant for an adult evening out.
• SSR: Also a respite from the parks. Quietly sophisticated, and very adult. Dining/shopping/etc. is plentiful and right in your backyard. A great option if the theme parks are not the full focus of your trip but you still want some excitement and energy.

I could imagine picking any single one of these for your trip, and I suspect there are good reasons to pick any of the others as well.

 

[CSLucas]

I agree with you. I’m probably one and done as well. Stayed at BCV last Dec and even though it was empty, was not a fan of walking out of pool area and across pedestrian traffic to get to slide entrance. Yes, location is premium, but that’s about it. WL and AKV are by far much nicer resorts and better restaurants as well.

So glad to hear someone else finally say this as well! We did BCV on our first Disney trip and swore we would never darken the doorstep again. To me it's hard to navigate because of the giant pool that somehow always seems to be between where you are and where you want to go.
My vote is Grand Floridian - it has tons of outdoor space, it's easy to navigate, and you can get yourself a nice drink at the pool bar (or a Bloody Mary in a can but remember to shake it up - ask me how I know) and sit out by the water without tons of people around. I also particularly like breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe so it's nice to just be able to roll out of bed and stumble over.

 

[keishashadow]

Hey guys! Quick question...a friend and I are looking at staying at one of these DVC Resorts: OKW, GF, SS, RR, or BC. Which would you choose and why? (Points don't matter). If there's another DVC resort you suggest, let me know! We are 2 adult women, late 20s, looking for a nice, relaxing resort to celebrate our graduation from PTA school!

Points do matter if you are renting, need to find them at whatever resort you select. If you are outside the 11 month window to book, might be looking at 1 BRs vs studios in order to secure the resort you want.

we own & love BW, it’s generally an active experience with lots of non-resort guests in the common areas

Not to make the choice more difficult but, have you considered AKJ, Poly, or even WL, have enjoyed many very chill stays at each of them.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

BLT: The "mullet" resort: party (MK/Seven Seas Lagoon) in the front, relaxation (Bay Lake) in the back.

Thank you for the great laugh this morning

 

[sethschroeder]

Riviera for nicest rooms and close to Epcot