Which villa is best?? OKW, BCV, BWV, VWL

[cpayne1997]

Ok this is my first time to any of these resorts. I have two small children ages 18 months and 4 years. And of course my WONDERFUL husband who has no opinon just says "you decide".

Help I have heard wonderful things about all of them.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Cruelladeville]

They are all wonderful, and you will get as many answers as there are people on this site!! I personally like BWV because it is right by both Epcot and MGM, and I can walk there if I want to. Also, there are so many restaurants right there--I don't cook if I can avoid it--and there are lots of activities right on the boardwalk for kids and adults. Since everything is so near, we go and do a few things, go back to take a nap, do the pool, and then maybe go back for Illuminations. It's my home resort, and I am so glad I bought there!! When I want peace and quiet, and I'm in a hanging out mood, I want to be at OKW. It's just a wonderful resort, and watching the golfers from your balcony, is such fun! They are a hoot!! But each resort has its own fun things to do, and you will enjoy every resort. My only caution is that with such young kids you may want to avoid a boardwalk room, which can be a bit noisier than by the quiet pool or a standard room.

 

[FreeTime]

We own at BWV and love it there. However, we have also stayed at the BCV, OKW, and VWL and think they are great too. If you like quiet I would go for VWL or OKW. For closeness to Epcot and MGM and the fun of boardwalk, pick the BCV or BWV. Which ever you chose I am sure that you will have a great trip.

 

[jodifla]

If you tell us a little more about your needs and desires for the trip, we can direct you better.

Also, are you planning on a studio, 1 or 2 bedroom? that makes a difference, too.

We have a DS, 2, and we've stayed at VWL in a studio, which worked fine. I liked that setup because it has the couch, which is more comfortable during the day than a second bed. At OKW we stay in a 1 bedroom (we put the pack n play in the Laundry room, so we have the bedroom to ourselves!). Love the space there...plenty of room to roam. But I think the OKW studios are too much like a typical hotel room for me...I like having the couch in the room. We've also stayed at BCV, which is terrific because of the proximity to Epcot and MGM and, of course, Stormalong Bay.

 

[cpayne1997]

We were looking to get a studio. I am not too worried about noice and my children LOVE the water. I heard that BC has a great pool. I also do not cook on vacation so we will be eating out a lot and love shopping! Hope this helps!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by cpayne1997
I am not too worried about noice and my children LOVE the water. I heard that BC has a great pool.

Check out this link below...........and click on recreation and virtual tour on the home page.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=BeachClubResortLandingPage&count=2

 

[BWVDee]

From your description of your family, I would say BCV or BWV would be your best bet.
BCV has the best pool but it is harder to keep an eye on the kids because of the design of the pool. BWV has the better slide.
BWV's units are closer to a variety of dining options and boardwalk entertainment.
Both are located very conveniently to 2 parks and loads of shopping and both are fantastic resorts.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Nick, that's a wonderful link. Thank you.

Bobbi

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by bobbiwoz
Nick, that's a wonderful link. Thank you.
Bobbi

Your welcome Bobbi. The virtual tour on that link is really neat. Make sure your volume is on.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Boy, I hope you realize that asking which is best can really open up a can of worms-some people are VERY adamant about their choices. For you, the love of water suggests BCV might be best. Like activity? Then, BWV is best. You might want to consider how you feel about the different parks. Like MK best? Probably VWL is the best choice. Epcot? MGM? BWV or BCV (BCV is probably better for those of us who love Epcot way above MGM, BWV is more centrally located between the two). For DH, BWV is his least favorite (I think his reaction upon seeing it was, "Don't ever make me go here). Why? What he wants is quiet, peacefulness, and none of the parks hold overwhelming appeal to him (he "likes" several, but the relaxation is his main goal) But every DVC resort is beautiful, just different resorts hold different appeals to different "vacation goals" (did that make any sense?)

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
........-some people are VERY adamant about their choices. .....

I could not agree more. I find, many members fall into this category, myself included. Your DH's opinion of BWV and the repeated posting of such, is another perfect example.

 

[JimC]

Lots of space and very laid back, least like a hotel -- OKW

Best pool on property -- BCV w/ SAB

Best themed of the DVC resorts -- VWL

Close to the BW, 2nd largest currently open DVC property and has 20,000 sq ft of convention space -- BWV

 

[Disney Doll]

OKW has the biggest units size-wise. BCV and BWV are located near 2 main parks. BWV has a nice pool, BCV has the best pool on property with Stormalong Bay. VWL is easy access to MK, and with your small children, that could be something to consider.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Because your children are so young, you might enjoy the convenience of the boat ride from the VWL right to the MK. I would think your children would enjoy this park the most. Also, you can use the slide over at the WL resort and it's just the right size for a 4 year old. I think the BWV slide might be a tad too "thrilling". The pool at SAB is awesome, but I'm still thinking the ease of getting to the MK from WL might be your best bet ? You really can't go wrong with any of the DVC resorts though. Have a wonderful trip

 

[cpayne1997]

thank you all so much for the wonderful advise!

 

[shelbyjosh]

I am biased by saying that we prefer OKW over all the other resorts. You can beat the room size for the amount of points required. Plus, we prefer the ambience and atmosphere of OKW. JMO!!

 

[BWVDee]

Ooops......I completely missed the ages of your children in your first post, I was focusing on your 2nd post and your statement that the kids loved water, you eat out a lot and love to shop.
Now considering the ages of your children, I agree with Maria--VWL would probably be your best bet. You will most likely spend a lot of time in MK and VWL's location to MK can not be beat and the transportation from VWL to MK is by boat which is very convenient with children in strollers. Also this location will give you quick access to numerous character meals at the MK restaurants & resorts. FW campground is also right next to VWL and they have some wonderful things for little ones like pony rides, campfire with movies and a visit from Chip & Dale, petting zoo, etc.
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[vernon]

While the pool situation may be a deciding factor, if the type of beds make a difference then you may have to compromise a little. I believe BW and BCV both onlym offer a sofa bed and one queen size. OKW offers two queens ( so at least the kids get a proper bed to sleep in) I believe at VWL the offering is bunk beds ( is that all they offer?) As this option has the lowest "footprint" size you would probably have plenty of room for a "portacrib" for the 18 month old and the 4y old could use the lower bunk (don't think placing the 4y old 5 feet off the ground would be the safest option LOL) .

BW+BCV give the widest option for food as it is a short walk to the Boardwalk area which has several restaurants. OKW only has Olivia's on site, but there is the benefit of a water taxi to DTD with the multitude of shops and retaurants there.

 

[Richyams]

You've really got to visit the resorts. You have to see the rooms. I find the roms at the other resorts to be tiny, uncomfortable and useless, but you do get the benefit of paying more points per night and higher dues, maybe that makes up for something.

OKW is truly a paradise.

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by JimC
Close to the BW, 2nd largest currently open DVC property and has 20,000 sq ft of convention space -- BWV

Actually the Business/Convention center is considered by Disney to be part of Boardwalk Inn not BWV. Just as the convention center at YC/BC is not considered part of BCV. The Boardwalk Inn's business center is by far the smallest convention center at any WDW resort at 20,000 sq ft compared to CSR at 95,000 sq ft, GF at 40,000 sq ft, Comtemporary at 90,000 sq ft and YC/BC at 73,000 sq ft.