Which would you choose?

[aristocatz]

Planning a trip for next January. Looking into a 2 BR Villa with DH, DD6 & DD4, & my parents (who are in their 70's).

We all recently stayed in our first DVC -a 2 BR Savannah at Kidani Village & it was wonderful. It had a great size & layout-we shared the 2nd bedroom with our kids & my parents took the master bedroom. We also loved that it was quiet & peaceful, but there was also fun options to entertain our kids, such as the pool, awesome splash pad, & of course viewing the animals from our balcony.

This trip, we are seeking a 2 BR villa closer to either Epcot or MK.

Out of the ones listed below & based on our positive experience above, which would you recommend?

 

[catfan98]

We stayed in a 2BR villa at Beach Club last April. It was wonderful! We loved walking to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The renovations that were done are really nice and the resort was beautiful. The room we had was a dedicated 2BR with 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom instead of a bed and pullout. Storm Along Bay is pretty awesome, too. It’s a bit spread out, but it has a really neat kids area in the sand bottom pool where they can build sand castles.

 

[Melina Hestnes]

We stayed at wilderness lodge cc for the first time in sept and loved it. The 2 br was very spacious (keep in mind we don’t have any other dvc room experiences) and the theming was very nice. I highly recommend if you like the rustic feel. We have lots of experience with rustic and have grown very fond of it, so it hit very close to home. I hope this helps!

 

[aristocatz]

We stayed in a 2BR villa at Beach Club last April. It was wonderful! We loved walking to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The renovations that were done are really nice and the resort was beautiful. The room we had was a dedicated 2BR with 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom instead of a bed and pullout. Storm Along Bay is pretty awesome, too. It’s a bit spread out, but it has a really neat kids area in the sand bottom pool where they can build sand castles.

Thanks! My mom has been talking about staying here for the past 15 years, so this is definitely on our list! We had a 2 BR with 2 queen beds in one of the rooms at our AKV & it was perfect. I would really prefer my girls share a queen bed, as opposed to a pull out. Do we need to seek out a dedicated 2 BR at BC in order to get the 2 queen beds?

Also, how long is the walk to Epcot & DHS?

 

[aristocatz]

We stayed at wilderness lodge cc for the first time in sept and loved it. The 2 br was very spacious (keep in mind we don’t have any other dvc room experiences) and the theming was very nice. I highly recommend if you like the rustic feel. We have lots of experience with rustic and have grown very fond of it, so it hit very close to home. I hope this helps!

Thanks! DH & I stayed at the WL hotel for part of our honeymoon & loved it! Are the DVC rooms all in the building next to the main hotel? What is the difference between Copper Creek & Boulder Ridge?

 

[catfan98]

Thanks! My mom has been talking about staying here for the past 15 years, so this is definitely on our list! We had a 2 BR with 2 queen beds in one of the rooms at our AKV & it was perfect. I would really prefer my girls share a queen bed, as opposed to a pull out. Do we need to seek out a dedicated 2 BR at BC in order to get the 2 queen beds?

Also, how long is the walk to Epcot & DHS?

Yes, unless it changed with the renovations, I believe that dedicated is a separate booking category - no money difference, you just have to book a dedicated instead of a lock off.

Epcot is about a 5 minute walk from the resort. HS is 15-20 depending on pace, I believe. There is also a boat that goes to both parks. We used it walking back from HS as the kids wanted to ride. It was a nice ride. The villas are across from the bus stop, also, so it’s a very easy walk to it, too, for rides to AK and MK.

 

[pharm55]

Thanks! DH & I stayed at the WL hotel for part of our honeymoon & loved it! Are the DVC rooms all in the building next to the main hotel? What is the difference between Copper Creek & Boulder Ridge?

I am also interested in knowing what is the difference between the BRV and CCV - we are planning a trip in August and I would really like to stay at BCV but availability is not looking very promising so am looking at CCV or BRV as a possible second choice.

Am also wondering if it is a pain transportation wise to stay at CCV or BRV compared to a resort you can walk to one of the parks from.

We have stayed at BLT, Kidani and VGF in the past and would stay at any of those again as well (except for VGF this trip due to points needed as we won't have enough).

 

[pharm55]

Just because I enjoy talking about my home resort, I'll echo what the others have said.

There are now two DVC resorts at Disney's Wilderness Lodge: Copper Creek Villas and Cabins (CCVC) and Boulder Ridge Villas (BRV). Copper Creek is a new DVC resort and encompasses the renovated and repurposed rooms of the entire south wing of the main Lodge--the same side where sits the check-in desk--as well as 26 lake side cabins that span both the north and south side of the Lodge. Within the Copper Creek family, you can reserve the whole gamut of DVC rooms: studio, 1BR, 2BR, and Grand Villa. . .all of which can be found in the Lodge proper. These rooms generally have either a main pool (interior) view or a Geyser Point/new pool (exterior) view. Additionally, the cabins are also 2BRs but are, obviously, stand alone units. Twelve of the cabins (8001 through 8012), sit on the north side of the main Lodge, or if you will, to the left of the boat dock as you face it. The other 14 (8013-8026) are on the right of the main Lodge, roughly paralleling the BRV wing.

Speaking of BRV, that is simply a renaming of the original Villas at the Wilderness Lodge or VWL. To those of us who have owned there for years, this resort will always be known as VWL; my deed will alway say VWL; and I will always call it VWL. Anyway, those rooms are older and include studios, 1BRs, and 2BRs--no Grand Villas. These rooms were refurbished about three years ago. This is still a separate DVC resort (and has no real connection to CCVC other than proximity) and encompasses the entire building that is connected by the covered walkway to the south of the main Lodge. Disney, with its inherent use of questionable logic, decided to rename this resort from VWL to BRV. . .in order to reduce confusion. As pointed out above, this renaming has likely created MORE head-scratching than just leaving it the same name as before. To further muddle things, they also changed the name of the main pool to Copper Creek Pool. Moreover, when they built the cabins for the Copper Creek resort, they took out the old VWL pool (known as Hidden Springs) and put a new pool in dubbed Boulder Ridge Pool. Both pools are open to all guests.

Finally, as part of the master plan at the Lodge, they removed the beach and put in a new hybrid QS/bar service eatery named Geyser Point. It's not really a part of either CCVC or VWL (BRV if you must) but is aimed at improving the deluxe feel of the whole Wilderness Lodge complex. Though I mourn the loss of the beach as it had great sentimental value, I will admit that GP has succeeded in ramping up the image of WL, as have the new cabins. On the other hand, and getting a little bit off topic here, the recently finished refurbishment of Roaring Fork has reduced it to second class status among QS areas. The menu was drastically changed, as was how they cook the food, and it's a shell of what it used to be.

Everything else at the Lodge has remained virtually the same: the ambiance, the beauty, the boats, the music, and the massive lobby all still offer a great respite from the crowded parks, as well as creating a nice alternative to the more bustling resorts such as BLT, VGF, and BCV among others. Despite the changes, I still find the entire Lodge experience draws me in.

I found the above on another thread so thought I would copy it here for aristocatz to see.

 

[clayfolks]

I think BLT would be a great choice bc it is an easy walk to the MK and has a third full bathroom. The BC pool is probably not a great option for young children bc it is so large and spread out and From my experience, the Boardwalk is not particularly exciting for young children.

 

[sleepydog25]

This is a tough choice between WL and BLT.

pharm55 included my explanation (see above) about the differences between the new Copper Creek and the older VWL (yeah, yeah, it's been renamed Boulder Ridge, but I ain't ever gonna call it that except in explanations). Either resort at WL would a great choice. The CC suites obviously are brand new and are situated right in the Lodge. However, those rooms are generally smaller than other resorts since the architects had to use the existing "bones" of the old rooms. Thus, the kitchens are shotgun style, and space feels a bit tighter. The VWL suites essentially are as close to the bus stop as the new Copper Creek rooms unless you are put way down a hall, and even then, those hallways aren't labyrinthine as those found at BCV. The VWL rooms were renovated about three years ago, so are in good shape. Both CC and VWL offer easy access to Geyser Point and the new pool. The CC rooms would be closer to the main pool, however, as well as the boat dock. The experience at the Lodge, regardless of which DVC resort you chose, is relaxing--much calmer and serene than pretty much any other DVC resort in the World with the possible exception of AKV.

However, if I'm objective--and despite the fact VWL is my home resort--I would have to say BLT might be the better of the two options for your family makeup. Why? The third bathroom. You two get a bathroom; the kids can share a bathroom; and your parents get a bathroom. Additionally, although the boat to MK from the Lodge is a wonderful experience (and the bus service is above average there), the proximity to MK from BLT is unmatched, not to mention you can hop on the monorail to get to Epcot, your other preferred location. The rooms are a touch smaller than VWL, but that third bathroom can be magical all by itself. Further, you get easy access to the TOWL for the fireworks show (even if HEA isn't as good as Wishes).

In sum, while I like BCV and BWV for access to Epcot (and less so to DHS) and love VWL (or CC) for the serenity, theming, and access to MK, it's hard to beat BLT for both access to THE park and the extra bathrooms.

 

[disneynutz]

I say it depends on which park you intend to spend the most time in. WL if MK, BCV if Epcot/DHS.

Bill

 

[pharm55]

This is a tough choice between WL and BLT.

pharm55 included my explanation (see above) about the differences between the new Copper Creek and the older VWL (yeah, yeah, it's been renamed Boulder Ridge, but I ain't ever gonna call it that except in explanations). Either resort at WL would a great choice. The CC suites obviously are brand new and are situated right in the Lodge. However, those rooms are generally smaller than other resorts since the architects had to use the existing "bones" of the old rooms. Thus, the kitchens are shotgun style, and space feels a bit tighter. The VWL suites essentially are as close to the bus stop as the new Copper Creek rooms unless you are put way down a hall, and even then, those hallways aren't labyrinthine as those found at BCV. The VWL rooms were renovated about three years ago, so are in good shape. Both CC and VWL offer easy access to Geyser Point and the new pool. The CC rooms would be closer to the main pool, however, as well as the boat dock. The experience at the Lodge, regardless of which DVC resort you chose, is relaxing--much calmer and serene than pretty much any other DVC resort in the World with the possible exception of AKV.

However, if I'm objective--and despite the fact VWL is my home resort--I would have to say BLT might be the better of the two options for your family makeup. Why? The third bathroom. You two get a bathroom; the kids can share a bathroom; and your parents get a bathroom. Additionally, although the boat to MK from the Lodge is a wonderful experience (and the bus service is above average there), the proximity to MK from BLT is unmatched, not to mention you can hop on the monorail to get to Epcot, your other preferred location. The rooms are a touch smaller than VWL, but that third bathroom can be magical all by itself. Further, you get easy access to the TOWL for the fireworks show (even if HEA isn't as good as Wishes).

In sum, while I like BCV and BWV for access to Epcot (and less so to DHS) and love VWL (or CC) for the serenity, theming, and access to MK, it's hard to beat BLT for both access to THE park and the extra bathrooms.

Thank you for your extensive explanations as you are really selling me on the VWL and CCV (in my situation anyway!) But my kids also aren’t as young as aristocatz and we won’t have extra adults in our room either.
Is there a reason why it is more serene than other resorts? Is it the decor or is it that other people don’t tend to visit there unless they are staying there?

 

[jimmytammy]

We own at both BWV and VWL, so my love for both are equal(well, VWL gets the sentimental nod as far as love is concerned). So I will address from my perspective and rank them based on our personal experiences, but factor in your circumstances

1. BLT for proximity to MK(10min walk), amenities of Contemporary, TOTWL for viewing fireworks without the crowds, monorail ride to Poly and GF for extra eats and amenities, boat ride to WL and FW which also include some good eats, pretty good Community Hall and pools
2. BWV for proximity to Epcot/HS(boat ride or walk), great community hall, great themed pool(Scary Clown though) Boardwalk eats/stores, close proximity to 3 other resorts that offer eats also

3. WL for flat out, hands down serenity, peace and calm. Boat ride to MK, separate boat to FW and Contemporary(as stated above, affords you luxury of partaking in said amenities), and the recently added Geyser Pt area, pool, etc help to set WL apart from the usual hustle/bustle resorts.

4. BCV, I know this resort gets a lot of love, but it isn't my must do kind of place. The pool is spectacular, beyond that, I can't say much else except its close proximity to Epcot/HS and the other 3 resorts

 

[pharm55]

2. BWV for proximity to Epcot/HS(boat ride or walk), great community hall, great themed pool(Scary Clown though) Boardwalk eats/stores, close proximity to 3 other resorts that offer eats also

Sorry for my ignorance of BWV but what is the “scary clown”??

 

[aristocatz]

I say it depends on which park you intend to spend the most time in. WL if MK, BCV if Epcot/DHS.

Bill

2 days MK, 2 days Epcot, 1 day DHS

 

[Chuck S]

I would pick either Boardwalk or BLT. That way, if your parents don't want to go to a park on a particular day they have options, like browsing around the boardwalk or monorail resort hopping. BLT would probably be my first choice for the monorail access to EPCOT.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you for your extensive explanations as you are really selling me on the VWL and CCV (in my situation anyway!) But my kids also aren’t as young as aristocatz and we won’t have extra adults in our room either.
Is there a reason why it is more serene than other resorts? Is it the decor or is it that other people don’t tend to visit there unless they are staying there?

Part of what you suggest is exactly why WL is more serene and laid back--many consider the Lodge to be out of the way, off the beaten path, so to speak. Artist Point is one of the top signatures at WDW, yet it remains one of the easiest reservations to get. The reason is because people just don't want to take the time to get there. Beyond that, the thematic elements at the Lodge simply inspire--and I don't know how to say it any other way--a certain reverence. The expansive lobby has the giant totems; the rock fireplace mimics the strata layers found the Grand Canyon; and the music encompasses everything from familiar westerns (The Magnificent Seven, Big Valley, et.al.) to sweeping compositions by the likes of Aaron Copland. During the day, even as you walk around the resort, there are touches of landscaping that immerse you into the feeling of being in nature (though, to be blunt, they removed some of that awesome wilderness when they built the cabins). Being on the water and hearing the occasional boat horn is also soothing, as is walking down the pathways that connect the cabins to the main Lodge area. At night, the effect is even better as many of the lights--especially along the walkway between the main Lodge and the VWL building--flicker and you can hear crickets chirping all the while listening to strains of Copland's Appalachian Spring float through the air. The fireplaces (main lobby and VWL lobby) add the sense of a quiet retreat, and there are rooms off the VWL lobby where you can sit and play a quiet game of checkers, read, or just kick back and relax. Some have been known to sit in the rockers out on the porch and drink their favorite libations. WL is a small resort, and that gives you a certain sense of intimacy, as well. On the con side, some people find the theming too woodsy, too dark. They don't like that "remote" feeling, or they prefer something that has more activity, excitement, and bustle. For me, however, I want to relax back at my resort. Keep in mind, that VWL is my home resort, so I'm a bit biased.

Sorry for my ignorance of BWV but what is the “scary clown”??

Just google BWV pool pictures. lol The centerpiece of the pool is a giant clown face which has been dubbed by many as "the scary clown." It only is if clowns give you the heebie-jeebies.

 

[frabjous]

I'd go with BLT for the fireworks. Although staying near Epcot would also be nice!

 

[sleepydog25]

 

[Donna M]

Wow, after reading all the input this would be a hard decision because you got so much good information. My advice would be to really check out the theming of each resort. BLT is the closest to MK, but many people don't care for the modern feel. We like the Wilderness resorts for their theming and the boat ride to MK. Love BCV for the pool, nothing special about BWV for us.

Good luck. Wherever you end up I'm sure you're be happy.