Who has stayed in a BWV GV?

[jekjones1558]

We are in the final stages of planning a one week family trip for either Oct. or Nov. of 2011. There will be 7 family units and I want each family to have its own bedroom. 1 family will have 2 children (infant and age 3); another will have ages 9 and 6; another will have ages 5, 3 and 1.

I was hoping that the group would vote for OKW, where we stayed last time, because the GV is such a bargain. But everyone has voted for BWV, where we stayed the time before that. I will book BW view for all rooms.

Option #1: 1 GV, 1 - 2 bedroom, 1 - 1 bedroom and 1 studio. This takes mega points because of the GV.

Option #2: 3 - 2 bedrooms and 1 - 1 bedroom. I save about 200 points, give or take depending on the dates we book.

I have seen the GV but am undecided whether it is worth the extra points to have the one large gathering area. It would be nice to have but there is also an advantage to having the ability to close doors so that each family unit can have a totally separate accommodation at any given time.

Who has stayed in the BWV GV? Is it worth the extra points? Do you have advice?

 

[Disney Princess]

I have stayed in a GV at BWV. It was beautiful, and the boardwalk view was wonderful. We stayed before my sister's wedding, so we used the living area for a gathering place, for a dinner, and for a girly shower for her. We used my parents' points (I was single and didn't have any yet) and my parents took the master, my sister and I shared a bedroom, and the other bridesmaids were in the other bedroom.

As wonderful as it was, I am more points-stingy than my parents, and I would go with your option #2. I think with different family groups, it is important to have separate spaces. Everyone can retreat when needed. Also, since everyone doesn't fit in the GV anyway, you aren't dealing with who is going to sleep where. Since you are getting BW views anyway, you won't miss out on the view. You can just plan to gather elsewhere if you need to have a meeting space.

Either way, you'll have a wonderful time - it sounds like a great trip!!!

 

[minster22]

I just returned on October 1 from a stay in a one story Grand Villa(#3037)...I and 8 girl friends were celebrating my b-day and our friendships over the years. The balcony alone was worth the points....the whole unit was so spacious and comfortable and a great gathering place for all of us. All were impressed and just loved everything about our villa (for a couple of the women it was their first trip to WDW!!!!). For your situation I cannot make a recommendation but it is a very special spot and I am still giddy from my stay there!!!

 

[Cyndy]

We have stayed in both 1 and 2 stories a few times. There are fewer 2 story units but I actually prefer the 1 story. My suggestion since we have had similar age groups at the GV and all adult family as well. But there is such a thing as letting the families have a little space and going with a separate unit (studio) and having gathering space in a 1 or 2 bedroom. Our family may just be a little noisy but in June 09 we took our daughters family of 5, and her in-laws, and our son, his wife and 1 year old dgd. It was a great trip but it worked well to have the GV for the 2 sets of grandparents and the daughter and family and a separate, but nearby studio for the 1 year old to have a quite space for napping etc. I will say that the wood floors, and lots of windows make for a noisier villa. Whatever you choose, be sure to let others know your preference and have a wonderful trip!

 

[snowbunny]

I have stayed in a BWV grand villa. It was nice but a lot depends on whether you will all be in the living room at once. Our group split off a lot to do different things and many times the gathering space was nearly empty. We used the large dining room table to dump stuff on....and as others have said the parquet floors are noisy. It was a great vacation and I'm glad I tried it but in future - I personally would go for 2BR units for more beds and fewer points.

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks to those who have replied. After reading the comments so far I am leaning towards 3 - 2 bedrooms and a 1 bedroom. The 7 children are all pretty young and I am thinking that having totally separate accommodations might make it easier for parents to get the kids settled down at night or for naps. I am also considering having 3 of the child-free couples share the GV. Perhaps I need to send a family e-mail to get input. Decisions, decisions. Thanks again.

 

[Boardwalk III]

I have stayed in one once and will be doing it a 2nd time for a short stay in January for my 50th. It is not the best value for your points but certainly fun to do at least once! Common Living/Dining area is HUGE!

 

[Ms. WDW]

Hi Jean!! While I would love to stay in a GV I think for your needs I'd go with option 2. I think with a large group like this you need your "own" space. Maybe if it were less people; then again I don't know!!

LOL...Years ago, I traveled with my best friend, her son and my son. Let me tell you; there were nights I wanted to stay on the balcony with the door closed!!! LOL...I do love her but I needed that second bedroom!!