Why should I choose WLV....??

[disneyobessed]

We are debating on staying at WLV next April... and BWV... im leaning towards BWV bc of the location.... but we loved when we stayed at WL and we visit the resort to eat at Whispering Canyon every trip. and really and confused as to where to stay..... so fill me in on the good and bad of WLV! We have stayed at BWV aleady so we know what to expect..

 

[Sammie]

Where will you spend most of your time? MK or Epcot/Studios?

 

[disneyobessed]

It will definatly be split... which is what is making this so hard.. I like the face WL has a quick service too... but then again you walk out of BW and you have that whole area... hmmmmmm so many decisions! (at least they are good ones!)

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

VWL isn't my favorite resort, but we did enjoy ourselves there.

I had mixed feelings about the transportation. Loved the boats to MK -- and also the boat over to the Contemporary that allows you to enjoy the restaurants there or hop a Monorail to Poly & GF. Didn't like being diverted through Fort Wilderness on the bus routes, though. I will say that the location of the bus stop is very convenient to the villas at Wilderness Lodge. (It's a bit of a hike at the BWV. And now that I think about it, the bus route at the Boardwalk is my all-time most disliked. I'm to the point where we probably won't stay at an Epcot resort again without a car.)

I'm personally not big on balcony sitting, so the view (trees, trees, and more trees) at VWL didn't impact me that much. I know some people really judge a resort by its views, and many are disappointed with this aspect of VWL.

You can't beat the location of the villas for quick access to the main lobby and the pools, though. Ask for a room near the elevator and you're literally out your door and right in the lobby. WL's lobby is so beautiful -- especially at Christmas. I also enjoy relaxing in the Iron Spike Room -- or whatever they're calling it these days.

Although the 2-bdrm villas at VWL are actually 13 sq ft larger than those at the Boardwalk, the color schemes make a big difference in how the size of the rooms "feel." Had I not just looked it up to verify, I would have sworn to you that VWL had the smaller units of the two. The dark greens and dark stained woods make the rooms feel smaller, while the bright pastel rooms and light furniture at the BWV make those rooms seem larger.

There's no evil clown at the Wilderness Lodge. They have that going for them. Although I would say the slide is better (theme aside) at the Boardwalk.

BWV has the Boardwalk, it's attractions and performers. VWL gets the Electrical Water Pageant.

 

[lions1995]

I like the face WL has a quick service too... but then again you walk out of BW and you have that whole area...

I was not impressed with the quick service at BWV. It really comes down to t he Bakery which is very busy, Pizza Window or Leaping Libations (premade sandwiches). The table services in the BW area are certanly plentiful. So if QS is what is swayig you, I would suggest you take a hard look at what is available.

The BW does have a great atmosphere. Carnival games and entertainers are awesome. It would be a hard choice more me as well.

 

[Brian Noble]

Each has some advantages that the other doesn't have, and different people will weight them differently. So my advice is to pick the one that "speaks to you". Which sounds like a better fit for the vacation you have in mind? BWV is right in the middle of the action. VWL is more of an escape. Truth be told, I'd rent a car at either one, but it's probably more useful at VWL than BWV. On the other hand, VWL has more direct access to MK, and that's the one destination to which driving doesn't have quite the same advantages.

 

[DenLo]

We really prefer VWL over BWV. We haven't stayed at BCV. One thing I missed at BWV is that practically all eating areas are outside. So if the weather is bad you still have to go outside to eat. Especially when going to the bakery in the rain--that is not IMO the way to begin the day.

The last time we we stayed there the buses only went to FT. Wilderness when going to DTD and Epcot. The buses to MK were fast. We were walking into MK in 8 minutes or less, much faster than the boats. Although when we are not pressed for time boating to MK or CR/BLT is still my favorite mode of transport.

I feel that staying at VWL is a way to wind down from the hectic day at the parks. There is plenty of activities like bike or surrey rides, boating or canoeing on the lake and you are just across the water at CR where you can do parasailing or rent a pontoon boat.

One of my favorite restaurants is Artist Point. And you still have access to a lots of restaurants at all of the resorts on the monorail.

And the biggest point to staying at VWL it's something new and different for the OP.

 

[spiceycat]

well the flower/garden festavial will be at Epcot.

that say getting to the MK from VWL is a heck of alot easier than getting to it from BWV.

the bus ride to Epcot was not to bad - think it stopped at FW first - then picked up vwl - but going back yea it did take a while thru FW. that say kind of enjoyed it - fw is definitely different.

or you could take the boat to CR (also stops at fw) - and ride the monrail to Epcot (okay TTC then Epcot monrail)

just remember on those nights when MK closes before Epcot you want the bus to VWL not monrail to the MK resorts.

the points cost will be higher in April than May

both places are near neighbors, so if you don't like the food you can easily get to other places where you will like the food.

think when the time you are going might pick VWL. April/May can be hot at WDW so coming back to a place that makes you think of colder weather might be a blessing.

 

[disneyobessed]

Thanks everyone! We will be renting a car so the busses are not really an issue... I think Im leaning more towards Wilderless Lodge... We loved it when we went in 2006.. Somthing just draws us there...

 

[dsneygirl]

VWL is our home and probably our #1 choice. We love the proximity to Fort Wilderness because it opens up a whole bunch of recreation choices.

About 2 years ago they re-did the mail pool at FW and put in an awesome water playground for kids. one of our favourite things is to rent bikes at VWL go over to FW swim and back again.

The kids club there (Cubs Den) is awesome! I think the quick serve choices are pretty good (sandwiches, salads made to order) and you can easily hop over to the Contemp.

Boat is our favourite mode of transportation at WDW so that is a big plus for us. I find it so relaxing coming home from MK on the boat.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

one of our favourite things is to rent bikes at VWL go over to FW swim and back again.

Ooooooo, that's going on my Disney Bucket List. We've thought about renting bikes just to ride around at the Boardwalk or SSR, but renting them with a destination in mind is a cool idea.

 

[bookwormde]

How many days are you goint to be at disney, if it is 9 or more why not do a split stay and have the best of both worlds

 

[Brian Noble]

Somthing just draws us there...

Then there you go. Book it!

 

[princesspiglet]

I second the pp who suggested you do a split stay. That is what we usually do every trip so we always get to try out 2 resorts at one time and it is like having two seperate vacations. We are going in October this year and hitting up the F&W fest so we are staying at BCV for 4 nights, then checking into VWL for another 4 nights and hitting MK and the MNSSHP. We base our resorts on our park days.

Last trip we wanted to just relax at our resorts and not rush from park to park, so we booked 3 nights at our home resort BLT and did the Sammy Duvall stuff and MK, then checked into AKV for 4 nights and just enjoyed the pool and savannah there and AK.

Bell Services will take your luggage and transfer it, but you will have a rental car so it will be even easier for you.