WL (construction?) or Boardwalk? Help me decide!

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Renting DVC points for the end of April 2017 and trying to decide between WL or Boardwalk villas. Anyone know or have a guess on what the construction status will be by then at WL? WL will cost us more so I'm hesitant to book there if there if there is still a good deal of construction but the proximity to MK is a big plus. The theme at the Boardwalk doesn't appeal to me as much but it's also the only Deluxe resort I've never stayed at and a good deal cheaper. Proximity to Epcot/DHS is a huge plus. We will be traveling with a 3 year old & 6 month old. What would you do?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I wouldn't expect WL not to be a construction zone. Right now, they're mostly working on the new restaurant* building and the gutted Lodge wing. Not a lot of work has been done on the waterfront cabins, and the VWL pool is a construction staging zone/dirt pit. I think it's highly optimistic to think all this will be settled by next spring, given the Poly timelines. It's also important to remember that view is not bookable at VWL, so you have a 50-50 chance of overlooking dirt pit/pool construction.

I know some people are more optimistic, but, realistically, the pool was the last item to be done at Poly and it's looking that way at VWL as well.

Have you confirmed availability at BWV? That you are saying it's a "good deal cheaper" is a flag to me that you're pricing BWV Standard View? That can be hard to get, even in the off-season. If you've not confirmed availability of Standard, I recommend budgeting Pool/Garden at BWV, so that if you can get Standard it's a nice surprise.

 

[Granny]

If you have a concern about construction, then you'll want to avoid VWL. Though Disney has not given any indication of a construction schedule, it appears that it will be a major construction site for the next 15 - 18 months or so.

If BWV is a good deal cheaper, then you must be booking a Standard View villa there. Otherwise, BWV and VWL have a fairly similar point schedule. Based on your comments, proximity to MK is not the highest priority. And for naps and such, having two parks within walking distance should be a really big plus.

Good luck with your planning!

 

[disneynutz]

My policy is not to book until a year following construction. They have a the cabins, restaurant, and pool to still build, all the landscaping and the bugs, policies, and CM training to work out. Not worth paying full points for a possible sub standard stay.

Bill

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

I wouldn't expect WL not to be a construction zone. Right now, they're mostly working on the new restaurant* building and the gutted Lodge wing. Not a lot of work has been done on the waterfront cabins, and the VWL pool is a construction staging zone/dirt pit. I think it's highly optimistic to think all this will be settled by next spring, given the Poly timelines. It's also important to remember that view is not bookable at VWL, so you have a 50-50 chance of overlooking dirt pit/pool construction.

I know some people are more optimistic, but, realistically, the pool was the last item to be done at Poly and it's looking that way at VWL as well.

Have you confirmed availability at BWV? That you are saying it's a "good deal cheaper" is a flag to me that you're pricing BWV Standard View? That can be hard to get, even in the off-season. If you've not confirmed availability of Standard, I recommend budgeting Pool/Garden at BWV, so that if you can get Standard it's a nice surprise.

Thank you for this tip, yes I was pricing out BWV standard view and if we can't get that then I would assume stay somewhere else (depending on what is available) since one of the main reasons I was looking at BWV was the lower price/points needed so it will be good to know this to have a backup resort or two in mind. I think VWL is off the list it sounds like construction won't be close to done.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Thank you for this tip, yes I was pricing out BWV standard view and if we can't get that then I would assume stay somewhere else (depending on what is available) since one of the main reasons I was looking at BWV was the lower price/points needed so it will be good to know this to have a backup resort or two in mind. I think VWL is off the list it sounds like construction won't be close to done.

Old Key West and Saratoga Standard will be closest in cost to BWV Standard. However, Animal Kingdom Standard should be cheaper for most April dates than VWL, and is also readily available. BWV Pool/Garden is not significantly more expensive than VWL, though, and is still less expensive than Poly, BLT, or Beach Club.

 

[n2mm]

Just a note, as a BWV owner, I've already booked my standard studio starting at the 11 month window. Many of the days I've booked are already not available throughout the first two weeks of May. I arrive April 29th to May 13. I don't always book at the 11 month window, but did and am glad. Now if the OP is looking for a 1 bedroom at BWV, then disregard my message, as this is only for a studio/standard. (btw, I actually booked 2 studio standards -- one for the kids/grandkids when they arrive on week 2)

 

[preemiemama]

We just stayed at VWL. Yes, there was construction. And it was obvious. However, our room was not affected by noise- we only heard it when we were out walking around. We did a split stay between there and BWV, and honestly preferred VWL- in spite of BWV being our usual choice. I can't say what the situation will be like when you go, but at the moment we did not feel as if the construction affected our stay much at all.

 

[Lori in CNY]

We just stayed at VWL. Yes, there was construction. And it was obvious. However, our room was not affected by noise- we only heard it when we were out walking around. We did a split stay between there and BWV, and honestly preferred VWL- in spite of BWV being our usual choice. I can't say what the situation will be like when you go, but at the moment we did not feel as if the construction affected our stay much at all.

WOW!! What ??? Good for you for not letting it bother you. We only went over to visit VWL the last trip and have dinner and we were totally affected. Construction vehicles all over the parking lot, more doors blocked off over at the Villas than were open, we heard Sturdy Branches is now temporarily closed and all guests having to cram into the one small pool area?? I would choose another resort for sure....and we did.

 

[preemiemama]

We didn't use the parking lot, so I can't say anything about that. The main pool was not crowded- in fact, the pool at Boardwalk was FAR more crowded during the 2nd part of our stay. We also didn't find any doors blocked, but we only needed the main entrance door so we didn't go exploring. Honestly, we had more issues (non-construction-related) at BWV than VWL- and we have always been a BWV family. We stay there whenever we can! I guess if you are looking for it, the construction will bother you. You will hear it and see it at the pool for sure. But overall, it was not a big deal to us.

 

[LauraLea]

Since half of the lodge is closed down, the pool will not be crowded. Many people are reporting back that they have enjoyed their stay as both the pool and Roaring Fork was not that busy.

Laura

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I think the challenge here is that what wouldn't bother a DVC member might in fact bother a DVC renter much more, given that many renters don't go with the same frequency, and are also renting as a chance to upgrade the resort type they would experience.

 

[disneynutz]

Construction noise is one thing but staying at a resort under construction that isn't finished is another. I would rather wait to stay there until all is done so that we can enjoy the changes.

Bill

 

[Granny]

I think the challenge here is that what wouldn't bother a DVC member might in fact bother a DVC renter much more, given that many renters don't go with the same frequency, and are also renting as a chance to upgrade the resort type they would experience.

Great point!