YC or BWI after GF?

[*123JOANNA123*]

We usually stay at the GF (lodge concierge) and really love it, but on our last visit we checked out the YC and BWI and dh really likes the look of them. I am torn- we want to return next summer (?May) and have young children. I'm afraid we'll miss the convenience of having the monorail and the MK so close (not to mention the GF itself). On the other hand, the GF is a little 'dead' in the evenings- the boardwalk has a real 'buzz' to it and the kids liked the fun games and street entertainment. Also, we intend to explore Epcot a little more next time.

Any advice/comments would be appreciated.

Also, how are the crowds/weather in June? Chances are we'll take my ds out of school in May or early June (he's 4yo, so won't be missing much). We went August last year and would like a change.

 

[minster22]

As you can see from my little countdown that I am staying in April/May at the Grand Floridian,first for 7 nights and then moving over to the Boardwalk Inn for another 10 nights. I have never stayed at the GF because we love the Boardwalk it is very hard to stay anywhere else. We almost stayed at the Yacht Club on our last visit but we decided that if we were over there looking at the Boardwalk across the lagoon we would be wishing we were across the way. I do not have any little ones (DS is 25!!!) but there is so much to do for kids of all ages with the pools, playground area, surrey bikes , the entertainment on the Boardwalk at night. There is a level of fun and excitement that is just not available at night at any other resort. Of course the YC has SAB which most people love, especially for children but I actually prefer the BW pool....mose open and not as crowded. Another thought may be to rent points from a DVC member and stay in a 1 bedroom Villa and give your family lots of room,kitchen, jacuzzi, they are great. May is also "usually" a time with AP discounts offered and you have the Flower and Garden Show at Epcot, absolutely gorgegous. Sorry to go on so, but you can see how much I love this area of WDW....we actually just bought DVC at BW!!!

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Thanks for the input, renting DVC points is something I was seriously considering. I love the idea of having a washer and dryer- it's not like I like to do laundry on vacation, but when you have a 2yo and a 4yo, you generate a lot of dirty clothes.

Enjoy your upcoming stay- you'll love the GF.

 

[Cinderella37]

I'm having the exact same attack of resistent-to-change-itis. We always stay at the GF (8 times in 7 years), and before I met my fiance, I stayed at the Polynesian ever year since I was 3 years old. I'm never stayed at a non- MK resort and I'm freaking out.

Our last stay at the GF (July 2003) was something of disaster - dirty room for 11 days, mold in the ducts, non-responsive management, etc. We decided that we needed a change, and as you can see by my signature, decided on the BWI. Now that our December trip is nearing, I'm getting nervous. Can you tell I'm crazy? Nervous about a vacation...

So, we'll treat December as test run for July, though my fiance refuses to return to the GF.

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Julianne- I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the BWI- do me a favour and PM me when you post your trip report so I don't miss it!

I think the BWI looks really nice- can't wait to see how it stacks up against the GF- sounds like you had a horrible experience there

 

[swilphil]

Joanna--Wow, I wish I had your "dilemma" of having to decide between YC and BWI! Either one will be wonderful. I love staying in the Epcot area. I think all the hotels there are great and it's the perfect location! My kids are 1 and 3, and I actually prefer the Epcot resorts over the MK resorts. Since your kids are still pretty little, they may not get as much out of Stormalong Bay now as they will in a couple more years. The BW pool is a blast too, and I think your kids will love it. I've heard BWI concierage is wonderful, while a couple of people have had trouble with YC concierage lately. BC concierage is great though.

Either resort will be wonderful! Have a great trip.

 

[Lizal]

I was also considering BWI for our stay in January. We have stayed at GF and twice at the WL (which we love) but would like something different and fun for our 9 and 12 yo. The BWI sounds perfect. I was curious about renting DVC points. How does this work? TIA

 

[minster22]

Lizal.....On these boards there is a DVC Rent/Trade forum which has a thread with questions and answers that should give you most of what you would need to know about renting DVC points. Many of us on these boards have rented points and if you have a question not answered, try us. There is certainly an element of trust on both sides of the renting process that some people may not be comfortable with and also once you make your decision you do not have the same flexibility of changing plans as with a cash reservation. That said, it saves lots of money and the Villa rooms are great!!

 

[vicb]

BWI is our favorite, have also stayed Poly and CR. Gave our kids the choice which deluxe to stay at this year... they picked BWI even after touring BC and SAB! My kids loved the Luna Pk. pool, were crazy for the BW every night and loved the theming. It is a really nice resort.

 

[icelady]

Boardwalk Inn is our favorite resort. I have only stayed at one other hotel which was carribean beach, which was very nice but since staying at boardwalk we are spoiled and just can't find it to stay anywhere else. Everything is so convenient, with epcot and mgm just a short walk or boatride away. We have never used the pool but plan on it this visit which is just 18 days away. I think grandchildren are going to love the place, this will be their first trip to WDW.