Your favorite DVC resorts ranked

[ShaneDJ]

I thought it might be fun to have DIS members rank their favorite DVC resorts, in order, at WDW.

NOTE: This list will only focus on the WDW (Orlando-area) DVC resorts.


Rules:

• DVC resorts in Orlando only
• You don't have to had stayed at any of them
• You don't have to use the abbreviations below
• Providing the reason for your list order is optional
• For AKL, Jambo and Kidani are split out (they seem different enough)

In alphabetical order (by abbreviation), the WDW DVC resorts are:

1. AKL - Jambo
2. AKL - Kidani
3. BCV
4. BLT
5. BRV
6. BWV
7. CCV
8. CFW
9. GFV
10. OKW
11. Poly/PIT
12. RIV
13. SSR

 

[ShaneDJ]

My list is:

1. RIV (stunning rooms, love the Skyliner)
2. BWV (walkable to Epcot/HWS, great point chart, BWV views, 3-bed GV)
3. BLT (best walk home after MK fireworks)
4. CCV (that lobby!)
5. AKL - Kidani (we need the extra bathroom in these villas)

6. GFV (classic, but a bit too fancy for our "top 5")
7. Poly/PIT (love the vibe...but it is too freakin' crowded)
8. BRV (nice, but CCV is better for us)
9. AKL - Jambo (love it, but the villas need an extra bathroom)
10. BCV (not enough food options, bad room views, BWV nighttime energy wins)

11. SSR (serene, but we hate the buses; we only book here at last minute)
12. OKW (bottom of our list, too old)
13. CFW (we need a washer/dryer!)

 

[foodiddiedoo]

1. BLT (own there and love being so close to MK)
2. BRV (love Wilderness Lodge)
3. GFV (love the Grand and the resort rooms)
4. AKL- Jambo (the lobby and the animals)
5. Poly/PIT- haven’t done room there yet but I enjoyed my stay at the main hotel and the easy MK boats)
6. CCV (haven’t stayed yet and super excited to try a cabin in a few weeks)
7. BWV (downfall, no drink station inside)
8. RIV (I don’t like the theme that much, but the Skyliner was great)
9. AKL-Kidani (no quick service)
10. BCV (haven’t stayed yet but will in June just to appease my best friend)
11. CFW (need a golf cart, no washer dryer)
12. OKW (never been, but it seems “dull” but the rooms are big)
13. SSR, not excited except maybe to try the treehouses someday.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Stayed

1. BWV
2. CCV
3. BLT
4. BCV
5. AKV (Kidani)

Overall feeling about stayed/visted

1. BWV
2. CCV (I’ll include BRV here too)
3. BLT
4. BCV
5. RIV
6. POLY
7. VGF
8. AKV (Kidani/Jambo)
9. CFW
10. SSR
11. OKW

 

[buzzrelly]

1. BCV-One of our home resorts and we still love it...amazing location, pool, feels like home...the only downside is the 2042 end date
2. RIV-this one surprises me but gorgeous resort, great food, skyliner...downside is also the skyliner that may not always be running
3. Poly/PIT-love the new tower...the whole resort feels like you're on vacation in the 70's which I kind of love but can also be the downside
4. GFV-gorgeous resort, walk to MK...downside is higher point charts
5. BLT-Our other home resort and used to be our top but now that we spend more time at EPCOT it's fallen in rank
6. BWV-love the location, HATE the quick-service options (or lack thereof)
7. AKL Jambo-beautiful but I love being closer to the parks
8. AKL Kidani-same as Jambo but smaller
9. CCV-Nice resort and would rank higher if they would build a walkway to the CR...I like the boats but they're too slow
10. OKW-Kind of love it because our first "real" trip in 2006 was here so very nostalgic...downside is it's too spread out
11. SSR-Honestly have never stayed here and would if I had to but wouldn't be our first choice
12. BRV-it's fine just not our vibe
13. CFW-have never stayed here as we aren't big campers but would consider staying with the dogs sometime

 

[jimmytammy]

We have never stayed at GFV, Poly/PIT, CFW, CCV, AKL Jambo or RIV so, it's just how I perceive them to be, nothing more. So I will post them on the lower side just because I can't fairly judge them.

1. BRV(or as us ol' timers still call it, VWL )We have owned there since 01 so it evokes so many family memories and memories of meetings with fellow VWL lovers. And it takes us away to a different place. After a long park day, WL and VWL make us forget we are in the theme park capital of the world
2. OKW, another one purchased more recent. Love the peaceful feel there.
3. AKL Kidani The savannah and animals, Sanaa, and overall vibe whisks us away to far off, exotic places
4. BLT walkway to MK, all the added amenities of CR, plus, in the right room, the views!
5. SSR If hoping to spend more time at DS, this is the place to be for us. It took us awhile to like SSR, but we have since felt very much at home here
6. BWV We used to own here simply for the close proximity to the Epcot festivals, plus HS being rather close too. Sadly after a few trips, we became disenchanted with it. We were starting to notice it was becoming a more convention type crowd, with spillover from Swan and Dolphin added to the mix. We saw fights, more drunks, just not the WDW vibe we were used to anymore. Trips prior to that were great here.
7. BCV We are more mountain loving than beach, so the vibe here just doesn't appeal to us
8. CCV just because its tied to WL
9. AKL Jambo if we ever stay here I get the feeling it will be the same vibe for us as Kidani, plus more food options
10. Poly/PIT my DW and I stayed at the hotel side once a few years ago for our anniversary and would love to give the DVC side a try one day. Love the closeness to MK via monorail, all the eateries too
11. CFW appeals to me, and closeness to nature. But we have a camper, no need in using points
12. RIV love visiting to eat at Toppolinos, then catch a skyliner ride
13. GFV love eating at GFV Cafe, other than that, nothing draws me to stay. I know others love it, but it does not appeal to this good ol' boy. I'm from the sticks, so this place is to high brow for me

 

[Pens Fan]

1. CCV * - we love everything about it (decor and dining, especially) and you can't beat the vibes at Christmas
2. BWV * - a very close second, but it needs a real QS location
3. BRV - never stayed there as we own at CCV, but it's still my beloved Wilderness Lodge
4. AKV - Jambo - animals and great restaurants, what's not to love?
5. AKV * - Kidani - see above
6. Riv * - love the Skyliner access and the rooms are lovely, point charts are a negative
7. Poly/PIT - staying here for the first time soon in PIT so we'll see if we enjoy it as much as we expect
8. BCV - love the location but dislike most of the views
9. BLT * - love the proximity to MK, but walking back and forth to the Contemporary gets old
10. GFV - great dining options, though we've never stayed here. It's not really our vibe, especially considering the point charts
11. CFW - not a huge fan of the layout, nor the need to rent a golf cart but it would be fun to stay here at Halloween or Christmas
12. SSR - too spread out and don't want to deal with the internal bus loop. It beats out OKW only due to having elevators
13. OKW * - same complaints as SSR, but the lack of elevators in most buildings is a turn off

* indicates resorts where we have stayed

 

[davidhr]

Just ranking the ones I have stayed:

1) CCV: I absolutely love the Wilderness Lodge and this is where I own there.
2) BRV: only reason is 2nd is because I don’t own there, but fantastic rooms.
4) AKV: love everything about this resort and don’t mind the transportation and long hallways.
5) RIV: Absolutely stunning rooms and the skyliner is my favorite transportation. It’s also super quiet.
6) BWV: Right next to my favorite park and I like the rooms.
7) BLT: I thought I wasn’t going to like this one but absolutely loved the location and has a great point chart.
8) SSR: yes, I like this one. It’s peaceful, walkable and close to DS.
9) PVB: I love the resort and actually own there, but it can get very busy and that point chart is ridiculous.
9) BCV: I honestly didn’t care too much about this one. The big draw is the pool but it’s too crowded and I prefer quiet pools.
10) VGF: I’ve never liked hotels with this style, and really have a hard time caring for it even if everything else is great. Well, the point chart isn’t great.

The top 5 are so close that I have a very hard time choosing which one I want to stay when going to WDW. I like all of them, with the exception of VGF which I avoid as I don’t want to pay that much when I don’t care about it.

I left the 3 out because that’s AUL

 

[juliebee]

1. BRV- love this resort, the location, rooms, food choices
1. CCV- I've not stayed here, but I'm imaging it's similar enough to BRV
2. Poly/PIT- loved this resort prior to the Tower, can't wait to stay at the tower in May
2. BWV- loved this resort, but it lacks resort food options and the hallways are so long. Could have been #1 if had food options.

I've not stayed at the below resorts, so ranking them on my excitement about staying there in the future-
5. RIV- like what I've seen online and at my walkthrough the resort. Love the skyliner.
6. BLT- the refurb looks great online and can't wait to stay here in May
7. BCV- not a pool person, so that does nothing for me, but I like the vibe of the resort
8. GFV- location and food are good, and I'm sure it's pretty but others are more appealing to me
9. AKL - Jambo- hopefully the refurb is good as currently I wouldn't stay there.
10. AKL - Kidani- hopefully the refurb is good as currently I wouldn't stay there.
11. OKW- like the lower point chart, but not the internal bus loop situation
12. SSR- points are often higher than OKW, so this falls lower than OKW for same reasons
13. CFW- not interested at all

 

[Stargazer65]

I'm not really good at these, I like all the resorts, and they all have something that stands out, so it's hard to judge. We're points misers with a lot of SAPs so that factors into my decision a great deal. I'm only going to rank the ones I stayed at.

1. SSR - Great Point chart, lots of room choices including treehouses. Nice refurb. Walk to DS.
2. BLT - A tossup with SSR, better room layouts than SSR, if I could swing a Standard View with SAPs it would probably win
3. OKW - A tossup with the top 2. Great Point chart, quick access to DS, Big laundry rooms, patios. Needs an update like SSR.
4. BRV - Good point chart, pretty resort and location, good restaurants. I wish it wasn't so far from DS.
5. AKL - Kidani - Good Point Chart, good room layouts, pretty resort. Kind of remote from everything though.
6. AKL - Jambo - Same as above, but I prefer the quieter Kidani vibe
7. Poly - (Studio) I liked the extra shower and changing room, but it's not a villa. PIT looks nice but high point chart turns me off.
8. RIV - It was nice, just not really my vibe, ditto for the high point chart

(I did stay at CFW, but that was 16 years ago before DVC, so I didn't rank it. If I were to guess, I might rank it near AKL. I like the point chart, but it's hard to give up in room laundry. Fort Wilderness appeals to me though.)

 

[tidefan]

Here is my list, which is probably contrary to many...

1) CFW: We love everything about CFW from bringing our dog, to the full kitchen. Feel like we don't even need to go the parks. Best Parking situation of any DVC. Golf Cart is a must, however. The Fort is somewhere that you have to stay at to get it.
2) BLT: We are the minority that loves the studio setup because of the awesome kitchenette. Easy parking.
3) VGF1: I split this up because we really love the original VGF building. Feels like it's own space and it's not just hotel rooms.
4) SSR: This is where we actually stay the most. Most underrated DVC there is. The refurb really moved this up. Good pools. Also, it's close to Gideon's
5) AKV-Kidani: Love that you can park under the building. Point charts for standard view is very friendly! Extra bathroom in 1/2 Bedroom units.
6) PVB: Haven't stayed in the Tower, but do like the longhouses. Very busy however, and not fun if doing laundry in Moorea but staying in Tokelau and it starts raining...
7) BRV: Boulder Ridge is nice and the units are a bit bigger than CCV and the kitchen layout is better.
8) AKV-Jambo: Units are smaller than Kidani. Can be a bit of a hike from your car to the room. Plus: Zebra Domes!
9) CCV: Great Lobby. Rooms are smaller than BRV as a hotel conversion. Not a fan of the Galley-style kitchen.
10) BCV: It's OK, but room views aren't the best and again, can be a hike from your car to the room.
11) OKW: I like the 1/2 Bedrooms, but don't like the studio setup. Also, as we get older, running the risk of having to deal with stairs (and getting luggage up/down stairs) isn't fun. Also, I actually find SSR easier to navigate.
12) RIV: Nice enough, but stayed once and that was enough. Didn't like the Galley Kitchen here either, Plus, IMHO is perhaps the most "boring" DVC property.
13) BWV: Lots of people love Boardwalk. I don't get it. The parking situation here is horrid and there are always too many people. Also a bit salty that they took the clown out...
14) VGF2: BPK is just hotel rooms. That's it. There's nothing "villa" about them. Maybe if they would have made some with King beds...

 

[tx911]

1. VGF*
2. RIV*
3. CCV*/BRV*
4. BWV*/BCV
5. AKV*
6. Poly*
7. BLT*
8. SSR*
9. OKW
10. CFW

*: Resorts I've stayed at

 

[Novatrix]

Only DVC anywhere I haven't stayed at yet is CFW.

My ranking:

1. BCV (storm-a-long bay, near EPCOT, can park super close to rooms, have dedicated 2 bedrooms, less of a scrum booking at 11 months than bwv)

2. BWV (close to EPCOT, love sauna/steam room, hate parking situation)

3. OKW (The 1 bedroom and larger rooms are my favorite in Disney, love the Florida themed vibes, nice community center, easy parking, nostalgia)

4. Poly tower (separating out from rest of Poly, not as big a fan of the longhouses. I love the lounges and trader sams, they FINALLY have a decent gym for the Poly, parking is close to rooms)

5. BRV (very close ranking to CCV, I like the vibe of WL, geyser point and the newer pool, minus nowhere to walk/running paths)

6. CCV (see above, with slightly less nice rooms)

7. AKL Jambo (love to visit the resort due to animals and food options, pool and gym are nice, minus points that there's no real running paths)

8. Poly (not a fan of the longhouses or the people soup pool, but all the positives for the resort noted in PIT remain the same.

9. SSR (not my favorite room layout, theme isn't as interesting, great gym, can walk to Disney springs)

10. AKL Kidani (love Sanaa, the gym being called "Survival of the Fittest" makes me giggle, can use the resources at Jambo, great parking relative to rooms, but common areas aren't the greatest and if you don't have a car the hallways are killer, see jambo for other negatives)

11. GFV (food options are great, theming isn't my favorite, gym is abysmal, pools are boring and prone to people soup, ranking improved after they finally opened the walking path to MK!)

12. BLT (Boring rooms, boring pool, boring resort, fantastic location relative to MK)

13. RIV (I do like the quick service, but I'm not a fan of the skyliner or the resort in general, especially with how expensive the point chart is. It has a deluxe point chart for a moderate location, and lacks innovation and whimsy.)

 

[Bucketfoot]

1. AKV Kidani
2. AKV Jambo
3. BWV
4. BCV
5. VGF1
6. BLT
7. BRV
8. CCV
9. OKW
10. SSR
11. Poly
12. RIV
13. CFW
14. VGF2

 

[Stargazer65]

Here is my list, which is probably contrary to many...

That's interesting. My list is a little different, but I agree with just about everything you commented on.

Especially this:

The Fort is somewhere that you have to stay at to get it.

It's hard to explain why FW appeals, it's a lot different from the other places.

 

[aka Charles]

1. VGF
2. AKV – Jambo
3. AKV – Kidani
4. PVB
5. BWV
6. CCV
7. CFW
8. BRV
9. OKW
10. BLT
11. BCV
12. RIV
13. SSR
.

 

[Brian Noble]

I can't really rank them---it's like picking my favorite kid. Instead, there are things I like about each one, and a few things I like less. I also pretty much only stay in villas, so the Good and Not So Good things might be different for studio folk.

For the ones I've stayed at, in alpabetical order by abbreviation:

AKV-K

• Good: The savanna views are so unique! The African artifacts/artwork throughout the resort are fascinating. I adore Sanaa. The 1BR villa uses its space well, and there is a lot of it. Covered parking. It's a quiet refuge from the parks.
• Not so good: It feels almost too quiet at times. Could definitely use a CS location---I know Jambo is just over there, but having to walk along the parking lot and by some backstage stuff takes away from the trip. Once you leave your room, someohow the rest of the resort doesn't live up to the billing.

BCV

• Good: Epcot's back door. The overall resort amenities are generally excellent. Good mix of table service venues. I like the relaxed beach vibe of the place, and the way it is a part of but also apart from the main resort. The solarium.
• Not so good: I am not a fan of DVC 2.0 villa layouts (this will be a recurring theme). It's hard to get away from the Epcot/theme park vibe and truly relax. The CS location leaves a lot to be desired. Traversing Buena Vista Drive is a pain, though it is better now that (a) it has been widened and (b) not as much Studios traffic is funneled through it.

BLT

• Good: MK's front door. I love the mid-century modern vibe. Lake views on the inner C are peaceful. I'm a fan of the pull-out pantry. The monorail is fun. The covered bridge helps BLT and CR feel very "connected" to each other. Great mix of TS locations, and a quality CS spot. Watching the Electrical Water Pageant from the room is fun. Love the lobby scent!
• Not so good: The Seven Seas Lagoon area is always hectic, and it is hard to get away from the hustle and bustle. The monorail to (and worse, from) Epcot feels like it takes forever.

BRV (aka VWL)

• Good: WL might be my favorite theme of all the Disney resorts. A peaceful respite away from the theme parks, but just around the corner from MK. Love the boats. Some rooms have fantastic views of Bay Lake. Good CS location. Territory Lounge is one of the better bar food menus, and Whispering Canyon is always fun. The BRV lobby is a quiet place to hang out, and the Pacific Carolwood room is an attraction all to itself.
• Not so good: DVC 2.0 layout. I miss having a real Signature dining location. I also miss the walkway to the Fort (hopefully that makes a return).

BWV

• Good: Not too far from Epcot, and close enough to Studios that both are walkable. The Boardwalk area on Crescent Lake in the morning is just lovely, as are the views in the evening. I appreciate the theme, even the Freaky Clown Chairs. Has my favorite holiday gingerbread display.
• Not so good: DVC 2.0. Buena Vista Drive. As an entertainment destination, the Boardwalk is just sad. Somehow, it feels like "everything is outside" here in ways that aren't apparent even at other resorts where everything is outside. CS location needs a lot of help. Seems to struggle to support a mid-priced TS location.

CCV (Note: only a studio so far)

• Good: Most of what I said about BRV, plus: the resort feels compact because of the interconnection provided by the pool area. Hopefully the villa layout works better for me, but withholding judgement.
• Not so good: The BRV list (hopefully minus the layout).

OKW

• Good: Villas are huge. Love having a real table on the balcony, and sufficient seating in the living room. The resort constantly whispers "you're on island time." Parking right outside the villa. Olivia's is a gem. Boat to Disney Springs for dinner is a fun way to spend an evening. Integration with the golf course (and its water features) is done very well. The buildings along the canal are special. Ice makers!
• Not so good: The walking paths are all along the roads or along parking lots. The CS location is easily the worst anywhere in WDW. The interior angles in the villas are not a great use of space. Some of the buildings get a lot of bus noise.

RIV (Note: only a studio so far)

• Good: I really enjoy the Skyliner. Very good resort amenities (real coffee!). The elegance of the theme resonates with me. (I'm bougie like that.) A peaceful respite from the parks. The connection to CBR gives energy without being overwhelming. One of the top CS locations in any resort. Topolino's is a solid spot for dinner. Room is well-appointed. Reserving judgement about the villa layout. The tile murals are a lovely touch. Lobby scent!
• Not so good: Could use a "real" mid-tier TS location. Point chart is rough for Preferred view. While the murals are lovely, they are already showing wear (the lines where the tile has settled really bug me for some reason.) Lobby is not functional as a place to hang out.

SSR

• Good: I like the quietly sophisticated vibe. (see: bougie). Lovely resort for walking, with pathways that are generally well away from roads/parking lots. Good pools. Refurbishment was well done. I like many of the restaurants at Disney Springs, and here they are easy to get to. Very convenient parking. Better than average CS.
• Not so good: DVC 2.0. I wish The Turf Club were a three-meal restaurant. Preferred point chart is IMO unjustifiably high. Lobby areas not functional as places to hang out.

Next up is AKV-J. I am looking forward to the compare/contrast with Kidani.

 

[hhisc16]

1- CCV/BRV= WL is the best during Christmas
2- AKL J/K= best themed year round
3- RIV= location and nice rooms with great food
4- BLT=location
5- BWV= location
6- BCV= location
7- PVB= original
8- SSR=relaxing and near DS
9- OKW=relaxing and near DS
10- VGF=terrible noise in the BPK room

Staying in CFW next weekend!

 

[J-Dog]

1. RIV
2. CCV
3. Poly
4. AKL - Jambo
5. VGF
6. BRV
7. BCV
8. BWV
9. AKL - Kidani
10. SSR
11. OKW
12. BLT
13. CFW (I guess. Never been there and have no idea if I would like it)

 

[Lumpy1106]

1. RIV
2. BLT
3. Poly/PIT
4. CCV
5. BRV
6. BCV
7. BWV
8. GFV
9. AKL - Kidani
10. AKL - Jambo
11. OKW
12. SSR
13. CFW