We spent last week at BWV for the first time as DVC members. Here's a post trip report of sorts.
Resort
Overall very good. Location can’t be beat – we love being able to walk to Epcot and walk or boat over to DHS. We had a 2 BR in rooms 4007 and 4009 overlooking the Boardwalk and directly above the DVC model in the Crest of the Wave section of the resort and it worked out really well for us. It’s a VERY long walk to the room from the elevator, but when you’re walking around 10 miles a day you get used to it. The Boardwalk is unique in that it’s not all contained inside like (all?) the other resorts. Specifically the deluxe resorts – you can access the lobby, stores, restaurants, everything inside. This is a minor, personal peeve of mine but not enough to discredit the resort. This was our first week long stay as DVC members and I had no problem at all with no housekeeping (we left our privacy card on the door all week). I actually prefer not having anyone coming in and rooting around, but that’s just me.
Pool is fun – yeah, the clown is creepy but you get used to it. We spent several hours here on Wednesday and went once or twice more during the week. Never had any problem finding chairs or a table, brought our own beverages. Good time.
Arcade – spent $25 on a game card and had more credits than we were able to use. I’m very happy to report both my kids thought Donkey Kong was the best game in the arcade.
Muscles and Bustles – did not use it but found it odd that every morning we walked by several people were on the treadmills and I’m thinking to myself “it’s a beautiful morning, you’re at a beautiful resort, why wouldn’t you be walking around the Boardwalk, Y&BC and over to DHS?”
Boardwalk skill games – we played the water squirt game, launched lobsters, shot hoops – all fun and entertaining. Ended up with even MORE souvenirs to pack. Not a great value but fun to do.
Quad bikes - took a spin in these. My two DD's were just a little too short to be able to assist with pedaling, so they both rode in the basket leaving me, my wife and MIL to pedal. We did ONE spin around the lake and parked it. I think these will be a one-time affair until my kids can assist.
Transportation – buses leaving the resort were fine. On time, plenty of room. The buses coming back from Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom left a lot to be desired. We waited for 45 minutes returning from Disney Springs on Saturday night, 30 plus minutes from MK and about 25-30 minutes from Animal Kingdom. I know it states that buses run every 20 minutes, but it’s frustrating to watch multiple buses for all of the other resorts show up in 5 to 10 minute intervals while you’re waiting on a single bus to return to a deluxe resort. We only went to Disney Springs once specifically because of the bus situation. We’re going back in October and will be staying at Saratoga Springs so we’ll be able to walk. The boats to and from Epcot and DHS were great – relaxing, on time, plenty of room. We also used Uber twice going to the Polynesian both times (Trader Sam's and 'Ohana). Both drivers were excellent and I would use Uber again in lieu of buses for certain trips.
Restaurants
Frontera Cocina – awesome. Everyone loved their meal, great atmosphere, excellent service. Highly recommend.
Akershus breakfast – meh. Food was ok, service was fair. Didn’t feel like it was a good value. Will not do this one again.
‘Ohana breakfast – good. Better than Akershus, entertaining, good food. Slightly better value but still expensive. It will be a few years before we go again.
Yak and Yeti – always good. Went here on Tuesday (the ONLY day it rained on us). We were soaked and sought refuge here. We had reservations but they were able to seat us about 30 minutes early, thankfully. Hot tea and great food warmed us up. My wife went to the restroom and ran into her roommate from the college program that she hadn’t seen in 19 years. Small world indeed. The Y&Y may be my favorite restaurant at WDW.
Cape May dinner – really good. Yes, it’s a little spendy but everyone in our party enjoyed it and I will definitely eat here again. Plenty of seafood (if that’s your deal as it is ours), carving station, soups, salads, great service and nice location.
ESPN Zone – ordered takeout from here on Friday night after we found out we couldn’t order take out from Trattoria al Forno. I enjoyed my food, it’s not top tier, but it’s good.
To Go Cart on the Boardwalk – you know it’s hotdogs and fried food. Good in a pinch, don’t eat there every night.
Boardwalk Pizza Window – meh. Crust seemed a little like cardboard. It was just ok.
Bars
Trader Sam’s was a lot of fun. Tucked away in the Polynesian and not very big. Kids can be there until 8:00 PM. My wife and I went here on Sunday night it was probably the most fun we had. The bartenders are engaging, the theme is cool and there’s always something to look and enjoy.
Abracadabar is a cool bar on the Boardwalk. Not as entertaining as Trader Sam’s, but has an interesting theme. Great for a quick cocktail while strolling along the Boardwalk. I wouldn’t spend a lot of time here, but it’s worth a visit.
Parks
More crowded than we expected. Flower and Garden Festival was in full stride and Epcot was pretty busy on both days we went (Sunday and Friday the 5th). Obviously the Mexico pavilion was busy on Cinco de Mayo, but we were still able to get in and enjoy nachos and margaritas. Had a FastPass for Frozen on Friday - it's a cute ride but there is no way I'd wait more than 30 minutes for it. Use a FP by all means. We rode Soarin' both days and it's still my favorite.
The Magic Kingdom was really busy, Emporium had construction netting all around. We did things we either haven’t done in a while or have never experienced – Country Bear Jamboree, Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise. Fun, but I honestly think MK is tied for 3rd with DHS as my favorite park. Epcot is still #1 and AK has moved up to #2. The detail to theming at AK is incredible. We tried to get into the Pandora preview but were stopped and informed only ticketed cast members were able to enter. Did not stay for Rivers of Light, but hope to hit it and Pandora in October.
Hollywood Studios – still fun. People of Hollywood were out and one act was the two drunk guys doing fortune telling. My youngest daughter watched them for probably 20 minutes and finally had her fortune told. Really entertaining skit. Once Star Wars and Toy Story land(s) open this may knock MK into 4th position for me.
A great first stay as DVC Members. We purchased resale after April 4, 2016 so we don't get all of the benefits. All week I felt the specter looming over me to go talk with a sales rep about adding on 25 points direct, but never succumbed to the pressure. We passed the entrance for the Epcot Lounge twice and I didn't feel left out. I think I'm OK with 2nd class status.
We're looking forward to going back to the Boardwalk possibly for Spring Break 2018 if the waitlist doesn’t come through for Grand Californian. We’ll try out Saratoga Springs in the fall and then start making our way through the other resorts.
Cheers!
. I love your "re-imagine" comment
