First of all, I want to say that I absolutely love BCV and it is really the only DVC resort I have ever wanted to own. In fact, our waitlist for extra BCV points just came through 2 days before this trip.
Now, on to my VWL trip report.....
We arrived on 2/4 at 11:45 a.m. using ME--exactly one hour after stepping off our plane. Check in was easy and our room was ready!!!! Don't know if this makes a difference but this is only the second time we've had our room ready prior to check-in time and both times we have used ME. Also, another thumbs up for Garden Grocer and their excellent service!!
OUR ROOM--STUDIO 3563
LIKES:
The bed was SOOOO comfortable!!! Felt like a pillowtop mattress.
The tilework around the tub is beautiful.
Housekeeping was quick with requests for wineglasses, ice tea pitcher, and more hangers.
Drawers in vanity were great to reduce clutter on countertop.
Having a DVD player in studio.
DISLIKES:
The bathroom light and fan are on one switch. Made it kinda breezy taking a shower or bath.
With just two small wooden chairs by table, it seemed like something was missing in the corner across from the sofa. At first I thought the table and chairs needed to go in the corner instead of under the mirror.
Decor a little blah with walls painted a cream color in the main part of studio and too dark in the vanity/kitchenette/entrance area with the deep red. I missed having a large picture by the bed.
WL/VWL RESORT
LIKES:
The WL Lobby, VWL lobby, and Iron Spike Room are awesome! DH and I enjoyed playing checkers and/or sipping wine in those relaxing rockers in front of the fireplaces at night.
Renting bikes and riding over to Ft. Wilderness.
The convenience to MK.
Quiet pool is nicer than BCV with the bubbling jets. Hot tub seemed to have more jets but didn't think the water was as clear as it should have been.
The listing of the daily activities offered at WL.
DISLIKES:
The long hallway that reminded us of either the Haunted Mansion or Tower of Terror. I love walking but our room was the very last one -right across from the dreaded dumpster view rooms. I don't think this hallway is any longer than the one at BCV but because it was so straight and so dark that it just seemed longer.
Not much action at WL in the evening especially--always had to take a bus or boat to go anywhere to do anything. I think I used more Disney transportation this trip than I have in our past 2-3 trips combined.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TRIP:
Pirates and Princess Party on 2/5. All rides were walk-ons--BTMRR and Buzz we were able to stay on and not get off. Fireworks were SPECTACULAR!!! Why doesn't Disney make a DVD of their fireworks shows???? Parade was good as was the Dream Along with Mickey show in the Castle forecourt.
Relaxing in front of the VWL fireplaces sipping wine in the evening.
Riding bikes to Fort Wilderness.
Winning two towel animals--an angel and 3 birds in a canoe.
SUMMARY:
While we really enjoyed our stay at VWL, I don't think we will become VWL Groupies. I, more so than DH, really missed our BCV. It is just so nice to be able to come and go to Epcot and Disney-MGM studios without waiting for Disney transportation, to have the action and excitement of the Boardwalk within walking distance as well as a wider variety of restaurants, and access to Stormalong Bay.
Donna
Now, on to my VWL trip report.....
We arrived on 2/4 at 11:45 a.m. using ME--exactly one hour after stepping off our plane. Check in was easy and our room was ready!!!! Don't know if this makes a difference but this is only the second time we've had our room ready prior to check-in time and both times we have used ME. Also, another thumbs up for Garden Grocer and their excellent service!!
OUR ROOM--STUDIO 3563
LIKES:
The bed was SOOOO comfortable!!! Felt like a pillowtop mattress.
The tilework around the tub is beautiful.
Housekeeping was quick with requests for wineglasses, ice tea pitcher, and more hangers.
Drawers in vanity were great to reduce clutter on countertop.
Having a DVD player in studio.
DISLIKES:
The bathroom light and fan are on one switch. Made it kinda breezy taking a shower or bath.
With just two small wooden chairs by table, it seemed like something was missing in the corner across from the sofa. At first I thought the table and chairs needed to go in the corner instead of under the mirror.
Decor a little blah with walls painted a cream color in the main part of studio and too dark in the vanity/kitchenette/entrance area with the deep red. I missed having a large picture by the bed.
WL/VWL RESORT
LIKES:
The WL Lobby, VWL lobby, and Iron Spike Room are awesome! DH and I enjoyed playing checkers and/or sipping wine in those relaxing rockers in front of the fireplaces at night.
Renting bikes and riding over to Ft. Wilderness.
The convenience to MK.
Quiet pool is nicer than BCV with the bubbling jets. Hot tub seemed to have more jets but didn't think the water was as clear as it should have been.
The listing of the daily activities offered at WL.
DISLIKES:
The long hallway that reminded us of either the Haunted Mansion or Tower of Terror. I love walking but our room was the very last one -right across from the dreaded dumpster view rooms. I don't think this hallway is any longer than the one at BCV but because it was so straight and so dark that it just seemed longer.
Not much action at WL in the evening especially--always had to take a bus or boat to go anywhere to do anything. I think I used more Disney transportation this trip than I have in our past 2-3 trips combined.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TRIP:
Pirates and Princess Party on 2/5. All rides were walk-ons--BTMRR and Buzz we were able to stay on and not get off. Fireworks were SPECTACULAR!!! Why doesn't Disney make a DVD of their fireworks shows???? Parade was good as was the Dream Along with Mickey show in the Castle forecourt.
Relaxing in front of the VWL fireplaces sipping wine in the evening.
Riding bikes to Fort Wilderness.
Winning two towel animals--an angel and 3 birds in a canoe.
SUMMARY:
While we really enjoyed our stay at VWL, I don't think we will become VWL Groupies. I, more so than DH, really missed our BCV. It is just so nice to be able to come and go to Epcot and Disney-MGM studios without waiting for Disney transportation, to have the action and excitement of the Boardwalk within walking distance as well as a wider variety of restaurants, and access to Stormalong Bay.
Donna
