First DVC Purchase: Beach Club vs. Boardwalk for Young Family?

[TheGambler22]

I’ll play devil’s advocate re: young families shouldn’t buy 2042 resorts. If you love BWV I would consider buying some points there along with a resort with a longer expiration.

I have a young kiddo about the same age - I purchased BWV to use exclusively for spring break bc the point chart is far more reasonable than other resorts. I can get that week in a P/G studio for 139 points (compared to 195 for a Preferred studio at RIV, 181 at POLY etc) so you end up needing far fewer points for a popular week.

The 2042 expiration doesn’t bother me bc by that point, I won’t need to travel during school breaks.

This, I'd buy MORE points for the ones I already own, especially BWV if the price is right for resale. I just HOPE I can live till 2042 LOL

 

[Mouseforward]

I would recommend beach club since there’s nothing at the boardwalk that you can’t do staying at the beach club. However, you don’t get a storm long day for the kids if you buy a boardwalk. The lack of views in the rooms is secondary with children. Also the availability of dedicated two bedrooms makes them possible during peak weeks.

The downside is beach club resale is priced accordingly and to be honest it’s very close to just renting.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I would recommend beach club since there’s nothing at the boardwalk that you can’t do staying at the beach club. However, you don’t get a storm long day for the kids if you buy a boardwalk. The lack of views in the rooms is secondary with children. Also the availability of dedicated two bedrooms makes them possible during peak weeks.

The downside is beach club resale is priced accordingly and to be honest it’s very close to just renting.

You can’t get a room with a view

 

[Cfabar1]

If a GV matters to you, only BW will do...

 

[DVCSunDevil]

It's always tough to give advice on where to buy, because everyone has their own preferences and things they like. I can tell you that, personally, I would buy at BCV. I was in the same boat as you when I was purchasing DVC. We were between Poly, BCV, and BWV. The best piece of advice we received (that still holds true) is to buy where you really want to stay. We love the vibe/theming at BCV and so we ended up purchasing there. Actually, BWV came in last for us behind Poly. Here are a couple things to consider:
- BCV is the hardest resort to book at 7 months. If you like the vibe and want to stay there, you need that 11 month booking window.
- There is NOTHING that beats the proximity to the IG entrance at Epcot. We get park hoppers and love to end our night in WS enjoying a nightcap. My wife loves to watch the fireworks, too. There is nothing better than casually strolling out the IG exit, past the long line for Skyliner, and being in your room literally within a few minutes after leaving Epcot. The back walkway to BCV is within 50 yards of the IG entrance/exit. It's fantastic.
- Stormalong Bay. Especially since you have little ones. They are going to LOVE Stormalong Bay, especially as they get a little older. We enjoy watching the big group of kids playing games in the pool. Our daughters love SAB so much that they were 100% on board with mid day breaks to go relax by the pool. The sand bottom is very unique and the pool is huge with many little "coves" and the lazy river. And for the parents, I don't think there is a better pool bar than Hurricane Hannah's.
- The theming/vibe at BCV can't be beat. It starts when you walk into the lobby upon check in and are hit with that beach smell they pump in. My daughter's joke that they wish Disney made spray that smelled like that so they could spray it in their room at home. The theming/decorations have that laid back Cape Cod beach vibe, which we love. Add in little nooks like the Breezeway, Salarium, and the little reading room right off the DVC lobby.
- You also have a character breakfast right in the main lobby at Cape May Cafe. Seeing the characters in their beach attire is a fun touch and the kids love it. Only having to walk to the lobby of your resort for a character breakfast is nice, especially when everyone is tired.
- The proximity to good dining is top notch. Yachtsman's Steakhouse is right on property and is excellent. Martha's Vineyard is one of the most underrated bars on property and has really good food options, too. For the low key lunch AND ice cream, there is of course Beaches and Cream...a cult favorite for many WDW enthusiasts. All those are right on property. Then you can also stroll across the bridge to Cake Bake Shop, Flying Fish, or any of the other Boardwalk area restaurants.

We look at is as the BCV owners have access to all the Boardwalk restaurants and can get a room at BWV at 7 months, but the BWV owners don't have access to the BCV amenities like SAB and actually booking a room at BCV. Again, it's all personal preference and you really can't go wrong if you purchase where you truly want to stay.

 

[DaviVascaino]

both great resorts.

however, the only reason to pick BCV over BWV (IMHO) is the pool. Everything else I prefer Boardwalk villa. Location, views, proximity to parks, etc etc

 

[Cyberc1978]

both great resorts.

however, the only reason to pick BCV over BWV (IMHO) is the pool. Everything else I prefer Boardwalk villa. Location, views, proximity to parks, etc etc

I see this a good example for why you should own both

If you want SAB book BCV.
If you want to save points book BWV.
If resort view is unavailable at BWV then book BCV.

In doubt book both

 

[atthebeachclub]

It's always tough to give advice on where to buy, because everyone has their own preferences and things they like. I can tell you that, personally, I would buy at BCV. I was in the same boat as you when I was purchasing DVC. We were between Poly, BCV, and BWV. The best piece of advice we received (that still holds true) is to buy where you really want to stay. We love the vibe/theming at BCV and so we ended up purchasing there. Actually, BWV came in last for us behind Poly. Here are a couple things to consider:
- BCV is the hardest resort to book at 7 months. If you like the vibe and want to stay there, you need that 11 month booking window.
- There is NOTHING that beats the proximity to the IG entrance at Epcot. We get park hoppers and love to end our night in WS enjoying a nightcap. My wife loves to watch the fireworks, too. There is nothing better than casually strolling out the IG exit, past the long line for Skyliner, and being in your room literally within a few minutes after leaving Epcot. The back walkway to BCV is within 50 yards of the IG entrance/exit. It's fantastic.
- Stormalong Bay. Especially since you have little ones. They are going to LOVE Stormalong Bay, especially as they get a little older. We enjoy watching the big group of kids playing games in the pool. Our daughters love SAB so much that they were 100% on board with mid day breaks to go relax by the pool. The sand bottom is very unique and the pool is huge with many little "coves" and the lazy river. And for the parents, I don't think there is a better pool bar than Hurricane Hannah's.
- The theming/vibe at BCV can't be beat. It starts when you walk into the lobby upon check in and are hit with that beach smell they pump in. My daughter's joke that they wish Disney made spray that smelled like that so they could spray it in their room at home. The theming/decorations have that laid back Cape Cod beach vibe, which we love. Add in little nooks like the Breezeway, Salarium, and the little reading room right off the DVC lobby.
- You also have a character breakfast right in the main lobby at Cape May Cafe. Seeing the characters in their beach attire is a fun touch and the kids love it. Only having to walk to the lobby of your resort for a character breakfast is nice, especially when everyone is tired.
- The proximity to good dining is top notch. Yachtsman's Steakhouse is right on property and is excellent. Martha's Vineyard is one of the most underrated bars on property and has really good food options, too. For the low key lunch AND ice cream, there is of course Beaches and Cream...a cult favorite for many WDW enthusiasts. All those are right on property. Then you can also stroll across the bridge to Cake Bake Shop, Flying Fish, or any of the other Boardwalk area restaurants.

We look at is as the BCV owners have access to all the Boardwalk restaurants and can get a room at BWV at 7 months, but the BWV owners don't have access to the BCV amenities like SAB and actually booking a room at BCV. Again, it's all personal preference and you really can't go wrong if you purchase where you truly want to stay.

I feel this way about BCV. I strongly love the theming there; it really feels like coming back to a place I love and can relax at. I don’t have any positive reaction to the BWV theming. But I do appreciate the point chart there for potential savings.

 

[Tatebeck]

I love them both because I love the Crescent Lake area and being able to walk to 2 parks. Been to both multiple times and also the Yacht Club as well. Everyone has brought up a lot of good points. Both of them are amazing resorts if you love the area. But there can be a few things which others have mentioned that can really steer you one way or the other.

• BCV
  • If you want access to the best pool each time and are a pool nut
  • If you require a 2br for up to 8 people frequently as they have dedicated 2BRs (BWV is all lockoffs)
  • If you want to be able to get food without going outside
• BWV
  • If you love views. The BW Views are incredible and you can watch see the Epcot ball and watch Epcot fireworks from your balcony
  • If you want Grand Villas regularly (Beach Club only goes up to 2BR)
  • If you will have a part of 9 frequently (all BWV 2BR can sleep 9 and GV can sleep 12, BCV lockoffs hold 9 but dedicated 2BR only hold 8)

If none of this makes a deciding factor for you (it didn't for me. We have a pool at home and didn't think we wouldn't need a good view most of the time if we are out eating, in the parks, etc.), and you don't mind 1BRs then you can also just do what I did. Buy the cheaper one and be on the lookout for openings at the other at 7 months. This will guarantee a stay in the Crescent Lake area with options to switch, as long as you can get a room to start.

When I was purchasing there were some good deals on BWV contracts but no good deals on BCV. I got my BWV $99 per point but all the BCV contracts in the use years I was looking at were around $130 or more. So I bought the BWV for $99 and use some points to switch into BCV 1BR/2BR when I want or if it is available. (I typically use my AKV and sometimes my BLT and RIV points for this FYI, to save my Crescent Lake points) It was easier to swallow the one that was around 25% cheaper since they both expire in 2042 and then I got more cheap-ish points at later expiring resorts to play around with.

Studios are very hit and miss at 7 months for both resorts so you have to be okay staying in a 1BR, which we actually do love anyways. So I found a way to guarantee stays in the area, with many options at 7 months, with fairly cheap points, and most of them expiring way later than 2042.

 

[Cfabar1]

I also feel like staying at BW feels like you’re staying at BW

BCV feels to me like you’re staying somewhere in the distance that is close to Disney’s Beach Club resort.

If you’re able to book 1 bedrooms at 11 months, I’d buy boardwalk.

If you want 2 bedrooms, I’d buy beach club.

If you want GV regularly, I’d buy Boardwalk since BC doesn’t have any.

If you want studios, I wouldn’t buy DVC and stay at the Swan and Dolphin. But I’m marriott lifetime elite, so that probably skews the equation for me.

If you can’t regularly book at more than 7 months, I wouldn’t buy either location.

 

[Mouseforward]

If you want studios, I wouldn’t buy DVC and stay at the Swan and Dolphin. But I’m marriott lifetime elite, so that probably skews the equation for me

When they removed the cap on points required for a reservation I bought DVC . Even though I’m lifetime, the points are now way too high to stay at Swan and dolphin. Five years ago I was able to stay one week a year based on my work points now it gets about three days for the same amount of points. The cash price is also gotten ridiculous. Swan and dolphins is no longer the bargain it used to be. In addition during my last stay at the Swan and dolphin, I had multiple billing issues, fraudulent charges and issues with the overall cleanness of the resort.