[bali]

I'm renting points and staying at the BCV for the first time next May. Will you folks help me out with a few surfacing questions?

- Can BCV guests use Stormalong Bay?
- BCV seems to be quite a walk from the Friendship dock -- is there a quicker way to get there?
- Do you have any tips or suggestions for room requests, things to do while at the BCV?
- What is the quickest way to get to each park from the BCV?
- I'm only renting points -- what DVC "perks" can I indulge in while there?
- How is staying at the BCV different from staying at the Beach Club proper?

Thanks, all!

[DisneyTeacher]

-Yes, you can use Stormalong Bay.
-I can't tell you if there is a shorter way, however, I didn't find the walk to be long at all.
-We got a great room w/o any special requests. We had a huge balcony, much bigger than a lot we saw. I like to talk my chances on rooms, we have never been disappointed so I can't help with a room request.
-By renting points your room key will read "member." However,I don't believe you are able to pool hop, I may be wrong here. Some places may give you the DVC dining discount because of the member status on your card. We rented (borrowed) points last summer but didn't try to get any discounts.
-I didn't find it to be any different staying at BCV than BC. Our room was in a different building and we had a larger room with a kitchen but I felt like I was a part of BC.

Enjoy your stay--I love BC and BCV.

[llama]

The only thing I can add is that you can pool hop amongst the DVC pools. However, NO ONE other than people staying at BC Resort and BCV can use Stormalong Bay. As for the walk to Epcot - it can't be more than 10 minutes. It's much, much faster than waiting for the boat. There is no difference between staying at the Beach Club resort and the BCV, other than you have a suite as opposed to a room. Perks? There really aren't too many other than some dining. Nothing too special.

[bali]

Thanks! I really appreciate those responses! One more quick question: does Stormalong Bay have a "lazy river"? I've read that there's a section with "currents," but I'm not quite sure what that means... .

[DisneyTeacher]

There is a short lazy river in SAB. It was okay, but don't expect the lazy rivers from the water parks. We spent an etire day in SAB and loved it, it is worth an entire afternoon. My DS(6) could play in it for days w/o ever going to a park.

[cincibar]

SAB is awesome! There's also a cool little section that's like a whirlpool. Maybe that's what "currents" means???

[soxmets]

What size room will you be getting with your points? Studio, one-bedroom or two bedroom?

[bali]

A studio. There will be three adults in the room (my mom, my roommate, and me), and I think we'll be fine in a Studio. I'm amazed at how much money we're saving by renting points -- over $1,000!

[llama]

I think you'll be quite comfortable in the studio. They are very well laid-out, with a queen-size bed and a pull out couch. The kitchenette is well equipped with a microwave and a fridge. Hope you enjoy your stay.

[DisneyTeacher]

I also see no problem with 3 adults in a studio. The room is a pretty good size, we had three (one was a child) in our room and it was not a problem. The kitchenette had WDW/Mickey paper plates and bowls and some plastic forks, spoons, and knives. I took what we didn't use home, just like the Mickey soaps and shampoos.

[mickey]

We stayed at BCV in a 2-bedroom this Spring, and just loved it. We had a great view of EPCOT, and could see much of Illuminations from our room. Make sure you put on your request were you want to be in the building. I really like the rooms that over look the quiet pool, but they do not have a view of EPCOT, and are not very private, unless you close all the curtains. We got there early in the morning, and asked to see all the rooms available for our stay with views of EPCOT. There were 4 or 5, and we picked the one we thought was best. Ask when you arrive what is available, they should let you pick, unless everything is full except your room (which is possible).

[bali]

Ooh, excellent idea, Mickey! We'll arrive around 10:30, so I'll be sure to ask which rooms are available.

Llama -- thanks for your well-wishes. I hope we have a good time, too. You'll go crazy hearing me talk about it before then, though, I'm sure, as we don't have another trip planned before that one. :)

DTeacher -- I love the WDW paper plates -- the ones that are all red and blue you mean? That'd be great to take a few home... :) I always take the soaps and shampoos home, though. I send them to Boston for "soaps for kids" -- check it out on allearsnet.com!