Beach Club Villas Owners Thread

We bought Beach Club last year via DVC Resale. Our first stay is coming up in July! Does anyone have any tips to share?

Tips:

1. If you drive to Beach Club, as you approach the building from the security gate, park to your left hand side and follow the sidewalk on the far left into the resort. You'll cross a bridge and the building to your left will be the Villas. If you did online check in you can go right to your room and it isn't too far to roll your luggage from the car.

2. If you're walking back from Epcot, assuming there isn't construction, there is a little gate as you walk up the hill towards the bridge that takes you to Boardwalk (which will be in your left). The gate is on your right and you can follow it to the Villas. When you reach the first "fork" in the road where you can go straight or left, go left and you'll find yourself at the covered walkway to the villas, its faster than walking to the main entrance and you're also close to Beach Club marketplace if you have a refillable mug that you want to refill or grab food, etc.

3. Sort of obvious but you can take the Epcot skyliner - it is just about as close of a walk to the skyliner as it is to the friendship boat dock for Beach Club.

4. If you're walking to Hollywood Studios, it is counter-intuitive but it is actually shorter to walk out the same little gate I mentioned in tip #2 and walk across the bridge to Boardwalk, head underneath the main entrance of Boardwalk and around Luna Park Pool to the walking path to Hollywood Studios. You would think walking the other way is faster but it actually saves you about 5 minutes going this way. You can get an idea of how to go using these directions on Google Maps

5. Room requests aren't really a big deal imho at Beach Club because there aren't any views - but there are a few Studios with huge balconies if thats something you're interested in. You can use TouringPlans to find a room if you want to put in room request (I just heard that room requests outside of what MDE allows will no longer be a thing starting April 19th, 2026 - sad if this is true!)

6. Pool time can be really crowded during the day, we've personally found that going in the early evening when the sun is still up to be one of the best options. It isn't very crowded and you get to see the Epcot fireworks if you stay long enough. After a day in the parks, its nice to cool off in the pool and then head back to the room to go to sleep :)

To me, Beach Club feels like a golf course neighborhood (location, location) or an upscale summer home family community. Like the people who come here come back again and again and it’s an insider thing. I feel the magic here -familiarity, classy efficiency and ease of movement. I adore Beach Club and it must be special if we can talk so highly of it even with what it lacks.

Hello! VGF DVC owner here. My family and I are staying at Beach Club for 8 nights late June/early July for the first time. Just curious how aggressive the pool situation is as far as claiming pool chairs. Is there specific protocol (lining up prior to pool opening)? Do they all get claimed in this very early slot, or is there ample amount throughout the day. Tips for the best spots to sit? Also if anyone had opinions/tips about cabana rentals (positive or negative) I’d love to hear those!

Excellent tips! Thank you! I was actually wondering if you could see fireworks from the pool area.

H’lo back atcha, DVCDad. We’re VGF/BCV owners, too.

We did nothing beyond walking through the building and across the BCV courtyard to conclude we definitely wanted to buy there. Just our vibe, classy and peaceful.

Still haven’t stayed at either BC or BCV. We tend to do that—buy, then stay. Which most everybody will tell a person isn’t the smartest move when you’re laying out such big bucks. We fervently don’t care—sell, sell when a resort doesn’t suit.

Thank Uncle Walt’s minions that DVC holds value so well!

Go to the pool at night. The absolute best.

You can definitely hear them 😂. You’ll catch glimpses of the higher fireworks from EPCOT… it’s not like watching the MK fireworks from the Grand Floridian pool where you can see the entire show.

Beach Club was our first Deluxe Hotel stay. We had my daughter take a friend and they barely wanted to go to the parks at age 12! The pool was the place to be and met some great families and kiddos. We went 2 more times over the next couple years and then we knew we had to jump into DVC. No regrets! Best location. The rooms are cozy. Just has that laid back vacation feel to us. ❤️

I think it depends on the age of kids and where they want to be as it is a bit spread out. We liked the slide and volleyball so we stayed near that area. We mostly went in the late afternoon so we didn’t have chair problems.

Owner here before official opening (2001?). As much as Stormalong Bay is awesome, 50% of the time is also spent at the quiet pool. Love, love the location.

I have owned at BCV since 2002. I truly LOVE the location and theming at my home resort! But I also love visiting and staying at the other DVC resorts! I agree with Ryan C, that if views or balconies are very important to you BCV may not be the best choice.

BCV since 2003!

I somehow never miss the hotel views. Beach Club is my fave.

I also own at Boardwalk and have yet to splurge to get a Boardwalk view. I will one day if I can stay still long enough when I am there. That’s my go go place. I do get the savanna view when we go to Animal Kingdom.

Since we have a very nice view at my actual home (the main reason we chose it), that must be the reason I don’t miss the views. Just a guess.

Hey, fellow BCV DVCers! My wife and I are recent empty-nesters in the Dallas TX area. We've been DVC members since 2002, so our kids were lucky to have frequent visits to WDW, We're big fans of "back door" access to Epcot on an almost nightly basis during our trips, Stormalong Bay, and Beaches and Cream.

We've only had one add-on (resale) and our only home resort is Beach Club Villas so we dread the year 2042!

Beach Club was the first resort my family of 4 stayed at, and is the reason we are DVC owners today. We bought a resale contract so that we could guarantee stays there frequently. We’ve since added on with a Direct contract at the Poly, but I honestly don’t know that I would have been convinced to join DVC had we stayed at any other resort first.

Beach Club holds a special place for us, to be sure.

Love seeing all of the BCV owners and folks who love BCV! You've brought up some great reasons to love BCV. BWV often seems to get more love between the 2 Crescent Lake resorts and having stayed at both I can see the pros and cons to each, but BCV is still my favorite :)

I have stayed at several resorts at WDW, and continue try others. All are wonderful, but BCV is the one that feels like home to me. It is my FAV!

We purchased our points when Beach Club first opened. We were newbies to the DVC world and didn't understand the owning of multiple contracts, so we sold our Wilderness Lodge points to go all in with Beach Club. EPCOT is our favorite park so owning at Beach made so much sense!!

I'll be home at BCV on Friday if I can research anything for anyone. A little concerned about all the construction and scaffolding but I'm sure it will be fine. I saw the "secret" path was closed a week or so ago - hoping that reopened because it's so convenient. Also, not specifically Villas related but have you seen the updated bathrooms between Cape May and Martha's Vineyard lounge? They're gorgeous!! Excited to see what they do with Crews Cup and Yachtsman next door.

If you want a table or a shady spot, you probably want to be at a gate 10 minutes before opening. If you are okay with grabbing a lounge chair in the sun, you have a little longer. Chairs do absolutely fill up by lunch. Typically you can find lots of spots later after dinner. Do remember to bring your Magic band or ID because you won't get into the pool without it.

Although we didn’t buy into DVC until last year (seriously, what took us soooo long??), Beach Club has been my home since I was a little girl staying there with my parents. My first WDW trip was at age 3 in 1992, and we started staying at Beach Club in 1994 (first two years were Caribbean Beach). And we have regularly stayed at Beach Club every year since! And now I have the joy and honor of traveling there with my husband and our son with another on the way! My mom still comes too! My dad said he “did enough Disney” over the years…does anyone ever do enough Disney?? We think he’ll change his mind and come back 😉).

Yes, the pool was the initial draw, in addition to Cape May Cafe (we love seafood! However, I sorely miss the days before the pandemic; namely, the crab legs and the original clam chowder recipe…why do they keep changing it?? Just grateful I can still make it from the cookbook, “Cooking with Mickey and the Disney Chefs”…it just hasn’t hit the same for us anymore, but we’re glad we had all those years to enjoy it before then!). But what has kept us coming back is the vibe. All the Disney deluxe resort feel and magic, but more laid back than the very busy monorail resorts (although we do own at Poly too haha); the proximity to Epcot, Boardwalk, HS…it’s always the epitome of the “vacation feel” for us. 🩵

Made our offer on Easter Monday, passed RoFR on the Friday and paid on Monday. Sixty days til I get my points and I can’t be more excited. We chose BCV after a couple of days visiting most resorts and then we stayed at the hotel for a week in Feb on the ‘try before you buy’ principle. Location, location, location, oh and a cool pool.

Congrats on your purchase!

After seeing all the negativity on BCV in the DVC Fan Facebook Group (1 member posted they had an ADA room that needed some love and attention, but there were a number of people piling on commenting how they dislike the resort), its refreshing to read about all the positive stories on Beach Club.

My next stay is in June at BCV! :)

I saw that ADA room review post too. On the flip side, the more negative reviews that are out there, the more availability we have for the resort that we all love and know to be amazing!

Yeah it's weird how the past year, people have been hating on BC but prior to that it was such a love fest with BC always being hyped. They'll figure it out when the pendulum swings back again. Or maybe when it lands in the middle? Can't change my mind about it though. It's special!!

I love BCV. Location, location, location...and that smell! However, I was disappointed they didn't add a murphy bed to the 1 bdrms. Still can't understand why the studios accommodate more than the 1 bdrms. And of course, what's with the weird door layout of the bathrooms? Nonetheless, our trips are EPCOT heavy due to GotG, so you can't beat the location.

Yeah it is strange that the 1-beds can technically only sleep 4, and the layout in the bathrooms is odd, especially when you compare it to the newer layouts that make so much more sense like VGF or Riviera. The missing twin murphy bed and layout weirdness isn't specific to BCV though as BWV share a similar configuration for the 1-bedrooms and SSR shares the same layout but has the twin murphy bed in the 1-bedrooms so it is definitely possible. BCV's recent refurb was a soft-goods refurb even though it got the murphy bed, so maybe there's hope for the extra bed during the hard goods refurb.

Don't make the wrong choice! 🤣

Did not see any scaffolding on the Villas yesterday. "Secret" pathway is open. They cut down the large tree that was at the end of the path to the left as you walk towards EPCOT. Has anyone with upcoming BCV stays received a formal communication about construction? I saw on another message board that some DVC members have received notice for stays later this year (including July) but we have a stay in July and have received nothing.

I have a December reservation at BCV. This is the text of the 4/9/26 email i got about BCV construction. It seems like most WDW stays involve some construction these days. I see that as a good thing.

Email text below...

“April 2026

Welcome home!

We are delighted you have chosen to stay at Disney's Beach Club Villas!

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience, it is necessary for us to refresh our offerings from time to time. In preparation for your upcoming visit, we would like to inform you that the exterior of Disney's Beach Club Villas is currently under refurbishment.

These enhancements may impact views from various locations throughout the resort, and at times, alternate paths of travel may be in place. While efforts will be made to minimize disruptions, construction may be noticeable during daytime hours. Most pools, resort dining and other amenities will remain available.

If you have questions or need assistance with your reservation, please call 800-800-9800 or 407-566-3800 between the hours of 9:00am-9:00pm (ET) Monday through Friday or 9:00am-7:00pm (ET) Saturday and Sunday

We look forward to your arrival and wish you a wonderful stay here at Disney's Beach Club Villas!”

Hello there! We just returned from a week at the BCV. We bought resale a couple years ago and absolutely love it there! We did have a couple of pool days and rented Cabana 1 on one of our days. It was really amazing and so relaxing to have our own dedicated spot and shade. I will say that next time we rent a cabana we will try for number 3 or 4 because they are set back a bit and slightly more private. Our cabana was right on the sand which was nice but there were a lot of small children around (we are all adults plus an 11 year old) and then there are rows of chairs near us that aren't just for the cabanas. Wasn't a big deal but now that I know I would just prefer to be set back a bit.

On our second pool day we arrived at 9:50am and there were only a couple people ahead of us. There were PLENTY of chairs available at that time.

Here is a pic looking out from our cabana...all those chairs are free for anyone to use and they did fill up during the day.

Here's a pic of the loungers right at 10am...

There are so many different areas to sit but I think people with smaller children prefer the sandy area to the right as you walk in...I know this is where we sat when my niece was little. Now that she is older we tend to go to the left, I like the pool depth over there and it's fairly close to the lazy river.

Will do a cabana one day!

No ground floor bc of traffic and request close to elevator those always can be very long after a tiring day of walking!!😂. Try Cape May breakfast and dinner ! Utilize yacht club store and restaurants very good walking distance, of course. Walking distance to Swan and dolphin also good restaurants. Skyliner very close walking distance.

Was it difficult to book the cabana?

What are the best spots to watch fireworks? We'll be staying at BCV over the July 4th long weekend.

Not difficult, but it's not 60 +10 like dining reservations so I was confused on when to book and had to call several days in a row to make sure I didn't miss my window!

BCV owners here! It is our favorite place and so glad we own here to get that 11 month window.

Going in the beginning of july (after the 4th) and was just curious on how difficult it is to book a cabana at stormalong bay. Also is it worth the $?

I love Beach Club; it's so relaxing. My only true complaint is the bathroom layout in the larger villas. I've thought about consolidating my points at fewer resorts, but I know I would miss Beach Club too much.

Definitely worth the money! I would imagine it might be difficult to get it but you have as much of a shot as anyone else! I think today would be your 60-day mark so good luck!

We bought into DVC at Beach Club in January of 2020...yes, JUST before the world shut down. Ugh. BCV is easily our favorite resort! Here are just a few reasons:

1. Proximity to Epcot. Wherever in WDW we spend our days, we really enjoy spending our nights in Epcot for a cocktail. If we are in another park during the day, we head back to BCV and drop our things in our room and then we can be walking through Epcot's World Showcase entrance within 5 minutes. That 50 yard walk from Epcot to BCV's "secret" walkway can't be beat. Especially when you pass the loooooooooooong Skyliner line after Epcot closes.

2. Stormalong Bay. Easily the best pool on WDW property. Either with our kids or when we are on an adults only trip, everyone loves to relax at SAB. There is plenty of seating and you have the option of shaded or sunny loungers. And the sand! You feel like you are at the beach! And the slide is a lot of fun, too. The staff does a good job playing games with all the kids in the pool, like the combo game of Disney trivia and pool volleyball. The vibe here is awesome, including lively music. It's like a mini water park! Finally, Hurricane Hanna's is a great pool bar with excellent bartenders. DISCLAIMER: All this said, there are two things at SAB you need to be aware of if you have little ones (meaning kids you literally need to watch constantly). One, the entrance to the water slide is outside the pool area across the WDW walkway. Two, there is a LOT of area in SAB so you will most likely spend your time following your kids around if they choose to explore every inch of the pool area.

3. Food options. Before anyone calls me crazy, hear me out. I will plant my flag on the fact that Beaches and Cream is legit for what it is. It's a really good ice cream shop that also can crank out good soda shop food like burgers, sandwiches, and the like. Then there is Cape May if you want seafood...OR a really good character breakfast! You want something more "high end"? No problem! Yachtsman Steakhouse is located in the adjacent Yacht Club. Finally, you have all the Boardwalk restaurants (Flying Fish, Cake Bake, etc.) a short walk away. BUT those staying at Boardwalk don't have access to SAB.

4. That SMELL!! According to my wife and kids, this is my main reason for loving BCV. They imitate me all the time "ohhh, that smell of BCV is the BEST!". For Christmas last year, they got me a candle and small spray bottle of the BCV scent...and it is spot on! I burn the candle in my office all the time. You can't beat that smell.

5. The vibe. I mean, seriously. A beach vibe can't be beat and is much more relaxing.

6. The bars. I will just say it: Martha's Vineyard is a really underrated bar. The bartenders are excellent and have never messed up a drink for me or my wife. It is also a really great bar to watch a game in. There is also Ale and Compass at the adjacent Yacht Club, which also has low key good food.

7. Great areas for family time. The Breezeway, "the pool table room" as my kids called it, and "the sun room" are great areas just to hang out and relax or play games with family

8. Point charts. Compared to many other DVC resorts, BCV has a reasonable point chart. I kicked the tires on Polynesian, but those point charts sent me running for the hills. You can stretch your points a litter further at BCV.

9. Proximity to Skyliner. It's 30 yards away. Seriously.

10. You need to own if you want to stay here. We have stayed at almost all the other WDW DVC resorts, and have done so multiple times. The other resorts might not be available every time at 7 months, but they are available at 7 months more ofter than not. You know what is pretty much NEVER available at 7 months? BCV.

Honestly, I think the reason there is more "BCV hate" out there lately is because a reservation is impossible to score at 7 months. So people just revert to throwing shade since they can't stay there. Just my opinion.

What type of coffee makers does the one bedroom villas have? Bringing my own coffee and need to know what type of coffee filters to bring.

Keurig Duo with the 12-cup flat bottom filter. We were just in a 1BV there for spring break.

Just went under contract for resale contract at BCV. As long as I get through ROFR I will be a very very happy owner! I am curious how difficult it will be to secure reservations. Do you typically need to book right at 11 months out or as long as you beat the 7 month window can you usually get your reservation? I was slightly worried about buying resale and not direct but Yacht and Beach is my absolute favorite location so I did not want to settle for Riviera. And it was more money, restricted, etc. I heard the advice, 'buy where you want to stay' so here I am. I would love to have a crystal ball for what will happen with BCV in 2042 but time will tell.

Our family returned from a quick trip 3 days at WDW. We stopped on by BCV for Cape May breakfast and we noticed yellow siding by the DVC building facing EPCOT? What's up with the yellow? Will it just be the sides of the building OR are they taking away the iconic blue of beach club building and making it yellow?

Crossing my fingers for you that you make it through ROFR! You made the correct choice...BCV is the BEST!

To answer your question on securing a reservation, it depends on the time of year that you want to stay and the room you are trying to book. We usually go during busy times (October-December, Run Disney) and, provided we were booking our reservation right at 11 months, we haven't had issues with getting a room. And we normally stay in a studio, which is the toughest to book. That said, we have only had one time when things were "competitive" at 11 months. However, we couldn't book right away and had to try and reserve our room later that morning. The reservation was during the week before Christmas. We ended up stalking and getting our room, though.

If you want to stay at BCV (like we do), then you absolutely need to own there. Regardless of what time of year you want to stay, there will be no availability at 7 months. Zero. Studios are almost always sold out within a week or two, regardless of the time of year.

See you at SAB!!

There have always been two different colored building at BCV. The light blue color if for the non-DVC part of the resort. When the DVC portion of BCV was built, they used the different color to identify that DVC portion.

Awesome breakdown of BCV amenities! And as a fellow owner, I love the smell of BCV in the morning. 😀

Does anyone know if Trattoria Al Forno has changed their steak and egg dish back to skirt steak? They started using sirloin steak. It is not nearly as good. Our waiter even said so. The sooner the go back to the delicious skirt steak, the better!