We recently returned from a stay at a 1 BR standard view at BLT and absolutely loved the resort and the room (I had to do a split-stay at the Swan, though, because staying there the whole time was too expensive).
We normally stay in the Epcot resorts area and next year I'd like to not do a split-stay and I think I can pull off a 1 BR standard view at BWV.
I don't need to be sold on the location, just the resort and rooms. Anyone stayed at both and love both?
Standard view at BWV can be difficult to get 7 months out much of the year. Seeking 1BR gives you more of a chance. Assuming you can get it, the standard views themselves are OK although not outstanding. If you want outstanding try for boardwalk view, best on site (and I have had theme park view on a high floor at BLT). Decor is like 1950s to early 1960s beach resort; some like that, some don't.
Your 1BR at BWV is about 100 sq ft smaller than the 1BR at BLT and that is a very noticeable difference. You will also have only one bathroom although the master bath at BWV is actually two rooms (sink and tub in one; sink, shower and toilet in the other). You don't have that peculiar shower they have at BLT which squirts at you from two different directions. As far as location goes, BWV cannot be beat. You can walk or boat to both Studios and Epcot, You have more than two dozen restaurants within walking distance (at the Epcot resorts and the two parks). Also, you are close to everything at the resort -- main and one of the quiet pools are on the BWV side, entertainment on the boardwalk, four restaurants on the boardwalk (Flying Fish (most expensive), Kouzzina's (Greek and good), Big River Grill (burgers, steak and such, and locally brewed bears, all good), and ESPN Club (sports screens everywhere and mostly short order food, heaven for a male, wives may be non-committal), a night club (excellent dueling piano show) and a dance hall. You don't have a counter service restaurant but there is a bakery with some things other than baked goods. The ice cream shop is outstanding.
The pool is fine although some take exception to the big clown face where the slide is. You don't have Chef Mickey's which I consider one of the best character meals on site. However, you can get one in the morning at Beach Club at the Cape May Cafe although the best meal there is the seafood buffet without characters in the evening.
I own at BWV and AKV and those are 1 and 2 as my favorite resorts, but BLT does take third. My sense is if you liked BLT, you will most likely like BWV. Its only downside for me is the bus system for the other two parks and DD, which system I consider to be the worst on site by far (and I have used all of them over the years other than the value resorts). You share with S/D and sometimes with YC/BC and delays often seem to be the norm rather than the exception. If you have a car you can find the parking to be inconvenient with a possible, long trek to the room, unlike BLT where you can always get something fairly close to the building..
