KCheatle, here are my thoughts on the WL vs BC debate after spending 5 nights there recently (Sept 28-Oct 3). First of all, the resort is lovely. Sunny, bright and lively. Very clean looking. Your kids will love the pool area! Hands down better than the pool area at WL. The room I had included a full balcony with a "garden" view (more like monster shrubbery, but it did have a nice view of Illuminations). The door to the balcony was an actual "door" with locks; not the sliding ones like at the WL. Kind of a nice touch. Aside from some subtle Mickey heads in the shower curtain, there wasn't anything distinctly "Disney" about the room. And the room was a bit larger, something you may notice with more than two in the room. I can try to add pictures -- once I get them downloaded and figure it out how to get them on here.
It did take me a bit of time to figure out where everything was, but that's to be expected. You could walk from the Beach Club to the Yacht Club in one long path -- passing the BC Marketplace, Cape May Cafe, Beaches & Cream, etc. I guess I missed it, but aside from the Solarium across from the Marketplace, I didn't see a ton of seating if you wanted to stay put for breakfast. (Seating is obvious indoors and out at Roaring Fork.) The arcade seemed to be much bigger than the one at WL too -- if that matters.
It was also great being able to walk to Epcot and DHS (it's around a mile walk to the Studios), as well as the Boardwalk area. There are also Friendship boats in case of weather or tired feet, although I did miss the more "open" boats at the WL the one hot, rainy day I used the Friendship boat back from the Studios. I rented a car, so I couldn't say anything about the bus service, but self-parking was fine and not any further a walk than at WL.
The International Gateway into Epcot never took longer than a couple minutes to get through, and the quiet walk through World Showcase was a definite "plus". I also enjoyed relaxing on the gliders on the beach area after a long day at the parks. And there are movies on the beach area too -- just like at WL.
My only complaints, if you can call them that, were more about timing and small service issues. Room wasn't ready until 3pm -- which is check-in time, but I've never had to wait that long before. Once ready, my Magicband didn't work -- nor did the house phone on that floor and I had to lug everything back down to the check-in desk. Then at Yachtsman Steakhouse, I showed up 20 minutes early and was seated 25 minutes after my ADR time. Merely frustrating. The server was excellent, yet I was a bit underwhelmed by the food. (But breakfast at Trattoria al Forno was delicious! Just an FYI.) Like I said, minor glitches in the grand scheme - and everyone was very pleasant and friendly.
So, would I go back to the Beach Club? Definitely yes, with a nice discount offer. Mainly because of the proximity to Epcot (and Illuminations). Did I miss the WL? You betcha! I missed the wooded paths and walk to Ft Wilderness, bike rentals and archery. The Electric Water Pageant and open boat ride to the MK (and monorail to Epcot). And that little extra "something" in the atmosphere and the themeing I've only found at WL (and AKL). But, that's just me. It's like asking what you like better: Wishes or Illuminations? Sometimes Wishes. Sometimes Illuminations.
Feel free to ask anything else.
