How do you choose what resort works for you?

[familyfirsttimer]

I am totally overwhelmed right now but I would like to do my due diligence and really research this before I spend money again this year on hotel accomodations, I'd rather try to make a long term decision.

That being said, how do you choose what resort you want as your home?
My family is me, DH, DD8 and & DD5. We stayed at the POP in 2005 and Contemporary in 2006.

Also, what are the closing costs on the DVC? I did nto see anywhere to find this info.

Thank you for all your patience and kindness to help a newbie...

[Jaaron2]

I know what you mean. It does take some time to sort through all the information to see if buying to DVC is right for you. We just went through this process and I trolled message boards and the internet for over a month digging up everything I could. We ended up buying into the Animal Kingdom and this is how we came to that conclusion. First they offer the most rooms that accomodiate 5 people. Second, being the newest resort it has the longest term availabe (which would also help resale value later if you sell) but more importantly to us for the next several years every time we go down there would be bigger and better additions and changes to the resort. We looked at going resale to get into the Beach Club but in the end couldnt turn down the opportunity to be part of the latest resort. Closing costs are minimal (and are less if you dont finance -somewhere in the 300-400 dollar range).

This will be our 3rd time going to Disney in the past 4 years and we decided that with all the options that DVC has to offer it was worth the money to buy into something long term.

Good luck!

[lovinthemouse]

We bought SSR. One reason was for the extra years. I know most say you should buy where you want to stay. I really don't care. I am just so happy to be at WDW that it makes no difference to me where I stay with in the DVC resorts. For my famly it was a no brainer. We go so often, it just made sense to buy in. It gives us better accomodations. We were staying at the Value resorts and though fun very small and quite crowded. We like the extra space DVC offers us.

We bought in 2005 and did not pay any closing costs. I am not sure if that has changed or not. Good luck with your decision. I hope to welcome you home very soon. :goodvibes

[Hollymom1229]

DH would say we picked SSR because it's what was available at the time. I say we picked SSR because it was my favorite of the DVC resorts. Gives you an idea of who's actually in charge. :lmao: This year we added on at AKV because AKL is both mine and DH's favorite resort. You want to pick the one that appeals to you for location and decor.

For instance we like more remote resorts so these two work well for us.

[mickeymom629]

We bought at HH (150 pts.) because it was the least expensive. We later added 50 Vero beach points because of a promotion. We live in Maryland and thought that if we couldn't make it to WDW, HH was closer. Well, needless to say, what's another 4 hours of driving anyway! :) I have planned a few trips to HH, both at July 4th and Easter, and I have always changed my plans to WDW when the 7 month window opened because we'd rather be there! The only time we've stayed at HH was on the way home after a Disney cruise. That was nice. I have no thoughts of staying at Vero at all - so we never really stay at our home resorts.

If you don't need to finance, you can use your Disney Visa card (I believe) to pay and get all those reward points! I charge my yearly dues, too.

[Starshine]

For DH and I, Epcot is our favorite park (with MGM being a close second). So in our case, the proximity to the parks made it a no brainer to buy BCV (and later add on to BWV as well). :thumbsup2

[chalee94]

Also, what are the closing costs on the DVC? I did nto see anywhere to find this info.

resale closing costs from TTS run from about $320 for a small contract to about $525 for 200pt contract.

disney is less but i haven't bought from disney.

I am totally overwhelmed right now but I would like to do my due diligence and really research this before I spend money again this year on hotel accomodations, I'd rather try to make a long term decision.

take your time and read the threads here about positives and negatives of different resorts. as your kids get older, you may like the idea of AKV's sleeper chair in a 1BR. if you want to be closer to the action or prefer different decor, another resort may look better.

as for me, i'm happy staying on-site, so i was looking for inexpensive with low point requirements and relatively low MFs...and i didn't need a large contract to start off...just enough for 5 nights in a studio.

i may eventually want more points and it sounds pretty easy to add-on as needed...the AKV looks great to me - i love the savannahs and general vibe of the resort...not to mention some of the concierge perks like the sunrise safari but i wouldn't need to stay there every year.

[Buckalew11]

Great advice here. It took us 3 months to sift through info here and elsewhere to decide before we bought resale at BCV.

[hansel1]

First was location to the parks! We love epcot and spend most of our trip going there from Port Orleans Riverside. So we wanted to buy at a close resort to epcot (either BWV or BCV).

Next was point requirements. We found that 10 nights at WDW is just perfect for us. For that amount of points we wanted to have the options of staying in a STANDARD view studio room for less points for 10 nights and bank the other points for either a longer stay the following year or staying in a 1BR.

BWV has reduced point requirements for standard views as opposed to preferred views.

Finally, the length of ownership was of no concern to us. 35 or 45 years, it just didn't really matter.

We plan on adding a new contract for one of the newest resorts in a few years.

[starbox]

Unless you have stayed at all of the resorts/resort areas, I think it's hard to know what your best fit is. Prior to purchasing DVC, I made a lot of assumptions about which resorts I'd like best - based on what each resort looked like on paper. We had stayed at POP, CSR. POR and the Swan previously - so I had some idea about what I would like - but even then, my theoretical preferences turned out to be really backwards.

In the absence of a strong preference, I'd suggest purchasing a small contract wherever you can get the best deal, and then adding on points once you've sampled the resorts and developed a favorite (or favorites).

Good luck with your decision. :goodvibes You really can't go wrong - all the resorts are lovely and special in their own ways.

[Kurby]

For my husband and I, we hadn't stayed at any of the deluxe resorts and loved POP, Caribbean and Riverside.

when we went down we always had a meal at the other resorts and would tour around after breakfast or dinner to see what they all looked like, would we stay there next time, how the feel of the place was.

we love camping and on our last trip last May we had said that AK or Wilderness lodge would be our next resort because we loved them so much. When we got home we started looking at pictures of both resorts, reading reviews, and seeing what was offered at each ie pool, restaurants, special features.

we had looked at DVC before but it wasn't the right time for us so we didn't really pay attention (could just smack ourselves now) but then when we started to look into it again in the fall i offhandedly said - wouldn't it be nice if AK was in DVC - in Feb we ordered the Dream book and LOOKIE LOOKIE AK is there

there couldn't have been a bigger sign for us so we bought

I guess you just need to know yourself - if you like wilderness and animals AK or FWL if you like the "big city" Boardwalk or BC - relaxation - OKW

i haven't seen SS so i don't know what to liken it to.

[Family5LovesDisney]

I don't think you will go wrong no matter where you purchase if you love Disney. In my opinion, each resort has it's own charm and Disney magic. We are currently in the ROFR process of purchasing a resale contract for points at Old Key West. The rooms there are quite large and it's a relaxed resort with a dedicated bus. (although having a car is nice too because you can park right outside your room) SSR and AKV will give you a longer contract and more years to use your points. :yay:
Owing a DVC membership gives you something to look forward to year after year after year! :banana:

[ebenmax]

We chose SSR for a number of reasons. . .

1) It was beautiful, serene and felt like its own little community just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the parks, but close enough to know you are at Disney.

2) It gave use until 2054 - we want to give it to our teenage children someday.

3) Price was reasonable compared to resale and maintenance fees were cheapest also.

4) Next to DTD which also meant near a big trasportation hub that could take us to any resort (which we do often) or any park.

5) Easy to book at various times of the year - even some of the busy times.

6) Several other small reasons for us like decor, close parking, spa, golf. . .

We will be traveling to our home for the first time this summer and are so excited!!

The other thing we have done is a 50 pt add-on at BCV for the close proximity to Epcot and MGM so that we can be assured of this at least once every other year.

Good luck with your decision. I personally don't think you can go wrong at any of the DVC resorts.

Ellen

[Slakk]

I can only tell you this...unless you have stayed at them all you have no idea if you will like them or not. We bought SSR signt unseen and LOVED IT...tried what I thought would be my favorite BWV and did not like it, then was drug kicking and screaming to VWL and loved it :confused3

What I found was we like quick serve more than TS, love DTD and like the ferry to MK.

BWV and BCV are close by MGM and EP but for us the bus rides to MK and AK (our favs) outweigh those positives.

So instead of the whole BWYWTS I subscribe to the Buy Where You Don't Mind Staying because until you have hit them all you don't know. Each resort has it's positives so really none are bad

(For the record now I am only missing VB and OKW but I will get to them!)

[MJS]

We had no interest in DVC at all, and we knew very little about it. We love staying in different resorts, and we love going to WDW every year. We had a great trip in 2000 to the YC. After that we took a trip to the GF, but longed for the YC/BC. We heard that the BCV was being built, so we did a DVC tour. Still we didn't think it was for us. A timeshare ~ no way. When we got back to snowy MN, we realized that we love WDW, and we would like to share it with family and friends. We enjoy longer trips and laundry at non-DVC resorts is a hassle. Long term with kids, we thought that Stormalong Bay was awesome, and that Epcot, Boardwalk and the Studios offered a great variety of adventure and fun. We bought at the BCV and have loved it ever since.

Good luck!

[Monte Cristo]

For us it was location, location, location. We love the boardwalk and one of our biggest complaints when staying late at the parks for illuminations, or fantasmic, or the fireworks at MK, etc. was that we had to fight the crowds at the buses back to the hotel. We are able to walk to 2 of the 4 parks which was a huge plus. We also love the theming there.

My .02 on why we chose BWV.

[DVC Mary]

It doesn't matter to us. We own at BWV & we've only stayed there once. We try them all. We start w/ a BWV ressie 11 mo out & then just switch at the 7 month window. We haven't had a problem so far. If I were doing resale now, I'd go w/ cheapest. If I were going through Disney, I'd problem buy in at AKL or SSR for the extra years.

You can't go wrong w/ any of them. Enjoy whatever you choose.

[El&Asmom]

I'm so glad this thread has been started.
We have been looking at resales, and my head has been spinning trying to decide which DVC will work out best to purchase at.

I think we have narrowed it down to BWV because of the lower points needed for standard views. I feel like we'd be getting the great location for a smaller point requirment especially since we want to buy a smallish contract.
We still have to wait and see what becomes available.

[chalee94]

I think we have narrowed it down to BWV because of the lower points needed for standard views. I feel like we'd be getting the great location for a smaller point requirment especially since we want to buy a smallish contract.

just make sure you are able to book 11 months in advance (possibly even day-by-day) since many other BWV folks like those cheaper rooms too. ;)

[cinderminnie]

After returning from WDW last week and seeing the new AK villas rooms, we also questioned about adding on to our DVC contract. I thought that some our pros and cons list would be able to give help in your decision.

some AK cons

Location is farther away from any of the three other parks
Restaurants at AK are not our favorites in the cuisine for us and our picky kids
The rooms were slightly larger than SSR and well themed for AK but not a big deal for just the 4 of us


some SSR pros

Downtown Disney is one of our favorite places to go when we first get into WDW
Many of our fav restaurants are located at DD such as Fulton Crab House
Location to all the parks are reasonable
Love the activities nearby such as golf
Love the cast members that work there, all have been extremely welcoming and friendly
Artist palette for quick food meal (DVC gets discount) and shopping
Turf Club Grill - another great place to eat
Never a problem to get at 11 mth out or even 7 mths out for a last min getaway
Favorite areas to stay at are Congress Park and the new Grandstand - The pool there is great for kids and superb theming

We thought of doing a small 50 pt AK add on and use it every other year. However, we decided to out a hold on a add-on right now because our pts are fine for us now. Once our girls are older than we may look to add on to SSR or even Contemporary if they ever make that a dream come true!

Find what you and your family likes to do most at the parks and then find a resort that fits your family needs for a magical trip each and every time you go!
Good Luck!

[tubtruck]

They all work for me dont have a problem with any one of them, dont have a problem with any onsite accomodation that is delux.:)

[crisi]

I was hoping MG would come in with my "list" - cause I didn't save it.

I would recommend you make a list of the possible features of a resort that interest you. Here are some:

Length of contract
Location
Theme
Decor
Dues
Restaurants within walking distance
Parks within walking distance
Transportation
Parking
Point Value
Room Size
Availability of Special Views
Availability of Grand Villas
Availability of Dedicated Two Bedrooms
Hotel vs. Condo
Atmosphere (busy vs. laid back)
Pool
Perceived availabity at seven months
Buy in cost
Bed types in rooms (OKW studios have two Queens)

(and this is why I wanted my list, I can't remember the rest....but it probably doesn't make that much difference, this will get you started and there are others - childcare on site might make your list).

Now take the list and prioritize them. For some people, theming is VERY important - other people don't really care about theming. We never have a car at Disney, parking is a non issue, but for other people, its a big deal. I don't care about contract length - too old and not planning on passing this to my kids - for other people, its really important.

Now rate the resorts against the attributes - this will be very subjective. A lot of people believe the Epcot resorts have a great location, but there are certainly fans of SSRs proximity to DTD. Most people think SAB is the best pool (it is very cool) but we prefer a pool that its easier to watch kids in. Things like decor are terribly subjective - no accounting for taste. Also keep in mind that things do change - one of the reasons we didn't pick OKW was it didn't have a pool slide when we bought - it does now. BWVs bus transportation has been lousy, but its also been wonderful depending on how Disney is routing buses (and how lucky we get).

Now, multiply the weight against the rating, add them all up and look at the answer - your heart will tell you "Yes!" or "Oh, I really wanted ...." Go with your heart in the end.

Finally, if you can't make plans until a few months out "points is points" - pick a resort with low dues and/or a long contract length.

[BroganMc]

Crisi, you know you're supposed to have that list saved on your hard drive for easy reference. Shame on you! :lmao:

My only advice is that you tour the resorts in person. The rooms are fairly identical between BCV, VWL, BWV and SSR. AKV is similar although slightly bigger and with some variations. OKW is very different. It's possible to walk through rooms at BWV, SSR and AKV. You can see all the resorts simply by planning a meal there. They all have restaurants now.

I was well versed in BCV, BWV, VWL and AKL when I toured SSR last year. Previously I had just seen SSR from DTD's side of the lake, but I've visited DTD enough that I knew the area. So for me it was more about getting the longest contract. Only after I stayed there did I realize how much I preferred the location.

Everyone develops their favorites. And there are valid reasons to chose one resort over another despite your preference of staying. They all have to do with mundane things like supply vs. demand, dues, etc.

I think it would be really hard for me to buy a contract on a resort sight unseen. I need a tangible memory to justify such an expense.

[elijahpep]

We loved the cabins and the home away from home atmosphere.

We took the tour at SSR and was completely hooked!!!
Bought that day and have never looked back. WE do look forward a lot now making plans for all the great Disney get ways. All the DVC discounts work in your favor pretty well as a member if you use your points often:thumbsup2

~DW:3dglasses

[familyfirsttimer]

My only advice is that you tour the resorts in person.
I think it would be really hard for me to buy a contract on a resort sight unseen. I need a tangible memory to justify such an expense.

Thank you for your advice but I guess I started thinking if I was going to go again this year, I'd hate to spend a few thousand on a hotel and THEN decide to buy DVC, I was thinkinkg I might want to start researching it and possibly buy this year...I don't really know right now. I have really opened a can of worms for myself here and I my mind is swimming.
So many of you have given such great advice, I am going to start researching.
thank you again!

[coloradodad]

my mind is swimming.


Mine (and my wife's) too. This is tough!!! But fun.

[simzac]

Our choice was an easy one. Our favorite non DVC resort is CBR. OKW is the closest DVC theming wise to CBR, thus, that's where we bought. Extra years will do us no good as I will be 83 when our OKW contract expires.:goodvibes

[eyeheartgoofy]

I have always just loved the Wilderness Lodge. For me, it was kind of a no brainer. I knew we would be traveling in peak season, so I wanted the home resort advantage at VWL.

Of course, sometimes I look at the smaller point requirements for BWV standard (and now AKV value), OKW and SSR and start to think, what if ...