Which home resort is the best?

[adamak]

Just wondering.... which resort has the lowest due, which one "bang for the point" (probably OKW), and which one is the most sought after? How does one compare the cost of BCV vs BWV?

I have BWV as my home resort. I just don't know how much more dues I'm paying for BWV vs the other resorts.... Does BCV cost more for dues and points?

[KNWVIKING]

I'm guessing 3 pages before this thread is locked.

[Terry S]

Well, at first I wasn't going to touch this with a ten foot pole, but to answer your questions about dues and points.

BCV dues are $3.77 a point and the points to stay there are the same as BWV preferred view.

As far as which resort is best, I think that is all a personal preference.

[DebbieB]

Which is the best? The one that fits your vacation style best. For myself, I like both OKW & BWV for different reasons, for different vacation times. But I chose BWV because I want to stay there in early December and knew it would be difficult at 7 months. OKW is easy to get at 7 months for May. So to be able to do that, it's worth the extra dues for me. BWV vs BCV - the difference in dues is only a few cents - BWV is $3.96, BCV is $3.77. One advantage to BWV - you have the standard points level to stretch your points (which I use), BCV you have Stormalong Bay. Again, the right answer is whatever works for you. :cool:

[Caskbill]

OKW dues are currently 3.22

As for myself, the 'best' resort is whichever one I'm staying in at the time. That's what's great about DVC. Depending on what kind of mood I'm in for a particular trip, I can pick a resort that meets that requirement.

Large and laid-back = OKW
In the middle of the action = BWV
Country Livin' = VWL
Haven't stayed in BCV obviously, but will probably love it also.

[CaptainMidnight]

Well, I guess the way to answer this is to describe my favorite resort in an manner that trashes and demeans the other resorts.... something like I certainly don't think a resort witout a pool slilde blah blah blah...... NOT.

There was a great thread recently about what are the the best things about each of the resorts, which I thought was a nice way to compare. Personally, I don't think the difference in maintenance costs is anything to be concerned about, it pales in comparison to where you like to stay in the 11 month window.

[ncligs]

Where is Rich????????:confused:

[Richyams]

OKW wins by so far its not even funny.

OKW is much larger than any pf the pther resprts and it has been owned for much longer also. For those reasons alone it is easier to get a reservation.

OKW rooms are 25% larger the BWV/VWL/BCV rooms. BWV point schedules are 25-100% higher then OKW. BWV dues are more than 25% than OKW. Therefore, BWV dues are 75% than OKW per sq ft per night.

Personally, we feel cramped in the tiny units at BWV. The dining area is a joke at BWV. You get a two bedroom unit that will sleep eight, yet has a dining room table designed for two. For a quich trip with just the two of us, BWV has some appeal, but for any real vacation, OKW wins hands down.

The opinions above are my own. Generally, I am always right and my opinions are better than anyone who disagrees with me.

[Beth]

<i>EVERYBODY</I> sing....

Oh LORD - it's hard - to be humble....

[chris1gill]

Originally posted by Richyams
OKW rooms are 25% larger the BWV/VWL/BCV rooms. BWV point schedules are 25-100% higher then OKW. BWV dues are more than 25% than OKW. Therefore, BWV dues are 75% than OKW per sq ft per night.


Now I'm a happy BW & OKW owner, but I've missed this spiel, I always get a grin on my face when I read it :jester: But, Rich has stayed at the BWV's before, so it can't be THAT bad!!

No, really, I think Caskbill has it laid right out for you... He identified the feel of each resort, so you have to decide which theme you're in the mood for.

About the dues, it's not a significant amount of money... for a 150 point contract, you pay an extra 100.00 per year at the BW over OKW... Not at all a factor in our decision...

[POOH&PIGLET]

Which home resort is the best?
For me, it's my home resort: VWL! :cool:

[rbuzzotta]

Let's see...........OKW because it's HOME!

OKW....when we need our space, quiet and the feel of being home. IMO, the best of both worlds.....we have peace and quiet and can quicly get to where the action is.....

VWL........when we want a little more action and close proximity to MK

VB.......for pure R & R (fun too!)

Haven't stayed at BWV or BCV yet but when my DD's get older I am sure they will want to stay where the action is........

I guess the best resort is everyone's HOME resort.....Why else would they buy there??

[downontheBW]

You asked "Which home resort is best?"; I'll rephrase that to "Which is the best home resort?" I think that's the same question. I feel fortunate to have bought at BWV. I originally wanted to wait for VWL because we liked WL so much but am glad we bought where we did. The #1 reason is that I have the 11 month window on BWV standard view so the points are about the same as OKW.

I plan to reserve at whatever DVC resort we happen to feel like staying at the time. You've heard all the arguments for each resort and they're true. I'm glad we have the option to stay at each resort. I'm looking forward to staying at DI after it opens, too. The hard part is deciding on which resort - what a tough problem to have! :cool:

[doubletrouble_vb]

You guys have just given me an incentive for buying a BWV add-on or 150 point resale. So far BWV is my least favorite resort but I love EPCOT...being able to stay close for fewer points is a huge plus.

[DeeP]

It is really very simple. Just sit back and think about all the WDW resorts, they are priced from the lowest to the highest according to how nice the resort is, the location of the resort, the amenities the resort offers, etc. That is why the range of WDW resorts go from the Value resorts to the Deluxe with the All Stars resorts at one end of the spectrum and the Grand Floridaian at the high end of the spectrum. The WDW resorts go from the least to the best and the prices reflect this. Disney does this very well with their resorts and the DVC resorts are no exception. We all know and love Disney but we also know that they will get every last penny they can possibly get, there is a reason the DVC resorts are priced the way they are, just like there is a reason the All Stars vs the GF are priced the way they are. You get what you pay for .

It all boils down to lower points & dues yields large units, remote location, 1 source of transportation, no hotel amenities, far from parks, no nighttime entertainment, 1 restaurant, 1 gift shop.
Higher points & dues yields smaller units, fantastic location, several types of transportation, full deluxe hotel amenities, within walking distance or a boat ride to major parks, tons of nighttime entertainment, numerous restaurants and shops. You get what you pay for.

[downontheBW]

DeeP,

I don't completely agree with your statements about quantity of points corresponding to the quality of a resort. BWV, VWL and BCV basically have an equivalent point structure. BWV standard view was added to satify those who complained that the points were too high in comparison to OKW. I believe that DVC guessed at the points structure for Disney Vacation Club (now OKW) back when it first opened a decade ago. Once DVC caught on and the economy improved, when BWV opened they realized that they could charge more points - so they did. Just my opinion.

[GraceDVC]

Best home resort? Well, I think that the 11-month window should be your guide: Select the resort that you would want for a family reunion, or a holiday vacation. For us, that means OKW with its larger accommodations, including GVs. When we are by ourselves, we visit the other DVCs at the 7-month window and have never had a problem making ressies. We feel that owning at OKW gives us many advantages, including lower dues per year.

[Peterd]

Dee, excellent post! Can't explain it any better.

As for why the BW offered the standard view rates comparable to OKW, A higher up at the BW told us it was because people complained about NOT getting a view of the BW, and getting the front of the resort view instead for the same price.

Best Home resort is where ever you're happy at. I don't think the question was why do you hate other resorts. You would think you could ask a simple question without Archie feeling the need to bash resorts that were not his. Sounds like BWV envy.:smooth:

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by Peterd
...Best Home resort is where ever you're happy at...
Indeed, this is likely the ONLY correct answer. :cool:

[sgtdisney]

You really need to decide what resort appeals to you most. For us, we bought when there was only OKW. If we had had the options of chosing from the other resorts we would have still chosen OKW.. I truly prefer the OKW experience to the other resorts. We have been going to Disney World every year for over 20 years at this point. For us it has become less about doing marathon park hopping and more about enjoying the resort experience of all of Disney World. Even before OKW existed we stayed in what is now the Disney Institute villas.. We did this because we liked the space. That is why OKW and the DVC worked out so well for us.

The fact that OKW has only one restaurant and one shop doesn't bother me in the least. Being in Orlando as much as we have been, I find myself going off property more and more often to experience all of what Orlando has to offer. I expect as we continue to go over the years, this may be even more true for us as our children get older. For me, I would prefer to pay less dues than to pay dues for services that we don't use.

The DVC is all about options. That is the great thing about it. Every resort has a different feel and and different flavor. Really, only you know what is best for you. They are all wonderful resorts, which can make the decision tough...

Bottom line, the other posters are right on when they say the Best Resort is the one you like best.

[yesdisneyfool]

Which is best?

In alphabetical order - BCV, BWV, OKW, VWL
In reverse order - VWL, OKW, BWV, BCV
In random order - OKW, VWL, BCV, BWV
In proximity to MK - VWL, BCV, BWV, OKW
In Proximity to DTD - OKW, BWV, BCV, VWL
etc, etc, etc,

Hopes this helps. :D

[KNWVIKING]

From Peterd's post

"As for why the BW offered the standard view rates comparable to OKW, A higher up at the BW told us it was because people complained about NOT getting a view of the BW, and getting the front of the resort view instead for the same price. "


Does that sound right to you legal eagles ? If they did raise BW view points requirement,wouldn't they have to lower standard view accordingly ? I don't recall what BWV point chart looked like at the beginning but I don't remember there not being a prefered view.

[CaptainMidnight]

It all boils down to lower points & dues yields large units, remote location, 1 source of transportation, no hotel amenities, far from parks, no nighttime entertainment, 1 restaurant, 1 gift shop.
Very well said. I guess the reasoning also goes the best resort is the one I've choosen, [fill in the blank with your home resort], the rest of you are wrong for choosing your substandard resort.

Heck, I hope to stay in all of them (except the substandard OKW....although it's so much easier to get into because of the there is such less demand for the less desirable location....)

Just kidding, OKW is wonderful, all those chirping crickets and all ....

[adamak]

Well, when I first post the question, I meant from the financial point of view. My home resort is BWV, but I did not know I am paying significantly more for dues ($100 per year). I mean, I don't mind paying more in exchange of the BWV environment. However, now if I buy re-sale or add-on, I will need to figure out if I want that to be in BWV.

Considering I almost always plan/book less than 7 months ahead, it's not an advantage for me to own at BWV. (Again, strictly $$-wise) Esp if I have a large group, 2-bedroom BWV is almost always out by the time I booked. So we end up staying at OKW alot.

From what I read here, BCV costs less per point than BWV. Very interesting. I would think with SAB, and the proximity to Epcot, latest resort, BCV would cost more.

[SJUGuy]

YESDISNEYFOOL,

Not even a mention of HH in your post about home resorts... :mad:

I will put my vote in then.. Being that it is my home resort I believe that HH is the greatest Home resort.

:D

SJUGUY

[Peterd]

Viking, We bought at the Boardwalk when it first opened. The preferred view room points were for all the rooms. We first bought at the BW, then at the Okw because of the Ny thing at the time, then again at the BW a bunch more times. We would get a two bedroom at Okw for sunday through thursday for 120 pts, pay 156 for the weekend at the BW, then 160 for the next five at the BW. When they added the standard view (24 points a night) at the Boardwalk it was great, gave us more nights. All I remember them doing with the change, was to add the lower point rooms to the chart. Maybe they changed point totals for GVs, don't remember.

[DeeP]

From what I read here, BCV costs less per point than BWV. Very interesting. I would think with SAB, and the proximity to Epcot, latest resort, BCV would cost more.

BWV is sold out so there are no more points availabe through Disney only through resale. BWV resales seem to sell for higher amounts than OKW, HH, & VB probably because BWV is such an excellent resort in an excellent location. The numbers speak for themselves People on this board that post otherwise are a very small minority compared to the total number of DVC members there are in the real world.
BCV pts are higher in price than BWV resale prices though since BCV points are currently $75.00 per point,
You mentioned you are paying substantially more for dues at $100.00 more per year. That comes out to $8.33 more per month for a lot of added deluxe hotel amenities that you do not get at OKW. For example: valet parking, room service, themed swimming pool with slide, lifeguards at the themed swimming pool, 2 major parks within walking distance, numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance, Illuminations & some of Fantasmic viewing from many of the villas, nighttime entertainment, bell services to carry your luggage, packages etc, and a building with elevator service. This does not even take into account the sheer beauty of this resort or the fun and vacation like atmosphere and pampering you get at BWV. Well worth the $8.33 more per month to me!

[Richyams]

probably because BWV is such an excellent resort in an excellent location

Ever hear of "supply and demand"?

OKW is the largest DVC resort and also the oldest. People have owned the longest. People have had the time to experience life changes. There are more of them.

BWV is an excelent resort in an excelent location, too bad the rooms are so small.

[adamak]

DeeP,
Yes, I agree that paying $100 more per month for BWV is well worth what I'm getting for. I love BWV, and would not trade that. This thread though, would have helped me alot more if I read it back when i first bought into DVC. At that time, I was not aware of the different resort dues and different cost. I think if I have to do it all over again, I would have tried (probably failed) to buy into OKW, HH or VB. Then see if I'm lucky enough to get a room in BWV. :) Financially that will be more savvy for me.

But I'm happy with BWV. Very much.

[DeeP]

Ever hear of "supply and demand"?

Sure have, people are demanding the "true" deluxe DVC resort and the supply is limited because those that own know what a good thing they have and do not wish to sell.

[AnnK]

Quote

"OKW is the largest DVC resort and also the oldest"

Agreed!!!
It is also seriously outdated in some of it's facilities. The "health club" is a joke. ( Have you seen it?) The Community hall is boring for any child over the age of 6. The "boats" they offer are great for anyone 60 or older, but for a teen, wow it's like driving a mini-van!
Bigger is not always better.......... Bigger rooms are needed at OKW because you spend so much time in them, you NEED a big kitchen and eating area because where else are you going to eat? How many times can you eat at Olivia's?? BWV has so many great places to eat why would anyone ever eat in their room? I NEVER even use the kitchen, nor do I eat at the table, for me they are merely room decorations. ( I ONLY stay in BWV GV's, The table there seats quite a few people, never counted the chairs though.....)
:rolleyes:

[Caskbill]

Just wondering what happens when VEP (or EPV's) gets built what will happen to a thread like this.

Eagle Pines will be a stand alone resort like OKW, but it'll be newer, will probably have similar sized rooms, and maybe, just maybe, even a pool slide? It will be much closer to the MK than any resort except VWL.

WOW, won't THAT make the 'best resort' type thread real interesting.

Let's see, my favorite resort is :::::::

OKW, BWV, HH, VB, VWL, BCV, DIV, EPV.........

Let the arrows fly....:mad:

[ripleysmom]

Personally I think the best yardstick is which resort is most difficult to get into at the 7 mo. window.

[DeeP]

Personally I think the best yardstick is which resort is most difficult to get into at the 7 mo. window.

So true! :D

[Peterd]

RM,
I agree, full rooms don't lie.

[EROS]

We're BWV members but have always enjoyed our stays at OKW where "time stands still":D :D :D :D .

[Desperado]

"Personally I think the best yardstick is which resort is most difficult to get into at the 7 mo. window."

Agreed. Any other measure is an attempt to rationalize. Does anyone know the second most available resort at the 7 month window? Is it Boardwalk or Wilderness Lodge?

[Caskbill]

RM, Dee, Peter

Personally I think the best yardstick is which resort is most difficult to get into at the 7 mo. window. Not necessarily true.

Demand only reflects popularity, not quality.

Without further comment, just compare the demand for some of the following vs. the 'quality' of the product.

A night at the opera vs. all star wrestling

A fine wine vs. beer

Books: A Classic vs. any Romance Novel

Movies: Spiderman or Star Wars episode III vs. almost any other movie. (Let's face it, those two movies are fine entertainment, but do they truly reflect GREAT filmmaking?)


Now my interpretation: The Demand for the BWV's is actually for the amenities around the resort within walking distance, and NOT for the villas themselves.

So in my opinion, if you are comparing villas to villas, OKW wins hands down. However if you are comparing resort area to resort area, then BWV wins hands down. It's the area around the BWV that drives the bookings, not the villas themselves.

But you could get that same resort area by staying in the BWI, or YC/BC, or Swan-Dolphin (to some extent). The question then is for many DVC members is, is the trade-off in villa accomodations between OKW and BWV worth it for the trade-up in resort accommodations around the area. For many that answer is yes. But it doesn't mean that the BWV's are better than OKW. Nor likewise does anything about OKW villas make them better than BWV.

The point is that they are different enough from each other that it's more of the apples to oranges comparison.

Face it, is all star wrestling really a fair comparison to Opera? There's no similarity at all, so comparing the two in any way, by popularity, by artistic presentation, by cost of ticket, etc. is all meaningless.

Maybe it'd be best if we'd all let these comparisons just die once and for all. All the resorts are different in their own respects. For some the room is more important while for others the outside surroundings are more important.

And for prospective buyers, the most important advice I can give is that if you're confused by all this, then go to WDW and check out each resort yourself, and decide what's best for YOU!

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by ripleysmom
Personally I think the best yardstick is which resort is most difficult to get into at the 7 mo. window.
I don't see the logic here.
BWV standard view may be very hard at 7 months, but I personally will never stay there.

[ncligs]

Caskbill,

"Excellent post"!!;)

[DeeP]

if you are comparing villas to villas, OKW wins hands down. However if you are comparing resort area to resort area, then
The only OKW villa that is really nicer than an BWV villa is the 1 BR. The studio at BWV is much nicer, roomier, and is really a studio not a hotel room with a dark kitchenette attached.
The GV at BWV is more plush and is just a classier looking GV.
Now regarding the resort area to resort area I agree 100%++ with you.
BTW, I did not mention the 2 BR since it is just a combo of the 1BR and studio so the the 1 BR part is nicer at OKW but the studio or 2 BR is nicer at BWV.

[Caskbill]

The only OKW villa that is really nicer than an BWV villa is the 1 BR.
Dee, agreed. Since there are only two of us, we stay in a 1-B/R almost exclusively, so I guess that was 'my yardstick'. I should have clarified this.

And as you said, this applies to the 2-B/R also. Can't really compare the GV personally as have only stayed in GV at OKW and 'toured' the GV at BWV.

For a studio, I think the bed/sofa arrangements at BWV and VWL give a 'roomier' affect than OKW even though OKW is physically larger.

P.S. Nick and Cindy. Thank you!:D

[EROS]

I ENJOY watching the grass grow at OKW:D ............

[Desperado]

I enjoy hearing the gentle clanking and scuffling of the geriatric canes, walkers and crutches against the old keywest DVC sidewalks; the comings and goings of emergency vehicles for broken hips and heart problems; the quiet arrival and departure of funeral home vehicles for someone who has passed away in the night; and being able to find adult diapers, prunes and ensure sold in the old key west onsite store.

(just kidding, all made up)

[Peterd]

"So in my opinion, if you are comparing villas to villas, OKW wins hands down. However if you are comparing resort area to resort area, then BWV wins hands down. It's the area around the BWV that drives the bookings, not the villas themselves".

Like you said in your opinion, NOT fact!
In my opinion, the 1 BR and 2 BRs at Okw have a lot of extra, but wasted space. So to keep using the larger room makes it better theory, to us doesn't hold water. Again, just my opinion.
I've stayed in the Grand Villa at both BW and Okw, and to us, the BW GV is far superior to the Okw GV. We now only stay in the GV at the BW. We won't waste our points on the Okw GV anymore. We would rather stay in a two br at the BW, than the GV at the Okw. To others, they might prefer the Okw, but to make an honest opinion on it, you have to actually stay in both, pay the points, experience it, not just tour it, or see it on the web site. We love to stay at WL, but have yet to do the WLV yet, so I can't give an HONEST opinion on it yet. I am pretty sure I would like it though, and don't even mention Swan and Dolphin with the BWV in the same sentence. If you can't distinguish the two, it makes it pretty hard to take your' opinion too seriously. When I would bring up the Okw and the Red Roof Inn, at least it was only in jest.
I do agree on the Wine/Beer analogy. To us the fine wine is obviously the BWV, to you Okw, I'm afraid your wine may be Giacobacci though.



;) ;)

[Desperado]

"A night at the opera vs. all star wrestling"

This fallacy of reasoning is called the fallacy of analogies as evidence and aurgument by analogy. In order for this aurgument to be strong, we must compare relevant similarities and look relevant diferences. However, when applying questioning approaches for critical thinking, the identification of a lack of relevancy substantially weakens the aurgument. (A guide to Critical Thinking, S. Keeley)

[DeeP]

EROS,
At least you were able to see grass grow at Okw!! I have been awoken by the blasted lawn mowers which are out at sun rise to cut the grass on the golf course getting ready for the geriatric version of the OKW PGA. Of course I would not have been able to see the grass anyway due to the bushes/bamboo in front of the balcony but you could hear the mowers loud and clear. When the lawn mowers are done their serenade the ac unit right outside the villa kicks in with its version of the OKW country serenade. Who says there is no entertainment at OKW, between the lawn mowers, the ac units, the bunnies, the ducks and the golf brigade---what more could one want while on vacation???? Who needs parks? It does not matter that the parks are so far away you have all the outside noises and views, a very large unit to clean, meals to prepare and a large kitchen and dininig room table to clean after the 3 square meals a day--parks & restaurants you say--this is a working vacation, there is no time for parks and restaurants! If you want relaxation go to the a pool and ............well you can find something to do or go watch the golfers and see how many of them can keep their balls out of the sand trap but don't be too long because there ares meals to cook, a table to set and younguns to feed! :D

[EROS]

DEE, you're missing the point:D :D .

The bunnies, ducks, lawn mowers and golf course all serve to make up ANOTHER "PARK" at WDW.........one which is FREE;) ;) ;) ;) . While thousands are scurrying around with Fast Passes at the MK, those "in the know" are enjoying the OKW "Park" gratis:D :D :D :D :D .........

[ripleysmom]

While I understand your point Bill, I have to disagree.

My yardstick is which resort can you get into at 7 months otherwise why buy where you want to stay?

It may all boil down to personal preference but in the end which resorts are the ones that need the 11 month window?

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by ripleysmom
While I understand your point Bill, I have to disagree.

My yardstick is which resort can you get into at 7 months otherwise why buy where you want to stay?

It may all boil down to personal preference but in the end which resorts are the ones that need the 11 month window?
I disagree with this logic.
Standard view BWV during high season at the 7 month window may be one of the toughest ressies to get.
That being said, I personally will never try to book that.
Why would I want to buy BWV?

[Caskbill]

OH NO Peterd, looks like you're starting to get personal now. I try to stay away from that. However an honest rebuttal is valid in any debate.


<i>Original quote:</i> "So in my opinion, if you are comparing villas to villas, OKW wins hands down. However if you are comparing resort area to resort area, then BWV wins hands down. It's the area around the BWV that drives the bookings, not the villas themselves".

<i>Peterd response:</i> "Like you said in your opinion, NOT fact!
Correct, my opinion. Therefore in that same statement that BWV wins hands down when comparing resort areas is also opinion, and as you would say NOT fact!

But look at what is being discussed here. "What is the BEST resort." By definition, that comprises opinions, NOT FACTS. Whatever factual points can be made, are done so only to support one's OPINIONS!.

We now only stay in the GV at the BW. We won't waste our points on the Okw GV anymore. We would rather stay in a two br at the BW, than the GV at the Okw. To others, they might prefer the Okw, but to make an honest opinion on it, you have to actually stay in both, pay the points, experience it, not just tour it Agreed, and that's why I said I would not express an opinion on the GV's in my post since I had only stayed at the one at OKW and only toured the other. Since you have stayed at both, then you have every right to offer an opinion.

and don't even mention Swan and Dolphin with the BWV in the same sentence. If you can't distinguish the two, it makes it pretty hard to take your' opinion too seriously. When I would bring up the Okw and the Red Roof Inn, at least it was only in jest.
I think you missed the point. I was talking about the RESORT AREA itself, not resorts. FACT: Swan/Dolphin ARE part of the Epcot RESORT AREA. Are they not? And as a resort guest of that area, they would have basically the same access to the amenities on the boardwalk, just as YC/BC guests would. But you do help make my point. There IS a tremendous difference in any given resort itself, but NOT in the COMMON areas they may share with other resorts.

My point was that a big draw of BWVs is the area itself, and not the rooms. Absolutely they are the best rooms in that area. I myself would abhor having to stay at Swan/Dolphin, but once everyone gets out onto the boardwalk itself, all else is equal.

I do agree on the Wine/Beer analogy. To us the fine wine is obviously the BWV, to you Okw, I'm afraid your wine may be Giacobacci though.

In the analogy, by volume, beer is more popular. The prior argument I was rebutting was that BWV is more popular. Therefore beer = BWV, popularity wise. But does that make beer a better product? (Quality wise?). The point is popularity does not necessarily reflect 'better'. On a personal note, I prefer mostly German wines, especially white one. My favorites are probably of a Spatlesse....good wine at a medium price.


Desperado said:

"A night at the opera vs. all star wrestling"

This fallacy of reasoning is called the fallacy of analogies as evidence and aurgument by analogy. In order for this aurgument to be strong, we must compare relevant similarities and look relevant diferences. However, when applying questioning approaches for critical thinking, the identification of a lack of relevancy substantially weakens the aurgument. (A guide to Critical Thinking, S. Keeley)

Thank you, you just proved my point.!!!

I deliberately started with the absurd analogy, to lead to the more relevant analogies. You don't mention the 'strong relevant similarities' between the books or movies analogies! Do you disagree with those also as irrelevant? As you must know, 'relevant' analogies ARE legitimate examples when using deductive reasoning to ascertain a conclusion or opinion.

Finally, RM, yes, I agree the FACT is that 7-month window is tough for BWV's. My argument is that that FACT represents popularity, and I argue (another way of saying my opinion) is that the popularity is driven by the general Resort AREA itself, and not by the room accommodations of the villas located. In my original post I didn't make it clear I was only comparing 1-B/R units.

Here's a supposition for everyone: If a building of BWV type villas was built at the OKW location, and they maintained the same points structure as currently they have at the BW, would these units be the first or the last units to be reserved at OKW?

Likewise, if a single OKW building was built next to BWV's with a boardwalk view off the balcony (let's assume for argument there was room somewhere to do this), and they maintained their current OKW point structure, would these units located at the BW location be in the highest demand, or the lowest demand?

Again, the point is, location, location, location. Would you prefer a BWV 1-B/R with boardwalk view, or an OKW 1-B/R with boardwalk view?

[AnnK]

I would take the BW GV. I know that is NOT in your choice but it is the most beautiful of all the villas and I WOULD take it IF I HAD TO at the OKW location, but lucky for me it's the best room in the best location....;)

[Maistre Gracey]

I have never seen inside any BWV (other than pictures). Are the 1-story GV's as "grand" as the 2-story? I am just curious, as it seems that looking up at a loft has a certain "grand appeal".
Thanx

[AnnK]

Maistre Gracey,
I have not had the 2 story at BWV, seems like we always get the 1 story. I have never even asked for the 2 story because I LOVE the one story and I am afraid that I would not like the 2 story as much.
The one story is beautiful and elegant You have so much space for entertaining! You enter and right away you are in heaven!Our friends "park" their strollers right there in the entry way.There is a huge living room and sitting area. The dining table is large and we have soome awesome gatherings with pasteries from the bakery and nice fresh coffee. We all head out to the balcony to watch the fireworks, it's just so great. There is so much space for the adults and children The bedrooms are nice and separated from the "living area, and from each other. The laundry room is so big, it seems like a waste to me, but I won't complain. In my opinion no loft is necessary!:D

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanx Ann, that sounds very nice!
Trying not to get off topic here, but my first GV experience will be in the form of a beech cottage at VB (also entertaining guests), and I am trying to figure this whole thing out!
Thanx again!

[Peterd]

"Again, the point is, location, location, location. Would you prefer a BWV 1-B/R with boardwalk view, or an OKW 1-B/R with boardwalk view?"

Only if you don't bring along the old person smell with it., :rolleyes:
and come on Okw, condo, BW deluxe hotel with all the extras. You don't say wouldn't the Trump plaza be nice with the vistana resort rooms would you? It's like we don't say wouldn't Okw be nice if there was actually something to do there, or if it were closer to the parks. We don't say that, because you can't change what's done. That's why DVC improved the next resort, by giving you things, like more food choices, walks or boats to parks, and oh my god slightly smaller rooms.

"In the analogy, by volume, beer is more popular. The prior argument I was rebutting was that BWV is more popular. Therefore beer = BWV, popularity wise. But does that make beer a better product? (Quality wise?). The point is popularity does not necessarily reflect 'better'. On a personal note, I prefer mostly German wines, especially white one. My favorites are probably of a Spatlesse....good wine at a medium price."

Thanks Bill, we all understood it the first time you stated it, You don't have to spell it out for us, we own at BW, Hence the Giacobacci comment. Remember, sometimes less is more!

:smooth:

[fkj2]

Only if you don't bring along the old person smell with it

Aw, the aroma of "tolerance". Well, having vacationed with one of the "old" people, it has dawned on me that if I live long enough, I'll become one of THEM. Unless one of you younger ones euthanize me first. Does this mean that "old persons" are only allowed to stay at OKW?

To think I actually had the audacity several years ago to take my "old" mother to WDW and stay at BWV.

[BenStone]

Ugggh. This could get ugly. And expensive ... at least for BWV owners anyway. I've decided on a point by point approach because it would be too easy otherwise.

The thread started innocently enough...Just wondering.... which resort has the lowest due, which one "bang for the point" (probably OKW), and which one is the most sought after? How does one compare the cost of BCV vs BWV? To which we have a miriad of replies of why they think BWV is so great. What is missing is a simple cost comparison. In front of me is my trusty 2002 point rate chart comparing the two resorts. Using a dart to pick out the season and room accommodations ( I used the BWV chart BTW) for a one week vacation, it struck the Dream Season 1BR. (I'm good at darts) Now I would think that the elite BWV owners among us would be too good for the "standard view" (you own at BWV..how could anything be standard there?) so I used the "preferred view" for it's dramatic effect. So....how much dinero do you have to pony up to get to stay at OKW for that week? 196 points. Lets assign a dollar value to that. $75pp to get in. Grand total...$14,700. Next up to the window is BWV. One week point total? 252. How much is that? Survey says....$18,900. Now I'm not an accountant like someone else on this board but you better be giving me something pretty damn serious for the $4200 dollar difference.

Wait a minute, someone already did! Lets look.Higher points & dues yields smaller units, fantastic location, several types of transportation, full deluxe hotel amenities, within walking distance or a boat ride to major parks, tons of nighttime entertainment, numerous restaurants and shops.

Huh?

You paid $4200 more to stay in smaller accommodations. You paid $4200 more so you could pay a higher maintenance fee. You paid $4200 more so you could walk! to the parks? Don't you walk enough in the parks already just to have to walk back? Lets get friggin serious here. You aren't walking anywhere! How do I know this? It's simple. The BWV people enjoy overpaying for everything. From the $8.00 hot-dog that comes with, (count 'em) 3 onion rings from the vendor on the boardwalk, to the extra $7 for the same holiday meal they get at OKW on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. Oh yeah, your menu is garnished with eloquent wordiness but your food isn't any different than what OKW got for less quid. Anyway....back to the point....you aren't walking anywhere....except down those loooong corridors to the room.

What's next? Oh yeah....tons of nighttime entertainment, numerous restaurants and shops. Trust me when I say this, but BWV's "nighttime entertainment" is not what's happening in the PM at Disney. Sure, it's nice and all but Downtown Disney is the acknowledged entertainment center for nighttime play. So....are you going to walk there from your resort? I'm not either, but I will take a romantic moonlit boat ride from OKW to the premier nightspot on Disney property. Trust me. I've done it. It's better than you ever could imagine.

Now where were we.....oh yeah. That pesky cost breakdown.

That comes out to $8.33 more per month for a lot of added deluxe hotel amenities that you do not get at OKW. For example: valet parking, room service, themed swimming pool with slide, lifeguards at the themed swimming pool, 2 major parks within walking distance, numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance, Illuminations & some of Fantasmic viewing from many of the villas, nighttime entertainment, bell services to carry your luggage, packages etc, and a building with elevator service. This does not even take into account the sheer beauty of this resort or the fun and vacation like atmosphere and pampering you get at BWV. Well worth the $8.33 more per month to me! If it was only $8.33/mo you'd have something. Obviously you missed something in the translation.

Oops....maybe not. Have a look.Remember, sometimes less is more! You got that right!!!

Happy vacationing!


BenStone

P.S. If you stayed 2 weeks at OKW instead you could buy a new Hyundai for your transportation and take it home.

[ncligs]

BenStone,

Thanks for explaining the advantages of the BWV's ;) . I think Deep and PeterD will understand it better now.:)

[AZKathy]

I have read the two threads that have been very busy today with lots of posts. I have commented twice and twice hit the back button. I just have to say I am GLAD that everyone has their own interests in the resort of choice. I don't think I would like to always get put on a wait list for my next vacation at OKW because everyone loves OKW!!! That is what makes WDW...a choice!

The posters have voiced that size does not matter, really. There is lots of wasted space, etc. Yet, then, there are posts of how spacious the Grand Villas at BWV compared to OKW. I don't get it. We are all trying to convince the other side that their resort is better than the others quite loudly!

Well, that's all I have to say because now I have to go take my Metamusil, put my dentures in my glass with some Efferdent (oh,darn, where did I put my Polydent????), and put some WD40 on my walker wheels since they seem to be squeeking a tad bit too much. But, then again, I forgot to put my hearing aids in, so maybe I did not hear a squeek!!!! Now, where was that back button, again? Oh, darn...I forgot!!!!!!:rolleyes:

[ripleysmom]

"Finally, RM, yes, I agree the FACT is that 7-month window is tough for BWV's. My argument is that that FACT represents popularity, and I argue (another way of saying my opinion) is that the popularity is driven by the general Resort AREA itself, and not by the room accommodations of the villas located."

And this means what Bill? The resort is more popular. Obviously more people are willing to make the concession to room sizes in order to have a better location otherwise everyone would be clamoring for OKW at the 7 mo window.

Since OKW is pretty easy to get at the 7 month window I don't see that happening, do you?


"You paid $4200 more to stay in smaller accommodations. You paid $4200 more so you could pay a higher maintenance fee. You paid $4200 more so you could walk! to the parks?"

Yep!! I look at it like staying in NYC. Now I can stay in a more spacious room for less money if I want to stay on Park Ave. or by the United Nations or even in the Financial District. However, if I want to be in the center of NYC, in the middle of things, close to the fun then I realize that I must pony up the extra dinero in order to have what I want.


"Don't you walk enough in the parks already just to have to walk back? Lets get friggin serious here. You aren't walking anywhere!"

Please speak for yourself. My family and I walked to and from Epcot when we stayed at BWV. By the time you get done walking to the busses or to your car it works out to the same difference. Only by the time you get to the bus or car I am already in my roon.


"How do I know this? It's simple. The BWV people enjoy overpaying for everything. From the $8.00 hot-dog that comes with, (count 'em) 3 onion rings from the vendor on the boardwalk"

Sorry to disppoint you but I never purchased a hot dog from the hot dog vendor. You obviously did though so I guess BWV folks aren't the only people who enjoy overpaying.....


"Anyway....back to the point....you aren't walking anywhere....except down those loooong corridors to the room."

Once again Ben you are wrong about not walking anywhere. And the corridors aren't so bad....what I can't understand is why you have a problem with the walk :confused:


""tons of nighttime entertainment, numerous restaurants and shops."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trust me when I say this, but BWV's "nighttime entertainment" is not what's happening in the PM at Disney. Sure, it's nice and all but Downtown Disney is the acknowledged entertainment center for nighttime play."

But the people at the BW don't have to go to DD to get entertainment like the people at OKW who are tired of the bunnies and ducks. Quite frankly as much as you perceive DD to be THE entertainment spot of Disney....wending my way through the crowds at DD is not my idea of fun or relaxation....


"So....are you going to walk there from your resort? I'm not either, but I will take a romantic moonlit boat ride from OKW to the premier nightspot on Disney property. Trust me. I've done it. It's better than you ever could imagine."

That's great.....imagine all of that walking though at DD.... at least I am in my room at the end of my walk. You, on the other hand, are waiting in line for the boat.

[Peterd]

Sorry 'bout the old person smell thing, I know tacky. But anyway,

Ben, I hope your' romantic boat ride ended early, cause you may have to catch a bus back to your' resort. When we were there, the last boat back was at 10pm, maybe it's changed. Does everything end at 10 at Okw, don't know just asking. If romance is over at 10 pm for you, maybe you're right okw is for you.

It's good you have had the time to actually do the math on your investment compared to other DVC resorts. Why, may I ask? Darth Hyms is pulling you to the dark side. After reading your posts, I thought you had a life. Be strong, young pilot.

Realllllllllllllly, think about it, don't know if you have kids or not, but don't you think the time spent, doing the math could be better spent, throwing a ball or something. THEY ARE FREAKIN ROOMS!!! Who cares? Love yours, we'll love ours and spend a little more, silly us.

and ncligs, have you ever had an original post instead of
nice one Rich,
where's Rich, Rich would like this.
I agree with anything anyone states about Okw that's good.
Yes cligs, thank you for your posts, Yes we do understand, thank you for your input again on this topic. It's ok, we all need cheerleaders.:D

[AZKathy]

Of course, everything ends at OKW at 10 pm! We Geriatrics have already been in bed for two hours!

We do have to get up real early to fix them three square meals for our youngins', you know!

[Peterd]

kathy it's after 10, what are you doing up?

[DeeP]

Lets assign a dollar value to that. $75pp to get in. Grand total...$14,700. Next up to the window is BWV. One week point total? 252. How much is that? Survey says....$18,900. Now I'm not an accountant like someone else on this board but you better be giving me something pretty damn serious for the $4200 dollar difference.

I don't know about you but I paid my initial point cost which was much, much less than $75.00 per pt, BTW, one time when I bought my DVC contract. How can you figure each stay at $75.00 a pt? Even taking your scenario and figuring on the $4,200 difference divided by 40 yrs, in my case it would be greater because I will have owned my DVC membership for longer than 40 yrs, but for arguments sake say 40 yrs that comes out to $105.00 more per year or $8.75 per month. Like I said many posts back to me all the extra amenities the BWV offers, the location, etc, etc is well worth $8.75 per month!
If you are paying $75.00 every year per point for your DVC contract someone has taken you to the cleaners, you better go back to the farm at OKW cause you need some readin, writin and rithmetic lessons!

[Richyams]

Peterd, this is not an apropriate place for personal insults. This is what drags these threads down.

and ncligs, have you ever had an original post

We usually find that we have better results discussing issues than attacking fellow posters.

[eva]

"That's why DVC improved the next resort, by giving you things, like more food choices, walks or boats to parks, and oh my god slightly smaller rooms."

If this is true then I guess it follows that VWL and BCV are better than BWV. Because DVC would definitely add improvements to each resort that they build. :p

[ncligs]

Peterd,

I will not to "stoop to your level", and comment on your post. If I wanted to I would go to the "Debate forum". Your home state explains everything.:rolleyes: I have more important things:o , to do. "I have a life";)

[crisi]

Dues: OKW currently and historically has the cheapest dues. If you really need to save $100 a year on dues (or have enough points that this is $300 or $500), what are you doing spending money on DVC?

Room Point cost. OKW has cheaper point costs. BWV has standard view rooms available at or near OKW point costs and preferred view room available with point costs in line with BCV or VWL.

Purchase point cost. You pay the same from Disney regardless (and right now only BCV is being sold). If you bought a long time ago, you paid less. OKW resales tend to be a little cheaper. They also tend to be a little less available in small contracts. Because the minimum points for OKW was 230 for much of its sales period, a lot of the contracts available through resale are 230 points or more, and you may be scrambling to get a 150 point contract. Not a good deal if you don't need 230 points - but a great deal if you are looking for around that number. Once again - if you need to save the $300 a BWV contract will cost over a OKW contract - you need to be re-evaluating your financial priorities.

GV - OKW has cheaper GVs and more of them. BWV has fewer at a higher point cost. BCV and VWL don't even have them. If you are planning on getting a GV a lot, especially at busy times of year, OKW.

If you are making a purely financial decision - OKW does win. If you are making a purely financial decision - check out the All Star resorts or staying off site. Better yet, skip Disney - its a really expensive vacation - go camping at your local state park instead.

The rest - room size, location, pool slide, transportation, atmosphere - are completely up to you. What makes a huge difference to me (Lost interest in OKW when I learned there was no pool slide - but I have two children who are too young for a slide now, but the day is coming) may make no difference to you. The ability to park in front of your unit as an advantage is one I can see if you drive to Disney - we fly and don't even rent a car.

If you go to Disney and love Illuminations, BWV (or BCV) would be a great home resort, just for the ability to walk back. Spend a lot of time in your room - OWK does give you more space (espcially if you are planning on cooking - I seldom cook at home). Think you gave birth to fish - BCV has access to SAB. Can't figure out what Disney did building those "other parks" and spend all your time at the MK - check out VWL. OKW and VWL have quieter atmopheres. BWV and BCV have more access to restaurants. Only OKW doesn't offer the "deluxe hotel" amenities - but you may prefer to park your car at your door than use a valet (and who uses the health club at Disney anyway - like you aren't walking already!)

[BenStone]

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

Pleasantries aside, let's do some repair work to the posts that need fixing.

I don't know about you but I paid my initial point cost which was much, much less than $75.00 per pt, BTW, one time when I bought my DVC contract. Irrelevant.How can you figure each stay at $75.00 a pt? We needed a current starting point. You should be glad that I did it this way because the differences you failed to note would be larger than they are now. Read on.Even taking your scenario and figuring on the $4,200 difference divided by 40 yrs, in my case it would be greater because I will have owned my DVC membership for longer than 40 yrs, but for arguments sake say 40 yrs that comes out to $105.00 more per year or $8.75 per month. Like I said many posts back to me all the extra amenities the BWV offers, the location, etc, etc is well worth $8.75 per month! You see, I purposely neglected to add the entire cost into the $4200 just to see if someone would have been honest (or smart) enough to see where the extra "hidden" costs were. They didn't. So, lets go back to the original purchase...you want a week at BWV ... you need 252 points, or $18,900 large. The same time at OKW is $14,200. $4200 less .... or is it? Lest we forget, the BWV people get the privilege to buy 56 more points to satisfy their fix. Ah ha! More points = more maintenance. Soooo, along with your $4200 comes $220 in maintenance on the "extra" points / year added to the $137 / year difference in the points required for the OKW vacation. You could also argue that a majority of buyers had to finance their purchases, so don't forget to add in that extra interest money that goes nowhere but to the bank.

Dang. This is getting to look like the Energizer Bunny ... you keep paying, and paying and ... you get the idea.I will have owned my DVC membership for longer than 40 yrs, but for arguments sake say 40 yrs that comes out to $105.00 more per year or $8.75 per month. Like I said many posts back to me all the extra amenities the BWV offers, the location, etc, etc is well worth $8.75 per month! Ouch. Not very good at math, huh.

Whew. If that wasn't enough ....Realllllllllllllly, think about it, don't know if you have kids or not, but don't you think the time spent, doing the math could be better spent, throwing a ball or something. THEY ARE FREAKIN ROOMS!!! Who cares? Yes they are rooms. How about we actually compare those rooms objectively? Deal. Sitting in front of me is the Disney provided layout of the OKW and BWV 1 BR (since that is what we were discussing above....be glad it wasn't the 2BR, you come out even worse) villa. Just for fun I held the BVW page up to the light and then slid the OKW layout over the top and the BWV room completely fit inside the OKW room with room to spare. And that didn't include the balcony of OKW. I realize that those little pictures "aren't to scale", but with 230 sq/ft more living area at OKW, it's accurate enough. What's even more impressive about the OKW room is my family of 4 can eat together in 2 places. The dining room or the balcony. I suppose you could put the kids on your lap for that family feeling, but I prefer my kids in a chair.

Ahhh. Balcony.

Did someone mention balcony? I have to admit it looks rather fun sitting on the balcony at BWV and having to scream to your spouse on the next balcony over because yours only has one chair. Nothing spells romance better than loud crowds and cramped overlooks. The only thing missing is a stoop. Gotta love that NY/NJ atmosphere.

Anyway...to finish this up ... more space, more furniture, real washer & drier and a real balcony. Hey...that's not too bad for $4500 or so less including maintenance. Don't fret tho ... you do have the noise and that looong walk to the elevator.

BenStone

[ncligs]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BenStone
[B]


Ahhh. Balcony.

Did someone mention balcony? I have to admit it looks rather fun sitting on the balcony at BWV and having to scream to your spouse on the next balcony over because yours only has one chair. Nothing spells romance better than loud crowds and cramped overlooks. The only thing missing is a stoop. Gotta love that NY/NJ atmosphere.

New York.......that explains everything;)

[Muushka]

Funny thing about purchasing DVC. I relate it to my real estate purchases. My most recent house for example. I live in the Triangle in NC. When looking for a house, several factors went into the decision. Location, # on bedrooms, garage...etc.

I ended up buying in a pretty nice town. For the money I spent, I could have gotten a much larger house. It would have had a lot more land, and the taxes would have been lower.

Am I happy with my house? You bet. If I meet someone with a house (same price) 1.5 times larger than mine with 2 times more land and lower taxes-do I laugh at them for driving an hour to work? Do I laugh at them for driving 5 miles to the grocery store? No. I would not expect them to laugh at me for my purchase either.

Why do these wars continue? What exactly is the purpose?
If everyone thinks they bought at the best location, what is the problem? I could never convince the person who bought out of the city that I got the best deal, and they could not convince me that they got the best deal out of the city.

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by ncligs
New York.......that explains everything;)

Wow, way to insult everyone in an entire metro area. Oh, I forgot... if you put a smilie face or a winkie face after it you can say just about anything. Glad to know the "neighbors" over at OKW are so friendly to us New Yorkers.

:rolleyes:

Lisa

[ripleysmom]

"Did someone mention balcony? I have to admit it looks rather fun sitting on the balcony at BWV and having to scream to your spouse on the next balcony over because yours only has one chair."

Hmmm....our balconies had 2 chairs on each one and we even fit onto them. Will wonders never cease!!


"Nothing spells romance better than loud crowds"

Like I said DD is not where I would want to be.


"The only thing missing is a stoop."

I wish we had one. I loved sitting on stoops when I was a child!!


"Gotta love that NY/NJ atmosphere."

Actually we had stoops in Pittsburgh too.


"New York.......that explains everything"

It should. We know where the action is and how to enjoy it!! :smooth:

[fkj2]

Once upon a time, there was a group of people, many of whom didn't know each other, who were fortunate enough to be able to afford and enjoy vacationing at a place called Disney.

Now these people couldn't be satisfied with being able to vacation at some of the finest accommodations in the country, they had taken to bickering amongst themselves over WHO had the finest of the fine. Of course, there were always dissentors, and no agreement could be found. This continuing and ongoing bickering took a personal turn, first against "old people" (for whom I have a soft spot, since I have one near and dear to my heart) and then against those who live in certain regions of the country (which has enough REAL problems of its own).

Eventually, they began to forget (a symptom that you are getting "old" or just have too many other problems on which to concentrate) what they argued about originally, which really didn't matter anyhow in the grand scheme of life and just began to appreciate the wonderful opportunity they had to vacation at an incredible resort (or two, no, three, no, four, no five, no, wait, six and a seventh on the way).

Yup, life being a DVC owner is tough. The End.

[Muushka]

Originally posted by fkj2
The End.

Hopefully

[AZKathy]

I agree, Muushka!!!!!!

[Desperado]

So since this is the end, then we are all agreed that OKW is the least desirable onsite DVC resort, right? Great, that does bring us to the end. No need to feel inadequate and try to overcompensate for your purchase, Old Key West is still a very nice resort with great advantages, and I'll bet purchasers got a fabulous deal. If we all would have only bought when prices were so low. Just because it is not as desirable as the other resorts, doesn't mean that its not a wonderful place to vacation.

Peterd, interesting pattern you've pointed out. If only those complaining followed thier own advice and were more honest in thier posts. A little ribbing to New York shouldn't be that big a deal and require the summoning of the politically correct police, no big deal.

It was said best above, availability at the 7 month window really does make the best sense as an objective measure to make the determination of the best DVC resort.

Conclusion:
BWV, WLV, BCV
and then almost as nice, but suffering from poor location and lack of amenities
OKW

Now The end?

[AZKathy]

We agree on one point only: put it to rest! That is it!

[Desperado]

Actually, I don't seen a need to put it to rest too quickly. It seems to me that it has been a pretty well mannered discussion with some good points and some humor. As I consider purchases and add-ons, some of the points above may be helpful. As more people learn about some resorts the demand may decrease and resale prices go down for one resort over the other. By the way, OKW resales are the lowest price per point right now for onsite resorts, aren't they? I haven't researched it very heavily lately, others may know these prices better. Everyone's resort is very nice and it is great for DVC members to have choices.

[AnnK]

Quote:
"I will not to "stoop to your level", and comment on your post. If I wanted to I would go to the "Debate forum". Your home state explains everything"
Actually Nick, I think you went LOWER, you not only attacked Peterd, you attacked an ENTIRE STATE ! Don't worry though NYER"S took the Twin Tower attack , and still they stand strong, so certainly they can withstand this attack too.

Benstone,
What did things get too boring on the debate board? The post is
"Which home resort is best " NOT CHEAPEST. We are all aware of the financial differences of our purchases, we KNOW that we are spending more to purchase ,own and stay at the BW, and it's OK! It's like sure you could have bought a Daewoo, but you bought your expensive sports car. Why because you like it better. As far as the rooms, I only stay in GV's, the sq. footage between OKW and BWV in minimal, and according to the FAQ here on the Dis, BWV is slightly bigger. Yes I certaiinly do pay twice as many points, and Yes my dues are higher, but again, that's OK with me. We manage just fine, Thank-You.

The point being made about nightlife is BW has it, and OKW doesn't. I have been to Pleasure Island, it was OK, nothing great. BW has ESPN, Dueling Pianos and Atlantic Dance, and when I leave I don't have to drive or wait for a bus. Oh and don't worry I can manage the looong walk.

[DeeP]

More points = more maintenance. Soooo, along with your $4200 comes $220 in maintenance on the "extra" points / year added to the $137 / year difference in the points required for the OKW vacation. You could also argue that a majority of buyers had to finance their purchases, so don't forget to add in that extra interest money that goes nowhere but to the bank.

The extra cost of $4,200/40 yrs = $105.00 per yr
Maintenance costs of 56 extra pts=$219.52

But you are also forgetting that in this sceniaro the member has 56 MORE pts to use every year thus they would pay the manintenance dues on the pts since they HAVE the pts to use!
56 additional pts x 40 ys of use =2,240 pts extra pts to enjoy over the 40 yrs!

As far as finance charges go, I can't comment because I did not finance my membership, so my money goes to the bank in MY account.

Even taking the above and adding the additional $105.00 + $219.52 maintenace dues this comes out to an additional $24.03 per month And I have 56 more pts to use every year and I would be in a deluxe resort with the additional amenities, location, etc.

As far as the 1 BR, I have always said that I like OKW 1 BR better than BWV because it is a large very nice unit, but that begins and ends my preference for OKW. I like the 1 BR but do not wish to be out in the country to enjoy it. I have never been much of country person and certainly do not wish to do so on vacation.
As far as the balcony goes--I do not know if you have ever stayed at BWV, but if you did I do not know what kind of balcony you got for a 1 BR that is small. The balcony we have always gotten with a 1 BR is very long and although it has 2 chairs and a table we have gotten extra chairs and had plenty of room for 4+ people on the balcony. OKW balcony is wider, BWV balcony is longer. Plus when you sit on the BWV balcony you have something to look at besides golf courses and woods i.e. Illuminations, the people strolling the boardwalk, the beautiful waterway to MGM, YC/BC, the beautiful pools, even with a standard view you can look out at the comings and goings at the front entrance which at nighttime when it is all lit up is very pretty. We all know that you can't really see the parking lot from a standard view because as we have all been told many times the BWV is "2 miles from the parking lot", so those pesky parking lots are tooooo far away to be an annoyance.
The absence of a large dining table on either the balcony or DR is of no interest to me, we eat our meals at the many great restaurants within walking distance to BWV. I am on vacation--the last thing I want to do is cook, set tables and do dishes.
The washer & dryer in a 1 BR is more than adequate for us. Doing laundry is another thing that is not high on my hit parade to do while on vacation. I go on vacation to relax and have fun not cook, clean, do dishes and do laundry.
Gotta love that NY/NJ atmosphere.
This is not even worth a comment, but I must say many people do love the NJ/NY atmosphere, it is one of the best metro areas in the country. But I guess if you are country folk the big cities and all they have to offer as far as culture, art, entertainment, fine dining, theatre, etc is intimidating to you.

[WebmasterDoc]

This has drifted far from the topic of "Which Home Resort is the Best" and now includes discoussion about the NY/NJ area and what constitutes a personal attack.

If you have a new comment to add supporting your opinion about "Which Home Resort is the Best" , please feel free to add it.

If you wish to make comment about other issues, please take it to the Debate Board, as it will be removed (without comment or explanation) from this thread for being off topic.

Thanks!

[Desperado]

OKW resales are the lowest price per point right now for onsite resorts, aren't they? Isn't this along with the availability within the 7 month window two strong indications of DVC members voting with their vacation reservations and purchasing power as to which resort is best? Those resorts brining in the average highest price per point and having the least availability in the 7 month window are determined by the majority of members as being the best. We may all have individual opinions, but those two sources would be the strongest indicators for sold out resorts. What do they point to, Wilderness Lodge Villas being the best? There are many, many good reasons why that is probably true.

[adamak]

Well, well.

Thanks everyone for posting to this thread. I never posted a thread that lasts 6 pages. :) Thank god we do not agree on just one resort, otherwise I 'll never be able to book a vacation in DVC.

That's said and done. I wished I had not named the post "the best resort". Best is different for everybody. I love OKW and BWV, for different type of vacation. My original question was really from a financial point of view. More like, if all the DVC resorts are available for sale today, which one would you pick, from the money point of view. Some people may pick the cheapest, some may wanna pay more for the surroundings, and some may decide based on GV availability. The thread was not intended to argue which resort beats the others to win...etc

I hope that this thread (minus the personal attacks) will help future buyers in deciding how DVC works and how each resort is different.

And, by the way, I have lived in both NY and NJ. NYC wins hand down. :)

[trishy]

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE


Well said adamak! Boils down to personal preference and how much $$ one has to spend. We own at BWV & VWL - bought there for the 11 month window being that we vacation in the summer and need that *guarantee* for those preferable choices (to us :D ). If they were all put up for sale right now, today, we would do the same :) - not so much for the money aspect, but for the locations our family prefers in the summer (which is our only set time to vacation :( ). Having said that, I have to say we sure did love OKW over New Year's! What a tranquil, lovely resort and easy to get into (thank goodness! ).

[KNWVIKING]

But since it isn't I guess I'll add my two sense.

What's the one thing none of us have too much of when on vacation ? TIME. When I stay at OKW I always have a car. With the exception of Epcot, I will beat anyone to any other park or resort simply by walking out my front door and hopping in my car. I'll even beat you to MGM weither you walk or take the boat. Even if you have a car at BWV I'll beat you. I've self parked & valet'ed,OKW is faster. Gives me more TIME to do things.

I've stayed at BWV, very nice. Room size,hallways,even the points didn't bother me. But another poster mentioned that 3 times he sprung the big points trying to get BW view & never did. That's a big negative.I've never been disappointed with a view at OKW.

Someone trashed the boats you can rent at OKW. Well, only the boats in Seven Seas Lagoon & Bay Lake are really any fun,all other resorts have limited speeds. But at least at OKW you can travel all the way to DL and DTD. Boats at the Epcot resort area have no where to go but round & round & round, etc.

It seems BWV owners claim location,location,location. So I assume that means an All Stars resort in the same location would be the best.

When we bought we had the choice of BWV or OKW. They were both great. But OKW gives us not only more time to spend in the parks because our car gets us there faster, it also gives us more days because of the lower points. The lower dues are just a bonus.

What I really get a kick out of on a thread like this is that Rich will post the same two or three comments he always does then sit back and watch a couple posters work up a lather with page after page of commentary on why BWV is best. Me thinks thou doest protest too much.

[WebmasterDoc]

OK- I have now removed 9 posts from this thread after my warning above.

Further comment will have to be made on the Debate Board.

Enjoy!